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A Puppy for Christmas: On the Secretary's Christmas List / The Soldier, the Puppy and Me / The Patter of Paws at Christmas
On the Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer
Bree has landed an amazing job, but her new boss is a difficult, unreliable playboy—who is also infuriatingly gorgeous… When Bree looks after Jackson's son and energetic puppy, she realizes what she really wants this Christmas….
The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie
Christmas is a difficult time for war hero Trey McFadden and it doesn't help that his neighbour, Ella Delancey, and her adorable puppy, Fizz, seem determined on spreading festive cheer.
The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan
Ingrid has to spend Christmas with gorgeous zookeeper Gabriel Marque. They're keeping watch for the zoo's first litter of wild dogs. Will the patter of tiny paws bring them together, this time forever?
Bree has landed an amazing job, but her new boss is a difficult, unreliable playboy—who is also infuriatingly gorgeous… When Bree looks after Jackson's son and energetic puppy, she realizes what she really wants this Christmas….
The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie
Christmas is a difficult time for war hero Trey McFadden and it doesn't help that his neighbour, Ella Delancey, and her adorable puppy, Fizz, seem determined on spreading festive cheer.
The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan
Ingrid has to spend Christmas with gorgeous zookeeper Gabriel Marque. They're keeping watch for the zoo's first litter of wild dogs. Will the patter of tiny paws bring them together, this time forever?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Carole Mortimer
1,291 books902 followersI have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 25, 2020
A very enjoyable Christmas anthology featuring the following three stories.
On the Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer (4 stars) – Romance between famous photographer Jackson and his assistant Bree. They’ve had a great working relationship for a year, but now Jackson is beginning to notice Bree as more than an assistant when he starts seeing other men showing an interest in her and his jealously kicks in. A really cute Christmas romance that also features cute puppy, Beau, who is a Christmas present to Jackson’s son.
The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie (5 stars) – Reluctant war hero Trey is back in his hometown as a favor to a relative to be the Grand Marshall in the town’s Christmas Festival. Next door neighbor Ella, who he has a shaky past with from their younger days, is in charge of the festival so there is no avoiding of the two meeting up again. Good thing that puppy Fizz (who Ella is fostering for Christmas) is around to get these two together. This was my favorite of the stories. Fizz stole the show with every scene he was in. The matchmaking pup was simply adorable and just too cute for words. A definite winner.
The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan (4 stars) – Romance between Gabe and Ingrid who both work at an Australian zoo and are currently monitoring African wild dogs. Although this story took place at Christmastime there was very little Christmas here. And the puppies in the story were rarely seen, since they were hidden for the most part in one of the dens that Gabe and Ingrid were monitoring. Despite that, this story still kept my interest for its uniqueness and I learned about something I was not familiar with before.
On the Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer (4 stars) – Romance between famous photographer Jackson and his assistant Bree. They’ve had a great working relationship for a year, but now Jackson is beginning to notice Bree as more than an assistant when he starts seeing other men showing an interest in her and his jealously kicks in. A really cute Christmas romance that also features cute puppy, Beau, who is a Christmas present to Jackson’s son.
The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie (5 stars) – Reluctant war hero Trey is back in his hometown as a favor to a relative to be the Grand Marshall in the town’s Christmas Festival. Next door neighbor Ella, who he has a shaky past with from their younger days, is in charge of the festival so there is no avoiding of the two meeting up again. Good thing that puppy Fizz (who Ella is fostering for Christmas) is around to get these two together. This was my favorite of the stories. Fizz stole the show with every scene he was in. The matchmaking pup was simply adorable and just too cute for words. A definite winner.
The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan (4 stars) – Romance between Gabe and Ingrid who both work at an Australian zoo and are currently monitoring African wild dogs. Although this story took place at Christmastime there was very little Christmas here. And the puppies in the story were rarely seen, since they were hidden for the most part in one of the dens that Gabe and Ingrid were monitoring. Despite that, this story still kept my interest for its uniqueness and I learned about something I was not familiar with before.
August 30, 2015
Cute anthology of Christmas stories featuring dogs. The second story by Myrna Mackenzie with the adorable matchmaking dog Fizz was my favorite. :)
January 24, 2018
These were three super cute Christmas romances featuring puppies as the theme. I enjoyed each of them. The first one may be my favorite though because the characters stuck with me.
