Meet Ella cover art

Meet Ella

The Dog Who Saved My Life

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Meet Ella

By: James Middleton
Narrated by: James Middleton
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About this listen

 *A Sunday Times Bestseller *
'Astonishingly raw' DAILY MAIL
'A love letter' THE TIMES

'An unflinching account of how anyone can find themselves in the darkest times, and the healing power of love and friendship.' - Bryony Gordon, Journalist, Podcaster, bestselling author and award-winning mental health campaigner

'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.



Meet Ella was a Sunday Times bestseller in October 2024©2024 James Middleton (P)2024 Octopus Publishing Group Dogs Mental Health Pets & Animal Care Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Feel-Good Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking

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All stars
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I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates total honesty true life with all its ups and downs rather than read this book I chose to buy and thoroughly enjoyed listening to James reading his own words. The Event take you to the highest of highs and the very lowest of Lowe’s. And somewhere in between.> it touches on reality for both two legged, and four legged in such an honest manner. I will admit it brought me to tears on many many occasions and being an absolute lover of animals especially my dogs black labradors I felt the pain immensely but also enjoyed hearing about the pure joy and love they bring to us…… a fantastic listen

Fantastically Honest, utterly raw and incredibly heartbreaking at times

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Thanks for sharing your story with us James, as an animal lover I can totally relate every step of the way ♡♡♡ Ella will always be with you

Beautifully written

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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.

Truly, this man's best friend.

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Loved it from start to finish. My kids and husband joined in along the way. What an inspirational story. Ella lives on in our hearts now too…

Loved it from start to finish

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A book to warm your heart and give hope. Life affirming to read a book that really is all about the healing power of love, in all it’s forms.

Our family dog helped me in the long recovery from a severe depressive breakdown. Dogs, without a doubt quietly save lives.

Thank you to mine for helping me so much and to Ella for saving a seemingly lovely man, with so much to give like James Middleton.

Dogs definitely are blessings!

Heart worming and life affirming

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Such an inspirational story, beautifully written and heartwarming 💕 Dog lovers have your tissues at the ready! x

beautiful!

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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!!

So honest and beautifully read

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

How much a dog can heal a soul

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I loved this book from beginning to end, did I laugh in some places, yes I did and I cried in some places. James you did everyone proud reading this book yourself it endeared me not only to Ella and the other dogs but also to you and your wonderful family. I think the best thing it did for me was to give me a greater understanding and hopefully awareness of peoples mental health and how the unconditional love of Ella gave you the strength to carry on and find true happiness.

Reciprocated love

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I didn’t dislike anything about this book, it was such an honest, compassionate read.

I could relate to James’ story, his love of the animal kingdom & mental health. My mother recommended this book to me and in many ways I think it helped her understand my own mental health problems & how my dogs help me on a daily basis.

Beautifully written and I highly recommend it to everyone. Thank you for sharing your story James.

Wonderful & moving read!

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