Merry Atwater had two jobs. Merry is a nurse and also owns an animal rescue for boxers. Merry loves both of her jobs. However the hardest is the dog rescue. Merry just can't get enough cash to keep it going.

TJ runs a group at his farm for children that have problems. TJ's nephew Noah is autistic. TJ feels that maybe a therapy dog therapy and its trainer would be a great help for Noah and the other children. Merry answers the ad, but the two of them just don't click.

Both of them have their own secrets, and are not about to let the other one in on it.

Rachel Lacey writes not only writes a story that any dog lover would love, but also adds in some romance. Since I am a dog lover, I found myself drawn to the way that she describes Merry. I am not a nurse, but I could see myself in her shoes. How is going to take care of the animals?

Ms. Lacey also shows how therapy dogs can help children. I know there are a lot of different groups out there with therapy dogs. This story line shows no matter what problems people have a dog really can help. Some of the nursing homes in my town do allow dogs to come in and just sit with the elderly. I really enjoyed FOR KEEPS. Hopefully the next book will update us on the two main characters in this book.