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beckimoody29's review
1.0
Not even a story really
This was billed as a short story but aside from familiar characters there is no reason to bother with this one. Its like a first attempt at a story and then the author decided on a different approach. Its all set-up and no plot. Aunt Peg and her husband Max go to Christmas dinner with Melanie and Frank's parents. That's literally the whole plot. Aunt Peg finds out the reason why the brothers are estranged --AND . . . nothing! There are poodles --that do nothing. Wait--one is pregnant but they aren't even born by the end. Waste of time and money and I LOVE everything I've read by Here son up to this point. I thought maybe part of the book was missing but evidently not. Do NOT be conned into buying this.
This was billed as a short story but aside from familiar characters there is no reason to bother with this one. Its like a first attempt at a story and then the author decided on a different approach. Its all set-up and no plot. Aunt Peg and her husband Max go to Christmas dinner with Melanie and Frank's parents. That's literally the whole plot. Aunt Peg finds out the reason why the brothers are estranged --AND . . . nothing! There are poodles --that do nothing. Wait--one is pregnant but they aren't even born by the end. Waste of time and money and I LOVE everything I've read by Here son up to this point. I thought maybe part of the book was missing but evidently not. Do NOT be conned into buying this.
jena_33's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
tobyyy's review
3.0
Whoops. Turns out that this holiday novella is best for those who have already read some of the Melanie Travis series (which I have not, although my goal is to do so as my library has a bunch!).
A quiet little mystery without much of a resolution — I feel like the ending would’ve packed a bigger punch had I been familiar with Melanie and her family prior to picking this up.
A quiet little mystery without much of a resolution — I feel like the ending would’ve packed a bigger punch had I been familiar with Melanie and her family prior to picking this up.
debmed's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
amylee218's review against another edition
2.0
I was excited to read more about Aunt Peg and Melanie before, when they weren't really close. However, Melanie was barelt in this one. Also, Peg takes it upon herself to ferret out some information and then the story just ends. It doesn't really go anywhere, and it doesn't even truly add more to what long-time readers already know of the characters. It should have been fun to see Melanie, Bob, Frank, and Peg back then, but it didn't deliver.
booksinthemountains's review against another edition
2.0
I picked up this book based on the cover, the dog reminded me of my old dog so I figured I'd read it. It was cute enough but there was no real story or tie up to the story. I think this novella was written to fill in blanks in the series but again, I don't think anything in the story was tied up so I'm not sure it's helpful in that sense but couldn't say as this is the only book I've read.
This book left me with no desire to read the series as it presents the lead character as boring. But the dogs were fun.
This book left me with no desire to read the series as it presents the lead character as boring. But the dogs were fun.
julieputty's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, but it really ended abruptly and left a lot of hanging threads.
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