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The Dogmothers #2.5
Dachshund Through the Snow
Agnes Santorini, known as "Yiayia" to her Greek clan, only has one thing on her Christmas list -- a brown short-haired dachshund that matches the one she dreamed about, certain that pup can save her aging heart. When she learns that a local man has this very dog for adoption, she and her partner-in-crime, Gramma Finnie, leash up their current doxies and join forces with their great-granddaughter to get their paws on the pooch.
But things don't go quite as smoothly as expected. A quick walk through the town of Bitter Bark turns complicated when the dog's owner has a simple demand, which sets off a series of events that have two grannies and one girl dashing through the snow with two dogs in tow. As they meet every demand and overcome every obstacle, Yiayia shares the secret of her past...and reveals just why this is the canine angel she needs to save her.
But even if they manage to get the dog under their Christmas tree, that might not be where the little fellow belongs. And maybe, just maybe, Yiayia's heart can be healed by a completely different kind of love...the kind that only comes at Christmas.
The Dogmothers Series - a spinoff from the popular "Dogfather" books
Daniel Kilcannon has not only orchestrated wonderfully happy endings for his six adult kids, he's also found one of his own. That leaves his grown nieces, nephews, and stepkids all in need of their own magical romances. Is the Dogfather too preoccupied with his new lady love to pull the strings and make the matches? Maybe. But never fear, there's a new team in town and these two might be polar opposites in life, but they are lined up in love. Meet Yiayia and Gramma Finnie...one has the steel spine of a Greek warrior, the other has the sweet soul of an Irish poet. Together, along with two darling dachshunds, these Dogmothers won't stop until all of their grandchildren are hooked, hitched, and happy!
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2019
364 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Roxanne St. Claire
266 books1,834 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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December 4, 2019
Dachshund Through the Snow by Roxanne St Claire
Awww. So sweet and sentimental. Happy tears for the last 30 pages. So many feel good emotions.
Contemporary novella with all the feels. (Romance series. This a special holiday story without a romance).
Book 2.5 of the Dogmothers series which comes after the Dogfather books. A lot of family and characters and situations that male this best read as part of the series.
A little more back story of Agnes Santorini, one of the Dogmothers. The story continues to current times as Agnes, Pru and Gramma Finnie run errands on Christmas Eve around the town square.
Awww. So sweet and sentimental. Happy tears for the last 30 pages. So many feel good emotions.
Contemporary novella with all the feels. (Romance series. This a special holiday story without a romance).
Book 2.5 of the Dogmothers series which comes after the Dogfather books. A lot of family and characters and situations that male this best read as part of the series.
A little more back story of Agnes Santorini, one of the Dogmothers. The story continues to current times as Agnes, Pru and Gramma Finnie run errands on Christmas Eve around the town square.
March 5, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
DACHSHUND THROUGH THE SNOW (The Dogmothers Book #2.5) by Roxanne St. Claire is a Christmas novella addition to the Dogmother series. While not a contemporary romance, this story is full of family, friendship, holiday cheer and love. This side novella gives the backstory of “Yaiyai”, Grandma Santorini intertwined with present day errands of both Dogmothers and Prudence on Christmas Eve. Get the tissues ready for this one!
This is the perfect emotional and feel good holiday addition to this series!
DACHSHUND THROUGH THE SNOW (The Dogmothers Book #2.5) by Roxanne St. Claire is a Christmas novella addition to the Dogmother series. While not a contemporary romance, this story is full of family, friendship, holiday cheer and love. This side novella gives the backstory of “Yaiyai”, Grandma Santorini intertwined with present day errands of both Dogmothers and Prudence on Christmas Eve. Get the tissues ready for this one!
This is the perfect emotional and feel good holiday addition to this series!
December 3, 2019
Dachshund Through the Snow (The Dogmothers #2.5) by: Roxanne St. Claire
The great thing about The Dogmothers series is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The irony of that statement is that both the Dogfather and Dogmothers series manage to stay light-hearted while at times dealing with some series subjects. At heart St. Claire delivers a little food for the soul wrapped inside a cuddly, heartwarming package. Dachshund continues that legacy with a hint of teen angst, more furry cutie pies and a couple of busybody grannies that prove a force onto themselves. Life lessons with a dose of heart tingles on the side. Irresistible.
The great thing about The Dogmothers series is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The irony of that statement is that both the Dogfather and Dogmothers series manage to stay light-hearted while at times dealing with some series subjects. At heart St. Claire delivers a little food for the soul wrapped inside a cuddly, heartwarming package. Dachshund continues that legacy with a hint of teen angst, more furry cutie pies and a couple of busybody grannies that prove a force onto themselves. Life lessons with a dose of heart tingles on the side. Irresistible.
December 15, 2019
3.5
Agnes "Yiayia" Santorini already have two doxie. But she's searching for one more, a special one that she might have found. But the man who's selling is asking for a peculiar thing. So before Christmas, Agnes will have a couple of errands to run, help by her new friend, Gramma Finnie and her granddaughter, Pru.
A novel companion to the Dogmothers series, I think it's best to be familiar with the previous books ot at least have read one in the Dogfather series before reading this one. And if you expect a romance, that's not it. It's about true friendship and learning the story of how Agnes met her husband in 1955 and what made her into the woman she is. It's still a sweet Christmas story to read wrapped up in a blanket.
And how freaking adorable is this cover!?
Agnes "Yiayia" Santorini already have two doxie. But she's searching for one more, a special one that she might have found. But the man who's selling is asking for a peculiar thing. So before Christmas, Agnes will have a couple of errands to run, help by her new friend, Gramma Finnie and her granddaughter, Pru.
A novel companion to the Dogmothers series, I think it's best to be familiar with the previous books ot at least have read one in the Dogfather series before reading this one. And if you expect a romance, that's not it. It's about true friendship and learning the story of how Agnes met her husband in 1955 and what made her into the woman she is. It's still a sweet Christmas story to read wrapped up in a blanket.
And how freaking adorable is this cover!?
December 2, 2019
Agnes Santorini, Yiayia to her grandchildren, is the Santorini clan’s matriarch. She learns about the availability of a certain dachshund, the kind she had always wanted. Agnes is willing to pay any price for this dog, even swallow her prickly pride. Along with her roommate and the woman’s great-granddaughter, the trio embark on a Christmas style scavenger hunt. As they gather each thing on their list, Agnes begrudgingly shares her past. Will Agnes finally get her dream dog? Or will redemption come in another guise?
Agnes is one of those characters that it takes a while to warm up to. She is an embittered woman trying to make amends with her remaining family. I admire how Agnes tries to change her ways. She sometimes slips up, but she never allows it to stop her from becoming a better person. I like Gramma Finnie’s influence on Agnes. The two women’s personalities often clash, yet Finnie refuses to let Agnes revert to her old self. I also like the fact that Agnes’s romance with her late husband started off rocky. What I adore the most about Agnes is that she owns two dachshunds. I am partial to that particular dog breed since I own three doxies.
DACHSHUND THROUGH THE SNOW is book three in Roxanne St. Claire’s heartening, dog-related series, THE DOGMOTHERS. This story can easily stand alone. However, it is best to read the prior books and the spin off, to better understand the three families and how far they have come.
I adore the fact that a bearded dragon makes a small appearance in the story. They are one animal I never expected to see in a book, especially a romance novel. I smiled when I read how the reptile once belonged to a woman. Along with dachshunds, I also have a bearded dragon, one who prefers me over the males in my household.
DACHSHUND THROUGH THE SNOW is a heart-warming story of an aging woman’s search for redemption during the Christmas season. I am generally not one for Christmas stories, yet this one warmed my heart. I cannot wait to read more of the Dogmothers’ shenanigans.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Agnes is one of those characters that it takes a while to warm up to. She is an embittered woman trying to make amends with her remaining family. I admire how Agnes tries to change her ways. She sometimes slips up, but she never allows it to stop her from becoming a better person. I like Gramma Finnie’s influence on Agnes. The two women’s personalities often clash, yet Finnie refuses to let Agnes revert to her old self. I also like the fact that Agnes’s romance with her late husband started off rocky. What I adore the most about Agnes is that she owns two dachshunds. I am partial to that particular dog breed since I own three doxies.
DACHSHUND THROUGH THE SNOW is book three in Roxanne St. Claire’s heartening, dog-related series, THE DOGMOTHERS. This story can easily stand alone. However, it is best to read the prior books and the spin off, to better understand the three families and how far they have come.
I adore the fact that a bearded dragon makes a small appearance in the story. They are one animal I never expected to see in a book, especially a romance novel. I smiled when I read how the reptile once belonged to a woman. Along with dachshunds, I also have a bearded dragon, one who prefers me over the males in my household.
DACHSHUND THROUGH THE SNOW is a heart-warming story of an aging woman’s search for redemption during the Christmas season. I am generally not one for Christmas stories, yet this one warmed my heart. I cannot wait to read more of the Dogmothers’ shenanigans.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
November 22, 2019
I love the Dogmother series of stories by Roxanne St. Claire. I also love a good romance and a good story that gives warm fuzzy feelings and a happy cry. “Dachshund Through the Snow” is all that and more. It’s the story of the two wonderful grandmothers Finnie and Yiayia, but mostly it’s Yiayia’s story about her life growing up and her new desire to track down a particular dachshund that she has to have. It’s also the story of young Pru who in her teen years is having problems with her best friend who is being mean to her. It’s about love of family and love of friends. This is the perfect book for the Christmas season. I loved it and you will also. Roxanne St. Claire is writing a wonderful series about a family I wish I knew in real life.
January 5, 2020
3.5 Stars
Cute story with some heartache mixed it. Got Yiayia's history before she was a Santorini and then again before she came to Bitter Bark. Lots of resolution and the sweet Kilcannon/Santorini/Mahoney way.
Cute story with some heartache mixed it. Got Yiayia's history before she was a Santorini and then again before she came to Bitter Bark. Lots of resolution and the sweet Kilcannon/Santorini/Mahoney way.
December 1, 2019
You have to just love a story featuring the two Dogmothers with lots of their antics, disagreements, and Christmas cheer. When Yiayia, Agnes, learns of a local man selling one such dog, she enlists Gramma Finnie and great-granddaughter, Pru, to help her get this dog who will save her. As these three dash around Bitter Bark to meet the demands required to adopt this dog they come up against obstacles with every demand. While on this errand Yiayia shares the secret of her past as well as why this canine angel will save her. Even if they obtain this dog, it just might not be the one to help heal Yiayia’s heart. It just might be another kind of miracle, a Christmas miracle which heals broken hearts.
