cover image Dog Days

Dog Days

Elsa Watson. Tor, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-0-7653-6808-9

In this fast-paced, imaginative romp, Watson (Maid Marian) introduces Jessica Sheldon, a cafe owner with a deep fear of dogs. Unfortunately for her, Madrona, Wash., is packed with dog lovers and home to the annual Woofinstock. Jessica’s cafe is struggling in part because of an unfortunate antidog blowup on Jessica’s part during the previous year’s festival. While trying to make amends, Jessica rescues Zoe, a stray German shepherd—and a bolt of lightning causes the two to exchange bodies. Jessica has a crush on the town vet, Dr. Max Nakamura, and he reveals in front of “Zoe” that it’s reciprocated. But is Jessica destined to stay a dog forever, or will she eventually make her way back to her own body? For anyone who has ever wondered what their beloved pets would say if they could talk, this adorable PG-rated love story provides a sweetly imagined answer, with smart poetic justice in the end. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (June)