If you've been following the 'Dog & Duck' series since the beginning, you'll be well aware of the issues Little Leyton has had to face. Don't panic if you're new to the series though - I would highly recommend reading the books in order so that you can fully appreciate each book, even though the author does a grand job of writing them as standalone. Can 'The Dog and Duck' really have the happily ever after it deserves?

I was not mentally prepared for this series to end AT ALL. I wanted to start the book yet I knew that when I did, I would be closer to the series ending than ever before. Sniff. I have been with this series since the first book and I cannot believe how much the main character, Ellie, has grown since she first stepped foot in Little Leyton. I feel as though I have come to know all of the characters individually, becoming part of the village myself.

I am well aware that all good things must come to an end, but with such wonderful characters as Max, Ellie and all the folks in Little Leyton, I would be more than happy to continue following their journey for a very long time.

Once again Ellie is faced with enough stresses to make her hair go grey. Not only is she keeping something from her parents, she also ends up slap bang in the middle of the drama between her boyfriends mother and sister. Families eh, who'd have them? Even so, that isn't all. The village of Little Leyton have their world knocked when a focal point of the village becomes an uncertainty, highlighting the fact that nobody knows what is around the corner. Money may be on their side, but time and weather clearly aren't.

I couldn't help wishing for Ellie to be cut some slack. I mean, how much rubbish can one person take? Yes, she is an incredibly strong character, and yes she has a very good support network, but even so, sometimes even the strongest people need a moment to let the tears fall.

Jill Steeples' 'Dog and Duck' series has got to be one of my all-time serials I have ever read. There is just something so warming about all of the characters and situations within the book, that it never seemed to matter whether the sun shined or the rain fell, as long as the villagers had each other. I am so honoured to have been part of the characters journey indirectly by reading each book. It has been an absolute pleasure and, even though I am utterly devastated that the series has come to an end, I cannot fault 'Happily Ever After at the Dog and Duck' at all. What a perfect end to a perfect series.

What a finale, seriously. I smiled. I laughed. My eyes leaked. And my soul felt complete. This book warmed me up quicker than a hot water bottle, quicker than a winter duvet on a cold night, and even quicker than a shower on the highest setting. If you've ever read a book where you end up feeling calm and serene as though all of the puzzle pieces slotted into place, you'll understand my feelings where this book is concerned because I felt exactly that.

A truly beautifully written, outstanding, humbling, addictive, cosy and heartwarming novel which made me feel as though I was part of Little Leyton and loved by everyone in it. Jill Steeples has done all of her characters proud throughout the series, but most importantly she has definitely done her readers proud by writing such a perfect ending to a perfect series.

'The Dog and Duck', it has been a pleasure. Jill Steeples, I have everything crossed that a new series will be coming soon as, after reading the final installment of this series, i have even more proof as to why you are one of my all time favourite authors.

I loved this heartwarming story! It may be the fourth in the series and there are lots of characters but it is a brilliant story, I just didn’t want to put it down until I’d finished it! Set in the village of Little Leyton, the main couple featured are Max and Ellie. They live in the local manor house – Braithwaite Manor – along with other family members, a friend and their dogs! Max and Ellie are planning their December wedding but there are going to be many obstacles to be overcome before they can have their big day! What with the unexpected arrival of Max’s Mum, Katy’s reaction to her, a fire, snow, a lost dog and so much more, this is the saga of a small community, giving readers a taste of village life, community spirit and romance in an enthralling read.

The talented author brings Little Leyton and the people living there to life in the pages of the story. It is so easy to relate to the characters that they feel like friends. I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending this – and other books by this author – to anyone who appreciates well written contemporary sagas with plenty of drama, fun and laughter alongside the eventual HEA romance. I can’t wait to read more by this author in future!

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

There's a big issue: this book is the last in this series and I loved this series :(
It was great to meet again the cast of characters, read their stories and see how things were going on.
This feel-good and heartwarming series will surely be missed.
Even if this book can be read as a stand-alone it's better to read the previous books.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Aria and Netgalley for this ARC

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I love the village of Little Leyton and all the people who live there. What a great series this is.

I have reviewed the previous title in the series, Wedding Bells at the Dog and Duck, and was eager to get into this one. Ellie and Max own the Dog and Duck pub in the quaint village of Little Leyton. They are recent parents, their son Noel having come into the world earlier than expected in the last book. They are a lovely family.

Now, they are planning their wedding very close to Christmas and are very busy. I'm so glad to be back at the Dog and Duck with Ellie and her family. Sasha and Josie are bridesmaids and Polly has a secret.

Jill Steeples' books are realistic, funny sweet heartwarming and pull you in. I'm sad that the series is over but I devoured every word and the characters are like family to me and the place really feels like home.

Happily Ever After at the Dog and Duck is full of suspense, romance and happiness and I was rooting for the characters all the way through.

Although it's part of a series, the book makes a good standalone novel as events from the previous book is explained and characters are well (re)introduced. Lots of good visuals and descriptions.

Will everything go to plan? Will there be a happy ever after? 5 stars.

Thanks to Jill Steeples and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review as well as a place on the blog tour for this title.

I'm going to miss Ellie and Max. There, I've said it. If you haven't read this series, this installment might be a tad tough to get into because there's a large group of characters we've come to know. The village of Little Leyton, where the Dog and Duck is located, and the people there are as much a character as the main two. This time around, there's a bigger crisis that usual- a fire, a missing dog, and so on- but as always, you know there's going to be a happy ending. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I absolutely love this series. Although this book does give recaps on the characters, and it could be read as a stand alone, i would recommend reading the previous books they are well worth it. I mentioned to a friend that this book is like catching up with friends. From the first page you are enveloped into their lives. I am really hoping that there will be at least one more in this series.

It was so lovely being back at The Dog & Duck again. I've absolutely adored the rest in the series so I was really looking forward to being back there again and reading out some of my favourite characters! The fact that the cover is absolutely beautiful did help push me into reading it though! I adore the pink sky with the white snowflakes, the cute pub and of course the characters at the front. It really looks stunning and completely draws you in.

Getting on to the story itself, it was really enjoyable. It was the perfect way to spend a day, curled up on the sofa and reading this. I would recommend giving the others a read before you read this one though, as it will give you a better understanding as to what has happened and I think it'll just be more enjoyable if you know the characters.

This particular one in the series follows on after Ellie has had baby Noel. She feels completely overwhelmed with everything that is going on and just feels that everything is constantly going wrong. Max then takes her away for a break and Ellie takes this time to get everything back together, however when they get home there's more drama and the couple are in crisis. With everything that's going on, Ellie decides to focus on her wedding to keep her mind occupied and it may appear that a Christmas wedding is do-able after all..

I really loved this story, it was lovely being back with the characters again. I'm sad that it's ended but it has been a great series. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Emma Messenger's review Sep 18, 2018 · edit
it was amazing

I have previously read the other books in the Dog and Duck series. I was lucky to receive an early preview copy from Netgalley. This is book 4, and the last book in the series. It would definitely help to read the previous books, as this book would not be as enjoyable read alone.
Following on from the birth of Noel, a few months previously, Ellie feels exhausted, everything seems to be going wrong,when everything seemed to be going right. She is meant to be planning her wedding to Max, but now she has doubts as to whether it will actually happen if not. Max takes her away for a romantic break, where they meet Fliss, who becomes a friend.
Back home, incidents including a fire help to give Ellie perspective, and she starts to realise what is important in life. With the help of family and friends, it looks like her Christmas wedding might actually happen.
It was sad that this was the last book in the series, although it ended well. I am hoping that the introduction of Gloss might mean a new book in the future, possibly with a cameo from Ellie and Max.
This book was both happy and sad in places. There was a lot of action which meant that I couldn't put it down. It was a very enjoyable read, and I would highly recommend it.

This is a first for me by this author.
I didn't realise this was part of a series when I requested it.

This is a series which follows the lives of Ellie, Max and many of their family and friends.

Because there was such a large cast and I haven't read the previous books I did struggle to get into it and remember who was who, I stuck with it and was glad I did because it pulled together nicely.

Ellie and Max live in the village of Little Leyton with their son, Noel, and are planning their wedding during the Christmas season. What could go wrong?

The Dog and Duck Pub has been Ellie's special place. She's managed it, owned it and made changes to help the Dog and Duck become the centre of social life in the village and her own wedding reception will take place there.

Ellie and Max are an adorable couple who are very caring and so clearly in-love.
Ellie is open and friendly where as Max is the provider. Ellie welcomes everyone to both the pub and her home. Max is charming, wealthy, handsome and great for moral support. Ellie seems to worry about everything and everyone she knows, moving constantly back and forth between optimism and pessimism. When Ellie is upset or worried Max does whatever it takes to make her happy.

As you would expect with village life there's a lot happening. A fire, family members have difficulties with one another, a special dog gets lost, an ankle gets broken and surprise visitors arrive, but at the same time, there are celebrations, parties, and happiness all around.

It flowed really well with some twists and turns along the way, it will make you chuckle and raise your eyebrows at times, but overall it was an upbeat and cheerful story.

I'll be adding the others in this series to my TBR pile and re-reading in the correct order.

Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.

The last in the series of 4 books of Ellie and Max. Felt like I was watching a British tele show at times so if you like them you will like this series, and a lot of characters, but once you get them straight the story flows nicely. Enjoyable, but would have preferred more of a compact story instead of stretching it out so much. Would recommend.

Ellie and Max live in the village of Little Leyton. They have a son, Noel, and they are planning their wedding during the Christmas season.

The Dog and Duck Pub has been Ellie's special place. She has managed and owned it. She has made changes and helped the Dog and Duck become the center of social life in the village.

Now, her wedding reception will take place at the pub. Between the Christmas season, the wedding and various other events, it is a very busy time for Ellie and Max and their friends and family.

This is the final entry in the series. This is the first book in the series which I have read. It took me a little bit to catch up, but the explanations about people, relationships and past events helped me find my way.

Ellie is an interesting character. She is open and friendly to people. She welcomes everyone to both the pub and her home. At the same time she seems to be worried about everything and everyone she knows. She constantly moves back and forth between optimism and pessimism. But, she never loses her feeling of love for the people around her.

Max is a saint. He provides for everyone whether it is moral support, financial support or sweat equity. He is charming, wealthy and handsome. When Ellie is upset or worried he does whatever it takes to make her happy. He is the ideal hero.

This story has a lot happening. A fire, a special dog gets lost, family members have difficulties with one another, an ankle gets broken, surprise visitors arrive. At the same time, there are celebrations, parties, and happiness all around.

At times I felt there may have been too many events happening. But, this is about village life and in the real world, people and villages have ups and downs.

This has been a well received series. I can understand why. The characters, whether Ellie and Max or secondary characters are all warm and comforting people.

For me the only short coming was the fact that there were many descriptions rather than allowing the reader to be involved in the action.

This is the first book I have read by Ms Steeple. I will look for more of her books.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

I am late to this series which follows the lives of Ellie and Max and many of their family and friends.

Because there was such a large cast and I hadn't read the previous books I did struggle to get into it and remember who was who but I'm pleased I stuck with it because it pulled together and I'm sure for anyone who read the earlier series books they would be able to delve straight in!

I love Christmas books (& movies!) and this did not disappoint with a feel-good theme running all the way through, you just knew there would be a happy ending - it doesn't have 'happily ever after' in the title for no reason. Despite knowing all would end well it still flowed really well and there were some twists and turns along the way; it raised chuckles as well as eyebrows at times. You would absolutely want to be friends with Ellie and Max who were a very caring, and clearly very in-love, couple.

Definitely one to read at this time of year (September onwards) as talk of all things festive, there is a Christmas wedding to prepare for, was widespread and overall it was an upbeat and cheerful story that closed off the series perfectly. Now I'm off to look up the earlier books!

My thanks to Aria and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adore this series! A lovely Chick Lit read for a rainy day :c)

My review has been posted to my blog & Goodreads. Review has also been tweeted as usual. Thank you! :c)