A lot of people love animals, but Nora Kent carries it to extremes. She runs a pet store named, what else, Norah's Ark. A lot of people, like Rick Haley, think she overdoes her passion for pets. She has a mynah bird, named Asia Myna, a parrot named Winky, Hoppy, her Flemish Giant rabbit and Bently, a black and white dog, part beagle, part Staffordshire terrior,and a smidgeon of pit bull. Bently is a neurotic mess. he's afraid of everything, except Norah, whom he adores.
In addition to collecting pets, Norah attracts a wide assortment of people too. There's Lilly, who owns the Fashion Diva Shop and who wants Connor, a rich playboy, who is interested in Norah. There's elderly Auntie Lou who owns the antique shop and depends on Norah to watch over her. Joe who wants to marry Norah, and Rick, a mounted policeman with a beautiful horse named Sergeant Thunder.
Norah's Ark is packed full of quirky characters and quirky situations. Judy Baer has a great sense of the ridiculous that will keep you laughing all the way through the book. And Bently will steal every dog lover's heart. A fun, enjoyable story from the first page to the last.

Pet store owner Norah Kent loves the Lord and animals; she dreams of one day having a family with Mr. Right, a person who must accept that she is prime caretaker of her beloved elderly Auntie Lou, is owned by Bentley the mutt, and must share her two passions especially her Christian faith.

Three bachelors show interest in Norah. US Navy Commander Connor Trevain seems to care for Norah, but she fears stepping out with him because her best friend Lilly wants him. The townsfolk push Joe Collier, who asks Norah for dates, but she knows he is not the one so has ruled him out. Finally there is police officer Nick Haley, who has three things going for him. Bentley has chosen him though he seems to fear the mutt and she keeps hearing the bells. Still Connor is nice if only Lilly wanted someone else like Nick for instance.

NORAH'S ARK is a pleasant optimistic Christian romance starring an upbeat somewhat innocent (too naive around men) protagonist and a cast of eccentrics starting with her matchmaking canine and a horde of other two legged, four legged, and no legged animals). The fast-paced breezy story line will provide fans of Judy Baer with plenty of entertainment from start to finish as the audience will wonder just who will win the Norah sweepstakes. The novel lives up to its classic second line "HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR IGUANA TODAY?" as a fun filled tale.

Harriet Klausner