November 29, 2021
It was alright... some parts a bit laughably unrealistic, the smut side of things were more your subtle wholesome 'we made love' kind ahaha. My first ever Mills and Boon read though and a good alright christmasy romance with 3 in one
December 26, 2024
Perfect for Christmas 🎄❄️☃️
October 20, 2013
I received and ARC copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First I want to say that I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet romantic Christmas books. These stories were heart warming and very enjoyable. From broken hearts to loving puppies who know best, I enjoyed these heartwarming romances. I liked that each book was different and therefor you did not get bored or disinterested.
This grouping of books is worth breaking out the hot coco and curling up by a fire for an enjoyable read.
First I want to say that I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet romantic Christmas books. These stories were heart warming and very enjoyable. From broken hearts to loving puppies who know best, I enjoyed these heartwarming romances. I liked that each book was different and therefor you did not get bored or disinterested.
This grouping of books is worth breaking out the hot coco and curling up by a fire for an enjoyable read.
January 14, 2014
I love anything to do with puppies. They are so cute and cuddly.
All three of the novellas were stories having to do with a puppy or puppies.
I think my favorite was the second book because how could you not like Fizz and a hometown hero, although I thought setting the third book in a zoo was unique and the first book featured a child and a dog. How could you go wrong with any of these stories.
All three books were light, fluffy Christmas reads and I enjoyed them.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
All three of the novellas were stories having to do with a puppy or puppies.
I think my favorite was the second book because how could you not like Fizz and a hometown hero, although I thought setting the third book in a zoo was unique and the first book featured a child and a dog. How could you go wrong with any of these stories.
All three books were light, fluffy Christmas reads and I enjoyed them.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
September 28, 2013
This was a fun 3 book anthology from three very talented writers. I am an animal lover, so the cover grabbed me from the first. The combination of puppies/dogs (even feral dogs) and the Holidays brings a smile, and so did all three of the stories. I would not sit down and read them in one sitting, because they could become overwhelming. Just keep the book around for a quick getaway/escape read during the Holidays.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2013
The third story is called, “The Soldier, The Puppy and Me.”
Know this story is good, way better than the first story. I will defo have to say its equal in goodness with the second story, but in different ways.
I would have to say this story is mainly centred around the puppy, Fizz. I love the way its written and told. This puppy is the role. Fizz Brings this couple together, Hes a very smart, funny dog. You would love him.
Basically the story is about a hero who comes home, Trey. This guy seems to come across as not realisng hes good at anything. Hes had past problems with Ella, well to be true, i wouldnt even call it a problem, more of a misunderstanding that could have easily been explained, but i think time did them both a favour.
Anyways, Trey is in the hometown that hes never liked due to his parents, for a christmas festival. He didnt want to come back, but he did for his cousin. The whole down calls him a hero, due to the fact he went to war.
Ella has always had feeling for Trey, even when she was little, and he told her not to pry into his life. Which had hurt her feelings, so when she knew he was coming back into town, she wasnt looking forward to it, because she knew he didnt want to be there, and obviously she still had feelings for him.
Ella also gets fizz for christmas, fostering over christmas.
So you may guess who the story will go, Ella falls for both boys, but im not going to tell you if she decides to keep the dog or if Trey returns the love. I guess youll have to read it to find out. Enjoy, it is a good story.!
--
I finished reading the second story in the book today, and i have to say its a lot better than the first, just saying, not that there was anything wrong with the first, but this one i just seemed to enjoy more.
This one was called, “The Patter Of Paws At Christmas,”
Such a cute title, dont you think?
This one was quite interesting. You werent just learning about the couple and there relations as well as there pasts. You were also learing about the care for wild dogs, which i found quite interesting, as im a dog fan.
This story was written very well. I love how the story ends and comes together and how everything works out, and to me, it just seemed like this would happen anyday to anyone. Its a story thats quite possible to be like a live story, get what i mean?
The book is based in a zoo environment, and this couple have been together before, but from Ingrids own problems about herself got in the way, so she left Gabriel.
They werent a couple, couple before, they had just spent the night together.
Ingrid comes across as a insure person who has a lot of doubt ans isnt sure whether she can trust, or put beleive into future things because of past emotions.
Her parents divorced when she had just moved out, leaving her with the “we only stayed together for you.” To me thats a low blow, and i can see who Ingrid would take that. So Ingrid realsises her parent love for one another wasnt real, so no doubt she questions everything else.
