Here's what readers are saying about Big Paws, Bigger Heart
MW
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming
Reviewed on May 19, 2014
Dog lovers will appreciate this heartwarming story told from the dogs' perspective. It's a short and easy read that will brighten your day!
Jean E Semon
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming story!! I laughed and sometimes I cried ...
Reviewed on August 28, 2014
Charming story!! I laughed and sometimes I cried. Telling the story from a dog's perspective is very creative. I look forward to any future books Jim Loveless may write.
Sandy K.
5.0 out of 5 stars Big tribute and Bigger Love
Reviewed on May 13, 2014
This book is uniquely told from a dog's point of view, which gives it a fun perspective. It tells the story of a champion dog and his owner. It is a fun insider's look into the world of breed, obedience and agility training and competitions. Brooks was a very special and talented Tervuren whose story had to be told. Anyone who has ever been smitten with an animal will enjoy this very touching and well written love story. A quick read that will make you laugh and cry.
Merlinfan
5.0 out of 5 stars Like a cup of hot chocolate in winter...
Reviewed on October 27, 2014
If you liked "...Racing in the Rain" you're gonna love this. A real heart-warmer that pulls every emotional string like a classic Disney movie. The life of an extraordinary family and their equally extraordinary pets as told through the eyes, ears, nose and voice of one of their own. I hear it's coming soon as an audiobook! Can't wait!
Tom
5.0 out of 5 stars A Heartwarming Reminder of Life During WWII
Reviewed on August 16, 2023
For me, this book tells the inspiring true story of two magnificent persons, my parents. Like many in the greatest generation, they were forced to face a horrific time in history head on. Richard and Mary Lu lived their lives with courage and love always, while together and apart. “Avoiding Muddy Foxholes” will bring smiles and tears as you walk in their footsteps through the turbulent times of WWII. It’s a quick read. Great for the beach or a quite weekend. Don’t wait!
Here's what readers are saying about Avoiding Muddy Foxholes
Precious Amarachi Nzeakor
5.0 out of 5 stars A partial review from The Online Book Club
Reviewed on September 24, 2023
There were so many notable details about this book. Jim offers readers an inside scoop into the ordeals of soldiers during the Second World War by telling the story of his father, Richard. From a regular twenty-year-old apprentice at The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, he is trained and nurtured into a skilled bombardier. Nothing is left out, as the book covers the challenges, wins, losses, and harsh conditions he was subjected to while fighting to protect his country. There is a constant test of wills throughout the book for almost all the characters. Richard, just like other soldiers, is faced with enduring the rigorous training in the military and making sure he is never "washed out". Richard's family and relatives, just like other families, had to endure the pain of being separated from their loved ones. The details of the war and the preparations for it are sobering enough to teach empathy, kindness, endurance, and selflessness. The book is emotional and touching, especially when Richard and Mary Lu visit the graves of airmen.
Foluso Falaye
5.0 out of 5 stars A partial review from Readers Favorite
Reviewed on October 3, 2023
Jim Loveless takes time to develop the themes, allowing readers to get familiar with them and enjoy the story's smooth progression. The horrors of war and the sweetness of love merge like the yin and yang symbols to create a rich and deeply immersing account. I was seriously emotional when Dick received news about his daughter while facing the possibility of death. Though told from a third-person perspective, the book is highly captivating, as the author recreates the protagonist's real-time experience. Avoiding Muddy Foxholes is one of those true stories that's so amazing it feels like a movie. If you enjoy historical books and nonfiction tales about war, you will love this one. I can't get over its grand feel and the sensational love story left me speechless and smiling like I'd won the lottery long after I'd finished reading it..
Rabia Tanveer
5.0 out of 5 stars A partial review from Readers Favorite
Reviewed on October 16, 2023
Divided into nine parts, Avoiding Muddy Foxholes is a fantastic story of a passionate man who worked hard for his country and equally hard for his family. Richard “Dick” Loveless was a remarkable man, and this is apparent in how Jim Loveless talked about his father. I could feel a connection with Richard from the moment his story began. I felt Richard’s confusion, pain, and desire to do well for both his country and his family. I loved how Jim held nothing back and gave a detailed account of Richard's life in the military, the hardships he went through, and how he found his way in the darkest of days. I was on the brink of tears reading about Richard missing his family and his beloved wife. I felt his pain as he missed his children but stayed strong because he had a job to do and a country to serve. The pictures provided added so much depth to what was happening and gave me a pictorial perspective of what was to come as well. The narrative style was remarkably comfortable, easy to follow, and well-written. I highly recommend it!rite your text here...
Sandy K
5.0 out of 5 stars A heartfelt homage to America's Greatest Generation
Reviewed on January 2, 2024
This book, "Avoiding Muddy Foxholes: A Story of an American Bombardier", is a must read for anyone who is interested in WWII history from the perspective of a young everyman enlisting in the service of his country during a critical period in world events. The writer ( the son of the story's hero) draws on personal family history, love letters written by his parents and a painstaking research of Airforce training regimens, aircraft and weaponry. Moreover, while there is necessary fictional narrative/dialogue, it brings home the human sacrifice and yearnings of the young men ( and women back home) who gave up so much to end the tyranny that threatened global stability. Humor and perseverance during so many grim episodes are chronicled in a most readable format.
Tazounet
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
Reviewed in France on December 1, 2023
A book that tells a true story
Translated from French un livre qui raconte une histoire vraie
Kimberlee J Benart
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on December 1, 2023
Avoiding Muddy Foxholes: A Story of an American Bombardier by Jim Loveless is a fictionalized account of the service of his father, Richard “Dick” Loveless, a WWII veteran. After qualifying as a bombardier and completing several successful missions, Second Lieutenant Loveless was shot down over France in September 1943. He was taken prisoner by the Germans and sent to a POW (Prisoner of War) camp in German-occupied Poland until January 1945. In the face of the advancing Russian army, the Germans forced Loveless to evacuate along with thousands of other POWs. They made a tortuous and, for some, deadly march on foot in harsh winter conditions to an overcrowded and inadequately supplied camp in Germany where they struggled to survive until it was liberated in April.
In Avoiding Muddy Foxholes, Jim Loveless gives us a wonderful tribute not only to his father’s personal courage, toughmindedness, and faith, but to the sacrifice and service of so many of his generation including the spouses, families, and civilians who supported the Allied forces. The narrative is impeccably researched, highly descriptive, well-paced, and utterly engaging. Photographs are sprinkled throughout, and a list of historical sources is included. As well as gaining insight into Dick’s pre-war civilian life, his military training, and his high-risk bombing missions, we also see his sweet romance with Mary Lu blossom into a love that sustains him. I was especially touched by the portrayal of the French villagers who tried to help Dick and who later sought to honor those crewmembers who died when his bomber crashed. This is an inspirational book that any fan of WWII history will appreciate.