Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Ruff Royal Christmas

Rate this book
This new Christmas romantic comedy from Emmy Award-winner Karen Schaler, writer of the Netflix hit A Christmas Prince, is a hilarious and heartwarming holiday rom-com that sparkles with royalty, romance, and a mischievous pup who changes everything.

“Schaler highlights the magic of the holidays in this fluffy contemporary royal romance. A festive story that would feel right at home among Netflix or Hallmark’s holiday offerings, and the addition of a chaotic canine enhances the fun.” — Publishers Weekly

Princess Ava's perfectly planned Christmas Eve charity event erupts into chaos when she loses Stormy, the Queen's mischievous new border collie. With Christmas approaching fast, Ava has no choice but to team up with Justin, a laid-back American dog trainer who’s used to wrangling strays, not royal runaways!

Sparks fly as Justin’s rule-breaking free spirit clashes with Ava’s determination to follow royal protocol. But when their search for Stormy takes them through glittering Christmas markets, festive holiday activities, and snowy winter wonderlands, an undeniable chemistry builds between them.

The more time they spend together, the harder it is to fight their growing attraction, a problem for Ava, who’s already set to marry the perfect duke. Now, she must decide, stay on the safe, traditional path she has always known…or risk it all and follow her heart?

This feel-good royal holiday romance is a Christmas romantic comedy that’s packed with humor, heart, and holiday magic, and a twist you won’t see coming. Because the best love stories can’t be planned, and they never follow the rules.

Perfect for fans of Karen’s Netflix sensation A Christmas Prince, her novel A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale, her novella Royal Extra After, and Casey McQuiston's, Katharine McGee's, Teri Wilson’s, and Jasmine Guillory’s royal romantic comedies.

Bonus Includes exclusive Christmas recipes and holiday activities from A Ruff Royal Christmas.

5-STAR Readers & Reviewers are Falling in Love with Karen Schaler's Christmas Romance Books and new Royal Christmas Romance A Ruff Royal Christmas.

“Schaler’s romantic comedies are funny, uplifting, and heartwarming.” —Forbes

“Schaler highlights the magic of the holidays in this fluffy contemporary royal romance. A festive story that would feel right at home among Netflix or Hallmark’s holiday offerings, and the addition of a chaotic canine enhances the fun.” — Publishers Weekly

“How A Christmas Prince [Netflix] screenwriter Karen Schaler became a holiday publishing darling.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Karen is one of the most masterful seasonal storytellers writing today with a gift for distilling warmth and magic into profoundly uplifting storylines.”—Rose Hilliard, Executive Editor, Audible Originals

“Karen Schaler brings the cozy to Christmas in her heartwarming tales of love and joy.” —Nancy Naigle, USA TODAY Bestselling Author

“Karen Schaler writes stories that are bursting with Christmas charm!”—Jenny Hale, USA TODAY Bestselling Author

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

44 people are currently reading
7907 people want to read

About the author

Karen Schaler

13 books1,025 followers
“Karen is one of the most masterful seasonal storytellers writing today with a gift for distilling warmth and magic into profoundly uplifting storylines.” –Rose Hilliard, Executive Editor, Audible Originals


KAREN SCHALER is a three-time Emmy Award-winning storyteller, author, screenwriter, journalist, and national TV host.

Karen writes Christmas movies for Netflix, Hallmark, and Lifetime, including the Netflix, hit A Christmas Prince, and has written seven beloved heartwarming holiday romance novels, including bestsellers Love Always, Christmas, and Christmas Camp where she also wrote the Hallmark movie.

Be sure to follow Karen on GOODREADS for her latest special deals and giveaways!

Karen has also turned her Christmas Camp novel and movie into real-life immersive Christmas Camp experiences for grownups, held worldwide where Karen carefully curates and hosts magical holiday activities from her movies and novels.

Karen also has a Top 10 Audible Bestseller, Once Upon A Christmas Carol featuring a full cast of award-winning actors and world-class musicians, where Karen also wrote the featured original song.

Traveling to more than sixty-eight countries, Karen is also the creator and host of Travel Therapy TV, which airs nationally on top TV and streaming outlets where she features the most inspiring and empowering trips to take based on what you're going through in life.

Karen believes in the power of paying it forward and giving back, and all of her stories are uplifting and filled with heart and hope.

