Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses

by Jennifer Faye

Three homeless puppies, two lonely hearts, and a massive snowstorm.

Candace “Candi” Goodman, an unemployed teacher, is always sharing a smile and helping those around her. This Christmas she has volunteered to drive three puppies to a shelter in Maine. However, when a road closure sends her on a detour, she gets lost in a snowstorm.

Michael Bishop, a township road supervisor, has spent the past two years mourning the loss of his young family. As he’s plowing snow late one evening, he notices something amiss. When he goes to investigate, he finds a woman and three puppies in a dire situation. The more time they spend time together, the more he finds himself falling for her mistletoe kisses. But will it be enough for him to take a chance on love again?


The Kringle Falls, Vermont
Book 1 – Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses
Book 2 – Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
Book 3 – Puppy Hugs & Mistletoe Kisses
Book 4 – Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Christmas, Animals

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2024

About the author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she's not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book. Jennifer loves to hear from readers—you can contact her via her website.

And be sure to follow Jennifer for the latest on sales via Bookbub.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

PUPPY WISHES & CANDY KISSES (Kringle Falls Book #1) by Jennifer Faye is an endearing, sweet, and heartwarming holiday romance set in the year-round Christmas themed small-town of Kringle Falls, Vermont. This is the first book in this series by a new-to-me author and I am so excited that I will have more opportunities to return to Kringle Falls.

Candace “Candi” Goodman is always helping those around her. While her teaching position in Cleveland, Ohio was eliminated in a consolidation, she is picking up work as a substitute teacher and helping at the local animal shelter which is closing. She has volunteered to take the last three remaining puppies on a road trip to a shelter in Portland, Maine. As they are on their way, a snowstorm hits and a wreck on the highway has Candi detouring. She gets lost on the side roads in the storm.

Michael Bishop, a township road supervisor, has been out plowing during the storm and is ready to head home until he notices some tracks on an out of the way small side road. When he goes to investigate, he discovers a woman and three puppies off the road and partially down an embankment. He brings them all home with him hopefully only for a short stay because he prefers his solidary existence since the loss of his young wife and son two years previous.

As Candi and Michael spend time together, their attraction grows, but is it enough to melt the ice around Michael’s heart?

This is a well written, enjoyable holiday romance read, and I will be looking for other books by this new-to-me author. It not only has the requisite HEA, but it is full of holiday hope, love, second chances, and puppies, especially a determined husky puppy named Tank. Candi is just what Michael needs to take a chance on love again and rediscover his love of the Christmas holiday. His family and friends are all hoping it works out and I am looking forward to revisiting with them again in future books in the series. I love the town of Kringle Falls with its year-round Christmas and a certain Mr. and Mrs. Kringle who always believe things will work out for the best and certainly seem like they are living in the wrong town.

I highly recommend this small-town holiday contemporary romance! I am looking forward to reading more books in the Kringle Falls series to discover the fate of the other two puppies.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puppies and Christmas. Oh, My!
Such a lovely start to a series set in a Christmas town called Kringle Falls in Vermont, where everyday is Christmas.
Candi sets off from her home town of Ohio to Maine to drop off three puppies that desperately need a home before Christmas.
Nothing goes according to plan and Candi finds herself not only lost but stuck in a snowstorm and in danger.
Luckily Michael happens to be in the area, investigates and saves Candi and the three puppies.
This is a beautiful story of hope, finding your home in the unlikeliest of places and believing that you can find love again after tragedy.
With wonderful characters and puppies that will melt your heart this was a really lovely Christmas story.
I’m looking forward to Book 2 in the series and visiting Kringle Falls again.

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

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses by Jennifer Faye, book one in the Kringle Falls series, is a delightful, heartwarming story with puppies, good deeds, and holiday magic happening in a town where every day is Christmas.

Having no family of her own, out of a job, and with the shelter she volunteers at closing, kind hearted Candi Goodman agrees to take the last three puppies, desperately needing a home before Christmas, from her hometown in Ohio to Maine. Nothing goes according to plan and Candi finds herself not only lost but stuck in a snowstorm and in danger. Two years ago, Michael Bishop’s life was turned upside down, when he lost his wife and son in an accident, leaving him a shadow of whom he was. As supervisor of the roads in Kringle Falls, he is out in the storm when he finds Candy in a van about to go over the edge of the road and in no condition to be removed at that moment. So he takes Candy and the three troublemakers, but very cute dogs, home.

