When she wrote to Santa as a child, she didn’t know her wishes would come true years later…

Holly Berry is spending her first Christmas without her grandmother, who had raised her. It’s difficult, but she’s getting through it. Then, unexpectedly, she’s asked to foster a puppy. Feeling out of her depth, she turns to her childhood friend, who offers to give her some guidance.

Veterinarian Colin Bishop has given up on relationships after his busy practice keeps interfering with his private life. But when the girl next door needs some help, he’s more than willing to make room in his busy schedule. But he knows not to fall for her infectious laugh or dazzling smile because his patients will always come first.

Holly never thought the wishes she wrote on her Christmas list as a kid would come true, but unexpectedly, ghosts from Christmas past have come to visit. Will Colin be able to bring the joy back to her holiday? Or will those ghosts ruin everything?

Titles in the Kringle Falls, Vermont series include: Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses ~ Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses ~ Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses ~ Puppy Hugs & Mistletoe Kisses ~

This is a clean, sweet romance with either closed doors/fade to black, or only kissing.

Title:  Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses
Series:  Kringle Falls, Vermont #3
Author:  Jennifer Faye
Published:  November 1, 2025
Publisher:  Lazy Dazy Press
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses is the third title in the Kringle Falls, Vermont series, bringing us Holly, Colin, and a sweet puppy named Tater Tot (well, maybe rambunctious as well) in their Christmas Romance that will have you smiling throughout at one meant-to-be relationship.

What’s that old saying…”Be careful what you wish for, it just might come true.”?  Yeah, well, for years, Holly has had one continuous Christmas wish.  That the parents who had abandoned her into her beloved grandmother’s care as an infant would return for her… that never happened, until now.  Now, when her grandmother has passed away, when Holly is deep in grief and trying to figure out not only the business she’s been left, but how to love and foster an adorable puppy… they show up, and it’s not a happy reunion, but a heartbreaking glimpse into who these unfeeling parents actually are at the core.  With her world turned upside down, Holly’s going to need the loving and compassionate help of her childhood crush, Colin, with not only how to care for Tater Tot, but how to step back and claim her own life for herself, without fear, without reservation.

As always, Ms Faye has given us a heartfelt, emotional Christmas Romance full of laughter, sadness, and acceptance of who we are.  Holly and Colin are a perfect fit, although it does take a bit of time for Colin to realize that Holly is that part of life he’s been missing by devoting every waking moment to his four-legged patients.  In my personal opinion, Holly would have been better off without knowing, for certain, just how horrible her parents are… but, then she would never have been able to grow, to get beyond what up to this point has defined her: being left behind.  I loved watching walls crumble for both Holly and Colin throughout their story.  I simply adored Tater Tot; that puppy needed Holly just as much as she needed him… unconditional love is an amazing thing to witness, and nothing proves that more than the love of a dog for their person.

If you love a well-written, completely emotional Christmas Romance with issues to be dealt with, an uncomfortable past to put to rest, and a couple who will have you rooting for their happy ending… along with an adorable puppy, then Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses by Jennifer Faye is perfect for you.  Give yourself the gift of a wonderful romance this Holiday season.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*

If you enjoy this author’s work, please visit our Jennifer Faye page for more titles you may have missed over time.

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)