Seven Days to Goodbye (Trina Ryan #1) by Sheri S. Levy

Seven Days to Goodbye (Trina Ryan #1) Reviews

• 
  Flor

  I received a free kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much.
  
  For starters, i recently lost my very dear sweet dog, he was with me for most part of my life and when I saw this book I thought that it could be an excellent opportunity to mourn him and heal. Thankfully it did help but it also gave me a sweet lovely story about friendship, letting go and moving on.
  
  Trina is a young teenage girl that's currently living her final days with her beloved dog Sydney, who she has been taking care and training for people who really need him. However that's been keeping her away from her best Hannah, who is going to spend some days with her and both of their families on the beach. Where they'll meet three very sweet brothers, that will make that summer an experience to never forget.
  
  Probably i would have enjoyed it a little more when i was younger but still i found it to be very sweet and yes healing. I cried with the doggy parts, specially the ones with Logan, and I loved Trina's relationship with Sydney. There's so much love and loyalty there and I'm really happy with the ending as well. Totally worth the try, so thankful for opportunity to read it.
• 
  Suzy Davies

  The concept for this story is original and it is clear that the author is knowledgeable and has researched the subject matter: service dogs. This is admirable. However, there are some problems with the writing, and I would strongly recommend a rewrite.
  The main issue for me is that the authorial voice does not ring true. The subject matter is appropriate for a Y.A audience, but the delivery makes the story sound more like an M.G Chapter Book. For example, at one point, the author, a young adult, and passenger in her dad's car says, "Wheee!" as the car descends a sharp incline.
  In places, the "conversation" sounds artificial so that I find it difficult to believe in the characters.Poor organization of the story and lack of editing in places meant that there was unwarranted repetition.
  An example of stilted conversation is where Sarah, the author's friend, says "Gosh, listening to our parents talking about having dinner is making me even hungrier. I'm starving." Here the author is telling the reader how the character feels rather than showing him/her. In addition, this is also the result of the poor organization of the story, since the notion of the "grown-ups" talking about dinner was introduced in the first paragraph of Chapter 5, and Sarah's reaction only comes in at paragraph 8.
  Overall, the story is overwritten. This means that the reader is conscious of being told a story, and this makes it difficult to enter the world of the book.
  There were also some problems with grammar - in particular, overuse of adverbs. Another problem was the use of ing forms where simple past tense would have been better.
  I did think that the idea of having a tomboy and a "girlie girl" with a pink phone as her sidekick as a bit of a cliche, too.
  I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Stephanie Parker

  Heartbreaking, Heartwarming
  Sheri S. Levy’s “Seven Days to Goodbye” is more than a teen read with the inevitable fashion, different maturity levels, and boy-girl relationship uncertainties. It introduces readers to the wonderful world of service dogs and their abilities, to young service dog trainers, and to the marvel of coastal wildlife.
  Trina and best friend Sarah embark on a week-long beach vacation. But are they still best friends? Sarah can think of nothing other than trendy new clothes and meeting boys. Trina wants to swim in the surf and enjoy her last week with Sydney, the service dog she has trained for the past 18 months. At the end of the beach stay, Sydney will go back to the kennel and prepare for meeting his new family. Trina will go home with a shattered heart.
  Knowing that she may never recover from telling Sydney goodbye and leaving him behind, Trina redoubles her efforts to enjoy everything the beach has to offer, including protecting the nest of a loggerhead turtle. But when two teen brothers pop up over the beach horizon, along with their younger brother who is autistic, Trina’s plans scatter like the sand at her feet.
  
• 
  Aspasia

  Seven Days to Goodbye takes place during a week of roller coaster emotions for our protagonist, Trina. Trina has been busy for a year with schoolwork and fostering and training Sydney, a border collie service dog. In the book, this is Trina's last week with Sydney as he must be returned to the service dog organization to find his fur-ever family and a child that will need his protection. While Trina is happy that she is going on a vacation to the beach with her family and her best friend, the thought of parting from Sydney makes her heart ache even though it's for a good cause. At first there is some friction between Trina and Sarah since Sarah seems more boy-and-clothes focused than Trina. They soon make up over sea turtle watching, playing in the surf, and walks along the beach. Sydney makes a new friend too with a little autistic boy named Logan. Logan thrives around Sydney and Logan's family marvels at his progress. Logan's older brothers, Chase and Peyton, give Trina and Sarah's heart some thrills too in a blossoming yet innocent, summer romance.
  
