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Dog & Duck #3

Wedding Bells at the Dog & Duck

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Ellie Browne is looking forward, with her partner Max, to hosting Christmas Day lunch at The Dog & Duck, but heavily pregnant now and with a snowstorm brewing outside, it seems that things might not go quite to plan.

After the dramatic events of the holiday season, Ellie settles into her new life at Max’s country mansion Braithwaite Manor, juggling work and family as best she can. When she’s asked to help organise a summer wedding for one of her best friends it’s only natural that her mind turns to her own, non-existent, wedding plans!

With Max decidedly lukewarm on the whole subject and other family complications threatening to disrupt life further, Ellie fears there'll never be wedding bells at the Dog & Duck after all.

296 pages, Paperback

Published November 20, 2023

66 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Jill Steeples

35 books235 followers
Author also writes as J.E. Steeples

Jill Steeples lives in a small market town in Bedfordshire with her husband. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, crocheting, musical theatre, baking cakes, eating them and the occasional tipple.

From an early age she fell in love with the fabulously funny romances of Jilly Cooper, and vowed, one day, she would have a go at writing one of her own.

Jill started her career writing short stories, particularly those with a twist in the tail, and her work has appeared in popular women’s magazines around the world and in a number of charity anthologies.

Now she writes feel-good, uplifting fiction for Boldwood Books and her works include The Dog & Duck series and The Primrose Woods series.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Dash fan .
1,519 reviews714 followers
March 15, 2018
5☆ SO Glad to be back! A Charming Read!

 WEDDING BELLS AT THE DOG & DUCK is the third book in the series but I highly recommend you reading at least the second book to catch up on all the gossip and news.

I was so glad to be back at the Dog and Duck and what better way to open up the story than Christmas day.
Ellie the landlady of the Dog and Duck is heavily pregnant and Max her partner is running about giving everyone a Christmas to remeber!

Wow what a day to remember.... A fight, a mystery stranger, snow, ohh and a baby born in a barn.

We welcome the newest member to  little Leyton.... Noel.

Poppy (is Ellies best friend) and George are getting married and ask Ellie if she will organise the reception at the Dog and Duck.

I am not going to say any more as I really don't want to give anything away.
I adore the character in this story. They all feel like good friends I know them so well.
Jill has created life long friends in her characters. Not to mention the adorable dogs. Digby is so faithful and looks after Ellie so well it melts my heart.

I loved Ellie and Max. Max adores Ellie. If only she would say Yes to his never ending proposals.
He thinks now with their perfect family and gorgeous Braithwaite Mansion she would say Yes! I was screaming at the Book for her to say yes!

Ellie has a big heart, and now she has baby Noel and her parents to worry about. She is strong but I was worried cracks might be beginning to show!

 WEDDING BELLS AT THE DOG & DUCK is a beautiful heartwarming, poignant read that will melt your heart. With Romance, drama, secrets,  relationships, family, friendship, a wedding, community spirit, a gorgeous location, memorable characters you will grow to love.

I hope this isn't the end of the Dog and Duck as I have fallen in love with little Leyton and all the wonderful characters.

Thank you to Aria for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my blog website:

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,417 reviews119 followers
November 26, 2023
This is the third book in the Duck and Dog series. I absolutely LOVED it! It was so much fun to catch up with the characters from the past 2 books and see how they had gotten on in their loves. It was like sharing a cuppa and catching up with old friends. Full of laughs, friendship and family and oh yes, a few rambunctious fun-loving dogs. The wedding descriptions were divine. When Ellie Browne, landlady of The Dog & Duck helps her friend plan her wedding her thoughts turn to planning her own wedding but wait there is no wedding upcoming as she hasn't accepted her boyfriends' proposal. Will all the fun summer wedding plans change her mind? Wonderfully fun book to read!
Profile Image for Carla.
7,655 reviews178 followers
November 23, 2023
Wedding Bells at The Dog & Duck is the 3rd book in the Dog & Duck series, although it is the first that I read. I enjoyed it a lot and although I wish I had read the previous two books, I was not lost, and I had no problem following the story. The Dog & Duck is the local pub in Little Leyton, and Ellie Browne is the landlady. Ellie's partner, Max is the owner of the pub, bought after his granddad died. The stopy opens on Christmas Day, with a party at the pub. With a snowstorm brewing outside, things do not go quite to plan, and young Noel is welcomed into the world. After the dramatic events of the holiday season, Ellie settles into her new life at Max's huge country mansion, Braithwaite Manor. As summer rolls around, Ellie is busy planning her friend's wedding and thinking about her own life and whether she is ready to accept Max's proposal.

