The Christmas Guest by Daisy Bell

Dec 11, 2017 Jean rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, christmas

A runaway puppy, a sick ten-year-old girl, Christmas...sounds like a lovable, heartwarming tale, doesn’t it? And it is, mostly. The Christmas Guest by Daisy Bell features Teddy, who starts out in life known as Mr. Snuggles. He’s an adorable pup who doesn’t really fit in with his upscale city parents. He decides to go out exploring on his own and gets lost, very, very lost.

He winds up many miles away on the doorstep of the Woods family, mom Claire, dad Ben, and young daughter Emily. Emily has bee A runaway puppy, a sick ten-year-old girl, Christmas...sounds like a lovable, heartwarming tale, doesn’t it? And it is, mostly. The Christmas Guest by Daisy Bell features Teddy, who starts out in life known as Mr. Snuggles. He’s an adorable pup who doesn’t really fit in with his upscale city parents. He decides to go out exploring on his own and gets lost, very, very lost.

He winds up many miles away on the doorstep of the Woods family, mom Claire, dad Ben, and young daughter Emily. Emily has been quite ill with meningitis, and our lovable pooch soon gets the idea that the last thing these people want or need is a boisterous, untrained puppy to care for. Except Emily. Emily is smitten with him and names him Teddy. She begs to keep him. Claire takes a “wait and see” attitude, but Ben is fairly certain that Teddy’s stay will be a short one.

Teddy finds this family to be much more welcoming and down-to-earth than the human parents he left behind. Apparently, they don’t miss him. He’s a very intuitive, perceptive little doggy who senses that Emily really needs him. He also knows that her parents are sad and troubled, and eventually, he comes to feel that they need him too, even though they may not know it yet.

Poor Teddy! He tries so hard to fit in and to behave. He’s afraid that if he causes trouble, Ben will make him leave. He does get into trouble, of course, and sometimes even Claire has difficulty defending him. His darling Emily always comes to his rescue, however, and it becomes obvious to her parents that Teddy’s presence is making a difference in their daughter’s life. Will it be enough to help her regain her health and her strength? Will Ben finally relent and let Teddy become part of the family? What about Martha, the grumpy cat who hates Teddy? Will there ever be peace between them?

This little story is amusing, tender, and warm – all the things that a Christmas story should be. What I found somewhat vexing was that the entire story is told in first person from Teddy’s perspective. Teddy’s voice, however, is much too mature and analytical for a young puppy. I felt like I was listening to Ben rather than Teddy. That doesn’t change my impression that yes, indeed, as Claire and Ben both said, Teddy is a “remarkable” puppy.

3.5 stars ...more

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Dec 17, 2016 Cheri rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016, christmas, christmas-stories, animals-dogs

Teddy, aka “Mr. Snuggles” begins his life as most puppies do, surrounded by a litter of brothers and sisters with the mother dog busily prepares them for life beyond this little nest where she can control things. Soon enough, this puppy is whisked away from his birth home by a happy, excited young man who brings him home to his young wife. A decision discussed beforehand, but her early Christmas present. She names him “Mr. Snuggles” and tries to dress him in a pink jacket, doesn’t seem to unders Teddy, aka “Mr. Snuggles” begins his life as most puppies do, surrounded by a litter of brothers and sisters with the mother dog busily prepares them for life beyond this little nest where she can control things. Soon enough, this puppy is whisked away from his birth home by a happy, excited young man who brings him home to his young wife. A decision discussed beforehand, but her early Christmas present. She names him “Mr. Snuggles” and tries to dress him in a pink jacket, doesn’t seem to understand that a golden retriever won’t fit in her purse for long, or that he needs to be walked, trained, or really anything about what goes into raising a puppy.

And then she leaves a box out in reach, a box containing a pair of shoes. Not any shoes, of course. Louboutans. Yummy.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Snuggles is “let out of the car” on a trip to the “countryside” to relieve himself. It isn’t terribly long before he realizes his humans and their car are nowhere to be seen.

