by Mary Alice Monroe
Series: Lowcountry Summer #5
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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.
A Lowcountry Christmas by Mary Alice Monroe is the fifth novel in her popular Lowcountry Summer series. This was my first experience with both and Monroe delighted me with this story as she shared one family’s struggles. It’s almost Christmas and finances are tight bringing disappointment to their youngest as their oldest son struggles with PTSD.
A Lowcountry Christmas reminds us of the real joys of the holiday while highlighting PTSD and the importance of service dogs for veterans.
While this is the fifth novel, the story focuses on the McClellan family sharing events of one particular Christmas. It isn’t necessary to read the previous books. Although admittedly I would now like to learn more about others within this South Carolina coastal community.
Monroe shares the tale from several narratives. We begin with Taylor celebrating the holidays and reflecting on events that occurred five Christmases ago. We then get perspectives from ten-year-old Miller McClellan as he shares with us his wish for Christmas and the struggles his family is facing now that his father can no longer work his shrimping boat. We are also treated to chapters from Mary Alice Monroe, their mother as she tries to bring Christmas joy to their lives. The story that unfolds pulls the reader in as you become caught up in this families lives.
I slipped into this story, identifying with Mary, feeling Miller’s frustrations when everything seems impossible for a ten-year-old boy. Taylor, an injured Marine tugged at my heartstrings as he struggled with his PTSD, guilt for the loss of his men and the overwhelming darkness he felt. Thor, his service dog, was an important and touching part of the story. Monroe touched on the importance of these dogs, folks reactions and the incredible bond formed between man and beast.
Each chapter begins with a line from Charles Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Story” and sprinkled throughout the story it is mentioned. Its message is shared, and its impact on the main characters was a brilliant tribute to the story.
If you’re looking for a Christmas story that will touch your soul and remind you to count your blessings then, A Lowcountry Christmas is the perfect tale to read this holiday season.
A Lowcountry Christmas by Mary Alice Monroe was a touching story and ideal for the holiday season Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Tyler H. Jolley
This is a great story and perfect for this time of year. I can’t wait to share this with my wife.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope she enjoys it as much as I did 🙂
Felicia GeekyBlogger (
I need to dig out my Christmas reads. I really am in the mood for them now.
kimbacaffeinate
Happy reading! I listened to a few as well and loved it!
The Bibliophile Babe
Sounds like there’s a little more to it than most Christmas stories!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I would agree.
Angela Adams
I’m hooked on the premise of this book. I’m on my way to a “Cyber Monday” purchase. Thanks for the post!
kimbacaffeinate
Wonderful..enjoy Angela!
Angie
This sounds like a heartwarming read. I hadn’t even heard it! Nice review. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I had heard of the series thanks to other authors, and I am delighted I tried it.
blodeuedd
I liked the one I have read by her 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Good to know, I plan to read more 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Okay, now is the time for this… after Thanksgiving pie. 🙂 Also you talked about Thor. Yea, totally want to read the sweet story about a service dog. Maybe I’ll give it to my dog and tell him this is how he’s supposed to be. LOL Seriously, I’m going to check it out.
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha..for a minute there I thought the dog was buying it for you.
Cyn
This sounds like a very sweet and heartwarming read! Perfect for the holiday and a good reminder of what we should be grateful for (: Glad you enjoyed this Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly Cyn…enjoy your evening.
Lily B
that does sound touching and warm, perfect for the holidays
kimbacaffeinate
Lily, your site is down 🙁 This was a wonderful, touching holiday read
Kathryn
Had to peak in at your review when I saw it in my feed. I loved the whole series and this one as you say can be read as a stand alone. Loved it too. It was so interesting to go back and find out more about Taylor and his re-entry from the war.
kimbacaffeinate
Of course now I want to read them all Kathryn!
Laurel-Rain Snow
I love this author…and have one more book to finish the summer series. But…I can jump ahead to this one, for the Christmas season. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy. I am late to the game but happy I added her to my author’s read list!
Sophia Rose
Yes between the young boy wanting a good Christmas and the hard troubles for the adults in his family, I would definitely like to pick this one up. I don’t think I’ve come across this series yet, but now I’ll have to check it out.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you grab it Sophia!
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
Thanks for sharing this story, Kim. It sounds lovely.
kimbacaffeinate
Happy too Jonetta 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Oh this sounds wonderful I love novels that deal with PTSD and healing and it sounds like you got right into it even though its number 5 in the series.
Thanks Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it truly worked a standalone and hit on all the important things leaving me smiling and in the Christmas spirit.
kindlemom1
I like that this is about a family and that each chapter starts with a spin on a classic Dicken story. Kind of fun and interesting, great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I did too Ali, it is so nice to discover new to me authors and get an awesome story.
Nick
It looks like a much deeper Christmas story than you typically see, Kim. I love that it has such a strong focus on family and I can see what a beautiful message it must send at the end.
I hope you’ll continue to have a lot of luck with this author, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
It pulls at your heartstrings and makes you smile all at the same time Nick
Silvia
Yes, I’m looking for a Christmas story and yep, you helped with that! 😉
Glad we don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this one, although I might go for them if I see the story and the writing works well for me. So thanks for reviewing this, Kimberly 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I want to try this author again Silvia. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
Lizzy
Oh, this sounds like a sweet story and being from a military family, something I could really relate to. My husband struggles with PTSD from his deployments.
kimbacaffeinate
I am sorry to hear that, and thank him for his service. Enjoy the story Lizzy.