From New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz comes a wise, uplifting, and poignant memoir of finding love against all odds, and the power of second chances for both people and dogs. “I had no idea that Frieda would enter my life and alter it in the most profound way, but that’s one of the beautiful things about animals. They change you, and you almost never see it coming.” In 2007, a few years after purchasing Bedlam Farm in upstate New York, Jon Katz met Maria Wulf, a quiet, sensitive artist hoping to rekindle her creative spark. Jon, like her, was introspective yet restless, a writer struggling to find his purpose. He felt a connection with her immediately, but a formidable obstacle stood in the way: Maria’s dog, Frieda. A rottweiler-shepherd mix who had been abandoned by her previous owner in the Adirondacks, where she lived in the wild for several years, Frieda was ferociously protective and barely tamed. She roared and charged at almost anyone who came near. But to Maria, Frieda was sweet and loyal, her beloved guard dog and devoted friend. And so Jon quickly realized that to win over Maria, he’d have to gain Frieda’s affection as well. While he and Maria grew closer, Jon was having a tougher time charming Frieda to his side. Even after many days spent on Bedlam Farm, Frieda still lunged at the other animals, ran off into the woods, and would not let Jon come near her, even to hook on her leash. Yet armed with a singular determination, unlimited patience, and five hundred dollars’ worth of beef jerky, Jon refused to give up on Frieda—or on his chance with Maria. Written with stunning emotional clarity and full of warm yet practical wisdom, The Second-Chance Dog is a testament to how animals can make us better people, and how it’s never too late to find love. Praise for The Second-Chance Dog “No one speaks the language of a dog like best-selling author Jon Katz. His latest heartwarming memoir about finding love after struggling through a broken relationship . . . gives testament to how dogs can make us better human beings.”—The Free Lance–Star “[An] intimate story of falling in love with a woman and her extremely protective pet dog . . . Bittersweet in its telling, Katz reminds readers of the importance of human and animal connections.”—Kirkus Reviews “In this heartwarming story of love and redemption . . . dogs and humans alike get second chances at life, love, and growth. . . . This moving work is recommended for readers who want a true-life love story, for dog lovers seeking a book with a happy ending (the dog doesn’t die!), for seniors who think that receiving a Medicare card means that love is out of the question, and for dog trainers who want to learn more about Katz’s philosophy of dog training.”—Library Journal “The story [Katz] tells gives hope that no animal is beyond help, as long as enough love and patience are thrown in.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune

In Love's Second Chance, Jacob, a single gay man in his early 30s, unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his five-month-old nephew, Nate, after a tragic accident takes the lives of Nate’s parents. Without hesitation, Jacob steps up to raise Nate, dedicating the next sixteen years of his life to providing a stable, loving home. As he navigates the challenges of single parenthood, Jacob puts his own desires for love and romance on hold, focusing solely on Nate’s well-being. Throughout the years, Jacob faces societal judgments, struggles with balancing his career and parenting, and wrestles with the insecurities of being a gay man raising a child alone. Yet, through it all, he and Nate form an unbreakable bond. Despite the challenges, Jacob finds immense joy and purpose in raising Nate, and the two develop a deep, meaningful relationship. When Nate turns 16, he surprises Jacob by encouraging him to start dating again, believing his uncle deserves to find love. For the first time in years, Jacob considers the possibility of opening his heart to romance. He faces anxiety and uncertainty about re-entering the world of gay dating after years of celibacy, but with Nate’s support, he begins to take tentative steps toward finding love. Jacob eventually meets Daniel, a kind and understanding man, and the two quickly develop a connection. As their relationship grows, Jacob grapples with the challenges of balancing his responsibilities as a parent with his desire to pursue love. With time, Daniel proves to be a supportive partner, not only accepting Jacob but also welcoming Nate as part of their new family. Love's Second Chance is a touching story about family, love, and the courage to find happiness after years of self-sacrifice. It explores the trials of single parenthood, the complexities of being a gay man raising a child, and the journey of rediscovering love when life offers a second chance.

Love is nearly impossible to find and infinitely more difficult to hold on to.A devastated widower shields his heart from love after losing his wife to cancer and rejects his annoying client’s attempts to get his attention. Jennifer happens to be a gorgeous, smart, wealthy woman who seems to have it all except for the one thing she really wants, the problem is, Tom isn’t interested in replacing his wife and hides behind their two children he’s now raising alone. Jennifer desperately wants Tom and is determined to win his heart; unfortunately she has always had a dysfunctional way of finding and keeping a good man. After practicing some patience, an intimate relationship eventually ignites between them and takes off like a rocket, but crashes and burns the next day. But wait... this is just the beginning of Love’s Second Chances.

Everyone loves an underdog, and nothing gives us warmer feelings than seeing someone get a second chance in life. A problem pup who flourishes under the right kind of training. The struggling veteran who finds unconditional love wiggling around at the end of a leash. The lonely child who finds comfort in the steady breathing of the warm, furry friend at her side. Each of us needs to be rescued from something--and each of us has the capacity to rescue someone, or something, else. This collection of more than thirty contemporary, true, feel-good stories spotlights the beauty of being rescued--dogs rescued by people, people rescued by dogs, and even dogs who rescue other animals. It's the perfect companion--well, besides the four-legged, tail-wagging kind--for your morning cup of coffee or an evening curled up on the couch. Contributors include Susy Flory, Dusty Rainbolt, Lauraine Snelling, Melody Carlson, Wanda Dyson, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and many more.

Discover the astonishing lessons rescue dogs can teach us about life, love, and ourselves As seen on BuzzFeed’s "Best Books Gift Guide" In the follow-up to his New York Times bestseller Rescue Road, acclaimed journalist Peter Zheutlin offers a heartwarming and often humorous new look into the world of rescue dogs. Sharing lessons from his own experiences adopting Labs with large personalities as well as stories and advice from dozens of families and rescue advocates, Zheutlin reveals the surprising and inspiring life lessons rescue dogs can teach us, such as: - How to “walk a mile in a dog’s paws” to get a brand-new perspective - Living with a dog is not one continuous Hallmark moment—but it’s never dull! - Why having a dog helps you see your faults and quirks in a new light, even if you can’t “shed” them completely - How to set the world right, one dog at a time For anyone who loves, lives with, or has ever wanted a dog, this charming book shows how the dogs whose lives we save can change ours for the better too.

BESTSELLING AUTHOR COLLECTION Reader-favorite romances in collectible volumes from our bestselling authors. BROKEN HEARTS MEND When Katie Rogers returns to Dundee, Idaho, it’s not because she wants to. It’s because she’s disillusioned, broke—and pregnant. She was going to make something of her life in the big city. Instead, she’s paying a high price for trusting the wrong man. Booker Robinson is the man she didn’t trust, the man she’d left behind in Dundee…and the first person she sees when she comes back. But despite Booker’s notorious past, he now has a successful business and a home of his own. Katie’s vowed she’ll never trust the wrong man again. But sometimes a man isn’t everything he seems. And sometimes he’s more… Previously published as A family of Her Own FREE BONUS STORY INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME! Temperatures Rising by New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson As a hurricane hits the Florida Keys, Sherri Griffin and Terrence Jeffries are stranded together, making their own shelter from the storm—and walking right into the eye of a hurricane of passion.

Through unspeakable grief, they found an unbreakable connection-through their love, the joy of second chances. For Dixie and Sammy Davis, the road to each other's arms was paved with tragedy. But through their marriage, they each found a new beginning filled with blessings, joy, and hope-a testament to the power of love after loss. In Endless Love and Second Chances, Dixie Davis, with Sherry Maves, describes the joys and heartbreak of Dixie's marriage with musician Tim "Doc Holiday" Taylor, tragically cut short by terminal cancer. Years later, Dixie makes an unexpected connection with mutual acquaintance Sammy Davis-one of seventy-seven living Medal of Honor recipients who has dedicated his life to spreading the values of "duty, honor, and country." An inspirational love story of hope, faith, and redemption, this heartfelt memoir follows Dixie and Sammy as they both recover from the profound grief of losing their spouses to find the love and healing in each other that they needed to move on. As the couple continues to travel throughout the country in the name of veterans' awareness, this book pays a touching tribute to the difference they have made to each other-and to veterans everywhere.

Dedicated teacher Whitney Maxwell gave up her dream of a family years ago. But she's about to get a lesson in faith and family from an unexpected source––a brave little boy named Jason. Jason and his dad are dealing with his autism the best they can, but Dr. Shane McCoy can't put his tragic past behind him. As Whitney and Shane work together to help his son, could these two lost souls open their hearts to love again and become a lasting family?