While staying at Michael’s house, one of the pups, Tank, falls in love with Michael; not leaving his side and even sharing his bed. Refusing to keep him as he is afraid to love again, Tank runs away from the foster home, nearly dying in the cold, as he waits on Michael’s porch. I loved the sweetness of the town, the support of Michael’s family, and the realization that opening your heart to love again is better than keeping it closed.

This is a beautiful story of hope, finding your home in the unlikeliest of places, and believing that you can find love again, even after tragedy. With wonderful characters and puppies that will melt your heart this was a really lovely holiday story. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magic of Love . . .

Candace Goodman (“Candi”) enjoys helping others and always has a smile for people. Her good deed for now is to transport three puppies to a shelter located in Maine. But the weather doesn’t cooperate and she is lost in a snowstorm after being forced to take a detour. Michael Bishop is a road supervisor in Kringle Falls. As he ventures out in the snowstorm to plow the heavy snow from the roads, he discovers Candi and the puppies and rescues them from a dangerous situation. Being together helps soothe his loneliness. But is he willing to let the past rest and move on to a future where he can love again? Will he still cling to mourning the family he lost years ago due to an accident? Or can Candi and the puppies show him that love truly does heal?

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses is the first title in the Kringle Falls, Vermont series, bringing us a delightful Christmas Romance featuring Candi, Michael, and three adorable puppies looking for their forever home. Talk about a Grumpy/Sunshine couple!

Although, to be fair, Michael’s grumpiness is completely understandable, even if it’s more of a man in deep mourning, a man who is in survival mode after the deaths of his wife and son a few years ago.

Candi is a school teacher who, due to circumstances beyond her control, has lost her position and is now substitute teaching and working at a local animal shelter. The shelter is closing, and these remaining puppies need to get to a shelter in Maine that has room for them, hopefully finding them their forever homes. Candi has volunteered to transport the puppies, even this close to Christmas, as she’s on her own anyway.

One volunteer road trip, three adorable, rambunctious puppies, a winter storm that diverts her to backroads covered in snow, and a man who investigates tire tracks that shouldn’t be on this remote, unused road… and you have the makings of not only a Christmas miracle for the pups, but a chance for two deserving people to find their forever home as well, with each other.

I loved Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses by Jennifer Faye so much. I had read Candi and Michael’s story a year ago when I was in the hospital for a very long stay over the holidays. And treated myself to a re-read yesterday, and this romance still makes me smile, so it’s going on that annual Christmas re-read list of mine.

Watching Michael’s walls begin to crumble amidst some puppy shenanigans and with the help of the love Candi isn’t afraid to show him was such an emotional journey. This couple deserved every bit of their happily ever after, and experiencing the, at times, rocky road to get there made this a believable, relatable romance. If you love a well-written, emotional, funny Christmas Romance with characters you can’t help but root for, then you’d love Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story introduces us to Kringle Falls , a place that celebrates Christmas year round and the new series titled Kringle Falls.
Candace/Candy Goodman has had a tough year. She’s been laid off from her full-time job and the animal shelter she volunteers at, is closing up. Bob, the owner, has been good to her, and when 3 puppies need to be taken from Ohio to a no-kill shelter in Maine she doesn’t hesitate to drive them there. What she didn’t expect was encountering a snowstorm and having an accident.
Two years ago,Michael Bishop’s life was turned upside down, leaving him a shadow of whom he was. As supervisor of the roads in Kringle Falls, he is out in the storm when he finds Candy in a van about to go over the edge of the road and in no condition to be removed at that moment. So he takes Candy and the three troublemakers, but very cute dogs, home.
How will these two individuals, who are not only lonely, but also dealing with life changing circumstances, get along? Let’s not forget the puppies. Puppies that Michael is not happy about as they seem to get into too much mischievous escapades. Particularly one , that seems to have made Michael “his person”.
Will these two find their HEA or will fear of getting hurt keep them apart?
This was a sweet, clean romance that will touch your hearts. Especially when you want them to find love and their HEA.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candi has lost her job as a teacher due to cut backs, now helping at the dog rescue centre has helped her. But now even that is closing to the owners illness. Trying to help she decides to drop the remaining three pups in Maine before the holidays. What she doesn't expect is the snow storm to hit and ends up thrown off course. Michael hates the holidays and living in Kringle Falls doesn't help, it boasts on being the best Christmas town. Plowing the roads to help the townsfolk is another excuse to keep busy. But finding the tyre tracks leading to a side road he worries that the road goes nowhere in this weather someone could get stranded. What he doesn't expect is to find a truck over the embankment. Helping is natural to him but he doesn't expect to find a beautiful woman and three pups trapped. Can Candi and the three musketeers help Michael to refind his holiday spirit. This is a story of loss, traditions and moving on. With the help of three playful pups and a woman who just can't help helping others you get this funny but heartfelt story. The antics and mischief Tank gets himself into ate hilarious but he bonds to Michael so well, and who can resist a cute huskies, not even the grumpy Michael. This is the first in the series which will be very interesting.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing her job as a schoolteacher, Candi has volunteered to drive three puppies to a shelter in Maine for Bob. Bob is like a father to her and is currently sick. Who would have known she'd end up in a snowstorm with a GPS that quit working and end up lost. She was in the middle of nowhere and ended up sliding down the side of the mountain. Michael Bishop, a road supervisor, is just about ready to head back when he saw tracks on a deserted mountain road. Thinking he better make sure everyone made it okay; he finds Candi and her three pups. Michael had lost his wife and son in an accident and does not plan to marry again as love hurts too bad. But he couldn't walk away from helping Candi and the pups, so he offers her his spare room. As they spend more time together, his heart starts to open up. Of course we have Tank, one of the puppies, who has claimed Michael, but Michael says no to keeping him. When Tank goes missing, will that change his mind? I so enjoyed this story, and the ending couldn’t have been any better.

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

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

One might think this is the purrfect book for Christmas, but you would be barking up a different tree! This is the book for dog lovers who love Christmas too! Candi faces what life can throw at you and takes three puppies for the trip.

Their nearly calamitous trip brings them into the care of Michael. He is the right person at the right time though he lives in a deep crevice in his personal life. The book is so sweet and wonderful to read.

Personally, my top three fave characters are Odie, Tater Tot and Tank. The scenes with Candi and Michael and the three musketeers are simply adorable. Once I started this book, I had a seriously hard time putting it down. I was preparing meals in the kitchen and found myself pausing in my prep to see what happened in the next scene.

Simply the book for dog lovers at Christmastime. You will just love Michael and Candi plus Michael and Tank. I can't recommend this book enough!.

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

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses’ was delightful. The adorable plot was filled with a snowstorm, getting lost, having an accident, getting injured, being rescued, going to the hospital, spending time in Vermont, going with the flow, revealing some heavy-duty adversity, taking care of the household chores, making Christmas ornaments, retrieving the van, hearing disappointing news, oh no…not the puppies, meeting the parents, going for a visit, decorating for the holidays, going to a family dinner, some hilarity, oh no…not a puppy, searching for the little one, and finding love.
Moreover, Candi and Michael, the protagonists, were so sweet together. They gushed with chemistry. In addition, I liked the author’s vivid descriptions including imagery, just-right word choices, and figurative language, such as, “She squinted, hoping to see past the army of snowflakes.” Also, I liked the onomatopoeia in “Her heart beat a rap-a-tap-tap in her chest.” Overall, I liked the amazing narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candi is on a road trip to deliver three puppies to a shelter in Maine. On her way there, a snowstorm causes havoc and they get into an accident. She ends up in Kringle Falls, the world’s largest Christmas town in the world.

Her rescuer, Michael, eventually lets her stay with him while awaiting her van to be repaired and for the weather to improve. He is a widower who has lost his beloved family, who has stayed reclusive over the past two years.

As they spend more time together, Candi starts to melt the barriers which Michael has put up since he lost his family. But can he overcome his grief and fear, to allow for a new future with Candi?

Unlike other romance books where we have meddling grandparents or friends, here we have three cute puppies to thank for thawing our hero’s frozen heart and for bringing him and Candi together during this Christmas season. I loved seeing those quiet moments when Candi and Tank wormed themselves into Michael’s heart.

