Agnes Santorini, known as “Yiayia” to her Greek clan, only has one thing on her Christmas list — a brown short-haired dachshund that matches the one she dreamed about, certain that pup can save her aging heart. When she learns that a local man has this very dog for adoption, she and her partner-in-crime, Gramma Finnie, leash up their current doxies and join forces with their great-granddaughter … great-granddaughter to get their paws on the pooch.
But things don’t go quite as smoothly as expected. A quick walk through the town of Bitter Bark turns complicated when the dog’s owner has a simple demand, which sets off a series of events that have two grannies and one girl dashing through the snow with two dogs in tow. As they meet every demand and overcome every obstacle, Yiayia shares the secret of her past…and reveals just why this is the canine angel she needs to save her.
But even if they manage to get the dog under their Christmas tree, that might not be where the little fellow belongs. And maybe, just maybe, Yiayia’s heart can be healed by a completely different kind of love…the kind that only comes at Christmas.
The Dogmothers Series – a spinoff from the popular “Dogfather” books
Daniel Kilcannon has not only orchestrated wonderfully happy endings for his six adult kids, he’s also found one of his own. That leaves his grown nieces, nephews, and stepkids all in need of their own magical romances. Is the Dogfather too preoccupied with his new lady love to pull the strings and make the matches? Maybe. But never fear, there’s a new team in town and these two might be polar opposites in life, but they are lined up in love. Meet Yiayia and Gramma Finnie…one has the steel spine of a Greek warrior, the other has the sweet soul of an Irish poet. Together, along with two darling dachshunds, these Dogmothers won’t stop until all of their grandchildren are hooked, hitched, and happy!
About the Author
Published since 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty romance and suspense novels. In addition to being a ten-time nominee and one-time winner of the prestigious RITATM Award for the best in romance writing, Roxanne’s books have won the National Readers’ Choice Award four times and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. A recent empty-nester, Roxanne lives in Florida with her husband and two dogs.
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DACHSHUND THROUGH THE SNOW (The Dogmothers Book #2.5) by Roxanne St. Claire is a Christmas novella addition to the Dogmother series. While not a contemporary romance, this story is full of family, friendship, holiday cheer and love. This side novella gives the backstory of “Yaiyai”, Grandma Santorini intertwined with present day errands of both Dogmothers and Prudence on Christmas Eve. Get the tissues ready for this one!
This is the perfect emotional and feel good holiday addition to this series!
We are back with the Dogmothers, Agnes Santorini, young Pru, and her great grandmother Finnie. Which means they are once again, on an adventure that is at times funny, at others sad, as well as touching.
While Agnes is determined to get the dog of her dreams, we learn a secret she has held for many years.
You will laugh, cry and end up with a “feel good” sensation at the end of this perfect Christmas story.
One of my favorite things about this series is the interactions and relationships between these three totally different individuals. You get the sharp tongue of Agnes, the wisdom of Finnie and the innocence and youth of Pru.
Another entertaining story in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
It might be 88 degrees outside on this sunny, June afternoon yet, in my opinion, there is never, ever a bad time for a really good Christmas story. And that is exactly what you’ll find in ‘Dachshund Through the Snow‘ which is the third story, a Christmas novella in ‘The Dogmothers‘ series. The most recent title (the fifth) in this series has recently released, and I need to get caught up on this series so this unique story full of Christmas love was the perfect way to spend a bit of time. While not a Christmas Romance in the strictest sense of the phrase, Yiayia’s story is overflowing with information we’ve been looking for about her change of heart and lifestyle – and is definitely a love story, the most beautiful kind where that love shines through on the people who need it the most.
Agnes Santorini, who also is known as Yiayia to her grandchildren (and others who have picked up the nickname) is a fascinating character to me. We’ve gotten bits and pieces of her story, of her bitterness and downright nastiness previously which has miraculously changed since moving to Bitter Bark. Now she’s an older woman determined to change a lifetime’s worth of bad attitude in the time left to her on this earth. Bits and pieces of how and why, yet before now not the complete story which is what we’ll get in ‘Dachshund Through the Snow‘ along with Pru’s troubles with her best friend… and the entire Santorini, Mahoney, and Kilcannon clans together for this Christmas adventure. As Pru, Agnes, and Gramma Finnie dash through Bitter Bark on the hunt for one bartered item (or favor) after another we’ll learn of Yiayia’s past and why this particular little dachshund is so important to her.
There were moments when ‘Dachshund Through the Snow‘ had me in tears, and others in laugh out loud surprise at the antics and happenings these scavenger hunters are encountering. Yet throughout I had such a good time, a better understanding of why Yiayia became a woman who really needed an attitude adjustment, and the bonds of family and friendship that shine so clearly throughout this story. I prefer to read a series in order – that’s just me – and it would help somewhat if you had an idea of the dynamics of these families…. but I don’t feel (this time) that it’s absolutely necessary since this isn’t really a romance but a love story of a different type. Any definition of characters you’d need is within the story, but really this is totally about Agnes, Finnie, Pru, and one very special pup. I had such a good time in this story full of Christmas spirit, love of friends, and perhaps seeing a dream change into something far more powerful. We’ll also get a short set up of the next story, ‘Chasing Tail‘, but this is Yiayia and Finnie’s chance to steal the spotlight completely.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
I have been struggling through an emotional time but this story let me shed tears of happiness. We finally get a glimpse into Yiayia’s backstory and we set off on a journey to get her what she wants for Christmas. Along with the Dogmothers and Pru this one is just what we all need right now!
Anyone who loves dogs needs to read this series of books. They are all awesome.
Great book! I love the Dogmother series!
This is book #2.5 in The Dogmother series.
It is the story of Agnes Santorini and the one thing on her Christmas list. She has dreamed about a brown short-haired daschsund. She is certain this pup can save her aging heart. She learns that a local man has one that matches the description of the one she dreams about. She and her partner in crime, Gramma Finnie, join forces and go with their current doxies to get their hands on this pooch.
Things don’t go as they expect. The dog’s owner has a request that quickly turns into a series of events that has two grandmas and their great-granddaughter dashing through town with two dogs in tow.
They meet every demand, overcome every obstacle and Agnes shares secrets from her past when she was 18. As she shares her secrets, she also reveals why this doggie angel is what she needs to save her.
They try with everything they have to get this dog under their Christmas tree. Thing is, maybe that is not where he belongs. Maybe Agnes’ heart can be healed by a certain kind of Christmas love, a different kind of love.
Really enjoyed this story. I loved finding out more about the family, and some of their secrets. There is a big family, great dogs, and the truest kind of love.
What a lovely Holiday story! Like a delicious French macaron, this holiday visit to Bitter Bark is delicious, with more complexity under the surface than you think. Agnes Santorini’s determination to adopt “the” dachshund from her dreams sends her, Finnie and fav great-granddaughter Pru on a unique scavenger-style hunt to ensure the pup they located winds up in Agnes’ arms. As each obstacle overcome brings our trio closer to the goal, each step in the story presents the reader with some more insight into who exactly is, and was, Agnes Santorini.
Ms. St. Claire always give the reader an excellent plot, engaging characters and well-written pages. She is on top of her game with this story as well. But what really captured my attention was the one main character she has written, in all the books of hers I have read, that I do not care for. I have had a very, very hard time warming to Agnes “Yiayia” Santorini. Sure, her friendship with Finnie and her (slow) acceptance of her new life in Bitter Bark made it seem like the old Yiayia was gone. But like members of her family, I expected the other shoe to drop and judgmental, uncharitable, unfiltered Agnes would appear tossing bitter words like grenades. But this story goes back in time so the reader can meet a young Agnes, when she is at the cusp of womanhood. The choices she made then clearly made her the woman she was and just may help make her the woman she wants to be. I would like Agnes to reflect a bit more on her past, as the attitude of her father (an attitude she did not like) was very similar to the attitude she carried towards her daughter-in-law Katie. Am I warming to Agnes? I am not quite sure, but I do understand her more.
Oh yes, just like a French macaron, once the complex yumminess fades, I am craving more! I cannot wait for the next Dogmother book!
This book was the perfect redemption story for Agnes “Yiayia” Santorini.
While on a mission to find a particular dachshund on Christmas Eve, Agnes shares her “sordid secret” last with Gramma Finnie. Times were different back in the 1950’s and girls, particularly Greek girls, we’re expected to maintain certain standards of behavior and decorum. When Agnes discovers her father’s plans for her future, Agnes is appalled and angry which leads her to make a rash decision that shapes not only her life but her personality, as well.
Be sure you have a lot of tissues handy when you read this one. And I guarantee you will have a different opinion of Agnes after reading this book!
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I loved this story
I loved Dachshund Through the Snow. It’s a great way to start the holiday season, reading a fun new Dogmothers “Tail”! Both Yiayia and Finnie have the assistance of granddaughter, Pru. They are hot on the trail to get the perfect dachshund for Grandma Agnes Santorini. She sees this dog as a way to forgiveness for her misspent youth when she ran away from home. She’s never been able to forgive herself for the mistakes she made. She finally shares the story with Grandma Finnie and Part of the story with Pru, also. Anyways, this tale is full of fun, some sadness, redemption, and wonder, and goodness of the Christmas Season!
I received an ARC of this ebook and have chosen to write an honest review.
Christmas at It’s Best
This is a very heartwarming stand-alone HEA book. This is an offshoot of the “Dogfather, “Dogmother” series. The story revolves around Agnes “Yiayia” Santorini, Gramma “Finnie” Kilcannon & Finnie’s great granddaughter Pru, looking for a special Christmas dog for Yiayia, finding a real live baby for the church Christmas pageant & Yiayia unloading a secret she’s carried around for over 70 years.
