An introvert at heart, newly divorced Emily Bryant will do anything to bring a smile back to her son’s lips--even adopt a complete stranger’s dog from a want-ad. But once she meets the owner, Daniel Gibbs, and the big-eared, furry mutt, Sir Isaac Newton, the smile she so desperately wants for Jeremy might just grace her lips as well.

WANTED

A human companion to ease my loneliness, take me for long walks in the park, talk to me, lavish me with love and belly rubs, and just be my friend. Please call Daniel, 555-3578.

Sincerely,

Sir Isaac Newton.

Emily Bryant tucked the pen behind her ear as she reread the classified ad she’d circled under the Animal Adoption Section, and reached for the cordless phone on the coffee table. Something in the wording struck a familiar chord in her, almost as if the Daniel in the ad had written it for her. But that was silly.

Her fingers hovered over the numbers and Emily’s mouth went dry. She shook like newborn colt, but she would do anything to bring a smile back to Jeremy’s lips. Anything. Even call a stranger out of the blue.

Reviews:

The Long And The Short Of It
Review: Dog Days of Summer by Marianne Arkins

I loved this story. Loved. It. Ms. Watters did a fabulous job creating real characters and deep emotion -- people and places we can care about. The heroine is still trying to get her feet under her and has many challenges: she doesn't know exactly who she is after remaking herself for her now ex-husband, a son who is desperately hurt by his father's abandonment, and introversion so extreme that making a phone call is painful.

When you introduce a handsome fireman and goofy dog into the mix, things can't help but be fun. They're also emotional and satisfying. My only complaint with this story is I wanted more. I want to be a fly on the wall as Emily and Daniel get to know each other. I don't suppose there's a sequel?

Fallen Angel Reviews 4 Angels
Reviewed by: Trang

What an absolutely sweet story! Ms. Watters manages to convey Emily’s frustration with her child, her hopes that Sir Isaac will be what they both need, and her attraction to Daniel, who seems almost too good to be true . Daniel’s character isn’t really explored but there’s enough information to get to know him. After all, here’s a guy – think hot firefighter – who loves Sir Isaac enough to know he needs to find him a good home and is masculine enough not to worry about showing his feelings. Dog Days of Summer warms the heart and brings forth thoughts of happily ever after…

Two Lips Reviews
4 Lips for Dog Days of Summer from Aviana

Kim Watters’ sweet short story, Dog Days of Summer, packs an emotional wallop. It’s nicely written and she manages to hit quite a few issues in a scant 16 pages: Emily and her son’s emotional turmoil after being callously abandoned, Emily’s desire to return to her roots and start over, Jeremy’s need to bond with something that will love him unconditionally and finally, the unexpected emotional connection between the dog’s owner, Daniel, and Emily. Although the story hasn’t any sex, it ends on a delightful up-note that left me quite satisfied.