Description:
Fate has a sense of humor in this witty, heartfelt tale of love and second chances told in two perspectives--a woman in midlife desperate for something new, and a lost dog seeking his purpose.
After years of dreams deferred, Josie Ballard's life is about to change. She and her husband are off to Sorrento for a summer adventure, but on the eve of their departure, Josie discovers his infidelity. Devastated, she leaves her faithless husband, heading for the sun-drenched Italian coast. Alone, future unknown.
Five thousand miles away, Cicero, a rather snobbish terrier of indeterminate breeding, is likewise living an upturned life after his beloved human's passing. Heartbroken, he wanders the wilds of Pompeii. When a flustered tourist with a kind smile appears in the ruins, clutching her tote bag and map, Cicero and Josie collide like the two lost souls they are.
In a series of turns as twisty as Sorrento's streets, Cicero leads Josie to her second act: Hugo, a charming and somewhat contrary local bookseller. Against a backdrop of quaint villages, sun-dappled olive orchards, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, Hugo and Josie embark on a friendship that just might tiptoe into romance, with little Cicero to help them along the way--for dogs, he reasons, are nothing if not experts when it comes to love.
(c) 2026 by Kristin Beck, all rights reserved.
Brief description:
Kristin Judd is an acclaimed author of historical and contemporary fiction. A former teacher, she holds a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Washington and a master's in teaching from Western Washington University. When she's not reading and writing, Kristin loves anything that gets her outdoors, whether it be hiking in the mountains, riding horses in the woods, or digging in the garden. Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, and many pets, including an opinionated terrier much like Cicero.
Review Quotes:
"Made unique by characters that steal your heart (including one of the best dog characters in the history of fiction), A Heartbeat at My Feet is a masterfully woven love story set within the panorama of modern Italy. Kristin Judd's elegant yet comedic blend will pull you into the story until you find it impossible to put down this book." --Sue Harrison, international bestselling author of Mother Earth Father Sky and The Midwife's Touch
"A Heartbeat at My Feet is at once a sumptuous travelogue, an irrepressible dog's tale (tail?), and a voyage of self-discovery. Empty-nester Josie finds herself in Italy alone and brokenhearted when her husband leaves her for another woman and a long-planned romantic vacation becomes a solo trip. Impulsively adopting a scruffy terrier named Cicero from the ruins of Pompeii, Josie begins picking up the pieces of her heart as she journeys from Sorrento to Naples to Capri, unaware that Cicero is trailing the ghost of his former owner...who has his own plans for Josie's future, and sets Cicero to matchmaking. Josie's lovable warmth contrasts delightfully with Cicero's acerbic commentary--I would have happily followed this adorable duo all over Italy. Pour yourself a prosecco, put the pasta on to boil, and lose yourself to the Tuscan delight of Kristin Judd's latest!" --Kate Quinn
"Sun, sea, gelato, and limoncello form a backdrop to this heartwarming tale in which a betrayed woman and a bereaved terrier form a bond. Cicero is a true original: a wise old soul who understands the meaning of life better than most humans and doesn't hesitate to let his opinions be known. This is a page-turner of a story about second chances, about learning to love again--and about trusting the instincts of our canine companions." --Gill Paul, author of Scandalous Women
"A Heartbeat at My Feet is a delightful tale about second chances at love. Both Josie and Cicero are nursing broken hearts, Josie because her husband had an affair and Cicero because his master has died, leaving him to scavenge for survival with other street dogs. As a bonus, Kristin Judd's lyrical descriptions of Southern Italy put travel guides to shame in this tale that enchants from start to finish." --Janie Chang, bestselling author of The Fourth Princess, The Porcelain Moon, and The Library of Legends
"The perfect blend of humor and heart, Kristin Judd's A Heartbeat at My Feet is a sweet escape into the gorgeous Italian countryside with two unforgettable characters. After a lifetime of putting others first and discovering her husband's infidelity, Josie embarks upon the trip of a lifetime to find herself. Along the way she forges a beautiful relationship with the incomparable Cicero, a wise terrier grappling with his own devastating loss. I adored their heartwarming connection, Josie's authenticity as she reclaims her life and discovers new love, and the insightful way Judd voiced Cicero's endearing personality. An absolute delight in every way!" --Erin Litteken, internationally bestselling author of The Memory Keeper of Kyiv
"There's so much to love in A Heartbeat at My Feet, from the lush Italy vibes, to a heroine you'll root for as she finds her footing, to an absolutely charming (and believable!) canine narrator. Pour a glass of limoncello and prepare to lose yourself in the pages!" --Victoria Schade, author of Fated Skates
"Escape into a sweet, whimsical story about second chances and new beginnings. Kristin Judd's latest novel will whisk you to Southern coastal Italy; romance you with an adorable dog, a handsome Italian bookshop owner, and gelato; and ultimately, pull at your heartstrings. A Heartbeat at My Feet is romantic, sentimental, and utterly charming." --Amy Gail Hansen, author of Happier Here With You
"A lovely, lyrical romance that hits all the right notes. I loved the immersive Italian setting and the loyal and resourceful little dog who is at the heart of everything. This is a story to savor!" --Rachel Linden, author of A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity
"My favorite book of the year! Kristin Judd brings Italy to life with vivid detail in this uplifting story of second chances, self-discovery, and finding the courage to choose yourself. The moment terrier Cicero padded onto the page, he stole my heart. Intelligent, witty, and determined to reunite with his owner, this lovable canine matchmaker brings humor and charm to every scene. After years of putting others first, Josie embarks on a journey that leads her to rediscover her passions, unexpected love, and the life she truly deserves. A Heartbeat at My Feet is an utter joy from beginning to end." --Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of Lost in the Summer of '69