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The Dog Who Came for Christmas
From Sue Pethick, acclaimed author of Pet Friendly and Boomer's Bucket List, comes a heartwarming story sure to take the chill out of the holiday season . . .
Renee Richardson's list of Christmas wishes includes: a few more clients at her hair salon, a few less unsuitable dates set up by her father, and some new friends for her troubled young son, Kieran. Little does she know that Kieran has already made a pal in their new town . . . a scrappy little dog named Max, who he found in the woods.
When Max gets caught in a snare, Kieran and his grandfather rescue the pup, and the whole family begins to bond with their four-legged guest. The holidays draw closer and more chaotic and Renee has her hands full, especially when Max's owner turns up to claim him. Travis Diehl is the first man to intrigue her since her divorce--though she's facing stiff competition in a local bombshell who also happens to be Renee's most important client. But as a white Christmas becomes a bona fide blizzard, Kieran, Renee, and Max may all gain the gift they've been longing for--loyal companionship and a lifetime of love . . .
Renee Richardson's list of Christmas wishes includes: a few more clients at her hair salon, a few less unsuitable dates set up by her father, and some new friends for her troubled young son, Kieran. Little does she know that Kieran has already made a pal in their new town . . . a scrappy little dog named Max, who he found in the woods.
When Max gets caught in a snare, Kieran and his grandfather rescue the pup, and the whole family begins to bond with their four-legged guest. The holidays draw closer and more chaotic and Renee has her hands full, especially when Max's owner turns up to claim him. Travis Diehl is the first man to intrigue her since her divorce--though she's facing stiff competition in a local bombshell who also happens to be Renee's most important client. But as a white Christmas becomes a bona fide blizzard, Kieran, Renee, and Max may all gain the gift they've been longing for--loyal companionship and a lifetime of love . . .
306 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2017
30 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Sue Pethick
7 books93 followersSue Pethick is an award-winning writer whose short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Murderous Intent. The author of two books published under pen names, Sue’s life-long love of animals inspired her to write PET FRIENDLY, the story of a little dog with a big heart and an instinct for true love. Born in San Diego, California, she now lives in Vancouver, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 22, 2023
4.9 🌟 rating from me!
This was another gift from my friend, Cheri and I so appreciate you sending it Cheri!! ❤️💚 Thank you very much!
This is a wonderful Christmas read, and especially if you like animals, like me! It starts out racing and had me turning the pages fast! Then somewhere around the 30% mark, it slowed down then picked up at the 55% mark and soars until the dramatic ending!!
This story takes place in South Carolina in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business and the town is full of gossipy people. The main character Renee grew up there, got married and moved away and had three children. Her husband left them, so she moved back home and shares a house with her Dad, Wendell. I really loved Wendell!! He's a crouchity older man who wants the best for his family, especially Renee. He has to deal with her 3 children who are 17, 13 and 9. He really tries!! He keeps setting Renee up on blind dates and you'll enjoy reading about it. Her youngest son, Kieran is 9 and has OCD. Renee keeps hoping that he will " grow out of it" and comes to the realization that Kieran does need help. Along comes Travis, the first guy she meets on her own and sparks begin to fly! 💫✨
Travis really is a nice guy and has a brother named Hugh who has Autism. Hugh is super smart and may have Asperger's but it's not clear. He owns Max ( the dog on the cover) who is a therapy dog who helps him out with everything. One day, Hugh decides not to take Max to work. One day leads to another with Max left at home. Well, Max feels unwanted and runs away into the woods. Kieran is always being teased by kids at school because he's " different". As Kieran is being chased by a bully after school, he runs into Max! Now the stage is set! Kieran really wants a dog because when he was with Max, all of his OCD behaviors disappeared. He's hoping that he can keep Max but doesn't know he has a owner. Oh no! Kieran is a really smart, sweet, kind-hearted child who is a treasure! I feel in love with this little guy! Max would be the perfect dog for him, but two owners just doesn't work. I also really love Max!! He's an adorable, amazing dog who will steal your heart ❤️ What is going to happen next? Read and find out!
Enjoy and Merry Christmas everyone!!! 🎄🎁⛄🕊️❤️💚
This was another gift from my friend, Cheri and I so appreciate you sending it Cheri!! ❤️💚 Thank you very much!
This is a wonderful Christmas read, and especially if you like animals, like me! It starts out racing and had me turning the pages fast! Then somewhere around the 30% mark, it slowed down then picked up at the 55% mark and soars until the dramatic ending!!
