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Meet Ella

By: James Middleton
Narrated by: James Middleton
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Summary

'It's been a long time since a book has touched me this much. Beautifully written, utterly enchanting, searingly honest and deeply moving' - Peter James, bestselling author and creator of the Superintendent Roy Grace series

'Meet Ella is so profoundly moving. It greatly resonated with me, both personally and professionally, and James' story is written so beautifully, and with such clarity and honesty' - Joanna Cannon, bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep

When he was a child, James Middleton wanted nothing more than a dog of his own.

Struggling to connect in the classroom, James would often take off in pursuit of nature and animals - adventuring in the Berkshire countryside, tinkering with rusty farm machinery, performing locum care to injured creatures, and losing himself for hours to the outdoors.

Then, finally, his pleas for a dog (made via handwritten letters to his parents) were answered.

Meet Ella traces the extraordinary bond between James and his beloved first pup, Ella. From their enchanting introduction when James was just twenty and their many expeditions, from Scottish mountain sides to royal weddings, their journey is marked by love, loyalty, and unexpected twists of fate. Ella, the well-mannered and kind-natured companion, accompanied James everywhere, even playing a pivotal role in introducing him to his future wife, Alizee.

But beyond the glamorous veneer of society engagements and entrepreneurial achievements lies a deeply personal account of James' battle with depression. Through unconditional love, Ella emerges as an intuitive friend, reading James' moods and offering solace during his darkest hours, becoming the catalyst for his healing journey, and helping him to see all the good in his life and future.

Touching, honest and life affirming, Meet Ella is both devastating and wonderfully heart-warming. A love letter to man's best friend, and a beacon of hope to anyone struggling through hard times.

©2024 James Middleton (P)2024 Octopus Publishing Group
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Meet Ella

Superb well written book, honest, funny and very emotional… it will help so many people. Ella would be so proud x

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I loved this book so much I will listen to it again!

At times heartbreaking, at times so uplifting. This book takes you along on James's journey and his spiral into the deep darkness of his depression followed by his struggles to get answers. His beloved Ella is by his side every step of the way and it's their mutual love for each other that pulls him through to better and brighter days and eventually to meet the love of his life. He shares beautifully his loving and supportive relationship with his family and you can feel the warmth and love he has for them and they for him. Its a book full of ups and downs, highs and lows, it bought me to tears but it also made me laugh. James's struggles could belong to anyone of us, but his honesty, openess and journey to eventual lifelong happiness is a true example of how to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel and you have to look for it. It's there somewhere you just have to be brave and find it. James love of nature and all that it brings to his life is something I can relate too. The power of nature can never be underestimated and it shines through his story like a beacon of hope in his troubled life. A wonderful wonderful book and a beautiful tribute to the amazing Ella.

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Beautiful ode to Ella and truthful account of mental illness

As a dyslexic myself and mother of a dyslexic child it was fantastic to see that James decided to read this himself and he does so beautifully.
Loved every minute of this book, far more emotional than I could ever have imagined. James writes with such insight into his life with mental ill health and the power of dogs to get us through our darkest moments.
Really great listen.

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Truly, this man's best friend.

Open, honest and as heartwarming as it can be heartbreaking. By the end, I had built up an affection of my own for Ella and shed a tear or two. I've a new found respect for James, and the journey he has been on. Thanks to him for being so brave and sharing his story, I have no doubt it will help and inspire many others.

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Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your and Ella’s story. Having struggled with loosing my beloved little dog Inca it was so lovely to read how Ella & Your friendship shaped your life also. Best wishes Em

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Excellent!

This book is excellent! I hope your parents are super proud and so should you be! You really should be so proud of yourself! Who needs a degree!you read this book beautifully. Its great to talk about mental health. I loved your honesty in this book. I love fogs god bless Ella! I highly recommend this book . I am now having a spoon on honey a day ha! Well done x

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How much a dog can heal a soul

If you have ever loved and lost a dog this is a must read! Had me sobbing happy and sad tears

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So honest and beautifully read

I couldn’t stop listening. It has made me look at my dogs in a whole new way. It was heartwarming and heart wrenching in equal measure. Highly recommend it, but you must have a hankie close by!!

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Wonderful book!

Really good book! Loved reading every moment! What a wonderful dog Ella was. Thanks for sharing her life with us ❤️

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Moving and inspiring story

I loved this book. James comes across as such a gentle and caring person and his bond with Ella literally saved his life. It is a true testament to the healing that animals can offer combined with an inspiring story of healing and transformation.

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