Aww, such a sweet, sweet romance!

Dougal is a big Labrador retriever type of man, loyal to a fault with patience to spare. Emory has been knocked down by a couple of tragedies, so she's not as confident as she used to be. Their friendship is quiet and sweet, until there's enough familiarity to feel safe. A simple mix-up about unaddressed but adoring letters sets the stage for these two to take their friendship to the next level.

There's a bit of outside drama with her family that's handled nicely, but it never overshadows the romance. I really enjoyed the secondary characters and the charming small town atmosphere. This is a delightful romance with a beautiful HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Sweet holiday romance with enough heat to warm your heart. Emory came to Granite Falls for a new start after her husband's death, cooking for the guests at her aunt's B&B. Weighed down with grief and guilt, an injured dog wiggles its way into her heart.

Dougal came along as Emory attempted to rescue the dog and helped her. He is immediately smitten with the beautiful woman with the sad eyes. However, Dougal is anything but a smooth-talking cowboy and is completely tongue-tied around her. The only thing he can do is put his feelings into letters and poetry and leave them anonymously in her mailbox.

I enjoyed watching Dougal and Emory's relationship develop. The sparks of attraction are there from the beginning, but Emory tries to ignore them. Mistakes of the past haunt her and make her unwilling to risk her heart again. I liked how Dougal spent time helping Emory and Ruth, allowing him to spend time with her. Many sweet scenes with Dougal and his triplet nieces and nephew (the "critters") show him in a wonderful light. But Emory is afraid to trust her feelings beyond giving in to their attraction. It takes patience on Dougal's part and some straightforward advice from Ruth to break through the fears holding her back. The ending was sweet, and I enjoyed seeing the changes in both characters.

A little bit of a mystery ran through the book, too. The black sheep son of the B&B's former owner returns to town, claiming he's dying and looking to make amends. But something about Lucas feels off to Emory, and Dougal remembers the past too well to trust him. There was a not-surprising twist at the end.

This story revolves around Emory Swanson, who moves to Granite Falls to cook at her aunt’s B&B and heal from the loss of her husband. Her journey toward recovery begins when she rescues an injured stray dog, with the help of Douglas (Dougal) McCarrick, a quiet cowboy smitten with her gentle spirit. Unable to express his feelings directly, Dougal begins writing heartfelt poetry and leaving it anonymously at the B&B, all while supporting Emory and her aunt with repairs and chores.

As Emory and Dougal grow closer, their connection blossoms into a tender romance, filled with warmth and quiet strength. The book delivers a cozy, heartwarming tale with charming characters, delightful moments, and a hint of spice, making it a beautiful and satisfying read for romance lovers.

What a delightful and heartwarming read! The story of Emory and Dougal begins when Emory discovers an injured dog in a bush and decides to care for him. Dougal, drawn to Emory’s kindness and gentle spirit, stays close as they navigate the recovery together. As their bond grows, they begin to appreciate one another in a new light, recognizing how their strengths and personalities beautifully complement each other.

This book is a quick, satisfying read that never feels rushed. Its sweet, tender storytelling makes it perfect for readers who enjoy cozy, heartfelt romances filled with genuine connection.

A charming love story. Triplets and three dogs all add to the fun. I did skip over the intimate details. There is a bit of a mystery or at least an individual to loathe. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.