  Despite the name of the book, Seven Days to Goodbye, is not a sad book like most animal books. Spoiler alert: Sydney does not die! Although the ending is emotional, it's a happy emotional as Trina continues on in her journey of being a service dog trainer.
  
  You can visit Sheri S. Levy's website here:
  http://www.sherislevy.com/
• 
  Lesley

  Middle grade life is hard enough for any adolescent, but when your best friend becomes obsessed with clothes and boys and the puppy you have been training as a service dog has to be given up, life becomes just that much harder. Trina has one week left with puppy Sydney, and she and her family spend that week with her best friend Sarah's family. As Trina meets a young boy who has autism and tries to convince his mother of the benefit of a service dog such as Sydney, Trina has to decide whether to take on another puppy.
  This novel shows adolescents how just how responsible and valuable even a 13 year old can be and might inspire them to find their own passions while navigating young teen life.
• 
  Sheri S.

  I can not let another morning go by without telling Sheri how much I enjoyed reading Seven Days to Goodbye! I LOVE “coming of age” books and yours was fantastic! Sheri, you really put a lot of thoughts into the readers head, especially relationships. Parents, friends, opposite sex and of course dogs. I am mailing your book to my cousins daughter. I do not believe she is much of a reader but if any book could give her the gift of loving to read it is yours!
  Janet
• 
  Sofie

  Oh my god!!! I loved this book :D It was such a simple book that involved no thinking just enjoyment, it reminded me about my first love and all the wonderful and sometimes intense emotions of being a teenager. It was also set on the beach which made it 100 times more lovely to read. I really wished it would never end. PLEASE let there be a sequel!
• 
  Joanne

  Seven Days to Goodbye is Sheri Levy’s inaugural book in the Middle School/Young Adult arena. I believe this book would, also, be appreciated by dog lovers of all ages and service dog puppy raisers and/or service dog partners. Although the title may lead one to expect a sad story, Ms. Levy delivers a poignant, enlightening discussion of the challenges and emotions associated with being a puppy raiser for a future service dog. I read this book through the eyes of an individual that has been partnered with a service dog and is acquainted with many puppy raisers. Readers are introduced to the world of service dogs in training, the remarkable tasks and abilities these special dogs are capable of and the potential for teens and young adults to be successful trainers.
  
  This story encompasses the last week of service dog puppy training/raising for Sydney, an Australian Shephard. Trina, a young teenager, is completing Sydney’s final week of training before Sydney completes “finishing school” and is partnered with an individual in need of a service dog. Trina, her family, her best friend Sarah and Sarah’s family, and her friend Hannah spend the week at a beach. This will be Trina's last trip with Sydney, and completion of all of his initial training before he goes back to the service program. During the week, the girls meet new friends, Peyton and Chase who also are staying at the beach front. Throughout the week Trina and her friends confront challenges associated with friendship, clothing selections, jealously, first love and heartache. This summer will truly be memorable on many levels. Ultimately, Trina knows she will have to say goodbye to Sydney, the big question is will she say hello again... Emotionally, can she find room in her heart to welcome another puppy that needs a puppy raiser in preparation for a career as a service dog. Trina’s love for animals shines brightly.
  
  True to the world of puppy raisers and service dog partners, both groups experience times of heartbreak and pure joy. A variety of topics often experienced by middle schoolers and teenagers were touched on within the context of this story. I would love to read a sequel with well-developed characters, a more in-depth exploration of feelings and issues common to the target reader audience. An enjoyable read which I would recommend to animal lovers and those considering becoming a puppy raiser. I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Levy’s books.
  
• 
  Wulfwyn

  I liked reading Seven Days To Goodbye. It was interesting though I found myself wondering what year it was based in. Trina wavered between being a child and maturing. She was very good at training the dog and in making responsible decisions. However there was a lot of child left in her. Her behavior matched that of a young teen years ago. In today’s world, though, I would have placed her around nine or ten. Sarah too, felt wrong for this year. Since no year was given I’m not going take a star. The story is actually a good one. I like the message that friends can change and grow yet remain friends. I also greatly enjoyed learning all about service dogs.
  Overall I think this is a very good book for preteens. I think some teens and dog lovers may also enjoy it. There is no fast language or extreme violence for those who are interested in that.
  I was given a review copy, through BookTasters, for review purposes. Opinions expressed are my honest thoughts. Thank you to the author for providing ecopies for review consideration.
• 
  Keep Calm Novel On

  The author via Booktasters provided a copy of the ePub in exchange for an honest review.
  
  Sheri S. Levy’s middle-grade novel Seven Days to Goodbye is a touching read. After the loss of Trina’s beloved dog, she becomes a Puppy Raiser. Sydney is her first service dog student and he will return to his kennel family after a summer vacation. Her ‘best’ friend Sarah and her family also join Trina and her parents for their annual getaway. Trina and Sarah’s friendship has been strained since their individual interests have changed and their connection is not as solid as it once was. The author explores loss, friendship and young love in this well-written read. Trina’s positive spirit and attitude are infectious. Tweens and teens will enjoy Seven Days to Goodbye along with dog lovers of all ages. Looking forward to Sheri S. Levy’s next book.
  
• 
  Shefali

  Oh my god, being a dog lover, I so relate to the feelings of Trina and what she goes through. Dogs are a blessing straight out of heaven and I am really, really glad the author wrote this book.
  I would sincerely like to thank her for this.
  However, that is not the only angle in this book 'Seven Days to Goodbye' because we also have the complicated situation between Trina and her best friend and this guy, Chase. The strained relationship between the two best friends is quite interesting and complex. However, the narrative itself is quite uncomplicated and that's the beauty of it, truly.
  
  It is a wonderful and intriguing read, which will make you keep on turning the pages.
  Anyway, being a dog lover, as soon as I saw the book cover and read the synopsis, I had to get this book.
  
  A wonderful read, undoubtedly. In fact, I would say, it's a must read!
• 
  Srijana

  I received this book from the author via Booktasters in exchange for an honest review.
  
  Living in a semi-rural town of India, service dogs are a rarity in my part of the world and reading a book about a teen training service dogs gives the reader a refreshing new perspective on such topics. And diversity in literature is the trend these days.
  
  Although this debut novel has been marketed as a YA, it has a more Middle Grade feel to it. However, this was not a drawback, infact Trina the protagonist is quite mature for her age. She is a strong character whose friendship with her best friend has gone through a lot of changes but inspite of all the emotional turmoil she manages to come to terms with giving up her service dog she has been training. Over the course of seven days she and her friend also befriend two other boys and their younger brother with autism and the story basically revolves around these characters and the dogs.
  
  Apart from the storyline what struck to me the most was the author's love for animals that manifests itself when she writes about not just dogs but the turtles, pelicans, sea gulls and dolphins as well.
  
  Overall, an enjoyable read. Recommending it to all animal lovers and looking forward to reading more of her works.
  
• 
  Marg

  A super family friendly story to suit all ages from pre-teens to grandparents. Plenty of humorous true to life incidents – dogs, kids and beach – what’s not to love!. The characters as sketched out are just typical for the average Aussie family (although this is set elsewhere it may as well be in Australia) – right down to the parents’ taste in music, their easy-going approach to life ups and downs that enables the teenage daughters to feel both autonomous and secure as in the ‘we’ve-got-your-back’ approach to parenting. This is Trina’s final week with Sydney, the dog she has raised and trained from a puppy to be a service dog, a week of conflicting emotions from pain of loss to that of pride in how well trained Sydney shows himself to be by developing a relationship with a special little boy. But wait there’s more.. best friends changing, growing apart, finding each other again, redefining relationships and more..If you love animals, are a teen, a parent of a teen or can remember being a teen, then you will find this is a book that will have you smiling, laughing, a little teary eyed, and energised to race up to your best friend with a “You must read this!”
• 
  Robin Atkins

  Best friends are forever! A story about Trina and Sarah - growing up and jealousy. Doing things together and growing apart. It's life.
  
  Trina spends a week at the beach with her parents, service dog in training, Sydney and best friend. The girls laugh and have fun and at the same time jealous of the other. This is Trina's last week with Sydney and the two share warm moments.
  
  This book is a fast read and a great one as well. What drew me to this book was the cover and it's my hope that others will find this gem and pass it on. Great stories need to be shared.
  
