The Cat That God Sent by Jim Kraus

5.0 out of 5 stars Never Underestimate the Influence of a Cat!

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2013

Jake Wilkerson, a disillusioned young pastor who is an expert at hiding his fears, takes on a new assignment at a small rural church in Coudersport, Pennsylvania--which is a far piece from anywhere and full of curiously odd and eccentric people. His first day on the job, he is adopted by Petey--a cat of unknown origins and breed--but a very sentient cat who believes that he is on a mission from God to redeem Jake and bring him back to the truth. Jake must confront his doubts early on when he meets Emma Grainger, a single woman and a veterinarian who dismisses all Christians as "those people." Then, Tassy, a young runaway with a secret, arrives at the door of the church looking for a place of refuge. How does Jake deal with this runaway and his interest in Dr. Grainger? More importantly, can Jake rekindle his faith? Petey does his best to lead all people to the truth, in a most subtle and feline way.

About The Author

Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. He attended the Paris-American Academy in 1971 and has spent the last twenty years as a vice-president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than 20 books and novels (many with his wife, Terri) including the best-selling The Dog That Talked to God (Abingdon Press, 2012). His book, The Silence, was named as one of the top five releases in 2004 by the Christian Book Review website. He is also an award-winning photographer. He and his wife and 14-year-old son live outside of Chicago with a sweet miniature schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat.

My Review ~

Pastor Jake Wilkerson's faltering faith has cost him his job and his fiance. He takes a position as pastor of a small church in rural Pennsylvania, hopeful his past won't catch up with him. Greeted by a stray cat who gifts him with a dead mouse upon his arrival, Jake moves into the parsonage, adopted and accompanied by his new and very vocal feline friend. A wounded paw necessitates a visit to a veterinarian who insists the cat needs a name in order for her to treat his wound. The cat is dubbed Petey. Jake is also visited by a young woman who has nowhere to go, and seeks his advice, complicating his life further. On Jake's first Sunday as pastor Petey slips into the sanctuary and makes himself at home on a chair on the platform near Pastor Jake, causing the congregation to burst into laughter. As word spreads throughout the community regarding the cat who attends church, Jake's congregation begins to grow from week to week, bringing people together in a common bond.

This very entertaining story of three unique individuals hiding from themselves and the issues that plague them are impacted by one very unique stray cat. Petey talks in various cat sounds and plays a very important role in affecting everyone who encounters him, including numerous eccentric and colorful characters in Pastor Jake's congregation. Petey is confident in his role as a godsend to those in his life, and uses his "voice" to affect those around him in some profound ways. The fact that the cat talks in human language throughout the book is both amusing and entertaining. Jim Kraus has used a lovable cat to reach the individuals in this story, aiding them in their quest for forgiveness, renewed faith and a much-needed support system. You don't need to be a "cat person" to enjoy this wonderful story, but cat lovers everywhere will thoroughly enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Abingdon Press for the express purpose of my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was given no monetary compensation for this review.