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The Dogmothers #7
Peppermint Bark
Getting stood up for her high school prom turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Colleen Kilcannon. That's when Joe Mahoney offered to fill in as her date, and magic happened. By the end of that night, Colleen was ready to give up her dreams of flying the friendly skies and seeing the world…because nothing in that world could compete with her firefighter. She and Joe married, had a family, and remained deeply in love until he died in the line of duty, leaving her a widow for twenty years.
Tim McIntosh has avoided Bitter Bark for forty-five years. But when the international business executive returns to his home town to fulfill his father’s dying wish, seeing Colleen again is inevitable. Determined to deliver a decades-old apology, he visits the dog treat store she runs, where a couple of sweet old ladies persuade him to participate in Peppermint Bark, a holiday dog fostering program. They even have the perfect dog for him to foster, an impish Westie named Bucky. There’s just one problem...someone else has already claimed that dog. Someone Tim remembers quite well.
As Colleen and Tim rekindle their friendship and co-foster a dog that seems to only be happy when they’re together, old sparks ignite. But they only have the month of December together before he returns to his life of world travel…and she returns to what suddenly seems like a mundane existence. Their relationship deepens while they set out on an impossible holiday mission to fulfill his father’s deathbed request, uncovering life-changing secrets. It’ll take one clever Westie, two scheming grannies, and a whole lot of Christmas magic for Colleen and Tim to finally get a second chance at a dance that just might last forever.
Tim McIntosh has avoided Bitter Bark for forty-five years. But when the international business executive returns to his home town to fulfill his father’s dying wish, seeing Colleen again is inevitable. Determined to deliver a decades-old apology, he visits the dog treat store she runs, where a couple of sweet old ladies persuade him to participate in Peppermint Bark, a holiday dog fostering program. They even have the perfect dog for him to foster, an impish Westie named Bucky. There’s just one problem...someone else has already claimed that dog. Someone Tim remembers quite well.
As Colleen and Tim rekindle their friendship and co-foster a dog that seems to only be happy when they’re together, old sparks ignite. But they only have the month of December together before he returns to his life of world travel…and she returns to what suddenly seems like a mundane existence. Their relationship deepens while they set out on an impossible holiday mission to fulfill his father’s deathbed request, uncovering life-changing secrets. It’ll take one clever Westie, two scheming grannies, and a whole lot of Christmas magic for Colleen and Tim to finally get a second chance at a dance that just might last forever.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
93 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Roxanne St. Claire
266 books1,833 followersI don’t know about you, but when I check out an author's bio, it’s usually because I’ve read a book I liked and wondered about the person behind it. Let's skip the formal bio and I'll give you the inside scoop on who Roxanne St. Claire really is.
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
November 16, 2021
Peppermint Bark by Roxanne St Claire
Book 7 in the Dogmothers series which is a spin off from the Dogfather series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Older couple. Second chance troupe.
Colleen has been a widow for many years and the Dogmothers decide it’s her turn for their matchmaking expertise. Turns out they have their eye on Tim McIntosh who stood Colleen up at her junior year Prom. Colleen had a happy marriage and isn’t interested in a new romance but as they co-foster a cute dog, their friendship reignites.
A beautiful love story and poignant romance. Clean. Older couple (60).
I worry when the beginning is the history and happiness from the past. She had a happy life and tho she’s been a widow for many years, she not interested in a new relationship. I shouldn’t have worried. The hero and heroine have a dog and mission they share which gives them time together to become closer. Then I worried again near the end. But I won’t spoil it. I loved the story and the hea.
Some laughs, some tears. A satisfying romantic ending.
Book 7 in the Dogmothers series which is a spin off from the Dogfather series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Older couple. Second chance troupe.
Colleen has been a widow for many years and the Dogmothers decide it’s her turn for their matchmaking expertise. Turns out they have their eye on Tim McIntosh who stood Colleen up at her junior year Prom. Colleen had a happy marriage and isn’t interested in a new romance but as they co-foster a cute dog, their friendship reignites.
A beautiful love story and poignant romance. Clean. Older couple (60).
I worry when the beginning is the history and happiness from the past. She had a happy life and tho she’s been a widow for many years, she not interested in a new relationship. I shouldn’t have worried. The hero and heroine have a dog and mission they share which gives them time together to become closer. Then I worried again near the end. But I won’t spoil it. I loved the story and the hea.
Some laughs, some tears. A satisfying romantic ending.
October 30, 2021
My heart gets lost a little bit more whenever I get the chance to visit Bitter Bark. From family connections, friendship bonds, unforgettable romance and second chances, Roxanne St. Claire always puts a smile on my face with her Dogmothers and Dogfather series. Peppermint Bark reintroduced a few old friends and spotlights a new romance. Finnie and Yiayia shake up the lives of the Kilcannon family all in the name of love. Colleen and Tim are proof that in life and love the surprises never stop. A can't put down holiday treat.
