A Pet for Christmas

A Veteran's Christmas, Book 2

By: Rachelle Ayala

Narrated by: Elizabeth Klett

Kelly Kennedy thought her life was finally on track. Engaged to the man of her dreams and with a baby on the way, she reassures her five-year-old daughter Bree, that the father she picked for Christmas still loves her.

Unfortunately, war veteran Tyler Manning has been away most of the year. Recovering from PTSD isn't easy. Rather than worry Kelly, Tyler spends his time traveling to Afghanistan to work at a children's charity he founded.

Kelly decides to distract Bree with promises of a pet for Christmas. When Tyler is taken hostage by terrorists, she finds it hard to convince Bree that they will truly be a family in time for Christmas.

A Pet for Christmas is a sequel to A Father for Christmas. While it can be listened to as a standalone, you'll get more of the relationship aspect between Kelly, Tyler, and Bree by listening to A Father for Christmas first.

A Veteran's Christmas Series:

Audiobook Number 1: A Father for Christmas

Audiobook Number 2: A Pet for Christmas

Audiobook Number 3: A Wedding for Christmas

©2015 Rachelle Ayala (P)2017 Rachelle Ayala Publishing, LLC

Charming Christmas Story

I enjoyed this Christmas story. I liked that the characters were written like real people. I valued that the author included the importance of prayer and scripture without proselytizing. I appreciated that the author shown a light on some of the family stresses that a person suffering from PTSD might feel. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Elizabeth Klett's narration was fine, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

Great Continuation!

I really enjoyed this story and thought it was well written. Bree in my mind stole the book with her sweet child character. Elizabeth Klett did a fantastic performance with the various characters voices and emotions. This story is a continuation and a standalone listen. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review.

Wonderful continuation of Kelly and Tyler's story

A Pet for Christmas is the second book in Rachelle Ayala's A Veteran's Christmas trilogy. Tyler is in Afghanistan on a goodwill mission working for his new charity to open a sport complex for the kiddos to enjoy over there. Kelly is at home and quite pregnant at the beginning of this book. Bree is starting to obsess about who her real (bio) dad is and getting a puppy for Christmas, and Kelly is struggling with her inquiries and holding off on getting said puppy. Well, before too long, things in Afghanistan have blown up and Tyler is being taken...who knows where. Kelly is dealing with things at home and of course the fact that nobody know's what the status is with Tyler doesn't make things any easier. I don't want to give away any more of the story than that, though I will say that you will still get your HEA and it was a fun story that kept my attention.

I really enjoyed the characters and though this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first book in the series first if you want a more in depth understanding of the characters from the time that Kelly and Tyler first met to where we begin the second book. Elizabeth Klett did a good job with the narration and thankfully Bree has grown a bit between the first book and this one, so she didn't sound nearly as annoying as she did in the first book! I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher for an honest review.

Another Excellent Addition To A Veteran’s Christmas

This is a sequel to “A Father For Christmas”. Book 1. I really enjoyed book 1 and this one is a bit different than the first one but just as good. Rachelle Ayala is a great writer and she really sucks you into the story and holds you hostage until the conclusion!

Narration was excellent and brought the story to life.

This story is about Kelly, Tyler, and Bree. We got to know them in book 1 and it was great to see how they are doing. This book is definitely more stressful than the first one because we find Tyler in another Country having to deal with some scary people and situations. I was totally stressed and worried about what was going to happen next!

This story is action filled and kept me in the edge of my seat. You can not go wrong with this amazing writer. There are always so many important issues discussed in her books.

I’m looking forward to her next book!

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Refreshing and Exhilerating

If you could sum up A Pet for Christmas in three words, what would they be?

determination, longing, loving

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Pet for Christmas?

The birth of the baby showed them that life can always be started anew no matter what came before. Their focus needed to be on their family and nothing else. It was completely precious.

What does Elizabeth Klett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The subtleties of how they talked and managed their family and martial problems was highlighted so effectively with the audio book then via print. The voices really make the story for me. It was a powerful performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, this is a story that you need to read in one setting, It is an incredible journey that needs to be savored in one long reading session.

Any additional comments?

This is a beautiful book that everyone needs to read and enjoy and experience to know that your heart is still alive and working.

Christmas miracle

I really really liked this story of the effects of PTSD on a relationship and family. Also, how God intercedes when it seems there is no hope and finding the joy of the Christmas season. I received a complimentary audio and I am voluntarily reviewing.

Perfect story!

This is a thoroughly enjoyable story! This second of three books of the series, it is well written and narrated. It was nice to go back and spend time with these complex yet likeable characters. This story is action filled, and the storyline flows so well. This is a clean sweet romance and I eagerly await the next installment. Well done!

Great Sequel

Any additional comments?

Rachelle Ayala has done another wonderful job of bringing another episode of the story of Kelly, Tyler and Bree. This is a year after Kelly and Tyler have met. Kelly's pregnant with his child, Tyler is in Afghanistan trying to help kids with his non-profit and fighting his PTSD, Bree is struggling with wanting her "real" father and a puppy for Christmas. There's so much that happens in this book with Kelly having pregnancy issues, Tyler gone and eventually missing in Afghanistan and Bree coming to terms with all that a five year old has with a new brother on the way and Tyler not being present. Everyone has to have faith and a belief in God and his protection. Tyler and Kelly are learning that PTSD doesn't go away and they have to work with the side effects wearing on their relationship. I see there's another story coming and I can't wait! Elizabeth Klett does a wonderful job of narrating this audio book. I received a free copy of the book and am reviewing it in exchange.

Love Book 2!

The continuing story of Kelly, Tyler and Bree, this heart warming holiday story will surely bring you that Christmas spirit. Rachelle Ayala continues Tyler's ongoing struggle with his guilt of what happened in Afghanistan as he works overseas. Kelly is home, pregnant, worried and dealing with the many questions that 5 year old Bree is asking. Will Santa be able to help this family have the Merry Christmas they deserve? Ayala has created a story that has a beautiful message of love and family, and at the same time addresses so many issues that are in our world today. Dealing with PTSD, overriding guilt, long distance relationships, parenting and invitro fertilization just to name a few are interwoven masterfully. The conclusion will leave you satisfied with a smile on your face.

Elizabeth Klett gives this book warmth and love in her narration. You can feel the characters horror, fear, frustration and love through her performance bringing the book to life as you listen.

A sweet, Clean holiday story

What made the experience of listening to A Pet for Christmas the most enjoyable?

The narration. Elizabeth Klett is great at giving each character an unique voice and adds plenty of action to the story.

What did you like best about this story?

It was a tie between hunky Tyler and what happens to him and Bree the adorable 5-year-old.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end and I can't say what happens.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene where Tyler getting captured and all the events after that through his extraction.

Any additional comments?

A pet for Christmas is a lovely continuation of a father for Christmas. It has multiple storylines. Tyler dealing with his PTSD and his job working in Afghanistan. Bree and what she wants for Christmas, and Kelly and the problem with her pregnancy and dealing with her relationship with Tyler.
There is a lot going on, back and forth from Kelly to Tyler. it's almost like two stories that merge. I think that is kinda cool. There is a lot of christian elements, praying and scripture quotes. I don't mind some but there is quite a bit.

If you like sweet, clean romance with some drama, suspense, and action, the holiday stories that is also clean you will enjoy this book.