Gift Counselor (Cronin)

The Gift Counselor 
Sheila M. Cronin, 2014
336 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780996046008


Summary
Jonquil Bloom is a single mom and UCLA graduate student doing research about gift-giving. Needing to support herself, she is hired at a local department store and becomes the gift counselor. She believes all gifts come with strings attached, but can she prove it?

Claude Chappel is the general contractor on the new construction job opposite the building where Jonquil lives. He is ready to settle down. Meeting Jonquil and befriending her son Billy make up his mind. He doesn’t know that Jonquil’s caution is due to a sudden upsurge of painful memories. Can he win her heart?

Billy Bloom has his heart set on getting a dog that Christmas. Not just any dog, but a black cocker spaniel puppy who lives down the street. His mother, the gift counselor, won’t allow it because she’s allergic to dogs. Or is she?