A Shiloh Christmas

Shiloh #4

by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

A rescued beagle and his boy owner seek love and understanding for their troubled small town in this holiday companion to the Newbery Medal–winning Shiloh, from Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.

Christmas is coming and Marty and his rescued pup Shiloh are sure glad about that—for their town is low on love and understanding and they hope that the joy of the holiday will bring with it the generosity of spirit that’s so lacking.

It’s been a year since Marty Preston rescued Shiloh from Judd Travers and his cruel ways, and since then, Marty and Shiloh have been inseparable. Anywhere Marty goes, the beagle’s at his side, and Marty couldn’t be happier about that. Even Judd has been working to improve his reputation.

But just as townsfolk grow more accepting of Judd, a fire in the woods destroys many homes, including Judd’s, and Judd’s newly formed reputation. Doubt, blame, and anger spread faster than the flames—flames that are fanned by the new minister, who seems fonder of fire and brimstone than love and mercy. And why are his daughters so skittish around him? And what’s happened to Judd’s dogs? With Christmas right around the corner, Marty has a lot of questions, and how they’re answered might just take a Christmas miracle.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s fourth book in the Newbery Award–winning Shiloh series—following Shiloh, Shiloh Season, and Saving Shiloh—is full of heart-thudding suspense, as well as comfort and joy.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Dogs, Middle Grade, Animals, Childrens, Audiobook

246 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2015

About the author

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor was born in Anderson, Indiana, US on January 4, 1933.

Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.

Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."

By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.

Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.

Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.

Reviews

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for this series, I've always love Beagles, and this book is just as great as the rest. It's been a while since I read the other three books, so I didn't remember the specifics of the events referenced in this book. Other than that, which is really just an excuse to re-read them, this book was magical in a way that combined the love of the series with the magic of Christmas.

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the Shiloh quartet elaborates on the themes present in the previous few. While the first book focused primarily upon Marty and the dilemma of whether or not keeping an abused dog that ran away from his master is the right choice, the next two books focused upon that abusive master. The question of whether someone can come back from an abusive childhood and end that abusive, whether redemption is possible, along with shaking a bad reputation, permeate these books. This final book elaborates further on that theme.

What do you do if you know children are being abused in a household? Not sexually abused, nor even physically abused, but something else. Some scars aren't physical, but generally everyone can agree that children and a wife shouldn't fear their father and husband. Something is wrong. Yet how do you intervene? Is it even your place to intervene? This is the crux of A Shiloh Christmas, and a fascinating one at that.

These books make up a fascinating story. The books never veer from the intended audience of children, but the subject matter can easily appeal to an older audience as well. The overall message of redemption being possible, of reputations being capable of repair, but it taking a long time to do so, are powerful. Kindness goes a long way, even farther than fear. First steps are meaningful. Difficult lessons, but good ones.

All in all? This is a series worth finishing, in my opinion. Messages from it are impactful and the stories never got boring for me.

[Jessaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the Waltons

This book was a pleasant surprise. Her 1st book titled, Shiloh, was a new berry winner. But like the Waltons, when the book was finished, I miss the family.

Shilo was a dog that was owned by their neighbor who abused him, so In time Marty the7th graders son of this family, was able to save her and bring her home as his own dog.

You get to celebrate Halloween, thanksgiving, and Christmas with this family. It's a real treat for younger children

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to being a bit hesitant when I first started this book, given the apparent emphasis upon religion. But I needn't have worried. In my opinion, Naylor did a respectable job of keeping it more on the objective/questioning side than I might have expected. I consider that to be a good thing! In the end there was hope...for a better tomorrow! A better life! And a happier home for Ruthie and Rachel!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been years since I read Shiloh. In fact, I was probably in elementary school when I last read it. But the time span between having read Shiloh and reading A Shiloh Christmas did not at all affect my enjoyment of the book. It is a heart-warming holiday story about hope, family, holiday miracles, and friendly. And it is perfect for reading cuddled up with your own furry friend.