I loved meeting the characters in this story. They were part of a wonderful village, friendly and helpful, and I would love to meet them all. There are also the non-human residents and they were just as lovable. Digby, Ellie's dog, is a faithful and loyal companion that I just wanted to snuggle with. Max is so in love with Ellie, I just wanted her to accept his proposal and put him out of his misery. Ellie is a great friend, daughter and mother. She is strong and independent, but the pressure is a lot more than she was expecting. Wedding Bells At the Dog & Duck is a beautiful, heartwarming, story. It has some angst, as Max's family deals with secrets, but a lot of happy elements to go along with it. This story has romance, secrets, family drama, friendship, personal growth, and new beginnings. I am definitely going to go back and read the first two books in this series, so I have the full story about Leyton, the Dog & Duck, and all the characters that inhabit the area.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,298 followers
March 6, 2018
Ellie is heavily pregnant. She and Max are happy together and they are looking forward to fun and cosy holidays with friends and family in their beloved Dog & Duck. The baby is supposed to come in the new year, but while a snowstorm is raging outside Ellie's waters break. Ellie is delighted with her little one. She and Max have moved in together and while taking care of their baby they also each continue with their busy lives. Ellie is still the landlady of the Dog & Duck and together with being a mother this is keeping her on her toes.

When Ellie's best friend announces she's planning to get married Ellie is over the moon, as it means she'll be able to organize a wedding in her precious Dog & Duck. However, making arrangements for someone else inevitably leads to a reassessment of her own situation. Ellie and Max aren't married, but maybe they should be engaged as well? So far agreeing to become husband and wife hasn't gone too well. Does the usual turmoil in their everyday lives prevent them from ever getting to that stage? Will love triumph at the Dog & Duck?

Wedding Bells at the Dog & Duck is another wonderful Dog and Duck story. I love Ellie. She's strong, smart, capable and levelheaded. There isn't a challenge she backs away from and her kindness knows no bounds. Ellie cares about people and she's always there for anyone who needs her, which makes the Dog and Duck books absolutely heartwarming. She and Max have amazing chemistry, but spending time together proves to be difficult with a little one, numerous house guests and plenty of problems to solve. I was curious to find out how they would tackle that and this kept me glued to the pages.

Jill Steeples writing has a nice fast pace and a great easy flow. I love the feelgood factor of her stories. They always manage to put a big smile on my face. I especially like the way she writes about friendship, family and community. Her stories are all about the interaction between people and she's incredibly skilled at describing their relationships. The dialogue is matter-of-fact, there's plenty of entertainment and charm and every story has many unexpected twists and turns. I love reading about weddings and Wedding Bells at the Dog & Duck is a fantastic story about this beautiful topic. I really enjoyed this gorgeous story and highly recommend the Dog and Duck series.
Profile Image for Nicola Clough.
879 reviews41 followers
October 16, 2018
Amazing book great to go back to this series and hear more about everyone in the wonderful village. The book is full of laughs, romance, fun, heartbreak and plenty to do with weddings and dogs. Brilliant characters and story plot a great read.
Ellie is the landlady of the dog and duck pub but it's Christmas and she's heavily pregnant and then on Christmas Day she has her little baby so she has to get use to living with max her boyfriend in the manor and juggling work as well she's then asked by her dear friend to organise her wedding and she wants to do it right and make her friend proud. It makes her think about her and Max and if they should marry but he's already asked her and she wasn't sure at the time. Her parents also announce they they are moving back and her father will give his job up she's worried they are hiding something from her so are they and how will she react when she hears. She really starts to think about her and Max and decides to ask him to marry but her plans of it being romantic aren't what she got in the end and he said no to her. So will she ever get her happy after and be married or will she just have to enjoy her friends wedding.
Fantastic read worth the five stars for sure.
Profile Image for Barbara Powell.
1,138 reviews69 followers
November 14, 2023
I adored being back with these characters and going back to the Dog and Duck. Ellie and Max are becoming first time parents and Polly and George are getting married and life is in full swing in the little town of Little Leyton. A massive snowstorm hits while they’re having their Christmas gathering at the Dog and Duck and a stranger gets stranded and soon joins the celebrations. When Max decides to propose and Ellie turns him down because she thinks things are fine they way they are and she doesn’t want him to propose just because she’s having a baby, she immediately regrets it but doesn’t know how to fix the situation. The baby is born in the middle of the Christmas storm and soon Ellie’s parents arrive to help out and Max’s college aged sister who lives with them adds drama to life with her roller coaster relationship with her boyfriend. There’s never a dull moment..
Right from the beginning of the book you are dropped into the center of town and immersed into the comings and goings of the members of it. Ellie and Max are the main characters, but there are many supporting characters for which there are intertwining storylines and being such a small little town, they are all very much involved in each other’s lives. Ellie plans Polly’s wedding and it sounds like an absolute dream. I hope there are more books to come in this series.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,860 reviews72 followers
May 11, 2020
I listened to this on audiobook.

Well this is turning out to be a lovely series, I have thoroughly enjoyed book 3.

Just llike in book 2, it was ab absolute joy to be reaquainted with all of the characters who i really feel like I know so well. As for Ellie and Max, they make a truly lovely couple despite the fact they still have some communication problems.

Anyway there was lots of enjoyment happy moments to be had from this third instalment, as well as a few laughs and the odd emotional moment too.

I'm moving on to book 4, the final instalment straight away.
Profile Image for Neil.
1,593 reviews14 followers
March 21, 2018
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

I just could not engage with the characters and the story was far too slow really struggling to hold my interest.
Profile Image for Sarah Kingsnorth.
456 reviews16 followers
November 21, 2023
Jill Steeples - Wedding Bells At The Dog & Duck.

Book three in this gorgeous series, and it’s a joy to head back to The Dog & Duck.

Pub landlady Ellie has her hands more than full. Christmas is coming, and Ellie finds herself at the heart of the festivities. All whilst being heavily pregnant.

As she helps everyone else to find their happily ever after. Can Ellie find her own happy ending too?

Wedding Bells At The Dog & Duck is happiness in a book. It’s the absolute best place to escape to when the real world is just too much.
The mix of characters is delightful and the village setting is idyllic.
Jill Steeples has created something quite lovely with The Dog & Duck. I want to sit by it’s fire and soak up the atmosphere. And I want these people to be my friends.

A fabulous book.
A gorgeous series.
I can’t wait to head back to The Dog & Duck to see what comes next for all these charming characters.
⭐️⭐️���️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
March 5, 2018
3.5 stars, Rounded.

It’s Christmastime in Little Leyton, but there’s far more happening. Ellie and Max will soon be expecting their first child, there is a massive snowstorm (not unlike this past weekend) and since the Dog & Duck is the perfect gathering place, this is where Ellie has gathered her friends for Christmas dinner. But an unexpected stranded tourist, a baby that has decided he wants to meet Santa and Polly’s newly minted engagement – there is plenty to celebrate. Well, that is until Max makes a huge effort to propose and Ellie, being a little slow on the uptake and a bit of a scardey-cat when faced with a choice, refuses. Almost instantly she realizes her mistake, but with the ups and downs after Noel’s birth, her worry about her parents, the roller-coaster erratic behavior from Katy, Max’s half sister, and the second-guessing that comes with a new baby, particularly a colicky one – and you have a story that is ripe with overthinking, drama, secrets and everyone (yes EVERYONE for this is Little Leyton) qualified to give well-intentioned advice.

From feeling like you are dropped into the center of the village, most of the story is focused on Ellie and her struggles: and triumphs, and she’s a person who can quickly push her own concerns to the side to focus on others, and she’s got plenty to focus on here. From arranging her best friend Polly’s hen night and wedding, to worrying about her parents’ sudden decision to leave Dubai and move back, to Katy’s obvious struggles and the apparent breakdown of Josie and Ethan’s marriage, she’s got plenty to sidetrack her as she stealthily ignores her own reasons for declining Max’s proposal. And when you add in the fact that she and Max are building a family, from inviting the elderly Arthur to stay with them, and accepting Katy’s news (and shock of it) with support, love and plenty of patience: there’s plenty happening to move the plot along.

Granted, this is not a story that you can read easily without having read earlier books in the series, although you’ll enjoy it more if you have: and the pacing is a bit uneven: but these are characters that feel real and plausible. They are flawed and prone to impulsive moments that always lead to a rethink, often overly involved in one another’s lives while they ignore what’s happening at home, but the love and caring is there and make this village a wonderful place to visit.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Profile Image for Laura.
532 reviews36 followers
did-not-finish
February 5, 2018
This book was SUCH slow going. I gave it until 50%, at which point I was so bored of it that I just couldn't read any more. The plot offered nothing of excitement or particular enjoyment, the characters were all fairly dull, and nothing about it gripped me. I keep waiting for something exciting to happen, but at halfway through I feel I've read enough.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
March 12, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I was really looking forward to reading this one after reading some of the author's other books but I sadly didn't enjoy it as much as I expected. Don't get me wrong it was still a good story but I have only given it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads and Amazon.

Unfortunately I found it a tad predictable in places and at times a little repetitive. I also thought that the book was set at too slow a pace (that could well be as I am used to more fast paced reads and they are what I favour) but it isn't all negative and some people will love it and 3.5 stars isn't a bad rating from me either - I enjoyed the ending, I liked the characters, they are very personable and the cover is just perfect for the book!

I do think that to get the most out of the book you probably need to read the rest in the series.
Profile Image for Linn Halton.
Author 26 books276 followers
March 30, 2018
I loved taking another trip back to the Dog & Duck as Ellie and Max’s story continues. I felt like one of the villagers and it was a fun journey with lots of unexpected moments. Without giving away any spoilers I have to say it has a Christmas to beat all Christmases and we get to meet Flora for the first time. She puts in a brief, but heart-melting appearance and it will leave a HUGE smile on your face! I can’t wait for the next book in this series and a trip back to pick up with some ‘old friends’ and to see where Jill Steeples takes them next. Fun, lively, full of wonderful characters and the perfect cosy-up read!

Profile Image for Melanie Farmer.
185 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2018
Firstly I have to admit that I have not read Winter at the Dog and Duck or Summer at the Dog and Duck. If I am entirely honest I think this was a mistake.  Although there are explanations to the many references to previous events, I feel like I really should have read both of those books in the Dog and Duck series before I started on this one.  It's not a deal breaker, but I think it would have made my reading experience a little better.

However, all that said, do not be put off if you haven't read the rest of the series! It is just my personal opinion that I should have read them, and I fully expect to go back and read them in the future.

So, onto the story.

Ellie is the very pregnant landlady of the Dog and Duck.  Along with her partner Max, she is looking forward to a relaxing but fun Christmas and New Year before their new arrival joins them in January.  With the onset of heavy snow, a mysterious visitor to the village and an unexpected delivery, Christmas does not happen in the way she expects!

This novel is very much based around family and loved ones.  Ellie is someone that wants to please her friends and family, and make them feel loved which is why she jumps at the chance to arrange her best friend Polly's wedding.  It does though highlight her own lack of wedding, despite her and Max now having a beautiful son.

This story is full of love and relationships, with Max and Ellie, George and Polly and Ellie's parents to name just a few.  It explores long term relationships, new relationships, broken relationships and family relationships.  I enjoyed reading about them all, and found all of the supporting characters to be believable and likeable.

At times however I found Ellie frustrating - she clearly adores Max and he adores her yet following events early on in the book (I don't want to give them away, sorry!), she seems to spend the majority of the book confused as to why he won't propose to her or agree to marry her!  Personally I found this a little irritating but having had children myself I can fully appreciate that having a baby can often make you a little irrational (us Mums would obviously never admit to this, but it's regularly true in those first few months!) which would explain where she is coming from.

All in all this is an enjoyable book, and a pleasant way to while away a few hours on a rainy day!

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Check out my blog https://chapterandcake.wordpress.com for more of my reviews!
Profile Image for Audrey.
54 reviews12 followers
May 11, 2018
This book gives me the heartwarming, cosy feeling throughout the whole story. Set around Christmastide, the vividly written description of the area around the Dog & Duck by the author had compelled me in. The whole plot focuses on family relations, romance and friendship around the village of Little Leyton as Ellie navigated her life and help organizing one of her best friend’s summer wedding.

As I followed Ellie’s life, I can see how much loved Ellie is. She is that compassionate, caring character that you cannot help but love. And Max the headstrong property developer and her boyfriend has been proposing her for many times knows this and despite her refusal many times, truly love her. Like Ellie, Max is also that one male character with redeeming qualities you cannot help but cheer for. They had been in a relationship for a long time and their chemistry still sizzling. But, Ellie had been insecure and afraid that his feelings for her would not last long. While I understood Ellie’s feelings, at some point I feel so frustrated.

