Miracle on 30 Woof Street

Holiday Rivals #1

by Kimberly Hanson

I love spending Christmas with my best friends. Especially since all they ever ask for is naps, treats, and belly rubs. They also don’t complain when I play my Christmas music on endless repeat. It’s a perk of running the Miracle on 30 Woof Street Pet Shelter.

While out one night to get my daily Holly Jolly Latte, I run into the most attractive woman with a very expensive looking coat. Literally. I spill my latte all over her, and what do I do? I invite her to stay in my guesthouse after her car breaks down, like a Christmas-crazed lunatic.

Taking the opportunity to show all Candy Cane Creek has to offer the week before Christmas, I hope to turn this Christmas-hater into a jolly elf, but along the way I develop feelings I shouldn’t be having. Ones I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with. Especially when the magic of the holidays doesn’t seem to be enough to grow her heart three sizes and make her stay.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, M F Romance

ebook

First published December 11, 2023

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miracle on 30 Woof Street by Kimberly Hanson is a cozy, feel‑good Christmas romance that wrapped me in small town cheer and canine companionship from the first page. Holly Day, a travel writer with a deep dislike for Christmas, finds her plans upended when her car breaks down in the festive town of Candy Cane Creek just days before the holiday, leaving her stranded in a place she least wants to be.

Rex Wellington, the owner of a local pet rescue called Miracle on 30 Woof Street, literally collides with her over a Holly Jolly Latte spill and offers her a place to stay while she waits for repairs, setting the stage for warm moments, seasonal town activities, and the slow thawing of Holly’s grinchy heart. With dogs in Santa hats bringing smiles, a community that feels welcoming, and the tension between a Christmas lover and a Christmas skeptic, this story delivers plenty of warmth with a clean, closed‑door romance vibe.

Stepping into this holiday story, what delighted me most was how much heart the characters had, even beneath their surface quirks: Holly’s cynical holiday exterior comes from genuine hurt, and Rex’s unabashed Christmas spirit comes from pure joy and love for his rescue pups, especially Tag who stole many reader hearts online.

Their chemistry felt sweet and gradual, balanced with genuine emotional growth rather than instant sparks, and the small town of Candy Cane Creek felt alive with laughter, lights, and shared traditions. The pacing is brisk and easy to fall into, making this the kind of book you can read in a couple of sittings and still carry its warmth afterward.

If you love holiday settings, adorable pets, and characters finding hope in unexpected places, this book sparkled nicely for me.

Rating: 4 out of 5. I chose this rating because the genuine emotions and festive ambience made me care deeply about these characters.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story of healing and a new chance for love was fun to listen to! The Christmas themed town and accepting townspeople made for a supportive and festive atmosphere while the narration was upbeat and nicely performed.

Rex and Holly were characters who both had painful hurts to overcome from the past. Their hurts were different and their responses to how to live their lives were different from each other, as well. I liked the way they both seemed to bring healing to each other as they spent time together and began to fall in love. This was a sweet and uplifting Christmas story.

I received a complimentary copy of this audio book. All opinions are my own.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the dogs! Gah! Such a sweet holiday read

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to enjoy this book for two reasons - a town named Candy Cane Creek and a dog rescue named Miracle on 30 Woof Street. These are a few of my favorite things.

Holly Day is a travel writer who has been sent to Candy Cane Creek to see what all the fuss is about. Holly has an aversion to Christmas and is a little Grinchy. Her comments about the town such as "Christmas threw up all over town" let you know how she feels about the Christmas spirit. She is there to do a job and get out of town. Her broken down car wrecks those plans. To top the day off for her she is ran over by a man with his Holly Jolly Latte, which is now all over her designer coat. She is really unhappy now.

Rex Wellington loves dogs and runs the local dog rescue. He has a tag along with him everywhere he goes aptly named Tag. Tag is a German Shepherd who walks around with a Santa hat on and charms everyone he meets. Rex has to have his daily intake of his Holly Jolly Latte, which is now all over Holly.

When they untangle themselves, he offers to clean her coat and offers his guest house for her to stay while her car is being repaired. She is still not happy, but she grudgingly accepts his offer. These two characters are more alike than the realize. They have both suffered a tremendous loss in their lives. Rex offers to show her around Candy Cane Creek so she will have the necessary information for her blog post. You can feel the frostiness melting slowly. The activities in the town made me want to jump into the book and join them.

