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Applebottom #5
Mistletoe Summer
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN B07TRXGPD8 can be found here
It was love at first sight. For their dogs.
Cody Jones didn't expect to ever return to Applebottom, planning a long life of military service and world travel. But a devastating injury in Iraq narrows his options, so he begrudgingly helps his mother expand her doggy bakery until he figures out what’s next.
And in walks Melody Hopkins.
Melody is dead broke and takes a summer job painting the new pet store to pay the bills. She's new to Applebottom and has never encountered the moody, brutally handsome Cody Jones. She isn’t sure she can work around him, but then her tiny Pomeranian Mistletoe refuses to leave Cody’s service dog, a gorgeous Golden Retriever named Tyrus.
The town notices their reluctant friendship and puts them in charge of a grand opening celebration sure to draw visitors to the new store -- a Christmas in July pet parade.
Cody doesn't want to show off his injury to the whole town, but Melody's infectious optimism convinces him to try. Besides, his service dog Tyrus can't seem to live without Melody’s little fluff ball. What's a veteran and a dog dad to do?
It was love at first sight. For their dogs.
Cody Jones didn't expect to ever return to Applebottom, planning a long life of military service and world travel. But a devastating injury in Iraq narrows his options, so he begrudgingly helps his mother expand her doggy bakery until he figures out what’s next.
And in walks Melody Hopkins.
Melody is dead broke and takes a summer job painting the new pet store to pay the bills. She's new to Applebottom and has never encountered the moody, brutally handsome Cody Jones. She isn’t sure she can work around him, but then her tiny Pomeranian Mistletoe refuses to leave Cody’s service dog, a gorgeous Golden Retriever named Tyrus.
The town notices their reluctant friendship and puts them in charge of a grand opening celebration sure to draw visitors to the new store -- a Christmas in July pet parade.
Cody doesn't want to show off his injury to the whole town, but Melody's infectious optimism convinces him to try. Besides, his service dog Tyrus can't seem to live without Melody’s little fluff ball. What's a veteran and a dog dad to do?
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2020
528 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Abby Tyler
17 books640 followersAbby Tyler loves puppy dogs, pie, and small towns (she grew up in one!) Her books combine the romance she loves with the funny, sometimes a-little-too-truthful characters she remembers from growing up in a place where everyone knew everybody’s business.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 13, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Delilah gripped her coffee like it was the last Tickle Me Elmo at Walmart.
“They have a Christmas in July here. So we start decorations early.” “Why?” Grandma’s eyes met hers with sadness. “Because many of us won’t see another holiday season.”
My Review:
While sweet and wholesome is not my typical fare, I am gleefully enjoying Abby Tyler’s delightful small-town romances, this entire series has been sweet enough to cause dental issues. This quick installment covered a lot of ground with a wide range of characters including a seriously wounded and recovering and vet suffering from PTSD, senior citizens, a cancer survivor, teachers, small-town matchmaking busybodies, service dogs, parades, Christmas out of season, and a Manic Pixie Dream Girl – a moniker which required the unlimited resources of Mr. Google to fully appreciate. The storylines are thoughtfully written, easy to follow, and pleasantly entertaining while observantly insightful and wryly amusing and host a lively and enticing cast of uniquely quirky characters. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next volume.
Delilah gripped her coffee like it was the last Tickle Me Elmo at Walmart.
“They have a Christmas in July here. So we start decorations early.” “Why?” Grandma’s eyes met hers with sadness. “Because many of us won’t see another holiday season.”
My Review:
While sweet and wholesome is not my typical fare, I am gleefully enjoying Abby Tyler’s delightful small-town romances, this entire series has been sweet enough to cause dental issues. This quick installment covered a lot of ground with a wide range of characters including a seriously wounded and recovering and vet suffering from PTSD, senior citizens, a cancer survivor, teachers, small-town matchmaking busybodies, service dogs, parades, Christmas out of season, and a Manic Pixie Dream Girl – a moniker which required the unlimited resources of Mr. Google to fully appreciate. The storylines are thoughtfully written, easy to follow, and pleasantly entertaining while observantly insightful and wryly amusing and host a lively and enticing cast of uniquely quirky characters. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next volume.
August 23, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Delilah gripped her coffee like it was the last Tickle Me Elmo at Walmart.
“They have a Christmas in July here. So we start decorations early.” “Why?” Grandma’s eyes met hers with sadness. “Because many of us won’t see another holiday season.”
My Review:
While sweet and wholesome is not my typical fare, I am gleefully enjoying Abby Tyler’s delightful small-town romances, this entire series has been sweet enough to cause dental issues. This quick installment covered a lot of ground with a wide range of characters including a seriously wounded and recovering and vet suffering from PTSD, senior citizens, a cancer survivor, teachers, small-town matchmaking busybodies, service dogs, parades, Christmas out of season, and a Manic Pixie Dream Girl – a moniker which required the unlimited resources of Mr. Google to fully appreciate. The storylines are thoughtfully written, easy to follow, and pleasantly entertaining while observantly insightful and wryly amusing and host a lively and enticing cast of uniquely quirky characters. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next volume.
Delilah gripped her coffee like it was the last Tickle Me Elmo at Walmart.
“They have a Christmas in July here. So we start decorations early.” “Why?” Grandma’s eyes met hers with sadness. “Because many of us won’t see another holiday season.”
My Review:
While sweet and wholesome is not my typical fare, I am gleefully enjoying Abby Tyler’s delightful small-town romances, this entire series has been sweet enough to cause dental issues. This quick installment covered a lot of ground with a wide range of characters including a seriously wounded and recovering and vet suffering from PTSD, senior citizens, a cancer survivor, teachers, small-town matchmaking busybodies, service dogs, parades, Christmas out of season, and a Manic Pixie Dream Girl – a moniker which required the unlimited resources of Mr. Google to fully appreciate. The storylines are thoughtfully written, easy to follow, and pleasantly entertaining while observantly insightful and wryly amusing and host a lively and enticing cast of uniquely quirky characters. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next volume.
April 19, 2023
Sweet romance
This was a sweet romance story, rather than a gripping thriller. However, it's the kind of story that I like to read when I'm tired and just want to curl up with a nice light romance. The characters are both very likeable, the dogs are cute, and this is a nice clean story. I definitely recommend it!
This was a sweet romance story, rather than a gripping thriller. However, it's the kind of story that I like to read when I'm tired and just want to curl up with a nice light romance. The characters are both very likeable, the dogs are cute, and this is a nice clean story. I definitely recommend it!
May 2, 2023
Melody, a math teacher and pep squad coach at a local high school, has taken a summer job painting. She finds that the woman who hired her, Delilah, has a son, Cody, who was injured when he was deployed. At first, Cody is grouchy and distant, but then he begins to get to know Melody and learns how special she is. (His service dog is already enjoying the company of Melody's dog, Mistletoe.) Will Cody's new physical therapy regimen allow him to walk in the Christmas in July parade without his cane? Will he be able to deal with his PTSD? A sweet romance for dog lovers.
January 14, 2024
Hallmark Book
I liked the hallmark feel of this book seeing as I like hallmark movies, if you don't you won't like this book. It was a short and sweet quick read. It's a veteran love story that has a sweet ending.
I liked the hallmark feel of this book seeing as I like hallmark movies, if you don't you won't like this book. It was a short and sweet quick read. It's a veteran love story that has a sweet ending.
September 14, 2025
Likeable characters and a heartwarming story.
October 5, 2023
A sweet romance between a PTSD veteran and a high school teacher. Good insight on the struggle a veteran faces after being injured. Cody's faithful service dog is at his side at the first sign of inner struggle. Melody has her faithful Mistletoe by her side. Great setting and characters make this a feel good story.
July 25, 2020
After leaving the Army with a leg injury and PTSD, Cody was helping his mother with the expansion of her bakery for dogs. He was glad to be working alone because he was embarrassed about his injury and he never knew when his anger would get the better of him. When Melody came along, offering to help with the painting, etc., his mother hired her on the spot. Cody was not happy about that. But Melody was a very cheerful, positive person who didn't let Cody's grumpiness bother her. Much.
I enjoyed the small-town setting with its matchmaking seniors. And the "romance" between the two dogs was cute. Having a Christmas in July parade for the town - but especially for the seniors who loved Christmas and may not be there for another holiday season - was the nicest idea.
Fans of sweet small-town romance will enjoy this book.
