The Blue House Dog {review and giveaway}

I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of The Blue House Dog by Deborah Blumenthal from Peachtree Publishing for review. This is a heartwarming story of friendship and love.

A boy without a dog—and a dog without an owner—find each other in this powerfully moving story of loneliness and redemption.

Day after day, Cody watches Bones roam the streets. No one else thinks the old stray is special, but Cody does. He knows the dog is alone now. He watched them tear down the blue house where Bones used to live with an old man. Cody knows how it feels to lose someone, too. Slowly—cautiously—Cody opens his home and his heart to the scruffy dog with one blue eye and one brown.

We first meet Bones, a lonely German Shephard who is looking for someone to love him again. His owner had died leaving him all alone. He roams the streets looking for food and a warm place to sleep.

Cody, the young boy in this story, has also suffered loss, so can relate well to Bones. Cody had a dog of his own once, Teddy. But Teddy got sick and later died, leaving Cody very sad.

Cody begins to watch Bones and observe where he goes and what he does. He realizes how kind Bones is and that all he is looking for is a loving home again. Even when others in the neighborhood turn their head to this stray dog, Cody sees something special in him, and wants to show him love.

Cody begins to take care of him by leaving food out for him and eventually Bones warms up to him and lets Cody pet him and get close to him. Cody then starts to open his home to Bones. Bones hesitates at first, but after some time, accepts the invitation and begins to stay in Cody's basement. Cody has made it a home for him by providing him with food, blankets, and water.

Their friendship grows, as well as the trust, and they begin to go on walks together and play at the park. Cody knows that Bones misses his original master, but a place for Cody has grown in his heart. The same goes for Cody. Teddy can never be replaced, but Bones is filling that hole in his heart.

Bones eventually becomes a permanent member of Cody's family. He has adopted him in and has decided to change his name to Blue, because of his one blue eye.

Bones is no longer a stray and Cody is no longer a boy without a best friend. They have found love and friendship again in the hearts of one another.

Being a dog lover, this book really touched my heart. I loved the heartwarming feel all throughout the story. The author does a wonderful job and building up their friendship and trust. The illustrations are beautiful as well. The detail drawn into Bones is so life like. It is absolutely stunning.

This is a book that can be enjoyed by any dog-lover, young and old. I read it to my 3-year-old daughter and she kept saying, "mama, I don't want Bones to be sad". It is a wonderfully told story and I highly recommend for it to be added to the shelves of your home library.

I leave you with my favorite quote from the book,

"Dogs find their way inside you and you want to keep them there."

{Thank you Peachtree Publishing for allowing me to review a copy of this delightful story.}

And now onto the giveaway! Peachtree Publishing has also offered me a second copy for me to offer to one of you! All you need to do is fill out this attached form and you are entered to win. A winner will be chosen randomly on December 11th. US residents only please.

This Giveaway is Now Closed! Thanks to all who entered!



Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18