December is here, and with it has come some very welcome colder weather in South Texas. My house is fully decorated for the holidays, and I’ve spent the last several nights curled up on the couch by the fireplace, snuggled up with my dogs and a good book. Several years ago, I read and enjoyed Greg Kincaid’s Christmas novel Noelle, the third story featuring characters first introduced in his hit novel A Dog Named Christmas. Even though I hadn’t read that first book, I was charmed by Noelle’s sweet message and told myself I’d eventually go back and start the series from the beginning. This week, nestled between my two dogs on the couch, I finally did just that.
George McCray has always been protective of his son, Todd. Todd, who faces certain developmental challenges, still lives on the family’s Kansas farm well into young adulthood. George knows his son’s heart is good, but he also knows how unkind the world can be. As Christmas approaches, Todd learns that the local animal shelter is seeking families to foster their dogs for the holidays, giving the animals a brief respite from shelter life. Todd is instantly taken with the idea and longs to bring a dog home for the season. George is more hesitant. The thought of Todd bonding with a dog only to face the inevitable heartbreak of returning it on December 26th fills him with dread.
But Todd’s persistence—and his unfailing optimism—win out. Soon, the McCrays welcome a lovable dog into their home. Still, Todd can’t help but think about all the other dogs destined to spend the holiday in cages. So, using his natural charm and determination, he rallies his entire community to join the Adopt a Dog for Christmas program. What begins as one boy’s simple act of kindness becomes a lesson in compassion that transforms not just his family, but the whole town, reminding everyone of the true spirit of the season.
A Dog Named Christmas is a sweet little holiday story that highlights the power of community, the comfort of family, and the loyal love of our four-legged friends. Greg Kincaid writes with an approachable, heartfelt prose that perfectly suits this sentimental tale. Yes, it’s predictable and reads like something straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie, but honestly, that’s exactly the kind of story I’m perfectly happy to curl up with this time of year. In fact, the novel was later adapted into just such a film.
My only real complaint is the way the book handles Todd’s accessibility needs. Written in 2008, it includes the “R” word, which caught me completely off guard. Having read the third book in the series, it’s clear Kincaid’s perspective evolved with the times, but readers should be aware of that characterization before diving in. That said, I still enjoyed this cozy holiday read, especially while snuggled up with my own two dogs.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2025, 95)
"My only real complaint is the way the book handles Todd’s accessibility needs. Written in 2008, it includes the “R” word, which caught me completely off guard."
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear the author's perspective has evolved since then, but that's rough. It would completely ruin the atmosphere for me.
It honestly shocked me when I came across it. I hadn't seen or heard that word used to describe someone's condition so matter-of-factly.
DeleteThis sounds like a great read for this time of year! It's a shame that the author used the "R" word, but I'm glad his perspective has changed over the years.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it really pulled me out of an otherwise heartwarming story.
DeleteI heard it would get cold there, while we have it warm
ReplyDeleteA sweet holiday story, even if with issues
I'm enjoying the cooler weather, even if it's taking my body some time to adjust.
DeleteBooks, dogs, and a fireplace sound like the perfect combination. Especially with a sweet holiday story...even if the author was quite as careful and sensitive with his word choices as he should have been.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a book that was written in its time. His newer book featured the same character but included much more inclusive language.
DeleteSounds very heartwarming as a holiday book should be. And, DOGS!
ReplyDeleteI already have the sequel queued up to read soon!
DeleteSometimes you just need a good Hallmark book! This sounds like it was perfect for the season.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. This is the time of year that I'm perfectly okay with this kind of story.
DeleteThis sounds like such a sweet book.
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteI do love reading while curled up by the fire, cozy and snug with my kitties! Nice that you got some cozy time with your dogs! This sounds so heartwarming and that sweet dog's face on the cover makes me want to adopt him! It's nice that the author's language and sensitivity has changed from 2008. I can't believe that's almost 20 years ago!
ReplyDeleteI had a friend say she'd love to be reincarnated as one of my dogs in her next life lol. They're so spoiled!
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