Spotted this little gem in Amazon's Top Free 100, the good news is that it is currently also free in Kobo and Nook format. Published in 2013 it is the first in a series but can also be read alone.
Kat Stevens is a slightly insecure, mostly bored technical writer who likes her cat a lot more than her boss. She hasn’t laid eyes on her great aunt Abigail since she was eight, so she’s stumped when she inherits Abigail’s house in the small hamlet of Alpine Grove.
Kat’s uncomplicated life gets decidedly less so when she discovers the inheritance comes with some hairy conditions: four dogs and five cats that her aunt wanted her to love as her own. Of course, the house smells like a barn–with a touch of antique skunk–and, naturally, has serious roof issues. And that’s before the three-legged cat gets stuck in the wall and the shower goes kablooey.
When Kat meets Joel, an unemployed techie type with no love lost for his sister, Kat looks past his obvious flaws, given his timely and desirable skill set: a talent for fixing things (and his own tools).
Despite out-of-control dogs, cat fights, dust dinosaurs, massive spiders and an old grizzled hippie passed out in the yard, Kat discovers the tranquility of the forests of Alpine Grove starting to seep into her soul.
And why she can’t she stop thinking about Joel?
Note: Chez Stinky is a full-length novel (300 pages/80,000 words) that is Book #1 of the Alpine Grove Romantic Comedies. It's a feel-good novel that appeals to people who enjoy a little light romance and quirky animal stories.
This isn't typical of what I normally read but I really enjoyed 'All Dogs go To Kevin by Jessica Vogel' and 'Lawyer for the Dog by Lee Robinson' so was open to another pet story. Personally I didn't like the cover or the title, but the "Chez Stinky" title tickled my curiosity enough to read the book description and download this book. As it turned out I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed this warm and amusing escapist title. Written in 2013 and set in 1995 it is a nice light and relaxing read.
Kat is a bored and under-appreciated Technical Author who inherits a home in the country. With the odds stacked increasingly against her in the city she moves to Alpine Grove where she makes plans for her new life. But before she can implement them she needs to sort out a few obstacles in her path. The first of which is getting rid of the awful smell and making the house habitable.
Packed with interesting details and situations this is fun read. Whilst the plot is simple and the pace relaxed it is also very entertaining. I liked that this was more than just another romantic comedy; it is a nice story about family too. It is an intriguing read with romance, humour, a little mystery with great characters and a great location thrown in.
The description of the house and its inhabitants are lovely and provided the escapist read I was hoping for. All the featured cats and dogs have such lovely and quirky personalities. Once I got into this book I found it hard to put down and was sorry when it ended.
The first of a current series of seven, I am looking forward to reading more about the inhabitants of Alpine Grove.
Recommend for pet lovers and readers who love a quirky clean romance.
Chick Lit Plus - "The book was easy to get immersed in, and the characters of Chez Stinky are full of personality and so fun to read about.
StephTheBookWorm - "I really enjoyed this one and love that it featured animals so heavily. If you’re a fan of chick lit or animals, two things that I personally love, then check this one out! I’d highly recommend it!"
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