eARC Book review:Peppermint Bark (The Dogmothers #7) by Roxanne St. Claire

 

Available Now

eARC Provided by author

Getting stood up for her high school prom turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Colleen Kilcannon. That's when Joe Mahoney offered to fill in as her date, and magic happened. By the end of that night, Colleen was ready to give up her dreams of flying the friendly skies and seeing the world…because nothing in that world could compete with her firefighter. She and Joe married, had a family, and remained deeply in love until he died in the line of duty, leaving her a widow for twenty years.

Tim McIntosh has avoided Bitter Bark for forty-five years. But when the international business executive returns to his home town to fulfill his father’s dying wish, seeing Colleen again is inevitable. Determined to deliver a decades-old apology, he visits the dog treat store she runs, where a couple of sweet old ladies persuade him to participate in Peppermint Bark, a holiday dog fostering program. They even have the perfect dog for him to foster, an impish Westie named Bucky. There’s just one problem...someone else has already claimed that dog. Someone Tim remembers quite well.

As Colleen and Tim rekindle their friendship and co-foster a dog that seems to only be happy when they’re together, old sparks ignite. But they only have the month of December together before he returns to his life of world travel…and she returns to what suddenly seems like a mundane existence. Their relationship deepens while they set out on an impossible holiday mission to fulfill his father’s deathbed request, uncovering life-changing secrets. It’ll take one clever Westie, two scheming grannies, and a whole lot of Christmas magic for Colleen and Tim to finally get a second chance at a dance that just might last forever. 

Colleen and Tim had something as teenagers. Well Colleen thought she did until one stormy prom night Tim didn't show up to take her to the prom and then he just disappeared. Joe Mahoney stepped in and Colleen found the love of her life. Fast forward to present day. Joe has been gone for 20 years now. Colleen is content with her life the way it is. That is until Tim shows up in her life again. This a second chance romance. I was a little worried at the beginning because even though Joe Mahoney is long dead in this series I felt a loyalty him. Tim won me over but I was conflicted much of the story. Tim and Colleen reconnect and get to know each other again 45 years after the last time they saw each other. I really enjoyed this story. It's great that the author brings in glimpses of past characters in her books so you get this warmth of knowing the families in the series. Great warm fuzzies Christmas story with a second chance at love.

Find out more about Roxanne St Claire and this series here www.roxannestclaire.com

eARC Book review: Home for a Cowboy Christmas by Donna Grant

 

Available now!

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Tis the season—for everyone except Emmy Garrett. She’s on the run after witnessing a crime. But when it becomes clear that trouble will continue following her, the US Marshal in charge takes her somewhere no one will think to look–Montana. Not only is Emmy in a new place for her protection, but now, she’s stuck with a handsome cowboy as her bodyguard…and she wants to do more than kiss him under the mistletoe.

Dwight Reynolds left behind his old career, but it’s still in his blood. When an old friend calls in a favor, Dwight opens his home to a woman on the run. He tries to keep his distance, but there’s something about Emmy he can’t resist. She stokes his passion and turns his cold nights into warm ones. When danger shows up looking for Emmy, Dwight risks everything to keep her safe.

Emmy Garrett is on the run. A mob boss wants her dead. A US Marshal decides to hide her with a friend out in the middle of Montana. Dwight Reynolds in that friend. He's got the experience to protect her and keep her safe. It doesn't take long for feeling to form between the two but with possible death hanging over Emmy she doesn't want to consider love just in case she doesn't make it. I like this book. It's more of a suspense than a holiday themed book but I loved the suspense and i Loved the relationship building between the two main characters. I stayed engaged throughout the story. A great read for me.

Find out more about this www.donnagrant.com