A chance to mend her body… A doc to heal her heart? In this Pups that Make Miracles story, search-and-rescue worker Cassandra Bellow arrives at Heatherglen Clinic injured and reeling from the loss of her faithful rescue dog. But a Christmas romance with the gorgeous clinic manager, Dr. Lyle Sinclair, along with Heatherglen’s adorable therapy dogs, restores Cass’s lust for life. Except soon … life. Except soon she must return to America–unless guarded Lyle asks her to stay…
Pups that Make Miracles quartet
Book 1 – Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue
Book 2 – Festive Fling with the Single Dad
Look out for the next books, coming soon:
Book 3 – Making Christmas Special Again
Book 4 – Their One-Night Christmas Gift
“I absolutely love Ms. Carlisle’s writing style. It’s sublime and every book I’ve read by her has been captivating, fast-paced, filled with wonderful characters that have kept me entertained from start to finish…. Really, right from the beginning of this story I was completely hooked….”
—Harlequin Junkie on The Sheikh Doc’s Marriage Bargain
“Emotional, well-written and a joy to read, the author gives the reader a front row seat as the heartwarming, slow-burning romance unfolds. I was swept up in the high-octane drama and devoured every word! Overall, the story was cute and romantic with plenty good times to keep me hooked.”
—Goodreads on Nurse to Forever Mom
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I gave this a 5 star because it is such a great book it was a page turner I would recommend this book if you haven’t read you should!
I love a good Christmas story anytime of the year and this is one not to be missed, a gorgeous setting, a castle in Scotland, snow, Christmas decorations and a hero to die for and a heroine who has been through a lot and comes here to get back on her feet, I hope you come along for the journey to a HEA with Lyle and Cass.
Cass Bellow has been loving her job in search and rescue with her beloved partner Rufus, but after a terrible accident that sees Cass injured and the loss of Rufus she is sent to Heatherglen Clinic to recuperate never expecting that she will lose her heart to the very handsome clinic manager Dr Lyle Sinclair and find herself again with his help and the help of the canine therapy.
Lyle Sinclair is a good doctor he started his career in the army something that runs in the family, but finds that he loves working at Heatherglen helping injured patients get back their lives, the dogs are such a help as well, but when a new patient arrives, Cass there is an instant connection and he loves getting to know this beautiful, strong and vulnerable woman.
What a start to a beautiful series I loved this one from start to finish, I love the dogs they are so beautiful, so many emotions, so much love, but of course there were a few hurdles to cross first and Lyle helped Cass in so many ways but Cass in turn helped Lyle to make a decision and move forward. MS Carlisle never disappoints me with one of her stories and this is one that I highly recommend, it is sure to leave all readers feeling uplifted and happy.
Cass and Lyle’s love story in Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue by Susan Carlisle, book 1 in Pups that Make Miracles series, is a sweet and an enjoyable tale. Needing additional rehabbing after her injury Cassandra Bellow arrived at the Heathglen Clinic disheartened from the loss of her rescue dog and the knowledge that her career in search and rescue was over. With the friendship and patience of Dr. Lyle Sinclair, Cass begins to heal inside and out. In addition, working with and training Heathglen’s amazing therapy dogs re-energizes Cass and gives her inspiration for her future. A future that could include the romantic relationship Cass and Lyle have begun; both needing to be loved by someone other than their families.
Ms. Carlisle wrote an emotional, flirty, sweet romance that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sexual chemistry, humor, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Cass and Lyle a chance at a forever love. I highly recommend Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Excellent book that tugged at my heartstrings. Cassandra arrived at the rehab clinic in Scotland, exhausted and hurting, physically and emotionally. During a search-and-rescue mission in Europe she was severely injured, and her canine partner was killed while saving her. She doesn’t understand why she was sent there rather than a rehab facility back in the States, but she’s determined to get better and get out. She is also at a crossroads because she doesn’t know whether she’ll be able to resume her career, or even if she could bear having a new partner.
I liked the development of the relationship between Lyle and Cass. Lyle is the director of the clinic and determined to see Cassandra fully healed. He is sincerely concerned about all his patients’ recoveries, but something about Cass calls a little deeper to him. I loved how he is firm with her when she needs it, but that there is an underlying kindness and gentleness in the way he treats her. There were a few times in the beginning when I wanted to shake Cass because she was so stubborn and nearly rude, but Lyle didn’t let it get to him. I enjoyed that evening early on when Lyle found Cass almost frozen after she had gone for a walk to avoid having to have dinner with everyone. Again, that mixture of firm and kind was just what she needed. What neither one expected was the flare of attraction between them.