This story takes place in South Carolina in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business and the town is full of gossipy people. The main character Renee grew up there, got married and moved away and had three children. Her husband left them, so she moved back home and shares a house with her Dad, Wendell. I really loved Wendell!! He's a crouchity older man who wants the best for his family, especially Renee. He has to deal with her 3 children who are 17, 13 and 9. He really tries!! He keeps setting Renee up on blind dates and you'll enjoy reading about it. Her youngest son, Kieran is 9 and has OCD. Renee keeps hoping that he will " grow out of it" and comes to the realization that Kieran does need help. Along comes Travis, the first guy she meets on her own and sparks begin to fly! 💫✨
Travis really is a nice guy and has a brother named Hugh who has Autism. Hugh is super smart and may have Asperger's but it's not clear. He owns Max ( the dog on the cover) who is a therapy dog who helps him out with everything. One day, Hugh decides not to take Max to work. One day leads to another with Max left at home. Well, Max feels unwanted and runs away into the woods. Kieran is always being teased by kids at school because he's " different". As Kieran is being chased by a bully after school, he runs into Max! Now the stage is set! Kieran really wants a dog because when he was with Max, all of his OCD behaviors disappeared. He's hoping that he can keep Max but doesn't know he has a owner. Oh no! Kieran is a really smart, sweet, kind-hearted child who is a treasure! I feel in love with this little guy! Max would be the perfect dog for him, but two owners just doesn't work. I also really love Max!! He's an adorable, amazing dog who will steal your heart ❤️ What is going to happen next? Read and find out!
Enjoy and Merry Christmas everyone!!! 🎄🎁⛄🕊️❤️💚
August 13, 2021
Too much syrupy drama, not enough dog. (5.5)
December 2, 2022
Kieran Richardson is having a hard time settling into his new home and school. Having facial ticks and an uncontrollable need to count everything makes him an easy target for the school bully.
His mom Renee is working hard to make a new life for herself and her family after her divorce. But living with her dad who tries to set her up is both a blessing and a trial.
With Christmas coming fast can one shaggy dog bring the Christmas spirit to everyone?
A Hallmark type book sure to lift your spirits. I think I'm ready for another good Christmas story.
His mom Renee is working hard to make a new life for herself and her family after her divorce. But living with her dad who tries to set her up is both a blessing and a trial.
With Christmas coming fast can one shaggy dog bring the Christmas spirit to everyone?
A Hallmark type book sure to lift your spirits. I think I'm ready for another good Christmas story.
December 28, 2017
Really cute story, but I felt like the author left out a lot of parts that could have been really interesting if they hadn't been skipped over. For example, she doesn't actually cover a part where the dog is in hospital which could have been a great, suspenseful part with a nice resolution. I also hated the ending. There's a lot to be assumed and she doesn't show the two love interests actually getting together (or even kissing), nor does she depict where Kieran is told he gets to keep Max. Wasn't expecting this to be an amazing book but it could have been so much better than it was. Not satisfied.
July 19, 2017
Отзыв в блоге: https://momentarythingsbymarochka.tum...
Не сказать, что я собачница-кошатница, но к животным я отношусь хорошо, поэтому такие книги мне нравятся. Они милые, довольно легкие, относительно реалистичные и просто замечательные. Книги Сью Петик заставляют меня отдохнуть и погрузиться в реальный мир других людей (что удается далеко не всем авторам, описывающим повседневность). Несмотря на то, что герои значительно меня старше и с проблемами, которые пока меня никак не касаются, мне все равно было очень интересно. Рекомендую к прочтению.
Не сказать, что я собачница-кошатница, но к животным я отношусь хорошо, поэтому такие книги мне нравятся. Они милые, довольно легкие, относительно реалистичные и просто замечательные. Книги Сью Петик заставляют меня отдохнуть и погрузиться в реальный мир других людей (что удается далеко не всем авторам, описывающим повседневность). Несмотря на то, что герои значительно меня старше и с проблемами, которые пока меня никак не касаются, мне все равно было очень интересно. Рекомендую к прочтению.
December 8, 2017
This is a cute, heartwarming story. If you love dogs and Christmas, you’ll likely enjoy this quick read!
December 30, 2019
4 stars. I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad I was able to read it around Christmas time. It was a “feel good, happy” Christmas story! If you’re looking for something light and enjoyable to read...and if you love dogs...I think you will really enjoy this one!
November 29, 2018
A heartwarming read
What a great heartwarming read that anyone who has known anyone "different" or is themselves will be able to relate too. Great characters, vivid and full that show the full range of emotions. From distrust, ridicule to finding something/someone who accepts you as you are.
