Lawyer for the Dog: a novel
Lee Robinson
Thomas Dunne; Available July 7, 2015
HC 24.99; 240 pp
9781250052414
The author of this delightful novel practiced law in South
Carolina for twenty years and knows the ropes. So her protagonist, the super
sharp Sally Baynard, is perfectly drawn. Pushing fifty, divorced from Judge Joe
Baynard, of the elite Baynard family in SC, coping with her mother’s advancing
Alzheimer’s, and struggling to build up a small practice in family law, Sally
is just barely keeping the balls in the air when her ex-husband the judge pulls
a fast one.
A divorce case is being held up because of one big bone of
contention: Sherman, a miniature schnauzer whom both husband and wife adore and claim as
their own. Judge Baynard assigns Sally as the dog’s attorney/guardian. But is
he really just trying to win her back as his second marriage falters? Sally
doesn’t believe so, and also doesn’t really know what to do with a dog, but
before long, Sherman wins her over and she becomes more and more entangled in
the bitter custody battle, and more and more in love with the little pup.
And meanwhile, Sherman’s veterinarian turns out to be a
charming and available fellow who just might change Sally’s views about the
benefits of staying single.
Robinson’s writing is swift and lively, making this a fun,
fast read. It's particularly refreshing to read a novel featuring a woman of a certain age without the tired stereotypes or feeling of marginalization. Sally Baynard is a great character, and one who deserves to be revisited again. Let's hope this first novel is just the beginning.
Available for pre-order at www.booksforanimallovers.com.
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