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House Trained Paperback – October 20, 2015

by Jackie Bouchard (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars 2,671 ratings
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Alex Halstad, a childless-by-choice interior designer and dog mom, is a true perfectionist. But her orderly life turns chaotic when the teenage daughter her husband, Barry, never knew he had shows up on their doorstep...with a baby girl of her own in tow. While Alex’s dog enthusiastically welcomes the new arrivals, Alex struggles with the loss of her steady routine. She desperately needs peace and quiet to get her business back on track before Barry finds out she’s spent most of their savings. Meanwhile, the arrival of the girls stirs up old insecurities, and Alex can’t help but worry that Barry’s ex will make an entrance too. With her tidy life a distant memory, will Alex be able to learn from her dog the true meaning of love and acceptance?

From bestselling author Jackie Bouchard comes a humorous and heartwarming look at how life creates opportunities to love in surprising ways.

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  1. Print length
    291 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    October 20, 2015
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1503947122
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1503947122
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Jackie Bouchard gives us Fido-friendly fiction at its best. We fell in love with Alex and her rescue dog, Marie. As dog lovers, we related to Alex’s struggle to stretch her heart to include her four legged and two legged loved ones! Witty and winning, House Trained will tug on your heart strings in all the best ways.” ―Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, co-authors of The Status of All Things

“Funny and poignant, Jackie Bouchard writes with wit and warmth and a deep understanding of how women, and our dogs, make this world a better place!” ―Dee DeTarsio, award-winning author of Haole Wood and Ginger Krinkles

“I adore Jackie Bouchard’s dog-centric fiction, and House Trained is no exception. With its deft blend of comedy and drama, plus a crew of memorable characters including a super sweet labradoodle named Marie, this is a book that will appeal to all. I’m putting it on my favorites list for the year.” ―Tracie Banister, author of Twin Piques and In Need Of Therapy

“Brimming with wit and wisdom and quirky characters, readers will love Jackie Bouchard’s funny, poignant House Trained.” ―Kim Boykin, author of A Peach of a Pair

About the Author

Jackie Bouchard, a USA Today bestselling author, writes what she calls Fido-friendly fiction: humorous and heartwarming stories about women and the dogs that profoundly impact their lives.

Bouchard has lived in Southern California, Canada, and Bermuda and now lives in San Diego with her husband and dog. Her novels include What the Dog Ate, House Trained, and Rescue Me, Maybe.

For more information, visit www.jackiebouchard.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (October 20, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 291 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1503947122
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1503947122
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 2,671 ratings

About the author

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Jackie Bouchard

Jackie Bouchard

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Jackie Bouchard (jackiebouchard.com), a USA Today bestselling author, writes what she calls Fido-friendly fiction – humorous and heart-warming stories about women and the dogs that profoundly impact their lives. She spent a long time as a creative soul trapped in the body of a practical person. When she was bitten by the writing bug, she managed to leap free of the hamster wheel of corporate America, and now spends her days walking her dog, talking to her dog, and listening for the voices in her head that want their stories told. When the voices don’t talk to her, she can often be found staring into the refrigerator. After growing up in Southern California, Jackie moved to Bermuda, where she met her husband. Now back in San Diego, American Jackie, her Canadian hubby, and her Mexican rescue mutt form their own happy little United Nations. Jackie’s novels include STRAY MAGIC, HOUSE TRAINED, the Readers' Favorite gold-medal winning RESCUE ME, MAYBE, and WHAT THE DOG ATE. Connect with her on Facebook (facebook.com/JackieBouchardWriter) and Instagram (@JackieBouchardWriter). Jackie blogs at poochsmooches.com/

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
2,671 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a very enjoyable read with a well-crafted story that features credible plot twists and a connection between characters and their pets. The book is easy to read, with one customer noting it's particularly suitable for dog lovers, and customers appreciate its humor with laugh-out-loud moments. They value its portrayal of family bonds, with one review highlighting the emotional challenges of merging families, while another notes how the dog serves as the clear hero. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some customers describing it as whiny and boring.

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192 customers mention "Enjoyment"192 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very enjoyable and entertaining, keeping their interest throughout.

"...I highly recommend House Trained. The characters were well drawn, worth rooting for and engaged me emotionally...." Read more

"...The characters are delightful, each with their own quirks that make life interesting. There are several plot twists that come as a surprise...." Read more

"...These characters are just relatable, likeable, flawed, passionate, vivacious females who happen to be 40, but could have easily been 35...." Read more

"...I like the book and think it's was a decent read." Read more

94 customers mention "Story quality"84 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as sweet and heartwarming with credible plot twists.

"...And I did! House Trained is a story about trust, love and being judgemental - with a labradoodle dog named Marie playing an essential..." Read more

"...There are several plot twists that come as a surprise. I would be happy to find out what the future holds for this unusual family ." Read more

"...I found that distracting and annoying. The plot had a good twist but the main storyline was fairly predictable...." Read more

"...There was never a dull moment in this novel, and I even had to stop myself from sneaking ahead to make sure everything would be okay with Alex, the..." Read more

74 customers mention "Readability"69 positive5 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, describing it as a fast-paced light read for dog lovers.

"...I'm passed my prime" whining thing. These characters are just relatable, likeable, flawed, passionate, vivacious females who happen to be 40,..." Read more

"...I thought it moved slowly telling the day-to-day problems this woman faced, and how it took what could have been a tragedy to make a big change...." Read more

"...It's an ok read, but certainly not the Memoir I thought I was reading." Read more

"...I love her writing style, her descriptions, her humor. I know I will be reading every book she has written...." Read more

47 customers mention "Character development"43 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, particularly noting the connection between them and their pets.

"...I highly recommend House Trained. The characters were well drawn, worth rooting for and engaged me emotionally...." Read more

"...It will only be 60 days, how bad could it be? The characters are delightful, each with their own quirks that make life interesting...." Read more

"...I liked everything about the dog. Jade was quite the character, too. Loved Wren! But the story takes place over barely two week timeframe...." Read more

"...I find myself easily relating to the protagonists in this author's books, probably because they are around my age and don't have children...." Read more

44 customers mention "Humor"44 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, noting it has laugh-out-loud moments and is a fun, easy read.

"...Last, but far from least, the writing was lovely...." Read more

"...It kept my interest all the way through and it is a sweet read" Read more

"...I gave it a three star because the writing wasn't bad but the plot was transparent and predictable...." Read more

"...The hilarious and touching situations this family goes through will touch your heart. And it has a surprise ending that makes it all worthwhile." Read more

30 customers mention "Love for dogs"30 positive0 negative

Customers love the book's portrayal of dogs, finding them delightful and appreciating the relationship between the characters and their canine companion, with one customer noting how the dog serves as the clear hero of the story.

"...I liked everything about the dog. Jade was quite the character, too. Loved Wren! But the story takes place over barely two week timeframe...." Read more

"...worth reading through the slow spots in this story of a perfect couple with a perfect dog, and a perfect house, and a perfect life which all get..." Read more

"...Loved the dog you just wanted to give him a great big hug." Read more

"This book was a reminder for all animal lovers as to how loveable and smart our pets can be and how much love they bring into our life...." Read more

16 customers mention "Family life"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of family bonds, with one customer specifically noting how it emphasizes that dogs are part of the family.

"...The change was more in attitude than anything else. How family and business can exist, and even flourish, together...." Read more

"...It turned out to be a great story about family, adversity, honesty, and the ways we tend to assume what others are thinking that are only unmasked..." Read more

"...The development of the family was very rewarding. A quick read. Wished there was more when I was finished." Read more

"This book kept my attention every page and every chapter. Wonderful family life placed on the edge of collapse with husband finding he has a child..." Read more

10 customers mention "Pacing"0 positive10 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book boring and whiny.

"...That's lazy dialogue. I found that distracting and annoying. The plot had a good twist but the main storyline was fairly predictable...." Read more

"...of the other reviewers I found Alex to be very self absorbed and obnoxious. But that changed a bit as the story unfolds...." Read more

"...All the talk about the baby was so stupid, contrived and boring. Oh, and the thought that if she got ONE job, she would get herself out of debt????..." Read more

"...I found the main character to be very self-centered and a bit whiny.I wondered how the husband put up with her...." Read more

A change of heart with help of one four legged.
5 out of 5 stars
A change of heart with help of one four legged.
I loved the book since I am such a dog lover! Thank you for a great read! That sweet dog was the hero, in my book, in many ways.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Sue
    5.0 out of 5 stars Trust Love and Acceptance
    Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I'd been looking forward to reading Jackie Bouchard's third novel House Trained for quite awhile. In fact, I pre-ordered it on Amazon as soon as I could. So when Jackie offered me an advanced reader's copy, I quickly said yes! I thoroughly enjoyed her first two books, What the Dog Ate and Rescue Me, Maybe. I was pretty sure I would enjoy this one, too. And I did!

    House Trained is a story about trust, love and being judgemental - with a labradoodle dog named Marie playing an essential role:

    "Alex Halstad, a childless-by-choice interior designer and dog mom, is a true perfectionist. But her orderly life turns chaotic when the teenage daughter her husband, Barry, never knew he had shows up on their doorstep...with a baby girl of her own in tow.

    While Alex’s dog enthusiastically welcomes the new arrivals, Alex struggles with the loss of her steady routine. She desperately needs peace and quiet to get her business back on track before Barry finds out she’s spent most of their savings. Meanwhile, the arrival of the girls stirs up old insecurities, and Alex can’t help but worry that Barry’s ex will make an entrance too.

    With her tidy life a distant memory, will Alex be able to learn from her dog the true meaning of love and acceptance?"

    House Trained is not a light, fluffy chick-lit read. It's what I call women's fiction with complex characters and an unpredictable plot.

    When I first began reading I was wearing my judgey pants. Without talking to her husband, Alex has spent most of their life savings?! In spite of that influx of cash, Alex's business is failing, yet she isn't honest with her friend who works for her?! Um, I was not particularly sympathetic to our heroine.

    However, as she is confronted by life's complications I realized she is a good example of "the mirror rule": life acts as a mirror to what is going on inside you. If you're feeling loved and valued, that's what you project to the world and other people. In the case of Alex, she's felt undervalued and judged for most of her life.

    Alex is childless by choice, yet feels judged as lacking for that life decision. She then spends a lot of head time justifying herself and judging those women who do have children. She also feels like a runner-up and second best with her husband whose first serious relationship produced a love child (and grandbaby.) Alex feels judged as lacking with her mother and sister, too, and her judgey pants were pretty tight when she relates to her sister in the book.

    Honestly, I can't tell you more because I'll give away the plot twists and turns. Suffice to say, about 30% in, I took off my own judgey pants and really began to appreciate our heroine.

    Throughout the book, Alex thoughtfully wishes she could be more like her dog, Marie. More accepting and more loving. Actually, I think Alex had already learned those lessons pretty well, however, she really needed to love and accept herself.

    I highly recommend House Trained. The characters were well drawn, worth rooting for and engaged me emotionally. When I wasn't reading I found myself thinking about the book and eager to return to it. There's a believable happy ending with no cliffhanger. I enjoyed it enough that I'm sure I'll re-read it. Last, but far from least, the writing was lovely.

    As author Bouchard says: "If you love books and dogs and laughter, you'll love my Fido-friendly fiction novels." That's definitely true of House Trained.

    * As noted above, I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Reader of the Pack
    4.0 out of 5 stars Doglovers Delight
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I don't read a lot of light hearted books but Jackie Bouchard is my exception. I love how each book she writes has a dog as one of the main characters. Anyone who is a real dog person knows how dogs enrich our lives. I talk to my dogs all day as they follow me around. Just a fact of life with clever dogs.

    Imagine how your life would be if a young girl showed up at your door saying your husband is her father. And to complicate matters she has her very young daughter with her. There is no denying the truth when you see them standing together. The next thing you know is you've invited them to live with you for the next two months until college starts. It will only be 60 days, how bad could it be?

    The characters are delightful, each with their own quirks that make life interesting. There are several plot twists that come as a surprise. I would be happy to find out what the future holds for this unusual family
    .
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Eh, kinda cute, kinda cringe-worthy
    Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I had to fight to finish it. I kept resisting the author weakening her protagonist's resolve. I liked everything about the dog. Jade was quite the character, too. Loved Wren! But the story takes place over barely two week timeframe. How many times can a man be late on scheduled child support in the same two week timeframe? It was mentioned three times. That's lazy dialogue. I found that distracting and annoying. The plot had a good twist but the main storyline was fairly predictable. The author did do a good job of stitching the many side story lines together. Still, it wasn't seamless and reading felt like a chore to get through rather than a pleasure. Am I glad there are more childfree books? Yes. But I can't honestly say I'd rush to recommend this one. Basically, I feel the book would have been better if the main character had a stronger backbone. It's good to compromise, sure. However, there are reasonable limits and I felt she was written more weak than strong. Not a favorite, but maybe I'd give the author one more try.
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  • Meredith Schorr
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book by Jackie Bouchard!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    What happens when a couple who actively chose not to have children (other than the canine variety) find themselves with a long-lost daughter and infant granddaughter on their doorstep?

    This is the second novel I've read by Jackie Bouchard and I loved both of them. There was never a dull moment in this novel, and I even had to stop myself from sneaking ahead to make sure everything would be okay with Alex, the main character, and her husband Barry. I found Alex's reactions to the situation very believable and appreciated that she tried to support her husband while still acknowledging how difficult it was for her. I sympathized as her home life and professional life spiraled out of control at the same time.

    I find myself easily relating to the protagonists in this author's books, probably because they are around my age and don't have children. But what I love the most is that the women's age (40ish) doesn't really come into play. It's never a "woe is me. I'm passed my prime" whining thing. These characters are just relatable, likeable, flawed, passionate, vivacious females who happen to be 40, but could have easily been 35. Of course, my favorite characters in the book were Marie, the dog and Ruthie, the baby. The book touched on serious issues while still maintaining humor. I finished the story with a smile on my face.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Rocketdog
    4.0 out of 5 stars pretty good
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I debated between three and four stars, but then decided this book really needed four. Like some of the other reviewers I found Alex to be very self absorbed and obnoxious. But that changed a bit as the story unfolds. As a mother I was put off by her attitude about mother hood. She actually seemed to dislike children. But as later in the story she gets stuck caring for the little one and also volunteers to care for her three nephews so her sister could go out on a date with her husband and her attitude changes a bit.
    I like the book and think it's was a decent read.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Robert M Cullen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story
    Reviewed in Australia on January 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Great story with a lot of twist and turns throughout the book. Loved the humour and the family interaction with the dog involved.
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  • Nannsie
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Really Good Read
    Reviewed in Canada on April 11, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A great story of how a rescue dog can help save a family life. Recovery for a childless couple finding themselves in a down situation, with an unknown daughter and grandchild entering their lives. Just a joyful, uplifting read!
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  • Barbie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book, loved her previous two
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliant book, loved her previous two, but this was even better. Can't wait for her next one to come along :-)
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A lovely book, made me smile, laugh and cry, very emotional. You too must read this, makes you think what is important.
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  • maggie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on November 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Easy read, enjoyable...would probably read more by this author.
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