Dear Reader,

Characters often come to me fully formed, and Asher Matsuda is an example of that. The bisexual widower had a cameo in his brother Caleb’s book, Holiday by Candlelight. Given the advice he shared with Caleb, I knew Asher still believed in love, even after losing his husband to cancer. I had a sexy-as-all-get-out mental picture of a brawny bearded man shelving books and leading children’s story time. I also knew he was a loving father who was willing to make a life-altering change—moving across the country—because he believed he and his daughter, Ruth, needed a new start.

Asher trusts his second chance at love will show up at the right time, for him and Ruth. Local veterinarian Maggie Reid doesn’t believe there’s ever a right time for that kind of vulnerability, but when the dog she’s training bonds with Asher and Ruth, she can’t help but wonder if the canine is onto something. There’s something irresistible about the kind-hearted librarian. Especially when he’s wielding a hammer in an attempt to make some extra cash to facilitate Ruth’s ski-racing team fees. The newcomers have Maggie questioning long-held beliefs. Does she have room for romance and motherhood—and a giant goofy dog—in her life after all?

I’d love to hear your own goofy-dog stories. Come find me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest (laurelgreerauthor) to share your best canine adventures.

Happy reading,

Laurel