In a moment of lonely weakness, Penelope Porter looks to her ex-husband in the hopes that if they get back together, he might fulfill her longing for a baby. While Glenn seems slightly interested, Penelope decides to fill her nurturing needs with a puppy, which she promptly loses. Frantic to locate the missing pooch, she's less than cordial toward her new neighbor, Dylan Mersey. She finds herself backtracking with apologies when Dylan turns up with the missing Bonsai (sometimes known as Mr. Darcy).

Dylan has relocated with the hopes of getting a second chance at life. The last thing he needs is trouble in the form of the beautiful, somewhat neurotic Penelope Porter and her Houdini of a dog. When his past comes calling with a deal he can't refuse, it turns out Penelope may be his only hope for redemption.

Elaine Fox's BEDTIME FOR BONSAI is a pleasant romantic tale of love gone bad and second chances. I had a little difficulty feeling sympathy for either Penelope or Dylan, though they ultimately redeem themselves in their defense of one another. Penelope's friends are as enjoyable as Dylan's are menacing and provide several entertaining moments throughout. Fans of Fox's doggy tales will undoubtedly enjoy BEDTIME FOR BONSAI, but I preferred her earlier book, HELLO, DOGGY.