November 5, 2021
I absolutely LOVED Peppermint Bark by Roxanne St. Claire. Once again Roxanne St. Claire has delivered another smash hit Dogmother matchmaking romance with Peppermint Bark, the ninth book in The Dogmothers series. I can truly say that Peppermint Bark was an incredible romance. I am not sure how Roxanne St. Claire continues to do it, but I absolutely loved every moment on every page and could not put it down. All I know is that each book in this series keeps getting better and better, and once again I think that Peppermint Bark is my favorite, but I feel that same way after I have read each book in the series. Who doesn't love big families, romance, sexy men, strong women, and dogs? Lots of dogs! I always enjoy that Roxanne St. Claire incorporates the pictures on the book cover and the title of the book into the love story. I love that Peppermint Bark is told from the viewpoint of the main characters. I really enjoy getting the perspective from those characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Peppermint Bark is a second chance at love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Peppermint Bark is filled with such moments, and with so much emotion. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Roxanne St. Claire love story. Especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner, and the many surprise plot-twists. Once again Rocki proves that she is a master storyteller who always delivers truly page turning romances. I love the big, loving, Irish, Greek, Kilcannon-Mahoney-Santorini family! I feel like each book feels like a family reunion and gives readers a chance to catch up with all the Kilcannons, Mahoneys and Santorinis. Peppermint Bark is the story of Colleen Mahoney, widow, and co-owner of Bone Appetit and Tim McIntosh, vice president of property development for Indigo Hotels. Tim was Colleen’s high school boyfriend and prom date, except that Tim stood her up and did not show up to escort her to the prom. The events that took place that night changed the course of Colleen’s and Tim’s lives and futures. Colleen never knew what happened to Tim, he never returned to school following that fateful night. Tim is returning to Bitter Bark for the first time in over forty years to keep a promise he made to his late father, Mac. Mac gave Tim a list of people who he wanted to make amends to and grant them their heart’s desire. Meanwhile the Dogmothers set up Colleen and Tim to foster the same dog, Bucky, the Westie. Colleen and Tim grow closer as they spend time together as they foster, Bucky and work on Mac’s list. It was heartbreaking that so many people did not have anything good to say about Mac. I love how they believe that Bucky is the reincarnation of Murphy, the Kilcannon family dog. I loved Bucky and Lucky! I love when both Colleen and Tim get real with their true feelings for one another. I love that Colleen changes because of her feelings for Tim and saying goodbye to her past. Tim discovers what real family love is all about after being surrounded by the Kilcannons, Mahoneys and Santorinis and discovers his own heart’s desire. My favorite parts are the surprise plot twists, that I did not see happening, that keeps me guessing how everything will get resolved so that Colleen and Tim can get their happily ever after. I am so glad that Rocki decided to give Colleen her own love story and happy every after. I really enjoyed all the flashback scenes and the music, it reminded me of my own high school days. As a Pittsburgher, I love the references to Pittsburgh, especially Willie Stargell. As always, my favorite part of Peppermint Bark is how the epilogue goes above the happily ever after, and how and where the proposal takes place. As always, I love Gramma Finnie and YiaYia, and their matchmaking abilities. Once again, this book is filled with Gramma Finnie’s heartwarming sayings, that I have come to love. I love the conversations between Gramma Finnie and Colleen, and how she helped Colleen realize her dreams. Peppermint Bark was the much deserved, beautifully written story for Colleen. It was a wonderful story filled with everything that I love in a book. Cannot wait to be reunited with my favorite Irish and Greek family members when the Dogmothers work their magic with the remaining grandchildren. I highly recommend this wonderfully written second chance at love story!
November 13, 2021
Review coming of Romance Junkies
Colleen Kilcannon Mahoney is the Dogfather’s widowed sister. She co-owns a dog-treat store with her daughter. Colleen finds herself the latest victim of the Dogmothers’ matchmaking. However, the man they chose is the same boy who stood her up forty-five years ago. Colleen decides to assist Tim with his goodwill mission. Being with him again reawakens some of her teenage dreams. Can Colleen prove to her family that she is not averse to change? Or will she let doubt stand in the way of a second chance?
Timothy “Tim” McIntosh is the vice president of property development for a high-end hotel chain. He returns to Bitter Bark, North Carolina, to settle his late father’s affairs. Tim agrees to fulfill his father’s deathbed request. He needs to find three certain people and grant them their heart’s desire. Tim also wants to apologize to Colleen for skipping out on her on prom night. She helps him discover his own heart’s desire. Will Tim manage to finish his mission in time? And can he convince Colleen to see the world with him?
I am so glad that Colleen got a happily-ever-after. She definitely deserved one. I adore Colleen’s devotedness to her family. She would do anything for family, especially her sons and daughter, and she knows her family would do the same for her. What I like the most about Colleen is her willingness to help Tim with his mission. She did not hold a grudge against him, especially once he explained his reason for leaving. Colleen respects Tim for helping his late father make reparation to the people he wronged.
Tim is a sweetheart. I like that the first thing he wanted to do in Bitter Bark is to find Colleen and to apologize. Tim lived forty-five years with regret about standing her up that long ago night. What I adore the most about him is Tim’s willingness to complete his father’s deathbed request. He knew what kind of man his father was. The two may have parted on bad terms; however, Tim did not hold that against the man.
PEPPERMINT BARK is book nine in Roxanne St. Claire’s dog-themed, contemporary romance series, THE DOGMOTHER, a spinoff from her THE DOGFATHER series. The story can easily standalone, but I recommend reading the prior books and novellas, along with the previous series, to appreciate the three families’ dynamics. I am generally not a fan of the second-chance trope. However, I did not mind as much with this story since it is between a much older couple.
PEPPERMINT BARK is a sweet and wholesome tale focused on a second chance at a later-in-life romance. I am dying to know who is next on the Dogmothers’ matchmaking radar? Ella? Or Nick?
Colleen Kilcannon Mahoney is the Dogfather’s widowed sister. She co-owns a dog-treat store with her daughter. Colleen finds herself the latest victim of the Dogmothers’ matchmaking. However, the man they chose is the same boy who stood her up forty-five years ago. Colleen decides to assist Tim with his goodwill mission. Being with him again reawakens some of her teenage dreams. Can Colleen prove to her family that she is not averse to change? Or will she let doubt stand in the way of a second chance?
Timothy “Tim” McIntosh is the vice president of property development for a high-end hotel chain. He returns to Bitter Bark, North Carolina, to settle his late father’s affairs. Tim agrees to fulfill his father’s deathbed request. He needs to find three certain people and grant them their heart’s desire. Tim also wants to apologize to Colleen for skipping out on her on prom night. She helps him discover his own heart’s desire. Will Tim manage to finish his mission in time? And can he convince Colleen to see the world with him?
I am so glad that Colleen got a happily-ever-after. She definitely deserved one. I adore Colleen’s devotedness to her family. She would do anything for family, especially her sons and daughter, and she knows her family would do the same for her. What I like the most about Colleen is her willingness to help Tim with his mission. She did not hold a grudge against him, especially once he explained his reason for leaving. Colleen respects Tim for helping his late father make reparation to the people he wronged.
