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Tindledale
Not Just For Christmas
Kitty, who runs the Spotted Pig Tea-rooms in the picturesque village of Tindledale, thinks she's come to terms with her husband Ed’s death on active duty. When she learns that Ed’s army dog, a black Labrador named Monty, is being retired and needs rehoming, it awakens her heartache once more.
Amber runs the pet parlour, but her love of dogs extends to rescuing abandoned pooches and now her tiny cottage is overflowing with homeless hounds. The only answer is to open a proper rescue centre but where will the money come from?
Kitty knows she could never take on Monty – it would be too painful, but with more than one dog needing a home this Christmas, is a miracle too much to hope for?
Amber runs the pet parlour, but her love of dogs extends to rescuing abandoned pooches and now her tiny cottage is overflowing with homeless hounds. The only answer is to open a proper rescue centre but where will the money come from?
Kitty knows she could never take on Monty – it would be too painful, but with more than one dog needing a home this Christmas, is a miracle too much to hope for?
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2015
About the author
Alex Brown
26 books452 followersAlex Brown is an International No.1 bestselling author of fourteen books including A Postcard from Italy, the Carrington’s series, The Secret of Orchard Cottage, The Great Christmas Knit Off, The Wish, A Postcard from Paris and the Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery series. Her books are loved worldwide and have been translated into twenty languages.
Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.
Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 27, 2017
3.5 full of Christmas joy stars.
Contemporary England and a widowed mother is surprised to receive a call from an army mate of her deceased husband. His service dog is being discharged from the army and needs a home. Kitty, her daughter Teddie, an animal rescue worker named Amber, and their entire village are about to witness how one canine can work miracles. My first Alexandra Brown story, but probably not my last.
Contemporary England and a widowed mother is surprised to receive a call from an army mate of her deceased husband. His service dog is being discharged from the army and needs a home. Kitty, her daughter Teddie, an animal rescue worker named Amber, and their entire village are about to witness how one canine can work miracles. My first Alexandra Brown story, but probably not my last.
December 6, 2020
Sweet story set during another Christmas in the small village of Tindledale. There's a precious retired military service dog, a veteran, and a young widow at the heart of this story, and my big complaint was that I wish she had expanded it!
December 23, 2020
Powerful!
This is a powerful little Christmas book! Kitty lost her husband in Afghanistan and she’s been trying to hold it together for her little girl ever since. Only going through the motions of life, she has a breakthrough when she’s contacted by her late husband’s injured buddy who wants a very special favor from her. Emotional and heartfelt, this is the perfect Christmas book!
This is a powerful little Christmas book! Kitty lost her husband in Afghanistan and she’s been trying to hold it together for her little girl ever since. Only going through the motions of life, she has a breakthrough when she’s contacted by her late husband’s injured buddy who wants a very special favor from her. Emotional and heartfelt, this is the perfect Christmas book!
October 16, 2016
Every time author Alex Brown has released a book I have wasted no time in jumping straight in and I have loved each and every one of her books. I have always been honest in that I am not a fan of short stories as I have never found they have enough depth for me and I am greedy and am always left wanting more but when I saw that Alex Brown was bringing out a short story set in her much loved village of Tindledale I knew there was no way I could miss out on another visit to the village.
Our main character in this novella is Kitty who we have met in the previous Tindledale books running her café The Spotted Pig Café. Kitty is a single mum to the adorable little Teddie after her husband died a true hero. Kitty and Teddie have adapted to life but when Kitty receives a phone call from Mack who was her husband’s best friend, with news that her husband’s dog Monty has been retired and needs a home. Will Monty bring everlasting love to the family or will he bring up too many memories and prove too much for Kitty?
I am over the moon that the novella focuses on Kitty’s story as she is a character who has touched my heart in the Tindledale books and I have desperately wanted the author to explore her character more. The storyline is very moving but also uplifting too with a lovely touch of festivity. We also get a glimpse of some of our other favourite characters who have made an appearance before especially the animal doting Taylor who also holds an important role in this novella.
This is the first novella I have read where the author has managed to put all of the feels from a full length novel into a novella, the characters are well developed and soon work their way into your heart. The storyline also has depth to it thanks to the emotional and challenging issues the author weaves into the plot. There are some touching moments and the one that really touched my heart was the comment Teddie made about her father and Mack's legs ( yes lump to the throat moment at the sensitivity and innocence from a child).
I would say you could read this novella as a standalone but you really are missing out if you haven’t visited Tindledale in the author’s three previous books.
This novella will keep you entertained on your commute to work in the morning stealing your attention in one fell swoop there is no part of this book that allows you a break to put it down so read it in one greedy burst and then get ready to crack open that tin of Quality Street.
Our main character in this novella is Kitty who we have met in the previous Tindledale books running her café The Spotted Pig Café. Kitty is a single mum to the adorable little Teddie after her husband died a true hero. Kitty and Teddie have adapted to life but when Kitty receives a phone call from Mack who was her husband’s best friend, with news that her husband’s dog Monty has been retired and needs a home. Will Monty bring everlasting love to the family or will he bring up too many memories and prove too much for Kitty?
I am over the moon that the novella focuses on Kitty’s story as she is a character who has touched my heart in the Tindledale books and I have desperately wanted the author to explore her character more. The storyline is very moving but also uplifting too with a lovely touch of festivity. We also get a glimpse of some of our other favourite characters who have made an appearance before especially the animal doting Taylor who also holds an important role in this novella.
This is the first novella I have read where the author has managed to put all of the feels from a full length novel into a novella, the characters are well developed and soon work their way into your heart. The storyline also has depth to it thanks to the emotional and challenging issues the author weaves into the plot. There are some touching moments and the one that really touched my heart was the comment Teddie made about her father and Mack's legs ( yes lump to the throat moment at the sensitivity and innocence from a child).
I would say you could read this novella as a standalone but you really are missing out if you haven’t visited Tindledale in the author’s three previous books.
This novella will keep you entertained on your commute to work in the morning stealing your attention in one fell swoop there is no part of this book that allows you a break to put it down so read it in one greedy burst and then get ready to crack open that tin of Quality Street.
December 10, 2016
A heartwarming festive short story. Perfect for dog lovers at Christmas!
November 4, 2016
To be totally honest, when I read what the story is going to be about, I was not sure if I want to read it - those of you who follow my reviews already know that when there are animals in the book, there are tears from me, no matter if it's a happy or a sad story - it's just guaranteed. I am a very sensible person, I love animals and only reading and imagining all the situations makes me cry crocodile tears. And heck, Alex Brown herself promised me on Twitter once that I am for sure going to cry when reading "Not Only for Christmas"! But then I thought, oh well, it's Alex Brown, and I love her and her beautiful stories so much and yes, I am going to read this short story, no matter how many tears involved. So there.
I read this novella in under two hours - firstly, it is - yes, you've guessed - short, secondly, I didn't want to put it down for a single second, because I loved it from the start to the end. It was poignant, it was so incredibly touching, it had a lot of depth and it had some very important messages. And it took place in Tindledale, probably the most gorgeous and sweet fictional place in the world! And Alex Brown can write animals, oh boy - there were so many feelings in each and every word!
We know Kitty, the main characters in this story, from the previous Tindledale books - she's the one running The Spotted Pig Cafe. She's a single mum to Teddie - Ed, her husband, was a soldier and died during one of his last assignment. Kitty is trying to come to terms with her loss and on the surface it looks like she's adapted to the new situation, but deep under you could see that it's not easy to her, not at all, she has dreamt about a happy life with her family. She's also severed the contacts with people who could remind her of Ed, and Mack is one of them - he was Ed's best friend. So it is a great surprise when Mack calls Kitty - something happened. And this "something" is Monty, Ed's old dog, who has retired and is in a need of a forever home. Will Kitty be able to look at Monty without thinking about Ed? Will it be too much for her and for her little girl?
The storyline was beautiful, so very emotional, moving and uplifting and I adored the end! We get a glimpse of some of the already beloved characters living in Tindledale, especially Taylor, and many of the others are mentioned, and it leaves such a great, warm feeling inside you because you feel that those are your old friends being mentioned, not forgotten. Thanks to Alex Brown's wonderful writing I immediately felt at home when started reading and very quickly the story just worked its way to my heart. A lovely festive novella about love, grief and second chances - I absolutely loved it, with it bringing happiness, heartbreak and hope. Alex Brown writes in such a realistic way and she brings the characters - both those with two and four feet - to life so easily and effortlessly. She is never afraid to write about important issues, about things that we should never forget and yet make the book entertaining and full chick - lit, and hats off to her for pulling it off. I am so thankful to her for writing this story, which shows what is really important, and for making Monty and other animals the centre point of it - thank you, Alex!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
December 7, 2020
Absolutely loved this return to Tindledale, loved the characters thecstirylune & mist if all the Labrador
October 30, 2016
Alexandra Brown never seems to disappoint me and always seems to know what to do to make the reader feel what ever emotions she wants them to feel. This lovely little book is perfect for the festive period. With characters you will love and a heartwarming story that will play on the heart strings.
The book starts with a heart wrenching letter written by Ed a military man who has been killed in action a few days before he is due to come home, for his last tour. Eds wife Kitty is expecting their fist child. Ed has decided to get a new job helping recruits. Ed's letter apologises for not being their for Kitty and the baby. Telling Kitty they are both loved very much. Asking Kitty to find love again as he doesn't want her to be lonely and saying he will be waiting for her on the other side. Where they can be together again.
Kitty has their baby Teddie and it is around 5/6 years later we pick up the story. Mack a veteran friend of Ed's gets into contact asking Kitty for a favour. Ed's military dog and companion needs to be retired and rehomed to a living family. Mack asking Kitty if she can take the dog. Kitty takes the dog and as you can imagine lots of calamities and adventures Pursue.
Lots of funny moments, sad moments happy moments and love. Will Kitty be able to fall in love again with someone else?
Loved this book as always Alexandra Brown. You never disappoint me. Looking forward to your next book.
Happy reading everyone.
The book starts with a heart wrenching letter written by Ed a military man who has been killed in action a few days before he is due to come home, for his last tour. Eds wife Kitty is expecting their fist child. Ed has decided to get a new job helping recruits. Ed's letter apologises for not being their for Kitty and the baby. Telling Kitty they are both loved very much. Asking Kitty to find love again as he doesn't want her to be lonely and saying he will be waiting for her on the other side. Where they can be together again.
Kitty has their baby Teddie and it is around 5/6 years later we pick up the story. Mack a veteran friend of Ed's gets into contact asking Kitty for a favour. Ed's military dog and companion needs to be retired and rehomed to a living family. Mack asking Kitty if she can take the dog. Kitty takes the dog and as you can imagine lots of calamities and adventures Pursue.
Lots of funny moments, sad moments happy moments and love. Will Kitty be able to fall in love again with someone else?
Loved this book as always Alexandra Brown. You never disappoint me. Looking forward to your next book.
Happy reading everyone.
November 4, 2016
Short but sweet, but incredibly heart warming and emotionally charged story, in this enjoyable return to Tindledale.
In just over 80 pages, Alex Brown has managed to tug on my heartstrings, and hook me into this incredibly well written, and well formed story. From what I can tell short story writing is a real skill, as you need to convey a story but in a lot less space than a full book, without leaving the reader frustrated, and this is a brilliant of example of how a short story should be.
The story centres around a rather special dog Monty, who with the such clear descriptions, I could really picture at all times. He is a truly remarkable animal, and has a huge part to play in this story.
For fans of the Tindledale series, you will recognise quite a few of the characters that pop up, but if you haven't read any, don't worry this is a self contained standalone story, that will leave you wanting to know more about the village.
