This is a feel good story about the Goss family and the troubles they face. While different from other books by Cameron in that the dogs are not the main focus of the story though they have an important part to play. It still has his signature animal relationships that mark his work.

Each member of the Goss family is facing challenges at the holidays. Juliana feels she has given up not only her career but herself to care for the family. Her husband Hunter is clueless to her needs and just wants to focus all his energies on his work. Their daughter hates school and the two 3 year old twin boys would test the patience of a saint. Throw Grandpa, aka Sander, into the mixed since he and his elderly dog Winston have moved in with them after the death of his wife and you can easily sympathize. Top all this off with Juliana in the hospital and you wonder how this family will cope.

Then a puppy shows up at their door out of the blue. How can the family turn away a puppy in need. No one wants to be the one to say no and she does make everyone happier.

A poignant story and perfect for the holidays. ( )

I was expecting this to be more about the dogs than the family and got the opposite. ( )

2.5 ⭐
I'm left a bit disappointed. This is NOT a dog story as I imagined. I had the impression I will hear full dog's PoV throughout the story - not the case. Holiday, family, and very Hallmarkish. There are two dogs, but not the focus. The dad was clueless in an annoying way for the majority of this story.

This is my first book by W. Bruce Cameron. His other popular books are [b:A Dog's Journey|13167796|A Dog's Journey (A Dog's Purpose, #2)|W. Bruce Cameron|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327061453l/13167796._SY75_.jpg|18347052], [b:A Dog's Purpose|7723542|A Dog's Purpose (A Dog's Purpose, #1)|W. Bruce Cameron|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564936796l/7723542._SY75_.jpg|10479953], and [b:A Dog's Promise|43263220|A Dog's Promise (A Dog's Purpose, #3)|W. Bruce Cameron|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570246987l/43263220._SY75_.jpg|67142072]. ( )