Charming, unexpected, and quietly profound. This memoir takes you on a journey filled with culture shock, resilience, and companionship in its purest form. Told with warmth and subtle humor, it reminds us that sometimes the truest perspective comes from those watching quietly at our feet. A heartfelt exploration of loyalty, absurdity, and the strange beauty of starting over.

I always wondered what my dog thought of life, of me. And I always thought I knew. We spoke to eachother see. And they have the best innocent yet wise heads on. And sometimes the best perspectives from down there watching from our feet. Such a heartening book. I was pulled in from the start and had both a warmed heart and a warmed smile.

Moving from England to rural France was a big deal for husband and wife Elly and Merlot and their two labs, Paddy and Victoria. Their story is told by the dogs with all of their quirks and insight into human nature. Their daily highlights include bowel movements and what they are and are not allowed to eat as well as time with their people. Through their eyes the reader is taken through the trials of a big move such as climate challenges, pests, legal matters, language, rebuilding walls, deceitful neighbours, and constant work in their vineyard. There are times of wanting to give up but there are also triumphs.

Much of the appeal of this novel to me is of a personal nature as I have made a move with even more radical cultural changes, from one continent to another, North America to Europe. Rebuilding their literal and figurative walls resonates with me and I had to giggle and nod in agreement several times with their tough but worthwhile road. Starting over comes with the gamut of situations and emotions, most of them unexpected. Lessons learned are invaluable and at times overwhelming in negative and positive aspects. But I wouldn't have it any other way. The best things are worth the sacrifice. As a dog lover, my heart was filled with understanding and love for Paddy's and Victoria's views which were humorous, smart and thoughtful.

The writing is delightful and catchy and I am glad to have read this charming novel!

This really warmed my heart and I really didn't expect to like it as much as I did. It was such a different read for me but really enjoyed seeing life from our furry friends perspective!

A sweet, family-friendly adventure with heart and humour 🐶🐾. Perfect for younger readers and the young at heart alike.

The cover is gorgeous. I love dogs so much and I think the dogs were honestly the best part of this book. I felt a little confused at times. (Could totally be me. Might need to reread it) But, I still liked it more than I thought I would

This is a new author to me but I'm a little biased when it comes to books about labradors in that I have to read them. This book is written with one of the dogs "Paddington" or Paddy as centre stage.
We meet the owners Elly and Merlot who together with their two labradors travel from their home in the city of Bath to the South West of France. Written in the words of the younger labrador Peach this is their story. The dogs are known as yellow labradors in the UK but in France they are described as being the colour of champagne.
I found the storyline both funny and familiar, if you are a dog owner you will instantly recognise certain situations and happenings from the dogs point of view from travelling up to the Highlands of Scotland and gatecrashing a wedding to car journeys and visits to the vets.
Soon they are departing for their new house in France and then things certainly are more complicated and also hilarious as they not only have a derelict house but a completely different way of life for everyone including the dogs. They soon have to contend with many things as a family including swamps, growing grapes for wine, a hearing in the main Court ( for what nobody seems to know), celebrating Bastille Day and much more all described by the dogs point of view, mostly hilarious but informative too. Everything was locked into the dogs "safety deposit boxes" which was really just a part of their memory so they could recall it later another day.
At the end of the book there is a happy ending with the wedding of their daughter Sarah but an extremely sad ending which certainly had me sobbing in my kindle.

This book is humorous, comical, very relatable, ( and sad ) I can imagine my labrador thinking and doing these same things.

I don't think I have ever read a book laid out like this before but it will certainly be one that I will remember for a long time.
Thank you sweet doggies for your lovely story.
A happy, sad and relatable story, especially if you have a labrador.
A five-star read from me 🐾

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A lovely book with plenty of insights from an unusual and very honest perspective. I enjoyed reading about the different experiences and the way the family coped with change. The dogs perspective offers such a wonderful experience of it all.