I adored this book. Everything about it was charming and heart happy. I envisioned Rex as a Clark Kent lookalike. Any man who loves animals is a winner in my book. However, the dogs were the stars of the show. Tag with that Santa hat was a hoot. He would not let anyone take it off and somehow it stayed on. There were adorable dogs who caused chaos everywhere they went. This wonderfully charming, quaint town would almost make you believe in Christmas magic. I kept expecting to see Santa around the corner. The community vibe would increase your Christmas spirit. Dog lovers and Christmas story lovers will inhale this one.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miracle on 30 Woof Street is the first book I have read written by Kimberly Hanson, and it will not be my last. This book hooked me in from the start. If you love Christmas rom-coms with Hallmark vibes, this book is for you.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, and it was such a treat. Lisa Lynn Sandlin has a way of bringing every book she reads to life. Her talent really shone through in this Christmas story. If you have a big cleaning project to do but would much rather be snuggled up watching a Hallmark movie, this audiobook will make the task feel less daunting.

Holly Day is on a mission to write a blog on different towns’ Christmas traditions when she finds herself stuck in Candy Cane Creek, which is the town that lives and breathes Christmas.  After being left at the altar at her Christmas wedding, Holly is no longer a fan of Christmas. With the perfect meet-cute, A Holly Jolly Latte spilled on Holly’s new coat, Rex enters the scene. With Holly’s car broken down and her jacket ruined, the cherry on top is that the only hotel in town is full. Rex offers her his guesthouse to stay at while she waits for her car to get fixed. Then Rex volunteers to show Holly around Candy Cane Creek and show her their best Christmas side.

Rex owns a pet rescue, and sometimes the dogs get into a little trouble. Rex’s German Shepherd, Tag, is hilarious and cute, though he does have a troublesome streak in him with his hate for Christmas inflatables.  Rex has his own things he is working through, having lost his wife a year ago. Rex is struggling with honoring the memory of his late wife and having feelings for Holly. He can’t seem to shake these feelings. Is it too soon to move on?

As a Canadian, I loved that this book was set in Canada.

This second chance at romance, grumpy vs sunshine, is perfect and sweet with kisses only.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author.  A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Tee-Hee Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was really well narrated and I thought the narrator did a great and enthusiastic job in portraying the characters, and making the overall listening experience pleasant and enjoyable!☺️💕

As for the story-

This is my first read by this author and it didn’t disappoint! I’m a lover of all things Christmas, and I prefer/ am most comfortable with sweet and charming romances or closed door romances in terms of steam…and this one is checking all the boxes!🤩✔️

It has:

- Christmas themes, foods, magic, winter activities, holidays, descriptions, etc…🤤✨☃️⛪️🎅🏻🎁🍪

- DOGS!!🐕 🦮🐩🐕‍🦺🐶🐾🦴

- Grumpy v/s Sunshine for fans of that (I prefer this by far to enemies to lovers, though it’s not my top fav trope)🌩️☀️

- A CINNAMON ROLL MALE MC!🥮

- Fun and close, small town like Gilmore Girls!🏡

- A sweet, non-spicy romance similar to all of the Christmas Hallmark Movies I’m obsessed with!🤣

- A cute title and cover!🎨😍

- DUAL POV✍️

- A HEA (and epilogue)!🫶❤️🥰


I really enjoyed this book and it was a nice, enchantingly written and creative story that was good for me to catch a break from reality for a bit!😮‍💨

And it’s lighthearted and short, fast-paced and an easy-reading, page-turning story that’s just right if you’re in a reading slump, or if you want something to help you get into the Christmas spirit!🎄

Overall I enjoyed this book/ audiobook, and I recommend it to anyone who loves the things I mentioned above!😌

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, flirty and festive — with a sleigh load of holiday whimsy from the cute title to a Christmas-centric town aptly named Candy Cane Creek. What more could a reader in search of yuletide wonder ask for?

Well, a German Shepard wearing a Santa hat comes to mind. Really, Tag stole the show…er story…for me. Hanson clearly understands ‘dog’ and she writes it so well. Which is a good thing since Rex runs a pet shelter and I do so adore an animal loving hero!

Then there’s Holly, aptly named for a Christmas story, don’t you think? Only Holly lost her Christmas spirit five years ago (I’ll let her tell you why) and now she’s a grit your teeth and get through the holidays kind of gal. Only she’s got an assignment to cover small town festivities in the area and winds up being stranded in the middle of her worst nightmare: a town on holiday overload.

A funny meet-cute brings Holly and Rex together and sets the stage for pages of yuletide celebrations and glad tidings as Rex sets out to change Holly’s opinions of Christmas.

Really enjoyed this light-hearted rom/com, though it is written in first person, present tense POV which isn’t my favourite. The story is sweet and hopeful with enough canine antics to thrill discerning dog loving readers everywhere.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/11/14/m...

[Hilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miracle on 30 Woof Street by Kimberly Hanson is the story of two people who are hurting. Rex runs a dog shelter when he meets big city girl Holly, who is stranded in his small town. As the gentleman he is, he offers her a place to stay and decides he must get her into the Christmas spirit.

From the start I loved this story. Rex is such a nice and charming person. He cares for his dogs and loves his town and Christmas. His dogs are just wonderful, especially Tag, he is just adorable. Kimberly Hanson has done a terrific job describing it all. You can see it before your eyes. Holly Day (yes, that’s her name) is totally different, she hates Christmas, but that’s because she has a tragedy in her past. Both characters come across very strongly and they have such a lovely chemistry. The town characters are charming as well.

The writing style is flowing, fast paced and this book is so easy to read. It is not just a Christmas story, but a story with depth. It’s a fun and sweet cute and heartwarming story, with lovely characters, both human and canine, in a Christmas setting, a small (Hallmark) town where everyone cares for each other. I found this book a joy to read, a lovely surprise.

[Nicole Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

🕮Review: I’m ready for Christmas after my visit to Candy Cane Creek! This is the ultimate Christmas themed town you would only find in a Hallmark movie. Rex lives here with his dog Tag and runs the Miracle on 30 Woof Street Pet Rescue. Rex is sunshine and loves Christmas and his Holly JOlly Latte. Then we meet Holly, she’s not a lover of Christmas, she is only in the area because of her job. She has been sent to write a travel article centered around Christmas. While Rex is sunshine, Holly is the grump. She doesn’t like the holidays as she is still healing from some heartbreak.

🎙️Lisa always has an amazing way of not just reading the story, but brings the authors book to life with the way she narrates. She does an amazing job bringing Rex’s holiday filled voice to life, he gets me perfectly into the holiday season! Holly is a kind but not so Christmas loving and Lisa does a wonderful job at showing Holly’s annoyance with all the holiday festivities and themed. This is a feel good, cozy holiday story and I’m ready to curl up with some hot coco with my fire on and a Christmas Tree up now!

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s

Thank you to the author @KimberlyHansonAuthor and @the_audio_collective for the #gifted audiobook.

🎄🐾 Miracle on 30 Woof Street by Kimberly Hanson 🐾🎄 Holiday Rivals #1

If you’re craving ALL the cozy, sugary-sweet holiday vibes, this darling Christmas story is the perfect pick! Set in Candy Cane Creek—a town that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie—this clean, wholesome romance follows Holly and Rex in a grumpy x sunshine, forced-proximity setup that brings all the festive warmth.

And we have to talk about Tag… the Santa-hat-obsessed dog who steals the show scene after scene. Truly iconic. 🐶🎅 He adds so much charm and fun to the story!

The dual POV makes the romance extra sweet, and the happily-ever-after is exactly what you want from a holiday read. It’s easy, short, heartwarming, and just really fun.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin, and she was PHENOMENAL. She brought every character to life and delivered the ultimate Christmas vibes. I’d absolutely listen to her again!

✨ If you’re looking for a feel-good holiday romance with zero swears, a lovable dog, and all the Holly Jolly goodness—this one is a treat! ✨

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rex runs a small dog rescue shelter and lives in the unashamedly festive town of Candy Cane Creek. He lost his wife the year before has been throwing himself into looking after his dogs. But then he meets Holly and he (quite quickly I thought) starts to have feelings for her. Holly, on the other hand, dislikes Chrismas due to being jilted around that time and is only stopping in the area until her car is fixed. But soon both the town, and Rex, start to have an affect on her. - Enjoyable sweet read. I thought the setting was described wonderfully well and it was full of nice characters. But as the story progressed I started to get so irritated with the feelings of the two main characters. Rex says he’s in love with Holly and then in the next chapter she wonders if he loves her?!? Err, didn’t he just state that he did?? This happened quite frequently and it got annoying. I didn’t think they had a lot of chemistry either. Also, the author seemed to forget which colour Cassie’s hair was as she went from being blonde to brown! Nice, inoffensive read but don’t expect a lot.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine: your favorite holiday Hallmark movie...in book form! (Right down to the almost-kiss interrupted by a dog). ;)

For some people, the idea of a Hallmark-type book makes them roll their eyes. Not me. I grin like a little kid as I explain how cute it is.

Miracle on 34 Woof Street is an adorable holiday romance about finding love again at Christmastime. It's clean as fresh snow; it's as sweet as Kringle's Bakery; it's as cozy as cuddling with Tag. (No swearing at all except - I think - there is a time or two where God's name is used outside of a prayer. There is one kiss that briefly mentions tongue but I nearly missed it anyway.)

Apparently, there is such a thing as holiday books that people read every year. I've never had a holiday reading list before... but I think I'll start with this one! :D

This review and more can be found here: https://diaryofanerdybookworm.wordpre....

[Justins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a Christmas themed town that is like Hallmark on steroids? Holly Day that is who! But when her latest travel blog assignment takes her to Candy Cane Creek she finds herself facing her nightmares. She just has to get in, write a good story and get out. Then her car breaks down. The part will take days to come in and there is no room in the towns one inn. Could her day get any worse, yes it could. A man runs into her and spills coffee all down her new, expensive coat!

Rex love Christmas, almost as much as he loves his recuse dogs. When he spills coffee all over a visitor, who also happens to sound like the Christmas Grinch, he can't help but want to turn her opinion of his town around. He invites her to stay in his guest house until her car is fixed.

As Rex shows Holly all that the town as to offer, can he also soften her grinchy heart?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heidireadsitall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shut the gingerbread house door! A town called Candy Cane Creek? You can’t get sweeter than that. I was enchanted by this fully Christmas themed adventure. Every detail from the twinkling lights to the festive decorations and holiday cheer made the story feel like stepping into a warm, magical snow globe.

The romance was adorable, the humor had me smiling, and I loved how the holiday spirit was woven into every moment, making it impossible not to get swept up in the joy and charm of the town.

The audiobook narration by Lisa Lynn Sandlin elevated the magic even more. Her voice captured every playful, tender, and cozy moment, bringing the characters and Candy Cane Creek to life in such a delightful way. Listening to this story felt like sipping a Holly Jolly Latte by a roaring fire while snowflakes fell outside.

If you want a whimsical, heartwarming, fully festive story this holiday season, this book and its narration are an absolute must. 🎄

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so honored for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book because I read the whole thing in one sitting and I absolutely loved it. It was amazing getting to read from both Rex and Holly’s perspectives throughout the entire story because it allows you as a reader to truly understand both of their perspectives. Rex and Holly have both gone through so much in their lives and I love that they were brought together in this story because their chemistry and connection was so sweet and adorable. They truly bring out the best in each other. All the characters in the town were so nice and so supportive. I hope there will be more books about the characters in this town because I would absolutely love to read them.

[All You Read is Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking to extend the feel good Christmas romance reading season then I highly recommend adding Miracle on 30 Woof Street to your line up!

This is a clean swoon worthy romance with a Christmas town setting and the quirkyest (is that even a word 😂) dog ever!

Holly is not the most Christmas loving person and Rex fully supports the loving Christmas spirited town he lives in. The way these two meet and the circumstances are less than ideal but lead to the best story!

I loved seeing the other characters in the book come together with the main characters.

Even though this is a clean romance there is still plenty of storyline that kept me fully engaged with the story. I read it in 2 evenings and wanted it to keep going.

P.s. Jacob and Cassie need a story now too Kimberly! 😍

[Natscleanreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the darlingest and cutest Christmas story. It is so sugary sweet and good you'll get a dose of Christmas cheer from page one. Come visit Candy Cane Creek, drink a Holly Jolly Latte, walk down Woof Street, and visit stores in town with Christmas-themed names. It's a town straight out of Hallmark. I fell in love with Rex's dog, Tag who refuses to take off his Santa hat and steals the show. All the many townspeople looking out for each other are trying to help but they jump to the wrong conclusions. I loved the Christmas-magic feel of this story.

There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only. Dual POV.

I listened to the audiobook and @lisalynnsandlin does a great job with the narration.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly hates anything to do with Christmas then breaking down in a town that is all about Christmas isn't her idea of fun. To top it off there is literally nowhere to stay. Rex is the owner of the local pet rescue, it was his escape he got on with pets, people not so much. But he offers Holly his guesthouse. This is a fun Christmas story with some adorable dogs. I enjoyed this and must admit it puts you in mind of a typical hallmark film. I received this as an ARC copy and this is my own opinion and review of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute meeting. Rex spilled coffee on Holly and as she had nowhere to stay let her stay at his guest house. There is so much cuteness in this book. The town and all of its Christmas events will really get you in the Christmas spirit. Tag and his Santa hat is just absolutely adorable. I loved Rex’s mission and how he truly wanted what's best for the dogs in his care. They got to know each other as he took Holy around town and she started to realize what she wanted in life. I just loved this perfect cute holiday town book, I recommend you read it. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! A blog writer's car breaks down in a small town that just exudes Christmas. Too bad that Holly has a special distaste for all things Christmas. Rex, the owner of the local pet rescue literally runs into Holly and tells her there's no room at the inn (pun intended); so he offers her his guest house until her car gets fixed. Can the Christmas town melt the heart of an anti-Christmas woman named Holly? I loved the feels of a small town but I think Tag was the show-stopper of the book!

[Red Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miracle on 30 Woof Street is about Holly who hates anything to do with Christmas but she breaks down in a town that is all about Christmas and has nowhere to stay until she meets Rex who is the owner of a local pet rescue. This book was such a sweet Christmas read with some adorable dogs, great characters and just the hallmark movie type of vibe too. I highly enjoyed reading this book and definitely would recommend this book to others. Thank you to the author for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review.

[Katie Gillott · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Cute, cheesy, predictable, and Christmas-y. This is a hallmark movie in book form. Holly, a blog reporter, gets stuck in a Christmas town. After getting left at the alter on Christmas 5 years ago she's closed herself off and developed a strong dislike of Christmas. Max is a little bit Christmas-obsessed but also is still grieving his wife's death. He owns a dog shelter in town. Holly ends up staying in his guest house, and the two start to get to know each other while also working through their own past.

[Grace Hayden Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. Small-town romance between Rex and Holly who both have been heartbroken and what better timing then Christmas. I enjoyed all the characters and all the small-town feels and Christmas spirit and when it involves a dog named Tag too, I couldn't help but love it. It is a fast paced and easy read. I would recommend if you enjoy small town Christmas stories.

I received this e-book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author . I loved it. It was soo stinking cute . It’s like a hallmark book about a town that is Christmas 24/7. Both the main characters have experienced hurt. The male mc is a widower and the fmc was stood up st the alter on Christmas. Holly is a writer and it’s her job to visit different towns and find their Christmas traditions but when she comes to town she is stuck when she has car trouble. Can holly get over her aversion to Xmas and can Rex love again?

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest… I would not have been as forgiving as Holly, if a stranger spilled coffee all over my brand new coat. Nor would I have stayed in their guest house after the fact lol. Overall Miracle On 30 Woof Street is a Christmas Hallmark dream come true that was filled with holiday magic, festive cheer, sweet kisses, and ended with a heartwarming happily ever after! P.s. Ms. Lisa Sandlin did an excellent job narrating this book!

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a entertaining and fun holiday romance! It's clean and sweet in a darling small town setting. You don't just get to know the main characters, you get to know the whole town. They are all fabulous including the precious four legged ones. This is a very enjoyable, inspiring, easy read that will leave you with a smile. Enjoy!

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cute story where two hurting people meet in the magical town of
Candy Cane Creek that explodes with Christmas all year round! Even the dogs are a bit magical!
This is an adorable holiday read that brings love, joy, peace, and goodwill to all. I loved it!
I was provided with a copy of the book; this review is given voluntarily and is my honest opinion.

[Tabitha Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas story. I really loved everything about it. Two hurting people that find their Christmas magic in a beautiful Christmas town! My absolute favorite is Rex’s dog! You’ll have to read it to find out what I mean because I’m not giving anything away! It’s such a sweet and beautiful story and I’m so glad I got to read this.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex and Holly start of quite rocky and they each have their own traumas to work through. This story was such a lovely Christmas story that I fell in love with them and the whole town. This was a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting Christmas story

A delightful town that celebrates Christmases together and gathers in visitors, welcoming them to the community. A story that is rooted in sadness for the main characters, but the townsfolk help everyone who lives or visits Candy Cane Creek. They truly keep Christmas in their hearts! Lovely story!