Diamond in the Ruff: A Novel

I enjoyed this installment of the books that Emily Carmichael wrote based on Piggy the Dog. If you haven't read the other books, you should start with Finding Mr. Right. They are funny, cute, and romantic with a little danger & mystery mixed in. The premise is that Lydia Keane was a beautiful and morally-challenged woman who was killed. In order to have a better after-life, she has to right some wrongs so she is sent back in the body of a overweight Corgi. She has a hard time being a dog and thinking like the human that she was. It is a good light-hearted read.

Josephine "Joey" DeMato is proprietor of The Perfect Wedding. Lately, though, that seems to be a misnomer as Joey is confronted with all manner of ups and downs while trying to conduct her business. The latest cog in the wheel is the smart aleck cop who pulls her over for speeding. Irritation quickly sparks between the two before Mr. Macho Cop lets Joey continue on her way. The fates decide to tantalize Joey further by sticking her with her honeymooning friend's two obnoxious corgi dogs, and a chance meeting in a pet store with Joey's former college roommate, who just so happens to need a wedding planner, like immediately. Although Joey had planned to take a hard-earned vacation, she can't say no to Alicia -- or her money. When the time comes to meet the groom -- yup, you guessed it -- he turns out to be Mr. Macho Cop.Ben Ramsey is temporarily demoted to regular cop from detective after having a confrontation with his boss. Despite that, he should be on top of the world; he's marrying gorgeous, rich Alicia Somers in a month's time. So, why is Ben starting to feel like a "kept" man? Matters deteriorate further when Ben and Alicia go to the wedding planner's for dinner. He finds himself face to face with the woman he gave the speeding ticket to earlier in the day. At Alicia's urging, Ben apologizes to Joey and admits he's been a little cranky since the demotion. Being a patrol cop is getting on his nerves.Lydia Keane is a reincarnated corgi, of all things. If she can atone for her sins in her former life, Lydia will finally earn her wings. Now named Piggy, Lydia is disgusted with her appearance and inability to get her people to pay attention to her when they're in danger. Hilarity ensues when Joey, Alicia and Ben travel to the ski resort that Alicia has decided is the perfect spot for her and Ben's wedding.DIAMOND IN THE RUFF is pure fun with a smattering of suspense. Just when you think Emily Carmichael will never be able to carry off the romantic aspect of the book, all heck breaks loose. Poor Ben is Alicia's knight in shining armor after saving her life from a stalker. When these two open their eyes and their hearts to what is really going on between them, the drama begins, but the humor never lets up. Joey can't believe she's lusting after Alicia's fiance and tries desperately to avoid Ben at all costs. Alicia, herself, is clueless until it's almost too late. The tension and conflict between all of the characters is believable and endearing and Lydia/Piggy is sorely put upon in her role as matchmaker/guard dog extraordanaire. Emily Carmichael delivers another hilarious, yet poignant story of true love and how some people find it in the most unexpected place and manner. I highly recommend DIAMOND IN THE RUFF as a feel-good, have fun story with an unusual storyline and compelling twists and turns.

After being murdered in Denver, drop dead gorgeous Lydia Keane learns that she is not yet heaven bound because she failed to take life seriously. Instead Stanley, agent of the Powers To Be, assigns Lydia the job of matchmaking as she recently did for her best friend, Amy Cameron. The cosmic joke of returning to earth as a dog again takes much of the bite out of Lydia's second engagement. This time she must help wedding consultant Josephine "Joey" Cole find an ideal mate. Joey is arranging the ceremony between Alicia Sommers and the law enforcement official that saved the bride's life Ben Ramsey. Lydia as Piggy the Corgi canine decides that Joey and Ben belong together even if both deny the attraction. However, the situation turns dangerous as someone stalks the bride adding extra work for Lydia if she is to succeed in her second matchmaking endeavor. The sequel to the whimsical FINDING MR. RIGHT, DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF is an engaging paranormal romantic suspense. The story line is fun when the amusing Piggy takes center stage. However, the subplot involving the dangerous stalker is exciting, but takes away from a facetious prime plot. Lydia remains delightfully incorrigible as her capricious outlook on life and the afterlife makes her a modern day Holly Golightly. Emily Carmichael has the right ruff with this series and hopefully the author provides a heavenly romantic tale between the fluffy Lydia and Stan the man (or whatever).Harriet Klausner