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Pups that Make Miracles #1

Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue

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A chance to mend her body…

A doc to heal her heart?

In this Pups that Make Miracles story, search-and-rescue worker Cassandra Bellow arrives at Heatherglen Clinic injured and reeling from the loss of her faithful rescue dog. But a Christmas romance with the gorgeous clinic manager, Dr. Lyle Sinclair, along with Heatherglen’s adorable therapy dogs, restores Cass’s lust for life. Except soon she must return to America—unless guarded Lyle asks her to stay…

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2019

11 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Susan Carlisle

353 books234 followers
Susan Carlisle’s love affair with books began when she made a bad grade in math in the sixth grade. Not allowed to watch TV until she brought the grade up, Susan filled her time with books. She turned her love of reading into a passion for writing. With over 25 books for Harlequin and Masters of Their Castles series under her own imprint. She writes steamy romances with sexy heros and the strong women that captivate them.
She lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband of over 35 years. Susan loves castles, traveling, sewing, afternoon tea and reads voraciously.
Visit her at http://www.SusanCarlisle.com

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Paula.
545 reviews7 followers
September 12, 2024
Search-and-rescue worker Cassandra Bellow sustains injuries on her latest assignment, and her canine partner is killed when saving her life. Cass is having a hard time getting past this and her doctor recommends Heatherglen Clinic in Scotland for her rehabilitation. Handsome Scottish doctor and clinic administrator Lyle Sinclair takes a shine to Heatherglen’s newest patient.

This book was just okay. The story’s main focus was on Cass and Lyle’s romance, and while they were nice enough characters, I didn’t find them all that interesting. I was looking forward to reading about the therapy dogs that were promised in the plot synopsis, but unfortunately the dogs weren’t much in the story and pretty much kept in the background or off the page. Cass even rejected the idea of having a therapy dog, she couldn’t cope with it after the loss of her rescue dog, so there were no warm fuzzy moments to be had with a therapy dog doing its work. The book sounded like it had an interesting storyline, but didn’t really deliver and was a disappointment.
Profile Image for Helen.
2,961 reviews68 followers
March 1, 2020
I love a good Christmas story anytime of the year and this is one not to be missed, a gorgeous setting, a castle in Scotland, snow, Christmas decorations and a hero to die for and a heroine who has been through a lot and comes here to get back on her feet, I hope you come along for the journey to a HEA with Lyle and Cass.

Cass Bellow has been loving her job in search and rescue with her beloved partner Rufus, but after a terrible accident that sees Cass injured and the loss of Rufus she is sent to Heatherglen Clinic to recuperate never expecting that she will lose her heart to the very handsome clinic manager Dr Lyle Sinclair and find herself again with his help and the help of the canine therapy.

Lyle Sinclair is a good doctor he started his career in the army something that runs in the family, but finds that he loves working at Heatherglen helping injured patients get back their lives, the dogs are such a help as well, but when a new patient arrives, Cass there is an instant connection and he loves getting to know this beautiful, strong and vulnerable woman.

What a start to a beautiful series I loved this one from start to finish, I love the dogs they are so beautiful, so many emotions, so much love, but of course there were a few hurdles to cross first and Lyle helped Cass in so many ways but Cass in turn helped Lyle to make a decision and move forward. MS Carlisle never disappoints me with one of her stories and this is one that I highly recommend, it is sure to leave all readers feeling uplifted and happy.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,835 reviews128 followers
December 9, 2019
Excellent book that tugged at my heartstrings. Cassandra arrived at the rehab clinic in Scotland, exhausted and hurting, physically and emotionally. During a search-and-rescue mission in Europe she was severely injured, and her canine partner was killed while saving her. She doesn't understand why she was sent there rather than a rehab facility back in the States, but she's determined to get better and get out. She is also at a crossroads because she doesn't know whether she'll be able to resume her career, or even if she could bear having a new partner.

I liked the development of the relationship between Lyle and Cass. Lyle is the director of the clinic and determined to see Cassandra fully healed. He is sincerely concerned about all his patients' recoveries, but something about Cass calls a little deeper to him. I loved how he is firm with her when she needs it, but that there is an underlying kindness and gentleness in the way he treats her. There were a few times in the beginning when I wanted to shake Cass because she was so stubborn and nearly rude, but Lyle didn't let it get to him. I enjoyed that evening early on when Lyle found Cass almost frozen after she had gone for a walk to avoid having to have dinner with everyone. Again, that mixture of firm and kind was just what she needed. What neither one expected was the flare of attraction between them.

