Dog Person

In this poignant second-chance romance, Pagán (Good for You) tells a story of resilience from the perspective of Harold, an aging rescue dog who lost his person, romance novelist Amelia May, nearly two years ago. Before she died, Amelia asked Harold to take care of her partner, Miguel, who, since her death, has been deeply depressed and neglecting Amelia’s now-struggling bookstore. Trying to drum up some business by securing a famous author to visit the store leads Miguel and Harold to Chicago, where they meet single mother Fiona and her daughter, who happens to be named Amelia Mae. Harold is sure Fiona could help Miguel find his way back to happiness and conspires with 11-year-old Amelia Mae to bring them together. Pooch and preteen make for a winning matchmaking duo, with precocious Amelia Mae stealing every scene she’s in. Miguel’s grief is well rendered, and his struggle to reopen his heart and recognize that moving forward does not mean forgetting the past makes for a moving central conflict. Romance fans will want to read this one with tissues at the ready. (Apr.)