When a new zoo keeper swoops in and takes the job she really wanted, she takes a step back fromGabriel, as she isnt wanting to get too attached to him, as well as she was putting blame to him that she didnt get the job.
Gabriel comes across as a sexy guy but he doubts himself as well, all due to his parents. His parents dont like what he does for a living, they dont like the way he rebels to be able to do things he wants to do with his life they way he wants to do it.
When Ingrid backs off, Gabriel goes to his insecurities thinking he’s just not good enough for her. Which to me is really sad, because this guy, i know hes not real, but the things he does, not many people would go to such extremes as he does.
Anyways, the ending, thats what i really want to talk about. The confessing of love for one another. I think the last few chapter of this short story is such so sweet, i can actually feel my heart weeping, hahha. No seriously, its really good, if i cried, i probably would.
The ending, is so touching, so, god its just so dreaming. It happens when Ingrid is vaccinating the pups when she starts talking to them, soothing them inn away, and what she talks about is Gabriel. She talks about her parents divorce why she cant, whys she scared to trust or to believe in love. she admits that she loves him but she cant have him. The way she talks about him, gggoddd its just sooo, damn you have to read it !!!!
Obviously Gabriels hears it all, and the way it all happens, him finding out, is quite sweet acutally and funny in a way. But when he tells her he heard it all, he just confess too.
Its hard to describe without giving too much away but just read it
--
As you can see above the book is called A Puppy For Christmas, so you would automatically think this whole book is about puppies, which yes you are right. It does have some involvement with puppies, but the book is acutally not just one story but three.
I know, interesting, right?
So yes this book is broken up into three completely different stories by three different authors.
Heads up for you guys, This book is an erotic one, do no its not all about puppies, if you get my drift
Ive only read half, well ive nearly finished the first one, so im only going to give you a review of what i think of the book so far.
Remember this book is broken up into three stories, so each story isnt going to belong.
The first story is called, “On The Secratary’s Christmas List.”
This story is about Bree, the secratary, who works for an artist/ photograher, who also happens to have a lot of money. He seems like an interesting character, but then again dont they always?
Jackson has a son, but hes not married and obviously has commitment problems, that what i think. Theres obviously a reason why there is no mother, right?
Anyway, Bree got this job on a one of chance, she lives in the basement of Jackson home. Shes a secratary, as well as she looks after Jacksons son alot. She gets on really well with them both, and she loves and shes very professionally about her job. She got this job due to the fact she had no where to stay, as her past finance was caught sleeping with her sister. I know right?
Its bad enough the lousy guy cheated on her, but with her sister! thats just crossing the line way too much.
So you can guess Bree hasnt spoken to her family at all since it happened.
Know its been a year, and the cheating bastard is back, hes come calling.
But Bree is starting to have feelings for Jackson, well shes always had feeling for Jackson, but know hes noticing her.
Jackson doesnt mix work with pleasure, so that would inculde his assistant, but all of a sudden Bree’s going on dates, and for some unknown reason to him, he doesnt like it.
When he sees her in a knew light, looking sexy, all he wants to do, is devour her. Its precisly what he does.
They havent slept with one another yet, but Jackson has got to the stage of giving Bree a pleasureable moment.
I have to say so far, i like the story but i feel that it could be better and its seems one sided, mainly about Bree but i dont mind.
I guess i better get reading to find out how it ends…..
—– Okay, just finished the book, and it wasnt exactly the ending i was expecting. It would seem i had the story wrong, the story seemed to in a way, involve around Jacksons son, which i didnt see coming.
It would seem Jackson doesnt have any relationship problems because, well how do i tell yout his…. urm Jacksons son isnt his son. I know confusing, yeah thats what i thoought too.
Danny, the son, is actually jacksons sisters son, but his sister died a long time, so he adopted danny, which is sweet.
Anyways to be honest i dont think the first story was that good. its written well and all, but its a little off.
They both ended up conviding with each pther about there pasts and secrets.
I did think it was sweet when Jackson told Bree he was in love with her.
Over all its a good light read but it just didnt feel complete to me.
Know this story is good, way better than the first story. I will defo have to say its equal in goodness with the second story, but in different ways.
I would have to say this story is mainly centred around the puppy, Fizz. I love the way its written and told. This puppy is the role. Fizz Brings this couple together, Hes a very smart, funny dog. You would love him.