Night falls. And another. He finds a house and sleeps by the door. Fortunately, the owners are kind and take him in until they can find his real owners. They aren’t really at a place in time where a dog for them is feasible, with a daughter who needs extra care.

What follows is the story of how Mr. Snuggles becomes Teddy, is saved, and saves in return.

The first 20% or so of this I was still on the fence. The writing is satisfactory. The story was a bit ….too precious. After that, the story does veer toward a little more realistic, but it does remain a seriously sentimental story.

This story is told from Teddy’s perspective. You read his frustrations, his fears, his processing how to interact with the family cat, the not-very-nice neighbor, how to win over people who aren’t his biggest fan, and most of all his overriding love and concern for young Emily. It’s okay – but it’s not “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” nor is Teddy like Enzo. Some are amusing, some are sweet, some are meant to tug at your heartstrings.

Cute. Sweet. Sometimes that’s enough.
...more

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Dec 07, 2017 Sarah rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

The Christmas Guest is the perfect read for this time of year. It’s a book that will certainly appeal to a wide range of age groups.

As soon as we meet Teddy I was hopelessly in love with him. I loved getting inside a dogs mind, especially a puppy and seeing what they make of the world. Luckily he gets away from his original owner to find a lovely forever family. Things don’t go so smoothly though.

The family that Teddy finds himself living with are all lovely people. I loved each of the character ...more

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Nov 17, 2016 Leah rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-read-2016, for-review, owned-books

The Christmas Guest is one of the most adorable books I’ve ever read – it’s short and sweet and funny and charming, and ADORABLE. And why are there not more books written with the voice of a puppy? WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY? Because they would be amazing and that’s legit all I would read for the rest of my life, because puppies are just the greatest thing in the world. We have dogs, but we’ve never had a puppy, which makes me sad because they’re just fluffy and small and cute and mischievous. (Mind yo ...more

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Nov 19, 2016 Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) rated it it was amazing

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Whilst the cover of the book is cuteness overload, do not, under any circumstances, be fooled by the cute pup on the front. I was, I must admit. I fell under the little pups spell straight away, I mean, how could anyone not! Look at its cutie little face! The storyline itself, however, doesn't follow in the same vein though (if that makes sense). It has a lot more guts and dynamic oozing from it, than the cover could ev All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Whilst the cover of the book is cuteness overload, do not, under any circumstances, be fooled by the cute pup on the front. I was, I must admit. I fell under the little pups spell straight away, I mean, how could anyone not! Look at its cutie little face! The storyline itself, however, doesn't follow in the same vein though (if that makes sense). It has a lot more guts and dynamic oozing from it, than the cover could ever reveal. To be fair actually, the cover doesn't reveal any clues except a puppy. Very cleverly put together in my opinion.

Meet Teddy, a puppy which has been given a new home with human parents instead of his own doggy mummy and family. At first he finds it exciting as there are new places and smells to explore. The excitement doesn't seem to last too long though and soon enough, Teddy takes matters into his own paws and goes on a new adventure, away from his new home. Oh the things that Teddy sees! Teddy's little legs can only do so much and before long, he needs to find a place to sleep and some comfort for his puppy tummy. Unfortunately, there are no puppy versions of Premier Inns and Teddy has to make do with a doorstep. Could the doorstep he chose, end up being the doorstep to puppy happiness?

If you have ever wondered what life is like from dog level, here is your chance! As I'm sure you've noticed, most books seem to be written from the eyes of a human. However, 'The Christmas Guest' sees the readers following the storyline in the eyes of the puppy, Teddy. Every experience that Teddy has, readers may find themselves emotionally involved with everything that he comes up against; including snow. I'll be honest, I did find myself going 'awwww!!!!' quite a few times as I was reading the book. It is a bit hard to not find Teddy's antics rather cute yet quite sad. For a small puppy, he does have a bit of a tough start in life.

