Norah's Ark
by Judy Baer
Published by Steeple Hill
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Reviewed By Michele E. Davis
The odd balls whom own shops on Pond Street in Shoreside, a suburb that winds around a lake: Joe, Aunt Lou, Julie and Lilly, all keep Norah busy with their daily dramas, not to mention Norah running her own animal store that sells supplies along with also being an animal B&B.
Norah is keeping her eye out for potential suitors that fit her ideal criteria. He unequivocally needs to be a Christian, as Norah states to Lilly early in the book, "But he'll be much cuter to me if he's a Christian." The right man also needs to love her dog and all other animals; "A guy who doesn't like animals couldn't be 'perfect' for me. I'm in no danger of falling for a man who won't have anything to do with God's furry creatures."
Bentley, her dog, shows her his approval or disapproval of a date and she believes his sixth sense on these matters of the heart. But when police officer Nick Haley comes to town, with a hidden story about being in a narcotics bust that made him transfer to Shoreside Norah's interest is peaked--even though her next-door storefront owner, Joe, has shown enthusiastic interest in dating her for some time. She has one bird in the hand; another in the bush when Connor Trevain, a wealthy boating man arrives in town.
Norah's friend Lilly falls for Connor, but he saves his flowers for Norah, causing a rift between Lily and Norah. Norah realizes early on that she needs to put her faith in God for her to make the right choice about a man, and it certainly helps when Nick shows up at the church she attends. But Norah's life is complicated with three potential suitors, and she needs patience to wait and see what God has in store for her.
Humor abounds with a ribald-talking parrot that will keep a smile on your face while you read.
Armchair Interviews says: Likeable characters, excellent plot line and a quick read.