Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers’ Favorite
Carlita Kosty’s delightful book Training Freddie is told from the narrator’s point of view, plus Merle, the very relatable heroine, and Freddie himself. With a different typeface for each, it makes every thought quite clear. A slightly misleading title, however, as Freddie does not take well to training, despite receiving lessons, and creates chaos on more than one occasion. It’s debatable whether Merle adopts Freddie or the other way around. A widow of less than two years, Merle is now seeking companionship. She is over sixty, frazzled from years as a school teacher, and longs to retire. She escapes to her cottage by the sea in Texas, on occasion, with her family. Online dating may be the answer, but it is not as successful as she had hoped. Who would have guessed that prospective partners would have such dark secrets? As Merle bounces from one disaster to another, Freddie is there to help her in his own special way. What could be better than tickling his tummy and playing ball?
It is impossible not to love both Merle and Freddie in Carlita Kosty’s Training Freddie. As a sixty-something-year-old widow, Merle’s character is so well drawn that you will relate to her. I love the way Freddie stays true to dog nature. He often understands Merle, but from his point of view, seeking out smells, watering every blade of grass, and constantly thinking of food, he remains a true canine. There are excellent descriptions of the Texas area close to the Gulf, and lots to learn about fishing and crabbing. Merle cooks a lot, and the author lists ingredients and how to prepare many of her dishes. Her encounters with prospective boyfriends are hilarious. Online dating is not as easy as it sounds, despite Merle doing her best to stay up to date. Scenes are well drawn and take the reader right into the action. I loved this book; a cozy read where the words flow and the sense of realism remains. There is a smile on every page; this was a joy to read. A well-deserved five stars.
“Refreshing and Genuine“
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026
Format: Paperback
I recently purchased Carlita Kosty’s Training Freddie from the author herself at a recent book event, and I’m very glad I did. The world of Kosty’s heroine, Merle, and her adopted terrier Freddie is simultaneously a wonderful escape from the negativity of our unprecedented times, and a refreshingly honest portrayal of what life is like for single women over 60. I have not had the misfortune of being widowed, but other than that, I could completely relate to Merle. I liked the fact that while Merle genuinely mourns her late husband, she is determined to keep living and enjoy life as she does so. She has a great family support system in her daughter and grandchildren. And, of course, in Freddie–readers are treated to Freddie’s commentary on the situation throughout, reported in his own font. Younger readers may be shocked to learn that Grandma, too, has needs–but I maintain that knowledge is a good thing. I also really enjoyed Kosty’s descriptive powers when she is writing about the Texas places she loves, particularly the coastal area near Rockport. It made the book a kind of vicarious vacation, since I also love the beach. I don’t want to spoil any of Merle’s dating adventures for readers, but I will say she carries herself through them, undaunted in the long term. The novel’s ending leaves a few things unresolved, but since I happen to know Kosty is working on the second book of a trilogy, this is more of a good thing than not. I highly recommend Training Freddie for anyone who wants to escape for a while to a pleasant but realistic headspace, and I look forward to Merle and Freddie’s further adventures.