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Jackie Bouchard, a USA Today bestselling author, writes what she calls Fido-friendly fiction – humorous and heart-warming stories about people and the dogs that profoundly impact their lives. She spent a long time as a creative soul trapped in the body of a practical person. When she was bitten by the writing bug, she managed to leap free of the hamster wheel of corporate America, and now spends her days walking her dog, talking to her dog, and listening for the voices in her head that want their stories told. When the voices don’t talk to her, she can often be found staring into the refrigerator. After growing up in Southern California, Jackie moved to Bermuda, where she met her husband. Now back in San Diego, American Jackie, her Canadian hubby, and their Mexican rescue mutt form their own happy little United Nations. Her novels include "What the Dog Ate," "Rescue Me, Maybe," "House Trained," and "Stray Magic." And she promises that the dogs never die at the end.
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
Maggie's beloved dog Kona is not acting right, so Maggie takes him to the veterinarian. An operation on Kona's stomach reveals that he has eaten a pair of scanty silk panties, nothing that Maggie owns or wears. Whoops! When Maggie confronts her longtime husband, Dave, with the contents of Kona's stomach, he reveals that the panties belong to a woman with whom he has been carrying on sexually for months. Poor, overworked, executive Maggie is faced with Dave's leaving her and ultimately divorcing her. Dave, who loved Maggie, who gave her memories of their happy moments together, who stood by Maggie as she worked long hours for her MBA, now wants out of their marriage. Maggie drinks, leans on good and loving Kona, and then gradually pulls herself together, joining a yoga class where she meets her soon-to-be good friend Helena. Her brother Kevin moves in with her, wanting to console her, and through him, she meets enticing Russell. But how will forty-one year old Maggie go on with her life, having lost Dave and having only Kona for company?
"What the Dog Ate" is a unique offering to the world of women's fiction. It deals with a woman suddenly alone, having lost her mate to infidelity, but how Maggie slowly picks up the pieces of her life and goes on is very well written and totally believable. No gorgeous hunks move in next door, and no lottery prize is claimed, but "What the Dog Ate" is totally true to everyday life. Maggie, her family and friends are realistic characters who go about living their lives and facing whatever comes along. The plot line moves smoothly to the story's conclusion as Maggie finds her way. "What the Dog Ate" belongs on reading lists everywhere. It is good reading at its best!