I was surprised how little the story is actually about Shiloh. There are many references to the original classic novel so the reader doesn't need to worry about remembering what happened in Shiloh. But the story is largely about a person's ability to change. We see how Judd has changed from his abusive ways, and in the end, we see the new minister is capable of great change, too.

While a fire tests the community's strength and resiliency, the Bible-thumping new minister brings his own kind of fire to the community. He preaches about sin and the fires of hell, warning of a vengeful God to those who stray from His path, as was common in the South at this time. Marty's family does not take well to his way of teaching the Bible. Though religion is a major theme, the characters do not encourage the readers to accept this way of thinking. Especially when the readers learn that the minister is as fiery at home with his children and wife as he is at church.

Yes, child abuse is a startling theme of the novel. Besides the heavy religious themes in the long-winded Old Testament sermons from the preacher, parents and educators need to be aware that there is emotional/psychological child abuse. HOWEVER, the novel is set during early 20th century West Virginia. Marty's parents comment that while the preacher's discipline methods are frowned upon, they are NOT illegal and they consider it to be in his right, so long as he does not resort to violence. That is the accepted social thinking of the time period.

Due to the mature content, I'd like to be clear about what is in this book:

* The preacher never hits his children and has never hit his children. They never have marks or injuries to suggest physical abuse. The eldest daughter confirms he does NOT beat them
* The abuse all takes place OFF-PAGE
* The eldest child is locked in a cold shed with no coat and no bathroom, for an unknown amount of time
* They used to own a chair with manacles of some sort to restrain the kids (the eldest daughter managed to throw it out)
* The youngest was forced to put her feet in ice water as punishment
* The youngest was forced to put all her food in her milk and drink it as punishment
* The wife and children all show outward anxiety about defying the preacher. He is severely strict, limiting their social engagements with others

Overall, the content does not feel inappropriate for middle grade readers. It is NOT graphic or upsetting, I would advise it is best for ages 10 & up. As long as the reader can appreciate the historical cultural views and the fact that the protagonist's family sees this behaviour as wrong, I don't see it as being an issue.

A Shiloh Christmas is the fourth book in The Shiloh Quartet. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is an award-winning author whose stories are very much worth the read. The book ends with a warm-and-fuzzy hopeful Christmas moment for the minister's family. In a Christmas miracle, it seems he has seen the error of his ways. It is the holidays, after all!

I very much enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a new children's classic for middle grade readers! It is a heart-warming holiday tale about friendship, about a heroic dog, and the lesson that people can change for the better.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is like bookends for me, in that I loved the first book (5 stars), was so-so on the second and third books (3 stars), and then I’m back to loving it again. This book made me fall in love with the series all over again. This was a great conclusion to the series. I’m glad it was written, even if it wasn’t until years and years after the original book from when I was a child <3

I know I’ve criticized the parents in this book previously for blaming Shiloh for their daughter temporarily disappearing, and I stand by that. But otherwise, I, for the most part, appreciate them as parents. This is the type of wholesome family I really wish I’d grown up in as a child. Not only are they kind and well-mannered, but they also have a lot of gratitude. They’re so GRATEFUL for the things they have. They’re not whining about not having a lot of money, they’re not instilling a victim mentality in their children (which is one of the most toxic things a parent can do—trust me, I would know), they take joy in the little things in life, and of course, the fact that they have each other. This is so important when raising kids, and I believe it also makes a difference in your happiness, and overall mental wellbeing. (Obviously under extreme circumstances where you don’t have food or a roof over your head, that’s different). But they’ve got their basic needs met, they just don’t have as much as others. It was so nice seeing the whole family light up (no pun intended) when it was their first year getting to have Christmas lights on their roof. I’ve seen many people throughout my life who have had way more, and still manage to find a way to be miserable. And then it spreads to others (like fire). The Prestons are a good example of how thankful you should be for what you have.

