First published 2012
Todd McCray works at the local animal shelter alongside his faithful Labrador retriever Christmas. At twenty-four, Todd has found his calling caring for abandoned animals and training them for new lives. When volunteer Laura arrives, Todd discovers a kindred spirit. Laura faces physical challenges that make daily tasks difficult, so Todd and Christmas train a dog named Gracie to assist her. Their friendship deepens as they work together, but crisis strikes in early December. Funding cuts will shutter the shelter before year's end, leaving dozens of dogs without homes. Todd must find families for every animal while the clock ticks toward Christmas. The task grows harder as struggling local families abandon more pets they can no longer afford. Todd also faces personal upheaval when his feelings for Laura shift from friendship toward something deeper. With Christmas approaching and the shelter doors closing, Todd relies on his family, friends, and his two special dogs to accomplish what seems impossible.
Genres: fiction, romance, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, friends-to-lovers
Setting: Labrador
Period: Christmas
225 pages · Hardcover · Crown