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

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Jennifer Faye book I have read!
Ms Faye has produced a book that animal lovers won’t want to put down! The small-town Christmas setting, with authentic characters, welcomes the reader with affection. The plot has the ideal proportion of angst, excitement and heart-melting moments to avoid it becoming too sentimental.
When unemployed teacher, Candi, finds herself in a life-threatening situation, her first concern is for the three pups she is transporting. Grieving widower, Michael, initially doesn’t have the patience to cope with the dogs; however, an unexpected and persistent Tank gradually forces him to lose his grumpy attitude and re-open his heart.
The author’s empathetic approach is an indication of her knowledge and experience with dogs, and I look forward to reading future books in her new Kringle Falls series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb Graham]

This is a very sweet story. Michael is afraid of love after losing his wife and son in an accident. He is driving home from work when he finds Candi off the road in a snowstorm with the car nearly ready to fall off the cliff. When he climbs down to rescue her, he finds 3 puppies with her. She was bringing them to a no kill shelter in Maine from Ohio and got lost. With no place to stay and no vehicle, Michael allows her to stay at his house. Meanwhile, one of the pups falls in love with Michael and won't leave his side. After refusing to keep him so he won't feel loss, Tank runs from the foster home and nearly dies in the cold. I loved the sweetness of the town and the eventual realization that love is better than keeping your heart closed. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Candi gets lost in a snowstorm on her way to Maine to deliver 3 puppies to an animal shelter, she did not expect to be rescued by the handsome snow plow driver. Michael doesn’t know what to do with Candi and her brood of dogs but he can’t leave them outside so he brings them home. He tries his best to resist Candi’s sunny disposition and the Husky Tank that keeps following him around. But this is a Christmas town and it looks like a Christmas miracle is happening. I loved this story. Michael has a tough story that the love of a dog helps to heal. This is a feel good sweet Christmas story that doesn’t disappoint.

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

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is an heartwarming romance ,perfect for lovers of the Christmas season . The story is immersive and cute and endearing . Kringle Falls sounds a lovely place to be . Grumpy and sunshine were truly meant . Candi is on her way in the snow Ohio to Maine to rehome three puppies desperately before the holidays , she finds herself and her charges in a dangerous situation when she is stuck in a snowstorm lost and out of her depth. Then Michael comes along and saves them …swoon! I was in my element reading their tail no it’s not a typo it’s for puppy dog wishes along with their kisses, sweet as candy and really cute too. Well written and descriptive too. A heartwarming story full of love.

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

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, puppies included. A great romance that has lots of chemistry and made sweeter by Candi and her foster pups. I loved Tank and his cantankerous ways, he knew Michael needed him and was such a sweet support for him. This is a fun but tender story that melts you’re in more than one way. I fell in love with Tank, he kept me laughing, but it was his love for Michael that cinched it for me. Then you have Merry Kringle, she is a great character who becomes friends with Candi during her stay in Kringle Falls. The story stays on pace and doesn’t lag. I was pulled in from the start and couldn’t put the book down. Great characters, romance and adorable puppies all rolled into one great story!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t find the words to say how much I enjoyed this story so I will go with some of the things I loved about it. I need a Tank in my life! What a great character! He has more going on than I do, that’s for sure. And he plays a major part in showing Candi Goodman and Michael Bishop the true spirit of Christmas. It was a very sweet, heartwarming story – the kind I enjoy this time of year. For me, it really embodied the spirit of the season. And when Tank “helps” his fellow fur babies feel safe in their new reality? Or when he “helps” the people in his life figure out what’s important? It’s the very best! Loved this story!

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable puppies, adorable story. I was happy to get this Book 1 of Kringle Falls. And now I can't wait for next ones.
Candi crashes into Michael's life, with 3 adorable puppies with her. And with her - his past and present crashing in on him. Is he ready to live his life? After all drama he had experienced.
And she is like a force of nature, who had happen into his life and turned it upside down.
Loved the story-line, puppies, love story of Michael and Tank and the bonus epilogue.
Love the Author's writing style, characters, Kringle Falls with its unusual names of stores.
And what can be better than puppies?.

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

[Ida Ghramm · Rating 4 out of 5]

My guilty pleasure is romantic holiday books and movies and this book did not disappoint. I know I called it predictable but that is what makes this type of book so great; there's something soothing about everything coming out right in the end. I thought the characters were engaging and relatable, especially Tank. In fact, one of the best things about this book was that Tank, especially, was another character without anthropomorphizing him. I didn't need him to talk or to see the world from his perspective to recognize him as a character in this book. He tied the story together in the most perfect way. Loved the book and am looking forward to reading more.

