I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A woman must help rescue a pack of stray dogs while finding herself in author Holly B. Gutwillinger’s “North of Broken & Furever Home.”

The Synopsis

Renley Nelsen’s life is unravelling. She’s caught between midlife melancholy, her sons have drifted away, and her mother’s mind is slipping beyond reach.

Sully, the youngest in a pack of abandoned dogs in Ontario’s northern woods, knows only survival. Neglected and scarred, his distrust runs deep.

When Renley’s closest friend begs her to join a dog rescue mission, she sees an escape. However, the broken animals—especially Sully—force her to confront more than she bargained for. As she works to save the pack, Renley discovers hidden strength and faces an impossible choice: keep running or find the courage to claim the life she deserves.

Told from alternating perspectives between Renley and Sully, this is a story of mutual acceptance, where woman and dog must learn that healing demands the bravery to stay—when everything inside you wants to run.

The Review

What a powerful, heartfelt and compelling story. The balance of emotional depth and world building was astonishing, and the connection readers formed between the characters and the world itself was strong. The alternating POVs of both Renley and Sully was able to give readers a fresh perspective of the relationship between a pet and their pet parent, or in more broad terms animal and man. 

The heart of this narrative was in the powerful themes and messaging behind these characters. From the close perspective on mental health and the special bond between people and their pets, to the struggles to find your own identity and find your footing in the world, these themes helped flesh out these characters greatly and keep readers both emotionally invested and engaged in their journey.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, entertaining, and memorable, author Holly B. Gutwillinger’s “North of Broken & Furever Home” is a must-read contemporary drama following family dynamics, a journey of identity, and heartfelt connection. The depth of heart and the rich, dynamic character development will keep readers glued to the page until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Holly B. Gutwillinger is an author and podcaster from a small northern Ontario town. Her debut novel, North of Broken & Furever Home, launches February 14, 2026, exploring a woman’s complex relationship with her rescue dogs.

Holly’s writing is shaped by her deep love of family—she is the proud mother of two adult sons—and her commitment to the animals who enrich our lives.

She holds a certificate in creative writing from the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies and is currently completing her MFA in fiction at the University of King’s College. Holly serves on the board of her local writers’ guild and volunteers with the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

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