Absolutely Darling! If you love animals, and Christmas stories you will love this!

Whether you like cats or not this novel is a sweet, fun and inspiring book to read not only at Christmas but anytime. Melody Carlson is a very talented writer. Loved the characters and the quirky personalities of each cat.

Garrison Brown is returning home after nine years in Uganda doing missionary work. and finds that his beloved grandmother who raised him after his parents died has passed away. She has left him everything but her Will includes her six cats with strict guidelines for Garrison to find them the perfect home. Garrison who is allergic to cats wonders what he will do with the cats and how will he find the right home for them and at the same time adjust to his new life. You can see God's hand in working everything out for Garrison.

When he meets his neighbor Cara a friendship develops. Will she be part of his life?

An outstanding read.

I received a free copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

Monday, November 17, 2014

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson, 2014

Definitely not a ~*plain*~ house cat...

Garrison Brown has been called upon to distribute his recently deceased Grandmother's s~i~x cats to deserving households who will love them as their own in the manner in which they are accustomed. Added to the mix is the fact that Garrison is allergic to felines. This should be easy, shouldn't it? Not so, as he endeavors to mix and match perfectly according to the list left behind for their appointing.

"Seems she thought of everything." Garrison felt slightly overwhelmed. Was he really about to become the keeper of the cats?

--The Christmas Cat, 31

What a wise woman, Garrison's Grandma was in making her will ~ providing for others and introducing Garrison to settled people in her neighborhood. Returning from overseas, Garrison is in need of friends who will support him and care for his Grandma's interests. Three selections and three to go ~ at least, he hopes all of them will get the right new home before he begins his new job and moves on. There is one he is becoming partial to ~*~ and... he doesn't especially care for cats with his allergies. One stipulation is two home visits spread out to make sure the cats are adjusting nicely. That also keeps Garrison around a little longer.

Come and visit as Garrison finds that not everything is as it seems. A very fun story that will be enjoyed by all ages. Wait upon dreams that are able to come true. Merry Christmas one and all!

***Thank you to Revell Reads for inviting me to be a part of the blog tour for Melody Carlson's The Christmas Cat and for sending me a review copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

This book is a pretty quick read and has all the things I look for in a good book: Christian values and faith, dimensional characters, a bit of romance and tugs on the heartstrings. And cats!

Garrison has been in Uganda digging wells, but had to return home to the states because of a bad bout with malaria. Just as he's getting back on his feet with a new job opening, he learns that his Grandmother has passed away. A widow, she raised him after his parents died. Mostly because she missed Garrison, Gram accumulated several cats. In her will she had some complicated requests for placing the cats - which he is extremely allergic to. Garrison loved his Grandmother deeply, so he moves into her home and does his best to comply with her wishes in placing the cats - particle mask, allergy meds and all.

While on that journey he gets to know the present day community better, and it brings him into contact with several neighbors and their lives. Everything is good as these encounters enrich (almost) everyone's lives and the cats grow on him. There might even be romance and a reason to stay. Plus some Christmas bonuses all around! A great holiday read.

Readers dont have to be cat lovers to enjoy the story Melody Carlson shares in her newest novel, The Christmas Cat. While cats are a part of the story, they actually provide an excellent way to bring other themes to the forefront. One of the themes I loved is the way the human heart is made for relationships. God in his infinite wisdom made humans to be caretakers, and in this story, a young man is tasked with an unusual way to provide new homes for his grandmothers cats after her passing.

Another theme is learning what Gods plans are and realizing the joy obedience brings in fulfilling His calling for our lives. In the novel, Garrison works hard at finding a job after returning from working as a missionary overseas. When he gets the call telling him he is hired is right when Garrison finds himself in the middle of settling his grandmothers estate. Deep in Garrisons heart is a yearning to do one special job, but without funds Garrison cannot see a way to make the dream come true.

I dont want to say anymore about the story for fear I would reveal too much! All I can say is that this is an encouraging, lighthearted and meaningful tale you wont want to miss. Frankly, it is an easy and quick read, making it ideal for people with full calendars to enjoy. Please grab a copy, read and share the magnificent book with family and friends!