Seven Tails of Christmas: A Christmas Novella

by Rob Edwards

A Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist - Best Novella!It has been nearly a year since Ellis Porter lost his wife and the love of his life. He has spent that time lost to depression. With the holidays around the corner his mission is to isolate himself from the world and somehow make it through the now empty season with only his sassy cat Strawberry and his faithful dog Rhubarb for company. But as pet-owners know, animals have their own agendas. Saddened by Ellis’s emotional state, Strawberry and Rhubarb decide to take him on an unusual journey of healing which will allow him to see the world through the eyes of various animals. However, during one of these experiences, Ellis discovers that another pet owner’s despair requires desperate measures. This launches a Christmas Eve scavenger hunt where fantasy and reality collide and a cast of strangers become not only instant friends, but a family out to save one of its own. Seven Tails of Christmas is, It’s a Wonderful Life meets Dr. Doolittle – a contemporary holiday romance with a supernatural, pet-lover twist. Buy Seven Tails of Christmas and enjoy Rob’s holiday adventure today!

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2019

About the author

The majority of Rob Edwards working life has been in the video and film production world, giving him ample experience with storytelling and the creative process. He has written throughout his career and is now transforming his efforts to the page, rather than the screen.

Reviews

[Barb Flory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I smiled all the way through this book. The book is a story of sadness, loss, and fresh hope that will somehow keep a grin on your face through every page. Ellis Porter's wife died and he has spent almost and entire year sinking deeper in his grief. But his pets come to his rescue. Rob paints a hilarious picture of Strawberry, his somewhat cranky cat, and his elderly dog Rhubarb, who is much more gentle, as dogs often are.

His dog and cat talk to him! Yes, it's magical realism-- that I but Rob writes their voices with such charm that I was drawn in immediately. Ellis' pets send him on an amazing and exciting adventure planned to teach him about life, death, and living life.

Don't think this is some simplistic book with a Pollyanna ending. In less than 200 pages Rob brings in multiple themes including divorce, suicide, alcoholism and illegal immigration. This is no run of the mill Christmas book. With humor, charm and grace, Rob takes Ellis (and us) on a journey to a place of hope and joy in the future.

[Linda Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

First warning - if you are looking for a light, festive, warm and cozy fireside Christmas story, this isn’t it. Second warning - If you love horses or own horses and have experienced losing one to colic like I have, step into this story very carefully. Early on, I almost didn’t continue. It brought up such a terrible memory, it almost broke me.

I reconsidered, and continued on and I’m glad I did. The story is real - in a “Ebenezer Scrooge in Dicken’s, A Christmas Carol” way. Not that Ellis Porter, the main character, is a “Scrooge”, but after the loss of his beloved wife he was spiraling into a dark and lonely place. So, with the help of his loyal “roommates” he was transported to other places to see life through different eyes - and I mean different.

Written in a way that will have you in tears, but also put hope in your heart, Rob Edwards has given us a different way to look at the true meaning of Christmas. This is a story that will stay with you for a long time.

[Tina Shook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a creative, fun and interesting book about loss and friendship. This book as well as Robs other books, I've read so far, are all written with characters that are well developed and relatable to people and their experiences in real life. I feel as if I know them. That is a writer with true talent. I truly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend this book.

[Melanie Byrnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but sweet Christmas story novella. This book was a bit sappy, but touched my heart too. It’s a good holiday read.