A rescued beagle and his boy owner seek love and understanding for their troubled small town in this holiday companion to the Newbery Medalโwinning Shiloh, from Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
Christmas is coming and Marty and his rescued pup Shiloh are sure glad about thatโfor their town is running low on love and understanding and they hope that the joy of the holiday will bring with it the generosity of spirit thatโs so lacking.
Itโs been a year since Marty Preston rescued Shiloh from Judd Travers and his cruel ways, and since then, Marty and Shiloh have been inseparable. Anywhere Marty goes, the beagleโs at his side, and Marty couldnโt be happier about that. Even Judd has been working to improve his reputation.
But just as the townsfolk grow more accepting of Judd, a fire in the woods destroys many homes, including Juddโs, and Juddโs newly formed reputation. Doubt, blame, and anger spread faster than the flamesโflames that are fanned by the new minister, who seems fonder of fire and brimstone than love and mercy. And why are his daughters so skittish around him? And whatโs happened to Juddโs dogs? With Christmas right around the corner, Marty has a lot of questions, and getting the right answers might just take a Christmas miracle.
Phyllis Reynolds Naylorโs fourth book in the Newbery Awardโwinning Shiloh seriesโfollowing Shiloh, Shiloh Season, and Saving Shilohโโseamlessly interlaces themes of tolerance, compassion, and forgivenessโฆ[and] explores the interconnectedness of family members, communities, and the dogs they loveโ (Publishers Weekly, starred review).