The friendship and family relationship was written realistically as like those whose living in a comfortable small town where anyone knows each other. It reminded me of my hometown. The act of kindness can be seen when Ellie and Max caring for their old family friend and one of the pub’s oldest customers. I do not have any negative things to say about this book, I just confused because there was a mention of burglary in this book yet it was not mentioned anymore. Given that the village was peaceful, so further notes about this burglary alarmed me and I worried over it.

In my opinion, the author's style for this book is of great quality for she not only able to perfectly describe the homey feeling of Little Leyton but also able to make me basked in the lovable romance, friendship and family love. And despite the little notes about the burglary which is a small thing to note, I like Jill Steeples's writing style and I look forward to read more of her works.

This book scored 4 out 5 stars for my reading satisfaction. It is a worthy and recommended reading for those who love clean romance with many lessons to learn from.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books115 followers
March 5, 2018
'Wedding Bells at the Dog and Duck', is the third book in this series and the first one I've read. It reads perfectly well as a standalone novel but having finished it I enjoyed it so much I want to read the first two in the series to discover Ellie and Max's early love story.
Romance and humour fill the pages of this gentle love story, which depicts English village life centring around the country pub and its charismatic landlady Ellie Browne and her sexy, partner Max Golding. Romantically involved they are about to have their first child and Max wants to marry Ellie, but she is holding back.
It's Christmas, and most of the villagers are having Christmas dinner at the pub, which leads to one or two surprises for Ellie and Max. There is a wealth of carefully crafted characters who bring the pub and village to life, they all have their own stories, and these subplots continue throughout the book adding interest and realism.
Who is the mysterious character knocking on the pub door on Christmas day, I did guess, but it doesn't matter because it adds an element of mystery to a story about family, friendship and making the most of what life gives you.
The Dog and Duck is the quintessential village pub, a focal point for village life and Max is the modern day squire breathing life into the village and ensuring all are taken care of. If you fancy a slice of English village life with lots of laughs, a few tears and lashings of romance read on...
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,054 reviews63 followers
November 23, 2023
Wedding Bells at the Dog and Duck by Jill Steeples

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Ellie Browne, landlady of the Dog & Duck, is looking forward to a relaxing Christmas Day before the arrival of her and Max’s baby in the new year.

But with a snowstorm brewing outside, it seems that things might not go quite to plan. After the dramatic events of the holiday season, Ellie settles into her new life at Max's huge country mansion, Braithwaite Manor, juggling work and family as best she can.

When she's asked to help organise a summer wedding for one of her best friends it's only natural that her mind turns to her own non-existent wedding plans! But with Max decidedly lukewarm on the subject and other family complications threatening to disrupt life further, Ellie fears there'll never be wedding bells at the Dog & Duck after all.

My Opinion

This the third book in the series but the first book I have read, although I do have plans to go back and read the previous books. I would recommend reading this series in order so that you don't miss out on anything.

If you have previously read a book by Jill Steeples then you will know that she has a great writing style so I would recommend that you pick up one of her books if you haven't already and why not make a start with this series. From the opening pages I was drawn into this book. With a delightful mix of characters why not stop off at the Dog and Duck?

Rating 4/5
Profile Image for Stephanie Dagg.
Author 82 books52 followers
March 4, 2018
This book makes for perfect reading at this meteorologically challenged time of year as it takes us from the cold, snowbound days of Christmas into joyous, warm springtime and then summer. Ellie Browne, landlady of the Dog and Duck, and her partner Max, owner of the country mansion Braithewaite Manor, are our central characters. There’s great excitement at the beginning of the book, when their baby Noel makes his precipitous entrance into the world, but the action keeps going as life is busy for Ellie and there’s also Polly’s wedding coming up. Polly is Ellie’s best friend so she wants to put on a really good show. However, deep down there’s another wedding she’d rather be planning for, but she’s the one who keeps throwing the spanner into the works where that one’s concerned.
There’s a fascinating cast of characters in the book. We get to meet Ellie’s parents, now back from Dubai, and they add some drama of their own to proceedings. Max’s family have a few surprises of their own too.
As well as the feel-goodness of the story, the author’s writing raises your spirits as it’s warm and inviting. Jill Steeples tells her romantic comedy in a friendly, flowing fashion. There’s humour, drama, tension, heartache and joy, all the compelling ingredients we need to keep us hooked to the very end. This is the last in the Dog and Duck trilogy, and it’s been a pleasure to read them all.
Profile Image for Corinne Rodrigues.
490 reviews61 followers
November 23, 2023
While I haven't read the other books in the series, it was easy to catch up with the romance of Ellie and Max.

The story kicks off with a delightful Christmas Day gathering at the Dog and Duck, featuring Ellie's friends in a dinner setting.

The ensuing drama and unfolding events drew me into the intricacies of the characters' lives. Amidst the celebrations, one friend experiences wedding bells, while another embarks on a new romance. A mysterious stranger adds an intriguing element to the town, especially around Ellie's sister-in-law, Katy and Ellie's parents make life-changing decisions, adding layers of excitement and anticipation.

The initial worry surrounding Ellie's hesitation to accept Max's proposal creates an engaging subplot. Her persistent rejection keeps readers on their toes, wondering if Max will give up on the idea altogether. The subsequent journey is filled with humor as Ellie tries to make amends and rectify her decisions, resulting in numerous laugh-out-loud moments.

The climax of the story is nothing short of perfection, delivering a satisfying resolution that was well worth the wait. The intricate weaving of various plotlines, the humor, and the emotional depth make "Wedding Bells at the Dog and Duck" a truly captivating and memorable tale of love, friendship, and the magic of the holiday season.
Profile Image for Louise.
363 reviews20 followers
November 16, 2018
I am a big fan of Jill Steeples and was really excited to read Wedding Bells at the Dog and Duck.

It was lovely to revisit the lives of Ellie and Max who are expecting a baby just in time for Christmas. Ellie runs the Dog and Duck in the village of Little Leyton, she has moved into Max’s manor house and agrees to arrange a wedding for her friend Polly. With marriage on her mind, it gets Ellie wondering about her own future plans, has she left it too late to finally accept Max’s proposal?

There is a little of everything in this book, adorable dogs, dramatic snowstorms, romance, and heart-searching. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the other books in the series, Jill Steeples does a great job of filling in the spaces, without repeating too much of the story.

This truly is a great feel-good read, especially for this time of year. The location is described perfectly (I think there should be a Dog and Duck in every village!) and the characters become like old friends. Jill Steeples has a unique way of making relationships come alive, there is lots of drama along the way and humorous moments too.
Profile Image for Inishowen Cailín.
888 reviews53 followers
November 19, 2023
Wedding Bells at the Dog and Duck is a beautifully romantic story that will leave you happily teary-eyed.

The chemistry between Ellie and Max is as strong as ever and there are a few adorably funny scenes that are reminiscent of their early days together.

The opening chapter of Christmas Day at the Dog and Duck with all Ellie's friends gathered for dinner had me in stitches and hooked on all the drama that unfolded.

It was also lovely to catch up with Ellie and Max's friends and family. There are wedding bells for one friend and a new romance for another. There is a mysterious stranger in town hanging around Katy and Ellie's parents make some life-changing decisions.

Ellie had me worried for a bit at the beginning as she hadn't accepted Max's proposal and she continually shut him down on the matter. I was convinced he had given up on the idea. It was a lot of fun watching her trying to make things right once she'd made up her mind. There were a lot of scenes that had me laughing out loud. I couldn't wait to see how things would work out.

How it all came together in the end was just perfection and worth the wait.
Profile Image for Inishowen Cailín.
888 reviews53 followers
November 19, 2023
Wedding Bells at the Dog and Duck is a beautifully romantic story that will leave you happily teary-eyed.

The chemistry between Ellie and Max is as strong as ever and there are a few adorably funny scenes that are reminiscent of their early days together.

The opening chapter of Christmas Day at the Dog and Duck with all Ellie's friends gathered for dinner had me in stitches and hooked on all the drama that unfolded.

It was also lovely to catch up with Ellie and Max's friends and family. There are wedding bells for one friend and a new romance for another. There is a mysterious stranger in town hanging around Katy and Ellie's parents make some life-changing decisions.

Ellie had me worried for a bit at the beginning as she hadn't accepted Max's proposal and she continually shut him down on the matter. I was convinced he had given up on the idea. It was a lot of fun watching her trying to make things right once she'd made up her mind. There were a lot of scenes that had me laughing out loud. I couldn't wait to see how things would work out.