She has moved herself, her three children and father into a house and a new life after her divorce. Everything seems to be chugging along but she is unaware of how her youngest is picked on at school for being different. Okay so he has a habit of counting, nervous ticks etc but it's not until he joins a newly set up programme that she knows he has OCD. A programme set up by a local businessman whose brother has his own problems. Throw in a working dog, a bond between the boy and dog, bullies (both young and old) and an attraction between her and the businessman. Will they beat everyone that is trying to drive them apart for their own purposes? Will the dog and the boy stand together and gain strength from each other? Will the bullies pay for all that they have done?
What a great heartwarming read that anyone who has known anyone "different" or is themselves will be able to relate too. Great characters, vivid and full that show the full range of emotions. From distrust, ridicule to finding something/someone who accepts you as you are.
She has moved herself, her three children and father into a house and a new life after her divorce. Everything seems to be chugging along but she is unaware of how her youngest is picked on at school for being different. Okay so he has a habit of counting, nervous ticks etc but it's not until he joins a newly set up programme that she knows he has OCD. A programme set up by a local businessman whose brother has his own problems. Throw in a working dog, a bond between the boy and dog, bullies (both young and old) and an attraction between her and the businessman. Will they beat everyone that is trying to drive them apart for their own purposes? Will the dog and the boy stand together and gain strength from each other? Will the bullies pay for all that they have done?
December 10, 2020
A heartwarming tale of friendship between a boy and a dog. I really enjoyed the story but wish the ending was a little stronger. We were left to imagine what happened next rather than it being wrapped up in a neat Christmas bow!
January 8, 2018
What a touching story between two adults who had something in common. Love how therapy dogs help in so many ways.
October 30, 2020
I wished there was more of a Christmas theme to the book.
December 17, 2017
A sweet Christmas story about a boy with OCD who meets a special dog in the woods. This book seemed to be aimed at young adults, but it could be read by any age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
Great Dog Story And Christmas Story
This was a really good story by Sue Pethick. It had a fairly complex plot and great character development. Renee’s youngest son Kieran has some emotional problems, with facial tics, making noises and OCD. She has recently moved her family to Bolingbroke and is called into Kieran’s school where she discovers that the school will be starting a new program to help children like her son and that with her permission, he would start right after the Christmas break. While she is waiting at the school, she meets a man named Travis Diehl to whom she is immediately attracted.
So, while there’s a potential romance in the story (actually, there may be more than one), the main focus in the book is on the relationship between Kieran and the dog that he met in the woods. There is a truly evil antagonist, but you will need to figure out who that person is for yourself. Renee’s two older children, as well as her brother and his family also play minor parts in the story. All in all, this is really about a little slice of life around Christmas that includes more than one family and a dog. Wonderful job, Ms. Pethick! My rating: 5 stars!
This was a really good story by Sue Pethick. It had a fairly complex plot and great character development. Renee’s youngest son Kieran has some emotional problems, with facial tics, making noises and OCD. She has recently moved her family to Bolingbroke and is called into Kieran’s school where she discovers that the school will be starting a new program to help children like her son and that with her permission, he would start right after the Christmas break. While she is waiting at the school, she meets a man named Travis Diehl to whom she is immediately attracted.
So, while there’s a potential romance in the story (actually, there may be more than one), the main focus in the book is on the relationship between Kieran and the dog that he met in the woods. There is a truly evil antagonist, but you will need to figure out who that person is for yourself. Renee’s two older children, as well as her brother and his family also play minor parts in the story. All in all, this is really about a little slice of life around Christmas that includes more than one family and a dog. Wonderful job, Ms. Pethick! My rating: 5 stars!
December 6, 2022
This was a super cute read that gave the reader lots of holiday excitement! The characters were relatable, the reader liked the way that the family bonded together and created a feeling of love and excitement. The plot of the story had a bit of extra filler to it, but the reader was able to skim past that to get to the heart of the story.
I mean any book with a dog on the cover and throughout the story is an automatic winner in my book! Add this to your TBR list and move it to the top for the holidays, it is sure to get you in the spirit!
I mean any book with a dog on the cover and throughout the story is an automatic winner in my book! Add this to your TBR list and move it to the top for the holidays, it is sure to get you in the spirit!
November 17, 2019
Easy reading lighthearted book. Renee Richardson is trying to make a new start for herself and her three children when she buys a home with her father. Renee is now a divorced mom and has a job as beautician. Trying to balance her life Renee also realizes her youngest son has some learning and social issues and it is hard for him to make friends. Kieran actually has found a friend - a runaway dog. This story shows how an animal can really make changes in families lives.
December 12, 2023
This book was a reminder that there really is a book for everyone. Turns 0ut that Christmas romances for dog lovers is a genre of book out there. It was cute. Very similar to so many other romances, except this one had a dog in it too. Parts of it were clever and fun, others were kind of overdone. Like normal in these kinds of books, there was a big build up and then suddenly everything was solved at once. I went in expecting little and I was not disappointed.
December 10, 2025
This book is a less vibrant hallmark movie.
The writing of this book was drab. I feel that it lacked the romance that I was looking for. Additionally, the book was full of unlikable characters- I can’t deal with the whole “alpha-male” description of the father. I would label this novel more “suspense/action” than romance. Max’s interactions with Kieran were really the only enjoyable part of this book for me.
Everyone has their own cup of tea, however.
The writing of this book was drab. I feel that it lacked the romance that I was looking for. Additionally, the book was full of unlikable characters- I can’t deal with the whole “alpha-male” description of the father. I would label this novel more “suspense/action” than romance. Max’s interactions with Kieran were really the only enjoyable part of this book for me.
Everyone has their own cup of tea, however.
December 17, 2017
This is a nice family drama. Set in the South, with some typical stereotypes. It’s told from multiple POVs, which works. A few things didn’t work - that the mom doesn’t realize her 9 yo has a mental illness and that the end left a lot to be assumed. Overall it was entertaining, I read it in one sitting.
October 31, 2018
I liked this one, more contemporary with a romantic angle than a straight romance, but that’s okay. I think it ended rather abruptly, I would have like to have seen that scene wrap up completely before ending it. It’s not overwhelming with the Christmas decorations and traditions so it’d be okay to read anytime.;;
January 23, 2022
Christmas season like so many…. People looking for relationships and love. The story also touches on children with unique learning abilities and emotional support pets. It also emphasizes the need an emotional support animal like a dog needs to use its talent to assist it cannot become a pet for remaining family members.
October 31, 2023
Another great book from Sue Pethick
Another great book from Sue Pethick. I love how she has an adult diagnosed with Autism who lives with his brother after both parents dies & has a therapy dog, Max. And, a little boy who struggles with OCD who meets Max in the woods. And, Max really helps cope him throughout the book. There is romance too!
Another great book from Sue Pethick. I love how she has an adult diagnosed with Autism who lives with his brother after both parents dies & has a therapy dog, Max. And, a little boy who struggles with OCD who meets Max in the woods. And, Max really helps cope him throughout the book. There is romance too!
April 5, 2025
A Dog Story to Remember!!!
Loved this story!!! — but then I’m also a dog-lover, so no surprise there. That’s why I opted to read it in the first place!
The story of Max / Rex is a joy to read, and the people who “ love” Max/Rex are a fun read too.
Heartily recommend it if you’re looking for a … dare I say “happy ending!”
Loved this story!!! — but then I’m also a dog-lover, so no surprise there. That’s why I opted to read it in the first place!
The story of Max / Rex is a joy to read, and the people who “ love” Max/Rex are a fun read too.
Heartily recommend it if you’re looking for a … dare I say “happy ending!”
December 23, 2017
As a huge animal lover I could not resist buying this book. I took one look at that adorable dog on the cover and had to have it. Turns out it's a really good story. Perfect holiday read, and I will be looking for more books from this author.
February 5, 2018
This was a super quick read with a good story! Any book about a dog is a good book to me! :) I didn't give it 5 stars because it ended too quickly without really letting us know what happened. I will be checking out this author's other books as well now.
December 27, 2018
Wonderfully heartwarming and sweet story. Characters that are very relatable and one heck of a dog who I just want to add to my furry crew. Loved it. Sue Pethick write faster, please! I can't wait for your next story.
January 9, 2020
I just finished this book today. It wasn’t a page-turner as I read the book off and on, but it was a good story and the characters were well developed. I’d be interested in reading another book by the author.
September 28, 2020
Tugs at your heart
I enjoyed this as if were a true life stories with real people (good and bad) living real world joys and problems. The ending came too quick and was too short, I guess to leave it up to your own imagination to create the ending you wanted.
I enjoyed this as if were a true life stories with real people (good and bad) living real world joys and problems. The ending came too quick and was too short, I guess to leave it up to your own imagination to create the ending you wanted.
December 26, 2020
Very heartfelt book revolving around the holiday... working with children with special needs the connection was one I could understand. I believe this would be a good read for a family to do together.
January 13, 2021
A cute, if predictable story. I was somewhat disappointed in the handling of the issue of autism and other emotional problems. I found it hard to believe that a child of nine hadn't been diagnosed by teachers before.
December 16, 2021
Romance and Smart Dog
Nice heartwarming Christmas story. Pretty predictable but I'm a sucker for stories about dogs. As a newcomer and newly divorced woman with three kids life was pretty tough for Renee
Nice heartwarming Christmas story. Pretty predictable but I'm a sucker for stories about dogs. As a newcomer and newly divorced woman with three kids life was pretty tough for Renee
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews