Title: Teacher’s Pet Author: David Johnson Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #8 Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL Main Character: Dorothy Other Characters: Craig, Harliss, Hope, Drew, Nelda, Officer Fischer, Allie, Dr Livingstone, Louise Pets: a Labrador Retriever named Sadie Rating: 5
Teacher’s Pet, the eighth book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Series, certainly lives up to expectations.
Dorothy, a retired teacher from Nashville, has moved to Dragonfly Cove, where she lives alone in a 55-and-over community. A dog lover at heart, she recently adopted a puppy named Sadie from a local breeder, Leslie. Sadie is smart, adorable, and loyal.
Dorothy was hurt by a lost love, making it difficult for her to open her heart to others. However, with the help of her adorable puppy, will she finally learn to trust and love again?
This heartwarming story beautifully portrays the bond between Dorothy and Sadie. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys of self-discovery, healing, and embracing new beginnings are both touching and inspiring.
If you love stories that celebrate the unique bond between humans and their canine companions, “Teacher’s Pet” is a must-read. It’s highly recommended for anyone seeking an uplifting and feel-good experience!
I also can’t resist a story that includes Labrador Retrievers, so that’s definitely a plus.
Title: Loyal and True Author: Ev Bishop Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #5 Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL Main Character: Leo Other Characters: Zane, Nora, Libby, Leslie, Marsha Pets: Loyal & True (Leo’s adorable Yellow Labs) Rating: 4
“People rush to get rid of grief because they see it as hanging onto loss. But grief is really hanging onto love, which is why you always feel it.”
The fifth book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series was written by Ev Bishop and it’s the first work of hers that I’ve read. I found her writing style enjoyable, as she effectively captures the healing power of companionship, whether through dogs or friendships.
In this installment, we follows Leo as she navigates life after the loss of her sister while taking on the responsibility of running their beachfront bookstore, Beach Reads which they opened together as part of their shared dream. The sudden loss of her sister altered that dream significantly. However, the arrival of two adorable Labrador puppies brings a glimmer of hope into Leo’s life, aiding her healing process and helping her to embrace new beginnings.
The Author’s writing is both touching and relatable, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. The interactions between Leo and the new people she meets in the community feel genuine and heartwarming, adding depth to the narrative.
Although the plot is somewhat predictable, the bond she forms with her puppies is both healing and heartwarming. I felt the book lingered a bit too long on Leo’s grief, which became almost depressing. However, as she developed friendships that aided her healing, I truly enjoyed the direction the story took.
Title: Unleashed Melody Author: Julie Carobini Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #7 Location: Dragonfly, FL Main Character: Melody Other Characters: Ethan, Maria, Lola, Hank Pets: Willow Rating: 5
Unleashed Melody is a wonderful addition to the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series. Like the previous books, it tells a heartwarming story of friendship, starting over, self-discovery, finding love in unexpected places, and the healing power of canine companionship.
Melody is working to recover from a difficult relationship, so she takes a job managing an inn in Dragonfly Cove, FL. While she loves her job, she often clashes with her new boss as she attempts to implement changes at the inn. However, a spirited puppy named Willow, whom Melody adopted from a local breeder, might be just what she needs to mend her broken heart.
If you are a fan of women’s fiction and love books that feature a dog, you will enjoy this series and fall in love with all the characters.
Title: Coming Home to Heel Author: Jodi Allen Brice Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #6 Location: Dragonfly, FL Main Character: Nora Other Characters: Hannah, Lance, Kuno, Emily, Leo, Carolina Pets: Charlie Rating: 5
This 6th book in the Dragon Fly Cove Dog Park Series does not disappoint.
Get your tissues ready for this heartwarming story of loss and new beginnings. And how a puppy can be just what you need when things seem to be falling apart.
Nora’s mother has just passed away, leaving her the beach house in Dragonfly Cove. When her friend takes her to pick out a puppy, Nora discovers that this was her mother’s wish. Her mother had already paid for a puppy from Leslie, the local dog breeder. Initially skeptical about getting a puppy, Nora soon realizes that this might be exactly what she needs.
When her estranged son reenters her life, things become more complicated. Will her new puppy, Charlie, and her handsome neighbor help her heal and move forward?
This is a great book that kept my interest from the very first page. If you love stories about new beginnings and moving forward when everything seems to be crashing down and of course add in a puppy, you will love this heartwarming story.
Author: Barbara Hinske Title: Back in the Pack Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #4 Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL Main Character: Drew, Allie Other Characters: Marsha, Cathy, Jill Pets: Earl & Lilly Rating: 5
This fourth installment in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series, written by Barbara Hinske, is a true delight. I fell in love with Drew and Allie when they were first introduced in Book 3, Heart’s Unleashed. While Heart’s Unleashed is told from Marsha’s perspective, this book offers Drew’s point of view.
