Okay.. maybe not QUITE yet, but what better way to prepare for the upcoming season than to warm your heart with a couple of nice Christmas novels?

I’m not generally a novel reader, to be honest, but I do love a good Christmas story.  I was blessed enough to be given the opportunity to review The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson and The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh.  My thanks to the publishers for such a lovely pre-holiday gift!

[1] The Christmas Dog tells the tale of a grandmother living in a “going downhill” town.  As Christmas approaches she debates the merit of staying in the home that she and her late husband shared so many memories or selling it and moving closer to her grown children.  The arrival of a secretive, undesireable neighbour has brought a grey cloud to the once community-centered neighbourhood.  Add in an unexpected visit from her wayward grand daughter and an unwelcome mud-covered pooch and well, you’ve got the makings of a wonderfully heartwarming tale of forgiveness and charity.  So many people today walk through their lives without seeing the many little miracles and blessings all around them.  Betty was becoming one of those people till some strange circumstances get a hold of her.

This books is a wonderful holiday treat, reminding us of the true spirit of Christmas… the spirit of giving of ourselves as a offering to He who was born in a stable so long ago.  Forgiving those who have harmed us, opening the door to those we may not want, and believing in those who need our encouragement.  The Christmas Dog looks past the pretty decorated windows and holiday store music and looks into the heart of the true meaning of Christmas. 

[2] The Unfinished Gift is the first novel of the Senior Pastor of Grace Church in Dayton Beach, Florida.  This is by far one of the best Christmas books I have ever read!  The only thing crotchety old Ian Collins wants is to be left alone.  Estranged from his son, a WW2 fighter pilot, Mr. Collins suddenly finds himself the sole guardian of his 7 year old grandson, Patrick.  The only thing Patrick wants this Christmas is his daddy home from the war… and a forbidden treasure he found gathering dust in his grandfather’s attic. 

I don’t want to spoil all the exciting twists and turns this incredible page-turner has to offer, but in the end there are mended hearts, new friends, tearful reunions and the gift of God’s forgiveness and abundant blessing everywhere.  And some thing special for a very special little boy.  Although this book does not come with tissues, I would advise that a box be wrapped along with it… to wipe the tears of sorrow AND joy this book will trigger.  I will be watching this new author for another installment of his talented writing skills!

I would HIGHLY recommend both of these books for the book-lover on your Christmas List. 

As a review blogger,  I am provided a free copy of the book, curriculum or product to test and use in order to write an honest review. I receive no other compensation and the opinions I share are my own and not influenced by the company in question.