After Teddy wakes up on the doorstep, it isn't long before he realises that his role in that particular household is more than to just being a puppy. Emily is poorly and there only seems to be one bundle of love that could help her this Christmas. As soon as I realised that the storyline was going to go on a bit of a rollercoaster ride, nothing could prepare me for how bump the ride was going to be.

'The Christmas Guest' is a book completely different to those that I have read before. The emotional edge the storyline contained was extremely evident and often took me aback. I completely underestimated the power behind a four-legged friend and the love that they wish to give. I was flabbergasted, emotional and felt as though I was walking on air by the time that I had finished the book. unbelievably written, 'The Christmas Guest' is such a unique and poignant book to read this Christmas, ideal for anyone, and everyone. An absolute pleasure to read, thank you Quercus books for giving me the opportunity. ...more

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Jan 12, 2018 Juliana rated it it was amazing

Really nice fireside read. The strange part is the narrator is through the eyes of Teddy (the puppy). I really enjoyed this and the first book I have read all through in a long time.

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Jan 27, 2018 Jule rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2018

Ein nettes Buch, welches an den Weihnachtsfeiertagen sicher besser zur Stimmung gepasst hätte.

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Dec 05, 2017 Strawberry rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary

I love this book!! It’s like the perfect tale for Christmas, and reminds me of all those heart warming Christmas movies! A puppy finds himself alone in the cold countryside just a week before Christmas. He decided to run away from home, to have a great adventure, but now he feels terrible, cold and lonely, until he meets the Woods family.

This book has such a heart warming story that it’s perfect for any age to read it. Told in the first person with the puppy being the narrator it begins with a I love this book!! It’s like the perfect tale for Christmas, and reminds me of all those heart warming Christmas movies! A puppy finds himself alone in the cold countryside just a week before Christmas. He decided to run away from home, to have a great adventure, but now he feels terrible, cold and lonely, until he meets the Woods family.

This book has such a heart warming story that it’s perfect for any age to read it. Told in the first person with the puppy being the narrator it begins with a quick prologue of the puppy being all alone and beginning to regret its decision to run away. This is then followed by the first chapter, titled ‘Eight Days Until Christmas’, every chapter after that is another day before Christmas. The whole story takes place over the course of just one week but every day is filled with so much happening.

Teddy, as the puppy later becomes known, is a very cute little puppy but is also untrained and doesn’t understand the human world that well. He finds himself on the doorstep of the Woods family home and desperately wants to be a part of their family, but the family have problems of their own and he can’t help but create all sorts of trouble in the way that puppies do. There is something really fun and unique about the story being told from the point of view of the dog and it’s this that really makes the book a fun read. It also puts an interesting perspective on the way humans do things and our interactions with pets and in particular dogs.

As the story progresses you learn about Emily, the Woods’ daughter and how sick she is. Teddy knows he is supposed to be the family dog, but with Emily’s illness the family find it hard enough to take care of their daughter and Teddy has an uphill struggle to convince the family that he is meant to be their dog. I won’t reveal more of the plot but the way the story plays out is just lovely and also very engrossing. Not only does Teddy have to deal with getting the family to accept him but there are also moments with other animals, especially a cat named Martha which led to some funny things happening in the story. There is a lovely backstory to Teddy’s previous life in the first chapter which makes you laugh but also feel for this poor puppy who just wants to be loved and accepted.

I loved reading this story right until it’s lovely end, the fact that so much happens in just one day really drove me on to continue reading and although I wasn’t sure I was going to be that into the book when I started reading it, I soon found I couldn’t put it down, desperately wanting to know what would happen next. The story has some lovely and funny moments, especially when Teddy observes things that humans do or say without understanding them. There are also some tenser, sadder moments which keep you reading until the end to see if things do work out the way you hope.

Although the ending is predictably happy, I really didn’t mind with this book and there are still moments when you don’t know what will happen. The overall story is such an uplifting one though, it’s like the perfect Christmas tale. It not only puts a smile on your face but also makes you tear up at the end too. The book is perfect for any age to read as there’s nothing at all offensive and I think many ages will enjoy this story. Part of me wishes it would be turned into a film just so I could see the cute puppy and the lovely tale unfold!

