A Little Merry Christmas
The Holidays in Hamilton, Book 1
by Elizabeth Standish
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Pub Date Nov 18 2025 | Archive Date Dec 10 2025
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Description
She’s built her career on perfection. This Christmas, everything’s about to go off leash.
Amanda Barnard has the ideas, clients, and confidence of a rising star in advertising. She’s built her career on resonant campaigns and flawless execution, believing success is simply a matter of showing up prepared. But when a company-wide email announces her long-awaited promotion has gone to her coworker, Amanda realizes she’s been valued for all the wrong reasons.
Given one shot to “prove her leadership” and earn her place at the top, Amanda takes a pro bono assignment. With just days before Christmas, saving the failing Hamilton Animal Shelter is a challenge unlike any she’s faced. Worse, Elias Exley, the shelter’s guarded but maddeningly perceptive veterinarian, her reluctant counterpart, isn’t making it any easier.
Amanda is sure her holiday fostering campaign, the Twelve Days of Dogmas, will save the shelter and her future. But when a timid Labrador named Merry is the only dog remaining after the kickoff event, Amanda’s left with no choice but to foster her.
Thirty dogs, viral mishaps, and a boss who won’t give her credit are enough to send Amanda’s campaign veering off script. Amid the mayhem, she’s falling for Merry. And with every passing Dogmas event, it’s harder to dislike Elias. Especially when he and Merry seem to be the only ones who believe Amanda doesn’t need anyone’s permission to be proud of herself.
If Christina Lauren and Roxanne St. Clair teamed up to write a book about Emily in Paris saving an animal shelter, this would be it. Perfect for pet lovers who want every animal to have a happy home, and readers who appreciate women who know their worth and aren't afraid to demand respect.
Advance Praise
The way Standish weaves together the lives of these characters is nothing short of brilliant; they feel so alive and relatable ... a perfect blend of joy, sadness, and heartwarming moments.
The way Standish weaves together the lives of these characters is nothing short of brilliant; they feel so alive and relatable ... a perfect blend of joy, sadness, and heartwarming moments.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781961842052 |
| PRICE | $5.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 216 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 78 members
Featured Reviews
Librarian 1081599
I absolutely loved this one! I devoured it so quickly. I live the idea of an Emily in Paris vibe that had me right away! Also I loved the animal vibes as well since. I’m a huge animal lover. I cannot wait to share and bring this booo to people’s attention. Even though it has holiday vibes it’s perfect to curl up with any time of year
Reviewer 1651323
This book is pure festive delight—like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket while the snow falls outside. A Little Merry Christmas gives us Amanda Barnard, a rising star in advertising whose career takes a detour just days before Christmas. Her new assignment? Save a struggling animal shelter with a holiday campaign and maybe, just maybe, save herself in the process.
The Twelve Days of Dogmas campaign is adorable and chaotic in all the best ways, and Amanda’s reluctant partnership with Elias, the shelter’s guarded vet, adds just the right amount of slow-burn tension. But the real heart of the story is Merry, the timid Labrador who steals the show—and Amanda’s heart.
Standish blends humor, heartache, and holiday magic with ease. The setting sparkles, the dogs are irresistible, and Amanda’s journey toward self-worth feels honest and uplifting. It’s a story about finding joy in unexpected places, and learning that sometimes the best gifts are the ones we give ourselves.
Perfect for pet lovers, holiday romantics, and anyone who believes in second chances wrapped in twinkly lights.
With thanks to Elizabeth Standish, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
This was a really cute and heartwarming holiday read. Amanda is determined to prove her worth to secure a promotion by saving an animal shelter, and as always when animals are involved nothing really goes truly to plan. It was so satisfying to see Amanda realize she had nothing to prove to anyone and be proud of herself. The relationship that grows between Amanda and Elias is sweet, and I adored Merry, the shy Labrador who didn’t trust people easily, she stole my heart.
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