What is this, a ya book with no romance? ( )

* I got this book for review for my honest thoughts*

I have always really enjoyed Jen's book and this book is no different. I really loved the concept of this novel and found it to be super unique story. I really loved how this book mixed both survival elements and also thriller elmenets. I also really liked how this book focused on found family and just adorable dogs. I really enjoyed this read and I really hope this book gets sequel! I grew to love the main character in this novel and jude is my new favorite side character. I thought the mystery was well crafted as well.
( )

* I got this book for review for my honest thoughts*

I have always really enjoyed Jen's book and this book is no different. I really loved the concept of this novel and found it to be super unique story. I really loved how this book mixed both survival elements and also thriller elmenets. I also really liked how this book focused on found family and just adorable dogs. I really enjoyed this read and I really hope this book gets sequel! I grew to love the main character in this novel and jude is my new favorite side character. I thought the mystery was well crafted as well.
( )

Kira Bennett's past is a mystery that she has been unable to unravel. Living with her foster mother, Cady Bennett and her son Jude as well as their search and rescue dogs has given her a fulfilling life even though her past is haunted by dreams and memories of time spent in the forest fending for herself. When Cady's estranged father comes to her asking for her help finding a missing little girl, Kira begins to relive some of the moments leading up to her rescue. Reluctantly, Cady brings Kira, Jude, and the adventurous, Free to join the search.
The characters come to life in this story as we follow Kira and her search, not only for the missing little girl, but also as she tries to come to terms with who she is and where she comes from. Several mysteries layered into one another keep the story moving and the interest high. The rescue dogs in the story are also given personalities that make them endearing and enjoyable to read about. Overall, a very good young adult novel. ( )

A 2020 Lone Star selection, The Lovely and the Lost keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Found in the woods after weeks alone, Kira was adopted by the woman who found her and raised with her son, Jude and the next door neighbor, Free. They have all learned how to train dogs and work search and rescue. Kira is still haunted by her past and took many years to trust people. She loves and trusts these three people. She must depend on them and find herself in order to be successful with finding the lost. Another little girl has gone missing and Cady, Kira's mother, has been requested to help search by Cady's father. This request is a surprise because Cady has never mentioned her father. They only train dogs; they don't do search and rescue. Of course, the teens want to go, but they are curious about Cady's father and what happened in the past. Jude doesn't even know who his own father is and refuses to ask because it could upset Cady whom he loves. When Cady returns to her hometown with the three teens, she must face her own past.

Kira connects with her dogs. Silver has been by her side ever since she was found and through her recovery acclimating into society. Her brother Jude is an eternal optimist who has done everything and anything to help Kira. Free is the free-spirit who only allows a bit of control. They are determined to find the little girl but get pulled off the search for rest and safety. There's something odd about the town. Too many people have gone missing over the years. What's happening? Cady's father has allowed a teenager to stay at his place named Gabriel. The sheriff has a low opinion of Gabriel. Gabriel, however, knows the mountains and can help Kira navigate through the woods. His own brother went missing years ago.

You will not want to put the novel down. You'll want to know what happened that Cady left about seventeen years ago, who else has gone missing, why Gabriel and the sheriff hate each other, where the little girl is (lost or kidnapped?), and whether Kira can handle her own demons and flashbacks while trying to do a search and rescue. Everyone has secrets. The descriptions and imagery are all dog-related, so you'll see dogs honored for their loyalty and skills. You definitely want to read this one! It's an excellent Lone Star choice! ( )