Ms. St. Claire wrote an emotional and moving story filled with lots of feelings, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters that should not to be missed. I highly recommend Dachshund Through the Snow to other readers and look forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. St. Claire wrote an emotional and moving story filled with lots of feelings, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters that should not to be missed. I highly recommend Dachshund Through the Snow to other readers and look forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 5, 2019
These Christmas stories are fun to read because the Grannies end up in crazy situations and tell their history. This time around we get Agnes "Yiayia's." I didn't care for Yiayia when she first came to town, she had a bit of a mean streak, but spending time with Gramma Finnie seemed to soften her and Finnie called Yiayia out when the meanness popped back up.
While running around town looking for a dog, trading one errand for another, for another to get the dog we learn Yiayia's history. After hearing that it's easy to see why she had that streak of mean, but also how she could get past it. I think by sharing it with Finnie it will take away the hold it had on it. It was also fun to see Pru's view of the story, or at least the PG parts.
I loved the last act that Yiayia did, so great after all she went through.
While running around town looking for a dog, trading one errand for another, for another to get the dog we learn Yiayia's history. After hearing that it's easy to see why she had that streak of mean, but also how she could get past it. I think by sharing it with Finnie it will take away the hold it had on it. It was also fun to see Pru's view of the story, or at least the PG parts.
I loved the last act that Yiayia did, so great after all she went through.
December 1, 2019
Roxanne St. Claire comes through again with a heartwarming Christmas novella, "Dachshund Through the Snow". It is a wonderful story of friendship, love, forgiveness, and of course, dogs! This book filled my heart with the miracle and love of Christmas! It is a quick read that will get you in the spirit of Christmas all year round!
December 1, 2019
Looking for a heartwarming, charming, Christmas story? This one is a perfect choice. Laughter, tears, family, friends, and dogs, this is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and the beauty of giving.
December 6, 2019
A very sweet Christmas story involving all the blended families. Plenty of dogs and celebrations. As usual Gramma Finnie and her new best friend YiaYia are in the midst of it. They have become favorite characters for me.
Quick sweet, enjoyable read.
Quick sweet, enjoyable read.
December 13, 2019
Love the Dogfather & Dogmother series. So heartwarming and full of escapades.
July 31, 2023
This was where I left off and somehow stopped getting eARCs. I like this series and will want to read on in the series.
There isn't really a romance in this book. We get the history of Agnes and it's sad. It is something that happens with some young girls. It's nicely interspersed with the joyous magic of Christmas kindness and light. And of course there are dogs in the story.
COYER July RAT
Library Love Bingo #11
There isn't really a romance in this book. We get the history of Agnes and it's sad. It is something that happens with some young girls. It's nicely interspersed with the joyous magic of Christmas kindness and light. And of course there are dogs in the story.
COYER July RAT
Library Love Bingo #11
June 14, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
It might be 88 degrees outside on this sunny, June afternoon yet, in my opinion, there is never, ever a bad time for a really good Christmas story. And that is exactly what you’ll find in ‘Dachshund Through the Snow‘ which is the third story, a Christmas novella in ‘The Dogmothers‘ series. The most recent title (the fifth) in this series has recently released, and I need to get caught up on this series so this unique story full of Christmas love was the perfect way to spend a bit of time. While not a Christmas Romance in the strictest sense of the phrase, Yiayia’s story is overflowing with information we’ve been looking for about her change of heart and lifestyle – and is definitely a love story, the most beautiful kind where that love shines through on the people who need it the most.
Agnes Santorini, who also is known as Yiayia to her grandchildren (and others who have picked up the nickname) is a fascinating character to me. We’ve gotten bits and pieces of her story, of her bitterness and downright nastiness previously which has miraculously changed since moving to Bitter Bark. Now she’s an older woman determined to change a lifetime’s worth of bad attitude in the time left to her on this earth. Bits and pieces of how and why, yet before now not the complete story which is what we’ll get in ‘Dachshund Through the Snow‘ along with Pru’s troubles with her best friend… and the entire Santorini, Mahoney, and Kilcannon clans together for this Christmas adventure. As Pru, Agnes, and Gramma Finnie dash through Bitter Bark on the hunt for one bartered item (or favor) after another we’ll learn of Yiayia’s past and why this particular little dachshund is so important to her.
There were moments when ‘Dachshund Through the Snow‘ had me in tears, and others in laugh out loud surprise at the antics and happenings these scavenger hunters are encountering. Yet throughout I had such a good time, a better understanding of why Yiayia became a woman who really needed an attitude adjustment, and the bonds of family and friendship that shine so clearly throughout this story. I prefer to read a series in order – that’s just me – and it would help somewhat if you had an idea of the dynamics of these families…. but I don’t feel (this time) that it’s absolutely necessary since this isn’t really a romance but a love story of a different type. Any definition of characters you’d need is within the story, but really this is totally about Agnes, Finnie, Pru, and one very special pup. I had such a good time in this story full of Christmas spirit, love of friends, and perhaps seeing a dream change into something far more powerful. We’ll also get a short set up of the next story, ‘Chasing Tail‘, but this is Yiayia and Finnie’s chance to steal the spotlight completely.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
It might be 88 degrees outside on this sunny, June afternoon yet, in my opinion, there is never, ever a bad time for a really good Christmas story. And that is exactly what you’ll find in ‘Dachshund Through the Snow‘ which is the third story, a Christmas novella in ‘The Dogmothers‘ series. The most recent title (the fifth) in this series has recently released, and I need to get caught up on this series so this unique story full of Christmas love was the perfect way to spend a bit of time. While not a Christmas Romance in the strictest sense of the phrase, Yiayia’s story is overflowing with information we’ve been looking for about her change of heart and lifestyle – and is definitely a love story, the most beautiful kind where that love shines through on the people who need it the most.
Agnes Santorini, who also is known as Yiayia to her grandchildren (and others who have picked up the nickname) is a fascinating character to me. We’ve gotten bits and pieces of her story, of her bitterness and downright nastiness previously which has miraculously changed since moving to Bitter Bark. Now she’s an older woman determined to change a lifetime’s worth of bad attitude in the time left to her on this earth. Bits and pieces of how and why, yet before now not the complete story which is what we’ll get in ‘Dachshund Through the Snow‘ along with Pru’s troubles with her best friend… and the entire Santorini, Mahoney, and Kilcannon clans together for this Christmas adventure. As Pru, Agnes, and Gramma Finnie dash through Bitter Bark on the hunt for one bartered item (or favor) after another we’ll learn of Yiayia’s past and why this particular little dachshund is so important to her.
There were moments when ‘Dachshund Through the Snow‘ had me in tears, and others in laugh out loud surprise at the antics and happenings these scavenger hunters are encountering. Yet throughout I had such a good time, a better understanding of why Yiayia became a woman who really needed an attitude adjustment, and the bonds of family and friendship that shine so clearly throughout this story. I prefer to read a series in order – that’s just me – and it would help somewhat if you had an idea of the dynamics of these families…. but I don’t feel (this time) that it’s absolutely necessary since this isn’t really a romance but a love story of a different type. Any definition of characters you’d need is within the story, but really this is totally about Agnes, Finnie, Pru, and one very special pup. I had such a good time in this story full of Christmas spirit, love of friends, and perhaps seeing a dream change into something far more powerful. We’ll also get a short set up of the next story, ‘Chasing Tail‘, but this is Yiayia and Finnie’s chance to steal the spotlight completely.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
November 22, 2019
I received an ARC of the novella Dachshund Through the Snow by Roxanne St. Claire, the first Christmas novella in the Dogmothers Series, for an honest review, and once again Roxanne St. Claire has delivered an amazing Christmas story. The story is filled with love, friendships, big families, lots of dogs, and Christmas wishes coming true. Dachshund Through the Snow, is the story of Agnes “Yiayia” Santorini and how her past decisions defined her. Yiayia is looking for another dachshund and Gramma Finnie found one for sale. The discover that the asking price for Rover, is a good ticket to the Christmas Pageant. Gramma Finnie, Yiayia and Pru start their treasure hunt around the streets and shops of Bitter Bark to get Yiayia the dog that she has been longing for, who she will name Charis. After all the steps of the mission are completed they arrive back at the owner’s how to discover he sold Rover to a young couple, since he wasn't certain that they would be returning for the dog. Yiayia and Gramma Finnie seem to be having a falling out. Then Yiayia shares the story of her past with Gramma Finnie, it was a warm, but heartbreaking story. Gramma Finnie is the only person that Yiayia has shared the entire story to. I loved discovering Yiayia’s past, what made her the way she was, and what occurred in her life that lead to her transformation. Pru also has a falling out with her BFF Teagan. Pru has no idea why Teagan has been treating her so coldly on Christmas Eve. Yiayia received Charis as a Christmas gift from Cassie and Braden, only to turn around and regift him, to someone who needed him more, the true meaning of Christmas. I loved the story and it brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions. I love celebrating Christmas with the Kilcannons, Mahoneys, and now the Santorinis. Who doesn’t love big families, dogs and Christmas wishes coming true. Roxanne has once again delivered an outstanding story with her surprise plot twist, poignant and bittersweet moments and lots of love. Roxanne even gave us our own Christmas magic, a glimpse into the next target of the Dogmothers matchmaking. Loved all the surprises at the end. I could not out it down. It was a wonderful story filled with the magic of Christmas!
December 4, 2019
3.5 stars purely for cuteness!
What can you say about a holiday story that is about the most important things in life—the love of friends, family and the understanding that sometimes our life lessons come at the most unexpected of times and in the most unexpected of packages? I am loving this continuing series, one that always manages to melt my heart and keeps me coming back for more not simply because the love story is sexy, but because the heart of this series is family, friendship, and the animals that can blur the lines of both as the steal our hearts. Being a Dogmother myself I love any story that brings the importance of our dogs to the forefront reminding people that sometimes our children have four legs and Roxanne St. Claire has an amazing skill with this. This holiday story takes us back in time to the story of Agnes Santorini when she was first becoming a woman and the choices and struggles that made her the woman she is today, which led to some sad but intriguing secrets coming to light and allowing us to forgive some of her attitude in the past. While this story couldn’t strictly be called a romance, there is a bit of romance in the way Agnes finds her path to peace and in the luck she found in her long-past story that led to her long and happy life and big and happy family. I am really looking forward to the craziness these two grannies get up to next as they try to find another of their grandkids paired off and living their HEA. They continue to amaze me with their sneakiness and underhanded skill at helping people they love to find love. Rocki’s penchant for drama and sweetness shines beautifully in this series and I really enjoyed the little twists and turns along the way as Agnes, Finnie, and Pru go on their quest, which I feel is what really allowed Agnes to come to terms with her past and a calmer path to her peaceful future. More, Rocki, give me more! (Soon, please!)
What can you say about a holiday story that is about the most important things in life—the love of friends, family and the understanding that sometimes our life lessons come at the most unexpected of times and in the most unexpected of packages? I am loving this continuing series, one that always manages to melt my heart and keeps me coming back for more not simply because the love story is sexy, but because the heart of this series is family, friendship, and the animals that can blur the lines of both as the steal our hearts. Being a Dogmother myself I love any story that brings the importance of our dogs to the forefront reminding people that sometimes our children have four legs and Roxanne St. Claire has an amazing skill with this. This holiday story takes us back in time to the story of Agnes Santorini when she was first becoming a woman and the choices and struggles that made her the woman she is today, which led to some sad but intriguing secrets coming to light and allowing us to forgive some of her attitude in the past. While this story couldn’t strictly be called a romance, there is a bit of romance in the way Agnes finds her path to peace and in the luck she found in her long-past story that led to her long and happy life and big and happy family. I am really looking forward to the craziness these two grannies get up to next as they try to find another of their grandkids paired off and living their HEA. They continue to amaze me with their sneakiness and underhanded skill at helping people they love to find love. Rocki’s penchant for drama and sweetness shines beautifully in this series and I really enjoyed the little twists and turns along the way as Agnes, Finnie, and Pru go on their quest, which I feel is what really allowed Agnes to come to terms with her past and a calmer path to her peaceful future. More, Rocki, give me more! (Soon, please!)
January 5, 2020
What a lovely Holiday story! Like a delicious French macaron, this holiday visit to Bitter Bark is delicious, with more complexity under the surface than you think. Agnes Santorini’s determination to adopt “the” dachshund from her dreams sends her, Finnie and fav great-granddaughter Pru on a unique scavenger-style hunt to ensure the pup they located winds up in Agnes’ arms. As each obstacle overcome brings our trio closer to the goal, each step in the story presents the reader with some more insight into who exactly is, and was, Agnes Santorini.
Ms. St. Claire always give the reader an excellent plot, engaging characters and well-written pages. She is on top of her game with this story as well. But what really captured my attention was the one main character she has written, in all the books of hers I have read, that I do not care for. I have had a very, very hard time warming to Agnes “Yiayia” Santorini. Sure, her friendship with Finnie and her (slow) acceptance of her new life in Bitter Bark made it seem like the old Yiayia was gone. But like members of her family, I expected the other shoe to drop and judgmental, uncharitable, unfiltered Agnes would appear tossing bitter words like grenades. But this story goes back in time so the reader can meet a young Agnes, when she is at the cusp of womanhood. The choices she made then clearly made her the woman she was and just may help make her the woman she wants to be. I would like Agnes to reflect a bit more on her past, as the attitude of her father (an attitude she did not like) was very similar to the attitude she carried towards her daughter-in-law Katie. Am I warming to Agnes? I am not quite sure, but I do understand her more.
Oh yes, just like a French macaron, once the complex yumminess fades, I am craving more! I cannot wait for the next Dogmother book!
Ms. St. Claire always give the reader an excellent plot, engaging characters and well-written pages. She is on top of her game with this story as well. But what really captured my attention was the one main character she has written, in all the books of hers I have read, that I do not care for. I have had a very, very hard time warming to Agnes “Yiayia” Santorini. Sure, her friendship with Finnie and her (slow) acceptance of her new life in Bitter Bark made it seem like the old Yiayia was gone. But like members of her family, I expected the other shoe to drop and judgmental, uncharitable, unfiltered Agnes would appear tossing bitter words like grenades. But this story goes back in time so the reader can meet a young Agnes, when she is at the cusp of womanhood. The choices she made then clearly made her the woman she was and just may help make her the woman she wants to be. I would like Agnes to reflect a bit more on her past, as the attitude of her father (an attitude she did not like) was very similar to the attitude she carried towards her daughter-in-law Katie. Am I warming to Agnes? I am not quite sure, but I do understand her more.
Oh yes, just like a French macaron, once the complex yumminess fades, I am craving more! I cannot wait for the next Dogmother book!
November 23, 2019
They’re at again! This Christmas Eve Gramma Finnie and Pru have a new partner in crime for their adventures, Yiayia (Agnes Santorini). Yiayia is on a mission to find her “Charis”, a little brown haired Doxie. As the adventures begin on Christmas Eve day Pru finds Gramma Finnie and Yiayia heading to a nearby home to get Yiayia her Doxie. Pru is having some problems of her own with her BFF, Teagan so she decides to tag along with her great-grannies. To be able to get the dog, the seller only wants a ticket to the Christmas play (which is sold out). So Pru, Gramma Finnie, and Yiayia head out to get that ticket. Through a series of events, which hinge on the other to get that ticket, will they succeed? We also learn about Yiayia’s While playing Santa and Mrs Claus, Gramma and Yiayia meet a little girl who desperately wants a new puppy for Christmas. This Christmas story is just beautiful and so full of love as have been prior to Christmas Novellas by Roxanne St. Claire. The Kilcannons, Mahoneys and Santorini’s are the epitome of family and love. Will Yiayia’s mission be getting her Doxie or granting a very special Christmas miracle? Will Pru make a mends with her BFF? So much I want to say but that would lead to spoilers so you will just have to grab yourself a copy of Dachshund Through the Snow by Roxanne St. Claire. I completely ugly cried through the last 3 chapters, that is how much I loved this year’s Christmas Novella. If you have read any of the Dogfather and/or Dogmother books you will love this one. If you have never read a book in this series then this is an excellent place to start. I received an ARC of Dachshund Through the Snow in exchange for an honest review. I wholeheartedly recommend this Roxanne St. Claire novella, giving it 5 stars*****
December 3, 2019
Dachshund Through the Snow is this year's Christmas story from Roxanne St. Claire and the newest book in her Dogmothers series of books. I absolutely loved spending more time with Gramma Finnie, Yiayia, and Pru, and finding out more about Yiayia's past helped me to understand her better.
Yiayia has been on the search for a brown short-haired dachshund since she had her heart attack. She feels in her heart she needs this one special dog to be the new Yiayia and not go back to her old ways. I loved that Gramma Finnie and Pru stepped up to help Yiayia out on her mission when she learned the perfect dog was right there in Bitter Bark.
As Yiayia, Finnie, and Pru make deals to help Yiayia secure her perfect dog, Yiayia shares the story of her past at each new stop. Her story had me feeling so many emotions, and made me understand how Yiayia had been before her heart attack. I also felt like her sharing her story brought her and Finnie even closer as friends. Pru had her own bit of drama along the way in this story with her best friend. My heart broke for the girls as they had to figure out how to deal with the changes that are coming and how to remain best friends. I have to say I didn't see the ending coming and I cried all the happy tears as I finished reading this story.
Dachshund Through the Snow was another winner from Roxanne St. Claire. I've fallen every bit as in love with the Dogmothers books as I love the Dogfather books. Normally I'm all about reading books in a series in order, but I think Dachshund Through the Snow is the perfect Christmas book and would be a great introduction to this series of books.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Review copy provided by publisher
Yiayia has been on the search for a brown short-haired dachshund since she had her heart attack. She feels in her heart she needs this one special dog to be the new Yiayia and not go back to her old ways. I loved that Gramma Finnie and Pru stepped up to help Yiayia out on her mission when she learned the perfect dog was right there in Bitter Bark.
As Yiayia, Finnie, and Pru make deals to help Yiayia secure her perfect dog, Yiayia shares the story of her past at each new stop. Her story had me feeling so many emotions, and made me understand how Yiayia had been before her heart attack. I also felt like her sharing her story brought her and Finnie even closer as friends. Pru had her own bit of drama along the way in this story with her best friend. My heart broke for the girls as they had to figure out how to deal with the changes that are coming and how to remain best friends. I have to say I didn't see the ending coming and I cried all the happy tears as I finished reading this story.
Dachshund Through the Snow was another winner from Roxanne St. Claire. I've fallen every bit as in love with the Dogmothers books as I love the Dogfather books. Normally I'm all about reading books in a series in order, but I think Dachshund Through the Snow is the perfect Christmas book and would be a great introduction to this series of books.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Review copy provided by publisher
December 7, 2019
This is Agnes (Yiayia’s) Santorini “get to know me” novella, dusted with Finnie Kilcannon’s endless wisdom and their great grandchild Pru’s idealism and determination. The ladies are on a mission, they need to find that special dog, save Bitter Bark’s Christmas celebration while spreading tough love, hilarity and forgiveness all the way around. It also will give us a glimpse of the next Dogmothers novel so expect cameos from your favorite characters. I absolutely loved how the grammas transformed themselves to play such important characters and definitely how they sing carols. Their “Off to church we go…laughing all the way!” is now permanently stuck in my head.
On release date, I wanted to read the Dogmothers latest story but life happens, so it was slightly delayed. I was more than ready to caught up with the Kilcannons, Santorinis, Mahoneys and the furry friends that always melt my heart but there was something slightly different and was exactly what I needed to read and be reminded. Dachshund Through The Snow is not a pure romance, but it is full of love and life. This Christmas novella is personal, each reader will find something that hit home in a good way and will make you feel. For this reader, I was reminded that Christmas doesn’t equal presents under a tree but the lessons learned and the love shared among each others. Thank you Roxanne St.Claire!
On release date, I wanted to read the Dogmothers latest story but life happens, so it was slightly delayed. I was more than ready to caught up with the Kilcannons, Santorinis, Mahoneys and the furry friends that always melt my heart but there was something slightly different and was exactly what I needed to read and be reminded. Dachshund Through The Snow is not a pure romance, but it is full of love and life. This Christmas novella is personal, each reader will find something that hit home in a good way and will make you feel. For this reader, I was reminded that Christmas doesn’t equal presents under a tree but the lessons learned and the love shared among each others. Thank you Roxanne St.Claire!
January 21, 2020
This is book #2.5 in The Dogmother series.
It is the story of Agnes Santorini and the one thing on her Christmas list. She has dreamed about a brown short-haired dachshund. She is certain this pup can save her aging heart. She learns that a local man has one that matches the description of the one she dreams about. She and her partner in crime, Gramma Finnie, join forces and go with their current doxies to get their hands on this pooch.