Basically the story is about a hero who comes home, Trey. This guy seems to come across as not realisng hes good at anything. Hes had past problems with Ella, well to be true, i wouldnt even call it a problem, more of a misunderstanding that could have easily been explained, but i think time did them both a favour.
Anyways, Trey is in the hometown that hes never liked due to his parents, for a christmas festival. He didnt want to come back, but he did for his cousin. The whole down calls him a hero, due to the fact he went to war.
Ella has always had feeling for Trey, even when she was little, and he told her not to pry into his life. Which had hurt her feelings, so when she knew he was coming back into town, she wasnt looking forward to it, because she knew he didnt want to be there, and obviously she still had feelings for him.
Ella also gets fizz for christmas, fostering over christmas.
So you may guess who the story will go, Ella falls for both boys, but im not going to tell you if she decides to keep the dog or if Trey returns the love. I guess youll have to read it to find out. Enjoy, it is a good story.!
--
I finished reading the second story in the book today, and i have to say its a lot better than the first, just saying, not that there was anything wrong with the first, but this one i just seemed to enjoy more.
This one was called, “The Patter Of Paws At Christmas,”
Such a cute title, dont you think?
This one was quite interesting. You werent just learning about the couple and there relations as well as there pasts. You were also learing about the care for wild dogs, which i found quite interesting, as im a dog fan.
This story was written very well. I love how the story ends and comes together and how everything works out, and to me, it just seemed like this would happen anyday to anyone. Its a story thats quite possible to be like a live story, get what i mean?
The book is based in a zoo environment, and this couple have been together before, but from Ingrids own problems about herself got in the way, so she left Gabriel.
They werent a couple, couple before, they had just spent the night together.
Ingrid comes across as a insure person who has a lot of doubt ans isnt sure whether she can trust, or put beleive into future things because of past emotions.
Her parents divorced when she had just moved out, leaving her with the “we only stayed together for you.” To me thats a low blow, and i can see who Ingrid would take that. So Ingrid realsises her parent love for one another wasnt real, so no doubt she questions everything else.
When a new zoo keeper swoops in and takes the job she really wanted, she takes a step back fromGabriel, as she isnt wanting to get too attached to him, as well as she was putting blame to him that she didnt get the job.
Gabriel comes across as a sexy guy but he doubts himself as well, all due to his parents. His parents dont like what he does for a living, they dont like the way he rebels to be able to do things he wants to do with his life they way he wants to do it.
When Ingrid backs off, Gabriel goes to his insecurities thinking he’s just not good enough for her. Which to me is really sad, because this guy, i know hes not real, but the things he does, not many people would go to such extremes as he does.
Anyways, the ending, thats what i really want to talk about. The confessing of love for one another. I think the last few chapter of this short story is such so sweet, i can actually feel my heart weeping, hahha. No seriously, its really good, if i cried, i probably would.
The ending, is so touching, so, god its just so dreaming. It happens when Ingrid is vaccinating the pups when she starts talking to them, soothing them inn away, and what she talks about is Gabriel. She talks about her parents divorce why she cant, whys she scared to trust or to believe in love. she admits that she loves him but she cant have him. The way she talks about him, gggoddd its just sooo, damn you have to read it !!!!
Obviously Gabriels hears it all, and the way it all happens, him finding out, is quite sweet acutally and funny in a way. But when he tells her he heard it all, he just confess too.
Its hard to describe without giving too much away but just read it
--
As you can see above the book is called A Puppy For Christmas, so you would automatically think this whole book is about puppies, which yes you are right. It does have some involvement with puppies, but the book is acutally not just one story but three.
I know, interesting, right?
So yes this book is broken up into three completely different stories by three different authors.
Heads up for you guys, This book is an erotic one, do no its not all about puppies, if you get my drift
Ive only read half, well ive nearly finished the first one, so im only going to give you a review of what i think of the book so far.
Remember this book is broken up into three stories, so each story isnt going to belong.
The first story is called, “On The Secratary’s Christmas List.”
This story is about Bree, the secratary, who works for an artist/ photograher, who also happens to have a lot of money. He seems like an interesting character, but then again dont they always?
Jackson has a son, but hes not married and obviously has commitment problems, that what i think. Theres obviously a reason why there is no mother, right?
Anyway, Bree got this job on a one of chance, she lives in the basement of Jackson home. Shes a secratary, as well as she looks after Jacksons son alot. She gets on really well with them both, and she loves and shes very professionally about her job. She got this job due to the fact she had no where to stay, as her past finance was caught sleeping with her sister. I know right?
