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The Christmas Dog
Melody Carlson is the author of more than 200 books, including The Christmas Bus and All I Have to Give. She recently was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books. She lives with her husband in Oregon.
Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. There's church, of course. But who can she bake for these days? And who would care whether or not she pulled out the Christmas decorations? Her new neighbor just adds to the problem. He's doing home improvements that don't appear to be improving much of anything. These days when Betty looks out the window, she sees a beat-up truck, a pile of junk, lots of blue tarps, and--horror of horrors--an old pink toilet. But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn a very important lesson about what Christmas is all about. This contemporary Christmas story is a timely yet gentle reminder that God can work miracles through something as seemingly insignificant as a little brown dog.
Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. There's church, of course. But who can she bake for these days? And who would care whether or not she pulled out the Christmas decorations? Her new neighbor just adds to the problem. He's doing home improvements that don't appear to be improving much of anything. These days when Betty looks out the window, she sees a beat-up truck, a pile of junk, lots of blue tarps, and--horror of horrors--an old pink toilet. But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn a very important lesson about what Christmas is all about. This contemporary Christmas story is a timely yet gentle reminder that God can work miracles through something as seemingly insignificant as a little brown dog.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2009
335 people are currently reading
2975 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
430 books3,259 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 595 reviews
December 16, 2022
A delightful Christmas novella!
The Christmas Dog is the kind of holiday book I enjoy. involves a grandmother, a granddaughter, a dubious neighbor, and a tiny terrier.
Betty is not happy with her new neighbor Jack. Jack is remodeling and there are issues with their fence and his dog that likes to sneak over to her yard. She doesn't like the dog and thinks that Jack is a horrible and irresponsible owner. Her granddaughter Avery visits but in fact avoids being with her parents.
Yes, it's predictable where there is a common understanding and everyone's happy in the end. It's a holiday story so I'm okay with how it all turns out and there is no shocking twist. 😁
Melody Carlson is another must-read author during the holidays. This is one of her older books published in 2009 with few religious references.
The Christmas Dog is the kind of holiday book I enjoy. involves a grandmother, a granddaughter, a dubious neighbor, and a tiny terrier.
Betty is not happy with her new neighbor Jack. Jack is remodeling and there are issues with their fence and his dog that likes to sneak over to her yard. She doesn't like the dog and thinks that Jack is a horrible and irresponsible owner. Her granddaughter Avery visits but in fact avoids being with her parents.
Yes, it's predictable where there is a common understanding and everyone's happy in the end. It's a holiday story so I'm okay with how it all turns out and there is no shocking twist. 😁
Melody Carlson is another must-read author during the holidays. This is one of her older books published in 2009 with few religious references.
December 11, 2016
I’ve been on a Christmas story reading binge lately, and Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Dog may be the best I’ve come across this year. It captures the spirit of the Yuletide season without being heavy-handed or preachy.
Betty Kowalski is a widow living alone. She has been happy in her neighborhood until a new neighbor with some dubious home improvement ideas and questionable social skills has her contemplating moving away for good. Still, her minister’s sermon about loving one’s neighbor nags at her conscience, and she struggles to become more open-minded.
It is nearly Christmas, and Betty has two surprise visitors. The first is a straggly stray dog that she believes to belong to her neighbor Jack. The second is her granddaughter Avery, a 23-year-old “runaway” who has yet to figure out what it means to be an adult.
This scenario felt like a real-life story to me. The characters were well developed, and their problems and challenges could be those of your neighbor, or mine. Betty, Avery, Jack, and even Ralph, the dog, have opportunities for change and growth. There are quite a few roadblocks along the way, many of their own making, but the pieces seem to come together by Christmas Day – as they should in a proper Christmas “tail.” This could be set in any other time of year and across racial and religious lines. It’s about people setting aside their fears and misconceptions of others and taking the time to get to know them. When given a chance, they find that their shared humanity can bring them together.
5 stars
Betty Kowalski is a widow living alone. She has been happy in her neighborhood until a new neighbor with some dubious home improvement ideas and questionable social skills has her contemplating moving away for good. Still, her minister’s sermon about loving one’s neighbor nags at her conscience, and she struggles to become more open-minded.