Speaking of holidays, given that Halloween and Christmas are my two favorite times of the year, it was so nice I’m able to feel the festivity no matter when it is, so it was just as cool reading this in May as it would’ve been later. I liked the Halloween children’s party with all the activities, I liked the reference to Christmas cartoons such as the Grinch (win!), I liked the little details like the mom sewing mats with snowflakes, etc. etc. Again—it’s the little things in life.

Speaking of not taking things for granted, I really liked the storyline in here of the fire, which displaced a lot of people and destroyed their homes…but also brought the community together. Just people, not related or from the same families, coming together. To help out their fellow man. Being good Samaritans, which people don’t really do anymore. This is the kind of friendly environment I wish I’d grown up in. The idea of bringing over food to someone down the road from you, or inviting them for dinner, was so foreign to me growing up. I was always made to be fearful and afraid of everyone, I wasn’t supposed to trust anyone, I wasn’t allowed to have friends or interact/socialize with anyone. I was in pure isolation, and every little thing I did was wrong and I was always sad and anxious because of it. I could relate heavily to what Rachel and Ruthie went through. That’s why I also appreciated the storyline of questioning/challenging some of the religious teachings that were going on at their church. “God” is oftentimes used by the most abusive people. And it sends all kind of confusion and mixed signals for children especially. Absolutely no way for a child to be living.

Doc Murphy even had a cat named Molly ^.^ Speaking of cats, I’m glad they incorporated more cats! It’s definitely a dog series mostly, but Tangerine the orange kitty (my mom always wanted to get an orange kitten named Tangerine) has become a part of the family, mostly for the girls. Speaking of the girls, the way they put a tutu on that poor little Shiloh…xD

I liked the redemption of Judd Travers. It seems at this point he’s made a full one, a full recovery, healing from not only the wounds of his childhood trauma, but also from the hardened abuser he once was. He is kinder now not only towards his dogs, but also towards people. Especially children. He seems to have a soft spot for them, especially the abused ones. I love that he named his dog Norman <3

And of course, I like Marty as a narrator. He is laid back and calm, and also has a blunt, dry sense of humor about things. He’s got a good voice. I also appreciate that the school he went to seems to have a good teacher who doesn’t bully and humiliate and belittle his students. Once again, something I wish was more common in my childhood.

Finally…I just gotta say, I am LOVING the pre-technology era here. It is just so nice, and it’s actually depressing that this isn’t my life, wasn’t my childhood, and isn’t most peoples’ lives in the modern age. Just living at home, going to school, helping out members of the community, delivering mail to neighbors, doing potlucks for church, seeing your acquaintance at the grocery store…I do miss those times. It makes me long for those times.

[M.L. Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

The three original Shiloh books feel almost sacred to me, and I was afraid this would be bad. In actuality, though it had a slightly different feel and not as deep of a plot, it really was the same story. I’m amazed the author could dip back into that authentic voice after so many years. I love Marty’s family and their setting so so so so much.

A few things bugged me, though. This is set a year after the original trilogy, right. I know that original trilogy inside out. In this book, they would say things like, “Last Christmas, such and such happened.” And I would be like, “No it didn’t, because it didn’t happen that way at all in the old book.” There were some continuity errors that bugged me, but nothing severe. I notice everything like that.

[Squire Whitney: Hufflepuff Book Reviwer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: this review will contain lots of spoilers for the first three books in the Shiloh series, but not for A Shiloh Christmas.


“‘If there’s a hell,’ [says Judd], ‘I think it’s what people make for themselves while they’re living. Don’t have to die to find that out.’”

Probably the most compelling thing for me about the Shiloh series would be the fact that it ultimately is about neither the narrator nor the title character. No, taken as a whole, the series is actually about Judd Travers, the antagonist of the first installment. In book 1, we’re introduced to a gruff, mean-spirited man who abuses his dogs. While we see brief glimpses of humanity in Judd, they are extremely short-lived. He agrees to let Marty work for him in exchange for his dog Shiloh only because Marty catches him shooting a deer out of season and blackmails him—and, even then, Judd gives over Shiloh spitefully. In book 2, we see Judd caving into alcoholism, becoming more bitter and closed off than ever before—while the question is raised as to what made Judd into the man he has become and whether there might be any good in him at all. We don’t get much of an answer until the end of the book—when Judd gets in a drunken car wreck, and Shiloh saves him by directing help his way. When Marty and his father come to inform Judd of who his savior is, Judd Travers breaks down in tears and reaches out to caress the cowering dog. In book 3, Judd is starting to make efforts to become a better person. While he is still not the warmest of individuals and is still quite rough around the edges, he gives up alcohol and endeavors to be a bit less disagreeable. But the community refuses to believe the best in him—even beginning to suspect Judd of murder when a man he once quarreled with shows up dead. Even Marty doesn’t fully trust Judd and spies on him at one point. But then Judd shocks everyone when he jumps into a freezing lake, jeopardizing his own life in order to save Shiloh, the dog who saved his life. While the conclusion to Judd’s arc in the original trilogy might be called a tad too on-the-nose and melodramatic, it’s hard to dispute how powerful it is. In no other series have I ever encountered any arc quite like Judd’s, where the foremost focus of the series seems to be humanizing the antagonist of Book 1. Which is especially ambitious for a children’s series. The Shiloh books have become some of those rare gems for me that I’ve actually grown to appreciate more, the more I have thought about them. Usually, the opposite occurs.

But now here’s the reason why I’m most conflicted about A Shiloh Christmas. It is a fun, feel-good read with quite a few things to recommend it, but it does very little to enhance Judd’s arc in a meaningful way (despite the book still seeming to be more about Judd than any other character). It rehashes some of the same conflict that we saw in Saving Shiloh, with the community refusing to believe the best in Judd. Except now the townspeople suspect that he may be responsible for a fire that burned down several homes—his trailer included—because they know that he *accidentally* started a fire in his youth and because someone spotted him buying gasoline the morning before. To make matters worse for Judd, a new preacher shows up in town, a preacher who emotionally abuses his two daughters and seems obsessed with preaching on sin and wrath. While the preacher never mentions Judd by name, it is clear that many of his sermons are referring to people like him. This book feels, in many regards, like Saving Shiloh regurgitated. Also, I find the ending excessively "fluffy"—but I cannot go into details without providing spoilers.

Again, all this is not to say that A Shiloh Christmas doesn’t have anything going for it. I’m invested enough in this series at this point that just reading about Marty’s life feels like home to me. Seeing Marty start to develop his first crush without even realizing it made me smile—or at least I think he had a crush on Rachel; it is hard to tell, but I ship it. Regardless, Marty is growing up in many ways, wrestling with weightier matters, and learning from his past mistakes. What’s more, major props to Phyllis Reynolds Naylor for bringing somber themes of child abuse and religious legalism into her work. A Shiloh Christmas raises many key questions about religion, and it most definitely has something to say. Reynolds is never one to fear pushing the boundaries of a children’s novel. I would say, though, that A Shiloh Christmas is probably much more edifying if we regard it as a companion piece to a trilogy, rather than the fourth installment in a quartet. But the problem is that I don’t know what the book is intended to be. And, given that A Shiloh Christmas is quite a bit longer than any of the previous installments, regarding it as a mere companion piece would strike me as a bit peculiar.

While A Shiloh Christmas is not a bad read, it makes for a significantly weaker conclusion to a delightful series than Saving Shiloh would have. Read it if you feel compelled to, and you’ll probably enjoy it for what it is, but do your best not to tweak your expectations beforehand.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the original book, so I grabbed this one off the shelf in my classroom to read over the summer. Shiloh finds Judd's missing dog, the Preston family helps the new pastor become a better father, and everyone has a wonderful Christmas.

[Kaprisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so cute

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost didn't read this one. I read the other three books, Saving Shiloh, Shiloh Season, and Shiloh . I was going to skip this one for one reason: the cover of this one seemed a little too cheesy for me. I was also feeling like I'd had enough of the Shiloh story. Have I mentioned that I'm not much of a series reader? I get bored.

I'm so glad I did read this one though! It brings the Judd Travers issue full circle. I came close to a tear or two when he talked about his past. Definitely worth the read.

Warning: There are stories of abuse in here. It isn't anything graphic, but if this is a trigger for you, you might skip this one. They get a new preacher in their church and Marty and his family start to notice signs of abuse that concern them. Judd Travers also talks about the abuse he endured in his family. It all comes together well though and in the end, there is healing.

[Coolman100 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok 😑😑😑😑

[Johanna Onofre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book , and i love that it includes animals like dogs and the story seems and talks like it is real

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ask you...is this not the CUTEST most PRECIOUS little face you have ever seen? I would have given this book 5 stars and all the literary awards possible for that little face alone. Luckly, the story was worthy of the 5 stars also, although I may have still been under the influence of "puppy breath" :) It's a heart-warming story but also a bit of tear-jerker especially if you are dyed in the wool animal lover or addicted to cute dogs...which yours truly is both. Marty is an 11-year-old boy living with his family in rural West Virginia. Most of the people here own hunting dogs and most everybody lives by the moto "Mind you own business". I don't know if that's actually true, but it was true in this story. After several questionable incidents, the little beagle follows Marty home. Marty and his folks can see that the little dog has been abused. He hadn't been beaten, but something "disturbing" had obviously happened to him. Marty worked under the same rule that I worked under as a kid...if you name it...you can keep it. Marty calls the pup...Shiloh. They know who Shiloh belongs to...Judd Travers...who is not going to win "Dog Owner of The Year' awards. He unbelievably trains his dogs by not feeding them if they disobey him. Made you wonder how he treated the humans around him. Marty wants to keep the little guy. but his parents tell him that he can't...they could get in trouble with the law. Shiloh goes back but he runs away again, and this time instead of telling anyone...Marty hides him. Shiloh's troubles are only now just beginning when he's attacked by another dog and seriously hurt. Marty has to tell his father so that Shiloh can be taken to, and cared for, by the vet. Shiloh will live but will always limp. Of course, old mean-hearted Judd wants him back. Marty's father offers to buy the dog, but Judd says, "no way". The tension that was there already now has more added to it. Then Marty sees Judd doing something that even an 11-year-old knows is against the law. Surprised he would do this? Absolutely Not! I was just waiting and hoping that the author would turn the story toward a happy resolution for everyone...and she did...well. except for old Judd.

This is not the addition that I read but for some reason it's the only one that will show here. LibraryThing shows the correct addition. It's still a cute little face:)

[Hong Anh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey guys, it's christmas, anyone having fun? I'm having a lot of fun on Christmas Eve. Did you have a party? Any presents yet? Anyways, today, I am going to make a special review for Christmas about a book called A Shiloh Christmas. Let's start!!!
It has been a year since Marty got Shiloh from Judd Travers. Judd started to treat other people nicely and more respectfully. He even comes to church sometimes. The church also got a new pre-teacher- pastor Dawes. His family just moved into town. Rachel and Ruthie were the pastor's daughters and they did not like him much. While finding out about Rachel for a biography for homework, Marty actually found out a family's secret. After a while of finding out the secret, Rachel ran away from home and so did Ruthie. Ruthie went to Marty's house with Dara Lynn and Rachel ran to the church. Will the 2 girls come back home? Why did they run away? Was the pastor a bad person? Read to find out!!!
Now, I am going to share some thoughts and feelings.
My favorite character is not a main character but he is the person with the most changes from the last part. He was nicer and was more friendly. Can you guess the character? It's Judd Travers. He changed to a nicer person and he even cared about his dogs more. Even though Judd is not the main character in this story, he has changed and that is what makes him my favorite character. My favorite part was when after Judd lost his white dog, Shiloh ran away to find his old friend. It was really nice when the two dogs sat outside Judd's tent and surprised him. That moment was really funny and so sweet.
So now, I have shared my thoughts and feelings about this book, I hope you like it and,...
Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄
https://www.facebook.com/lostinabookw...

[Classic reverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the first three books of the Shiloh series earlier this year and I wanted to save the Christmas story for Christmastime. “A Shiloh Christmas” really only includes Christmas in the last chapters, otherwise it has the same feel as the earlier novels but published years later, though the story happens a year later. Marty and his family, Judd Travers and the new preacher’s family. Shiloh is his usual lovable self, Marty and his best friend David, Marty’s family and friends bring the characters to life. Questions about religion are presented but what I had trouble with is the typical portrayal of a preacher that preaches about sin and his treatment of his daughters which turned out in a positive light. Though the preacher seemed quite hard with his preaching, the need to make the Bible and God into a cookie cutter to what people feel God is by their feelings only but the most important is for the Bible to tell us about God because it is His book and remember that sin and repentance are part of His Way and the Word. Other than that I really liked the story line with Judd and Marty’s family.

❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert

A fire started in Judd’s neighborhood is thought to be his fault until it clears up that it is not. Judd earns respect slowly and his interactions with Marty and his family brings a positive impact on his personality. I loved that Judd named his lost dog Norman and he is treating him like his family. When the fire broke out Marty risked his life to save Judd’s dogs that were fenced because Judd was away at work but the dogs ran but Shiloh finally found one dog and brought him home to Judd. One dog was hit by a car which was really sad.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book that I enjoyed reading from the moment I picked it up. However, like the original Shiloh book, it has some very real lessons in it. This book is also very religious so if you are not into that sort of thing you may not like this book. I would say religion has a huge role in this book and it is an important aspect of this book. I think it is important that it is included considereing the characters that are involved. I think there are a lot of impactful quotes in this book that will make the reader think along the way. One of the things I was looking forward to was this book being about Christmas, but if that is what you are looking for you will want to pick up a different book. Christmas isn't really mentioned until the end of the book. If you are looking for a book that takes place entirely throughout Christmas time, then this is not the book for you. I think this will be a book that most people will enjoy, but if you are looking for a happy Christmas time book then this is not it for sure.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review

Title: A Shiloh Christmas

Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Genre: Holiday

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review: This was a cute audio book to listen to. I have not listened to the first 3 of this series but enjoyed it all the same. The stories of redemption in this book are perfect around Christmas, there isn’t a lot about shiloh and is more about the family he lives with. There are some situations in the book that might be better for middle school age but I listened to it with my 3 year old and we enjoyed it and those issues went over his head. I love the authors voices for this book.

Synopsis: Christmas is coming and Marty and his rescued pup Shiloh are sure glad about that—for their town is running low on love and understanding and they hope that the joy of the holiday will bring with it the generosity of spirit that’s so lacking.

This book in 3 emojis:
🐶 🔥 ⛪️

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t written until after a decade after the last one yet you can’t tell by the writing. It feels just the same as the last book did. While the previous book did a great job bringing the story around full circle, this was a nice addition. It ended the series as well as the last book.

While this has “Christmas” in the title, there’s a good bit of Fall mentioned in the book. A new preacher and his family move into town, which prompt some interesting discussions in the Preston household—especially when they begin to notice unsettling things about the family.

A tragedy also befalls the town and somehow Judd Travers becomes closer with Marty and his family than ever.

I liked the discussions in this regarding God/faith, child abuse, and sacrificing for others. There were moments that touched my heart. Though this book wasn’t completely necessary, I was glad to find myself in this world once more.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed with the Shiloh books & movies as a kid, so I'm happily to finally have read the Christmas book!

I was surprised the kids went so deep in their questions regarding religion, especially when it became a question of religion over humanity in their small community. We still of course appreciate the strange relationship between Judd Travers & Marty & the mischievous adventures of Shiloh. The simplicity and "old age" feel of this story really wrap up the meaning of love and community in Christmas. In the end it is about spending time with loved ones, whether or not they're blood family or a surprising connection. Much like every other Shiloh story, that dang dog managed to squeeze a few small tears out of me.

A Christmas read in modern age with no cell phones, no cameras, no computers, no social media, no expensive gifts. A rural small town that puts the meaning of community above all else for the holidays.

[Christine Rains · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a year since Marty earned his dog Shiloh from Judd Travers. Now Christmas is approaching, and the new preacher in town is only talking about sin, telling people to point fingers at the sinners. Of course the townspeople still think Judd is a bad apple and all the finger pointing goes his way when he's not done a thing.

This is the final book in the children's book series that I've been reading my fourth grade son. It's become his favorite series of stories. Of course, he loves animals, but the stories aren't really about the dog. It's about Marty and how he deals with tough realities. In this one, the big themes are judgmental people, compassion, and child abuse. I think it was dealt with in a real and respectable way through the eyes of a smart young boy. Marty's a great role model for kids with his big heart and empathy.

[Joyfully Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th and final book in the Shiloh series.

This was really good! Really Christmassy (if that's even a word, haha)

In the book there was a euthinization, so younger kids might find that a little hard, maybe. Okay, okay, I gotta be honest, I'm a mature (well, I like to think of myself as mature) young lady. And I teared up, so maybe it could be hard for older people too.

The Christmas day part towards the end felt a little "Hallmarky" to me, but it wasn't that bad.

The main theme of this book is that people can change. Maybe not overnight or 100%, but that it's something to be glad about when someone makes the first steps to change.

I feel like it had a sweet end for this series. If you're thinking of reading it, you gotta try it! :)

[Hana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit skeptical of this. I have loved the Shiloh books since I was a kid. I read and listened to all of them multiple times. They were a series that I revisited almost every summer growing up. When I saw that she had written another Shiloh book, I wondered how the magic of these books could continue when the trilogy had been written in a different time.

Well, I was wrong to underestimate Naylor's storytelling abilities. This is just as good as any of the other books. It takes place shortly after the third book and manages to maintain the same feel as the other books. This truly was a treat.

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very good book for grades 5-7 i would say. The think the book had a good setting and explained the plot very well. This book is about an owner named Marty Preston who had adopted a dog over a year ago is where the book started. They rescued him from a guy named Judd who is a cruel guy and cared for no one but himself. As of you can already kind of imagine where this goes i really think you should read this because it is a good story and would really catch your attention if your in middle school. I recommend that you should read this book for a entertained night of great reading.

[Audra Spiven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good conclusion to the most endearing Shiloh quartet. What a lovely little jaunt down memory lane it was to read these books (although as a kid I only read the first one). This book is longer than the other three, and has a couple more subplots to tackle than the others do, and the author did it well. As usual, my main complaint is that we didn't see enough of the beagle. :)

Marty, the main character, wrestles with lots of good theological dilemmas in this book--things that many adults still don't have answers for, let alone middle schoolers.

I'm so glad I purchased this little boxed set of 4 books. I hope I'll reread them over the years.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful conclusion to the story of the little beagle that has captured my heart since I was a child. Diving into some surprising themes of child abuse and generational cycles, Shiloh Christmas helps. Everyone who reads it, reflect on themselves, and also experience the joy of a child. highly recommend.

[Tina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the ending to this quartet. I read all 4 with my boy and I'm so glad I did. To see how the relationship between Marty and Judd changes and grows gave us fodder for a lot of good conversations about what it means to love people. If you have a boy who loves dogs this is a must read.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid finish to this series. Lots of hilarious and serious moments. The other books were a bit stronger overall, but we loved each episode. The Christmas part was not huge so reading this one in the spring worked out well.

[Irene Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute read, good ending to the series. With a new pastor in town who only preaches on sin, lots of theological points are brought up, and although the theology is off in the book, it can create good discussions with your kids.

[Melissa Loucks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for my 2022 Reading Challenge and the prompt was a book set during a holiday. I absolutely loved the Shiloh trilogy as a child so when I found out there was another one I just had to read it. I was not disappointed these books have their sad parts but always end on a happy note.