Miri and the Honeybee by N.J. Lujan is a heartwarming tale that explores the emotional landscape of its characters, particularly Miri, a dog that experiences profound suffering and eventual solace as she seeks her last remaining puppy. The story unfolds straightforwardly, blending Miri's harsh realities with moments of gentle compassion. It illustrates an animal’s enduring spirit when facing adversity. Lujan’s vivid descriptions and emotive language enrich the text, providing a strong sense of place and the character’s inner turmoil.

The novel draws readers into Miri’s world, making her joys and pains tangible. While reflective and deliberate, the story’s pace may sometimes feel slow, mirroring the protagonist’s painstaking journey toward hope. This measured tempo allows readers to engage with the emotional depth of the narrative entirely. However, it requires readers' patience as the plot carefully unfolds to reveal the profound themes. Miri and the Honeybee challenges readers to reflect on themes of compassion, resilience, and the capacity for change. It encourages a deeper consideration of our relationships with animals and our responsibilities toward them. N.J. Lujan’s storytelling effectively fosters empathy and understanding, making it a significant read for those who are moved by stories of recovery and redemption. It is an adult read that will appeal to Yorkie owners and anyone interested in rescuing animals and shutting down the horrific puppy mills that mistreat and abuse canines. Lujan sheds light on ethical questions and the importance of animal welfare. It’s an emotional story and one that some readers may find upsetting, so discretion is advised for those sensitive to realistic portrayals of abuse.

Miri and The Honeybee by NJ Lujan tells the heart-wrenching yet uplifting story of a senior Yorkie, Miri, who her breeder cruelly abandons after she is no longer of use to him. Forced to leave her life of constant breeding behind, Miri embarks on a journey to find her last puppy, whom she had to leave behind. She forms unlikely friendships, including a brave honeybee named Queenie, and discovers the true meaning of love and compassion. Through her journey, Miri learns not only what it feels like to be loved but also the strength of kindness, teamwork, and justice. This beautifully crafted tale touches on deep themes of cruelty, love, motherhood, and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

NJ Lujan's writing style in Miri and The Honeybee is tender and engaging, effortlessly pulling the reader into Miri's emotional journey. The pacing of the story flows naturally, with moments of action building up the tension as Miri’s determination to save her puppy grows stronger. Characters in this book, both human and animal, are well-developed and relatable, and the relationships they form are heartwarming. The plot is rich with themes that remind us of the power of kindness and the impact of compassion. I particularly enjoyed how the author balanced the emotional weight of the story with moments of hope and courage. Miri's transformation from a broken, abused dog to one surrounded by love is beautifully portrayed, and the ending is both satisfying and poignant. It’s a tale that will resonate with readers long after they finish it.

Small Dog was her first name, the name she thought was hers as she endured a caged existence, breeding not one but two litters a year. Then she was too old to breed anymore, and the breeder decided she was no longer useful to him. He dumped her on the side of the road. But, in NJ Lujan’s Miri and the Honeybee, this isn’t the end of Small Dog’s existence. She’s rescued by a kindly lady, given the name Miracle (or Miri for short), cared for by a vet, and fostered by a loving woman, and even then her story continues. It’s a never-ending journey, one of revenge and the determination to make things right, if not for her, then at least for her many offspring and any other abused dog that is forced to breed for profit. Before she crosses the Rainbow Bridge, Miri is on a mission and her best friend, Queenie, a honeybee Queen bee, is right there with her to help.

NJ Lujan’s novel, Miri and the Honeybee, is a real tear-jerker but bluntly lays out the horrendous circumstances of so many backyard breeders. This is Miri’s story, told in the third person narrative. After so many years of abuse, neglect, and multiple litters, Miri is driven to rescue her last puppy, the one left behind to endure what she had endured. The plot is intense and filled with the harsh reality that was Miri’s living hell. Never once did Miri experience the joy of love, at least not until her final days after she’d been rescued by caring humans. The dialogue between the dogs, between Miri and Queenie, and between the humans is intense and well-presented, allowing the reader to assess the true intensity of each character. A powerful story that will tug at the heartstrings of all caring humans and dog lovers.

Miri and the Honeybee by N. J. Lujan is for fans of adventure, social issues, and animal fiction. Cruel breeders exploit a senior Yorkshire Terrier, calling her "a dispenser." Her friend, a honeybee named Queenie, calls her Small Dog. The Yorkie proudly shows Queenie her last two puppies. Knowing that she doesn't have much time left to live, Small Dog gathers all her strength to care for them. The Yorkie's breeder, Wayne, takes her son from her too early and leaves her daughter to replace Small Dog in her dirty cage. Wayne ties Small Dog to the tree by the highway and drives away. A nurse named Angie finds the Yorkie and brings her to a vet hospital. A passionate animal rights advocate, Georgia Grace adopts the Yorkie and names her Miracle or Miri. But Miri runs away, leaving the heartbroken Georgia behind. Miri must find and save her puppy from Wayne and the horrible fate of "a dispenser."

N. J. Lujan's Miri and the Honeybee is a captivating, poignant, and uplifting character-driven story. The author explores philosophical issues, like a life purpose, and engages us with the incredible adventures of the endearing main character. Miri demonstrates exemplary courage, fortitude, and willpower while looking for her daughter. Lujan creates other lovable animal characters. The insightful author humorously describes a talkative and wilful husky named Luna. The human characters are no less fascinating. While Wayne's soul is astoundingly dark, Georgia has a place for every abused dog in her kind heart. There is also Queenie's human, Dottie. Compassionate and mindful, Dottie can see through people and always cares for even the smallest animals. Lujan skillfully interweaves fantasy elements into Miri's realistic story and ends it on a high note. I recommend this enthralling book to all animal lovers.