A charming romance that is as much about love of a beloved pet (in this case, a yellow lab named Earnest) as it is love between the two protagonists. The book is light with only slightly more heft to it than a cozy mystery book (a genre I am more familiar with). ( )

Earnest is a yellow Labrador retriever who was rescued from a shelter by Anna and her boyfriend, Jeff. Earnest soon settles into family life with her two favorite people. By day, he goes with Anna to her floral shop. The shop is located in a Victorian home that was once owned by Anna's grandmother. Anna and her two fellow business owners dream of purchasing the building from Mrs. Blackmore. Meanwhile, Mrs. Blackmore plans to tear it down and have a more modern building designed by Jeff put up in its place. When Anna learns of this, she feels betrayed and order Jeff to leave. Earnest doesn't understand why his two favorite people are not together with him any longer. To complicate matters, both want ownership of Earnest--though neither wants to hurt him. Can Earnest be the bridge to healing their relationship? ( )

Earnest by Kristin Von Kreisler
This story starts out with Jeff and Anna and they've dated for 3 years and live together in a condo in the Northwest.
They decide to pick out a dog, Earnest and they divide their days with each spending time with the dog. They live as a family.
Jeff is an architect and is designing a new project for a house in town that he hopes will get the permits to demolish so they can rebuild a new facility to hold his girls' shop along with her two friends shops.
Problem is there is a fire, the dog gets hurt and Anna and her friends find out his project wants to destroy the house their businesses are in.
Anna won't listen to what he has to say and he leaves and she's left with the condo. She even takes steps to legally get Earnest. The dog also has some chapters where you understand what is happening to him during the separation.
Can they ever find it in their hearts to at least listen to one another, for the sake of the dog even? So many times of remembering how they met, certain events they attended throughout their years as it tugs on their hearts.
Loved all the flower classes and descriptions of the parks they frequent and his career and all he has to go through. Funny touching scenes when using online dating sites they meet.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review ( )

Earnest by Kristin Von Kreisler is set on Gamble Island, Washington. Anna and Jeff are looking to adopt a dog. They go to the Seattle’s Second Chance Shelter to check out their selection. They see Earnest (well, his name is listed as Moonbeam). He is a beautiful wheat colored Labrador Retriever. He was found tied to the shelter’s doorknob (poor little thing). Earnest is a great addition to the family. Earnest goes to work with Anna during the day to her flower shop called Plant Parenthood. Her shop is housed in a beautiful Victorian home that she lived in with her grandmother when she was a child. After her grandmother’s death, the home was sold. Anna and her two friends, Joy and Lauren (who also have shops in the house) are saving up to buy the gorgeous home from their landlady Mrs. Blackmore (who they called Mrs. Scroogemore). One day a fire breaks out in the house, but thanks to Earnest everyone made it out. Earnest, though, suffered some damage from the smoke and is rushed to the vet. When Anna calls Jeff to tell him about Earnest, she finds out that he is working to tear down her beloved Victorian (he is actually down the street turning in paperwork for the permits). Anna does not understand why Jeff did not tell her about the Cedar Place project (she had to hear about it from his office assistant). Anna does not even want to hear Jeff’s side of the story. Anna asks Jeff to move out. This leads to a custody battle over Earnest. As well as a fight for Anna’s beloved Victorian. Can Jeff and Anna work out their differences? What will happen to Anna’s Victorian house? How will Earnest get his owners back together again?

Earnest is a cute novel, but I thought it a little over the top (the feud over the Victorian home). I give Earnest 3 out of 5 stars (which means it was okay). I have to admit to skimming a little through the middle (during Anne’s thinking periods). My favorite character was Earnest (sounded like such a cutie and smart cookie). Earnest was the dominant character in the book. Earnest is an easy book to read (the author has a nice writing style) and can be finished in a couple of hours. I just thought everything was a little exaggerated and the story was basically frustrating (because of a lack of communication). Earnest is a simple story. I just felt it lacked depth. The novel felt more like a rough draft than a finished book.

I received a complimentary copy of Earnest from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

A special thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kristin von Kreisler returns following An Unexpected Grace the lovable golden retriever with, EARNEST, an irresistible yellow Labrador retriever—another heartwarming tale of a wise and adorable dog-- teaching one couple the meaning of life, love, and second chances.

Anna and Jeff visit Seattle’s Second Chance Shelter in search of the right dog. They had been living together for the last two years. Jeff wanted a buddy, and Anna secretly wanted a trial run at parenting. She hoped the dog would give Jeff a nudge closer to marriage. They both were almost thirty-five and it was time.

When viewing the dogs, the Labrador retriever draws them in. At eighty pounds, with his warm big brown eyes, he has “take me home” written all over him. A purebred, only three years old his former name was Moonbeam; however, they felt the wise old soul, living behind this cute face needed a new name, Earnest.

Anna was so excited -- she would take him to work with her every day. She owns a flower shop and Jeff was an architect. They were now a family. Anna’s flower shop was located in an old Victorian house, called Plant Parenthood, in her grandmother’s old house, she hopes to buy; however, currently she rents and shares with other others. The owner wants to sell and build something else.

Since Jeff is an architect—Cedar Place Downtown, they have differences of opinion. Can two differences be strong enough to tear two people apart?

Poor Earnest is caught in the middle. Jeff thought Anna was being impractical, and he thought he could bring her around to approving his project. Then there is a fire. Anna knows life is one never-ending change. Earnest wants his two special people together and happy. A war between two people. A fight to save what they stand for.

Symbolic in many ways, with the name, house, butterflies, flowers, seasons, holidays, history and the town. The past, present, and future—a blending. The good and the bad. Joy. Love. Retribution. Meet your beautiful life like a butterfly. Rebirth. Good things come with time.

Highly sensitive and intelligent, Earnest brings life to the tale, a divided family—with a cast of quirky characters and the love of an unstoppable dog, Earnest and his unwavering devotion.

The name Earnest was fitting for the dog as well as Anna, and Jeff's characters. Each had a strong intention, sense of purpose, putting forth effort, sincerely zealous, showing depth and sincerity of feeling. Demanding, and serious about their overall mission.

As always, Kreisler takes readers deeper into the powerful connections between humans and animals, for a heartwarming story of love. If we all could be more like dogs—Trusting fate. Enjoying the now. Live in the present. Greeting the future with job. Flow with the wind. Reconciling with hardship. A life lesson. Moving on. Trusting. Embracing Life.

Reminded me so much of my beloved Golden "Duke" of Farmington (Golden Retriever for 15 glorious memorable years; unforgettable "best dog ever"; miss him, everyday). Dogs can touch your heart and soul as no other.

Ideal for book clubs and future discussions (included). Dog lovers will adore----Loved the front cover! ( )