It’s about a time of forgiveness, loving, friendship & the true meaning of Christmas. It was a joy to read as is the Dogfather & Dogmother series by Roxanne St. Claire.
Doesn’t everyone want a puppy for Christmas? Even YiaYia has the one mission of a dog for Christmas, so when she finds out that there is a dachshund up for adoption, she seeks the help of Gramma Finnie and Pru to help her. As the story unfolds you get the background story of YiaYia as a young lady.
Loved this story, that is a heartwarming story that will have you laughing out loud, and shedding a few tears along the way. A perfect afternoon read for this busy Christmas season, that shows the true meaning of Christmas.
This is Agnes (Yiayia’s) Santorini “get to know me” novella, dusted with Finnie Kilcannon’s endless wisdom and their great grandchild Pru’s idealism and determination. The ladies are on a mission, they need to find that special dog, save Bitter Bark’s Christmas celebration while spreading tough love, hilarity and forgiveness all the way around. It also will give us a glimpse of the next Dogmothers novel so expect cameos from your favorite characters. I absolutely loved how the grammas transformed themselves to play such important characters and definitely how they sing carols. Their “Off to church we go…laughing all the way!” is now permanently stuck in my head.
On release date, I wanted to read the Dogmothers latest story but life happens, so it was slightly delayed. I was more than ready to caught up with the Kilcannons, Santorinis, Mahoneys and the furry friends that always melt my heart but there was something slightly different and was exactly what I needed to read and be reminded. Dachshund Through The Snow is not a pure romance, but it is full of love and life. This Christmas novella is personal, each reader will find something that hit home in a good way and will make you feel. For this reader, I was reminded that Christmas doesn’t equal presents under a tree but the lessons learned and the love shared among each others. Thank you Roxanne St.Claire!
I loved this novella because it finally gave us more insight into Agnes who has dubbed herself The Dogmother along with her partner in matchmaking Gramma Finnie. I would never have guessed what was in her past and I love how it explained why she became who she was. Such a great holiday read. I love this series!
Great Christmas story. Never disappointed with a book written by Roxanne!
Loved it! Last Christmas we got Grandma Finnie’s story, so it was only fitting that this year, we would get Yiayia’s story. Again Pru is on an adventure, this time with both of her Grandmas and on foot. During this journey, Yiayia tells her story and why this cute little dachshund is so important to her. This was an emotional read, it will have you laughing and shedding a few tears. It was a sweet Christmas story. I highly recommend it and all the Dogfather and Dogmother series books. You will not be disappointed. I received an ARC copy and this is my voluntary review.
Dachshund THROUGH THE SNOW is a standalone read with a very happy ending. This is part of a series but instead of a love story it is a story about love and forgiveness and the true meaning of Christmas. The 2 grannies in this big family are on a mission to buy a dog. they get side-tracked by everything imaginable. The Greek grannie starts to tell her story about why she is such a angry, hard person. Her lesson is forgiveness of herself. She has carried a secret for over 60 years and she beats herself up over it every day. She also takes her anger out on others as well.
This story is funny, witty (for instance the grandson has a t-shirt with ” Your dog don’t know sit”… on it. I am still laughing about that) it is touching to the point you will need a tissue. It is loving and forgiving. It is a GREAT story and you won’t want to miss it. This series is about a big family and as each child (now adults) gets married off it has a HEA ending. This story is not that this time. It is a great story and one you won’t soon forget. I loved it. And having Christmas with this big family. I HIGHLY recommend this fun, loving story.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 12/3/2019
We finally get to find out about Agnes “Yiayia” Santorini backstory and what an emotional ride it was! Yiayia only wants one thing for Christmas….a brown short-haired dachshund that she saw in her dream so when her fellow Dogmother tells her she found one, they set off on another Christmas adventure with Pru along for the ride.
As one adventure turns into another it looks like Yiayia may not have her Christmas wish filled but in Bitter Bark anything can happen when the Kilcannon/Mahoney/Santorini clan get involved.
Throughout the adventure, Yiayia tells her story about her past to Finnie and Pru….well not all of it to Pru…..but you get a better understanding of why Yiayia is like she is. Just when it looks like Yiayia is going to have her Christmas miracle, a different type of miracle takes place instead.
I just adore this series and this is another story of perfection from Roxanne St. Claire. Even in a novella she knows how to make you laugh, make you swoon and make you cry! Wonderful Christmas story and highly recommended!
This is the third of the Dog Mothers books. In this one, Agnes Santorini (or “Yiayia”) dreams of a particular dachshund. She thinks this particular dog will absolve her of mistakes she made when she was young. She finds a dog that looks exactly like the one in her dreams. However, the path to ownership is convoluted.
Along the way, Grandma Finnie and we learn more about Yiayia. She has reason to feel that she needs forgiveness, and she does find it, but not in the way we expect.
This is another wonderful book full of people, dogs, and lots and lots of love. I think you will enjoy it.