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Christmas At Sea Pines Cottage
With its rough gray shingles and weathered slate roof, Sea Pines cottage seems, at first glance, past its prime. But inside this remote fisherman's house, a driftwood fire crackles in the fireplace, brightly colored rugs cover the floor, and cozy cushions dot the worn, welcoming furniture. A young man named Robert has retreated after the war, planning to spend his days writing, tending to the local lighthouse, and nursing his injuries. For company, he adopts a young Golden Retriever puppy named Meteor.
Robert and Meteor spend months in quiet companionship, until the day Robert rescues a young woman from a storm at sea. Strong-willed and intelligent, Laura sees past Robert's injuries to the proud, passionate man beneath, and--with some matchmaking help from Meteor--they begin a new life together at the cottage. But even Meteor's tireless devotion can't protect his cherished family from all of life's unexpected challenges--hurdles that will teach each of them lessons of courage, faith, friendship, and the enduring love that can sustain us through life's coldest seasons. . .
Robert and Meteor spend months in quiet companionship, until the day Robert rescues a young woman from a storm at sea. Strong-willed and intelligent, Laura sees past Robert's injuries to the proud, passionate man beneath, and--with some matchmaking help from Meteor--they begin a new life together at the cottage. But even Meteor's tireless devotion can't protect his cherished family from all of life's unexpected challenges--hurdles that will teach each of them lessons of courage, faith, friendship, and the enduring love that can sustain us through life's coldest seasons. . .
148 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
About the author
Sally Smith O'Rourke
8 books106 followers“Where shall I begin? Which of all my important nothings shall I tell you first?” (J.A. June 15, 1808)
That I reside in the Victorian village of Monrovia, California; a mere two miles from my place of employment, The City Of Hope. COH is a cancer research hospital where I spend most daylight hours in the operating room as a scrub nurse.
That I am a native Californian, having been born in Glendale, and spent most of my life here with a relatively short span of years in Reno, Nevada where I attended school. Returning after graduation I have remained in sunny SoCal.
That I was widowed some time ago. That I have very domestic hobbies like sewing, cooking, baking, candy making and cake decorating. Oh, yeah I write, too. Mike, my late husband and teacher, taught me that writing has to be treated like a job so every day no matter how tired I am I edit, research one or more projects and write.
That I reside in the Victorian village of Monrovia, California; a mere two miles from my place of employment, The City Of Hope. COH is a cancer research hospital where I spend most daylight hours in the operating room as a scrub nurse.
That I am a native Californian, having been born in Glendale, and spent most of my life here with a relatively short span of years in Reno, Nevada where I attended school. Returning after graduation I have remained in sunny SoCal.
That I was widowed some time ago. That I have very domestic hobbies like sewing, cooking, baking, candy making and cake decorating. Oh, yeah I write, too. Mike, my late husband and teacher, taught me that writing has to be treated like a job so every day no matter how tired I am I edit, research one or more projects and write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 27, 2015
What a treasure! The author penned a most unusual and wonderful tale, told from the point of view of the family pet.
The sense of place was so great that I could actually picture clearly in my mind everything the author described. The emotions on the page had me tearing up at some points and I appreciate how the characters dealt with life's curve balls along the way.
This is a wonderful short story and needn't be read around Christmas to enjoy.
While I found the majority of it absorbing, there were a few corny bits there but I was enjoying it so much it didn't matter.
Recommend.
The sense of place was so great that I could actually picture clearly in my mind everything the author described. The emotions on the page had me tearing up at some points and I appreciate how the characters dealt with life's curve balls along the way.
This is a wonderful short story and needn't be read around Christmas to enjoy.
While I found the majority of it absorbing, there were a few corny bits there but I was enjoying it so much it didn't matter.
Recommend.
December 10, 2019
"....a heartwarming and unforgettable novel set on the ruggedly beautiful island of Cape Fear in the Carolinas, where a man determined to retreat from the world discovers the redemptive power of unexpected love.
With its rough gray shingles and weathered slate roof, Sea Pines cottage seems, at first glance, past its prime. But inside this remote fisherman's house, a driftwood fire crackles in the fireplace, brightly colored rugs cover the floor, and cozy cushions dot the worn, welcoming furniture. A young man named Robert has retreated after the war, planning to spend his days writing, tending to the local lighthouse, and nursing his injuries-physical and mental. For company, he adopts a young Golden Retriever puppy named Meteor, who happily settles into life at Sea Pines, delighting in his master's loving care.
Robert and Meteor spend months in quiet companionship, until the day Robert rescues a young woman from a storm at sea. Strong-willed and intelligent, Laura sees past Robert's injuries to the proud, passionate man beneath, and-with some matchmaking help from Meteor-they begin a new life together at the cottage. When their son, Nicholas, is born on Christmas Eve, Meteor immediately becomes the little boy's most loyal friend. But even Meteor's tireless devotion can't protect his cherished family from all of life's unexpected challenges-hurdles that will teach each of them lessons of courage, faith, friendship, and the enduring love that can sustain us through life's coldest seasons. "
With its rough gray shingles and weathered slate roof, Sea Pines cottage seems, at first glance, past its prime. But inside this remote fisherman's house, a driftwood fire crackles in the fireplace, brightly colored rugs cover the floor, and cozy cushions dot the worn, welcoming furniture. A young man named Robert has retreated after the war, planning to spend his days writing, tending to the local lighthouse, and nursing his injuries-physical and mental. For company, he adopts a young Golden Retriever puppy named Meteor, who happily settles into life at Sea Pines, delighting in his master's loving care.
Robert and Meteor spend months in quiet companionship, until the day Robert rescues a young woman from a storm at sea. Strong-willed and intelligent, Laura sees past Robert's injuries to the proud, passionate man beneath, and-with some matchmaking help from Meteor-they begin a new life together at the cottage. When their son, Nicholas, is born on Christmas Eve, Meteor immediately becomes the little boy's most loyal friend. But even Meteor's tireless devotion can't protect his cherished family from all of life's unexpected challenges-hurdles that will teach each of them lessons of courage, faith, friendship, and the enduring love that can sustain us through life's coldest seasons. "
November 30, 2017
I VERY MUCH enjoyed this little book that I expected to be just a fluffy romance. It is a story told from a dog's point of view, and is just a lovely story of a family ... in a cottage on an isolated island ... and their love for one another (and the dog). Just a delightful bit to read during the holidays!
December 1, 2024
Copyright 2008. This is a novella length story set in Cape Fear/Outer Banks North Carolina.
This is the story of the life of a golden retriever with a remarkable vocabulary. Another reviewer pointed out the dog can also tell the H/h are drinking cheap wine - LOL!!
I liked it as a fluff story. There's some excitement through the years of the dog's life. The focus is occasionally on Christmas, but also on other times of the year.
This is the story of the life of a golden retriever with a remarkable vocabulary. Another reviewer pointed out the dog can also tell the H/h are drinking cheap wine - LOL!!
I liked it as a fluff story. There's some excitement through the years of the dog's life. The focus is occasionally on Christmas, but also on other times of the year.
March 8, 2009
I'm a sucker for a really heartfelt love story with a happy ending, and also a great lover of Christmas themed books, since Christmas happens to be my favorite celebration of the year. That having been said, Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage falls into both categories. It is redolent with a sense of gentle love and peacefulness. That it is written from the perspective of a golden retriever also evokes a great sense of love and devotion. In fact, the elements of family, service, heroism, solitude, and other things near and dear to my heart also add to the experience of reading this simple little story. I seldom give a five-star rating to fiction, simply because novels rarely seem to have the substance or staying power necessary (IMHO) to qualify, but this is one of the few exceptions. Well worth reading and re-reading.
