It’s a boy! Beagles and Books is celebrating the birth of Archie Harrison Monbatten-Windsor, the son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with a review and giveaway of The Duchess and Guy: A Rescue to Royalty Puppy Love Story written by Nancy Furstinger and illustrated by Julia Bereciartu. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Publisher’s Summary:
A heartwarming tale about a beagle and the Duchess who adopted him, this picture book is inspired by the true story of Meghan Markle and her rescue dog, Guy. When he was a pup, Guy was just like any dog in the shelter; he liked to bark and follow his nose, and dreamed of a forever home above all things. But when Guy met Meghan, he had no idea he was about to star in his own Cinderella story. Guy can now be spotted escorting Queen Elizabeth and frolicking in Buckingham Palace. This rags-to-riches story of how one regal beagle got a second chance at life will charm and delight.
Review:
It’s pretty clear that I love dogs and books, but when the book is about a rescue beagle, it is even better. And the fact that the beagle was rescued by a future Duchess, well, it is the absolutely best!
Although I know Guy has a happy ending, my heart still hurt when I read Furstinger’s poignant first words and Julia Bereciartu’s gorgeous yet forlourn illustration of Guy in the shelter.
When I turned the page, my heart leaped for joy when Guy was adopted by Meghan and finally got his furever home.The story focus shifts to Meghan’s impending marriage to Prince Harry and how Guy wants to prove he is a regal beagle. Being among royalty is a bit overwhelming for Guy and despite his best intentions, his transition isn’t as smooth as he envisioned. Meghan reminds Guy to be the happy go lucky dog he is.
Whether you are two legged or four legged, adjustment to a new situation or surrounding can be challenging; I love that Furstinger emphasizes the way to capture hearts (even the Queen of England’s) is to simply just be yourself.
At the end of the book, Furstinger includes a factual account of Guy’s rags to riches story. What especially warms my heart is information on dog adoptions which is a cause close near and dear to me. Like Guy, both Etta and Bella are rescues from the south and were sponsored and saved by Penny Angels Beagle Rescue in New Jersey.
Special thanks to author Nancy Furstinger for sharing a copy of The Duchess and Guy with Beagles and Books. It recently published in January 2019.
Meet the Author:
Nancy Furstinger has been speaking up for animals since she learned to talk, and she hasn’t shut up yet. She is the author of nearly 100 books, including many on her favorite topic: animals! She started her writing career in third grade, when her class performed a play she wrote while recovering from chicken pox. Since then, Nancy has been a feature writer for a daily newspaper, a managing editor of trade and consumer magazines, and an editor at two children’s book publishing houses. She shares her home with big dogs, house rabbits, and a chinchilla (all rescued), and volunteers with several animal organizations.
Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a copy of The Duchess and Guy (U.S. addresses only). Enter the giveaway by retweeting my blog post tweet on Twitter and/or by making a comment on this blog post. Giveaway ends Sunday, May 19, 2019.
Beagles & Books 
Thanks for this fabulous review, Laura–made extra special since you have a duo of rescued beagles, a cause near and dear to my heart! And good luck everyone on the giveaway–I hope GUY’s “tail” encourages young readers to chase their dreams:-)
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She found a beautiful puppy-dog, and that’s the most important thing!
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And a rescue pooch, which makes my heart sing!
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This is so adorable!
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And the book matches Laura’s rescued beagle girls:-)
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What an adorable book! And I especially love that it’s about rescues. Thanks for sharing, Laura, and I’ll definitely click over to your giveaway. Have a wonderful reading week!
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Ah, re-read the giveaway details and will definitely share your giveaway post on Twitter. ❤
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Thanks for sharing, and rescue dogs are my passion!
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It’s a great review, Laura. I had no idea that this book was out about Guy. I did know about him a little bit. How fun that there’s a picture book for him now. (I love “furever home.) Thanks!
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Glad you found out via this blog–it’s the perfect spot to announce GUY news!
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What a lucky beagle!
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Indeed: from rescue to royalty!
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Hooray for regal beagles & furever homes!! Congrats, Nancy! Love the beagle girls and all rescue dogs & creatures 🙂 <3! Thanks for sharing, Laura!
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Thanks, Maria, and of course you know the joys of rescue dogs…and writing about them! Rescue animals rock:-)
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Looks like a cute book and relevant since everyone’s all excited about the Royal baby. Thanks for sharing and have a terrific week!
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Yes, and betting Archie will be a HUGE animal lover:-)
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I am so excited to read this book and add it to my dog book collection! As a rescue dog mom and royal watcher, I’m thrilled to learn that Meghan Markle adopted a rescue pup! Love that Guy is a beagle like Laura’s rescue pups! Fingers crossed!
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LOL, that’s the term that my agent mentioned (royal watcher) when he asked if I’d be interested in writing this book! I’m more into the rescue dog end, but admire how MM advocates for homeless animals. Paws crossed:-)
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My favorite books are ones featuring dogs–the kind like this in which dogs are loved and cared for with respect.
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That’s my favorite kind, too–hope you get to read GUY’s “tail”!
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This looks like a cute book. My boys would love this.
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I hope your boys enjoy reading all about GUY!
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I’m definitely getting this for my kiddo! All of our pets have been rescues and I love how Guy just needs to be himself (even for the Queen).
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Exactly! A great message for all kiddos. And thanks for rescuing–I have a houseful: dogs, rabbits, and a chin:-)
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