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 sh...
read full description
reviews
Dec 26, 2011
Kristi
rated it: 
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 "less More...
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 "less More...
Dec 13, 2011
Christy
rated it: 
This is the 2nd book I have read by Ms Carlson in the last week. This is a quick and delightful read that anyone would enjoy. A charming holiday story about how life changes over the passage of time.
One the main characters is Betty Kowalski. It is Christmas and she is getting older, things are changing in her life, her husband passed away decades ago and her children and grandchildren are grown up. So she feels lonely. To add to her feelings of loneliness is her new neighbor, Jack J More...
One the main characters is Betty Kowalski. It is Christmas and she is getting older, things are changing in her life, her husband passed away decades ago and her children and grandchildren are grown up. So she feels lonely. To add to her feelings of loneliness is her new neighbor, Jack J More...
Nov 29, 2009
Nora
rated it:
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,
More...
Nov 25, 2009
Cindy
rated it:
Melody Carlson
2009
Revell
Fiction/Contemporary
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Betty Kowalski is getting older, times are changing, her children and grandchildren are all grown. And she has a crazy new neighbor, Jack Jones. He is living in the Spencer's house, but no one seems to know who he is. Only that he is not friendly and is up at all hours of the night.
In the middle of Betty's holidays her grand daughter Avery appears after being missing for More...
2009
Revell
Fiction/Contemporary
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Betty Kowalski is getting older, times are changing, her children and grandchildren are all grown. And she has a crazy new neighbor, Jack Jones. He is living in the Spencer's house, but no one seems to know who he is. Only that he is not friendly and is up at all hours of the night.
In the middle of Betty's holidays her grand daughter Avery appears after being missing for More...
Nov 29, 2009
Peggy
rated it:
Betty Kowalski, a senior citizen, is not so sure she wants to celebrate the holidays this year. She has outlived her husband, her children are grown and have lives of their own, all her favorite neighbors have died or moved away. She isn't even sure if she wants to bake cookies for her neighbors, especially the grubby guy who moved in next door and is totally demolishing the insides of the home and leaving the junk strewn across the lawn.
When a tny brown dog turns up on her door More...
When a tny brown dog turns up on her door More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 02, 2009
Janna
rated it:
It's Christmas time at Betty Kowalski's house but you wouldn't really know it by the attitudes permeating the neighborhood. Betty has a new neighbor that is destroying one of the original homes on her block and he is rude and annoying and she is ready to put her beloved home on the market and get out of the neighborhood, but she'll wait til after Christmas.
Christmas is going to be lonely this year, or is it? Betty's granddaughter Avery shows up on her doorstep after a falling out wit More...
Christmas is going to be lonely this year, or is it? Betty's granddaughter Avery shows up on her doorstep after a falling out wit More...
Dec 03, 2009
Lori
rated it: 
This was only my second Christmas story for 2009...I'm so far behind! I've usually read at least a handful by now. I like to start in November, but I have been busier than usual this holiday season.
At first I didn't think I was going to enjoy The Christmas Dog; it just didn't grab my attention at the beginning. I had to "force" myself to keep reading, but I eventually got into the story. However, even though it carries a touching message, the story seemed really rushed and More...
At first I didn't think I was going to enjoy The Christmas Dog; it just didn't grab my attention at the beginning. I had to "force" myself to keep reading, but I eventually got into the story. However, even though it carries a touching message, the story seemed really rushed and More...
Dec 23, 2011
Elaine
rated it:
Betty has to deal with a neighborhood dog who relieves itself on her dogwood tree. She already has to put up with the neighbor Jack whose property borders hers and now his dog too. She’s thought of putting her house up for sale just to be done with Jack. Her grown daughter reminds her of what she’d always taught her to do – to respond with kindness, however, Betty isn’t sure she can do that or that she even wants to.
Betty also just heard that her granddaughter Avery has been missi More...
Betty also just heard that her granddaughter Avery has been missi More...
Dec 29, 2010
Gina
rated it:
Summary: Betty is finding it difficult to get excited about Christmas this season. Her children have grown up and moved away. She will be alone for the holidays. The neighborhood she lives in is changing, not for the better and she's contemplating moving. In addition, her new next door neighbor, Jack is creeping her out. Not to mention the feuding between them over property boundaries. In a downer mood, Betty is seriously considering not even bringing out her Christmas decorations, because
More...
Dec 03, 2009
Tarissa
rated it:
This is a fun Christmas book, with plenty of lively characters to go 'round. It's the story of what happens when a little mixed-breed pup lands on Betty's doorstep during the blustery days of December.
At first, she is sure that she doesn't want to keep the dog. After all, she's a grandmother who lives by herself. How would she keep up with a spunky dog running about the house? She has too many other troubles anyways, namely her disturbing neighbor, Jack. He plays loud music by day, a More...
At first, she is sure that she doesn't want to keep the dog. After all, she's a grandmother who lives by herself. How would she keep up with a spunky dog running about the house? She has too many other troubles anyways, namely her disturbing neighbor, Jack. He plays loud music by day, a More...
Dec 13, 2010
Cynthia
rated it:
A Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson
'The Spirit' can easily be found this time of year. Maybe because there are plenty of people really looking for that something special about the season. The characters of the little story 'A Christmas Dog' certainly receive their share of all the good the season can bring them, only IF they are willing to receive it.
My favorite from the book.
"We have decided how this thing called Christmas is going to go down. We have our agenda More...
'The Spirit' can easily be found this time of year. Maybe because there are plenty of people really looking for that something special about the season. The characters of the little story 'A Christmas Dog' certainly receive their share of all the good the season can bring them, only IF they are willing to receive it.
My favorite from the book.
"We have decided how this thing called Christmas is going to go down. We have our agenda More...
Dec 04, 2009
Clockstein
rated it:
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
More...
Dec 20, 2011
Cathy
rated it:
Cute story about an elderly woman living in a changing neighborhood. Is Jack, the young man who has recently moved in, a low-life? He runs power tools all night long - and we musn't forget all the loud music. The house is being torn apart. Jack is surly to all the neighbors.
When a little dog shows up, peeing on a prized tree, Beverly is aghast. She sees the dog run through a hole in the fence into Jack's yard. Of course, such a rude man would have a rude dog!
But the dog just wo More...
When a little dog shows up, peeing on a prized tree, Beverly is aghast. She sees the dog run through a hole in the fence into Jack's yard. Of course, such a rude man would have a rude dog!
But the dog just wo More...
Nov 14, 2009
Mandy
rated it:
The Christmas Dog is a delightful book that will spark your Christmas spirit!
Melody Carlson had written a sweet and sassy story about Christmas and life through the eyes of a widow. When Betty's routine life suddenly gets interrupted by suspicious neighbor, a runaway granddaughter, and a mangy mutt, it looks like Christmas might just crumble.
However, by "killing with kindness", Betty overcomes frustration and fear and to find the heart of Christmas once again More...
Melody Carlson had written a sweet and sassy story about Christmas and life through the eyes of a widow. When Betty's routine life suddenly gets interrupted by suspicious neighbor, a runaway granddaughter, and a mangy mutt, it looks like Christmas might just crumble.
However, by "killing with kindness", Betty overcomes frustration and fear and to find the heart of Christmas once again More...
Nov 08, 2011
Erin
rated it: 
I love Christmas books, but not this one. The cover stated that Carlson is a prolific writer and after reading this I only hope that her other novels are better written. The novel read more like a self-published novel (no offense awesome self-published people) than a polished, well-edited novel. The story wasn't particularly inspiring because pretty much the main character was judgmental and never really stopped being judgmental. This wasn't a cute Christmas story and I am glad I just rented it
More...
Dec 06, 2009
David
rated it: 
Ok book so far. I like to read Christmas books around Christmas, so it's good. A little girlie for my liking, but it's ok. Will likely finish it - it is a fast read. Saw this book at Sam's Club and thought I'd give it a try.
Finished it. It was just ok. Improved as I read it, but not sure I liked this author's writing style, but it could have been unique to this book. It was a little "snobby" but the character was supposed to be snobby, so it could have been that.
More...
Finished it. It was just ok. Improved as I read it, but not sure I liked this author's writing style, but it could have been unique to this book. It was a little "snobby" but the character was supposed to be snobby, so it could have been that.
More...
Dec 26, 2011
Jeannie
rated it:
An enjoyable read. It isn't heart stopping exciting, but it held my attention and I cared about the characters. I wanted to see them make the right choices. Although that is what I wanted, it doesn't always happen and the resulting conflicts serve to teach Betty and Avery what they need to learn. The lessons learned are timeless. Carlton manages to avoid indulging in preachy discourses while effectively teaching the lessons of reserving judgement and treating others with kindness. She allows the
More...