It is nearly Christmas, and Betty has two surprise visitors. The first is a straggly stray dog that she believes to belong to her neighbor Jack. The second is her granddaughter Avery, a 23-year-old “runaway” who has yet to figure out what it means to be an adult.
This scenario felt like a real-life story to me. The characters were well developed, and their problems and challenges could be those of your neighbor, or mine. Betty, Avery, Jack, and even Ralph, the dog, have opportunities for change and growth. There are quite a few roadblocks along the way, many of their own making, but the pieces seem to come together by Christmas Day – as they should in a proper Christmas “tail.” This could be set in any other time of year and across racial and religious lines. It’s about people setting aside their fears and misconceptions of others and taking the time to get to know them. When given a chance, they find that their shared humanity can bring them together.
5 stars
December 8, 2018
"Love had come scratching at Betty's door in the form of a little brown dog, and she had completely missed it..."
What's not to love about a book that has a cute doggie on the cover. Aww...
A short and sweet Xmas tale that brings home what the Christmas Season is about. Betty Kowalski is a pensioner who's saddened by the changes in her neighbourhood. A bit on the lonely side, she's feeling a bit blue with Christmas coming up, and life isn't helped by the feud she's having with her neighbour, the mysterious Jack Jones.
Into their lives comes a little bundle of matted fur who doesn't seem to belong to anyone, but certainly wants to stay.
This is a really sweet book, which has a happy ending. And that's as it should be. We do learn lessons along the way, such as not judging a book by its cover, and how appearances can be deceiving. Sometimes you just need to scratch a bit below the surface, to discover that someone is actually a gem, and that a dirty little dog, is actually an adorable little cutie pie. And both have a lot of love to give.
"I think Ralph is a Christmas dog, and I think he's going to give himself to whoever he feels needs him the most." 🐾🐾
🎄"Many thanks to GR friend Linda for this book recommendation. It was utterly delightful! Linda's review can be found here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...🎄
January 6, 2023
I had a hard time connecting with this book, the characters were not too likable, and the story was quite bland. I decided to go with 3 stars as opposed to my initial 2, at it was a very easy read; I flew through it due to the basic writing and storyline.
Initially it was a little hard to tell the protagonist’s age, Betty was a widow living frugally, she talked a lot about her faith and her church, but I’m not sure how necessary it is to add big chunks of the sermon.
I read this as it was a Christmas theme, about a little dog who seemed to always run away, and into Betty’s humble home. I found Betty to be really judgmental, as were her neighbours, and it was clear the scary neighbourhood man they were referring to was anything but.
This was a wholesome and small novella, where ladies said things like ‘bother’ a lot and not a lot of substance or excitement was to be had.
I deposited this to the camp kitchen at the holiday park I am staying at, hopefully someone else can use this as a festive read.
Initially it was a little hard to tell the protagonist’s age, Betty was a widow living frugally, she talked a lot about her faith and her church, but I’m not sure how necessary it is to add big chunks of the sermon.
I read this as it was a Christmas theme, about a little dog who seemed to always run away, and into Betty’s humble home. I found Betty to be really judgmental, as were her neighbours, and it was clear the scary neighbourhood man they were referring to was anything but.
This was a wholesome and small novella, where ladies said things like ‘bother’ a lot and not a lot of substance or excitement was to be had.
I deposited this to the camp kitchen at the holiday park I am staying at, hopefully someone else can use this as a festive read.
December 11, 2018
A heartwarming tale of a stranger, a grandmother, a granddaughter, and a loving dog. Enjoyable Christmas read! I love Melody Carlson books they always make me feel warm and fuzzy inside!
November 6, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a super cute holiday read. It focused on a grandmother, a surprise visit from a granddaughter, and an unexpected neighbor. And of course, a dog.
This was a super cute holiday read. It focused on a grandmother, a surprise visit from a granddaughter, and an unexpected neighbor. And of course, a dog.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Cecily White
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Christmas Fiction
Length: 4h 32m
December 5, 2018
4.5 stars
While a lot of the story was still predictable, I loved watching a little dog's presence be the catalyst for the characters to wake up and start treating each other better. If you're looking for a good cozy Christmas story, pick this one up! No romance, either.
