Sit, Stay, Love

Sweetness defines Mentink’s (Dangerous Tidings) contemporary romance, though the sweetness is definitely spiked with humor and wit. Gina, an elementary school teacher, has two joys in her life: children and teaching. After a child goes missing on a field trip to a bakery, she is suddenly out of a job, and as a favor to an injured cousin, she agrees to take on her cousin’s dog-sitting clients, among them famous baseball pitcher Cal Crawford. Cal never wanted, nor had time for, a dog, but after his mother passes away, Tippy, a dachshund mutt, comes into Cal’s care. When Gina shows up to help, Cal is not prepared for how she will upend his carefully planned, career-focused world. Nor is he prepared for the challenge she presents to his heart and his peace of mind, especially when his mother’s dog becomes famous. What follows is one part comedy of errors and circumstance, one part innocent love story, and one part testament to the power of God’s love and forgiveness. Cheers, laughter, tears, and thoughtful moments are guaranteed. Agent: Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary. (Apr.)