At a fundraising event for animals, a plunge into a frigid lake may be an opportunity for cold-blooded murder . . . The Tail Waggin' Winterfest is the highlight of the season in the famously pet-friendly Pocono Mountains town of Sylvan Creek. But despite attractions like an ice sculpture display, a dogsled race, and gourmet hot chocolate, Daphne Templeton finds herself annoyed by TV producer Lauren Savidge, who's filming the festivities. She's critical, controlling, and as chilly as the January air. Daphne would like to tell her to go jump in a lake—and as a matter of fact, that's exactly what they're both going to do . . . It's the first-ever polar bear plunge in Lake Wallapawakee, and Daphne and Lauren are among the eighty or so people who charge into the frigid water to raise funds for animals in need. Daphne makes it back to shore—with the help of a mysterious St. Bernard—but Lauren is dragged out stone cold dead. Now, with her trusty basset hound Socrates at her side, Daphne intends to assist Detective Jonathan Black in his investigation—whether he wants her to or not . . . Includes recipes for homemade pet treats! “Doggone charming from start to finish!” —Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author on Death by Chocolate Lab

“Ties together bits of mystery, romance, scandal, dogs, cats, and pet-friendly recipes in a story that covers all the bases.” —Kirkus Reviews Even an experienced pet sitter like Daphne Templeton can be fooled by animal behavior: How can an adorably tiny fuzz ball named Tinkleston be capable of sudden flying leaps with cat claws bared? But human behavior remains even more mysterious, especially when Tinkleston's owner is murdered on the night of a gala fundraiser for Fur-ever Friends Pet Rescue. Accompanied by her unflappable basset hound, Socrates, Daphne plans to take charge of Tinks the Terror and leave the crimesolving to handsome detective Jonathan Black. But while luring the prickly Persian out of hiding, she uncovers clues that might take suspicion off her own mother. Maeve Templeton already has a reputation as a killer—in real estate. How far would she go to bag Sylvan Creek's most coveted property, the Flynt Mansion? To expose the truth, Daphne finds herself donning a deranged clown costume on an autumnal adventure that might just be crazy enough to work—if it doesn't get her killed. Includes recipes for homemade pet treats! “Doggone charming from start to finish!” —Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author on Death by Chocolate Lab

Daphne Templeton’s sister Piper is getting married—and their mother is getting carried away. She insists on hiring Sylvan Creek’s top event planner, Abigail Sinclair, who proposes an Independence Day theme complete with Statue of Liberty-inspired bridesmaid dresses. With all the bickering among the families, Daphne’s glad her only duty right now is pet-sitting for Abby’s cat, Ms. Peebles. But there are some fireworks coming that aren’t part of the ceremony. The Poconos will never be the same . . . At a tension-filled dress fitting, the abrasive wedding planner is found strangled by a garter—a weapon both borrowed and blue. Now Daphne’s services are required not just for organizing the big day, but for figuring out whether one of the in-laws is an outlaw . . . Includes recipes for homemade pet treats! “Doggone charming from start to finish!” —Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author on Death by Chocolate Lab

In the memoir Angels and Pawprints, Jeanette Gardner continues the rest of her life story, detailing how she managed to survive all the adventures, hardships, and mishaps that accompanied raising five children born in rapid succession with a mere six years separating all of them. Gardner, the author of Dirty Feet and Hungry Hearts, begins by sharing details of the day she left Greybull, Montana, for Billings, met the love of her life, married him after a five-week courtship, and began what she calls the great adventure into marriage and motherhood. As she relays her poignant and humorous experiences, Gardner divulges the entertaining antics of her five children as they grew from toddlers to teens. From eating Drano, to starting fires in the chimney, to falling from trees, and swallowing pins, Gardners anecdotes highlight one mothers sometimes hilarioussometimes tearfulstruggle to survive the challenges of raising a large family where the daily goal was often to just keep everyone alive. Gardners look back at the craziness of motherhood filled with gray hair, laughter, tears, heart-stopping emergencies, and a heart overflowing with love prove that the absolute best job in the world is to be a mother.

In a rollicking, anecdote-rich collection, psychologist and canine authority Coren explores the historical contributions made by man's best friend. 20 photos throughout.

A Sylvan Creek native and founder of a national chain of pet care franchises return home to announce plans for a new flagship store. But after the woman is found stabbed with a distinctive pair of pet shears, professional pet sitter Daphne Templeton is on the case! Includes recipes for homemade pet treats. Original.

Chelsea and Anthony were elated when they adopted Sugar and Spice, a male and a female retriever. The shelter attendant assured them that the female had been spayed, but the male needed to get neutered. When Sugar went for a checkup, they discovered otherwise; Sugar was pregnant. So, when Sugar actually gave birth, finding the perfect owner for each puppy was arduous, but on that warm summer afternoon, the seemingly perfect couple fit the bill. With tears in her eyes, Chelsea handed them the last pup, the one she loved as if it were her own daughter. Two years later, she received a phone call from a veterinarian that left Chelsea with a choice to make. One that would make things right, as they should've been from the beginning. One that would change their lives forever. A moving love story of sorts that demonstrates the unbreakable bond and sustainable love between dogs and humans. A fictional novella.

Near the creek that runs behind her Pennsylvania house, Willow Bellamy has converted an old barn into an art school—though the place does still have some animal inhabitants, including Rembrandt, the owl who lives up in the rafters. And while it’s important for any artist to have a vision, Willow can sometimes see things others can’t, just like her mother and grandmother before her. Not that she would exactly call herself a witch . . . When some local merchants gather in the studio for a painting party, they focus their attention on a still life with flowers and an assortment of garden tools, including antique pruning shears that disappear—at the same time despised restaurant owner Evangeline Fletcher is murdered. Willow must use all her gifts to find the killer, although it means teaming up with a handsome, mysterious detective whom Willow fears she may have accidentally conjured from a canvas. This investigation is sure to be a hoot . . . “Doggone charming from start to finish!” —Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author on Death by Chocolate Lab

A snowy January night. A cat that beat the odds. A man whose life would be forever changed. This is the remarkable story of Toby Jug, the extraordinary cat who thought he was human. Paw Prints in the Moonlight is the truly special tale of one kind man and the cat that changed his life. Set in the rural splendor of Northumberland, England, this heartwarming and classic book will be cherished by people of all ages. When Denis O'Connor rescues a three-week-old kitten from certain death during a snowstorm, little does he know how this tiny creature will change his life forever. Against all odds the kitten-whom he names Toby Jug-survives and turns out to be a wondrous Maine Coon Cat extraordinaire. Life with Toby is never dull, and Denis and Toby embark on a series of sometimes comical, sometimes poignant adventures that bring them ever closer together. From the massive invasion of bees at Owl Cottage to the mysterious case of the disappearing tomatoes, Denis and Toby form an extraordinary bond, and the cat that no one thought would live through the night ends up altering the lives of everyone he meets. With spectacular watercolor illustrations depicting Toby's many hijinks, this timeless story about the power of pets will captivate readers of Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog, and Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love.

The ideal book for fans of All Creatures Great and Small, this sweet and touching tale about the power of pets will touch the hearts of all who read it Readers who fondly recall James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small will applaud the second coming of this beloved author in Denis O'Connor, who charmed cat lovers everywhere with Paw Prints in the Moonlight. Now, in Paw Prints at Owl Cottage, O'Connor returns with another heartwarming and timeless tale of the power of pets. When Denis and his wife Catherine return to Owl Cottage, their former home, only to find it in a dilapidated state, they decide to restore this charming house. But the memory of Denis's beloved cat, Toby Jug, still lingers on. On impulse he buys a Maine Coon Kitten, Pablo, who proves to be such a wonderful companion that he decides to buy three more and names them Carlos, Luis, and Max. Set against the wilds of the Northumbrian coast, Denis tenderly and humorously charts the ups and downs of life with his mischievous cats in this warm and touching tale.