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Guiding Emily: A Tale of Love, Loss, and Courage: Guiding Emily, Book 1 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.6 out of 5 stars 2,285 ratings

Sometimes the perfect partner has four paws....

Emily Main had it all: a high-powered career with a leading technology giant and a handsome fiancé bounding up the corporate ladder. Their island wedding and honeymoon were idyllic, until a tragic accident causes her retinas to detach.

Her well-ordered life is shattered as all treatments are unsuccessful and she slips into blindness. How will those around her cope with her tragedy? Can she rebuild her life in this most unwelcome new normal?

Meanwhile, a black Lab puppy named Garth fulfills his destiny to become that most esteemed of all creatures: a guide dog.

Guiding Emily is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and courage as Garth and Emily make their way to each other.

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Product details

Book 1 of 6 Guiding Emily Series
Listening Length 7 hours and 22 minutes
Author Barbara Hinske
Narrator Fred Berman, Julia Whelan
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date December 01, 2020
Publisher Podium Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B08NKCKN93
Best Sellers Rank

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,285 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book heartwarming, with one review describing it as a tale of great despair and triumph. Moreover, the writing is fluid and easy to read, while the story provides interesting details about guide dogs. Customers appreciate the educational value, particularly the insight into the challenges faced by blind people, and the well-developed characters. Additionally, the emotional content resonates with customers, with one review noting how it delved into a hard topic with empathy. Customers praise the book's portrayal of overcoming adversity, with one review highlighting its validation of a strong woman's journey.

172 customers mention "Heartwarming story"166 positive6 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and inspiring, particularly appreciating its perspective from Garth's point of view and how it encourages readers to overcome life's challenges.

"...I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a good uplifting story, as well as anyone who is dealing with a lifechanging physical..." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! The plot was great, and the characters were interesting. The book moved right along -- no slow spots at all!..." Read more

"...The author did a very good job of conveying that feeling. Then, there is the sweetness of the dog. Just pure simple love...." Read more

"Thank you, Ms. Hinske, not only for the poignant story, but for the education...." Read more

140 customers mention "Readability"140 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with many describing it as a must-read that is well worth the time. One customer mentions being enthralled from the first page.

"...about services available for the blind, as well as being such an enjoyable read...." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! The plot was great, and the characters were interesting. The book moved right along -- no slow spots at all!..." Read more

"Enjoyed the read immensely and learned how guide training is truly a lot of work. Emily and Garth are both loveable...." Read more

"...I found out that t wasn't one at all, but a really decent read. I enjoyed it So much...." Read more

80 customers mention "Educational value"80 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enlightening and educational, particularly appreciating the insights into guide dog training and the challenges faced by blind individuals.

"...Informative while entertaining it describes her initial feelings of depression and helplessness, but with the help of family/friends/coworkers..." Read more

"Enjoyed the read immensely and learned how guide training is truly a lot of work. Emily and Garth are both loveable...." Read more

"...The information on the training of guide dogs was very interesting. Great job, Ms. Hinske!..." Read more

"...Nicely written, and info about living blind nicely covered...." Read more

60 customers mention "Writing quality"57 positive3 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it delightful and easy to read, with one customer noting its fluid style.

"...The book moved right along -- no slow spots at all! I will be ordering the rest of the books in the series as soon as I finish this review!..." Read more

"...It was well written and believable. The characters touched my heart. The story held my attention from the first chapter until the end of the book...." Read more

"...You write well, tho. And I absolutely loved loved how you handled Garth’s story! Wonderful job." Read more

"...It was brilliant writing from the puppy’s point of view...." Read more

56 customers mention "Dog lover"56 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate this book as a dog lover's story, providing insight into the world of guide dogs, with one customer noting its wonderful depiction of training these animals.

"...--this part of the story is told from his point of view and absolutely charming...." Read more

"...Then, there is the sweetness of the dog. Just pure simple love...." Read more

"...job researching her information making sure it was a realistic depiction. Well done. I would highly recommend." Read more

"I enjoy stories about dogs, especially retrievers. I love how part of the book was in Garth's voice...." Read more

32 customers mention "Character development"32 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are well developed and their emotions are felt throughout the story. One customer mentions that the narrative is told from two different perspectives.

"...The plot was great, and the characters were interesting. The book moved right along -- no slow spots at all!..." Read more

"...It was well written and believable. The characters touched my heart. The story held my attention from the first chapter until the end of the book...." Read more

"...As is typical of Barbara Hinske books, the characters are all complex with their own strengths and weaknesses...." Read more

"...and engaging. There are quite a few secondary characters who are also important to the story...." Read more

27 customers mention "Emotional content"27 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one noting how the author delved into sensitive topics with empathy, while another mentions how the characters' anxiety was vividly portrayed.

"...through pages of ups and downs, of disappointment and faith, of fear and bravery, of despair and hope, and love and trust...." Read more

"...What an uplifting story of happiness, marriage, friendships, tragedy, courage, strength and fortitude, it took Emily, to rebuild her life, after a..." Read more

"...This author delved into a hard topic with empathy, thoroughness and a fantastic path to share the same...." Read more

"I loved this book! Hits you in all the feels. I’m going to buy the rest in this series right now. Thank you, Barbara, for a great read." Read more

25 customers mention "Strength"25 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of strength and courage, particularly in overcoming adversity, with one customer noting it as a validating story of a strong woman.

"...It is much appreciated and validating to read a story of a strong woman, where challenging issues are confronted realistically and without excessive..." Read more

"Wonderful story of love and loss and regaining strength. Going to read the series." Read more

"...of happiness, marriage, friendships, tragedy, courage, strength and fortitude, it took Emily, to rebuild her life, after a tragic accident, left her..." Read more

"...touched every emotion from anger, compassion, heartbreak and hurt, strength, courage, love; I could go on and on...." Read more

Excellent description of the emotional journey of loss and the progress to receiving a Guide Dog
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent description of the emotional journey of loss and the progress to receiving a Guide Dog
I could relate to this book in several different ways, in the 70's my Mother was losing her eyesight from diabetic retinopathy, much later I became a 8 time puppy raiser for Canine Companions and recently I am the recipient of a Hearing Dog. You book really expressed the emotions and issues involved with loosing your eyesight. Back in the 70's I was lucky enough to find an organization similar to the Foundation to help my Mother accomplish everyday tasks and she was learning to use a cane. Unfortunately she passed away very young and never progressed to a Service Dog. I enjoyed your description of puppy raising from the eyes of Garth. My only issue with the puppy raising is it seemed to be portrayed as a very short and simple process. It is NOT. I raised my puppies for 18 months, we attended bi-weekly puppy classes, introduced our puppies regularly to restaurants, grocery stores, rode on busses, trains, and had excursions to malls, doctor and dentist appts. Then when the puppies went back to the "center," they went through extraordinary testing-medical, physical, emotional, etc-and addition TRAINING All of the efforts of puppy raisers and trainers is what creates the "Magic" dogs. Then during the 2-week training session for the recipients they must learn everything they need to know about handling a dog, many have never had a dog before. I think all of this could have been expressed without adding too much additional detail to the narrative. With all of this being said, I think this was an EXCELLENT book describing the journey of becoming the handler of a Guide Dog/Service Dog. I am looking forward to book 2.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I so enjoyed this book! Written as a novel it explains how a woman who was suddently blinded as the result of an accident begins to recover her abilities and competence to carry on with her life thanks to the help of Services for the Blind and the Guide Dog program. Informative while entertaining it describes her initial feelings of depression and helplessness, but with the help of family/friends/coworkers providing much needed motivation she is able to enter into the program in which she learns to cope, regain functioning skills, as well reintegrate into her professional life. Concurrently the novel follows the life of a Black Lab puppy who has the apparent characteristics of a guide dog, as he is raised and socialized by a family to prepare him to enter the guide dog program--this part of the story is told from his point of view and absolutely charming. This story contains a "boullion cube" of information about services available for the blind, as well as being such an enjoyable read. I am personally aware of such services offered in my own state, but not to the detail as outlined in this book. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a good uplifting story, as well as anyone who is dealing with a lifechanging physical problem, as well as anyone who just loves dogs.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! The plot was great, and the characters were interesting. The book moved right along -- no slow spots at all! I will be ordering the rest of the books in the series as soon as I finish this review!
    I also appreciated the notation at the end regarding the Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. I donate to them regularly and hold that organization in very high regard. I ran into a group of puppy raisers at Olvera Street several years ago and had a nice conversation with one of the raisers. I also ran into another puppy raiser in my neighborhood a few years ago.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed the authors perspective of the main characters fear of blindness that, until reading this book i never fully appreciated . The author did a very good job of conveying that feeling. Then, there is the sweetness of the dog. Just pure simple love.