Drew and his daughter Allie are both coping with the loss of Allie’s mother. Before her passing, they had signed up with a breeder to adopt a puppy. Drew expected it to take another six months, but when he received a call that a puppy was available immediately, he decided that a puppy might be just what Allie needed to help her heal.
The author beautifully captures Drew’s journey as he navigates life as a single father, helping Allie cope with the loss of her mother. Adding a puppy to their lives not only aids in Allie’s healing but also helps Drew learn to navigate their new normal. The story is both touching and inspiring.
This story will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling hopeful and uplifted.
If you love dogs and enjoy a well-written tale of hope and new beginnings, you are going to love Drew and Allie’s story.
Title: Heart’s Unleashed Author: Tammy L Grace Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #3 Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL Main Character: Marsha Other Characters: Craig, Drew, Allie Pets: 2 adorable Yellow Lab siblings name Earl & Lilly Rating: 5
This is the third book in the Dragonfly Dog Park Series and is written by Tammi L. Grace.
I have read other books by this author and really enjoy her writing style, and this one does not disappoint. Although the beginning is a bit slow, I found myself eager to keep reading and I am so glad I did. If you read any of other books by this author, you will recognize another character who makes an appearance in Dragonfly Cove.
The author’s ability to create relatable and endearing characters is truly remarkable. Each character’s journey is thoughtfully explored, and their interactions feel genuine and touching. The story is a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, making it an uplifting read. The plot is beautifully crafted, filled with moments of love, loss, and personal growth that resonate deeply.
The main canine characters, Earl and Lilly, are loveable and have a significant role in the story. I appreciate how the author presents a good portion of the narrative from Earl’s point of view offering a unique perspective.
This third installment in the series once again tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dogs and is looking for a heartwarming and beautifully written story!
Title: A Very Berry Christmas ( A Poppy Creek Novela) Author: Rachael Bloome Main Character: Frank Barrie Other Characters: Beverly, Nate, Juliet, Cassie, Luke, Vick Rating: 5
Rachael Bloome has done it again with A Very Barrie Christmas! We return to the charming town of Poppy Creek and the unforgettable Frank Barrie. If you recall Frank from the earlier books in the Poppy Creek series, you’ll remember his eccentric nature and his Scrooge-like attitude towards Christmas. However, he has come a long way since we first met him in book one.
In this episode, the Barries welcome guests, making their Christmas feel complete with the warmth of family. This story is heartwarming and filled with the magic of the holiday season, making it the perfect read to get into the Christmas spirit. The plot is engaging and well-paced, with just the right amount of romance, humor, and holiday cheer. The descriptions of the festive decorations, cozy settings, and delicious holiday treats made me feel like I was right there in Poppy Creek, experiencing the joy and warmth of the season.
I absolutely adore all the characters. Rachael Bloome has a talent for creating characters that feel like old friends, and this book is no exception. These characters bring warmth and holiday cheer to the story, making it a delightful read. If you enjoy heartwarming holiday stories with great characters who make you feel at home, then A Very Barrie Christmas is a must-read.
Title: The Baking Games Author: Rachel Hanna Genre: RomCom, Romance, Women’s Fiction Main Character: Savannah, Rhett Other Characters: Sadie, Connor, Maggie, Laney, Leo, Zara, Sophia, Nate, Hank, Bianca, Tanya, Dan, Chef Alain, Tessa, Marco Stars: 4
This book is a bit different than what I am used to from Rachel Hanna. This is like a slow burn Hallmark type RomCom mixed with a reality show. I have read all of Rachel’s books and I love everything she has written but I must admit, this is my least of hers.
Savannah Struggles to make ends meet. She was raised by a drug addicted mom, and She practically raised herself along with her younger sister. Her mom died when her sister was 12 years old so Savannah took on the job of mom. She adores her younger sister and there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her. She works at a bakery in a grocery store and even though she loves baking, she doesn’t like her job. It doesn’t give her the creative control she craves. She dreams of someday owning her own bakery and earning enough money to finally send her sister to college. She starts to think it is hopeless until her sister convinces her to apply to be on a reality TV show called The Baking Game. When her application is accepted, she is surprised to find an ex-rival along with her ex-boyfriend are also contestants. This causes a lot of friction along the way. This is a baking version of Big Brother ao there is a lot drama and at times sparks do fly.