KAREN'S FESTIVE FREEBIE! Be sure to download Karen’s free DIY Christmas Camp Guide at www.karenschaler.com, including delicious recipes and activities from all her stories.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
113 (32%)
4 stars
131 (37%)
3 stars
79 (22%)
2 stars
19 (5%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Margo Laurie.
Author 5 books149 followers
August 17, 2025
This is a sweet slice of romantic, festive escapism with the Christmassy loveliness turned up to 11. 🎄⛄💗 The plot involves Stormy, a royal dog in the kingdom of Skydovia, princess Ava who has a degree in mechanical engineering and a sense of duty to marry a man she doesn't love, and the American dog trainer who may win her heart. A very easy, enjoyable read.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,625 reviews355 followers
October 11, 2025
4.5 stars. Such a laugh-out-loud, fun and heartwarming Christmas romance with a lively little pup that stole my heart! ♥️ Princess Ava having promised to wed Henry the Duke, finds herself falling for the dashing dog trainer, Justin, who she’s teamed up with to find her mother (the Queens) lost border collie. Sparks ignite—and how!, as Ava and Justin’s physical attraction, chemistry, hilarious banter and caring gestures flourish the longer they search for pup, Stormy. What a great tale that has all the heart, warmth and festive feel of a beloved Hallmark Christmas movie. Enjoyed immensely. Do recommend. ❥ 🎧 Pub. 9/30/25
*blurbed on the cover are “Christmas Camp” on Hallmark+, and on Netflix “A Christmas Prince.”

Much thanks to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,130 reviews126 followers
August 7, 2025
I received a free copy of, A Ruff Royal Christmas, by Karen Schaler, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Princess Ava cant find the Queens dog, Stormy. This was a sweet Christmas romance, I really liked Ave ad Justin's story.
Profile Image for linda hole.
448 reviews81 followers
September 7, 2025
it was like watching a Hallmark movie. i loved it. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Profile Image for Elle.
182 reviews58 followers
October 16, 2025
1.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

I was excited to read this book, a forced proximity romance set during christmas? Sign me up! Little did I know I would be let down

Listen, I really wanted to like this book, it sounded like the perfect cute book that I like to read. The main character, Ava, is just so unlikable. She’s known to be cold and distant to others, which shows since she had so other personality trait. The romance between her and Justin felt really forced, yes that’s the point of forced proximity BUT there was no chemistry, it all was because of a dog that Ava literally hated.

I know pretty much everyone loved this book and I can kinda see why but it missed the mark for me.
Profile Image for Elaine.
1,402 reviews41 followers
September 28, 2025
OK…I just have to say…This. Was. Adorable!! ❤️🐕❤️🐾

A royal Princess. ✔️
A dog trainer/vet from USA. ✔️
A Tasmanian devil (yet adorable) dog ✔️
An arranged marriage. ✔️

Princess Ava is getting ready for the annual Christmas Eve Ball…that she’s in charge of this year…
Her father, the love and light of her life always took care of of this, but he recently passed.
She has everything just about ready.

Then, her mother, the Queen, comes in with her band new rescue dog, appropriately named Stormy!
He’s a wrecker! Like…anything he crosses paths with is guaranteed to be wrecked! 🤣

Ava is NOT happy. They’ve never had a dog…and why is mother getting one now???

And…the Queen announces that she’s leaving for France… right away.

Ava is distraught. What is she going to do with this dog?
But Mom is not worried. She’s hired the best dog trainer around… from the US.
And then she’s off!

And Ava and Justin (the trainer) are tasked with watching the dog… who very quickly RUNS AWAY! 😮🙏🏼

And, that’s how we start off!
The book follows them trying to find…locating…and then losing the crazy dog…again and again!
It’s absolutely delightful!!

If you love dogs, love romance, and love Christmas themed stories…THIS IS A DO NIT MISS!!

4 1/2 bright, shiny, hearty ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me, happily rounded up to 5!!!

#ARuffRoyalChristmas by @KarenShaler and narrated beautifully by @HannahCurtis.