With a great deal of feeling, this cosy tail has definitely left me feeling slightly more ready for Christmas and the season of good will.
In just over 80 pages, Alex Brown has managed to tug on my heartstrings, and hook me into this incredibly well written, and well formed story. From what I can tell short story writing is a real skill, as you need to convey a story but in a lot less space than a full book, without leaving the reader frustrated, and this is a brilliant of example of how a short story should be.
The story centres around a rather special dog Monty, who with the such clear descriptions, I could really picture at all times. He is a truly remarkable animal, and has a huge part to play in this story.
For fans of the Tindledale series, you will recognise quite a few of the characters that pop up, but if you haven't read any, don't worry this is a self contained standalone story, that will leave you wanting to know more about the village.
With a great deal of feeling, this cosy tail has definitely left me feeling slightly more ready for Christmas and the season of good will.
October 18, 2016
An excellent short story and so lovely to go back to the village and hear more from the people who live there. Kitty thought she had come to terms with loosing her husband in the army but when his dog he trained on duty needs a forever home is she ready to take it on and go memories of her husband. Can she keep the dog or does he end up at the pet parlour next door as she takes in rescue animals as well but her house isn't big enough so can she find better accommodation. An excellent Christmas read and hope to hear more from these characters.
December 3, 2016
An enjoyable Christmas visit to Tindledale and quite moving in parts.
December 10, 2021
2,5* not horrible, but definitely not a favourite by far.
I wouldn't have bought it, if I had taken a closer look at the author. I already read a other book by Alex Brown, which also was just too shallow and sickly sweet for my taste, but didn't realise it was the same author.
Way too sweet, over the top cute and "happy". I was a bit weirded out by the choice of love interest and the speed of things as well.
Absolutely predictable in ways, and just unrealistic in how perfectly everything is going. People always happen to be there at the ideal time, and just coincidentally want to throw their money or help at any problem. The little bit of drama that this book has its incredibly construed, and just had me sigh in exasperated
I wonder if the author ever had a dog, or knows anyone who is physically disabled. Neither felt even remotely well handled.
My E-Reader showed it at 177 pages, more than 50 of those were advertised and sample chapters of other books...
So all in all a quick and cute read, but nothing that really resonated with me sadly.
I wouldn't have bought it, if I had taken a closer look at the author. I already read a other book by Alex Brown, which also was just too shallow and sickly sweet for my taste, but didn't realise it was the same author.
Way too sweet, over the top cute and "happy". I was a bit weirded out by the choice of love interest and the speed of things as well.
Absolutely predictable in ways, and just unrealistic in how perfectly everything is going. People always happen to be there at the ideal time, and just coincidentally want to throw their money or help at any problem. The little bit of drama that this book has its incredibly construed, and just had me sigh in exasperated
I wonder if the author ever had a dog, or knows anyone who is physically disabled. Neither felt even remotely well handled.
My E-Reader showed it at 177 pages, more than 50 of those were advertised and sample chapters of other books...
So all in all a quick and cute read, but nothing that really resonated with me sadly.
February 28, 2022
Even though this is a short selection, it has so much in it. The setting is the small English village town of Tindledale where Kitty Clarke feels she has finally come to terms with the death of her husband in Iraq four years earlier, leaving her expecting their daughter. Teddie is now four when Kitty gets a call from her husband's former partner who was injured in the same attack. Mack wants her to think about taking in Ed's trained dog, who has now been injured and must retire from service. Monte is a hero, but may have trouble adjusting to being a pet. Village neighbor and friend Taylor loves animals and has dreams of opening an animal shelter for all of the abandoned pets which have now over run her mother's home. This is a heartwarming tale that brings the village together in an interesting way. Animal lovers will especially enjoy this story of second chances that is relevant today.