Tim is a sweetheart. I like that the first thing he wanted to do in Bitter Bark is to find Colleen and to apologize. Tim lived forty-five years with regret about standing her up that long ago night. What I adore the most about him is Tim’s willingness to complete his father’s deathbed request. He knew what kind of man his father was. The two may have parted on bad terms; however, Tim did not hold that against the man.
PEPPERMINT BARK is book nine in Roxanne St. Claire’s dog-themed, contemporary romance series, THE DOGMOTHER, a spinoff from her THE DOGFATHER series. The story can easily standalone, but I recommend reading the prior books and novellas, along with the previous series, to appreciate the three families’ dynamics. I am generally not a fan of the second-chance trope. However, I did not mind as much with this story since it is between a much older couple.
PEPPERMINT BARK is a sweet and wholesome tale focused on a second chance at a later-in-life romance. I am dying to know who is next on the Dogmothers’ matchmaking radar? Ella? Or Nick?
November 16, 2021
The Dogmothers are at it again. This time, the matchmaking grannies have their sights set on Colleen Mahoney, widowed for over 20 years, mother of four and a grandmother. The unsuspecting prospect is Tim McIntosh, Colleen’s date to the high school prom who stood her up 45 years earlier. Back in town to settle his father’s estate, he learns she still lives in Bitter Bark. He takes the opportunity to apologize and explain what happened that night decades ago. He has promised to fulfill his father’s dying wish, to make amends to three people and grant them their heart’s desires. With the help of the meddling Dogmothers, Tim and Colleen “conveniently” end up foster-sharing the most adorable Westie, Bucky, through a program called Peppermint Bark. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Colleen and Bucky help Tim on his mission. As an only child from a broken family, he learns what it is like to be surrounded by a large, loving family; and he finds he really likes it. This is a special, heartwarming story of love, family, second chances, and lots of dogs!
November 9, 2021
Back in high school Colleen Kilcannon was suppose to go to prom with Tim McIntosh. When Tim unexpectantly doesn't show up things go from bad to worse when a big storm causes the Waterford house to be hit by lightening. The local fire fighters show up, including probie, Joe Mahoney. Joe steps in and offers to take Colleen to prom, thus the start of their great life together.
Fast forward 45 years and now Colleen Kilcannon Mahoney has been widowed for 20 years. Imagine her surprise when Tim comes back to Bitter Bark to close out his father's estate, including handling his father's death bed requests and ends up back in her life. Tim explains his no-show on prom night and Tim and Colleen start spending more time together since they are co-fostering a dog together, thanks to the Dogmothers! Of course the more time Colleen and Tim spend together, the more their feelings get involved. Now Tim just needs to convince Colleen to take that leap of faith and join him.
I really loved this sweet, second chance at love story by Roxanne St. Claire. Colleen had already found her true love in Joe Mahoney and never thought she would find that type of love again, but oh, was she wrong! Tim helped Colleen realize that she was missing out on many things in her life. At the same time Colleen helped Tim realize the same thing. Together they were able to give each other their heart's desire! I just love Roxanne St. Claire's holiday stories. All of our favorites are back, especially Gramma Finnie. I'm hoping Ella's story is next!
Fast forward 45 years and now Colleen Kilcannon Mahoney has been widowed for 20 years. Imagine her surprise when Tim comes back to Bitter Bark to close out his father's estate, including handling his father's death bed requests and ends up back in her life. Tim explains his no-show on prom night and Tim and Colleen start spending more time together since they are co-fostering a dog together, thanks to the Dogmothers! Of course the more time Colleen and Tim spend together, the more their feelings get involved. Now Tim just needs to convince Colleen to take that leap of faith and join him.
I really loved this sweet, second chance at love story by Roxanne St. Claire. Colleen had already found her true love in Joe Mahoney and never thought she would find that type of love again, but oh, was she wrong! Tim helped Colleen realize that she was missing out on many things in her life. At the same time Colleen helped Tim realize the same thing. Together they were able to give each other their heart's desire! I just love Roxanne St. Claire's holiday stories. All of our favorites are back, especially Gramma Finnie. I'm hoping Ella's story is next!
November 21, 2021
Colleen and Tim had something as teenagers. Well Colleen thought she did until one stormy prom night Tim didn't show up to take her to the prom and then he just disappeared. Joe Mahoney stepped in and Colleen found the love of her life. Fast forward to present day. Joe has been gone for 20 years now. Colleen is content with her life the way it is. That is until Tim shows up in her life again. This a second chance romance. I was a little worried at the beginning because even though Joe Mahoney is long dead in this series I felt a loyalty him. Tim won me over but I was conflicted much of the story. Tim and Colleen reconnect and get to know each other again 45 years after the last time they saw each other. I really enjoyed this story. It's great that the author brings in glimpses of past characters in her books so you get this warmth of knowing the families in the series. Great warm fuzzies Christmas story with a second chance at love.
November 23, 2021
I'm not always a big fan of second chance romances, I figure there is a reason why the couple broke up in the first place. But this time around it was great and Colleen deserved some happiness and a chance to chase her dreams. Most of what I really liked was that finally after 45 years, Colleen found out what happened on prom night to Tim.
The month that Colleen and Tim spent together was great, it allowed them to acknowledge the past, yet get to know the people they are now. I loved how they could talk about the past and present with no qualms and how Tim realized he had a lot in Bitter Bark. The ending to this one was perfect, loved that these two are together and still chasing dreams, but with the stability of Bitter Bark and the clan waiting for them at home.
The month that Colleen and Tim spent together was great, it allowed them to acknowledge the past, yet get to know the people they are now. I loved how they could talk about the past and present with no qualms and how Tim realized he had a lot in Bitter Bark. The ending to this one was perfect, loved that these two are together and still chasing dreams, but with the stability of Bitter Bark and the clan waiting for them at home.
November 15, 2021
Roxanne St. Claire has once again given us a book that touches your heart and your funny bone. I love this series and all the adorable pups that come with it. This book is no exception with the cuteness. Add in an incredible second chance romance that has the couple of Colleen and Tim reunited after 45 years and you have all the feels in one amazing story. Put this on the holiday must read list. I highly recommend it.
November 19, 2021
A delightful Christmas read that I could not put down. Colleen was stood up for her high school prom by Tim, forty five years later he has returned to Bitter Bark to fulfill his deceased dad's wishes. Not expecting the love of his life, Colleen to be a widow with four adult children. They team up together to foster Bucky for the month of December and Colleen really finds out what happened that one night many years ago.
A second chance seasoned romance that I adored. A story of forgiveness, secrets and moving on from the past. It's not Christmas until you celebrate it with the Dogmothers!
A second chance seasoned romance that I adored. A story of forgiveness, secrets and moving on from the past. It's not Christmas until you celebrate it with the Dogmothers!
November 20, 2021
Another great book
We finally got Colleen’s story of how she met her husband. It happened when her date to the prom stood her up. Now Tim is back in town, to right some wrongs of his father and the Dogmothers think they have a way for him to make it up to Colleen as well. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
We finally got Colleen’s story of how she met her husband. It happened when her date to the prom stood her up. Now Tim is back in town, to right some wrongs of his father and the Dogmothers think they have a way for him to make it up to Colleen as well. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
November 7, 2021
A lovely romance that will definitely put the reader in the holiday mood. The plot is very well written, flows quite nicely with new characters added to this already fun and very lively family. With the flashbacks in this story the reader is able to get background on Colleen Kilcannon and her first crush. The opening is a page turner and I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to like the hero of this story but of course he is one of my favorites as I turned the last page of this book. Peppermint Bark is a beautiful new addition to this series that gave me all the holiday feels goods with a wonderful love story thrown in for good measure.
Colleen is the sister of Daniel Kilcannon. Daniel is the foundation for this family and series. She is 60 and has been widowed for 20 years and is in a slump. With the help of her daughter she gets a new look and when someone from her past shows up she is ready for this change. With the grandmother match makers and other family members this couple doesn’t stand a chance.
Colleen is the sister of Daniel Kilcannon. Daniel is the foundation for this family and series. She is 60 and has been widowed for 20 years and is in a slump. With the help of her daughter she gets a new look and when someone from her past shows up she is ready for this change. With the grandmother match makers and other family members this couple doesn’t stand a chance.
November 16, 2021
Peppermint Bark is a wonderful and emotional story of a second chance at love, the joy of dog fostering, the magic of the holidays, the devotion of family, and finding one’s heart’s desire. The book is touching, heartwarming, and enchanting, filled with wonderful characters, and I loved it!
November 22, 2021
A very sweet Christmas story, with lots of family and friends, many lovable dogs and another matchmaking win with Grannie Finnie and Yie-Yie.
The romance is perfect.
The romance is perfect.
December 26, 2021
I love all the Dogmother books, Dogfather books as well. This one was no exception. A must-read for dog-lovers.
December 10, 2021
Peppermint Bark is this year's holiday offering from Roxanne St. Clair. Like all of her previous Christmastime novella's it's Hallmark movie family approved with lots of warm happy big family feels and Irish wisdom from Fiona Kilcannon, octogenarian matriarch of the Kilcannon-Mahonney clan, romance, cute dogs and just a touch of angst and zero sex.
In this story it is time for Colleen Kilcannon-Mahoney the now 62 year old widow of Fire Chief Joseph Mahonney who died some 20 years ago fighting a fire leaving her the widowed mother of four now adult children to get a second chance at love. Colleen is the daughter of Fiona and younger sister of Daniel the Dogfather. At this point her three sons have all been married leaving only her youngest and only daughter 33 year old Ella and herself as single members of the Kilcannon-Mahoney-Santorini family. When Tim, an attractive single man of the appropriate age shows up in Bitterbark at Christmastime Dogmother Agnes Santorini (Yiaya, who with Fiona comprises the Dogmothers) hatches a plan to set him up with Colleen. Unbeknownst to Agnes, Tim and Colleen have history. Colleen was supposed to go to Tim's senior prom (where she'd hoped he'd ask her to go steady) when he stood her up and Joseph Mahoney showed up in Colleeen's life. The rest is history. When Tim hears Agnes use the name Colleen he is immediately interested because it's Bitterbark so how many Colleens his age can there be in the small North Carolina town? Tim is in town to settle his estranged late father's affairs, fulfill his deathbed wish, and while there he had planned to find and apologize to Colleen (the girl he's never been able to forget) for standing her up the night of his senior prom all those years ago.
Since Joe's death Colleen has never dated. Her life is her children, now her twin baby grandchildren her aging mother, and the petmfood store she runs with her daughter Ella. We learn that before Colleen met and fell in love with Joe Mahoney as a 17 year old high school junior she had always dreamed of seeing the world. But she put aside those dreams to follow others as Joe's wife and mother to their children in a happy marriage. Joe who never married is the VP of Property Development for a global luxury hotel chain and has spent his life traveling the world visiting the world's most exclusive locals like Paris and Rome. Co-fostering Bucky a West Highland terrier and working with Tim to help him fulfill his father's deathbed request, Tim and Colleen rediscover the feelings they had for one another as teenagers some forty-five years ago. As you can expect Colleen is conflicted with her feelings for Tim. If she allows herself to love Tim is she being disloyal to her late husband, the love of her life and her children's father? Tim is committed to working another two or three years before he can retire which means two to three more years of globe trotting before he can settle down in Bitterbark. How can Colleen leave her family and business behind to be with Tim living out the dreams she had as a young girl to see the world? Can they really give up Bucky who seems to be Murphy reincarnated, Colleen's family dog when she and Tim were dating? And why was Tim's father so kind to Billy Kempler when he was growing up and why is he on the list of people Tim's father gave him to work to atone for his transgressions when Billy tells Tim his father was nothing but kind to him like a favorite uncle?
