Here’s another delightful romantic short story collection about Christmas and dogs from Jennifer Conner.
In “Central Bark at Christmas,” Tennyson has just been dumped by her arrogant and insensitive lawyer boyfriend. She swears to stay away from men, believing they’re nothing but bad luck. But then, while walking her dog she meets Par, who, aside from spending time with his dog, seems only to have time for work. But fate has plans for them. They find an abandoned dog and as they care for it and try to find him a home, their destinies become intertwined…
In “Christmas Gift that Keeps Wagging,” we meet Julian Barrows, a single dad with a kindergarten son who suffers from seizures; and Hannah, the beautiful trainer who specializes in seizure-detecting dogs. Their paths touch when Julian tries to get her dog for his son. The problem is, it’s incredibly expensive. Fate has other plans, and the magic of Christmas works its way into their lives…A heart-warming story with an ending that will pull at your heart strings.
And my favorite of the three: “Dog Tags for Christmas.” In this story, cryptologic network warfare specialist Willa develops a platonic relationship via Skype with third generation army brat Eben, currently based in Afghanistan. In spite of the distance that separates them, what begins as an innocently friendly chat develops into a full-blown romance. Eben then rescues a stray dog he finds in the street and brings it into camp with him. After two months, Eben can’t believe so many loving relationships have come into his life. First Willa, then Hero — the name Willa gives the dog. Suddenly, that empty hollow feeling of needing someone to care for and in turn care about has been returned…twice. But will Eben be able to return home safely, bring his new beloved pet with him, and join the woman he loves in time for Christmas?
Jennifer Conner has a talent for uplifting, romance stories, and this collection that incorporates Christmas and dogs doesn’t disappoint! A fervent dog lover, Conner wants to bring awareness to others with information regarding adopting shelter/rescue animals, and these stories show just how dogs bring so much into our lives. The heroes are the guys next door, with big hearts. The heroines are independent and smart, yet sensitive and vulnerable. I love how the author develops their relationships, and how their love grows. If you love dogs and love stories, give yourself a gift this holiday season and buy yourself a copy.
Find out more on Amazon.
My review was previously published in Blogcritics.