While a lot of the story was still predictable, I loved watching a little dog's presence be the catalyst for the characters to wake up and start treating each other better. If you're looking for a good cozy Christmas story, pick this one up! No romance, either.
January 12, 2025
I chose to read this book because I thought the cover was so cute…….but that probably wasn’t a good reason to read it. The book lightly touches on the Christmas holiday, but it really is more a story about not judging people by the way they look or act and instead to try to get to know a person before making any assumptions. It was, for me, an okay read but not really a Christmas story per se.
December 19, 2018
3.5
Sweet little Christmas read. I liked how the main character was a grandma with a fixed income who grew to recognize the God given blessings in her life. Also, just for the record, I loved how Betty made oatmeal, toast, and canned peaches for dinner. 🎄
Sweet little Christmas read. I liked how the main character was a grandma with a fixed income who grew to recognize the God given blessings in her life. Also, just for the record, I loved how Betty made oatmeal, toast, and canned peaches for dinner. 🎄
August 9, 2021
What's not to love about a Christmas book with a cute little brown dog on the cover? I'm always a sucker for Melody Carlson's Christmas books, the cover of her books always catch my eye, and makes me want to read them right away. They are so quick to read and just absolutely heartwarming every time!
Betty Kowalski can't seem to find Christmas in her heart, she doesn't know why, maybe it's because her husband Chuck has passed away, maybe it's because she misses her children dearly, or maybe it's because of the obnoxious new neighbor Jack, tearing apart the house next door to Betty. One morning Betty hears scratching at her door, she can't seem to understand why someone would be at her house, but as she opens the door she realizes it's a little dog, Betty tells the dog to shooo, go home you foolish thing, Betty doesn't like dogs.
No one in Betty's neighborhood likes this new neighbor because he makes way too much noise with his powertools, and thinks he's dangerous. On another morning Betty hears knocking at her door, she's not sure who it could be this time, but when she opens her door she's sees her granddaughter, Avery standing there with nothing but a duffel bag on her shoulder. Before Avery shows up Betty calls her daughter Susan and during that call Betty learns that Avery has gone missing.
When Avery shows up at Betty's house, Avery notices the little dog and automatically wants to care for him, the dog doesn't have a collar, so Avery names him Ralph. Betty doesn't have much money but she gives some to Avery so she can buy herself some new clothes, meanwhile Betty needs money to buy decorations for her good friends Jim and Marsha's anniversary party. Betty also gives Avery money to go buy decorations for the party, but Betty doesn't know if she should trust Avery with the whole decorating.
I dont want to spoil the whole story, so, I'm going to stop here, and say this is a must read Christmas novel!!!
Betty Kowalski can't seem to find Christmas in her heart, she doesn't know why, maybe it's because her husband Chuck has passed away, maybe it's because she misses her children dearly, or maybe it's because of the obnoxious new neighbor Jack, tearing apart the house next door to Betty. One morning Betty hears scratching at her door, she can't seem to understand why someone would be at her house, but as she opens the door she realizes it's a little dog, Betty tells the dog to shooo, go home you foolish thing, Betty doesn't like dogs.
No one in Betty's neighborhood likes this new neighbor because he makes way too much noise with his powertools, and thinks he's dangerous. On another morning Betty hears knocking at her door, she's not sure who it could be this time, but when she opens her door she's sees her granddaughter, Avery standing there with nothing but a duffel bag on her shoulder. Before Avery shows up Betty calls her daughter Susan and during that call Betty learns that Avery has gone missing.
When Avery shows up at Betty's house, Avery notices the little dog and automatically wants to care for him, the dog doesn't have a collar, so Avery names him Ralph. Betty doesn't have much money but she gives some to Avery so she can buy herself some new clothes, meanwhile Betty needs money to buy decorations for her good friends Jim and Marsha's anniversary party. Betty also gives Avery money to go buy decorations for the party, but Betty doesn't know if she should trust Avery with the whole decorating.
I dont want to spoil the whole story, so, I'm going to stop here, and say this is a must read Christmas novel!!!
December 2, 2018
A delightful book! I love Christmas stories! An older woman named Betty was feeling low. She lived by herself and was getting irritated with a new neighbor and a dog that showed up. Betty and another neighbor both had bad thoughts about this new neighbor and their dislike for him. This led to much ill will between the 3 neighbors.
In the end Betty found the love of Christ and her Christmas became the best one ever. Oh, how I loved to hear this!
In the end Betty found the love of Christ and her Christmas became the best one ever. Oh, how I loved to hear this!
December 7, 2022
Audiobook (narrated by Cecily White)
Betty is a curmudgeon, without a doubt, and she needs someone to remind her what the Christmas season is truly about. With the help of a neighbor, her granddaughter, and a stray dog, she does just that.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Betty is a curmudgeon, without a doubt, and she needs someone to remind her what the Christmas season is truly about. With the help of a neighbor, her granddaughter, and a stray dog, she does just that.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
October 24, 2017
It might take a whole village to raise a child, but it only takes one small dog to bring peace and understanding to a neighborhood. Betty and her neighbors distrust and fear their new neighbor, and Betty considers moving, just to avoid him. But her pastor tells his congregation that they should love their neighbors and so Betty tries. But is it not until a small and very dirty stray dog appears that real communication begins. This delightful Christmas story is a quick read and happy tale. There are problems to be solved, but the Christmas spirit of goodwill can’t be stopped, especially when it’s a canine who is spreading it.
December 22, 2015
This was a cute story.
The lesson learned was not to judge people just on appearance, we need to look deeper, get to know a person before branding them.
The lesson learned was not to judge people just on appearance, we need to look deeper, get to know a person before branding them.
December 2, 2018
Sweet Christmas story in which a dog brings together two family members and two neighbors.
December 26, 2018
Even though this novel was chosen as December's book of the month for Christian Fiction Devourers, the Goodreads group I'm the most active in, I had originally planned to skip this one because I just don't read a lot of books whose main plot point is that it's Christmas, and besides, even the title sounds cheesy. However, because Melody Carlson was also the featured author of the month and my library has more of her Christmas novels than her other types of novels, I ended up checking it out anyway. So, considering I had rather low expectations of this novel, upon actually reading it, I was pleasantly surprised. For such a short novel, and a Christmas novel at that, it was fairly well written, and there was a decent amount of character development also. It was cute how the stubborn stray dog brought Betty and her neighbor to a better understanding of each other, but overall, I felt that the novel was just too short. I wanted to see more development of some of the relationships: between Betty and her granddaughter Avery, between Avery and her parents, between Betty and her children, and between Betty and her neighbor. The story had so much potential, but by focusing so much of the plot on the dog, the novel had to end once the dog had a permanent home and Betty had realized God had sent the dog, and so, by being so against the dog, she had been rejecting God. Overall, I found this to be a pretty solid three star read.
July 9, 2015
Melody Carlson is such a talented and diversified author, so when the opportunity came to receive a review copy of her new Christmas book, I jumped at the chance to read it! Each of Melody’s books has its own voice and style. That’s what I love about her writing. The Christmas Dog is no exception. Melody writes this book in the point of view of Betty Kowalski, an elderly woman who’s preparing for a 50th Anniversary party for her friends right before Christmas. Out of the blue, her granddaughter, Avery, shows up and wants to help with the party decorations.
Betty discovers a little dog at their back door while Avery is visiting and wants to give it to the pound and would have if Avery hadn’t asked to keep the dog.. Betty’s never had a dog and this one is dirty. Avery tells her grandma that she will take care of everything, and not to worry. Could she trust Avery? Avery was so happy about the dog, Betty gives in.
Betty remembers what her mother says,” I do remember my mother once telling me that kindness builds bridges.”
This reminds Betty of her pastor and his recent sermon. She remembers, “How was it possible to love someone so completely disagreeable and inconsiderate and downright evil? Really, she thought as she stood up, even Pastor Gordon would be singing a different tune if he was forced to live next to Jack Jones." Now her granddaughter was here and wanted to keep this dog. God was doing a work on her, Betty could sense it.
God moves in mysterious ways and will stir our hearts to do His will if we let Him. Melody has penned a heart warming story that will leave you satisfied and get you in the spirit of Christmas cheer and ready to pass on God’s love.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Betty discovers a little dog at their back door while Avery is visiting and wants to give it to the pound and would have if Avery hadn’t asked to keep the dog.. Betty’s never had a dog and this one is dirty. Avery tells her grandma that she will take care of everything, and not to worry. Could she trust Avery? Avery was so happy about the dog, Betty gives in.
Betty remembers what her mother says,” I do remember my mother once telling me that kindness builds bridges.”
This reminds Betty of her pastor and his recent sermon. She remembers, “How was it possible to love someone so completely disagreeable and inconsiderate and downright evil? Really, she thought as she stood up, even Pastor Gordon would be singing a different tune if he was forced to live next to Jack Jones." Now her granddaughter was here and wanted to keep this dog. God was doing a work on her, Betty could sense it.
God moves in mysterious ways and will stir our hearts to do His will if we let Him. Melody has penned a heart warming story that will leave you satisfied and get you in the spirit of Christmas cheer and ready to pass on God’s love.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
May 31, 2013
I loved,loved,loved this book!!!! I love reading. With that said I also collect Kindle books.I am NEVER reading just 1 book at a time. Usually I have 5-6 books I read at once because I never know what type of mood I'm gonna be in or what will interest me at that moment.Once I started this book thhough it totally held my attention from beginning to end."The Christmas Dog" just couldn't stop reading it. There is nothing not to like about this book.I LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!!(By the way have I told you how much I LOVED this book?)So the book is about a woman named Betty who has an eccentric neighbor. She is suspicious of this fella who moved in shortly after her previous neighbors (an older couple) passed away, around the same time. This new neighbor(Jack)moves in. Jack is not a very considerate neighbor. He plays loud music and operates his power tools at odd hours too.Then there is the fact that he is not a very responsible pet owner.She believes the brown scruffy dog that arrived about the same time he did deserves far better than Jack and she really wants to give him a piece of her mind. Betty also has a granddaughter Avery who went missing from her parent's house and suddenly shows up at her door.This story had lovable characters, and was truly a heartwarming Christmas tale.Actually this is the 1st Christmas book I have ever read and I am so glad I didn't miss it.Now what are y'all waiting for?Get your 1-click on hurry!!
December 15, 2018
I so enjoyed this story! It was full of characters who were real and I expected I could drive over and meet them. Betty's imaginings of her neighbor reminded me of my own imaginings of people and things, (though I don't believe what I imagine and she did. Well, sort of.) and it made me chuckle. I loved the grandma-granddaughter relationship. And the dog!
There was so much in this story. It's the kind of Christmas story I like.
I expect to read this book again.
There was so much in this story. It's the kind of Christmas story I like.
I expect to read this book again.
January 1, 2024
This is such a cute read. I loved how grumpy Betty was and how she was kind of a contradiction to her own mind sometimes. She wanted to be nice to her neighbor while in the meantime wanting to also give him a piece of her mind. 😂 I loved that her granddaughter came to visit as I thought that added a great element to the story. I really enjoyed this story and I would highly recommend.
July 22, 2020
This was such a great Christmas book! I loved it.
December 27, 2011
3.5 stars - I am not frequently a fan of Christian fiction. When it comes to holiday reads I don't mind a bit of it, as long as it isn't too heavy handed. It can be good to be pulled out of all the commercialism of the holiday.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was nice to believe in modern day miracles for a little bit and to witness three people in very different stages of life and grappling with the troubles those entail really transform and hold each other up. Some of the "lessons" were a tad heavy handed, but suitable to the situation and not unexpected. I enjoyed a break from the formulaic holiday romances I have read recently. That isn't to say that the ending of this story is surprising, it was pretty clear as soon as the "The Christmas Dog" made the scene.
Those sensitive to frequent mentions of praying may wish to choose a different title, but that was the only recurring reference to Christianity in the book. There was also a good chunk of a church sermon, which was rather heavy handed, but served as catalyst for the plot so did not bother me, nor was it really unexpected.
The Kindle formatting of the title was fairly good. There were a few spots with extra line breaks and a few areas where parts of a word would be in subscript or superscript, but I did not find it terribly bothersome.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was nice to believe in modern day miracles for a little bit and to witness three people in very different stages of life and grappling with the troubles those entail really transform and hold each other up. Some of the "lessons" were a tad heavy handed, but suitable to the situation and not unexpected. I enjoyed a break from the formulaic holiday romances I have read recently. That isn't to say that the ending of this story is surprising, it was pretty clear as soon as the "The Christmas Dog" made the scene.
Those sensitive to frequent mentions of praying may wish to choose a different title, but that was the only recurring reference to Christianity in the book. There was also a good chunk of a church sermon, which was rather heavy handed, but served as catalyst for the plot so did not bother me, nor was it really unexpected.
The Kindle formatting of the title was fairly good. There were a few spots with extra line breaks and a few areas where parts of a word would be in subscript or superscript, but I did not find it terribly bothersome.
December 28, 2014
I got this book free on my Nook and it sounded like a cute story. But I found it really boring and I didn't like any of the characters, except the dog. Everyone seemed rude and judgemental. I actually liked Jack from the start, even though I don't think the author wanted me to. But that's probably because I disliked Betty immediately too. This book really didn't have much that I enjoyed. Maybe if I were older I would like it more. Betty is a grandmother so maybe I'm just too young to relate to her constant worrying and over-thinking.
December 4, 2013
Cute book - quick read - during the Christmas season - reminding everyone to have faith and give the benfit of doubt to others. Centered around a Gramma living alone, her family, her neighbors and a stray mutt, that just keeps returning.
November 30, 2015
awww sweet story with a message! good holiday story that left me with those feel good feelings! I could see this book into a hallmark Christmas movie!
December 28, 2020
This is a precious little book about a dog. The little dog on the cover looks like my little dog. I really enjoyed this Christmas story.
November 6, 2022
THE CHRISTMAS DOG
● Betty- a widow who lives alone
● she has 2 visitors during the Christmas season: 1) a stray dog, Ralph, & 2) Avery (23) granddaughter
● Betty assumes the dog is her neighbor Jack’s dog and he assumes it’s her dog.
● neither Betty nor Jack want the dog but Avery wants him
● Betty feels Jack is sketchy and she should move
● in the long run she learns that she shouldn’t judge on appearances
● Betty- a widow who lives alone
● she has 2 visitors during the Christmas season: 1) a stray dog, Ralph, & 2) Avery (23) granddaughter
● Betty assumes the dog is her neighbor Jack’s dog and he assumes it’s her dog.
● neither Betty nor Jack want the dog but Avery wants him
● Betty feels Jack is sketchy and she should move
● in the long run she learns that she shouldn’t judge on appearances
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Cecily White
Length: 4H 32M
December 11, 2024
My favorite quote was,
“And, let me tell you, God’s love can make us downright uncomfortable at times.”
“And, let me tell you, God’s love can make us downright uncomfortable at times.”
December 10, 2023
2.5/5
Betty is a lonely older lady who struggles with jealousy and judging other people who have more than she does. There is a lot of potential for a great Christmas story here, and I think most people will appreciate that. Without getting too much into it, all thankfully ends well here with these characters. But I did not like the way Betty treated the sweet little stray pup that showed up on her doorstep. Betty not only refused to show kindness to the dog, but she alienated anyone else who may have had an interest in the little dog too, and ultimately she ended up hurting some of the other characters with her treatment of the dog.
I knew the ending would be a good one as Ms. Carlson's stories always have a good ending, but I was never able to get past Betty's mean streak where the dog was concerned. Forget how rude she was to the other characters before her change of heart. Forget her shortsightedness. She was bad to the dog, and that was all she wrote for me as far as this story goes.
You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat animals. You just can.
Betty is a lonely older lady who struggles with jealousy and judging other people who have more than she does. There is a lot of potential for a great Christmas story here, and I think most people will appreciate that. Without getting too much into it, all thankfully ends well here with these characters. But I did not like the way Betty treated the sweet little stray pup that showed up on her doorstep. Betty not only refused to show kindness to the dog, but she alienated anyone else who may have had an interest in the little dog too, and ultimately she ended up hurting some of the other characters with her treatment of the dog.
I knew the ending would be a good one as Ms. Carlson's stories always have a good ending, but I was never able to get past Betty's mean streak where the dog was concerned. Forget how rude she was to the other characters before her change of heart. Forget her shortsightedness. She was bad to the dog, and that was all she wrote for me as far as this story goes.
You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat animals. You just can.
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