  I received this book in return for a honest review.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Hillary Baun

  Hillary Hall De Baun: This is a must-read treasure. When I finished Seven Days to Goodbye, I wished it would go on forever. Three cheers for new author Sheri Levy and her poignant account of a young girl and her dog and how you say goodbye to someone you love. If you've ever wondered how puppies are trained to become service dogs, this wonderful story will tell you everything you want to know. The themes of friendship and first love also resonate throughout, but it's Sydney, an Australian shepherd, who steals the show and claims our hearts.
• 
  C. Clark

  Sweet, touching, I can see this book in a young teen's grip, hiding in her bedroom, tears in her eyes. How much more can you heap on a girl's plate than taking her friend, her boy, and her dog? Trina faces so much growing up in this coming of age tale about a girl who helps train service dogs, and about the time she is about to lose the first one she's trained, she finds her girlfriend no longer in sync with her, on the verge of leaving Trina for a better social life. Add boy issues, and a hint of jealousy, and Trina feels like her world is caving in. Good story.
• 
  Tami Bartshe

  Sweet story of a young girl and the dog she is training to be a service dog.
  The gist of the story was very good...but I was disappointed in the simple dialogue between Trina and her BFF Sarah. I felt like the story had more teenage drama then story about the the service dog Sydney.
  Overall, a quick easy read. Great for YA or anybody who loves dogs (and who doesn't love a good dog story?).
  I would recommend this story and look forward to part 2.
  Received this free book in exchange for an honest review.
  
• 
  Vera Wilson

  I've vacationed at Edisto, where the story takes place, so this make the book enjoyable to me. Tricia was so,into training the dog, that it did cause friendship with her best friend to be a little difficult at times
  
  Story written for the middle school age group, but also someone that would like to learn about training dogs to become service dogs would enjoy reading it. You would really need to be an animal lover to enjoy the book.
• 
  Judy Sheluk

  This book is classified as YA and it has been a long time since I was a young adult, but I'm a dog lover and the premise of the book called out to me. I'm so glad it did. I found myself reading well into the night, as I read about a teenaged dog trainer, Trina and her service dog in training, Sydney. The adolescent angst of best friends and first time love interests reminded me of my own youth. A wonderful, heartwarming read. I can't wait for the sequel.
• 
  Traci

  Really enjoyed this book. It made me really wish I was at the beach.... read it cover to cover in one day. Great character development and lots of layering. Can't wait for the next one.
• 
  Cabiria Aquarius

  I was looking on BookTasters timeline for another to pick.
  
  I saw Seven Days to Goodbye, looked up what it was about. I thought that it sounded fun. But I hesitated on asking for it.
  
  I looked some more and looked some others up. Nothing was catching my eye. I kept going back to Seven Days to Goodbye, I was thinking of asking for it, but at the same time I hesitated still.
  
  I in the end decided to ask for it. I'm really glad I did.
  
  This story is relatable to me in so many ways. Trina is afraid of losing her friend. I feel like I have lost one and am afraid to lose the others.
  Trina is nervous around boys and doesn't think about them. Same.
  Trina is sad about her old dog (I have a dog and try not to think about when that day comes). Trina is not looking forward to giving Sydney back. I understand that.
  
  Some parts of this book made me laugh out loud, some parts I was actually crying.
  
  I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book.
  
  Thank you for writing it and thank you for letting me read it.
• 
  Nikkie

  How would you feel if you had just seven days to say goodbye?
  
  Trina and Sydney have just seven days left together after Trina, 13, has successfully trained Sydney to be a service dog in this young adult novel. This book shows the extensive training involved with service dogs, and the sacrifices made for the good of others.
  
  What better way to spend the last week together than on holiday with best friend Sarah, her dog Darby and their parents. That is.. Until boys are involved!
  
  Sarah appears to be more interested in boys, make up and clothes; where has Trina's best friend gone? Can the friends get over the tension brought on by Chase and Peyton?
  
  This lovely, sweet, teen read is very light and entertaining, with the obvious underlying tension due to the fact you know that Trina and Sydney have a big challenge at the end of their week together. Teenage angst (the joys of hormonal mood swings!), friendship struggles, first love and above all, the love between human and dog proves this to be a very relatable and nice read.
  
  I particularly loved the scenes between Sydney and Logan, I am a massive animal lover and it is so heart warming to read a book about what incredible animals dogs are, especially those trained to help people with difficulties. Some of these moments caused me to tear up and I just thought this aspect of the book was lovely.
  
  Thank you to Booktasters and Sheri S. Levy for the copy of this book in return for an honest review – I really enjoyed this book so thank you!
• 
  Marjean Huber

  Sheri Levy captures the heart of young readers with her dynamic writing. My grandchildren are thrilled with her books and have already read them twice. She leads the reader through mixed emotions, heartache, and pain of youth. And, I too enjoyed the books.
  Delightful. Insightful. Full of life’s little lessons.