Review: Wonderful Holiday Service Dog Story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 30, 2013
Rating - 5 Stars: I loved Christmas Gift that Keeps Wagging.What I'd Want to Know Before Reading:-Completely stand alone from the previous short story-Julian's son, Gabe, has epilepsy and the mom walked away years ago-Two points of view (Julian and Hanna)-'Clean' romanceSource: I received this book for free from Sharon Kleve (author from the same publisher) in exchange of an honest review.I love reading stories with single dads for heroes. Christmas Gift that Keeps Wagging's Julian was a joy to read about. I loved his thoughts and interactions with his epileptic son, Gabe. It would be heartwarming in any story but in a holiday read it was especially sweet. Conner did a really nice job with Julian and Gabe too. I did a lot of volunteer work with handicapped children and adults (therapeutic horseback riding) and found her writing regarding those two to be realistic and tasteful but still so much fun to read.I don't have much real life experience with service dogs but I found I enjoyed this story even more with my background. I understand the power of these animals and felt an immediate connection with the story.Hanna and Cody were such a wonderful fit for Julian and Gabe. Such a perfect fit yet it never read as fake or 'too perfect'. The relationship did move a little fast but I certainly didn't mind. If I thought reading Julian and Gabe's interactions were heartwarming and adorable... it was nothing compared to some of the other 'pairings'. Watching Gabe play and benefit from Cody put such a big smile on my face. I loved the blossoming relationship between Hanna and Julian (and Gabe) too.Christmas Gift that Keeps Wagging ended... oh gosh. I cry for during most Disney movies so it doesn't mean much but the end definitely caused a few happy tears.