How it all came together in the end was just perfection and worth the wait.
Profile Image for Mandy.
249 reviews
March 21, 2018
Funny and heart-warming continuation of Max and Ellie's story at the Dog and Duck.

With the imminent arrival of their first child Max wants to get married but for reasons of her own, Ellie does not.  When assigned the role of wedding planner for her best friend, Ellie finds herself surround by all things romance and soon feels the bug, however Max seems to have gone right off the idea.

Ellie and Max are such a wonderful couple.  They are not massively into personal displays of affection and even moments of jealousy and soon brushed aside.  They are definitely a couple who will stay the distance, even if the bells are not ringing for them this time.

A feel-good story full of laughs, romance and caring with a few surprises along the way.  This book is just what you need when the sun is shining on a chilly Spring day.
Profile Image for Pam Robertson.
1,447 reviews8 followers
November 20, 2023
This was the third in the Dog and Duck series, but I was able to read it as a standalone. Family runs through the story and the whole community who often congregate in the Dog and Duck Pub, are a very important part of the story. Ellie has moved into the rather grand sounding manor house with Max and settling in. She is a centre point of the village as the landlady of the Dog and Duck and finds herself pulled in two directions with her baby, family and her work.

Family is very important to Ellie and the return of her parents, unexpectedly, causes her some concern. Weddings and romance play a part in the story, with the pub at the centre of the celebrations. This is an entertaining read, with some likeable characters, some humorous moments and a large dollop of romance.

In short: an uplifting read
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
November 30, 2023
A proposal - or even three or more,
An engagement - and future wedding for sure!
A Christmas party - and an early arrival's surprise
Lives changing more than they'd realise.

A community supporting each other
With celebrations and romances to discover.
But births have effects on relationships, too,
So there's also drama all the way through.

A story where friendships and expectations are tested
And babies mean that no one is rested.
Family secrets, new plans and schemes
Will they stop others following their dreams?

The Dog and Duck is once more the place to be
But will things work out for Ellie, you need to read this book to see.
A lovely addition to this series that is great
So for future books I just can't wait!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
1,623 reviews7 followers
April 1, 2018
Ellie now heavily pregnant is happily running the Dog and Duck and looking forward to a quiet Christmas with Max..... but obviously fate has other plans for her when the baby decides to come in the middle of a snow storm! Life is suddenly very busy running the pub, looking after a new born baby and moving in with Max in his mansion and to top it all her best friend Polly is getting married and wants Ellie to host it at the pub...... but will that be the only wedding there or will Ellie and Max eventually tie the knot themselves?

Great to be back with all the characters from the first two books and catch up on their lives,,, I love Ellie she is such a great character and the books are so easy to read and lose yourself in
Profile Image for Janette.
442 reviews
March 24, 2018
I have read the previous books in this series and was looking forward to continuing Max and Ellie's story at the Dog & Duck. I wasn't disappointed and read this in a day - I couldn't put it down. So easy to read, the story flowed beautifully.

A feel-good story, heartwarming with lovely characters including adorable dogs. This book has it all - romance, family, relationships, secrets and a wedding. Lovely location, I look forward to returning to the Dog & Duck for the next instalment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
11.4k reviews197 followers
February 22, 2018
The village of Little Leyton and the Dog and Duck is just what you need to cheer up on a rainy day. Ellie and Max- what a terrific couple- and now they've got a baby but not a wedding. I'll grant you having the baby in the barn on Christmas is a bit much but go with it. Ellie's living with Max at Braithwaithe Manor and she's using the D&D for weddings but .... There's humor, there's fun characters (love Ellie's parents), and there's a happy thread throughout. Steeples is a good storyteller and things just flow. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Sharon Williams.
593 reviews10 followers
November 26, 2023
This was a lovely read with fantastic characters. I loved Ellie giving birth in the barn at Christmas with max but was gutted when she turned down his marriage proposal. With her best friend getting married she realises she does love max and has made a huge mistake. Will he ask her again or not.
Also with her parents sudden move back to the UK from dubai is there another reason they are hiding from her.
Profile Image for Carol Beasley.
292 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2018
This wasn't exactly what I was expecting but it was still an okay read. It was a little predictable and slow in places but the characters were well rounded, however it may be best to read the previous books as a lot of the set up was done there.

Overall a nice read but nothing very special.

I was granted an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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