THOMASVILLE- Just in time to kick off the Christmas season, Tallahassee author Shannon Richard hosted a signing for her new book, Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction, at the Bookshelf this weekend.

The story follows Lucy and Theo as they rekindle an old flame during Christmas in their hometown and bond over a pregnant rescue dog, all while discovering their individual places in the world.

“It’s a second chance at love, and the rescue dog is also getting a second chance,” described Richard. “Finding home is also a theme.”

Speaking of home, Richard set her story in a quaint, fictional town.

“The city, Crookshank, which is in North Carolina, is loosely based off of Thomasville and that downtown setting,” said Richard.

Richard also took inspiration from her own rescue dog, Teddy.

“The book is dedicated to my dog… It’s about when dogs find you and make your life better.”

In addition to Hallmark-esque romance, Puppy Love emphasizes Lucy’s personal journey and discovery of where she’s meant to be.

“She finds where she belongs. It’s not about giving up your dreams for a man, I didn’t want it to be like that,” Richard said.

Puppy Love is the second installment of her series on rescue dogs. Richard has also authored the Country Roads series and An Unexpected Christmas.

Richard began her authorial career as a senior in college after swimming at her university pool.

“I was swimming laps, and when you swim all you have is your thoughts. So I came up with this story and went home and started writing a book,” she said.

Richard’s earliest support was from her college roommates.

“They would read as I wrote. It’s good to have people who are supportive of your dreams,” she recalled.

Richard said she hoped to add at least one more book to her rescue dog series, and has plans for other series as well.

For those wishing for a cozy, touching love story reminiscent of Thomasville’s own small-town holiday feeling, Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction is available for purchase at The Bookshelf and is available on Amazon, along with her other novels.