Book Review: "The Dogs of Christmas"

"The Dogs of Christmas" by W. Bruce Cameron
First published in 2013
233 (small) pages
My rating: 4.5 out of 5
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I was instantly drawn to this book because of the adorable Santa hat-clad dog on the cover (who wouldn't be?!). And I wasn't disappointed -- this cute little holiday novel includes puppies, romance and my home state of Colorado -- what could be better?

Josh is a rather socially awkward 30ish guy who lives alone in a cabin in the mountains of Evergreen, Colorado. He works from home, is still getting over the loss of his girlfriend Amanda, and is something of a hermit.

When Josh's jerk of a neighbor suddenly shows up on Josh's doorstep with a pregnant dog, explains that he has to make an emergency trip to France and speeds off leaving Josh with his mouth hanging open and a dog leash in his hand, he's quite obviously flabbergasted. Josh has never owned a dog before, knows nothing about them, and is horrified that Lucy might suddenly decide it's time to deliver her babies.

Though Josh is both reluctant and nervous about caring for the dog abandoned on his doorstep, his sometimes silly concerns about Lucy's welfare as well as his instantaneous bond with his new canine charge are touching and will be understood by any dog lover. Lucy and her puppies -- along with Kerri, a beautiful and funny woman who works at the animal shelter -- will help Josh break out of his shell and find happiness.

This story is cute and festive but there's also a slightly deeper plot, which is sometimes missing in holiday novels, and I found the writing and dialogue to be really well done. Cameron clearly believes dogs are amazing creatures who enrich the lives of their humans in so many ways. If you agree, then this book is definitely for you. If you're not so sure about dogs, you should read this book anyway and it might just sway your opinion. Happy holidays!