Things don't go as they expect. The dog's owner has a request that quickly turns into a series of events that has two grandmas and their great-granddaughter dashing through town with two dogs in tow.
They meet every demand, overcome every obstacle and Agnes shares secrets from her past when she was 18. As she shares her secrets, she also reveals why this doggie angel is what she needs to save her.
They try with everything they have to get this dog under their Christmas tree. Thing is, maybe that is not where he belongs. Maybe Agnes' heart can be healed by a certain kind of Christmas love, a different kind of love.
Really enjoyed this story. I loved finding out more about the family, and some of their secrets. There is a big family, great dogs, and the truest kind of love.
It is the story of Agnes Santorini and the one thing on her Christmas list. She has dreamed about a brown short-haired dachshund. She is certain this pup can save her aging heart. She learns that a local man has one that matches the description of the one she dreams about. She and her partner in crime, Gramma Finnie, join forces and go with their current doxies to get their hands on this pooch.
Things don't go as they expect. The dog's owner has a request that quickly turns into a series of events that has two grandmas and their great-granddaughter dashing through town with two dogs in tow.
They meet every demand, overcome every obstacle and Agnes shares secrets from her past when she was 18. As she shares her secrets, she also reveals why this doggie angel is what she needs to save her.
They try with everything they have to get this dog under their Christmas tree. Thing is, maybe that is not where he belongs. Maybe Agnes' heart can be healed by a certain kind of Christmas love, a different kind of love.
Really enjoyed this story. I loved finding out more about the family, and some of their secrets. There is a big family, great dogs, and the truest kind of love.
November 24, 2019
Agnes Santorini is on a mission and she brings her best friend, Finnie and great granddaughter, Pru along with her on a hilarious “scavenger hunt” type running around on Christmas Eve. These three run into all kinds of obstacles on their journey around Bitter Bark to find that perfect dog that is just out of reach. Agnes has a secret she has kept for many years and when it comes to light there is healing and forgiveness.
This author has written another feel good Christmas story with all the loveliness of the holiday season. We have two grandmothers along with their great granddaughter, in a story within a story and I loved it. There is fun, laughs and tears with healing and second chances. Dachshund Through the Snow was such a beautiful story that goes along with the Christmas Season and what it means – giving and forgiveness. While I read this book in one sitting I didn’t want it to end as the ending causes the tears to flow in such a happy way. Dachshund is another book in the Kilcannon Series, a series that you really need to read if you love wonderful plots full of family and love!
This author has written another feel good Christmas story with all the loveliness of the holiday season. We have two grandmothers along with their great granddaughter, in a story within a story and I loved it. There is fun, laughs and tears with healing and second chances. Dachshund Through the Snow was such a beautiful story that goes along with the Christmas Season and what it means – giving and forgiveness. While I read this book in one sitting I didn’t want it to end as the ending causes the tears to flow in such a happy way. Dachshund is another book in the Kilcannon Series, a series that you really need to read if you love wonderful plots full of family and love!
December 3, 2019
We finally get to find out about Agnes "Yiayia" Santorini backstory and what an emotional ride it was! Yiayia only wants one thing for Christmas....a brown short-haired dachshund that she saw in her dream so when her fellow Dogmother tells her she found one, they set off on another Christmas adventure with Pru along for the ride.
As one adventure turns into another it looks like Yiayia may not have her Christmas wish filled but in Bitter Bark anything can happen when the Kilcannon/Mahoney/Santorini clan get involved.
Throughout the adventure, Yiayia tells her story about her past to Finnie and Pru....well not all of it to Pru.....but you get a better understanding of why Yiayia is like she is. Just when it looks like Yiayia is going to have her Christmas miracle, a different type of miracle takes place instead.
I just adore this series and this is another story of perfection from Roxanne St. Claire. Even in a novella she knows how to make you laugh, make you swoon and make you cry! Wonderful Christmas story and highly recommended!
As one adventure turns into another it looks like Yiayia may not have her Christmas wish filled but in Bitter Bark anything can happen when the Kilcannon/Mahoney/Santorini clan get involved.
Throughout the adventure, Yiayia tells her story about her past to Finnie and Pru....well not all of it to Pru.....but you get a better understanding of why Yiayia is like she is. Just when it looks like Yiayia is going to have her Christmas miracle, a different type of miracle takes place instead.
I just adore this series and this is another story of perfection from Roxanne St. Claire. Even in a novella she knows how to make you laugh, make you swoon and make you cry! Wonderful Christmas story and highly recommended!
December 4, 2019
SUCH AN ADORABLE STORY!!!!!
This story was so wonderfully satisfying!!! A perfect Christmas tale of trust, friendship, support and love! I enjoyed immensely every single word...... Of course, any book by Roxanne St. Claire I usually do. She has such a beautifully expressive, vividly descriptive, way with words that her books always leave me enthralled!! This book was about self-forgiveness, gratitude, and seeing the wonderful things that life has to offer. We so often in our every day lives forget to savor and enjoy the little things and the love of family and good friends. This book is a lovely reminder to see clearly and celebrate everything big and small that we are blessed with. One thing that Grandma Finnie said that really resonated with me was that "Good friends are like four leaf clovers, hard to find but lucky to have"... I highly recommend this book... You will love it and end with a contented sigh, a smile on your face and a warm feeling in you heart.😇
This story was so wonderfully satisfying!!! A perfect Christmas tale of trust, friendship, support and love! I enjoyed immensely every single word...... Of course, any book by Roxanne St. Claire I usually do. She has such a beautifully expressive, vividly descriptive, way with words that her books always leave me enthralled!! This book was about self-forgiveness, gratitude, and seeing the wonderful things that life has to offer. We so often in our every day lives forget to savor and enjoy the little things and the love of family and good friends. This book is a lovely reminder to see clearly and celebrate everything big and small that we are blessed with. One thing that Grandma Finnie said that really resonated with me was that "Good friends are like four leaf clovers, hard to find but lucky to have"... I highly recommend this book... You will love it and end with a contented sigh, a smile on your face and a warm feeling in you heart.😇
December 19, 2019
Much as I enjoy Roxanne St. Clair, having been spoiled by Kindle Prime’s free books, I almost passed on this Christmas novella because I wasn’t sure it was a good value, price versus number of pages. The price seemed a little steep for a novella. I’m glad my love of the author outweighed my penny counting ways. This story is part of the Dogmothers series which is a spinoff of the Dogfather series. If you love warm hearted big family romances with lovable pooches and some sexy, you’ll enjoy these books. In this one we learn a lot more about “Yiayia” or Agnes Santorini one of the Dogmothers and what events in her life helped to shape her. We get lots of Gramma Finney (Finola Kilcannon) the other Dogmother, and her great granddaughter Prudence two of my favorite characters in both series. I imagine some day Prudence will grow up and get a romance story of her own but for now she’s just an adorable teenager with a heart of gold. No romance or sex in this one. Just a lot of holiday warmth.
December 26, 2019
Dachshund Through the Snow
This was an adorable Christmas story with a touching ending with the grannies doing a good deed while they were p!axing Mr. and Mrs. Clause. Pru friend Teag was being mean but it was because she was embarrassed she could not afford to exchange gifts with her. This lead to them finding out that Avery, Teag's little sister wanted a weinner dog but they were moving because their parents were getting divorced. Grannie Santorini had a close call with death and she thought she needed this particular dog to lead her to heaven. Instead she needed to have this dog to do a good deed. It was funny how one thing leads to another and the three of them walked all over town, the two grannies and Pru in order to buy this puppy. They.are this little girl happy and were now moving on to matchmaking Connor with a girl. This is a very sweet story and I look forward to the next release in this series.
This was an adorable Christmas story with a touching ending with the grannies doing a good deed while they were p!axing Mr. and Mrs. Clause. Pru friend Teag was being mean but it was because she was embarrassed she could not afford to exchange gifts with her. This lead to them finding out that Avery, Teag's little sister wanted a weinner dog but they were moving because their parents were getting divorced. Grannie Santorini had a close call with death and she thought she needed this particular dog to lead her to heaven. Instead she needed to have this dog to do a good deed. It was funny how one thing leads to another and the three of them walked all over town, the two grannies and Pru in order to buy this puppy. They.are this little girl happy and were now moving on to matchmaking Connor with a girl. This is a very sweet story and I look forward to the next release in this series.
November 22, 2019
Dachshund Through the Snow. It’s Christmas Eve in Bitter Bark and this year it seems that if anything can go wrong it does. Gramma Finnie needs Yiayia to be Santa to her Mrs. Claus, the Baptist Church is missing a baby to portray Jesus in their manger, Pru and her BFF are attracted odds, and Yiayia has found the dachshund of her dreams, but can only get him if she can get the owner into the Baptist festival. Frustration is bringing out Agnes Santorini’s bitter side and memories of a Christmas Day when she was 18. Pru and the grannies certainly need a Christmas miracle. I loved learning more about Agnes aka Yiayia. This heartwarming series should be on everyone’s must read list. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.
November 25, 2019
We are back with the Dogmothers, Agnes Santorini, young Pru, and her great grandmother Finnie. Which means they are once again, on an adventure that is at times funny, at others sad, as well as touching.
While Agnes is determined to get the dog of her dreams, we learn a secret she has held for many years.
You will laugh, cry and end up with a “feel good” sensation at the end of this perfect Christmas story.
One of my favorite things about this series is the interactions and relationships between these three totally different individuals. You get the sharp tongue of Agnes, the wisdom of Finnie and the innocence and youth of Pru.
Another entertaining story in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
While Agnes is determined to get the dog of her dreams, we learn a secret she has held for many years.
You will laugh, cry and end up with a “feel good” sensation at the end of this perfect Christmas story.
One of my favorite things about this series is the interactions and relationships between these three totally different individuals. You get the sharp tongue of Agnes, the wisdom of Finnie and the innocence and youth of Pru.
Another entertaining story in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 2, 2019
This story is as great as it's title! For St. Claire Dogmother followers, this story gives us Yaiyai's backstory of her finding what love really is. While the plot revolves around the guilt that YaiYai has for her actions as a young girl, the true heart of the story is the love and relationship between friends and family and YaiYai finally finding what love really means --whether that be romantic love or the love between friends and family and even strangers. This story is heartfelt and delivers all the feel good emotions of a true Christmas story. St. Claire is a fabulous writer so even if you haven't read her earlier books, you'll have no trouble following the story and understanding the relationships. This story put me in the mood for a true Christmas spirit holiday.
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