In this story it is time for Colleen Kilcannon-Mahoney the now 62 year old widow of Fire Chief Joseph Mahonney who died some 20 years ago fighting a fire leaving her the widowed mother of four now adult children to get a second chance at love. Colleen is the daughter of Fiona and younger sister of Daniel the Dogfather. At this point her three sons have all been married leaving only her youngest and only daughter 33 year old Ella and herself as single members of the Kilcannon-Mahoney-Santorini family. When Tim, an attractive single man of the appropriate age shows up in Bitterbark at Christmastime Dogmother Agnes Santorini (Yiaya, who with Fiona comprises the Dogmothers) hatches a plan to set him up with Colleen. Unbeknownst to Agnes, Tim and Colleen have history. Colleen was supposed to go to Tim's senior prom (where she'd hoped he'd ask her to go steady) when he stood her up and Joseph Mahoney showed up in Colleeen's life. The rest is history. When Tim hears Agnes use the name Colleen he is immediately interested because it's Bitterbark so how many Colleens his age can there be in the small North Carolina town? Tim is in town to settle his estranged late father's affairs, fulfill his deathbed wish, and while there he had planned to find and apologize to Colleen (the girl he's never been able to forget) for standing her up the night of his senior prom all those years ago.
Since Joe's death Colleen has never dated. Her life is her children, now her twin baby grandchildren her aging mother, and the petmfood store she runs with her daughter Ella. We learn that before Colleen met and fell in love with Joe Mahoney as a 17 year old high school junior she had always dreamed of seeing the world. But she put aside those dreams to follow others as Joe's wife and mother to their children in a happy marriage. Joe who never married is the VP of Property Development for a global luxury hotel chain and has spent his life traveling the world visiting the world's most exclusive locals like Paris and Rome. Co-fostering Bucky a West Highland terrier and working with Tim to help him fulfill his father's deathbed request, Tim and Colleen rediscover the feelings they had for one another as teenagers some forty-five years ago. As you can expect Colleen is conflicted with her feelings for Tim. If she allows herself to love Tim is she being disloyal to her late husband, the love of her life and her children's father? Tim is committed to working another two or three years before he can retire which means two to three more years of globe trotting before he can settle down in Bitterbark. How can Colleen leave her family and business behind to be with Tim living out the dreams she had as a young girl to see the world? Can they really give up Bucky who seems to be Murphy reincarnated, Colleen's family dog when she and Tim were dating? And why was Tim's father so kind to Billy Kempler when he was growing up and why is he on the list of people Tim's father gave him to work to atone for his transgressions when Billy tells Tim his father was nothing but kind to him like a favorite uncle?
November 27, 2021
It’s the season in Bitter Bark and the Dogmothers are hard at work for a very special and fulfilling adventure. This time around, the grandkids are not their intended target, it is Colleen Kilcannon – Mahoney. A widow for almost 20 years, the vivacious mother of 4, grandmother of 2 and forever young at heart Colleen never thought she will be fostering more than an adorable Westie during the Peppermint Bark holiday program but revisiting events from her high school years and how those events shape her entire life.
Timothy (Tim) McIntosh returned to Bitter Bark to tie some loose ends and close the final chapter on his dad’s life. A fateful encounter with the Dogmothers brings these two rich, multi-dimensional characters together and with the not so subtly encouragement from a know it all pupper Tim and Colleen will re- encounter themselves and learn that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and love doesn’t come with an expiration date.
A second chance romance between a dapper, well traveled silver fox and a powerful woman who just needed a push to reclaim her dreams and her self-worth will have you glued to your book/electronic devices until the end. As book number 9 in The Dogmother’s series you will have plenty of cameos, funny banter, secrets and history but above all you will find connections, a real romance with all the ups and downs; the wonder of youth and the wisdom that only come from maturity. It was sweet, sexy and proof that love do not care about age but only on what’s right and gives you all the feels. If you need a read to restore your faith in love (all kinds of love), the magic of the Holiday season and importance of our furry friends this is the book for you.
Roxanne St Claire, thanks for this gem. I always think that it is next to impossible to top the previous Dogmother’s book but somehow you cook the right recipe to do just that. Peppermint Bark can be read as a stand alone but it pays off having read all the previous book since we always get an update on our friends lives. Five shinning stars for a book that will stay with you forever.
Timothy (Tim) McIntosh returned to Bitter Bark to tie some loose ends and close the final chapter on his dad’s life. A fateful encounter with the Dogmothers brings these two rich, multi-dimensional characters together and with the not so subtly encouragement from a know it all pupper Tim and Colleen will re- encounter themselves and learn that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and love doesn’t come with an expiration date.
A second chance romance between a dapper, well traveled silver fox and a powerful woman who just needed a push to reclaim her dreams and her self-worth will have you glued to your book/electronic devices until the end. As book number 9 in The Dogmother’s series you will have plenty of cameos, funny banter, secrets and history but above all you will find connections, a real romance with all the ups and downs; the wonder of youth and the wisdom that only come from maturity. It was sweet, sexy and proof that love do not care about age but only on what’s right and gives you all the feels. If you need a read to restore your faith in love (all kinds of love), the magic of the Holiday season and importance of our furry friends this is the book for you.
Roxanne St Claire, thanks for this gem. I always think that it is next to impossible to top the previous Dogmother’s book but somehow you cook the right recipe to do just that. Peppermint Bark can be read as a stand alone but it pays off having read all the previous book since we always get an update on our friends lives. Five shinning stars for a book that will stay with you forever.
November 17, 2021
Peppermint Bark is the newest release by Roxanne St. Claire in her wonderful Dogmothers series. I’ve come to look forward to the annual Christmas story from Ms. St. Claire, and have to say Peppermint Bark pulled me in from page one, and I didn’t want to put the book down. I actually was so hooked, I literally read it as I was flying to New York City for the weekend.
We’ve seen Colleen Kilcannon Mahoney in both the Dogfather series and the Dogmothers series, but really didn’t know her full history until now. I loved getting her back story so much! Colleen was already widowed when we first met her, so it was lovely to see how she and Joseph Mahoney met all those years ago, and how her life changed in a moment. Colleen had always had dreams of traveling the world and leaving Bitter Bark, but those dreams changed once she was with Joe.
Tim McIntosh is back in Bitter Bark after 45 years to make amends with a few people for his father, who has recently passed away. Tim isn't overly excited to return to Bitter Bark, but is very happy to be able to finally apologize to Colleen for standing her up for prom all those years ago. The Dogmothers are once again up to their old tricks and even get Tim to help foster a sweet Westie named Bucky, who Colleen is already caring for, so they decide to co-foster together.
I loved the journey Tim and Colleen took in Peppermint Bark. They were each able to share all they had experienced over the last 45 years, and grew closer the more time they spent together. I totally fell in love with them more and more with each turn of the page. I also fell in love with Bucky pretty much from the moment he appeared on the page. I swear with each new installment in this series, I fall in love with the dogs every bit as much as I fall in love with the couples.
Peppermint Bark was a beautiful second chance romance with older characters, and I loved it from start to finish. The discoveries both Tim and Colleen made along the way had me both laughing and crying, and I was filled with absolute joy over and over while reading this story. Roxanne St. Claire absolutely gave me the perfect early Christmas present with Peppermint Bark this year.
Rating: 5 Stars (A+)
Review copy provided by publisher
We’ve seen Colleen Kilcannon Mahoney in both the Dogfather series and the Dogmothers series, but really didn’t know her full history until now. I loved getting her back story so much! Colleen was already widowed when we first met her, so it was lovely to see how she and Joseph Mahoney met all those years ago, and how her life changed in a moment. Colleen had always had dreams of traveling the world and leaving Bitter Bark, but those dreams changed once she was with Joe.
Tim McIntosh is back in Bitter Bark after 45 years to make amends with a few people for his father, who has recently passed away. Tim isn't overly excited to return to Bitter Bark, but is very happy to be able to finally apologize to Colleen for standing her up for prom all those years ago. The Dogmothers are once again up to their old tricks and even get Tim to help foster a sweet Westie named Bucky, who Colleen is already caring for, so they decide to co-foster together.
I loved the journey Tim and Colleen took in Peppermint Bark. They were each able to share all they had experienced over the last 45 years, and grew closer the more time they spent together. I totally fell in love with them more and more with each turn of the page. I also fell in love with Bucky pretty much from the moment he appeared on the page. I swear with each new installment in this series, I fall in love with the dogs every bit as much as I fall in love with the couples.
Peppermint Bark was a beautiful second chance romance with older characters, and I loved it from start to finish. The discoveries both Tim and Colleen made along the way had me both laughing and crying, and I was filled with absolute joy over and over while reading this story. Roxanne St. Claire absolutely gave me the perfect early Christmas present with Peppermint Bark this year.
Rating: 5 Stars (A+)
Review copy provided by publisher
November 16, 2021
Yet another home run for Roxanne St. Claire and her wonderful series about family (especially the meddling grandmothers) and dogs. I read this book in one sitting. That’s not unusual when I really love a book. However, once I finished, I just wanted to sit down and read it all over again; and I did.
What I liked about this book was actually everything. As a sixty-something, it was easy to relate to. Mother, grandmother, family, and yes, even dogs. But you don’t have to be in your sixties to really love the story. The dreams Colleen had in her teen years, the choices she made as an adult are all an important part of her story. It pertains to most of us. Every time I read one of these books, I truly experience the feelings and emotions of the characters. Colleen’s came through loud and clear. Colleen’s relationship with Finnie as a teen, through the years of being a widow. Ella recognizing that her mother was lonely and wanting to help. Even Colleen's need to hang on to her precious braid, linking her to her long-lost Joe. Finnie’s confession about Joe at the end warmed my heart. As for Tim, well who wouldn’t want Colleen to have a second chance with someone so loving and understanding. Especially knowing their history.
What I didn’t like about this book, was absolutely nothing. The story was well planned and executed beautifully. It hit every requirement of an excellent read. Need a feel-good read to lift your spirits? Just pick up this book and read it again and again. It will bring you the feeling of love and happiness every time. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
What I liked about this book was actually everything. As a sixty-something, it was easy to relate to. Mother, grandmother, family, and yes, even dogs. But you don’t have to be in your sixties to really love the story. The dreams Colleen had in her teen years, the choices she made as an adult are all an important part of her story. It pertains to most of us. Every time I read one of these books, I truly experience the feelings and emotions of the characters. Colleen’s came through loud and clear. Colleen’s relationship with Finnie as a teen, through the years of being a widow. Ella recognizing that her mother was lonely and wanting to help. Even Colleen's need to hang on to her precious braid, linking her to her long-lost Joe. Finnie’s confession about Joe at the end warmed my heart. As for Tim, well who wouldn’t want Colleen to have a second chance with someone so loving and understanding. Especially knowing their history.
What I didn’t like about this book, was absolutely nothing. The story was well planned and executed beautifully. It hit every requirement of an excellent read. Need a feel-good read to lift your spirits? Just pick up this book and read it again and again. It will bring you the feeling of love and happiness every time. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
November 16, 2021
Peppermint Bark by Roxanne St. Claire, Faux Paws, book nine in her Dogmother series, brings a reminder that you are never too old to fall in love or get a second chance at love. This is a captivating story of love, dogs, meddling family members and connections, friendship bonds, unforgettable romance and second chances. Peppermint Bark reintroduced a few old friends and focuses on a new romance. Finnie and Yiayia shake up the lives of the Kilcannon family, all in the name of love. Colleen Kilcannon Mahoney and Tim McIntosh are proof that in life and love the surprises never stop.
Colleen had already found her true love in Joe and never thought she would find that type of love again; but she was oh so wrong. With the grandmother matchmakers and other family members this couple doesn’t stand a chance. Tim reminded Colleen that she was missing out on so many things in her life; while at the same time Colleen helped Tim realize the same thing. Together they were able to give each other their heart's desire. Peppermint Bark is a magical story that reminds the reader of all of the holiday charm with a wonderful love story thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend Peppermint Bark to other readers and look forward to discovering who the next match-matching victim is in the next book of this wonderful series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Colleen had already found her true love in Joe and never thought she would find that type of love again; but she was oh so wrong. With the grandmother matchmakers and other family members this couple doesn’t stand a chance. Tim reminded Colleen that she was missing out on so many things in her life; while at the same time Colleen helped Tim realize the same thing. Together they were able to give each other their heart's desire. Peppermint Bark is a magical story that reminds the reader of all of the holiday charm with a wonderful love story thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend Peppermint Bark to other readers and look forward to discovering who the next match-matching victim is in the next book of this wonderful series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 18, 2021
Wow! This storyline was a surprise!
I guess I never thought about finding love for Colleen at 62 and after over 20 years being widowed. This story is a perfect balance of memories from yesterday and scenes from today! When YiaYia and Finnie realize that Colleen's high school sweetheart is back in town, they set it up for Colleen and Tim to have to share a foster dog. Tim has never had a dog before and thinks that now is a good time to try. I loved watching them reconnect, and the antics of the foster dog Bucky. Add in Christmas spirit to make this even more perfect, in my opinion!
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has no action adventure and only some kissing. The characters are vibrant and endearing. We get to revisit some favorite characters from previous books as well as meet Tim and see Colleen in a totally different light! This was so much fun to read. I recommend reading the Dogfather series in order and then this one, If you haven't already read them! If you like your contemporary romances with complex characters and lots of dogs, then these are the series for you! Enjoy!
I guess I never thought about finding love for Colleen at 62 and after over 20 years being widowed. This story is a perfect balance of memories from yesterday and scenes from today! When YiaYia and Finnie realize that Colleen's high school sweetheart is back in town, they set it up for Colleen and Tim to have to share a foster dog. Tim has never had a dog before and thinks that now is a good time to try. I loved watching them reconnect, and the antics of the foster dog Bucky. Add in Christmas spirit to make this even more perfect, in my opinion!
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has no action adventure and only some kissing. The characters are vibrant and endearing. We get to revisit some favorite characters from previous books as well as meet Tim and see Colleen in a totally different light! This was so much fun to read. I recommend reading the Dogfather series in order and then this one, If you haven't already read them! If you like your contemporary romances with complex characters and lots of dogs, then these are the series for you! Enjoy!
November 19, 2021
This is the perfect book for the holiday season. A flashback to a high school crush who failed to show up to take Colleen Kilcannon to the prom with no explanation and seemed to disappear. Her mom, Finola, found it to be the perfect opportunity to set her up with Joe Mahoney, a new firefighter recruit. The crush was forgotten and Colleen and Joe eventually married and raised a family until a tragic line of duty accident took Joe from her.
Fast forward to the present time when, after 40-some years, the crush, one Tim McIntosh returns to Bitter Bark in December to settle his father’s estate and carry out his father’s wishes meant for three residents of the small town. It was inevitable that he would meet up again with Colleen with a little help from the two grannies, Finnie and Yiayia.
After all the years and a lot of catching up, Tim and Colleen find the spark is still there. Mysteries are solved and teenage dreams come true in their own way. Proof that love has no expiration date.
A heartwarming story that I highly recommend
Fast forward to the present time when, after 40-some years, the crush, one Tim McIntosh returns to Bitter Bark in December to settle his father’s estate and carry out his father’s wishes meant for three residents of the small town. It was inevitable that he would meet up again with Colleen with a little help from the two grannies, Finnie and Yiayia.
After all the years and a lot of catching up, Tim and Colleen find the spark is still there. Mysteries are solved and teenage dreams come true in their own way. Proof that love has no expiration date.
A heartwarming story that I highly recommend
November 2, 2021
I am so happy that Colleen got her own story. She has been a widow for so long and has not date anyone since her husband's death. When an old friend comes back to town, she just might be interested. She says that she is allergic to change. She has been making some small changes in the last year, but her daughter wants her to make some drastic changes. She isn't quite ready for that. Or is she? Her world is upended when Tim comes back to town to settle his father's estate and they foster a cute little dog together. Tim and his father haven't had any kind of relationship for years, but when his father was dying he came to Tim to help him do one last thing. He knows that he hurt a lot of people over the years and he wants Tim to grant three people their heart's desire. How is he supposed to do that. Tim realizes that he never quit loving Colleen in all these years, but will she want to change her life to be with him?
November 16, 2021
This is my favorite Dogmother's book yet! It perfectly blends reminiscences of the past coupled with falling in love again while respecting the love that came before. This story is so heartwarming and the way the author manages to tell two separate love stories that are equally important and actually complement one another is amazing. Colleen's dreams changed when she met her first husband, but she never regretted that and lived life to the fullest. When the opportunity comes to change her dreams again, everyone seems to realize it was meant to be, except Colleen. Of course, she learns to change with the support of the best family in Bitter Bark. Roxanne St Clair has a magical way with words that evokes a strong emotional response in me as a reader. She weaves a story you don’t want to put down. There’s even a touch of suspense in this book that is seamlessly woven in with the love story.
November 17, 2021
Colleen lost her beloved Joe in the prime of their lives. She has been busy raising her kids and started a business with her daughter. Life has gone on, but her heart still belongs to Joe. Colleen is worried that Ella isn't living her life to the fullest because she is worried about leaving Colleen.
An old friend comes back into town on a Christmas mission to make some things right for his father's dying wish. Tim also wants to make a long overdue apology to the girl he stood up on prom night all those years ago.
The Dogmothers work their magic yet again. We actually come to find out that Grandma Finnie has been at the matchmaking for decades.
Roxanne St. Claire doesn't disappoint. Her characters are real, flawed human beings that make their way in life with a little help from the Dogmothers and of course some adorable pups. I always enjoy the trip to Waterford Farms to catch up with all the family.
An old friend comes back into town on a Christmas mission to make some things right for his father's dying wish. Tim also wants to make a long overdue apology to the girl he stood up on prom night all those years ago.
The Dogmothers work their magic yet again. We actually come to find out that Grandma Finnie has been at the matchmaking for decades.
Roxanne St. Claire doesn't disappoint. Her characters are real, flawed human beings that make their way in life with a little help from the Dogmothers and of course some adorable pups. I always enjoy the trip to Waterford Farms to catch up with all the family.
November 22, 2021
Roxanne St Claire has done it YET AGAIN in Peppermint Bark, book 9 in the Dogmothers series. These are books that are full of love, life lessons, and so much comfort, that you really don't want to put the book down. Although this is book 9, don't let that intimidate you or make you feel like you have to start at book 1 to keep up.
Tim and Colleen were supposed to go to prom together as teens, but when the night finally arrived, Tim didn't show up unexpectedly. When Joe steps in, Colleen truly finds a great love with him. Unfortunately, Joe has been gone for 20 years now, but Colleen is content with her life now. That is until Tim shows up back in town.
This book covers so many emotions and situations. First true love, second chance love, contentment, family bonds, and taking new chances in life.
Adored this book. It wasn't raunchy or full of explicit scenes and language, and was the perfect holiday book to start off this time of year! 5 stars!
Tim and Colleen were supposed to go to prom together as teens, but when the night finally arrived, Tim didn't show up unexpectedly. When Joe steps in, Colleen truly finds a great love with him. Unfortunately, Joe has been gone for 20 years now, but Colleen is content with her life now. That is until Tim shows up back in town.
This book covers so many emotions and situations. First true love, second chance love, contentment, family bonds, and taking new chances in life.
Adored this book. It wasn't raunchy or full of explicit scenes and language, and was the perfect holiday book to start off this time of year! 5 stars!
November 15, 2021
Peppermint Bark is the perfect holiday story for anyone that has ever wondered, "What would have happened if...?" The second chance that Tim and Colleen get to find love is beautiful and enchanting set in this holiday romance and the added sweetness of the loving puppy they foster adds just the extra sprinkles to make a perfect holiday treat. Colleen gets a chance to understand what happened in her past, but more importantly she comes to understand that she still has a lot of love to give. She finds her adventurous spirit again and learns that dreams are never forgotten or lost, just postponed until the time they are lived. Tim has been around the world too many times to count, but he has never had the one thing he always wanted, but now he gets a chance to find it. A family and the love of a woman that will bring her happiness and fulfillment is the one thing he really wants this holiday season and never thought to have, much less with his first love. The passion between them is a much softer and slower burn than many stories, one of rekindled fire from buried coals that needs just a little reminding it can be a full flame. I loved the plot of this story and the secrets that come to light about Tim’s past that give him even more to be happy about for the holidays. Sometimes we don’t even realize that our dreams can be even bigger than we originally dreamed them. Love of family brightens the holidays season as Rocki takes us on a fun adventure and reminds readers that sometimes love just needs another chance to blossom. The end of the series is coming, but with stories like these we almost don’t even mind. Keep amazing us Rocki and we’ll keep coming back for more.
For Full review see the blog at :
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For Full review see the blog at :
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
November 15, 2021
Another 5 star read in The Dogmothers books. This is a second chance romance of Colleen and Tim. They missed their opportunity for love in high school, but now after decades Tim is back in Colleen's life. She's already had the love of her life with the father of her grown children and has been alone for several decades. She not expecting to love again...ever.
Sometimes things just don't work out the way we think they are going to, and having Tim back in her life has Colleen all sorts of confused. His life is full of the traveling that they used to plan together, but hers is full of children and grandchildren. She's not going anywhere. She gave up on that years ago. Still...
Few tell stories as well as Roxanne St. Claire. A wonderful book for the most wonderful time of the year!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Sometimes things just don't work out the way we think they are going to, and having Tim back in her life has Colleen all sorts of confused. His life is full of the traveling that they used to plan together, but hers is full of children and grandchildren. She's not going anywhere. She gave up on that years ago. Still...
Few tell stories as well as Roxanne St. Claire. A wonderful book for the most wonderful time of the year!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
November 17, 2021
While this is the ninth book in the Dogmothers series, the surprises are many. Little did YiaYia know that this was no ordinary trying to match up one of the family with someone new, but a 45-year reunion waiting to happen between Colleen and Tim. While Joe Mahoney was the love of her life and she still missed him incredibly, what happens when the high school boy who captured her heart and disappeared the night he was supposed to take her to prom returns 45 years later? Loved how they reconnected after all these years and took up where they left off. Was cheering them on and was so happy that Colleen was given another chance at love. Loved Bucky the foster dog they shared, the mission that Tim’s deceased father sent him on, and the magic of Christmas, family and love. Must read for those who love second chances and romance that blooms during the holiday season.
November 19, 2021
This is one of the best series I read. Each book can be read as a standalone, however if you read from the start you feel like you are coming home.
THis book is Colleens book. SHe would of never had the life she had with Joe Mahoney if her boyfriend TIm never stood her up for her prom. Now it has been years since she has seen Tim and since she was widowed. Her adult children tell her she needs a change but she likes thin gs s they are.
Tim McIntosh left Bitter Bark quickly on the prom day so many years ago, however now he is back. He has a lot of apologizing and explaining to do, while following his father's last wishes in his will.
It is a great story that brings the past and the present togehter.
I fthought it was a fast read and it had everything needed for a great story.
** I ereceived a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review**
THis book is Colleens book. SHe would of never had the life she had with Joe Mahoney if her boyfriend TIm never stood her up for her prom. Now it has been years since she has seen Tim and since she was widowed. Her adult children tell her she needs a change but she likes thin gs s they are.
Tim McIntosh left Bitter Bark quickly on the prom day so many years ago, however now he is back. He has a lot of apologizing and explaining to do, while following his father's last wishes in his will.
It is a great story that brings the past and the present togehter.
I fthought it was a fast read and it had everything needed for a great story.
** I ereceived a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review**
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