Its bad enough the lousy guy cheated on her, but with her sister! thats just crossing the line way too much.
So you can guess Bree hasnt spoken to her family at all since it happened.
Know its been a year, and the cheating bastard is back, hes come calling.
But Bree is starting to have feelings for Jackson, well shes always had feeling for Jackson, but know hes noticing her.
Jackson doesnt mix work with pleasure, so that would inculde his assistant, but all of a sudden Bree’s going on dates, and for some unknown reason to him, he doesnt like it.
When he sees her in a knew light, looking sexy, all he wants to do, is devour her. Its precisly what he does.
They havent slept with one another yet, but Jackson has got to the stage of giving Bree a pleasureable moment.
I have to say so far, i like the story but i feel that it could be better and its seems one sided, mainly about Bree but i dont mind.
I guess i better get reading to find out how it ends…..
—– Okay, just finished the book, and it wasnt exactly the ending i was expecting. It would seem i had the story wrong, the story seemed to in a way, involve around Jacksons son, which i didnt see coming.
It would seem Jackson doesnt have any relationship problems because, well how do i tell yout his…. urm Jacksons son isnt his son. I know confusing, yeah thats what i thoought too.
Danny, the son, is actually jacksons sisters son, but his sister died a long time, so he adopted danny, which is sweet.
Anyways to be honest i dont think the first story was that good. its written well and all, but its a little off.
They both ended up conviding with each pther about there pasts and secrets.
I did think it was sweet when Jackson told Bree he was in love with her.
Over all its a good light read but it just didnt feel complete to me.
May 24, 2022
Three different short stories or novellas about puppies at Christmas. Actually the third one is about wild-dog puppies at a zoo.
See individual reviews for "On the Secretary's Christmas List" and "The Patter of Paws at Christmas" under those titles. (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
I didn't really like any of the three. The first by Carole Mortimer has a Neanderthal for the lead male and there is a lot of mildly explicit sex. The other two were just too slow and both took me far longer than their length's should have merited.
Review of The Soldier, the Puppy and Me
Ella is responsible for the details of the town Christmas festival, but her boss invited Trey to be the Grand Marshall which actually involves several events. Fizz and Ella had a blowout when she was 17, and it takes most of the story to figure out what that was. The only thing we know is that Trey left town and never wanted to come back. Neither is looking forward to spending time together. I can think of at least a couple TV movies that are basically this story, but with one difference. Fizz, the puppy.
Unfortunately, Fizz doesn't save the story.
Mature themes: not really. There is a fade to black moment, but no description of sex other than kissing.
See individual reviews for "On the Secretary's Christmas List" and "The Patter of Paws at Christmas" under those titles. (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
I didn't really like any of the three. The first by Carole Mortimer has a Neanderthal for the lead male and there is a lot of mildly explicit sex. The other two were just too slow and both took me far longer than their length's should have merited.
Review of The Soldier, the Puppy and Me
Ella is responsible for the details of the town Christmas festival, but her boss invited Trey to be the Grand Marshall which actually involves several events. Fizz and Ella had a blowout when she was 17, and it takes most of the story to figure out what that was. The only thing we know is that Trey left town and never wanted to come back. Neither is looking forward to spending time together. I can think of at least a couple TV movies that are basically this story, but with one difference. Fizz, the puppy.
Unfortunately, Fizz doesn't save the story.
Mature themes: not really. There is a fade to black moment, but no description of sex other than kissing.
November 4, 2017
The first two stories in this anthology are pretty meh, cliched contemporaries. BUT the last story is something special with its unique setting and twist on "puppies for Christmas"--it's set at a zoo, where an African wild dog has recently given birth in a den that's about to collapse and the zookeepers are trying to save her and her puppies. This is all, of course, happening when they're short-staffed over the holidays, and the two zookeepers on hand happen to have a romantic past. But the setting and situation is striking, fresh, and fascinating--even mildly suspenseful with the ticking time bomb of the den's ceiling about to give way any day now. I highly recommend that any animal-lover check it out. Just feel free to skip the first two stories (especially because the wacky hijinks of the second story mostly involve the heroine being an idiot that keeps being careless with a puppy's safety).
June 7, 2021
lovely stories, all three of them!
Each as different as can be - with different heat levels, too, so there's something for everyone.
My fav hero was Gabriel, my fav pup was Fizz, hands down, and the leading ladies were all utterly compelling: imperfect but independent and strong.
Each as different as can be - with different heat levels, too, so there's something for everyone.
My fav hero was Gabriel, my fav pup was Fizz, hands down, and the leading ladies were all utterly compelling: imperfect but independent and strong.
January 15, 2023
A Puppy for Christmas is three books in one. On the Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer, The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie and The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan. Each story features a puppy and the Christmas season.
February 3, 2020
Not worth the read. I couldn’t even finish the second story I had to stop reading.
July 22, 2023
great book
December 8, 2024
It was a book I had on my shelf for years. Cute and simple
July 29, 2013
On the Secretary's Christmas List\The Soldier, the Puppy and Me\The Patter of Paws at Christmas
4 STARS
This is a cute three stories dealing with Christmas and puppies. It almost makes you want to go out and get a puppy. But I will resist because one dog is asleep on my bed and one on the floor by my bed and no kids around anymore just their pets.
The first two stories have cute puppies that you see interact with their new families. The third is a little different as they are wild African puppies in a zoo. Not for cuddling.
They are short novellas. I liked them but they are short. They also have love scenes that I skimmed over. They fall in love in a short amount of time or realize it in fast amount of time.
On the Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer
Bree has worked for Jackson and lived in apartment in basement of his house for a year. During that year she has seen Jackson date a lot of woman. They keep their personal life separate except for tending his son once in awhile.
Jackson is spoilt, talented and never dates employees. All of a sudden their is a change and Bree is starting to date. Jackson than opens his eyes and starts to see Bree.
Jackson has a cute son and his mom drops the puppy off for a Christmas present while he is out.
The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie
Trey McFadden is talked into coming back to his hometown and being the Grand Marshall for the Christmas festival. He has not been back home since he turned 18 and joined the military.
He did not have good home life. He has to deal with his memories and be positive symbol for his hometown.
Ella the girl next door is caring for Fizz a puppy for Christmas for local shelter. She is also helping with the festival. Ella's family is gone. She loves her town and wants to help them get through tough times.
Fizz is cute and tries to bring them together, while they fight it.
The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan
Ingrid and Gabriel are taking watch at the zoo over Christmas. The wild dogs have puppies and they are waiting for the puppies to come out of the den. So they can give them shots, tag them and make sure they are healthy.
They were a couple for a brief time. They both have insecurities that their families helped them get. They fight their feelings as they watch for the puppies.
For three short stories they are good. They bring smiles on your face as you read about the animals and holidays.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of them by Netgalley and Harlequin.
10/01/2013 PUB Harlequin ISBN 9780373837809 320 pages
Description below taken off of Netgalley.
On the Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer
Bree has landed an amazing job, but her new boss is a difficult, unreliable playboy—who is also infuriatingly gorgeous… When Bree looks after Jackson's son and energetic puppy, she realizes what she really wants this Christmas….
The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie
Christmas is a difficult time for war hero Trey McFadden and it doesn't help that his neighbour, Ella Delancey, and her adorable puppy, Fizz, seem determined on spreading festive cheer.
The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan
Ingrid has to spend Christmas with gorgeous zookeeper Gabriel Marque. They're keeping watch for the zoo's first litter of wild dogs. Will the patter of tiny paws bring them together, this time forever?
May 18, 2016
A Puppy For Christmas is three stores in the one book. All about puppies.
1. On The Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer. Bree has been working for Jerome Jackson Beaumont for a year a his secretary. "Jackson" dates a lot of women, but never anyone who works for him. Jackson has a little boy. Bree also babysits for Jackson. Bree has a date with one of his clients and Jackson gets upset. Really upset when he sees her in a fancy dress. Jackson's son gets a puppy and Bree helps watch the puppy. Jackson and Bree have feelings for each other. A very good read.
2. The Soldier, The Puppy And Me by Myrna Mackenzie. Trey McFadden had a rough childhood. His parents were mean to him. He rebelled and joined the service. His friend who loaned him money to leave town, Stuart, asked Trey to come back to town and be in the parade to boost the morale of the people in town since a big company left town and left many people without jobs. Ella Delancey lives next door to Trey's family house. She had a crush on Trey ten years ago. He doesn't like Christmas. Before he gets there Ella puts lights up on the outside of his house. His family doesn't live there any more. Ella is babysitting a puppy until after Christmas. The puppy is funny in this story. It is a real good read about what goes on between Trey, Ella and the puppy. A very good read.