July 23, 2021
I’ve loved all this series of books by Alex Brown about the village of Tindledale and it’s residents. Each book has introduced the reader to one or other of the villagers of all ages whilst exploring the many different problems they are coping with. It is the magic of the village that they all find a way through their problems and settle down. If this village were real, I’d want to live there too.
December 15, 2018
Not Just for Christmas is mostly a short-story but it brings you back to the quaint village of Tindledale and its well-known inhabitants. It has not much to do with Christmas but the story of the veteran war dog, the soldier widow and their challenges in this small English village around Christmas time manage never the less to give you a Christmassy feeling.
December 7, 2020
Very short read. Though it made me cry every time I read it (probably didn't help that I am pregnant). Heavy emotional subject. Happy ending. Though I was a little weirded out that Kitty ended up with her dead husband's best friend. I would think that this does happen quite often. But still, a little weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2017
A short, and rushed as always, but the story didn't need more drama. If it was full length it might have felt too construed. When there isn't so much of it, it's easier to let it slide. Cute and satisfyingly predictable.
July 17, 2018
Perfect Ending
Tears and laughter another lovely book. I loved the ending even though it was what I expected but another wonderful book from Alex .
Tears and laughter another lovely book. I loved the ending even though it was what I expected but another wonderful book from Alex .
January 1, 2019
Another wonderful (short) story from Alexandra Brown. A little more emotional than her usual fare, but I just about coped!
November 26, 2019
Shirley , read this. Since you like dogs, you will enjoy it very much.
June 12, 2020
A really nice short story heartwarming
Read
June 14, 2020I did NOT finish this book because it was incomplete. I would like to continue it but I cannot seem to find the complete book. Thanks
January 9, 2017
Charming and cute, but thin. A romance novella but the schmoopy parts were the weakest.
October 14, 2016
Kitty Clarke has been in mourning for four years.
Ever since she lost her husband Ed, she’s been mourning him. She’s found solace in running The Spotted Pig Café in Tindledale and in her daughter Teddie. The pain has gotten easier to deal with but she still misses Ed something fierce but life continues on.
She remembered him in small ways. Every year in the run up to Christmas, she would light a candle at the war memorial in his honour. Ed had died during his last tour in Iraq but she missed him every day. He had never even seen their daughter who was just beginning to realize that her father would never come home.
She gets a surprise when she gets a call from Mack, Ed’s best friend, the best man at their wedding and the man who was with Ed when he died. Ed lost his life when a land mine had exploded and Mack had lost the lower half of his legs and was bound to a wheelchair.
Mack has a favour to ask. Ed’s service dog Monty has been retired from the force. Would Kitty be able to take him in and care for him? Monty lost an eye in the blast from the landmine and he walks with a limp.
Kitty’s heart goes out to the dog and she realizes that Monty is her last real connection to Ed so she agrees to take him in. Kitty has no idea how much that one act will change her life for the better…
I loved this book so much. Alex Brown manages to fit a full novels worth of happiness, heartbreak, joy and miracles in this novella. I am constantly amazed by her power with words. She writes such believable characters that I feel as if I know them when I’ve finished one of her books.
Kitty is a wonderful protagonist and her daughter Teddie is so adorable that I wanted to reach into the book and hug her. There is also a secondary protagonist, Taylor from Paws Pet Parlour in Tindledale where Kitty goes to get help with Monty.
Taylor and her mother live in a cottage that has become a wayward home for lost animals. Taylor knows that she has to do something to alleviate the strain on her mother and her home. Monty might just be the answer to her prayers.
She always tackles tough issues, blending the lines of women’s fiction until it is something different. Not everyone could write a tale of moving on, of finding love during the Christmas season and combine that alongside the ways that war affects those that are left behind and the plight of forgotten animals and make it work.
When I finished Not Just for Christmas, I was left with a feeling of hope and of happiness, of joy and cheer. Above all, I was left with a feeling of thankfulness that I had been through this story with the characters and all the folk in Tindledale.
I only with it was a real place. Well, you know what they say: sometimes, wishes do come true. Read this book and feel the magic of the Holiday season. It left me wanting to read the next Tindledale book!
