It was love at first sight. For their dogs.Cody Jones didn’t expect to ever return to Applebottom, planning a long life of military service and world travel.But a devastating injury in Iraq narrows his options, so he begrudgingly helps his mother expand her doggy bakery until he figures out what’s next.And in walks Melody Hopkins.Melody is dead broke and takes a summer job painting the new pet … broke and takes a summer job painting the new pet store to pay the bills. She’s new to Applebottom and has never encountered the moody, brutally handsome Cody Jones. She isn’t sure she can work around him, but then her tiny Pomeranian Mistletoe refuses to leave Cody’s service dog, a gorgeous Golden Retriever named Tyrus.
The town notices their reluctant friendship and puts them in charge of a grand opening celebration sure to draw visitors to the new store — a Christmas in July pet parade.
Cody doesn’t want to show off his injury to the whole town, but Melody’s infectious optimism convinces him to try. Besides, his service dog Tyrus can’t seem to live without Melody’s little fluff ball. What’s a veteran and a dog dad to do?
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Don’t miss the other standalone Applebottom books by Abby Tyler:
— The Sweetest Match
— The Perfect Disaster
— The Irresistible Spark
— The Unexpected Shelter
— The Special Delivery
more
I usually like more plot in my novels, but if you want a sweet, wholesome romance
without much angst, this is the book for you. A wounded warrior is saved by the love of a good woman, a small town, and loyal dogs.
After leaving the Army with a leg injury and PTSD, Cody was helping his mother with the expansion of her bakery for dogs. He was glad to be working alone because he was embarrassed about his injury and he never knew when his anger would get the better of him. When Melody came along, offering to help with the painting, etc., his mother hired her on the spot. Cody was not happy about that. But Melody was a very cheerful, positive person who didn’t let Cody’s grumpiness bother her. Much.
I enjoyed the small-town setting with its matchmaking seniors. And the “romance” between the two dogs was cute. Having a Christmas in July parade for the town – but especially for the seniors who loved Christmas and may not be there for another holiday season – was the nicest idea.
Fans of sweet small-town romance will enjoy this book.
Who doesn’t love Christmas in July! I absolutely love Abby Tyler’s Applebottom Series. Each book can be read as a standalone and is a sweet clean romance. Mistletoe Summer is a quick read but full of entertainment and fantastic writing. Cody and Melody have great chemistry and a town of elders determined to push them together.
Cody has PTSD and a bum leg. His dog Tyrus keeps him in the hear and now. He doesn’t feel like he has much of a future.
Melody is a calculus teacher and cheerleader coach at the local high school. Being new to town, she doesn’t know many people. But when Delilah needs help with her store, Melody needs the extra money and offers to help.
Fantastic quick sweet read!
Favorite Quotes:
Delilah gripped her coffee like it was the last Tickle Me Elmo at Walmart.
“They have a Christmas in July here. So we start decorations early.” “Why?” Grandma’s eyes met hers with sadness. “Because many of us won’t see another holiday season.”
My Review:
While sweet and wholesome is not my typical fare, I am gleefully enjoying Abby Tyler’s delightful small-town romances, this entire series has been sweet enough to cause dental issues. This quick installment covered a lot of ground with a wide range of characters including a seriously wounded and recovering and vet suffering from PTSD, senior citizens, a cancer survivor, teachers, small-town matchmaking busybodies, service dogs, parades, Christmas out of season, and a Manic Pixie Dream Girl – a moniker which required the unlimited resources of Mr. Google to fully appreciate. The storylines are thoughtfully written, easy to follow, and pleasantly entertaining while observantly insightful and wryly amusing and host a lively and enticing cast of uniquely quirky characters. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next volume.
For honest review. I’m a town of applebottom Cody and his service dog tyrus are back from the military after a injury . Melody her a dog mistletoe she’s a teacher and pepsquad coach looking for a summer job At the doggy bakery this is a beautiful and wonderful story of puppy love lol and so much more . 10 stars
Abby Tyler never disappoints, Mistletoe Summer takes you back to Applebottom. This book was about a real life serious issue that affects so many people not just Service Men and women, PTSD. So this book might hit home for some, while others will fall in love with the puppies that are in this sweet, heart warming, small town love kind of book. If you haven’t put Mistletoe Summer on your “Must Read List” you must do it now! You will defiantly not be disappointed in this book It is an easy read, and I know I didn’t put it down once I got the book, and you won’t either!
Just like Christmas in July, this is the best read of this series. Heart warming, HEA. This is definitely your feel good read this summer. Love revolves around trauma and end of life decisions, wrapped in a sweet, puppy loving package. Put his on your “must read” list.
I loved this story! For fans of HEAs, small towns, gossipy townspeople, opposites attract, sweet romance, and, of course, dogs! While it touches on heavier topics ( his PTSD, and her grandmother’s cancer), at heart this is a love story, first between two dogs, and finally between their owners. Abby Tyler and the folks of Applebottom strike again, and I can’t wait to go back!