The Hound in Heaven

After Ted and Gina Menick and their two daughters adopt a stray puppy found in their barn in northern Maine, their lives seem full of promise. But when tragedy strikes, their wonderful dog Lazarus and the spirit of Christmas are the only things that can bring ted back from the edge of despair. "What a huge surprise turn this story took I was completely stunned I truly enjoyed this book and its message." - Ali MacGraw "He had me at Page One. The amount of heart, human insight, soul searching, and deft literary strength that John Mariani pours into this airtight novella is vertigo-inducing. Perhaps 'wow' would be the best comment." - James Dalessandro, author of Bohemian Heart and 1906. "John Mariani's Hound in Heaven starts with a well-painted portrayal of an American family, along with the requisite dog. A surprise event flips the action of the novel and captures us for a voyage leading to a hopeful and heart-warming message. A page turning, one sitting read, it's the perfect antidote for the winter and promotion of holiday celebration." - Ann Pearlman, author of The Christmas Cookie Club and A Gift for my Sister. "John Mariani's concise, achingly beautiful novella pulls a literary rabbit out of a hat - a mash-up of the cosmic and the intimate, the tragic and the heart-warming - a Christmas tale for all ages, and all faiths. Read it to your children, read it to yourself... but read it. Early and often. Highly recommended." - Jay Bonansinga, New York Times bestselling author of Pinkerton's War, The Sinking of The Eastland, and The Walking Dead: The Road To Woodbury. "Amazing things happen when you open your heart to an animal. The Hound in Heaven delivers a powerful story of healing that is forged in the spiritual relationship between a man and his best friend. The book brings a message of hope that can enrich our images of family, love, and loss." - Dr. Barbara Royal, author of The Royal Treatment.