When a homeless man is found dead on the beach, Jill takes it upon herself to find a home for his lovable dog, Baby. It’s not an easy task. She decides to first look into the background of the deceased man. Her search takes her back many years, to a time when he and his girlfriend were split up by her parents. He went to war; she left town. What happened after that is bittersweet, but still a nice holiday tale. Not everyone gets a fairy-tale “happily ever after,” but still, you can try to make the best of the situation you are in. Complete with the delightful characters that live in this series, the story is nice addition to it. ( )

A good short story perfect for holiday read to tie you until the book comes out. Christmas cookies, puppies, and great South Cove characters. ( )

A quick read, but fun to be back with Jill Gardiner and some of her friends in South Cove. Several of the characters are donating their time to wash senior animals to be ready for an adoption event right before the holidays. One of the dog's owners is recently deceased and Jill hopes to answer the mystery of what happened to the love of his life. This takes place a bit in the past as far as the regular South Cove books go, just to be aware of the time warp feeling. ( )

This is a cute, heart-warming Christmas novella with characters I have grown to know and love. It is Christmas time in South Cove California and Jill Gardner is planning to host an adopt-a-pet event at the bookstore. As she is meeting the animals that are being featured, she learns about the death of a homeless man and his small dog left behind. When Jill finds a key hidden in the dog's collar, they find a journal and money left to his childhood sweetheart. This piques Jill's interest and she sets out to find his sweetheart. This is a quick story, but it has a wonderful Christmas message, as well as interesting information about Veterans and their hardships. There is a bit of magic, and a couple of twists that will surprise the reader. I highly recommend this addition to The Tourist Trap Mystery series, whether you have read any of the other books or not. It is a sweet Christmas Novella. The publisher, Kensington Publishers, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own. ( )

Jill Gardner loves animals which is why she is holding a pet adoption event at her store. Jill discovers that one of the dogs needing a forever home was found next to his homeless owner who had died and that he holds a secret - a safety deposit box key. The items in the box lead Jill and the police on a merry chase to find the details of who the man was and who will love this dog.

A wonderful, wonderful Christmas addition to this series! ( )