At the back of the book there’s a Christmas interview with the author, with Christmas related questions, along with recipes not only for human Christmas treats but dog ones too, and how to make a dog toy which is just a wonderful extra to get before Christmas! There is also an added piece of text talking about the history and comeback of the Christmas jumper which I have to say I found interesting as it’s fascinated me how they are popular again after being laughed at when I was young.

I would recommend to anyone who wants the perfect book to read for Christmas. There is nothing bad I can say about this book, it’s a funny, cosy and a heart warming read and perfect for anyone but especially those that love animals. It’s also one of those sort of ‘Christmas miracle’ type stories which make you smile and with a tale told from the point of view of the puppy, it’s just such an amazing and lovely read! Plus the cover is just too cute!!!
-Thanks to Bookbridgr and the publisher for a free copy.
...more

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Nov 10, 2016 Amanda rated it it was amazing

I am the proud owner of two gorgeous (but very loopy) Labrador girls and I regularly get dog magazines. Whilst reading one of the magazines I happened to come across a competition to win a copy of ‘The Christmas Guest’, which was highly recommended by the reviewer. I didn’t win a copy but then I was offered the chance to read and review ‘The Christmas Guest’ so naturally I jumped at it. What a flipping fantastic book it turned out to be.
For a start the cover immediately appealed to me with a I am the proud owner of two gorgeous (but very loopy) Labrador girls and I regularly get dog magazines. Whilst reading one of the magazines I happened to come across a competition to win a copy of ‘The Christmas Guest’, which was highly recommended by the reviewer. I didn’t win a copy but then I was offered the chance to read and review ‘The Christmas Guest’ so naturally I jumped at it. What a flipping fantastic book it turned out to be.
For a start the cover immediately appealed to me with a picture of a Golden Retriever looking all cute on a snowy doorstep. I just knew that when I picked up this book, I just wouldn’t be able to put it down and so it proved.
A lot of Teddy’s behaviours certainly rang a bell with me (as it will with most Labrador Retriever owners) and I couldn’t help but chuckle away to myself. For example Teddy is at times a little bit destructive. On more than one occasion Teddy destroys something (in one case a pair of designer shoes) and he is so proud of his actions that he finds it confusing when he gets into trouble. He can’t understand what he has done wrong. Not giving too much away, Teddy’s first set of owners really don’t deserve him. Teddy was bought as a gift for one part of the couple but they underestimated how much love, care and attention puppies need. The underlying message that comes through in the first part of the book is that ‘a dog is for life and not just for Christmas’. At the start of the book, Teddy is anxious to be allowed to go out and about to explore the world for himself. Naturally when he gets an opportunity to escape he takes it. Teddy sees it as a big adventure but he soon realizes that the outside world can be very terrifying indeed.
Teddy lands on a snowy doorstep and he really has fallen on his paws. Although, he does get scared as the adults of the family say that he can’t stay with them and that they will take him to the dog pound after Christmas. The adults are parents to a little girl called Emily, who has been ill and they don’t think that having a dog around her will be a good idea. However Teddy has his own ideas on that score. Teddy senses that Emily is vulnerable and he becomes not only her best friend, but also her nursemaid so to speak. This sort of behaviour certainly rang true for me as the very same has happened with me and our youngest Labrador Daisydoo. Without going into too much detail I have back problems as well as suffering with depression and anxiety. When Daisydoo knows that I am having a bad day, she just will not leave my side until I am feeling better. I don’t really want to give too much away about the rest of the story as I really do think that you need to read it for yourself.
In short I really did love reading this book. The beginning of the book was quite sad and at one point I thought I was going to urgently need some tissues as I felt ready to blub on Teddy’s behalf. ( I really am a softy when it comes to dogs). However, I didn’t need the tissues and by the end of the book I had laughed more than I have laughed in a very long time. I would definitely recommend ‘The Christmas Guest’ to others and if you are in need of an upbeat, feel good story then this really is the book for you. I would definitely give this book 5* out of 5*- in fact I would give this book more stars if I could as I enjoyed it that much. ...more

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Nov 02, 2016 Rachel Gilbey rated it it was amazing

Don't be fooled by the incredibly adorable cover, yes this is a very cute story about a puppy trying to convince a family that they should be his forever home, but there is also a much more serious storyline in the book too which makes it so full of depth its brilliant.