3. The Patter Of Paws At Christmas by Nikki Logan. Gabriel Marque is the new Zookeeper of the wild dog display at the zoo. It was a job Ingrid wanted. The dog den may cave in any time soon and there is a mother dog in there with her babies and they won't come out. Gabe and Ingrid have a monitor and are watching the entrance to the cave to see if any change in the walls. Gabe and Ingrid had a one night stand a year ago and things are tense between them while they watch the dogs. Ingrid digs a hole from one den to the one the baby dogs are in for an exit if the other entrance caves in. Ingrid digs the hole since Gabe is too big to go in and dig the hole. They talk out their difference and things happen between them and the puppy's are saved when the cave entrance falls in. A very good real.
1. On The Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer. Bree has been working for Jerome Jackson Beaumont for a year a his secretary. "Jackson" dates a lot of women, but never anyone who works for him. Jackson has a little boy. Bree also babysits for Jackson. Bree has a date with one of his clients and Jackson gets upset. Really upset when he sees her in a fancy dress. Jackson's son gets a puppy and Bree helps watch the puppy. Jackson and Bree have feelings for each other. A very good read.
2. The Soldier, The Puppy And Me by Myrna Mackenzie. Trey McFadden had a rough childhood. His parents were mean to him. He rebelled and joined the service. His friend who loaned him money to leave town, Stuart, asked Trey to come back to town and be in the parade to boost the morale of the people in town since a big company left town and left many people without jobs. Ella Delancey lives next door to Trey's family house. She had a crush on Trey ten years ago. He doesn't like Christmas. Before he gets there Ella puts lights up on the outside of his house. His family doesn't live there any more. Ella is babysitting a puppy until after Christmas. The puppy is funny in this story. It is a real good read about what goes on between Trey, Ella and the puppy. A very good read.
3. The Patter Of Paws At Christmas by Nikki Logan. Gabriel Marque is the new Zookeeper of the wild dog display at the zoo. It was a job Ingrid wanted. The dog den may cave in any time soon and there is a mother dog in there with her babies and they won't come out. Gabe and Ingrid have a monitor and are watching the entrance to the cave to see if any change in the walls. Gabe and Ingrid had a one night stand a year ago and things are tense between them while they watch the dogs. Ingrid digs a hole from one den to the one the baby dogs are in for an exit if the other entrance caves in. Ingrid digs the hole since Gabe is too big to go in and dig the hole. They talk out their difference and things happen between them and the puppy's are saved when the cave entrance falls in. A very good real.
December 14, 2014
I am not a dog lover, but I really enjoyed these three very different (but all well worth the read) stories.Each was long enough and very detailed for an anthology book.
The first story was too full of exclamation points for my taste, but the story was unique, and the main characters were very atypical but interesting too. The puppy did not play a big role here, and some may not like how it was given as an unexpected holiday gift.
Story 2 was the best as Fizz the puppy stole all his scenes, matchmaking a very sweet lady who was fostering Fizz and her old crush, now a war hero, who returned to town to be grand marshall for the holiday parade. Full of warmth and holiday cheer, this one warmed my heart.
Story 3 about zookeepers in Australia monitoring the birth of wild dogs in their zoo exhibit was pretty serious with lots of emotion from a couple with a past to work through. The dogs did not have that "cute" factor, but the story was a unique take on dogs and romance.
The first story was too full of exclamation points for my taste, but the story was unique, and the main characters were very atypical but interesting too. The puppy did not play a big role here, and some may not like how it was given as an unexpected holiday gift.
Story 2 was the best as Fizz the puppy stole all his scenes, matchmaking a very sweet lady who was fostering Fizz and her old crush, now a war hero, who returned to town to be grand marshall for the holiday parade. Full of warmth and holiday cheer, this one warmed my heart.
Story 3 about zookeepers in Australia monitoring the birth of wild dogs in their zoo exhibit was pretty serious with lots of emotion from a couple with a past to work through. The dogs did not have that "cute" factor, but the story was a unique take on dogs and romance.
October 12, 2013
This is a sweet book filled with 3 romantic Christmas novellas that all involve puppies! You can’t go wrong with a book like this. Each novella is a quick, fast read that will definitely put you in a happy mood.