If this sounds like something you’d like, please keep your eyes 👀 open for this one!!!
*** IT HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!!! Please look for it on Tuesday, 9/30/25! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Profile Image for Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee.
1,115 reviews271 followers
September 30, 2025
I loved Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler so I wanted to check this one out too. It was just as cute, and cheerful. I love sweet Christmas romance books and this hit the spot. If you like Christmas Hallmark movies, then you will love this one. I loved the banter between Princess Ava and Justin. I haven't read any Royals Christmas romance so it was really nice for something different. The Border Collie Stormy was so adorable. This was a cozy read and I really enjoyed every minute. 


Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,653 reviews178 followers
October 31, 2025
In Skydovia, Princess Ava is decorating the palace and preparing for the Christmas Eve charity event, when a small border collie runs in and begins to wreak havoc. Her mother, the queen has rescued a dog which she plans to share with her kingdom at the party. Ava is a bit of a stick in the mud and wants nothing to do with Stormy. She plans on getting engaged to Henry on Christmas Eve and will run the kingdom much like her father, but needs her mother's blessing. She is also a scientist, but this is kept secret. She has many inventions in use around the palace, but it was something she did with her father. She and her mother get along fine, but don't have a close mother/daughter relationship. Her mother has hired a dog trainer, almost like a dog whisperer to train Stormy, and he and Ava meet under unusual circumstances. When her mother goes away for an event, Ava is left to look after Stormy. He manages to slip out of the palace and for most to the book, Ava and Justin are searching for him, and spending a lot of time together. The reclusive princess spends time in the town and with others for the first time in a long time. She runs into Henry at one point, but is afraid to tell him that her mother has not given her blessing to the engagement. As Justin and Ava spend more time together, she begins to think that maybe Henry isn't the right man for her.

I really enjoyed this fun, Christmas story. I love books where animals play an important role and that is exactly what happens here. Stormy is a handful, and every bbtime they are close, he manages to escape again. This had Ava and Justin doing some fun and festive things together where Ava actually has fun. I liked both of these characters and wanted them to get a happy ending. Talk about opposites, though. Justin is a free spirit, he wants to have fun, but is caring and especially conscientious about caring for animals. He is actually a veterinarian, but doesn't know if that is what he wants to do with his life. I liked seeing the sparks fly and the chemistry that took Ava a while to recognize. There are some surprises in store, some drama, some danger, and some romance. I really enjoyed this story and loved getting to know these characters. The audiobook was narrated by Hannah Curtis, and she did a great job. I enjoyed her voices, tone, and expression.
Profile Image for Natalie.
3,458 reviews124 followers
August 30, 2025
I LOVE KAREN SCHALER!!!

I’ve read all of her Christmas books and she NAILS the Christmassy elements every time. Every setting is festive and fun with some unique Christmas traditions.

This book was absolutely overflowing with Christmas cheer! 🎄It was different from the typical “falling in love with a royal at Christmas” romance so common on Hallmark in that the Princess Ava is quite reclusive and guards her heart while the Queen (her mother) was the impulsive and fun loving royal.

I loved Stormy the mischievous dog and Justin the dog trainer. Dogs just add something so fun to a book in general but especially a Christmas book!

The characters were great as well. I liked seeing Ava grow and change as she got to know Stormy and Justin. I liked seeing her relationship with her mother change as well.

This romance is completely clean (nothing beyond kissing) and it was so sweet and cute.

I loved this book so much and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves Christmas books! I can’t wait to see what she will write next!


Thank you to Karen Schaler, Hawktale Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-ARC!! ♥️
Profile Image for Shelby Westerdahl.
125 reviews61 followers
October 21, 2025
A Ruff Royal Christmas is an adorable and heartwarming holiday story that feels just like a Hallmark movie—in the best possible way. The book follows Princess Ava, who loses her mother’s new dog, Stormy, and teams up with his charming trainer, Justin, to find him.
The only problem? Ava is nearly engaged to someone chosen out of royal obligation rather than love. But through her journey with Justin, she discovers someone genuine who sees her as more than her title. Their chemistry, witty banter, and growing connection make this story truly sparkle.
This is the perfect cozy, feel-good holiday read to curl up with on a winter evening. Thank you to HawkTale Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC.
Profile Image for Jammin Jenny.
1,537 reviews218 followers
December 19, 2025
I really liked this rom-com set in England. There are royals and commoners, love won and love lost, and a really cute rescue dog. I recommend this audiobook to anyone who likes a good Christmas rom-com. The narrator was really good too. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Readsandeats.
1,088 reviews24 followers
September 23, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley, Hawktale Publishing and Karen Schaler for the E ARC of this book.
Princess Ava and her mother the Queen are facing their first Christmas without their father and Husband the King. Ava is making sure that all the details are right for the upcoming Christmas Eve Charity Event. She wants it to be as perfect as her father made it and more. This is also going to be the time that she announces her engagement to her boyfriend.
However, the Queen keeps stalling in granting her permission for the announcement and instead wants to announce the newest member of their household, her rescue border collie puppy Stormy. Stormy does not care about Royal Protocol and disrupts all that Ava is working towards. Enter the handsome, famous American puppy trainer, Justin, the Queen has hired to get Stormy in shape for his big entrance. When Stormy goes missing when Ava was supposed to be watching him, she has no choice to ask Justin for help in finding the runaway pup. As they follow sightings that people have had of him, they are taken on a tour of all that Christmas in the town has to offer. Will Ava realise that maybe Justin is the one for her and not the uptight Duke she was thinking of marrying? Will Justin have the courage to also go after what he wants and not bow to his family pressure?
This was beautifully written, great characters and interesting plotline. There was a twist I didn’t see coming. This book will get you in the Christmas mood, I can see it being read once the tree is trimmed, the lights are flickering, the fire is crackling and your have a nice hot cup of chocolate, a Christmas cookie and snuggled up on the sofa.
Profile Image for Judi.
445 reviews
December 3, 2025
If you love Hallmark movies, then you would love this book. In fact, I think I would have liked it better if I saw it as a movie. Take a beautiful princess, a handsome American, and a cute dog, and well, you know the rest.

This is an easy read and a cozy Christmas book. There was a little banter, some mother/daughter drama, and of course, there's some romance. For me, however, it was a little slow and very predictable. I like a good rom-com, but I need a little more drama or mystery at the same time. The middle of the book is when I started to lose some interest.

My favorite character was the queen. I'm glad that Schaler made her a likable person, who didn't take her royalty status too seriously.

If you are looking for a Christmasy book that has royalty in it, you might really enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, HawkTale Publishing and Karen Schaler for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for E.A..
Author 13 books191 followers
December 26, 2025
This story was cute!

An uptight royal princess and a carefree dog trainer are forced to “work” together with the queens new dog.

While I wanted to really like this I had a hard time with the princess. I think she remained a really hard character for a little too long. There wasn’t much chemistry between them either (I think in part due to her attitude).

While it was an easy, sweet read, it wasn’t my favorite. I’d still recommend it to those who love holiday reads.

My rating: 3.6*

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this gifted copy. All oppinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marian Sherry.
225 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2025
Fun and festive, plus a dog!
If you love Christmas markets, festive holiday offerings, and a naughty canine with a royal romance this book is for you! You will fall in love with this sweet Christmas story full of Karen’s Christmas magic.

Princess Ava is planning the perfect Christmas Eve charity event. This is not only a tradition but a way to honor her father who passed away the previous year. Everything is going according to Ava’s meticulous plan until the Queen brings home a new border collie who is lovable but very mischievous. Things quickly spiral out of hand when Ava loses Stormy and chaos erupts. Ava has no choice but to team up with Justin, a laid-back American dog trainer hired by the Queen to train her new dog. Things quickly spiral out of control as Ava and Justin give chase to find Stormy before the Queen returns from her trip to Paris…

This is such a festive heartfelt Christmas romance! It is full of humor and heart and you’ll find yourself rooting for Ava and Justin. A wonderful addition to Karen’s Christmas books. I could absolutely see this as a Christmas movie. Delightful!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hawk Tale Publishing for the advanced readers copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Anna Fowler.
77 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2025
Simba gives gives this book four paws albeit a bit grudgingly as a dog is one of the main characters.

Fans of cozy Christmas fiction, along with lovers of all things royal, will not be disappointed by this romantic Christmas comedy by Karen Schaler. Princess Ava and dog trainer Jeff are tasked with the job of having the queen's new addition to the family trained by the annual Christmas Eve ball. What follows is a delightful tale as these two go ona wild goose chase after the mischievous border collie that escapes from them during a slightly heated discussion. Readers will laugh and cry as they grow along with Ava and Jeff along their journey of self-discovery as they search for the lively pup.

Karen handles the complexities of adults and their sometimes messy relationships with parents wirh grace and humor. Her own love of Christmas shines throughout the novels and Christmas lovers will find themselves transported to a magical, holiday world where happily ever afters do happen. With many surprising twists, and great character development, readers will not want to put this novel down.

A special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC copy to read and give an honest review.
420 reviews6 followers
July 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and HawkTale Publishing for sending me the ARC of another cute Christmas story by "Christmas Karen" Schaler. If you are looking for a "deep" story, this isn't for you. But if you want a feel-good Christmas story, then you will enjoy this one. Since a lot of the action takes place involving a dog, Stormy, this story is different from the usual royal romance...thankfully! This royal family cares deeply about animal shelters. Plus, this princess is an engineer and comes up with quirky inventions that are so much fun! Her platform will be to push science and math to youngsters, encouraging them to follow their dreams. This is a new, modern twist.
Profile Image for Natalie.
3,458 reviews124 followers
Read
January 5, 2026
This was my second time reading A Ruff Royal Christmas this year, which shows you how much I enjoyed it!

I first read the book physically and then I listened to the audiobook, so this review is for the audiobook version in particular.

I thought the narrator did an excellent job with a variety of different accents and changing her voice slightly for the different characters. My only real complaint would be that she pronounced the fictional country where this story takes place as “Sky DUV (like the bird) ee uh” rather than how I thought it would be pronounced: “Sky DOVE (past tense of “dive”) ee uh.” Obviously the country is fictional so it is entirely possible the author meant it to be “dove” like the bird but in my head it was “dove” like diving so it threw me off every time the reader pronounced it that way.

The story was very festive and fun and I did really enjoy the audiobook as well. The perfect Christmas read!
Profile Image for Eric.
280 reviews
July 24, 2025
Another Christmas classic by Karen Schaler to add to her growing lists.

The main characters go through a journey of growing and they work well together and you can never go wrong with including a dog with Christmas joy.

I laughed so often while reading and I could picture this one as a movie so easily.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
135 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2025
A ruff royal Christmas by Karen schaler is a delightful listen.
Although premature for my usual Christmas reading I listened ahead of the publication date and I’m so pleased I did.

It reminded me a little of ‘The Princess diaries’ with a spoilt princess as the main character who clearly had life lessons to learn still in order for her to move forwards and not cling to much to the past. The male character Justin was likeable and also the queen who was a side character although there was also an element of fairytale like traits with there being goodie, baddie, royalty characters in a subliminal level.

Storm, however stole the show being a dog who quite literally created a storm. Reference to other animals, vets and dog trainers also kept me engaged and although predictable and so moments of “really?!”

I a a person who can listen to Audio books at a relatively fast pace, although do tend to have the habit of speeding books up to get to the end or if I just want to get ‘the jist’ when I find myself bored and tuning out but with this book I kept the speed at the one that it was set at and listened properly - testament also to the narrator- easy to listen to, expressive but not to over the top.

This is my first Christmas narrative of 2025 and it’s given me the cosy feel you would want from make believe scenarios.

I would listen to other books or read books by the author based on this story.

Thanks to NetGalley for this.
Profile Image for Julia Sarene.
1,693 reviews204 followers
October 12, 2025
A Ruff Royal Christmas – Karen Schaler

A very easy book to read, light and cheerful, very much like a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. It’s a story full of charm and sparkle, though some parts feel a little far-fetched and a bit too convenient.

From the inventive princess who lowers decorators from the ceiling with a pulley system, to the over-the-top decorations and the speed with which problems are solved, the story sometimes stretches believability. Even when a whole room filled with valuable heirlooms is wrecked, everyone simply carries on. Princess Ava goes from not wanting the dog Stormy to caring about nothing but his safety in almost no time at all.

Stormy is adorable, though more of a storybook dog than a realistic one, somehow understanding every word and fetching exactly the right thing.

The family drama that has been simmering for decades is cleared up after one emotional conversation, and most other troubles disappear just as quickly. It makes for an easy, pleasant read but leaves little room for depth or tension.

Still, there is a lot to enjoy. The romance is gentle and slow-burning, built on growing trust and friendship rather than instant attraction. The Queen is a delight, bringing humour and warmth in her own eccentric way, and the festive setting with markets, lights, and community events adds a nice seasonal atmosphere.
Profile Image for Wondrously Bookish Cristina .
193 reviews52 followers
October 13, 2025
I found this book to be a light, cheerful read—very much like a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. It’s full of charm, sparkle, and festive warmth, though some parts felt a bit too convenient or far-fetched. From the inventive princess lowering decorators from the ceiling to problems being solved almost instantly, the story sometimes stretched believability. Even serious moments, like a room full of heirlooms being destroyed, were brushed off quickly.

Still, I really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and gentle romance. Princess Ava’s growing connection with Justin, the dog trainer, was sweet and full of heart, and their banter made me smile. Stormy, the dog, completely stole the show—adorable, if a bit too perfect. The Queen added humor and warmth, and the festive setting with markets, lights, and family moments made it a delightful holiday read. It’s not deep or dramatic, but it’s exactly the kind of uplifting, feel-good story one loves to read around winter time.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.
Profile Image for BookBlubbles.
31 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2025
I absolutely adored this heart-warming and cozy festive treat of a story! I enjoyed all the Christmas elements filled with wonder and whimsical scenes. I loved all the Christmas themes for markets, restaurants and decor. It's painted a magical picture in my head that I simply loved.

I loved the character's development particularly Ava. I adored Queen Kathleen, she was one of my favourite characters. I loved the development between the mother-daughter bond. I absolutely loved Justin (who wouldn't?)

I enjoyed the aspect of adopting and supporting pet/dog shelters. Stormy was such a riot! Most adorable character of course!

This is exactly like some of my favourite Hallmark Christmas movies but in a book and I just had such a fun time. A cute and romantic read that will be perfect for the upcoming Christmas season!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC to read. This review is based on my own honest thoughts and opinions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tamara Fox.
Author 2 books1 follower
October 9, 2025
A mischievous Queen, an uptight Princess, a dog gone missing and a dreamy dog trainer made the perfect combination for this fun and lighthearted holiday romancel!
As Princess Ava is planning to announce her engagement to an uptighs Duke, the Queen brings in a rescue pup that causes a lot of chaos. To manage the pup, she also brings in the American, dreamy dog trainer Justin. As the pup dissappears, they have to work together to find him. I really felt the Holiday magic in this one, Karen Schaler created the perfect cozy Christmas scenery. Loved that it was fast paced and such a feelgood story, exactly what I would want to read during Christmas time.

Thanks to Hawktale Publishing and Karen Schaler for entrusting me to write my honest opinion of an advanced readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Janice Barrieau.
76 reviews
September 26, 2025
This story was absolutely adorable! I love every second of it. It was very well written that it kept you reading, and I didn't want to put the book down. It is definitely a Hallmark movie in the making.
Princess Ava has grown up to follow her father's rules while her mother, the Queen, ruled the kingdom of Skydovia. She is also an inventor.
The Queen finally gets a dog since her last husband was allergic, and hires Justin who is a world renown dog trainer to train her new dog.
While the Queen is away, the dog runs away, and it is up to Ava and Justin to get the dog back.
As they search through castle and Skydovia, they learn about themself and what they want with their live.
100/100 Recommend.
Profile Image for Shanna Gilbert.
314 reviews21 followers
December 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


If you are a lover of Hallmark movies like I am you will love this book!

Princess Ava’s father has recently passed and she and her mother have been heartbroken.

To cheer herself up her mother adopts an adorable collie but then has to leave the country. Justin (an American dog trainer) is brought in to train the pup.

Ava and Justin are watching the dog when it runs away!

The longer they spend together the more their chemistry grows.

This book is funny, heartwarming and everything you hope for in a Christmas book!
Profile Image for Zach.
590 reviews6 followers
December 9, 2025
As always, Karen Schaler does not disappoint with a fun little Christmas book. Was it over the top and silly with some of the shenanigans? Of course! Is that what makes it enjoyable? Of course!

Ava and Justin go on a hectic scramble to find a lost dog who evades them at every turn. It is silly and heartwarming, and as things usually go for stories like this, it has a happy ending.

If you are a dog-lover who wants a nice Christmas story, then look no further.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.