The Cat That God Sent And The Dog That Talked To God By Jim Kraus, Books reviews

 

Publisher: Abingdon Press (April 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-1426765612

Synopsis About The Cat That God Sent: 

Meet Petey, your not-so-average cat-on a mission from God

Disillusioned young pastor, Jake Wilkerson, has just arrived at his new assignment in the small rural church of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Also new on the scene is Petey, a cat of unknown origins and breed-but of great perception.

As Jake sets about doing the business of ministry, Petey's continued interference brings chaos to the community of curiously off and eccentric people-residents like the faith-avoiding veterinarian Sally Grainger and Tassy, a young runaway with a secret. An expert at hiding his fears, Jake wonders if all this-and the cat to boot-is more than he can handle. 
What is Petey's real "mission"? Perhaps something larger than Jake---or even Petey---can possibly know.

Here are my thoughts:

A blithe chronicle of a conscientious albeit somewhat disillusioned young pastor, his new if slightly cockeyed congregation and the confounded cat who adopts him! If you are looking for a good book to relax with, this is the one! (And you may judge from its cover, a delightful read!)

In 'The Cat That God Sent' Jim Kraus transcends in this tale of a warmhearted if slightly eccentric Midwest congregation welcoming Jake Wilkerson, their newly appointed pastor. 
This novel bears also a bittersweet reminder that secrets will haunt us no matter how hard we try to forget and that God knows all!

Sparing no humour in the descriptive of his colourful protagonists, (my favourite were caustic Vern and his long suffering wife Eleanor, priceless!) Jim Kraus entertains whilst conveying a few lessons as well...

Let's not forget of course the main star, Petey, the most unusual feline whom God sent after all and who is on a mission! There is something beguiling in a cat so astute even for those of us 'dog people'!

Finally, I give 5 stars to Jim Kraus for his depiction of a most sensitive subject!

The Cat that God Sent is a delicious page turner guaranteed to make you smile and make you wish for more of the same caliber!

 Publisher: Abingdon Press (March 1, 2012)

 ISBN-13: 978-1426742569

Synopsis about The Dog That Talked To God:

Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief.  It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to take the leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus...and God...knows.

Here are my thoughts:

I surprised myself by choosing to read this book after reading That Cat that God Sent since I would describe myself very much a dog person! 
I am however a firm believer in 'there is a reason for everything in life' and this evidently is one occasion...

So about 'The Dog That Talked To God', Jim Kraus writes a likable story of a fourty something grieving widow who lost her husband and son to a freak car accident two years ago. Facing daily reminders of being the lone survivor, Mary has long ago stopped praying. 
One day, she undertakes to adopt a small Schnauzer which she names Rufus. And during one of his constitutionals one evening, Rufus speaks...

Whilst I cannot deny Jim Kraus writes skillfully of a painful subject, I found the subject of a neurotic housewife, writer of a handful of novels, desperately looking for some answer to her despondent fortuity, mostly bromidic.  
Despite a handful of comical circumstances and happenings (do some dogs really favour Key Lime Pie?), in a nutshell, Rufus cannot compare to Petey!

There is a sweet twist in the end and it is a pleasant story if you have the patience to find out. 

I give it 3 1/2 stars.

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/jkraus

About the Author:

Jim Kraus is a longtime writer and editor who has authored or co-authored more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction. His best-selling humor book, Bloopers, Blunders, Jokes, Quips, and Quotes, was published by Tyndale House Publishers, sold more than 40,000 copies and inspired several spin-off books. Jim, and his wife, novelist Terri Kraus, and one son, live in the Chicago area.

Also residing with them is a sweet and gentle miniature schnauzer named Rufus. Coincidently, Rufus is also the name of the dog in Jim's latest book, The Dog That Talked to God. "What a coincidence," Jim said. "What are the odds of that happening?" They also share space with an ill-tempered Siberian cat named Petey.

Jim recently was awarded a Master of Writing Arts degree from DePaul University. "Now, I am able to write more better," Jim said. (Yes, that is supposed to be humorous.)
Passionate about writing, Jim loves to create true-to-life characters. "I tend to be the one at the party that is on the edge of things--observing how folks act and react. Plus, I'm not that crazy about people in general--so it works out fine." (Again, it's supposed to be funny.)
The idea of the last book came from Jim's twice-daily walks with his dog, Rufus. "I tend to think through problems as we walk, and I sometimes, softly, pose questions to the noble dog Rufus. And if he could, he would answer them. I know he wants to. Sometimes I give his answers a voice. And I imagined that most pet-owners do the same thing. The idea of a talking dog didn't seem so far-fetched. And the story grew from there."

Visit his website (HERE)

I received these books from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.