I liked seeing their friendship develop as they spent more time together. I felt a little bad for Lyle when he discovered the full story behind Cass’s refusal to work with one of the therapy dogs. He hadn’t understood the depth of her grief and liked that he was willing to find a compromise. Cass appreciated his efforts, and I loved seeing the effect it had on her. Though she still avoided making an emotional connection with any of the dogs, the retired rescue dog, Hero, touched her heart anyway. I loved the scene with him and the search for the lost girl. I liked the slow but steady growth of Lyle and Cass’s friendship into something more, even if neither was willing to admit to it.
Both Cass and Lyle have issues that hold them back from admitting those feelings. Cass is a bit of a mess emotionally. She isn’t sure what her future holds, job-wise, as she doesn’t know if she can ever bond with another rescue dog. Romantically, the last relationship she had ended when her boyfriend could neither understand nor accept that her work was part of who she was. She isn’t sure that she is ready to risk her heart again. Lyle also had a failed relationship behind him. His girlfriend sent him a “Dear John” letter while he was deployed, making him reluctant to trust again either. He also has an ongoing dilemma with his dying father, who expects Lyle to follow the family tradition and rejoin the military. But Lyle has no interest in doing so, as the time he spent before nearly destroyed him. The problem is, he can’t bring himself to stand up for what he wants. I loved seeing Cass stand up for him when he wouldn’t do it himself.
I ached for them both when her time at the clinic was nearly over, and Lyle wanted her to stay. But Cass’s fears wouldn’t let go of her, and she ran, but not before lashing out at Lyle. I hurt for him, because he realized his feelings for her, but couldn’t get past those fears. I liked that both of them took their time apart to look honestly at what was holding them back. Cass’s big moment at the end was deeply emotional, and I loved seeing the decisions she made. The conclusion was sweet and romantic, and I hope to see more of them in the other books.
I liked the secondary characters, from the Laird to the staff members, to fellow patient Andy. I liked Laird Charles’s decision to use the castle as a way to honor his brother Nick’s sacrifice. I look forward to reading their stories in the rest of the series. I also liked Lyle’s parents. His mom was sweet and welcoming to Cass. Lyle’s dad was a bit harder to like with the way he kept hammering at Lyle about returning to active service. He did sort of redeem himself at the end.
Scotland heals the soul. Hot doctors and puppies certainly help, too. Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue has all three, plus a whole lotta heart. A perfect read for anyone looking for a shot of holiday cheer.
4 1/2 STARS!
Filled with emotion! With the kick-off book in the brand new Pups That Make Miracles series in the Harlequin Medical Romance line, Susan Carlisle brings us HIGHLAND DOC’S CHRISTMAS RESCUE centering around a recovering search and rescue member and the doctor who runs the clinic she is sent to for rehabilitation.
Cassandra’s story quickly hooks the reader as we learn of the devastating loss of her canine partner during the rescue she herself was injured in. She’s not sure where to go from here … will she ever be able to do the job she once adored if her trusted partner is no longer at her side?
Lyle is easy to like and makes her recover a little more lighthearted than we might have expected once they start falling for each other.
I recommend this story to anyone looking for an emotion filled holiday read filled with a beautiful happily ever after. Really enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to more to come!
One thing Cassandra Bellow knew for sure – she didn’t want to be here.Here being the Heatherglen Clinic in Scotland. Heatherglen Clinic had an excellent reputation but Cass just didn’t think she needed to be at this clinic for physical therapy. Why not a clinic at home in the States? Especially not when she learned the extent of the clinic’s canine therapy program. She didn’t know how she could bear that. Not after her loss. Seems canine therapy is mandatory. She’d show up but that’s about it. Cass was determined to show no weakness. She just wanted to finish physical therapy and be released. Also she didn’t want to like the clinic manager Dr. Lyle Sinclair, but she couldn’t help herself. There is just something about him that calls to her. Lyle somehow made her hurt a little less. But she would be leaving Scotland in a few weeks when her therapy was finished. This just isn’t the right time for them. Or is it?
Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue by Susan Carlisle is the first book in the Pups that Make Miracles series. The idea of a clinic where the patients all have therapy dogs assigned to them for their stay there is rather interesting to me. I really like that idea. I enjoyed Ms. Carlisle’s writing style. The characters are very likeable and I especiallyliked Lyle. His easy-going manner and sincere concern for his patients made for special character traits. I enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere in this story; the decorating and all the delightful holiday items in the Christmas market in the village. This is a sweet yet sensual romance filled with warth and Christmas cheer.