Ever since she lost her husband Ed, she’s been mourning him. She’s found solace in running The Spotted Pig Café in Tindledale and in her daughter Teddie. The pain has gotten easier to deal with but she still misses Ed something fierce but life continues on.
She remembered him in small ways. Every year in the run up to Christmas, she would light a candle at the war memorial in his honour. Ed had died during his last tour in Iraq but she missed him every day. He had never even seen their daughter who was just beginning to realize that her father would never come home.
She gets a surprise when she gets a call from Mack, Ed’s best friend, the best man at their wedding and the man who was with Ed when he died. Ed lost his life when a land mine had exploded and Mack had lost the lower half of his legs and was bound to a wheelchair.
Mack has a favour to ask. Ed’s service dog Monty has been retired from the force. Would Kitty be able to take him in and care for him? Monty lost an eye in the blast from the landmine and he walks with a limp.
Kitty’s heart goes out to the dog and she realizes that Monty is her last real connection to Ed so she agrees to take him in. Kitty has no idea how much that one act will change her life for the better…
I loved this book so much. Alex Brown manages to fit a full novels worth of happiness, heartbreak, joy and miracles in this novella. I am constantly amazed by her power with words. She writes such believable characters that I feel as if I know them when I’ve finished one of her books.
Kitty is a wonderful protagonist and her daughter Teddie is so adorable that I wanted to reach into the book and hug her. There is also a secondary protagonist, Taylor from Paws Pet Parlour in Tindledale where Kitty goes to get help with Monty.
Taylor and her mother live in a cottage that has become a wayward home for lost animals. Taylor knows that she has to do something to alleviate the strain on her mother and her home. Monty might just be the answer to her prayers.
She always tackles tough issues, blending the lines of women’s fiction until it is something different. Not everyone could write a tale of moving on, of finding love during the Christmas season and combine that alongside the ways that war affects those that are left behind and the plight of forgotten animals and make it work.
When I finished Not Just for Christmas, I was left with a feeling of hope and of happiness, of joy and cheer. Above all, I was left with a feeling of thankfulness that I had been through this story with the characters and all the folk in Tindledale.
I only with it was a real place. Well, you know what they say: sometimes, wishes do come true. Read this book and feel the magic of the Holiday season. It left me wanting to read the next Tindledale book!
December 6, 2016
This was such a lovely return to Tindledale in a short story. There was a dog involved, but as they were giving him a home I thought it would be OK (I'm terrible if there's an animal in a story, I have to know it's OK or I can't read the book!) - but if anyone is the same as me I have to warn you, I cried buckets at one point for the poor dog! I didn't think it would be quite as an emotional story as it was, but Alex Brown really packed it into this short story.
The story is about Kitty, who runs the Spotted Pig Cafe, and her little daughter Teddie. Kitty lost her husband Ed in Iraq over four years ago and has had a hard few years, but she's getting her life together again. Then Ed's friend Mack, who lost part of his legs in the same bomb blast, contacts her saying that Monty, her husband's old dog, is being retired and is looking for a civilian home to spend the rest of his life. At first Kitty is hesitant as she doesn't want to bring back bad memories, but then realises that it's what Ed would have wanted so takes him in.
Poor Monty has been through a lot too, he lost an eye and has an injured front paw and is limping when he arrives at Kitty's. All goes well until Teddie is at home one day and gets out her blanket that has been made for her from her Dad's old clothing. Of course Monty recognises the scent and... well this is where I cried buckets!
Taylor from the pet parlour next door, who takes in every animal waif and stray going, turns up as everyone is having a meltdown and helps Kitty out by taking Monty home with her, to the exasperation of her Mother as there just isn't enough room for any more animals.
Anyway, things progress and Taylor unexpectedly realises Monty has great skills from his previous life as an army dog and utilises a video clip to help raise money for a rescue centre on April's land (from 'The Secret of Orchard Cottage').
