Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

Carlita Kosty's delightful book Training Freddie is told from the narrator’s point of view, plus Merle, the very relatable heroine, and Freddie himself. With a different typeface for each, it makes every thought quite clear. A slightly misleading title, however, as Freddie does not take well to training, despite receiving lessons, and creates chaos on more than one occasion. It’s debatable whether Merle adopts Freddie or the other way around. A widow of less than two years, Merle is now seeking companionship. She is over sixty, frazzled from years as a school teacher, and longs to retire. She escapes to her cottage by the sea in Texas, on occasion, with her family. Online dating may be the answer, but it is not as successful as she had hoped. Who would have guessed that prospective partners would have such dark secrets? As Merle bounces from one disaster to another, Freddie is there to help her in his own special way. What could be better than tickling his tummy and playing ball?

It is impossible not to love both Merle and Freddie in Carlita Kosty’s Training Freddie. As a sixty-something-year-old widow, Merle’s character is so well drawn that you will relate to her. I love the way Freddie stays true to dog nature. He often understands Merle, but from his point of view, seeking out smells, watering every blade of grass, and constantly thinking of food, he remains a true canine. There are excellent descriptions of the Texas area close to the Gulf, and lots to learn about fishing and crabbing. Merle cooks a lot, and the author lists ingredients and how to prepare many of her dishes. Her encounters with prospective boyfriends are hilarious. Online dating is not as easy as it sounds, despite Merle doing her best to stay up to date. Scenes are well drawn and take the reader right into the action. I loved this book; a cozy read where the words flow and the sense of realism remains. There is a smile on every page; this was a joy to read. A well-deserved five stars.