In fact the cute puppy antics of Teddy, are a real tonic to the worry his new family have over their daughter who has been seriously ill. However she is convinced that Santa sent her Teddy as an early Christmas present, and helps
Don't be fooled by the incredibly adorable cover, yes this is a very cute story about a puppy trying to convince a family that they should be his forever home, but there is also a much more serious storyline in the book too which makes it so full of depth its brilliant.

In fact the cute puppy antics of Teddy, are a real tonic to the worry his new family have over their daughter who has been seriously ill. However she is convinced that Santa sent her Teddy as an early Christmas present, and helps in the campaign for the Woods family to become his owners.

Teddy is just over 2 months old when he runs away from his first family. He got the feeling he was no longer wanted, and at the first opportunity ran and didn't look back, just over a week before Christmas, when on a trip into the countryside. He eventually finds a house and it belongs to the Woods, and all he wants is to have a forever home.

It is so cute and interesting to hear about Christmas from a young puppy's point of view, given he's never experienced it before, and also how he tries to interact with the family cat too. He is trying his hardest to be on his best behaviour to impress the humans, but ultimately has no idea why sometimes its ok to chew or dig, and others it isn't. He isn't really a naughty pup, just trying his best.

What is beautiful is the relationship he quickly builds with Emily, the daughter of the family, who is trying to regain her strength after a horrific illness.

I loved the writing in this story, and the pacing, in addition to just how it drew me in and had me gripped. I found myself very much absorbed in the story and was willing Emily to get better. The odds are if you are slightly softer hearted than me, there are elements of the book will have you in tears, I was almost there myself.

The Christmas Guest is a heart warming Christmas story that will get under your skin and that I loved every second of it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus for my copy of this book. This was my honest opinion. ...more

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Jul 14, 2017 Sophie rated it really liked it

The Christmas Guest is one of several cute pet-related festive stories out this year but I love this trend – magical Christmas stories featuring adorable animals is always a winner in my eyes.

Teddy, or Mr Snuggles as he is unfortunately known as to start with, belongs to Veronica and Richard, but from the moment Veronica was first presented with the puppy and she threw him to the floor when he had an accident on her, he’s known she didn’t particularly love him. When the chance arises a week bef The Christmas Guest is one of several cute pet-related festive stories out this year but I love this trend – magical Christmas stories featuring adorable animals is always a winner in my eyes.

Teddy, or Mr Snuggles as he is unfortunately known as to start with, belongs to Veronica and Richard, but from the moment Veronica was first presented with the puppy and she threw him to the floor when he had an accident on her, he’s known she didn’t particularly love him. When the chance arises a week before Christmas, Teddy runs away and finds himself sleeping out in the snow beside the house which could become his new home, if they want him.

Teddy was just the cutest of narrators. I think I loved him from the moment he called snowflakes moonflakes – and from then on it was lovely watching him learn about life with his new family. For a dog he was full of character and with the story being told from his viewpoint, it only enhanced the uplifting qualities to the story as his character was a lovely, animated one who gets up to various adventures but always means well. He’s a kind-natured dog with a big heart and his new family are one that could use some of his joy.

Claire, Ben and their daughter Emily are, picked up on by Teddy straight away, weary-eyed and struggling with their own problems despite all the love that is evident there. We soon learn that Emily is sick and she is feeling quite low – until Teddy arrives. The story of this new family of four is a really tender one which tugs at your heartstrings and has you eager for some festive cheer and happiness for the characters as Christmas approaches.

There’s more to this story than simply the cute dog on the cover (though of course he is a delight) – through Emily and her family’s story, there are parts of this book that bring out a range of emotions and have you, or me at least, fighting back the tears. I love those books that break your heart a little bit and then mend it back together, and The Christmas Guest is the perfect example of one of those books – a real, heart-warming, Christmas treat of a novel.

I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing too – how the chapters were set out in the form of a countdown to Christmas, and how with each chapter it becomes more wintery and full of a feel-good festive nature. Despite tough times for the family meaning Christmas is a more stressful time than usual, the connection between Emily and Teddy is truly lovely to read and had me smiling on many occasion. Overall The Christmas Guest is a beautiful novel of the true meaning of Christmas with a star character in the form of a loveable dog – what’s not to love? ...more

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Dec 02, 2017 Clarissa rated it really liked it

Typical easy read and fun Christmas story. In the tone of "A Dogs Purpose" it's all told from the point of view of Teddy who runs away from a bad home (as a puppy) and follows the scent of cooked chicken to a family in need of his love. From loosing jobs and a sick daughter hes especially needed. He gets in to trouble....as is a puppy but good things always happen in a Christmas story. This is like it was written for a made for tv Christmas movie. Even the grumpy neighbor with a sad story is the ...more

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Dec 19, 2019 Keriann Davey rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-predictions, holiday-book-bingo, netgally, 2019-favourites

Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for sending me this book for review.

So I've been reading a lot of festive books this season and none of them have really made me feel Christmasey until this little hidden gem.

In this book we focus on a puppy called Teddy, he lives in the city with a couple who don't really want him or bother to get to know him so when he sees his chance for freedom he takes it. Lost, cold and alone Teddy comes across a house and sleeps on the doorstep in the hope someone w ...more

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Feb 11, 2020 Buchliebhaber.2016 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Sammy, der kleine Hundewelpe ist in seinen zu Hause nicht glücklich und somit nutzte er die Chance, um abzuhauen. Durch seine Neugier entfernt er sich immer mehr von seinen Heim und die Kälte sowie der Hunger treiben ihn voran. So landet er schließlich vor der Haustür der Familie Woods. Die wissen erst gar nicht was sie mit dem Hundewelpen anfangen sollen, sie haben ja schon Probleme genug. Ihre Tochter Emily ist schwerkrank und die Mutter dadurch arbeitslos geworden. Trotz alledem wollen sie de ...more

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Nov 30, 2018 Ria rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Teddy is unhappy with his owners as they are angry about his destructive puppy ways so he runs away but didn't realise what a big, bad world it is for a dog with no home.
When he lands on the doorstep of the Woods family they soon fall in love with him but with a sick daughter they have little time for a new puppy.
Can Teddy convince them to give him a forever home to make his Christmas wishes come true?
Will he be the latest addition to the Woods family or will his naughtiness see him go to the co ...more

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Jan 16, 2021 Keri rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this book & loved the way it was written. I found all the characters were great & the storyline was also great too. I loved how this book was written from the dogs perspective. I really liked the character Teddy the puppy in the story. I read this story to my son at bedtime he really liked the story & hearing about all the mischief Teddy got into.

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Jan 12, 2021 Mrs Nicola E Kinnaird rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A gripping and heart warming story

Although it is a very light hearted read at the beginning, it pulls hard at your heart strings had way through. Read jerking and gripping this is a must read.

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Dec 10, 2020 Shali rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Eine sehr süße Geschichte! Mittig der Geschichte bin ich nicht wirklich voran gekommen da es sich alles gezogen hat aber dann wurde es wieder schön spannend. Der Schreibstil ist gut & man kann die Geschichte schön flüssig lesen. Kann ich nur weiter empfehlen!

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Dec 05, 2017 LINDA HADDOCK rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Truly an amazing story of a list dog and a desperate family in need of a miracle. A must read

Brilliant book. A really good book everyone should read. A beautiful puppy which is lost and a desperate family. Brillant

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Nov 30, 2020 Christine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

wunderschönes Buch zum Lesen für die Weihnachtszeit

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Jan 12, 2020 Fabienne Eckstein rated it it was amazing

Auch a cute book!!! A little bit of light reading for the winter season :) heartwarming story for young and old

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Dec 12, 2017 Sharon rated it it was amazing

Sweet story, easy read with a feel-good factor

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Nov 18, 2016 Agi rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016, 2016-releases

Oh guys, yes, I admit, it took me some time to decide if I want to read this book - you know, dogs in stories + moi = crying endlessly, no matter what the result, if happy or sad - but when I've seen this gorgeous, adorable cover and the puppy eyes, I was sold.

The author has brilliantly captured Teddy the dog and his personality, and she perfectly well knew when he should wag his tail or hide behind a chair - she really knew what she was writing about and Teddy was so close to life! I loved how
Oh guys, yes, I admit, it took me some time to decide if I want to read this book - you know, dogs in stories + moi = crying endlessly, no matter what the result, if happy or sad - but when I've seen this gorgeous, adorable cover and the puppy eyes, I was sold.

The author has brilliantly captured Teddy the dog and his personality, and she perfectly well knew when he should wag his tail or hide behind a chair - she really knew what she was writing about and Teddy was so close to life! I loved how his little heart was full of love and adoration and how well Ms Bell put in words his thoughts and the way he perceived the world of two - legged creatures. She wonderfully described all the antics and shenanigans and troubles Teddy put himself into and I could only sigh with understanding as I also been there, seen this, experienced it all. It was so touching to see and hear how much he tried his best, how much he tried to behave and how often it all went completely wrong, just like in a real life really.

I totally adored his relationship with Emily. While so often the authors can't really well write children characters, making them too adult or too immature for their age, I think that Emily was really brilliantly captured. My heart often went to her and, as a mother myself, I could only too well imagine how desperately her parents have felt seeing her so ill.

So yes, Teddy was lovely, though I must admit that I had some problems with personifying him so much. I mean, I am the first to tell you that animals DO have feelings and understand everything but Teddy was too human sometimes. He was also a great actor, just like all dogs are, they really do know when to play innocent, hungry, tired, and Teddy was a real champion of this. What also didn't sit with me were the moments of two dogs "talking" to each other. It was already weird, but also interesting, to have a dog as a main character and the main point of view, but the moments when Teddy was talking with his neighbour Lady were a little too much. Of course they were needed - from Teddy's point of view, he needed some explanations - but for me they were just this little too far fetched.

Yes, it's a story that is full of clichés, that is predictable and incredibly sweet, but it's a story about Christmas and at Christmas miracles and impossible can happen, right, and somehow I've just bought it all. It is also a poignant, and sometimes funny story of a beautiful friendship, hope and unconditional love. I was only expecting for some drama and for Teddy's previous owners to appear to add some troubles but perhaps the author considered that that would be too much for Teddy.
But altogether, it was a lovely, cute story that tugs just at the right heart - strings. It follows a very simple formula and it has all the elements, like Christmas, abandoned puppy, very sick girl, devastated parents and some Christmas magic, and I read it with a pinch of salt, but I think it would be a perfect Christmas present, especially for younger readers, are there are some very important messages hidden there! It is not as fluffy as you could think, judging on the cover, there is depth to it, there are feelings, and emotions, and yes, I admit, more than once I could feel some tears trying to run down my face, but it also made me smile and - yes! - believe in magic, believe in people and in impossible happen possible. So "The Christmas Gift" was a lovely, fast - paced and light story that, even though a little predictable and clichéd, I personally loved and I will for sure introduce my daughter to it one day. It was funny and at the same time poignant and it didn't show life's bright side but simultaneously it was also uplifting. It had all what one can look for in the festive read: snow, cute puppy, love and family. Recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

...more

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Dec 03, 2016 Mandie rated it it was amazing

In the Christmas Guest you meet an adorable 2 month old Labrador puppy called Teddy. He is originally adopted by Richard and Victoria who live in London. For them it would appear that as unfortunately is so often the case its the idea of a puppy that appeals to them far more than the reality of owning one and it is not long before Teddy (or Mr Snuggles as they have named him) is getting into lots of trouble and is abandoned into the care of the housekeeper who hates him. When they set off to vis In the Christmas Guest you meet an adorable 2 month old Labrador puppy called Teddy. He is originally adopted by Richard and Victoria who live in London. For them it would appear that as unfortunately is so often the case its the idea of a puppy that appeals to them far more than the reality of owning one and it is not long before Teddy (or Mr Snuggles as they have named him) is getting into lots of trouble and is abandoned into the care of the housekeeper who hates him. When they set off to visit someone Teddy( as i refuse to call him Mr Snuggles as that is not a name for any self respecting dog) escapes his lead and sets of to explore the outdoors and soon gets lost.
Never having really spent much time outside the world seems a bit of a scary place for the young puppy but he eventually find his way to a small cottage and is taken in by the Woods family, which consists of mum Claire, dad Ben and daughter Emily who is recovering from a very serious case of meningitis. They are the ones who re-name him Teddy.
Through the book you see Teddy determined to prove that they need him just as much as he needs them. They show him more love and affection in a short space of time than he has known since leaving his mother despite what they are going through. You get to experience the bond that quickly develops between Emily and Teddy and it is his devotion to her that eventually determines what happens.
This book is told through the eyes of Teddy and the author has captured the spirit of the young, inquisitive and often enthusiastic puppy well.. Owning 4 dogs (including a chocolate labrador that my family bought for me last Christmas Eve) I have often wondered what is going through their minds (if anything) when they are faced with each new situation and so Teddy questioning the next door neighbours dog Lady "surely when they say sit they don't just mean sit" did make me smile. Lady was a very wise dog and her observations on humans made me chuckle. According to Lady humans never live for the now and are always stressing over something, they are also a confusing bunch and one minute there are no go dog areas, then they let you go in those areas (such as the couch and the bed), then they change their minds again making it almost impossible for dogs to not get into trouble. I have to admit there is no such confusion in our house... the dogs rule the roost and go where they want (they are family after all...in fact 2 of them are sat on the sofa next to me as I write this review)
Throughout the book Claire, Ben and Emily offload their worries to Teddy who determined to prove that they need him sits patiently while they talk. This bit rings true as I do this with my dogs.... thankfully for them I can share between the 4 of them (although I am sure if they could really talk years of therapy would be needed for them).
Now to be honest I am not a big fan of Christmas but the fact that it was about a dog won me over. I did half expect Teddy's previous owners to turn up and although Ben reported the dog to the local council no real attempt was made to trace the owners (where was the trip to the vets to see if Teddy was micro chipped??). It was as though after the first couple of chapters apart from the odd mention by Teddy when he compared situations Victoria and Richard were completely forgotten but in some respects does reflect the actions of irresponsible dog owners.
Throughout the book I found myself chuckling at Teddy and his antics and could totally relate to some of the things he got up to. If you love dogs and a good Christmas story with a happy ending then this book is a must.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher Quercus for a copy of this book in return for my review ...more

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Oct 13, 2016 Karen Whittard rated it really liked it

Thank you to
NetGalley, and Daisy Bell for this early copy of the Christmas guest in exchange for an honest review.

This book is wonderful it's Christmas personified in one little bundle. It has all the elements that everyone wants from a good Christmas story. Love, family, friendship, adventure, snow and dogs. What more can you possibly wish for.

A litter of puppies has been born and they are all looking for exciting new homes. One eager puppy indeed is more excited then the rest and jumps at th ...more

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Dec 13, 2016 Stephanie Dagg rated it liked it

Oh dear, I'm not going to be popular but I'm only giving this book three stars. The problem for me was the fact it's written entirely from the puppy's point of view, which I really didn't feel lent itself to adult fiction. It would be great for YA without a doubt, but I think for an adult readership it would have benefited from having a second pov too - one of the major characters first person or third person. That would add more depth.
It's well written, nice humour, clever touches, a heartwarmi ...more

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