Happy first day of winter! Usually, Oklahoma is a little slow on the uptake about season changes, but this year we got winter early (and I am not complaining). It has definitely helped me get into the Christmas spirit.
Another thing that makes the world feel like it is the Christmas season: cute book covers containing stories about innocent love and sweet animals. Today’s book is the epitome of this! This is a book that I am glad I snuggled up with last year; if you’re looking for a feel-good Christmas story featuring cats, this is clearly the book for you!
About the Book
Title: The Christmas Cat
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Contemporary, Christmas, Novella
Publication Date: September 9, 2014
Synopsis: After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother’s instructions don’t allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends–plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison’s job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.
Humorous and heartwarming, this latest Christmas story from bestselling author Melody Carlson is the perfect gift for pet lovers and anyone in whose heart Christmas holds a special place.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My Thoughts
Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Cat is a cute and mostly lighthearted story of a man finding out that an animal he greatly dislikes (cats) may not be quite as bad as he thought. It’s also about grief, friendship, and figuring out the next step in the plan God has for your life. The characters are realistic and enjoyable; their friendships are genuine but understandably flawed. The Christmas Cat reads like a Hallmark movie, so if you enjoy those, I expect you would enjoy this book. On the other hand, if you don’t go for a myriad of happy coincidences, romance on an expedited timeline, or overly simple miscommunications between friends, then this might be one that you should pass.
The Verdict
There are several things which are not wrapped up in the ending, leaving me a little bit disappointed. Overall, the book is enjoyable as long as you don’t take it too seriously. I don’t foresee myself rereading The Christmas Cat, but I am glad that I finally got around to finishing it!
This post is again linking up with both Faith @ Stories by Firefly and Tarissa @ In the Bookcase.
The purpose of #ALiteraryChristmas is to share reviews and talk about all the Christmas books we read. To participate, make a list of Christmas-themed books you want to read, and get started! You can share your list, updates, and reviews through the linkup on Tarissa’s blog here.
The 12 Days of Christmas blog party is all about sharing Christmas cheer by posting each day about something Christmasy. You can find all of the details and a list of participants on Faith’s blog. She’s also holding a Giveaway for a Christmas prize pack!
Do you have a favorite animal to read about, or a favorite Christmas book featuring an animal?
Until the next chapter,
Merry Christmas!
Jana
Reviews From the Stacks 
The cover is cute but I don’t think this is a book for me.
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I’m not a cat person, but I may have to try this one sometime!
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That’s the same sentiment the main character has! He definitely is not a cat person in the beginning…
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