December 14, 2016
A perfect little Christmas love story told from the point of view of a lovable golden retriever named Meteor. We tag along with him in the story of his life, from his birth place to how he came to be with his disabled owner, Robert . As time goes by and Robert finds love their perfect little haven on Cape Fear grows along with Meteor. A story of love, hope, dreams, tragedy's, and loss, one loveable canine never loses hope that his small family deserves their perfect happy ending.
January 15, 2019
A bit too predictable and sentimental for my tastes although telling the story through the dog's viewpoint kept my interest long enough to read to the end. However, the dog's POV is inconsistent; at times the animal has no understanding about the humans' behavior and activities, but then somehow clearly understands what he couldn't possibly know.
April 14, 2014
The recluse amputee veteran is given a golden retriever that is a reject hunting dog. The entire book is written through the eyes of the dog. Quite predictably, the veteran rescues a woman, they fall in love. Health crisis entails, sudden cure and they live happily ever after.
January 26, 2025
Charming book! A fast read. The book is told from the point of view of Robert’s beloved Golden Retriever, Meteor. This winsome canine hero narrates the cozy cottage life with his master and their adventures. Everything good happens at Christmas in this story. Recommend for a getaway from daily cares.
November 29, 2017
What a wonderful cute puppy story! He finds a loving home and a family
December 25, 2017
Lovely story where events each Christmas hold special memories throughout their life time.
October 31, 2019
Such a sweet story & a quick read
December 17, 2019
Cute, heart-warming story, but awkwardly written at times.
December 18, 2019
I get that it's a short book, but everything happens sooo fast. Literally bam, love at first sight. Wasn't as Christmassy as i was expecting especially from its name.
December 21, 2019
Charming ,sweet spirited story of life at a lighthouse on Cape Fear as seen thru the eyes of the devoted golden retriever. Warm hearted goodness.
Read
December 29, 2019This was a very good book
December 22, 2020
Good for leisurely reading. Kinda predictable.
November 16, 2022
set in Outer Banks and life with lighthouse keeper told from viewpoint of dog. surprisingly good.
December 2, 2022
A very nice Christmas story..as told through the family dag Meteor.
November 21, 2023
Adorable, fun story!
November 26, 2023
It’s a repeat read of this wonderful story where Meteor a failed hunting dog is taken in by the lighthouse keeper Robert. It’s such a heartwarming tale of a dogs commitment and love for his owners.
June 26, 2024
So good, heart breaking, heart warming and full of hope
December 4, 2025
Sweet story with a happy ending.
November 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this Christmas love story told from a dog's point of view. Meteor, a golden retriever shares his life from birth to how he came to live with his disabled veteran, Robert. The story takes place on Cape Fear and it's a beautiful story of love and hope.
November 30, 2012
I just knew from the moment I read the forward that this was going to be a very sweet and touching story. And I was right! The story originated with the author's husband who passed on before seeing it in print as it is now. It is a story told from a unique perspective- the family dog. Now don't freak out! The dog is very literary as it turns out.
The story begins with some snippets from the young puppy's life before he finally ends up with his master, Robert. Robert is a solitary soul who tends the Cape Fear Light and living in a simple fishing cottage where he spends his days caring for the cottage and writing his stories. Robert is a veteran who lost something of himself in the war. He is lonely, but content to live on the island with just his dog until the fateful day when he rescues a woman from the sea.
Love grows between Robert and Laura. They initiate the traditions of Christmas in their cottage that will carry them through many years. Changes come- some happy and some sad, but Christmas still comes to Sea Pines Cottage for the family who lives there.
I just loved the voice of this story. It was a simple, but touching narrative of a beautiful story that was told over the course of many years. Love was at the heart of the story. I can't help, but wish that this would be turned into one of those lovely special Christmas movies because I found it such a wholesome, good read.
I highly recommend this novella for all the lovers of Holiday Romance and General Fiction stories.
The story begins with some snippets from the young puppy's life before he finally ends up with his master, Robert. Robert is a solitary soul who tends the Cape Fear Light and living in a simple fishing cottage where he spends his days caring for the cottage and writing his stories. Robert is a veteran who lost something of himself in the war. He is lonely, but content to live on the island with just his dog until the fateful day when he rescues a woman from the sea.
Love grows between Robert and Laura. They initiate the traditions of Christmas in their cottage that will carry them through many years. Changes come- some happy and some sad, but Christmas still comes to Sea Pines Cottage for the family who lives there.
I just loved the voice of this story. It was a simple, but touching narrative of a beautiful story that was told over the course of many years. Love was at the heart of the story. I can't help, but wish that this would be turned into one of those lovely special Christmas movies because I found it such a wholesome, good read.
I highly recommend this novella for all the lovers of Holiday Romance and General Fiction stories.
December 15, 2012
My taste in pets runs more to the feline side, so I wasn’t sure if I’d like a book narrated by a dog, but I must admit that I fell in love with this book -- and with Meteor the dog! Author Sally Smith O’Rourke has an easy-going writing style that entices you to keep reading straight through from beginning to end. And, indeed, this is a quick read at 148 pages (in my mass-market paperback copy), making it perfect for busy parents and others who just want a great story to pick up for a few stolen moments of bliss. You’ll fall in love with Meteor’s loyalty and gentleness, as well as his family of humans who occupy Sea Pines Cottage. I found myself laughing at Meteor’s antics, as well as shedding a tear when tough times affected his beloved Robert, Laura, and Nicholas. The end will put a smile on your face and a desire in your heart to read more of Sally Smith O’Rourke’s books!
December 4, 2014
This is an enjoyable, quick read that is perfect for book groups who want a light book for reading at holiday time.
It is literally a dog's life. Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage is a story told by a dog, Meteor. the story from his point of view is an interesting twist that works well for the book, but I do wonder if it in part contributes to the characters being not as three dimensional as I would prefer. The humans in the story seem to lack flaws (except the teenage boys)they have problems, of course, but no real flaws. Could this be due to a dog not being able to see flaws in a beloved master.
It is literally a dog's life. Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage is a story told by a dog, Meteor. the story from his point of view is an interesting twist that works well for the book, but I do wonder if it in part contributes to the characters being not as three dimensional as I would prefer. The humans in the story seem to lack flaws (except the teenage boys)they have problems, of course, but no real flaws. Could this be due to a dog not being able to see flaws in a beloved master.
December 2, 2009
Each Christmas, I like to read some of the new assortment of Christmas nouvellas, and this is my first of the season. This is a very short story set at the Cape Fear Lighthouse in NC, and the narrator is a Golden Retriever dog. The story is timeless, about a decorated war veteran, who gave his leg to help other soldiers, and now leads a lonely existence as the keeper of the lighthouse. A young woman, thrown overboard a yacht, happens into the story. Christmases pass, as the couple's life unfolds. The story is well told, but a little brief.
March 11, 2015
My mom gave me this book to read. It's a very short read about a dog from puppyhood until old age. Thankfully it didn't end with the dog dying. Those books kill me. It's about how he was given to a Veteran as a companion because him and his siblings were traumatized at a young age by the dog breeders son. They were suppose to be champion hunting dogs. The book reads from the dogs point of view. It's a cute book. There were times that hinted to something really bad happening, then when I got to it, it wasn't as devastating as I thought it was going to be. It's a feel good book.
January 5, 2009
A young man, wounded at war, retreats to a run down cottage to spend his days tending to the nearby lighthouse. He collects driftwood from the beach for his fireplace and spends his days writing stories. The book takes on a twist that I've never encountered before in my reading when he adopts a golden retriever pup. The story is then told in first person by the dog. Interesting that the dog knows that people were drinking cheap wine. Yet a light, fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews