How could you not love a book that has such an adorable cover! Almost Perfect by Diane Daniels Manning is a charming and sweet tale about an old woman, a young boy, and of course dogs. I listened to the audiobook of Almost Perfect narrated by Caroline Miller and I thought her narration suited the story being told. I found the story delightful and I think listening to it on audio just added to my enjoyment of it.
Bess Rutledge is seventy years old and most of her life has been about dogs. Her dream has always been to win the Westminster Dog Show but at her age now she realizes it isn’t likely to happen anymore. But then fourteen-year-old Benny comes into her life and shakes things up. Benny hasn’t had an easy time in life so far. He suffers from mild autism and ADHD and he struggles. Bess’ old dog McCreery does wonders for him as pets so often do and he loves the dog. Needless to say it isn’t long before Benny gets the notion to compete in the Westminster Dog Show himself and with none other than than McCreery – the aging standard poodle he loves so much!
Both Bess and Benny have different reasons for wanting to win at Westminster. Obviously for Bess it’s been her dream but for Benny it’s a way to hopefully impress his mother who is no longer with him and his dad and doesn’t seem to want to have much to do with Benny either. He needs his mother and if he can finally prove himself worthy of her love maybe she’ll come back. The journey Bess and Benny take on their way to and at Westminster is one that will change both of them.
Almost Perfect was a really enjoyable story for me and it touched my heart in all the right places. If you’re like me and you love dogs and the Westminster Dog Show then you’re sure to enjoy this heartwarming tale. For me the audiobook really brought the story alive in my mind and enabled me to almost feel as though I was right there with everyone.
Recommended for dog lovers and those who just enjoy a good story! In addition this book is on tour at the perfect time since the Westminster Dog Show will be taking place on February 16/17 of this year. Visit the website for more information!
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Thank you so much for listening to the audiobook of ALMOST PERFECT and then taking the time to review it. I love Audiobooks myself. I’m so proud they picked my book to be included. Good luck to everyone entering the contest!
I enjoyed visiting your website. Great job!
Dog stories are just so interesting, entertaining and usually heart warming is why I’d like to read this book 🙂
I want to read this book because I love dogs. Sometimes it’s hard reading about dogs because I lost my beloved dog last May but I just try to remember the good times when I read about dogs and it makes me think of her.
Jessica, I’m sorry for your loss of your dog. I know how it feels and it’s so very hard. I remember you saying she was sick when my Sammy got ill with his liver.
The nice thing about this book is it’s a happier story so it won’t make you sad.
Take care
The adorable dog on the cover drew me in, but then the story of the woman and the boy who both would love to win the dog show made me want to read it.