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

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puppy Wishes and Candy Kisses is book one in the Kringle Falls Series.

This was a very cute story. Who wouldn't love to read about puppies finding their forever homes. Throw in the fact that it takes place during Christmas and you have a sensational story.

Candi and Michael had a lot of chemistry together. We really get to see the healing Michael goes through while interacting with Candi and the puppies. I really like the feel good moments we got throughout the book.

This was a great read and I can't wait to read more.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candi is in limbo with her life. She is stuck with 3 puppies in a van after getting lost and in an accident.
Micheal is still grieving 2 years after losing his wife & son in a car accident. He rescues her and the puppies accidentally as he’s plowing the roads in Kringle Falls.
Will he open his heart to love again for Candi & one of the puppies (Tank) in particular who has chosen him. Sweet Christmas book. I wish we had more towns like Kringle Falls.

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

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's transporting three puppies to a new shelter so they can find a forever home. Unfortunately the weather and a detour has her off course and stranded. Will she make it in time?
He's making his way home when he finds her tracks and goes to investigate. He wasn't expecting to end up with a house guest and puppies. He's determined not to get attached to any of them. How does he do with resisting falling again? Will he change his mind in time?.

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

[Boglarka Neagoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want to live in a town which celebrates Christmas all-year long? This charming story is set in Kringle Falls a little town with friendly people.

Michel needs a new start - everyone knows it, but he doesn't belive it until he meets Candi and her puppies. Beside the relationship between the main characters it's really nice to follow the bond forming between Michel and Tank, one of the puppies.

A perfect story to read in the Christmas season!.

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

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candi was brave to offer to drive the puppies so far but I would have looked into somewhere to stop once the snowstorm made conditions so bad. Shes lucky Michael found her van off the road. Puppy Tank was funny bonding with Michael and following him everywhere but he pushes him away along with Candi afraid to risk his heart again after losing his wife and young son. He is so stubborn, but she can be too determine to do everything herself even with her dwindling funds. I loved the sweet welcoming Christmas all year town and his family was a riot.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention quickly and led me to a town in Vermont that celebrates Christmas year round.  Add to that three cute puppies needing a home and a possible romance brewing between Candi and Michael and I quickly devoured the book and was happy and sad when I was done.  Happy that I read the book and that there is another book in the series to read and sad that I had finished this one.  I will miss the characters a lot!  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Happy Happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I didn't want to sleep I just wanted to finish it and find out how it all ended.
Page by page I turned and felt every emotions that the characters felt.
This book is a journey of love, healing and discovery.
Thank you because in a world where at times we feel that there is so much darkness there are books like this that remind us of the love and light we bring to the room.
LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK

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

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas story set in Kringle Falls that pulls at the heart strings.

Three adorable puppies need a home. The shelter where they were in Cleveland, Ohio is closing. There's a shelter in Maine that will take them on, but Candi must drive the pups there. A detour because of a accident on the main highway, a unexpected snowstorm, and black ice strand Candi and the pups in Kringle Falls.

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

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so adorable and delightful. The three puppies were so adorable, but Tank steals your heart. The town Kringle Falls is a town that celebrates Christmas year round. Candi ends up lost in a snow storm and rescued by Michael. Their journey and ending is so swoon worthy. The author just has such a way with words. I just want to read everything she writes!!! And the cover is absolutely the best book cover ever!!! All I can say is READ THIS BOOK!!!! It is so good!!!!!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael and Candi meet when he finds she and three puppies stranded during a snow storm. They come home with him as it’s not safe to go anywhere else and the adventure begins. Michael and Candi are both grieving in one way or another. Will they be able to work out how they feel about each othe r and have a good Christmas?.

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

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candi's heart was in the right place, taking the puppies to a new shelter to find their forever homes sounded easy, but winter had a different plan. Michael only wanted to help Candi stay safe till her van was ready to travel again, he didn't plan on falling in love with one of the puppies and maybe the puppy babysitter. I enjoyed the crazy puppy behavior and the very Christmasy town Kringle Falls.