I liked seeing their friendship develop as they spent more time together. I felt a little bad for Lyle when he discovered the full story behind Cass's refusal to work with one of the therapy dogs. He hadn't understood the depth of her grief and liked that he was willing to find a compromise. Cass appreciated his efforts, and I loved seeing the effect it had on her. Though she still avoided making an emotional connection with any of the dogs, the retired rescue dog, Hero, touched her heart anyway. I loved the scene with him and the search for the lost girl. I liked the slow but steady growth of Lyle and Cass's friendship into something more, even if neither was willing to admit to it.

Both Cass and Lyle have issues that hold them back from admitting those feelings. Cass is a bit of a mess emotionally. She isn't sure what her future holds, job-wise, as she doesn't know if she can ever bond with another rescue dog. Romantically, the last relationship she had ended when her boyfriend could neither understand nor accept that her work was part of who she was. She isn't sure that she is ready to risk her heart again. Lyle also had a failed relationship behind him. His girlfriend sent him a "Dear John" letter while he was deployed, making him reluctant to trust again either. He also has an ongoing dilemma with his dying father, who expects Lyle to follow the family tradition and rejoin the military. But Lyle has no interest in doing so, as the time he spent before nearly destroyed him. The problem is, he can't bring himself to stand up for what he wants. I loved seeing Cass stand up for him when he wouldn't do it himself.

I ached for them both when her time at the clinic was nearly over, and Lyle wanted her to stay. But Cass's fears wouldn't let go of her, and she ran, but not before lashing out at Lyle. I hurt for him, because he realized his feelings for her, but couldn't get past those fears. I liked that both of them took their time apart to look honestly at what was holding them back. Cass's big moment at the end was deeply emotional, and I loved seeing the decisions she made. The conclusion was sweet and romantic, and I hope to see more of them in the other books.

I liked the secondary characters, from the Laird to the staff members, to fellow patient Andy. I liked Laird Charles's decision to use the castle as a way to honor his brother Nick's sacrifice. I look forward to reading their stories in the rest of the series. I also liked Lyle's parents. His mom was sweet and welcoming to Cass. Lyle's dad was a bit harder to like with the way he kept hammering at Lyle about returning to active service. He did sort of redeem himself at the end.
Profile Image for Amelia.
794 reviews20 followers
October 27, 2019
With its interesting setting, original characters, and very engrossing storyline, HIGHLAND DOC’S CHRISTMAS RESCUE is constantly engaging. I was immediately pulled into the lives of an injured woman who needs to heal in multiple ways and the man running the clinic where she will be recuperating. Both have issues that need to be addressed, yet fears concerning the consequences keep them from actively dealing with the matters. As each page in this Pups that Make Miracles continuity story was read, I become more immersed in the lives of two individuals whom I truly came to adore.

When a search-and-rescue mission in Europe goes horribly wrong, Cassandra Bellow is injured and her canine partner was sadly killed. In order to hopefully make a full recovery, she is sent to Heatherglen Clinic in Scotland where Dr. Lyle Sinclair is the medical director. Although Cass just wants to get through the physical therapy and return to the United States, Lyle is equally determined to see that all her troubles are looked after. This would require her to work with one of their therapy dogs, but she is definitely not ready to get close to another animal or even someone this soon.

Cass is hurting in body and mind, thus causing lots of hurdles to overcome before her life is once more content. She needs to come up with answers to crucial questions related to her future, but any reminders of what she lost is just too painful at this time. Lyle has an extremely compassionate nature, and their talks were frequently very moving as inner feelings are exposed. I really felt for Cass, as her anguish is so genuine. While Lyle seems to be carefree and happy, several prior experiences cause him to repeatedly think about his actions in the present. How these two interact is believable, and I enjoyed their meaningful conversations as well as those filled with lightheartedness.

