Reviews

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

airteme's review against another edition

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5.0

Cute short story perfect for the Christmas season

kindlecollie's review against another edition

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3.0

Who can resist a dog book? I can't! This was a quick and cute read!

kargoforth's review against another edition

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3.0

I read Christmas books through November and December. To be honest, most are sappy romances for Christmas although some are much better. This one is not a romance but it is not a profound work either. It is a simple feel-good, warm, toasty story about love, trust, and responsibility. It would make a cute Hallmark Christmas movie.

bwilhoite8's review against another edition

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4.0

A heart warming story about finding love and acceptance where you least expect it. Love Melody Carlson!

curlygirl71's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

lorihenrich2021's review against another edition

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4.0

Betty was comfortable in her life, that is until Jack showed up and disrupted the entire neighborhood. And if things weren't bad enough the mysterious stray dog shows up in her yard. He probably belongs to her unruly neighbor. The nerve of some people!! Then on top of everything else Avery shows up at her door. Avery is the step-daughter of her son Gary.

How will this little brown dog heal the rift between neighbors. And heal the loneliness of an old woman, and the heart of a young woman.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope to read some of the other stories by this author. It is a story of the healing power an animal can have on those he comes in contact with.

cuppadecafplease's review

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funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was an adorable little Christmas read. At times Betty got on my nerves so much with her over-thinking and worrying, but it seems realistic to me. Sometimes we do make assumptions and see the worst in people(at least I do). I found it heartwarming in the end. I plan to read this again next Christmas. It's definitely one of Melody Carlson's good books in my opinion. 

I think you will enjoy it if you like Hallmark movies. If not, probably not. 

kristi518's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved the cover of this book at first sight and just had to have it. I must say the inside of the book is just as sweet as the cover. Well written and under 200 pages this is the perfect book to sit down and destress with during the busy holiday time.

The characters in the book are everyday people with everyday problems. If written well (and this one was) books like this appeal to me because I like books about regular people who have problems. I don't always want to read about people with tons of money, perfect looks, and the perfect lives.

The story is told in a way that makes you feel a part of the neighborhood and keeps you interested until the end. This is definitely a book for the keeper shelf and one that could quite possibly be a tradition to read every Christmas.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christmas-themed books, dog lovers and fans of Debbie Macomber.

catrev's review against another edition

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4.0

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson is a heart-warming story of the unexpected ways love can come into our lives. Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays this year. Widowed for many years with her children living far away, she can't even muster up the desire to put up decorations. Her interactions with the cranky next-door neighbor Jack certainly haven't helped. When a dirty, skinny dog runs from his yard into hers, she assumes that it belongs to Jack and tries to return it, only to have it keep coming back. And then her granddaughter Avery shows up, angry at her parents and ready to spend the holidays with the grandmother she hasn't seen in years. Carlson takes what could have been a treacly Christmas story and makes it much more through her textured portrayal of Betty who goes from a fearful near-hermit to strong loving woman determined to do the best for those she loves. It's a story certain to touch all who read it.

birdmanseven's review

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3.0

Frankly, I could have used more of the dog, but the Christmas vibe was enough to keep me on board. It was enjoyable enough, but I can't help but feel the title was a little misleading. The dog was around here and there, but I wanted him to be the star! If you are looking for a good dog Christmas book (and who isn't?), try Christmas with Tucker.

Fore my special interview with Melody Carlson tune in to this holiday special from Howe's Things: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/melody-carlson-and-the-christmas-swap