A wounded warrior and his younger brother discover the true meaning of Christmas in this timeless story of family bonds. A poignant continuation of the Lowcountry Summer series.

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.

“With intrinsic understanding of life in the Lowcountry, Mary Alice Monroe writes from the heart.”
—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Mary Alice Monroe captures the essence of the loving relationship that a military veteran with PTSD has with his dog. The bond between them enables the vet to more easily adjust to civilian life which presents its own set of challenges. Thank you for allowing us to experience the world of a veteran returning home from combat at a special time of year.”
—Leslie J. Croland, Executive Director of Pets for G.I.s

“…masterful and poignant story of Christmas in the Lowcountry … A great book!”
—Jean Lewis, Maurice on Books

“As I read each page of A Lowcountry Christmas, all the thoughts and emotions of each character came to life with such authenticity and credibility. The Marines live by the motto, Semper Fidelis, ‘Always Faithful’. You carried that theme throughout, through the strength of their family, and their struggles to help each other through difficult times. This book should be read by all military families, especially those dealing with PTSD for inspiration.”
—Mary Sottile, National Military Family Association

“This book will reaffirm your belief in Christmas miracles and the healing powers of animals.A Lowcountry Christmas will completely wreck a reader’s heart, while leaving a smile on their face. This is a story that will live in each reader’s soul and be recommended to friends and family for years to come.”
—Nicole McManus, Ariesgrl Book Reviews

“Every story she writes has a feeling of authenticity about it because it comes from her knowledge and her grace… Monroe lays out this story with aching sincerity and readers are immediately drawn to the plight of each of the four characters.”
—Jackie Cooper, Huff Post

“You made it impactful. You made it safe to read. Taylor’s dance with suicide was a place not easily entered. Miller seemed to pave the way for one to enter… Your setting didn’t skirt the issue, nor did it set off PTSD triggers. You raised awareness. Thank you for lifting the veil for all your readers.”
–Joan Mehew, Dolphin Research Center, Recipient of the 2013 Wounded Warrior Project “Carry It Forward” Award

“Mary Alice has woven a lovely and memorable tale about a veteran with PTSD and his service dog. You’ll be swept up into the moment and uplifted in beautiful ways.”
–Luis Carlos Montalván, New York Times Bestselling Author of Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and The Golden Retriever Who Saved Him

“A Lowcountry Christmas is truly lovely and I can see it becoming an annual read for me. I can think of a few people on my gift list who will love it. Highly recommended!”
—Mary Hundley, Bookfan

“A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS is the ideal holiday read. It’s a sweet story about family and sacrifice, and it also has an animal angle that all of Ms. Monroe’s books seem to have. I can guarantee that this book will warm your heart and entertain you. Highly recommended!”
—Booking Mama

“…it’s filled with fabulous characters. My heart ached for Jenny – she’s so excited to have her family together for the holidays but her older son comes home with deep emotional injuries that she doesn’t know how to deal with. Her younger son is distraught because he won’t get the puppy that he longs for this year. Taylor is inspired by a veteran Monroe met and he comes across as very authentic so I’m sure many readers will relate to him. The point of view alternates between Jenny, Taylor, and Miller giving readers a well rounded picture of the family’s story. I love the way Monroe included a relevant issue and a real organization that helps veterans deal with PTSD in the book. It added a strong backbone to the storyline.”
—Kathy Roberts, BermudaOnion’s Weblog

“You will want to have a box of tissue close by when you read this one! I promise you, it will touch you right down to your very soul.”
—Night Owl Reviews