Scotland is colorfully described in various ways, and Susan Carlisle makes the location and people come across as convincing. Since it is near Christmastime, events associated with the holiday take place and made my mood cheerful. Any of the details concerned with the dogs are very realistic, causing me to smile plus feel any of their ordeals. What medical incidents occur are true-to-life, and the suspense connected to one event is especially enthralling. HIGHLAND DOC’S CHRISTMAS RESCUE is a highly entertaining medical romance that will long be remembered.

I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
Profile Image for Julie.
2,678 reviews42 followers
December 30, 2019
An enchanting romantic read guaranteed to touch your hearts and lift your spirits, Susan Carlisle’s Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue is a moving, atmospheric and immensely enjoyable tale I read in a single sitting.

The bottom had fallen out of search and rescue worker Cass Bellow when her beloved rescue dog Rufus had died after being injured on duty. The devastating loss hurts even more than the pain in her body which has left her in desperate need for rest and recuperation. When she is sent by her doctors to the Heatherglen Clinic in Scotland, Cass cannot help but be initially taken aback. Why have her doctors sent her halfway around the world to recover? Surely, there must be multiple clinics in America that could help her out, however, Cass soon realises that the Heatherglen Clinic is a very special place where she will not just heal, but also experience the magic of Christmas and of falling in love with clinic manager, Dr Lyle Sinclair…

Past experience had taught Lyle Sinclair that relationships are simply not for him. After the acrimonious end of his last relationship, Lyle had thrown himself into his work and had put emotions and feelings on the backburner. Yet, there is something about American Cass Bellow that draws him to her. He can sense that beneath her prickly exterior lies a woman who has known great pain and anguish and, as he begins to breach the impenetrable walls which she had built around herself, he soon realises that he might have just found the one person he has been searching for for most of his life. But with Cass having made it abundantly clear that her life is in America, is it foolish to even act upon his feelings for her? Or will a Christmas miracle end up making Lyle and Cass realise that happiness can be within reach if only they can find the courage to fight for their heart’s desire?

When Cass had come to Heatherglen, she never imagined that she would find herself falling in love, but Lyle has got under her skin and made her want to stop hiding in the shadows and finally start living again. But with her plane ticket booked for America, what will Cass do? Will she take a leap of faith and tell Lyle how she really feels? Or is about to let this unexpected chance slip through her fingers?

Susan Carlisle is a wonderful writer of uplifting, emotional, dramatic and hopeful contemporary romances that never fail to hit the spot. Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue is a spellbinding read that ticks all the right boxes with its beguiling blend of wonderfully nuanced characters, believable dialogue, heart-pounding emotional intensity, steamy sensuality and feel-good romance.

Full of warmth, charm and heart and a joy from beginning to end, Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue is a stellar romantic read that is just the ticket this holiday season!
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book123 followers
November 12, 2019
Complex Heroine and Kind, Supportive Hero

Oh, my! What a story! The author has an incredible way of pulling you right into the story and into Cass’s world. She is hurting in so many ways, physically and mentally especially. She was involved in a horrible accident during a search-and-rescue in Europe that killed her canine partner. Finally out of the hospital, her doctor has insisted that she go to this rehab facility in the Scottish Highlands without telling her precisely why (other than they have a very good track record with injuries like hers). The heroine tries to be so strong, not wanting help even though she needs it and only wanting to get through the physical therapy as fast as she can so she can get home to the United States. She's at a crossroads in her life, too, because she's unsure what to do now that she may never fully recover from her physical injuries and that she may never be able to build another partner relationship was a search-and-rescue animal. The heroine is definitely a complex ball of emotions, but given her background, it is completely understandable. The author has created a relatable and very believable heroine.

The hero is a book is the Scottish physician administrator at the facility. He is very kind and supportive of the heroine, and you get the sense that he cares about all of his patients' recoveries deeply. Though, of course, it goes a little deeper with Cass! I liked how he handled the heroine at first, trying to be firm when necessary but often handling her more with kid gloves. She doesn't reveal the entire backstory to him, so he doesn't understand why she refuses to work with the therapy animals at the center. Both the hero and the heroine had more depth than the average romance (especially a holiday romance). I quite enjoyed their story.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,703 reviews
December 29, 2019
Cass and Lyle’s love story in Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue by Susan Carlisle, book 1 in Pups that Make Miracles series, is a sweet and an enjoyable tale. Needing additional rehabbing after her injury Cassandra Bellow arrived at the Heathglen Clinic disheartened from the loss of her rescue dog and the knowledge that her career in search and rescue was over. With the friendship and patience of Dr. Lyle Sinclair, Cass begins to heal inside and out. In addition, working with and training Heathglen’s amazing therapy dogs re-energizes Cass and gives her inspiration for her future. A future that could include the romantic relationship Cass and Lyle have begun; both needing to be loved by someone other than their families.

Ms. Carlisle wrote an emotional, flirty, sweet romance that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sexual chemistry, humor, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Cass and Lyle a chance at a forever love. I highly recommend Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
377 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2019
Cassandra is a rescue worker that had an injury in the line of duty and came to a rehab facility in Scotland, where she meets the manager of the clinic, Lyle Sinclair, who is in the rescue business too in his spare time in his little corner of the world. He loves his position at this clinic but is being pressured by his father to go back into active military duty. Cassandra is not sure what she will do when she is discharged from care at the clinic. She doesn’t know if she can do rescue work again after the loss of her dog who died saving her.

This is an interesting story. I loved the location – the highlands of Scotland. The people in the story were people you would want to get acquainted with. This is one of those stories you don’t want to put down until you finish it.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,222 reviews51 followers
October 30, 2019
After an accident left Cassandra broken in more ways then one shes left dealing with going to physical therapy and the loss of her rescue dog. Cassandra is on a mission to get back in the saddle and get her body back to working but isn't ready for the therapy dogs there. Dr. Lyle Sinclair is the clinic manager and wants to make sure his patients and doing what they need to to heal and Cassandra is no difference.

This was a nice little holiday contemporary romance. I enjoyed seeing how everything played out in this book and getting to know the character. The romance was cute but unfortunately it had a clear deadline and was curious to see how things would end. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing them all work together not only healing themselves but others as well, being a listening ear and being there for eachother. Then because it was during the holidays there are a bit of holiday things going on which I appreciate. Overall pretty good book I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,516 reviews175 followers
January 8, 2020
A cute story and a pup, too!

I can’t imagine losing my dog. Okay, I can because I’ve had to put a cherished pet down, but I can’t imagine being in Cass’s situation. Her rescue dog has passed and she’s been injured. She’s got to get back out into the world. Enter Lyle and his clinic that uses therapy dogs.

I liked the characters. The chemistry is palpable. This is a sweet novel involving two souls that should be together and their attempt to find their happy ending.

I knew going in this would be a good read. I’ve read other books by Susan Carlisle and wasn’t let down. The writing was crisp and moved along well. I’m looking forward to more books in the Pups that Make Miracles Series.

If you’re interested in a cute holiday romance, then this is the one for you.
Profile Image for TashNz.
730 reviews21 followers
January 22, 2020
What is not to love? Romance and puppies! You can not go wrong with such a brilliant mix. It's like chocolate and wine go together as does romance and puppies.

The story dives right in and Cassandra/Cass and Lyle are two wonderful human beings who are so wonderfully written by Susan Carlisle. They are surrounded by a tale which is engrossing and believeable. I love the strong heroines the author writes of and their complementary partner in life. Mixed with the dog therapy clinic and the sadness of the beginning of the story and Cass's back story makes for another hugely enjoyable story by this super talented author.

The set up for the first of the series is brilliant. I look forward to the rest.
710 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2019
Another lovely romance that brings holiday cheer to us readers. You will find yourself cheering that Dr. Lyle Sinclair a clinic manager is able to get Cassandra to heal in more ways then one. Cassandra was in an accident which requires physical therapy and Dr. Sinclair believe that a therapy dog is beneficial to her healing. What she wont say is she refuses because she lost her rescue dog in her accident and cannot get past the pain physically and mentally. Their banter with each other makes this another fantastic read and you will cheer both on . Taking place during the holidays adds a little more sparkle to the story. wonderful book.
136 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2019
Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue by Susan Carlisle is about healing and finding love in the process. Cassandra is sent to a physical therapy facility in Scotland when she is injured and her working companion, a rescue dog, is killed during a mission. There she meets the doctor who runs the place, Lyle. The catch is the clinic uses dogs during the therapy but Cassandra does not want anything to do with dogs. Lyle and Cassandra soon strike up a friendship that soon leads to more and Cassandra being able to work with dogs again. A great read.
Profile Image for Lynne Evans.
269 reviews24 followers
October 30, 2019
A Scottish doctor, dogs and Christmas. A perfect combination. This is the first of four Christmas stories set at Heatherglen Clinic. Susan Carlisle gets us started with Lyle the doctor and Cass a search and rescue patient not happy to be there. Will Lyle be able to help Cass out of her funk and see what really matters. Well, it is a Christmas story.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Margie.
1,714 reviews26 followers
October 5, 2019
One thing Cassandra Bellow knew for sure - she didn't want to be here. Here being the Heatherglen Clinic in Scotland. Heatherglen Clinic had an excellent reputation but Cass just didn't think she needed to be at this clinic for physical therapy. Why not a clinic at home in the States? Especially not when she learned the extent of the clinic's canine therapy program. She didn't know how she could bear that. Not after her loss. Seems canine therapy is mandatory. She'd show up but that's about it. Cass was determined to show no weakness. She just wanted to finish physical therapy and be released. Also she didn't want to like the clinic manager Dr. Lyle Sinclair, but she couldn't help herself. There is just something about him that calls to her. Lyle somehow made her hurt a little less. But she would be leaving Scotland in a few weeks when her therapy was finished. This just isn't the right time for them. Or is it?

Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue by Susan Carlisle is the first book in the Pups that Make Miracles series. The idea of a clinic where the patients all have therapy dogs assigned to them for their stay there is rather interesting to me. I really like that idea. I enjoyed Ms. Carlisle's writing style. The characters are very likeable and I especially liked Lyle. His easy-going manner and sincere concern for his patients made for special character traits. I enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere in this story; the decorating and all the delightful holiday items in the Christmas market in the village. This is a sweet yet sensual romance filled with warth and Christmas cheer.
Profile Image for Nas Dean.
837 reviews38 followers
November 12, 2019
HIGHLAND DOC’S CHRISTMAS RESCUE by author Susan Carlisle is a Harlequin Medical Romance series release for November 2019.

Cassandra Bellow, a search and rescue worker, comes to Heatherglen Clinic to recuperate after a devastating accident. She lost her partner, Rufus, the rescue dog in the accident. Apart from her physical injuries, she was emotionally wounded.

Dr. Lyle Sinclair was the clinic manager. And with his help, she got her health restored. But would she ever be able to get her emotional wounds healed?

HIGHLAND DOC’S CHRISTMAS RESCUE is a sweet romance. Author Susan Carlisle did a marvellous job of bringing these two characters together for their happy ever despite their emotional baggage. This is an uplifting and inspiring story with medical dramas and sweet miracle puppies as well as family warmth and relationships.

Highly recommended for all readers of medical romance.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,572 reviews46 followers
November 13, 2019
4 1/2 STARS!

Filled with emotion! With the kick-off book in the brand new Pups That Make Miracles series in the Harlequin Medical Romance line, Susan Carlisle brings us HIGHLAND DOC'S CHRISTMAS RESCUE centering around a recovering search and rescue member and the doctor who runs the clinic she is sent to for rehabilitation.

Cassandra's story quickly hooks the reader as we learn of the devastating loss of her canine partner during the rescue she herself was injured in. She's not sure where to go from here ... will she ever be able to do the job she once adored if her trusted partner is no longer at her side?

Lyle is easy to like and makes her recover a little more lighthearted than we might have expected once they start falling for each other.

I recommend this story to anyone looking for an emotion filled holiday read filled with a beautiful happily ever after. Really enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to more to come!
Profile Image for Janie.
1,544 reviews15 followers
November 10, 2019
"Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue (Pups that Make Miracles Book 1)" by Susan Carlisle started out sad when an accident takes Cassandra Bellow's search and rescue dog from her, and she winds up at Heatherglen Clinic in Scotland a highly skilled clinic for physical therapy. She meets Dr. Lyle Sinclair who is not only a good Dr. but a really nice man. This clinic has therapy dogs and as much as Cass doesn't want to become involved she is finding it hard to let her mind say it was okay to fall in love with not only the guy but also another furry friend.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews