“Mom! Mom! Stop the presses!”

“Stop what presses, Kimster? We don’t do presses around here.”

“So? I’ve just always wanted to say that. Especially when I have a super-duper, extra-crispy bacon worthy announcement!”

“Okay, Kimmi. Spill it.”

“Well Mom, I wantcha to meet my two new best buds: War Horse and Big Love.”

“What?”

“Yeah. You see, there’s this awesome new book out called Big Love and War Horse. War Horse is a Doberman pup. Big Love is a senior Great Pyrenees, and…”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Nope! In fact this book is so good, I’;m gonna tell ya all about it myself! So here is the Official Unabridged Kimber the Magnificent Version of a book we absolutely LOVED (with a little help from the one with opposable thumbs. Cuz, ya know. Mom): Like this:

Big Love and War Horse

By Shallen Chitwood (Indie author, 2024)

Genre: Literary Fiction/Historical Fiction

Pages: 250 (paperback)

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Gamble

Taking on a new author can be a gamble. (Kimber: Not sure what that means. But Mom said I have to put it in here. Cuz, ya know. Mom.) You never know what you’re getting. But sometimes that “gamble” pays off. Big time. Like in Shallen Chitwood’s heartfelt and heartwarming Big Love and War Horse. It’s one of the most remarkable books we’ve ever read.

The Basics

Struggling to keep body and soul together in the wake of the Great Depression, two siblings cling to each other and the loyalty and love of their two dogs in this beautifully written coming-of-age tale set in rural North Carolina in 1942.

Bred to be a Marine war dog, War Horse is a young Doberman who’s deemed too big for the job. Fifteen year-old Jonas and his kid sister Kay, age 12, wind up adopting the pup. They take him home to their rural farm to join their elderly farm dog, Big Love, a Great Pyrenees.

The Deacon siblings are struggling since their mother, Joy, passed away. Their father, Luke, took his wife’s death hard and has crawled into a bottle. Luke’s acerbic sister, Linnie, comes over to look in on the floundering little family from time to time. But Aunt Linnie has her own secrets. They include a store owner named Tom and a tenant farmer named Sam.

Whoa!

There are plenty of I-did-not-see-that-coming moments tucked into these pages. Also sunshine, blueberries, and smiles. “Repast and community.” A gold pocket watch. Second chances. Sunsets. Memories. Checkmate. Murder. And hope.

Bonus Points!

Told largely from the point of view of the two dogs, Big Love and War Horse is a little To Kill a Mockingbird. A little Romeo and Juliet. A bit Marley and Me. And all heart. Beautifully written and expertly paced, this novel skillfully conveys the big-as-a-Montana-sky hearts of two loyal and loving dogs. Their job is to protect the farm and their humans. And they do. 

Kimber: See? Kindred spirits! I got this, Mom!

Gold

Eloquent and evocative, the writing is solid gold. Like, if Literary Fiction was an Olympic sport, Big Love and War Horse would bring home the gold. In fact, the writing is almost luminous in its radiance and vitality. The author ably expresses a wide range of emotions, often sensed or experienced by the dogs. They include grief, loss, anger, and confusion. Also regret, strength, hope, courage and resilience. Well-rounded, robust characters stride across each page and into your heart. But War Horse and Big Love steal the show.

Couldn’t put it down!

About Every Third Decade…

Sitting at her keyboard shortly after finishing this book, Mom was speechless. (That happens every decade or three, in case you’re wondering.) It took a long time for her to even begin this review. She couldn’t find the words. (That every third decade thing.) But that’s how remarkable this book is. How amazing. How powerful, poignant, and profound. Indeed, the depth, breadth, and scope of this splendid work defy description.

Deeply moving, Big Love and War Horse packs a punch. It took Mom’s breath away. Had her doin’ that sparkly eyed, sniffly thing again. (Cuz, ya know. Mom!) 

More Than…

If Mom could give a book more than 5 stars, Big Love and War Horse would be it. Again, it’s one of the most extraordinary, heartfelt books we’ve ever read. And we read a ton (over 250 titles since January 1, 2024). Indeed, Big Love and War Horse represents a towering accomplishment, especially for a new author.

This book will resonate with anyone who’s ever dreamed of second chances, belonging, and a place to call home. It’s a winner. BIG TIME.

Big Love and War Horse launched yesterday! I’d grab a copy and another bowl of kibble right quick, ‘fize you!

Our Rating: 5.0+