Christmas At Sea Pines Cottage

I LOVE storys about cottages and cabins in the woods-this one was extra special based around Christmas and the sea as well. Wonderful story narrated by a loving kind dog. Will melt your heart! An easy read.

Sally Smith O'Rourke's short holiday novel is a sweet, folksy tale about a young man, wounded from war, who retreats to a dilapidated cabin on the coast of Cape Fear, where he lives with a young golden retriever puppy named Meteor, his only company. Meteor, apart from being brave, loyal and loving, is also the narrator, and we see the entire story from his perspective. Born at the nearby Prairiewood Kennels, known for breeding championship hunting dogs, Meteor doesn't garner much attention from owner Sam Wilson. Much to Sam's disappointment, Meteor is not a top-of-the-line hunting dog. But the puppy will soon get to prove his mettle when he is dropped off at a remote cabin with a young man named Robert. Robert is known in the small coastal community as something of a loner. He keeps to himself, making sure the Cape Fear lighthouse is running properly. Having lost his leg while serving in the military, climbing those narrow metal stairs to the top of the lighthouse every day is no easy feat, but he goes about his duties with a minimum of fuss. He spends his nights alone in the small cabin, clacking away on his typewriter, writing his short stories. With the arrival of Meteor, Robert finally has the company he's been so desperate for. He has forgotten how wonderful companionship can be. One night during the onset of a hurricane, Meteor and his master spot a person bobbing in the surf. The wind is whipping, the waves are crashing, and they are about to push the poor helpless victim onto the approaching rocks. Robert gets his trusty sloop and risks life and limb to rescue what turns out to be a young lady. If it wasn't for his quick actions, she surely would have perished. Weeks later, the woman tracks down Robert at his cabin. Her name is Laura, and she explains she was swept overboard when the cruise ship she was on failed to outrun the hurricane. Right away, Meteor can sense she's a good person and that his master seems to be entranced by her. He may only be a dog, but he is highly in tune with his owner and experiences the same feelings emanating from Laura. Perhaps this is the true connection that Robert has been so desperately in need of. CHRISTMAS AT SEA PINES COTTAGE is a genial and satisfying read, no matter what the season. It's not only a love story between a man and a woman, but also a love story about a couple and their child, and a family and their dog. To have the tale told by Meteor makes it all the more charming, as we can see the unfolding events through his trusting eyes. In her foreword, O'Rourke relates that the story grew out of one she and her late husband created for their grandson, which adds to the poignancy and heartfelt sentiment sprinkled throughout the novel. --- Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller

I was searching for Christmas books to read and happened upon this book. The format, the binding, and the picture drew me to it. After I purchased it.. I sat and read it all the way through. It is charming, endearing, descriptive and a delightful story. Just what you would want for a good Christmas read. The characters endear themselve to you quickly, and you feel as if you know them personally. And when you set the book down you feel sorry to leave them for the time. A rarity in writing. I love books that draw you in, make you feel as if you are watching them happen, and make you feel as if you know the characters. I was also very touched at the foreword, where the author describes her relationship with her husband and grandson. The husband passed away before he was able to publish this story. It makes it even more special. Sally, I am going to read all your books. Keep up the interesting characters, the heartwarming scenes, and the fine storytelling. We need more authors with such heart, and with a positive book. Life is difficult enough without reading stories that are negative and heavy to read. Sometimes we just need a heartwarming story to fill our minds and introduce us to new people and places. This is what I love about books. We visit places we never would otherwise, and meet people that we would never know without this book. It is a fun escape for a few hours and a nice way to spend leisure time.

Wannabe writer Robert needs to escape from everyone so he accepts work as lighthouse keeper at Cape Fear. The job is suited to the solitary life he desires that he prays enables him to escape his nightmares and start writing. He selects Meteor, a puppy from Sam's kennel; Sam is pleased to rid himself of the canine who shows no inclination towards hunting. The duo becomes companions and best friends. When Robert rescues Laura, she is grateful, but also determined to help him overcome his emotional issues. He wants her to leave while Meteor the matchmaker knows she is perfect for both of them. CHRISTMAS AT SEA PINES COTTAGE is a tender warm holiday romance with the uniqueness being Meteor tells the tale from his viewpoint; totally stealing the novel from his human pets. Though the plot might seem thin and is relatively short, this fits appropriately as the book is a simple love story, complicated by the two humans. Character driven by the fully developed trio, fans will relish this inspiring tale of love (to include Meteor); the late Mike O'Rourke will be proud of this story. Harriet Klausner

I read this delightful book written from a dog's viewpoint. I now wonder if I live up to my dog's expectations. My 9 year old son has a hard time finding books he likes and he enjoyed this one. I gave the book to his 5th grade teacher-they will be reading it in their class to help them write better. It is more than a Christmas book it is about how they deal with their own wounded souls and bodies.It is a family story of love, courage and tradition. There is a trust and love both human and canine in a story that Lassie would have been proud of. Marley meet Meteor, the dog who comes through with love and understanding for all. I am not sure our next dog wouldn't be called Meteor. I look at our dog on a different level. This is not just a Christmas book, it's a family book for all ages to enjoy.