It's actually quite amazing how much happens in such a short story, but none of it feels rushed. A very emotional yet uplifting story, that (despite the sobbing!) was absolutely wonderful. I love the Tindledale series and hope it long continues - a story about Taylor setting up the rescue centre would be perfect!
The story is about Kitty, who runs the Spotted Pig Cafe, and her little daughter Teddie. Kitty lost her husband Ed in Iraq over four years ago and has had a hard few years, but she's getting her life together again. Then Ed's friend Mack, who lost part of his legs in the same bomb blast, contacts her saying that Monty, her husband's old dog, is being retired and is looking for a civilian home to spend the rest of his life. At first Kitty is hesitant as she doesn't want to bring back bad memories, but then realises that it's what Ed would have wanted so takes him in.
Poor Monty has been through a lot too, he lost an eye and has an injured front paw and is limping when he arrives at Kitty's. All goes well until Teddie is at home one day and gets out her blanket that has been made for her from her Dad's old clothing. Of course Monty recognises the scent and... well this is where I cried buckets!
Taylor from the pet parlour next door, who takes in every animal waif and stray going, turns up as everyone is having a meltdown and helps Kitty out by taking Monty home with her, to the exasperation of her Mother as there just isn't enough room for any more animals.
Anyway, things progress and Taylor unexpectedly realises Monty has great skills from his previous life as an army dog and utilises a video clip to help raise money for a rescue centre on April's land (from 'The Secret of Orchard Cottage').
It's actually quite amazing how much happens in such a short story, but none of it feels rushed. A very emotional yet uplifting story, that (despite the sobbing!) was absolutely wonderful. I love the Tindledale series and hope it long continues - a story about Taylor setting up the rescue centre would be perfect!
November 24, 2016
Ahh, just perfect.
Not just for christmas is set in the village of Tinderdale. I read the first book in based in Tinderdale The great christmas knit off and I felt that I had come home.
Widow Kitty and 4 yr old daughter Teddy run the Spotted Pig tearoom. Kitty's husband was killed in Afghanistan during his final tour of duty. Ed's best friend Mack was injured in the same incident.
When Mack contacts Kitty asking her to look after Ed's dog Monty she is initially doubtful. Monty is an adorable chocolate Labrador with one eye and a limp. There is an especially heart breaking moment when Monty smells Ed on a blanket made of his clothes and howls for his master.
Kitty feels she cannot look after Monty and asks Taylor from the pet parlour to look after him. Taylor is an animal lover and takes in unwanted animals. When she is offered the use of an old barn to use an an animal sanctuary she is ecstatic but needs money to renovate it.
She decides to open a just given page on the internet to start fundraising. Taylor finds out that Monty is indeed a talented dog even on civvy street. Like putting clothes into the washing machine and putting stars on christmas trees. When Taylor posts a video of Monty on the net the post goes viral and Monty is famous.
Can Monty make Mack, Kitty and Teddy a family for christmas.
This is great for christmas/dog lovers. I hope there will be a longer story about Kitty and the Spotted pig tea room in the future.
Not just for christmas is set in the village of Tinderdale. I read the first book in based in Tinderdale The great christmas knit off and I felt that I had come home.
Widow Kitty and 4 yr old daughter Teddy run the Spotted Pig tearoom. Kitty's husband was killed in Afghanistan during his final tour of duty. Ed's best friend Mack was injured in the same incident.
When Mack contacts Kitty asking her to look after Ed's dog Monty she is initially doubtful. Monty is an adorable chocolate Labrador with one eye and a limp. There is an especially heart breaking moment when Monty smells Ed on a blanket made of his clothes and howls for his master.
Kitty feels she cannot look after Monty and asks Taylor from the pet parlour to look after him. Taylor is an animal lover and takes in unwanted animals. When she is offered the use of an old barn to use an an animal sanctuary she is ecstatic but needs money to renovate it.
She decides to open a just given page on the internet to start fundraising. Taylor finds out that Monty is indeed a talented dog even on civvy street. Like putting clothes into the washing machine and putting stars on christmas trees. When Taylor posts a video of Monty on the net the post goes viral and Monty is famous.
Can Monty make Mack, Kitty and Teddy a family for christmas.
This is great for christmas/dog lovers. I hope there will be a longer story about Kitty and the Spotted pig tea room in the future.
November 4, 2016
Kitty, who runs the Spotted Pig Tea-rooms in the picturesque village of Tindledale, thinks she's come to terms with her husband Ed’s death on active duty. When she learns that Ed’s army dog, a black Labrador named Monty, is being retired and needs rehoming, it awakens her heartache once more.
Amber runs the pet parlour, but her love of dogs extends to rescuing abandoned pooches and now her tiny cottage is overflowing with homeless hounds. The only answer is to open a proper rescue centre but where will the money come from?
Kitty knows she could never take on Monty – it would be too painful, but with more than one dog needing a home this Christmas, is a miracle too much to hope for?
This is a lovely feel good factor story with the added storyline of stray pets!! Kitty's story is a sad one with the lose of her husband when she was pregnant with her daughter. Kitty realises when having to look after Monty that she really hasn't moved on from her husbands death.
This is well worth the read and would look forward to future books in the series.
Amber runs the pet parlour, but her love of dogs extends to rescuing abandoned pooches and now her tiny cottage is overflowing with homeless hounds. The only answer is to open a proper rescue centre but where will the money come from?
Kitty knows she could never take on Monty – it would be too painful, but with more than one dog needing a home this Christmas, is a miracle too much to hope for?
This is a lovely feel good factor story with the added storyline of stray pets!! Kitty's story is a sad one with the lose of her husband when she was pregnant with her daughter. Kitty realises when having to look after Monty that she really hasn't moved on from her husbands death.
This is well worth the read and would look forward to future books in the series.
December 5, 2016
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Kitty is a single mom to Teddie. Her husband Ed was a soldier and died in Iraq. She is still dealing with the loss and learning how to live without him. His best friend Mack shows up, he was a soldier as well. He is not alone, he brings Monty, Ed’s old army dog. Is she ready to look after this dog?!
A lot of memories come up because of Monty, but also because of Mack. The two of them spend a lot of time together and he helps her to get through this. The storyline flows beautifully and I just adore Alex’s authentic and vivid writing.
It’s all set in Tindledale, the perfect festive place for a story like this. Alex just created a beautiful ambiance and magical atmosphere.
I read this wonderful novella in one go and was actually sad when it was all over! The story is poignant, touching, sweet, emotional, uplifting and just gorgeous.
Kitty is a single mom to Teddie. Her husband Ed was a soldier and died in Iraq. She is still dealing with the loss and learning how to live without him. His best friend Mack shows up, he was a soldier as well. He is not alone, he brings Monty, Ed’s old army dog. Is she ready to look after this dog?!
A lot of memories come up because of Monty, but also because of Mack. The two of them spend a lot of time together and he helps her to get through this. The storyline flows beautifully and I just adore Alex’s authentic and vivid writing.
It’s all set in Tindledale, the perfect festive place for a story like this. Alex just created a beautiful ambiance and magical atmosphere.
I read this wonderful novella in one go and was actually sad when it was all over! The story is poignant, touching, sweet, emotional, uplifting and just gorgeous.
May 15, 2017
This short story was my second Alex Brown read and it did not disappoint. Finished reading with a cup of cocoa in hand and my dogs snoring by my side. Tears were shed; smiles, laughter and warm heart were induced. As I said in my review of my previous Tindledale read, it was sweet and sappy and predictable, but that is perhaps part of the charm.
December 12, 2016
I was in tears by the end of the prologue to this - and the rest of the story didn't quite live up to that start. It's a nice bittersweet second chance at romance type story with a cute dog, but although I liked it, I wasn't quite sure the two halves of the story hung together right. But it was a sweet Christmassy read.
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