Even though this was a cute book, it isn’t what I am used to by Ms. Hanna. It was a little confusing that the story was told from two different points of view which was a bit different for me. Luckily it was told whose point of view it was so I didn’t get too confused. It started out good, Savannah is funny, and I immediately liked her and her devotion to her younger sister. I like slow burns to some degree, but this one seemed just way too slow. I didn’t really find myself pulling for them like I normally do in a romance novel. I just couldn’t see the chemistry.
The reality show’s actual baking portion became a little boring with all the recipe explanations and baking techniques. it just seemed to drag on too long. The characters are well developed, and I liked Savannah. She is funny, sweet, loving & loyal to those she loves. Even though she has had a tough life, she is a very positive person and looks at the glass as half full. I didn’t like Rhett at first, but he did grow on me. He has a bit of an unhappy relationship with his parents and a secret he is hiding. I didn’t like Connor at all but we really aren’t supposed to. The other contestants aren’t very memorable, but I did like Maggie.
If you enjoy a slow burn RomCom with a baking themed reality show, then you will probably enjoy this book. Be sure to download the bonus at the end of the book. it gives character descriptions and recipes that were used in the baking competition.
Location: Happy Harbor in the Lowcountry of South Carolina
Main Character: Josie
Other Characters: Kendra, Diane, Walker
Stars: 5
If you have ever wanted to live in a setting from a Hallmark movie, then you will love Rachel Hanna’s books. Happy Harbor is no different. I loved visiting Happy Harbor with Josie.
Josie left Happy Harbor and hoped to never return. She has a lot of bad memories from Happy Harbor. She relocated to Atlanta and had a great life until everything starts to fall apart. Dealing with her unruly teenage daughter isn’t making it any easier. As if things couldn’t get any worse, she receives a call informing her that her beloved Nana has passed away. Devastated, she must now go back to Happy Harbor, a place she prayed she would never see again. She is surprised by what her Nana’s will says and finds herself staying in Happy Harbor longer than she intended. She moves into her family’s historical home and starts running the restaurant her Nana owned. She still has every intention of returning to Atlanta once she gets everything figured out. What she didn’t expect is that her daughter would really start blossoming in Happy Harbor and then there is the handsome man living in the guest house. But when her mom shows up it throws a lot of drama in her situation, and she just wants to escape.
I love everything about this book. Josie is great despite her challenges of being a single mom of a teenage daughter and also with the struggles of her past relationship with her mom. Then there is Diane, Josie’s mother, who is doing her best to convey to Josie that she has evolved and is now a different person. There are 3 generations of women living in the same house and navigating what life has thrown at them. This is a heartwarming story of forgiveness, second chances and new beginnings.
Other Characters: Madeline, Brady, Geneva, Eloise, Burt, Clemmy
Pets: Ava’s Boxer Millie
Stars: 5
Rachel Hanna never disappoints. Blue Ridge Breakdown is the 4th book in the Jubilee series and I officially want to move to Jubilee. I could not put this book down and I was smiling so much, I thought may face was going to freeze that way. If it is written by Rachel Hanna, I know I am going to read it and get so lost in the story that I will be transported to the destination.
Ava is driving her father’s vintage truck escaping from a bad situation, but she has no idea where she’s headed or what she’s going to do. When she encounters a snowstorm in the Blue Ridge Mountains, she finds herself in a precarious predicament. Her truck stalls after slamming into a snowbank. She has run out of gas and doesn’t have cell service. As if things couldn’t get much worse, her beloved Boxer, Millie, exits her car and darts into the forest as she opens her door to check if she can obtain cell service. As she sits in her truck all alone with no site of any other cars, she is convinced she is going to die at the side of the road in a town where no one knows her. Suddenly, she notices lights, and a truck has stopped behind her. She is simultaneously afraid and appreciative. Is he there to rescue her or does he mean her harm!! A large lumberjack looking man opens the door of her truck, picks her up and carries her to his truck. He drives in silence and takes her to his home in the woods. She finds out this lumberjacks name is Jack and means her no harm. Right now he is her hero for rescuing her. She continues to worry about her cherished Boxer. Although Ava is appreciative of Jack’s assistance, she isn’t entirely honest with him about what led her to Jubilee. As Ava grows more at ease in Jubilee and begins to establish a connection with Jack, her past eventually catches up with her. Will the potential between her and Jack be threatened by her past?
We also visit again with Madeline and Brady as Brady is putting the finishing touches on his new house so he can move in. I just love them and always enjoy seeing what they are up to.
This is a story of new beginnings, finding love in unexpected places, and becoming part of a community. It just goes to show you that it isn’t blood that makes you family. This book will make the reader smile and feel like they are part of the wonderful community of Jubilee.
CozyRom Books & Coffee 