Golden is the moving, funny story of a man who finds himself in the middle of a deeply personal mystery which only his dog can help him solve...
"If you’ve ever wondered what your dog is thinking, then Golden is a must-read!”–Gregory Berns, New York Times bestselling author of How Dogs Love Us
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For Will Watson, it was time for a change. Life in England had gone sour for him, so he and his Golden Retriever Mia headed to the other side of the world — to a small Australian mountain town called Maleny.
There, Will tries to navigate through the surprising and sometimes sinister ways of his adopted community while trying to make a living. As he strives to feel at home in Australia, Will is faced with a long list of challenges that are at odds with the easy life hed been led to believe was the norm down under. But the biggest surprise is in Mia's connection to this land, to its denizens, and to the environment around her, through which she forges a stunning new purpose. What happens with Mia will change all of those around her, but none more than the man — her dearest friend — who needed to change the most. A story of transformation, dedication, and secrets hidden just beyond our sight, GOLDEN is a profound, moving, funny, and consistently surprising tale.
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Critic reviews of Golden...
"Golden is a profound and touching exploration of how life’s unexpected turns often bring us closer to our true selves. The book beautifully weaves humor, personal growth, and environmental connection, using Mia, the loyal Golden Retriever, as both companion and symbol of nature’s mysterious influence on human lives. Like a sunrise peeking over the Australian hills, Golden slowly but surely reveals the light within its characters, leaving the reader warmed and enriched by its message of change, connection, and rediscovery." Chrysalis Brew Project
"This is a story that invites empathy, challenges perspectives, and lingers in the heart long after the final page. Its thoughtful exploration of identity and resilience, combined with Turner’s humor and unique voice, makes Golden worthy of the Spotlyts Story Award." Spotlyts
"Golden is a tale of second chances and the messy, magnificent process of finding oneself. It celebrates the beauty of brokenness, the quiet strength of companionship, and the unexpected grace that can bloom in life’s most awkward, painful moments. Like the Australian landscape it so lovingly depicts, this novel is sprawling, sun-drenched, and teeming with life. It leaves readers not with the certainty that everything will be alright, but with something even more precious: the reminder that even in life’s harshest terrains, there’s always something worth staying for." World's Best Magazine
"Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and reflections on personal growth will find Golden deeply moving. The book shares similarities with Marley & Me by John Grogan, as both works highlight the profound bonds between humans and their dogs. Like rays of sunlight breaking through a storm, Golden reminds us of the beauty found in life’s hardest moments and the importance of embracing transformation to find peace and belonging." Books for Humanity Global
"It's a beautiful story which is easy to read and hard to put down. There's a deep mystery at the heart of the book which Mia is the key to understanding. If I'm honest, I can't remember loving a character as much as Mia. She's the most gorgeous dog and friend, and her presence makes reading Golden feel like home. I felt like she was my own dog by the end of the book. And the ending, oh my god. I won't write any spoilers here but it's surprising, moving, profound, and satisfying all in one. As you can tell, I loved this novel! Highly recommended for lovers of mysterious dog books." Stanley Caspari
"This is a story that invites empathy, challenges perspectives, and lingers in the heart long after the final page. Its thoughtful exploration of identity and resilience, combined with Turner’s humor and unique voice, makes Golden worthy of the Spotlyts Story Award." Spotlyts
"Golden is a tale of second chances and the messy, magnificent process of finding oneself. It celebrates the beauty of brokenness, the quiet strength of companionship, and the unexpected grace that can bloom in life’s most awkward, painful moments. Like the Australian landscape it so lovingly depicts, this novel is sprawling, sun-drenched, and teeming with life. It leaves readers not with the certainty that everything will be alright, but with something even more precious: the reminder that even in life’s harshest terrains, there’s always something worth staying for." World's Best Magazine
"Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and reflections on personal growth will find Golden deeply moving. The book shares similarities with Marley & Me by John Grogan, as both works highlight the profound bonds between humans and their dogs. Like rays of sunlight breaking through a storm, Golden reminds us of the beauty found in life’s hardest moments and the importance of embracing transformation to find peace and belonging." Books for Humanity Global
"It's a beautiful story which is easy to read and hard to put down. There's a deep mystery at the heart of the book which Mia is the key to understanding. If I'm honest, I can't remember loving a character as much as Mia. She's the most gorgeous dog and friend, and her presence makes reading Golden feel like home. I felt like she was my own dog by the end of the book. And the ending, oh my god. I won't write any spoilers here but it's surprising, moving, profound, and satisfying all in one. As you can tell, I loved this novel! Highly recommended for lovers of mysterious dog books." Stanley Caspari