Nov 26, 2009
Renee
rated it:
I'm not a dog person so I was uncertain if I would enjoy The Christmas Dog; I am happy to report this book was enjoyable. Betty is alone and becoming a grumpy ole woman until three unexpected gifts come into her life: a new neighbor, an unexpected guest and a stray dog. I enjoyed the way that Melody Carlson brought all the characters into the plot and connected their lives. A delightful read even outside of the Christmas season.
Dec 13, 2010
Janki
rated it:
Two things I love - Christmas and dogs. But what a disappointing book. It leaned heavily on the 'christian spirit' and being a good christian - if I had known this, I wouldn't have even picked it up. And though I think we were supposed to feel that the characters had evolved in the end, I don't feel that this is true - I thought the main character extremely judgemental and annoying and in no way do I think she'd changed.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 30, 2009
Molly
rated it:
Carlson's main character, Betty, isn't sure she has mcuh patience left this christmas. With a mysterious neighbor, and an even more mysterious dog, she feels she's not into Christmas this year. But, wiht a boost from God(and a little dog!), she tries to make the best of it.
love Carlson's characters, as well as the message she puts in the lines of this charming holiday read! Loving your neighbor as your self, having faith and the spirit of Christmas are just a few of the lessons lear More...
love Carlson's characters, as well as the message she puts in the lines of this charming holiday read! Loving your neighbor as your self, having faith and the spirit of Christmas are just a few of the lessons lear More...
Jun 04, 2011
Taylor
rated it:
Betty Kowalski is alone at Christmas, with her kids all grown-up and living elsewhere, and her husband gone. And a rude, strange neighbor has been worrying her lately, until a little scruffy dog shows up at her doorstep and brings with it a miracle. It's a sweet story that made me wish the holiday was already here!
Dec 31, 2011
Wanda
rated it:
This was a great read on getting along with family, neighbors and people of all ages. It is the dog that brings them all together. It is the grandmother's faith in God and knowledge of His sacrifice that allows her to risk all to love and reach out beyond her comfort zone to those around her.
Jul 28, 2011
This book was short and sweet. It was a nice read for the christmas season. I liked the character Betty and how she came to love ralph and Jack, and how Avery learned how to be an adult. It turned out to be a great christmas afterall. Cute book, I recommened it for the christman season!
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 15, 2012
Amy
rated it:
I loved this book! Great story with characters easy to picture and relate to; storyline was good and just a nice, easy read yet captivating.
Dec 19, 2011
Maria
rated it:
On the saccharine side, but I guess that's pretty par for the course for Christmas books. I liked it well enough, even if I did occasionally want to shake Betty for her bad decisions and interesting assumptions.
A quick read, but more of a feel-good story than an actual Christmas story.
A quick read, but more of a feel-good story than an actual Christmas story.
Dec 22, 2010
Sharon
rated it:
A very nice story of family, loving your neighbor, and a mysterious dog. The only problem with this book is that I didn't care for the charactors, especially Betty. I knew that this wasn't a true story but I couldn't help but feel sorry for the dog.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Mar 17, 2010
Gigi
rated it:
I know it's a little schmaltzy but I LOVED this book! It was sweet, written with well described characters and really surprised me by it's focus on God and prayer! Very subtly included but, in this day and age, it's nice to see it mentioned.
Jan 09, 2012
Heather
rated it:
It appears that this book is intended to be a heartwarming, easy holiday read. With that intention, I'm giving it five stars. It is not complicated and the plot is not detailed or riveting, but that is just fine because it made me smile and feel part of the holiday season. It was also a fast read so I was able to squeeze it in between writing, teaching, and preparing for our December trip.
This book would be a nice pre-holiday present for your girlfriend, sister, or mother.
This book would be a nice pre-holiday present for your girlfriend, sister, or mother.
Dec 31, 2010
Peggy
rated it:
A good Christmas story..........about not being ready for what comes, but it may be for the best. A grandmother takes in a wayward grandchild and a roaming dog. They all come to like a strange neighbor and make a good Christmas for all.
Mar 15, 2010
Justin
rated it:
I didn't finish this one. The premise was good, and I'm a definite Melody Carlson fan, but I just couldn't muster up the desire to read the whole book. After the first 40 pages or so I started skimming. Part of my problem was the main character, Betty. She's an older woman, a widow with grown children who have moved away, and so I think she's a bit lonely. But she seems very stuck in her ways, and although she's a Christian who says seems to have a strong faith, she doesn't seem very accept
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
