Dog-Eared
Love & Healing-One Turned Page at a Time
Set in a cozy neighborhood bookstore, Dog-Eared is a heartfelt story about books, dogs, friendship, grief, intimacy, and two people who slowly discover that healing and love don’t always follow the path we expect.
A NOVEL ABOUT
The ways we learn to survive, and the courage it takes to live differently.
"Healing isn't tearing out the pages that hurt. It's learning that they don't get to write the next chapter."
James and Shannon have learned very different ways to protect themselves.
He gives people space before they can leave.
She reads the room, studies expectations, and becomes the version of herself she believes will be easiest to accept.
Neither learned these things because something was wrong with them.
They learned them because, at some point, they worked.
But the things that help us survive one season of life can keep us from fully living in the next.
When James and Shannon begin moving toward one another, they slowly discover that love does not always wait for healing to be finished.
Sometimes healing happens in the space between two people who are willing to stay.
Sometimes, we heal toward each other.
JAMES & SHANNON
EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK
“I don’t think we’ve officially met,” he said.
Shannon looked back up at him.
“I guess we haven’t,” she said.
“I’m James.”
There was nothing remarkable about introducing himself. People did it every day without thought. Still, something about saying his name to her felt strangely intentional.
“It’s nice to meet you, James.”
“You too.”
A brief pause settled comfortably between them.
“I’m Shannon,” she said.
“I remember.”
Her eyebrows lifted slightly.
He caught himself. “From the store,” he added.
“Oh, of course.”
He laughed quietly, the sound easier than he expected.
“And this is Koa?” she asked.
“That’s him.”
“It’s a good name.”
“Thanks.” He glanced down at the dog.
“It means warrior.”
Shannon smiled faintly and continued scratching behind Koa’s ear.“
It felt fitting,” he said, “considering what he’s been through.”
Shannon paused.
Then she looked down at Koa again, her hand moving gently through the fur behind his ear.
“Good for you, buddy,” she said softly. “You seem like you’re doing pretty okay now.”
Koa’s eyes closed again, leaning harder into her touch.
James noticed immediately.
Koa did not usually do that with strangers. He tolerated people sometimes. Accepted them carefully. But this was different. This was trust without hesitation. The dog who took so long to trust him, just walked up to a stranger with ease. For some reason, James felt himself relax too.
© 2026 Chris Spradley
FOLLOW THE STORY
Dog-Eared is still being written. Follow along for excerpts, reflections from the world of the novel, behind-the-scenes notes, and updates as James and Shannon's story makes its way toward the bookshelf.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Spradley is a writer, veteran, and lifelong observer of the stories people carry with them. His writing explores healing, relationships, faith, loss, and the often-messy ways people find their way forward.
He is the author of You Are Here: A Christian Devotional and has written on faith, personal growth, and emotional healing. In Dog-Eared, Chris brings those same themes into fiction, exploring what happens when two people discover that healing and love don’t always happen in the order we expect.
Chris is also the founder of Beloved Roots Ranch, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans find connection, purpose, and healing.
When he isn’t writing, he can usually be found outdoors, playing pickleball, or pursuing one of the many interests that have given him more hobbies than he has hours.