I will admit I really enjoyed the novellas by Carole Mortimer and Myrna Mackenzie more than I did Nikki Logan’s novella. I have been a fan of Ms. Mortimer’s writings for some time and I love the way she is able to give you a story that doesn’t feel rushed or that anything was left out even though it is really short. The romance in each of the stories was just perfect and of course I think the puppies just stole the show!
This is a nice book to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and have a relaxing afternoon. Before you know it the book will be over and you will be in the Holiday mood and longing for a puppy of your own!
I will admit I really enjoyed the novellas by Carole Mortimer and Myrna Mackenzie more than I did Nikki Logan’s novella. I have been a fan of Ms. Mortimer’s writings for some time and I love the way she is able to give you a story that doesn’t feel rushed or that anything was left out even though it is really short. The romance in each of the stories was just perfect and of course I think the puppies just stole the show!
This is a nice book to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and have a relaxing afternoon. Before you know it the book will be over and you will be in the Holiday mood and longing for a puppy of your own!
April 12, 2016
This is a very simple story that shines the light on how animals have served man during war.
Based upon facts about a harlequin Great Dane puppy that became a 'mascot' for a New Zealand regiment during the 'Great War', the delicate watercolour illustrations help to balance out the horror that WWI was for all soldiers at the front.
This tale that can be easily read and discussed with children of all ages.
It includes the backstory of the actual dog 'Freda' and her contribution during the war.
Highly Recommended!
5 stars
Based upon facts about a harlequin Great Dane puppy that became a 'mascot' for a New Zealand regiment during the 'Great War', the delicate watercolour illustrations help to balance out the horror that WWI was for all soldiers at the front.
This tale that can be easily read and discussed with children of all ages.
It includes the backstory of the actual dog 'Freda' and her contribution during the war.
Highly Recommended!
5 stars
January 8, 2015
This was on my Christmas reading list for 2013, but did not get to it until this Christmas. Fun, seasonal stories for the busy Christmas season. Carole Mortimer has been a favorite for some time. Always happy to find a new author (or two) to add to my list of books to look for ... and both Myrna Mackenzie and Nikki Logan are just that. It's also fun to read Christmas stories from a "down under" author to help feel a little bit of summer warmth on these cold winter nights.
December 12, 2013
I grabbed this one mainly for the Nikki Logan story, and that was definitely my favourite of the trio, although the Myrna Mackenzie story was fun too. I was less certain about the Carole Mortimer story as I was thrown out by the central puppy having been given as an unexpected gift. Still worth reading for the wild dogs and the fostered rescue puppy of the other two though.
November 20, 2013
I received an ARC copy from Net Gallley in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed all 3 stories, but I did prefer the first two stories more that the third story. The Wild dogs were not as cute to me.
Still, this is a fun Christmas read with 3 stories with strong characters and compelling plots. Recommended.
Still, this is a fun Christmas read with 3 stories with strong characters and compelling plots. Recommended.
December 4, 2013
Cute stories. Wished the puppies featured more heavily in them - the first one was barely a mention. I think I liked the 2nd story the best. I enjoyed the third one but the angst was a bit much when all they really had to do was have a conversation and since it was a short story I found it frustrating as I couldn't figure out why they weren't - both of them seemed a little immature.
April 18, 2014
I absolutely loved The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie. Fizz is a wonderful matchmaker. I wish this story was available on it's own because it deserved 5 stars.
I did not like the other two stories at all.
I did not like the other two stories at all.
January 11, 2015
Three stories in this book, all centered around getting a puppy for Christmas. All three stories are very different with three different authors writing the stories. Great way to try out new authors. I liked all of these authors, will try more by all of them.
cnf-dnf
January 6, 2015On the Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer
2.5/5
So many exclamation points!
The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie
2.5/5
The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan
2/5
cnf
2.5/5
So many exclamation points!
The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie
2.5/5
The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan
2/5
cnf
July 4, 2015
Mixed review
3 stories by different authors . First one pretty good if predictable. Second one felt sloppy. Like she just dashed it together to finish an assignment. Third one was deeper and a little more unusual. Still a quick read for a romance at Christmas.
3 stories by different authors . First one pretty good if predictable. Second one felt sloppy. Like she just dashed it together to finish an assignment. Third one was deeper and a little more unusual. Still a quick read for a romance at Christmas.
December 21, 2013
Three heart warming tales that I will most certainly pass on.
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