Puppy Christmas by Lucy Gilmore – a Review

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Description:
Lila Vasquez might not be the “fun one” at Puppy Promise―the service puppy training school she runs with her sisters―but she can always be counted on to gets things done. So when her latest client shows an interest in princess gowns over power suits, Lila puts aside her scruples, straps on the glittery heels, and gets to work.

If only the adorable six-year-old’s father wasn’t such an appealing Prince Charming.

Ford’s whole life revolves around his daughter…until he meets Lila. Smart, capable, and amazing at helping Emily gain confidence with her new service puppy at her side, Lila is everything he ever wanted―but she’s way out of his league. Good thing Emily and her new pup are up to the matchmaking task. This Christmas, it’s all hands (and paws) on deck!

Review:

Puppy Christmas by Lucy Gilmore is the second book in her new Forever Home series. Puppy Christmas was a sweet, cute and funny story line that revolves around Puppy Promise, a service (special needs) puppy training school run by three sisters.  In Puppy Christmas, the oldest sister, Lila Vazquez is our heroine and she was a wonderful heroine.  Lila, as the oldest, always considered herself strait-laced, workaholic and follows rules; as well as not sure she can handle very young children. Lila decides to take the case of a young girl with a hearing impairment, and is determined to do it right, as she hopes to gain the approval of the Auditory Guild, as it would mean more business for them.

Ford Ford (yes that is his name) is our hero and the father of Emily, the young girl who is hearing impaired.  Despite that name, Ford is a gorgeous hunk, whom all the girls fall over, but Ford does not want any romantic entanglements, since he is focused only on helping his daughter. Ford meets Lila, the woman who will help them pick the service dog that is right for Emily, as well as train both dog and girl.  Ford finds himself very attracted to the beautiful Lila, and his conversation between her or any woman are usually joking, which eventually turns into sexual banter between them. 

Lila was dressed up to the event in a pink gown, and Emily began to call her Princess Lila, which kind of continues throughout the story; as Emily doesn’t have friends, and Lila steps in to help her gain confidence, as well as learn to work with her cockapoo dog, Jeeves.  What follows is a humorous adventure, as Lila spends a lot of time with Ford, Emily and Jeeves; especially the banter between Ford and Lila, which was zany from the start, and frankly at times it was hilarious.  In a short time, they both feel the strong attraction for each other, with their fun romance escalating; however, Ford doesn’t feel he deserves Lila, as his financial situation wasn’t very good.

Puppy Christmas was a fun lighthearted story, with a sweet couple, a darling young girl and a wonderful puppy.  I loved the characters, such as Lila, Ford, Emily, Jeeves, as well as Sophie and Dawn.  Lucy Gilmore kept us entertained from start to finish, as well as giving us an informative glimpse at a service dog working with a hearing-impaired child.  I look forward to Dawn’s story next.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher