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Christmas Tails
Christmas miracles can come from unlikely sources, including a stray dog and a bereaved cat. Humorous and heartwarming, this 2-in-1 Christmas collection from bestselling author Melody Carlson is the perfect gift for pet lovers and anyone in whose heart Christmas holds a special place.
The Christmas Dog
Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. Maybe it's because her husband is gone. Maybe it's because she's missing her children. Or maybe it has something to do with her obnoxious new neighbor, who seems to be tearing his house apart and rearranging it on the lawn.
But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn what Christmas is really all about.
The Christmas Cat
After years abroad, Garrison Brown finds himself at the home of his beloved grandmother who has just passed away. He must sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While he hopes to dispense with the task quickly--especially since he is severely allergic to cats--his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends.
Can he match the cats with the perfect new owners? And is it possible that he might meet his own match along the way?
The Christmas Dog
Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. Maybe it's because her husband is gone. Maybe it's because she's missing her children. Or maybe it has something to do with her obnoxious new neighbor, who seems to be tearing his house apart and rearranging it on the lawn.
But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn what Christmas is really all about.
The Christmas Cat
After years abroad, Garrison Brown finds himself at the home of his beloved grandmother who has just passed away. He must sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While he hopes to dispense with the task quickly--especially since he is severely allergic to cats--his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends.
Can he match the cats with the perfect new owners? And is it possible that he might meet his own match along the way?
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
134 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
419 books3,260 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 14, 2020
Christmas 2020 -Nice Nice Nice!
A Christmas Dog. A Christmas Cat. I almost didn’t need more than these two titles to know I would love these heartwarming, feel-good stories. Both of them made me happy cry. You could tell the author truly loves animals and understands the deep bonds we can form with our pets and the everyday joy they bring.
I loved how each story featured a special animal who came into the life of a lost, lonely person, helping them to rediscover the joy in life and reconnect with other people.
This book is available for free in Prime reading and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a lovely, uplifting Christmas read.
A Christmas Dog. A Christmas Cat. I almost didn’t need more than these two titles to know I would love these heartwarming, feel-good stories. Both of them made me happy cry. You could tell the author truly loves animals and understands the deep bonds we can form with our pets and the everyday joy they bring.
I loved how each story featured a special animal who came into the life of a lost, lonely person, helping them to rediscover the joy in life and reconnect with other people.
This book is available for free in Prime reading and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a lovely, uplifting Christmas read.
December 29, 2020
Two heartwarming and deliciously sweet animal Christmas stories guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.
January 1, 2020
Super Sweet Christmas stories.
November 28, 2021
Two Christmas tales (tails), both heartfelt--one about a dog which brings about a family reconciliation and the redemption of a neighbor, the other about six cats, a legacy, and the man who discovers the depth of a grandmother's love.
In the A Dog's Tail, Betty, a grandmother, has an issue with her new neighbor Jack and his dog. When her grand-daughter Avery appears on her doorstep, Betty takes her in and learns to see her neighbor, Avery, and even the dog Ralph. Who is redeemed and who is reconciled?
In the A Cat's Tail, a grandson returns home for his grandmother's funeral and a will that requires him to find her six cats (her family) good homes, but it won't be easy to re-home these cats especially when he is allergic to them. Her list of requirements is extensive, and then there is the one cat who becomes special to him. What will happen to that cat?
In the A Dog's Tail, Betty, a grandmother, has an issue with her new neighbor Jack and his dog. When her grand-daughter Avery appears on her doorstep, Betty takes her in and learns to see her neighbor, Avery, and even the dog Ralph. Who is redeemed and who is reconciled?
In the A Cat's Tail, a grandson returns home for his grandmother's funeral and a will that requires him to find her six cats (her family) good homes, but it won't be easy to re-home these cats especially when he is allergic to them. Her list of requirements is extensive, and then there is the one cat who becomes special to him. What will happen to that cat?
April 6, 2023
This is a collection of 2 Christmas novellas. Both stories were sweet, clean, and filled with nostalgia... Personally though ,I found the first story the real winner.... I'd give the puppy story 5 stars for solid writing, and charm... The story was so well written, and nothing felt missing or rushed, and it didn't need any cliche romances or anything to help it really feel alive. If you want a good Christmas book that is short, with Christian values, and no romance, but rather just real life daily interactions, and oozing with charm, I think you'll really enjoy the first story..... The second story was cute, but I would give it 3stars, because several places felt like the writer had to cut the scene short without notice, and in the end it felt like they had to rush to an ending....I wanted a good short book, and it is still short, but I think if the author had just given themselves a few more pages it could have been a much better book/story... As it was, it felt rushed and choppy in places. Also, personally i was hoping for more Faith elements like the first one, and I really did want romance (even though the romance was extremely mild, and I do appreciate that, I still did appreciate the surprise of it coming about half way in, when the first book didn't have any).
December 31, 2020
All about Harry
Garrison has to find homes for his grandmother's six cats after her death. She leaves specific instructions as to what constitutes a good home. In the process he meets Cara, who helps him place four of the cats. But Harry, the big Maine Coon cat, has taken a liking to Garrison and the feeling is mutual. Then Harry gets lost. Lives are changed with the surprise stipend that goes with each cat. A sweet story, The Christmas Cat is a companion to The Christmas Dog, sold as a set. Enjoyable tails....I mean tales!
Garrison has to find homes for his grandmother's six cats after her death. She leaves specific instructions as to what constitutes a good home. In the process he meets Cara, who helps him place four of the cats. But Harry, the big Maine Coon cat, has taken a liking to Garrison and the feeling is mutual. Then Harry gets lost. Lives are changed with the surprise stipend that goes with each cat. A sweet story, The Christmas Cat is a companion to The Christmas Dog, sold as a set. Enjoyable tails....I mean tales!
February 26, 2019
This book had three heart warming stories about how four legged animals managed to help different people going through different struggles in life. Initially not always initially interested in the animal at the start but discovered their attachment due to wrong decisions made or events out of their control. Feel good stories to encourage you. 😊
December 19, 2025
Nice Christmas book for animal lovers
The first one, about the dog, had a very sweet dog that I liked. The main character was ok but was so negative it made me not enjoy the story as much. 3 stars.
The c
Second story involved cats and an interesting and nice main character. The story was good and it was 5 stars for me.
The first one, about the dog, had a very sweet dog that I liked. The main character was ok but was so negative it made me not enjoy the story as much. 3 stars.
The c
Second story involved cats and an interesting and nice main character. The story was good and it was 5 stars for me.
December 14, 2020
Two sweet Christmas stories about animals and the people in their lives. It is a fun book to read at this time of year and especially with the year we have had all had. Read this book if you want to be filled with the Christmas spirit.
January 12, 2021
Two heartwarming stories
Two heartwarming stories with great people and animals. I really enjoyed this book and especially Harry.I also loved how the cats went to people they could help!
Two heartwarming stories with great people and animals. I really enjoyed this book and especially Harry.I also loved how the cats went to people they could help!
March 5, 2021
Heartwarming
I think this should be 4& 1\2 stars. It is as expected, a non complicated story for animal lovers. A bit predictable I was expecting that so I wasn't disappointed. The only reason I took off the half was because the ending of the cat story didn't feel complete.
I think this should be 4& 1\2 stars. It is as expected, a non complicated story for animal lovers. A bit predictable I was expecting that so I wasn't disappointed. The only reason I took off the half was because the ending of the cat story didn't feel complete.
December 12, 2021
Uplifting Christmas read.
There are two stories included in this book. I enjoyed both of them. It's so nice to read interesting stories with no foul language. A wonderful way to spend a winter evening.
There are two stories included in this book. I enjoyed both of them. It's so nice to read interesting stories with no foul language. A wonderful way to spend a winter evening.
December 28, 2018
Three very cute stories to help me get into the Christmas spirit, each story containing its own unique charm and heart.
January 10, 2019
Fun, cute, and heartwarming stories about the magic of both furry friends and human friends!
November 26, 2019
really enjoyed all 3 of these stories!
December 11, 2019
Excellent story
Heart warming story of a the love between a grandmother and her grandson and her wishes to find good homes for her sweet pets.
Heart warming story of a the love between a grandmother and her grandson and her wishes to find good homes for her sweet pets.
December 27, 2019
Good book loved it
December 29, 2019
Cute, clean, and sweet Christmas animal stories. I enjoyed reading them.
January 7, 2020
Heart warming holiday sentiment
This is the stuff Hallmark movies are made of. Drama, comedy, and romance all balled up in these two Christmas stories. Great light reading.
This is the stuff Hallmark movies are made of. Drama, comedy, and romance all balled up in these two Christmas stories. Great light reading.
January 10, 2020
Love these books. So good and filled with animals
November 30, 2020
This is a cute pairing of stories. Perfect to get me in the Christmas spirit!
January 7, 2021
Great feel good stories
I was looking for some fun uplifting stories. These certainly met that criteria. You can’t go wrong by getting these
I was looking for some fun uplifting stories. These certainly met that criteria. You can’t go wrong by getting these
January 17, 2021
Feel Good Christmas book
Charmingly good book. I read book one in the set previously and just finished the second. I find myself hungry for more of her books.
Charmingly good book. I read book one in the set previously and just finished the second. I find myself hungry for more of her books.
January 19, 2021
A fun and uplifting book
February 14, 2021
Great Christmas story novel.
This was a great Christmas story, fun and hit all the feel goods needed to bring on the Christmas Spirit! Enjoy!
This was a great Christmas story, fun and hit all the feel goods needed to bring on the Christmas Spirit! Enjoy!
June 14, 2021
Great Christmas books in this two in one I loved both Christmas stories. Anyone with dogs or cats would love this book. I love reading Christmas stories anytime. Of the year.
January 5, 2022
Nice Christmas stories.
This was a very enjoyable book. Two very sweet stories. People who love animals and even those who don't will enjoy these stories.
This was a very enjoyable book. Two very sweet stories. People who love animals and even those who don't will enjoy these stories.
December 26, 2022
Dog one 4 Cat one 3
January 1, 2026
A really fun heartwarming book. Perfect to read during the Christmas season or anytime you need a pick you up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews