Mary Alice Monroe writes lovely stories filled with emotion and family. This story delves into a young boy's need to feel noticed and important in a family overwhelmed by his older brother's return from war, and all that comes along with this emotional event.
I'm sure you'll tear up a little while reading it, but eventually you'll smile through those tears.
__________________________________________________
Mary Alice Monroe
Gallery Books
October 25, 2016
Hardcover
Book 5 of the Lowcountry Summer Series
A wounded warrior and his younger brother discover the true meaning of Christmas in this timeless story of family bonds.
As far as ten-year-old Miller McClellan is concerned, it’s the worst Christmas ever. His father’s shrimp boat is docked, his mother is working two jobs, and with finances strained, Miller is told they can’t afford the dog he desperately wants. “Your brother’s return from war is our family’s gift,” his parents tell him. But when Taylor returns with PTSD, family strains darken the holidays.
Then Taylor’s service dog arrives—a large black Labrador/Great Dane named Thor. His brother even got the dog! When Miller goes out on Christmas Eve with his father’s axe, determined to get his family the tree they can't afford, he takes the dog for company—but accidentally winds up lost in the wild forest. The splintered family must come together to rediscover their strengths, family bond, and the true meaning of Christmas.