I enjoyed the small-town setting with its matchmaking seniors. And the "romance" between the two dogs was cute. Having a Christmas in July parade for the town - but especially for the seniors who loved Christmas and may not be there for another holiday season - was the nicest idea.
Fans of sweet small-town romance will enjoy this book.
February 2, 2021
Sometimes I just want a simple, sweet romance. Mistletoe Summer met all the requirements and more. Cody is a Vet suffering from PTSD and a leg that doesn't move like it used. Melody needs a summer job so she can make her Grandma more comfortable in her Senior Residence.
Time and determination is just what they need to find their HEA.
Time and determination is just what they need to find their HEA.
February 12, 2022
Super sweet and sappy story!
I liked it.
There's not a lot of detail in much of any part of the story, but it works. You get the sweet romance, a bit of angst in the "misunderstanding" part of the story and, the happy resolution.
It works as a stand-alone, but there are obviously other stories this town has to tell.
I liked it.
There's not a lot of detail in much of any part of the story, but it works. You get the sweet romance, a bit of angst in the "misunderstanding" part of the story and, the happy resolution.
It works as a stand-alone, but there are obviously other stories this town has to tell.
June 15, 2023
Mistletoe Summer was a sweet cozy romance about Melody Hopkins who takes her dog Mistletoe into a high end pet bakery to get her a treat. Talking to the owner she discovers that they are expanding and could use some help with the painting. She decides to take on the job and meets the owner's son Cody and his support dog Tyrus. Cody is just back from Iraq. His leg was injured and he suffers from PTSD.
As Melody and Cody get to know each other, so do their dogs. The story is all about Cody learning to come to terms with his PTSD and them both learning to care for and trust each other.
I enjoyed all the characters in the small town, having the dogs front and center in the book and the budding romance between Cody and Melody. I also liked that the book didn't gloss over Cody's PTSD and how it affected his everyday life.
As Melody and Cody get to know each other, so do their dogs. The story is all about Cody learning to come to terms with his PTSD and them both learning to care for and trust each other.
I enjoyed all the characters in the small town, having the dogs front and center in the book and the budding romance between Cody and Melody. I also liked that the book didn't gloss over Cody's PTSD and how it affected his everyday life.
July 6, 2023
Perfect clean romance novel
I'm so glad this was a clean novel, for I loved the characters & the plot. I can't imagine what many of our veterans have to deal with in battle & when they come home to a world, which is nothing like the service life they left behind. I liked the part where Cody sees a physical therapist who treats him differently than the other specialists had. And Melody who didn't give up, even when she felt alone. I especially loved the dogs. I personally have never seen two dogs act the way Mistletoe & Turk acted. I thought the dogs in love thing was a little ridiculous, but they did provide me a lot of smiles. All of the supporting characters in the book were real to me as well. This is great writing by this author!!
I'm so glad this was a clean novel, for I loved the characters & the plot. I can't imagine what many of our veterans have to deal with in battle & when they come home to a world, which is nothing like the service life they left behind. I liked the part where Cody sees a physical therapist who treats him differently than the other specialists had. And Melody who didn't give up, even when she felt alone. I especially loved the dogs. I personally have never seen two dogs act the way Mistletoe & Turk acted. I thought the dogs in love thing was a little ridiculous, but they did provide me a lot of smiles. All of the supporting characters in the book were real to me as well. This is great writing by this author!!
November 1, 2023
Sweet and cosy, clean romance
Cody is a veteran with a bad leg and in need of his assist dog.
Melody is bubbly and bright with her little dog. When they pull together to help his mother with her business the dogs, Cody and Melody navigate each other.
Small town romance is one of my favourite tropes and this was adorable.
Cody starts out as Mr grumpy to Melody's sunshine another perfect trope
It's a novella thus a super quick read and because it just made me feel content I couldn't put it down.
I love how the author has emphatically addressed veterans and PTSD + terminal patients.
The summer Christmas idea was amazing and I'd love to have quarterly Christmas 🎄🎄🎄
Beautiful book with a perfect HEA
Kerry Kennedy Author
Cody is a veteran with a bad leg and in need of his assist dog.
Melody is bubbly and bright with her little dog. When they pull together to help his mother with her business the dogs, Cody and Melody navigate each other.