    At the end, I felt the book ended abruptly and I felt a little disappointed. The main characters husband to me, was a jerk who was totally consumed with himself. In the story, there was a coworker who, although emotionally detached due to a form of autism, was the better fit to complete the circle of love, acceptance , determination and grit the heroine has in this story. Maybe that is later to be developed as this looks to be a series.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Thank you, Ms. Hinske, not only for the poignant story, but for the education. I look forward to starting the second book in the series (already ordered!) May we all have a Garth in our lives, and the resilience of Emily.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Enjoyed the read immensely and learned how guide training is truly a lot of work. Emily and Garth are both loveable. Also shows how wonderful dogs are and how they are truly man/gal’s best friend. These creatures are exceptional. Much can be learned from this experience.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Five paws! Easy, clean, and cozy read - definitely perfect for Hallmark fans as well as YA!

    The ending was obvious from the very beginning, but that was fine and to be expected with this kind of book. It gave us a glimpse of what an individual diagnosed with blindness will likely be forced to grapple with on an emotional, mental, personal, and even perhaps professional level. Luckily for Emily, she had an amazing support group in her family and colleagues. I enjoyed the perspective from Garth as well as Emily and the other human characters. I know we humans tend to over anthropomorphize things, BUT as a longtime puppy mom and wildlife rehabber, I was perfectly ok with this! Lol 🐾 🥰🦮
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A bit stilted, the part where Garth was narrator more so than the other chapters.
    I hope she forgives, it’s tough when things change.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Emily Main is marrying a handsome, wealthy Englishman on a beach in Fiji. She leaves her role as head programmer to her team to support and flies off to a fairytale wedding. Her myopic degeneration affects her eyesight and limits some of the activities she can participate in. When she takes a risk by going horseback riding on the beach, the results are tragic. Her new husband just doesn’t understand her situation, and a wedge is driven between them while she tries to learn to live her life as a blind person. Her friends and family come to her aid, and she makes new friends.

    While Emily is learning to live as a blind person, with the help of the Foundation for Blind Children, Garth, a black labrador puppy is learning to be a guide. Their stories alternate as they each learn new skills and lifestyles.

    As is typical of Barbara Hinske books, the characters are all complex with their own strengths and weaknesses. Emily’s extremely talented programmer/teammate Drhruv is handled beautifully. He is a “shy, socially awkward middle-aged man,” probably on the autism spectrum and his eccentricities are handled sympathetically without condescension. He’s Emily’s friend as well as teammate and he’s probably my favorite character. Her new husband Connor loves her but his inability to deal with Emily’s blindness is hampering their relationship and marriage. Her mother and her mother’s neighbors also play a major role in Emily’s ability to adapt to her new normal, being there for her during the highs and lows of her new life.

    I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to its sequel. I received a copy of this book from the author, but I bought my own copy because I enjoyed it so much. I have read the book three times now and I expect to read it again, just for the pleasure. The opinion is my own.
    14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • snowdrop1941
    5.0 out of 5 stars A tear jerker
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A moving story told by Emily and Garth. Emily is on her honeymoon, when an accident robs. her of her sight. Garth is a puppy and destined to become a guide dog.
    This story is told from the point of view of both Emily and Garth, which makes for an emotional rollercoaster ride. I loved the story, the characters and the insight into the training of a guide dog , and his handler.
  • Angeline Merrick
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love happy endings
    Reviewed in Australia on May 30, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a heartbreaking story of a tragic accident. The new husband was less than useless, but she found her way through her blindness with dignity and a whole lot of help from a dog who was a huge help to Emily, who was still in the early stages of learning how to deal with the everyday things we take for granted. They were meant to be. Great book and well researched..
  • DS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a great novel
    Reviewed in Canada on May 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This truly is a "tale of love, loss and courage". I needed to keep reading it...I couldn't put it down.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars An emotional read
    Reviewed in Australia on May 1, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    An amazing story told from two perspectives. Emily’s confronting experience of learning to cope with her sudden blindness and Garth’s life from a puppy to becoming a fully fledged guide dog. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
  • Katherine C
    5.0 out of 5 stars A dog lovers book
    Reviewed in Canada on May 4, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A heart warming book and one that provides insight into guide dogs and their handlers. A great read. And since the dog on the cover looks exactly like mine did, it was one more bonus.