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“Von Kreisler takes us deeper into the powerful connections between humans and animals.”--Jacqueline Sheehan From the bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace comes a richly inful novel of matters of the heart—both human and canine—in an uplifting story of love, loyalty, and new beginnings… Earnest. It’s the perfect name for a sweet, eager-to-please yellow Labrador retriever. Anna and her boyfriend Jeff fall for him the minute they see those guileless eyes gazing up from behind his gate at Seattle’s Best Friends Shelter. In no time at all, they’re a pack of three, with Earnest happily romping in their condo on Gamble Island. During the day, Earnest keeps Anna company in her flower shop, located in a historic gingerbread Victorian on the island’s main street. Anna hopes to buy and restore the house, once owned by her beloved grandmother. But when that dream is threatened by Jeff’s actions, Anna’s trust is shattered. For so long, the house has encompassed all her ideals of security, home, and family. Yet Earnest’s devotion to his two people, and theirs to him, make it impossible for them to walk away from each other. And when a crisis hits, it’s Earnest—honest, stubborn, and uncannily wise—who will help Anna reconcile her past and embrace what the future can bring… Praise for Earnest “Earnest is a dog who desires only one thing, to keep his family intact. Kristin von Kreisler deftly spins a tale of human failings and canine devotion.”--Susan Wilson “Kristin von Kreisler captures the emotional intelligence of Earnest, a dog who provides much-needed guidance to a couple spiraling into catastrophe.”--Jacqueline Sheehan “A truly charming story sure to please dog lovers everywhere….Be prepared to fall in love with Earnest.”--Amy Hill Hearth “Earnest shows us, through the wisdom of a dog, what matters most in life.”--Nancy Thayer Includes Reading Group Guide