Small town romance is one of my favourite tropes and this was adorable.
Cody starts out as Mr grumpy to Melody's sunshine another perfect trope
It's a novella thus a super quick read and because it just made me feel content I couldn't put it down.
I love how the author has emphatically addressed veterans and PTSD + terminal patients.
The summer Christmas idea was amazing and I'd love to have quarterly Christmas 🎄🎄🎄
Beautiful book with a perfect HEA
Kerry Kennedy Author
April 21, 2023
I’m a big fan of wounded military men, so I had high hopes for Cody. Unfortunately, the ‘sweet’ nature of the story prevented me from feeling everything he was going through. Nightmares are only casually mentioned, and we don’t see him struggle in therapy. There’s reference to one rage episode (not shown), and the whole storyline is very predictable. There’s no ‘black moment,’ no angst about will they or won’t they get together. There just wasn’t enough depth. And the whole Christmas-four-times-a-year? Yikes, too much.
July 10, 2020
Very sweet, clean romance😍
Very entertaining read, it has humor, chemistry and feels! No overly steamy scenes but you can feel the attraction! Cody has come home from the war injured, his military career gone and a lot of rehab to be done. Melody needs some extra cash and this job just falls into her lap, helping Cody fix the expansion to his mom's store. But with their dogs in love at first sight does that set them up for it too?
Volunteer KU based review
Very entertaining read, it has humor, chemistry and feels! No overly steamy scenes but you can feel the attraction! Cody has come home from the war injured, his military career gone and a lot of rehab to be done. Melody needs some extra cash and this job just falls into her lap, helping Cody fix the expansion to his mom's store. But with their dogs in love at first sight does that set them up for it too?
Volunteer KU based review
June 18, 2023
Sweet Romance
Such a sweet read. I loved the characters, the main couple were perfect together.
Cody had a leg injury from war and given to therapy dog to help him cope but the pain made him grumpy.
Upon meeting Melody with her dog he felt frustrated that she made him feel.
The dogs fell in love immediately and hatred being parted.
Cody left to concentrate on therapy and all 4 missed each other.
When they reacquainted they realised they wanted more and the rest was history.
Such a sweet read. I loved the characters, the main couple were perfect together.
Cody had a leg injury from war and given to therapy dog to help him cope but the pain made him grumpy.
Upon meeting Melody with her dog he felt frustrated that she made him feel.
The dogs fell in love immediately and hatred being parted.
Cody left to concentrate on therapy and all 4 missed each other.
When they reacquainted they realised they wanted more and the rest was history.
August 15, 2020
Adjustment!
Mistletoe Summer: It was a wonderful story with challenges! Wonderful characters that you fall in love with. It's was sad the challenges that Cody was going through after being discharged from the military. I liked that Melody was trying everything to get him out of his funky that he was going through. I really enjoyed the small town. Fantastic writing.
Mistletoe Summer: It was a wonderful story with challenges! Wonderful characters that you fall in love with. It's was sad the challenges that Cody was going through after being discharged from the military. I liked that Melody was trying everything to get him out of his funky that he was going through. I really enjoyed the small town. Fantastic writing.
April 23, 2023
A bit on the saccharine side. No really serious evidence of his PTSD, except for an occasional bad mood, so I guess a more realistic struggle would’ve ruined the Hallmark channel approach.
Also… Christmas four times a year?! I can’t imagine even terminal nursing home patients could muster that much enthusiasm for the holiday…
Also… Christmas four times a year?! I can’t imagine even terminal nursing home patients could muster that much enthusiasm for the holiday…
August 4, 2023
Love is so awesome even if it's between 2 Dogs
Love at first sight between little Misetoe and the much larger service Golden Retriever was apparent to all. The love story between Cody, A PSTD vet, and Melody, A Cheerleader was as enduring as the love between their pets.
I'm a softy for a good love story with this you enjoy 2 love stories that has the support of the whole town.
Love at first sight between little Misetoe and the much larger service Golden Retriever was apparent to all. The love story between Cody, A PSTD vet, and Melody, A Cheerleader was as enduring as the love between their pets.
I'm a softy for a good love story with this you enjoy 2 love stories that has the support of the whole town.
December 10, 2025
Very nice romance
Cody is a vet who was injured in an explosion. Melody is a math teacher who takes a summer job with Cody's mother. Melody's dog, Mistletoe, is a little Pomeranian who takes a shine to Cody's servicedog, Tyson. But the dogs aren't the only ones falling for each other.
Cody is a vet who was injured in an explosion. Melody is a math teacher who takes a summer job with Cody's mother. Melody's dog, Mistletoe, is a little Pomeranian who takes a shine to Cody's servicedog, Tyson. But the dogs aren't the only ones falling for each other.
July 2, 2020
Great read
This book was an amazing read the storyline was fantastic & well written. Cody & Melioneywere grat characters & made it so interesting you could not put it down until the end.It makes you think of our wounded warriors coming back & the challenges they face.
This book was an amazing read the storyline was fantastic & well written. Cody & Melioneywere grat characters & made it so interesting you could not put it down until the end.It makes you think of our wounded warriors coming back & the challenges they face.
July 3, 2020
A bit of everything!!!
This is a new author for me and she wrote a delightful book. Great characters and storyline. There were serious times, social times and humorous times which all came together in a marvelous blend. Fun, fun!
This is a new author for me and she wrote a delightful book. Great characters and storyline. There were serious times, social times and humorous times which all came together in a marvelous blend. Fun, fun!
February 20, 2021
Enjoyable
Melody and Cody had a lot to overcome. Cody with his ear injury and attitude he had about it and Melody needed to learn to share that her money was right because she was taking care of her grandmother. Beautiful story of love in several different ways!
Melody and Cody had a lot to overcome. Cody with his ear injury and attitude he had about it and Melody needed to learn to share that her money was right because she was taking care of her grandmother. Beautiful story of love in several different ways!
March 10, 2021
I love the romance not only between the two people, but the doggie romance was superb!
Definitely going to keep reading about the couples of Applebottom and the small town romances!
Triggers: PTSD, war, veterans, chemo, cancer, injury
Definitely going to keep reading about the couples of Applebottom and the small town romances!
Triggers: PTSD, war, veterans, chemo, cancer, injury
August 16, 2023
So sweet
Just a warning, this is a clean, Hallmark type book so those needing more than a first kiss at 89% are not gonna be happy. Otherwise, its a sweet doggy parents getting paired up by their pooches and some pushy senior citizens wanting to pair up the singles.
Just a warning, this is a clean, Hallmark type book so those needing more than a first kiss at 89% are not gonna be happy. Otherwise, its a sweet doggy parents getting paired up by their pooches and some pushy senior citizens wanting to pair up the singles.
September 3, 2023
Cute but barely any romance
Light SPOILERS!
This was a very sweet book but the most romance was shown between the main characters dogs. I still really enjoyed the book but it could have had more romance outside of 2 written kisses.
Light SPOILERS!
This was a very sweet book but the most romance was shown between the main characters dogs. I still really enjoyed the book but it could have had more romance outside of 2 written kisses.
April 4, 2024
awesome read my husband is a vet
Love the dogs and grandma and all that came together in this story.
A sweet wholesome read. Highly recommend, grab some cookies and a drink and cuddle up to this story!
Love the dogs and grandma and all that came together in this story.
A sweet wholesome read. Highly recommend, grab some cookies and a drink and cuddle up to this story!
April 19, 2024
OMG the sweetest story
Beautiful couple and story that you won't want to stop. Veteran recovering and struggling meets smart and peppy cheerleader/Calculus teacher.
PTSD warning ⚠️
Clean and wholesome.
You'll wish it was longer.
Beautiful couple and story that you won't want to stop. Veteran recovering and struggling meets smart and peppy cheerleader/Calculus teacher.
PTSD warning ⚠️
Clean and wholesome.
You'll wish it was longer.
May 25, 2025
Therapy dogs and love!!!!
Melody and Cody's story is with reading.
Learning to cope with a bad leg leftover from his military is hard. What's harder is learning to allow others to help.
Melody and Cody's story is with reading.
Learning to cope with a bad leg leftover from his military is hard. What's harder is learning to allow others to help.
July 24, 2020
Mistletoe summer
Beautiful story, loving characters
Once started reading I couldn't put it down best read I've had in a long time
Beautiful story, loving characters
Once started reading I couldn't put it down best read I've had in a long time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews