Blue Chow Christmas: The Hart Family

By: Rachelle Ayala

Narrated by: Jennifer Groberg

Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

If you love sweet romances (PG-rating), look no further than Rachelle Ayala's Have a Hart series. The Harts are a family of San Francisco firefighters. Their family motto is: Heart comes first.

Cait Hart has been married to Brian Wonder for 12 years, but does she really know him? The redheaded firefighter is dependable, loyal, and kind to others, but he's never let her probe his feelings.

Brian's life is blown open when his former high school teacher and wife of a senator dies in a car crash. When a pair of blue chow dogs show up at his mountain cabin, he is forced to tell Cait his secret - the real owner of the dogs is a boy he believes is his son.

Cait and Brian are tested on the true meaning of love when the boy goes missing and authorities suspect Brian of wrongdoing. Can two lost chow dogs save this fragile and vulnerable family?

Blue Chow Christmas is book number four of the Have a Hart Romance series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, although characters from the previous books appear here in supporting roles.

1. Melisa and Rob, Christmas Lovebirds
2. Jenna and Larry, Valentine Hound Dog
3. Connor and Nadine, Spring Fling Kitty
4. Cait and Brian, Blue Chow Christmas
5. Jenna and Larry, Valentine Wedding Hound

©2016 Rachelle Ayala (P)2018 Rachelle Ayala Publishing, LLC

A sweet story!

Rachelle Ayala never ceases to amaze me with her stories, whether spicy or sweet, I know I will have story that is both fun and worthwhile. This story is about Cait and Brian who we have met in the previous installments. These two are not your usual young married couple, Brian has autism. He has had an series of events in his life with his disorder and it has framed his outlook. Cait loves Brian, and after years of marriage has come to the conclusion that she needs to take control of her life and get her marriage on track. Through several mishaps and events, these two are taken on a path of self realization and self worth. Ayala has beautifully expressed the difficulties of dealing with autism and her ability to express this through the book will hopefully bring awareness to others. The dogs are an integral part of the story and will make your heart sing, especially when reunited with their master, Glen.

Jennifer Groberg is the voice of the Hart family. I love her ability to create the family dynamic with all the siblings, and give each their individuality. This is a very warm and fulfilling story.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Can two blue chows really save a marriage?

One of the reasons that I enjoy books by this author is that she addresses disorders that most ignore. After reading 3 of the Hart books, I've wondered about Cait and Brian's relationship. Brian always seems to be on the outside of the Hart family ruckus...while Cait is in the middle. Now we learn that Brian has Asperger Syndrome...which is thought to on the 'high functioning' scale of Autism. Brian takes things literally and has difficulty with emotion. Cait and Brian eloped right out of hs and have been married for 12 years, but now both their pasts are coming at them like a freight train! Lots of secrets, some horrifying, will the Hart family be able to rally around these two and help them through? I love the Harts and their stories and this one did not disappoint. What part do the Blue Chows play in all of this? Well, they are connected to Brian's past and lots of painful secrets, but they are loveable and loyal...who can resist cute dogs? Love the HEA, which includes all of our loveable Harts.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Another great addition to the Hart Family Saga

I love this series by Rachelle Ayala. It is one of her sweeter stories. The Harts are a large family and this is the story of Cait, the oldest Hart sister. Cait is the only redhead, the other two sisters have blonde hair and blue eyes, the boys are brunettes. Cait has always felt like she didn't belong and tried to become an actress when she was young, getting into some trouble with her high school sweetheart. Brian and her married young at the courthouse, now planning both her sister's big weddings she feels a bit left out once again. Her and Brian's relationship is different, more of an arrangement between them. She understands Brian's autism and need for alone time, besides they have a secret.
Brian goes away at Christmas to the Hart family cottage and to do something he needs to do, another secret he has, one Cait doesn't know.
I absolutely loved this story. I had my doubts I was going to like Brian after reading other books he was in, knowing how he treated Cait. BUT, once I found out why, I felt for him and was eager to see how this story would turn out. I wasn't disappointed. There is a lot of drama, a touch of mystery, some suspense, a sweet romance, a feisty boy, and cute chows!
Jennifer Groberg does a great job at narrating this story. She makes the story interesting and keeps you wanting to listen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Blue Chow Christmas

Rachelle Ayala has tugged at my heartstrings once again. She never ceases to amaze me with her very thought provoking and emotional stories.

I really enjoyed listening to Brian and Cait’s story.

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

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Sweet and full of love

i love this book. i love how it shows different ways that people show their love for others. its a wonderfully written book. there is love, suspense, and just an over all good feeling when you are done reading it. its definitely a feel good book. i highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Enlightening story

This is the story of Cait and Brian who have been married for 12 years. As Rachelle Ayala explains at the beginning of the book, every person with Autism shows different aspects of it. Brian has Autism but hasn't technically been diagnosed with it. He has problems when in a large group of people and the noise gets too much for him. This is a problem since Cait is from the large Hart family. He doesn't always show up at family gatherings.The Hart family doesn't understand why he hasn't shown Cait his love for her like the other fiances do by sending her flowers, etc. Cait and Brian each have secrets that started from the reasons they got married. I love how the story brings more understanding about Autism and the growth that Cait and Brian have in their relationship. Rachelle does another wonderful job with the Hart family story and I look forward to the next one. These are all standalone books but it's always nice to read the others. I think Jennifer Groberg's narrations of the Hart books is great.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This Is Not A Typical Love Story

Blue Chow Christmas is a truly fantastic second chance at love story! It isn’t your typical story which is what I love the most about it. The pure uniqueness and raw honesty pulled at every part of my heart. There is more than enough mystery and danger to keep you glued to your kindle while the overflowing love and hope makes you feel every emotion that our beautiful characters experience along the way. There is nothing more exquisite then opening your mind and your heart to the one you love and keeping them close forever. Nothing is guaranteed, but some things are worth any risk to find and cherish them for as long as you can.

The narration was absolutely wonderful! What a fun and exciting way to experience this incredible story! There is never a dull moment, and I thoroughly enjoyed every second I spent listening to Jennifer Groberg's fantastic voice and narration style. It is refreshing and captivating.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Inspiring and heartbreaking.

My heart broke for two lonely little boys trying to exist in a world not always kind. Blue Chow Christmas is a tearful look into the love of a father for a child he has never met. A woman's hope for a love that never was and a young man's struggle to understand the world around him. My anger bristled for the people who preyed on the vulnerable. It's hard to understand the actions of anyone who will abuse a child. So many broken people, so many destroyed lives. Ms. Ayala proves just how in touch with emotions she can be. She tackles the ugly that is hard to see with a beauty that is both inspirational and heartbreaking. Jennifer Groberg has that tear in her voice that digs way down deep. Love is never simple, but despite the pain we're all better for it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Sweet and Entertaining!

Another wonderful story about the Hart family from Rachelle Ayala. This story revolves around Brian and Cait. It was nice finally getting to know their story after hearing them mentioned in previous books. It is a well written story with some suspense, romance and two lovable dogs who stole my heart. Cait and Brian’s relationship is not straightforward and has some unexpected twists which made the story quite interesting. I really enjoyed this sweet and entertaining story. Though it is part of the series, it can be listened to as a stand-alone. Jennifer Groberg does a nice job with the narration. I received a free copy and am providing an unbiased review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My 2nd family: The Harts!

Blue Chow Christmas: The Hart Family: Have a Hart, Book 4 by Rachelle Ayala, narrated by Jennifer Groberg is a wonderful addition to this well-established, highly-rated series. From sweet romance to steamy love scenes, Ayala's writing attracts the attention of those who love LOVE! :-) This series is for those interested in romance on the sweeter side of the spectrum. The character development in this book is top-notch, and the ongoing storyline makes you feel like you are right at home with the Hart family. As always, Ayala has a way of drawing attention (through her characters) to issues or conditions many of her readers may not know much about; in this book, it happens to be Autism. I'll let you read the plot synopsis on your own, but just know that this fast-moving and engaging storyline does not disappoint! I absolutely loved Book 4, and I highly recommend it to all of you!

Jennifer Groberg's narration is outstanding! Her consistency throughout the entire book (and series) makes for easy listening. Her voice, inflection, and tone are so perfect that I cannot imagine anyone else being the voice of the Hart family! I never have to worry about issues with volume, pace, pronunciation, or awkward pauses. She is everything you could ask for in a narrator of this genre; I love listening to her perform!

My favorite part about this series (besides the dogs....ohhhh, I LOVE dogs!) is the appearance of characters from previous books! It's so much fun to "check-in" and see how they are doing. It makes my overall experience so much more enjoyable feeling like I already have a connection with certain characters (and couples). It is, however, important to know that even though Blue Chow Christmas: The Hart Family: Have a Hart, Book 4 is part of a series, it is fully able to stand alone. You will not be confused or lost, whatsoever, if you decide to start your adventure here. I have loved listening to each book, so I recommend the entire series, but if this one sounds the best to you, I say go for it! I'm confident you are going to love it, and, like myself, will be back to add more sweet romance listens to your audiobook library! Happy listening!

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)

Loved It!

The fourth book in Rachelle Ayala's Hart Family series is full of surprises. In true Rachelle style, the story touches on some difficult topics including sexual predators targeting underage individuals, aspergers syndrome and teenage pregnancies. But also in true Rachelle style, there is a wonderful HEA that focuses on family and love.

Being the fourth book, the listener has visited with the Hart family before. Previous to this story you get the sense that Cait is tolerated more than appreciated by her large family. And Brian is distant. Their marriage is most definitely on the rocks.

This book is about facing the past, tearing down walls and reconnecting. To do that, Cait and Brian face some real challenges, including a major accident, two lost dogs, a runaway boy, a myriad of secrets from the past, death and loss, and a kidnapping. But there is nothing quite like the Hart Family to stick together when times get tough.

I was a little nervous about whether I would enjoy this book because the two main characters didn't seem very likeable in previous books. But I am happy to say I thoroughly enjoyed their story and romance.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful