Official Review: A Very Furry Christmas: Holiday Cat Tales

Post by **bookowlie** » 07 Dec 2015, 02:09

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Very Furry Christmas: Holiday Cat Tales" by John D. Ottini.]

4 out of 4 stars

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A Very Furry Christmas: Holiday Cat Tales by John D. Ottini is a collection of short stories about cats and Christmastime; I assume you figured that part out already. It contains four tales and is categorized in the Other Fiction genre. Set during the Christmas season, there is a common thread of the intense connection between cats and people. In “Slipper’s Last Breath,” a sad widower is overwhelmed by his cat’s illness and impending death on Christmas Eve. “The Unwrapped Gift” showcases a newly divorced woman and her dog picking out a tree and finding a new friend or two. A feral kitten copes with changing circumstances in “A Charcoal Christmas” and a priest has a crisis of faith in “Christmas Mourning.” When you mix the power of love and Christmas together, there are sure to be surprises, hope, and maybe even a miracle.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although all of the stories were absorbing, my favorite was “A Charcoal Christmas” about a grey kitten who is part of a litter abandoned in a box outside a grocery store. The store’s owner had been feeding the cats and keeping them warm, but a stranger comes along with an idea to give his girlfriend a birthday gift. Do you want to guess who is abducted? This is one of those stories that just becomes better and better with a few surprise zigs and zags. The characters and situations are realistically drawn and the storyline packs an emotional punch.

The author writes in an impressive, casual style. There is a natural flow to the writing that borders on lyrical. However, there are a few noticeable errors of homophones, namely where/were, who’s/whose, and accept/except. I found these errors surprising and a bit annoying. These are commonly used words that you wouldn’t expect a published author to use incorrectly.

There are nice touches of friendship, animal love, romance, and the magic of Christmas. Each plot is meaty without being too long or laden with minor details. I liked the variety and took a break between stories to appreciate each one.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The incorrect use of homophones merits taking away a half star. However, the rating system doesn’t allow for half stars, so I am rounding up to 4 stars. Since I liked the book so much, the highest rating is deserved. I recommend this collection to cat lovers (no surprise there) and anyone who enjoys interesting tales with a Christmas theme. Since the stories include mature themes (no spoilers), the book is more appropriate for adults. While the collection can easily be read in one day, I advise taking the time to savor each story. Hot cocoa is recommended to enhance the heartwarming experience.

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A Very Furry Christmas: Holiday Cat Tales
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

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gali · Post by **gali** » 07 Dec 2015, 14:37

Wonderful review! I am glad you enjoyed the book.

Hurricane John · Post by **Hurricane John** » 07 Dec 2015, 15:43

bookowlie

Thank you for the nice review. Glad you enjoyed the book.

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 07 Dec 2015, 16:28

Seems like a very cute, Christmas story! I loved your review! It gave it a good idea of what A Very Furry Christmas is about. I might even get this book for my friends who have a cat for Christmas. Something tells me that they'll like it

Post by **bookowlie** » 07 Dec 2015, 17:00

Thanks Gali. The stories were very enjoyable, even for this dog person.

-- 07 Dec 2015, 18:04 --

Hurricane John - You're most welcome. It was a nice eclectic collection. Now you need to write Holiday Dog Tales.

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 07 Dec 2015, 17:06

Fantastic review. This book sounds comforting and adorable. That cover is so cute.

Post by **bookowlie** » 07 Dec 2015, 17:41

hsimone wrote:Seems like a very cute, Christmas story! I loved your review! It gave it a good idea of what A Very Furry Christmas is about. I might even get this book for my friends who have a cat for Christmas. Something tells me that they'll like it

Thanks for the kind words. This would be a great Christmas gift for a cat lover.

-- 07 Dec 2015, 18:52 --

bluemel4 wrote:Fantastic review. This book sounds comforting and adorable. That cover is so cute.

Thanks! I agree that the cover is cute...maybe too cute. The subject matter in two of the stories is mature and not appropriate for chlidren. I just hope that the overly cute cover doesn't attract younger readers.

Hurricane John · Post by **Hurricane John** » 07 Dec 2015, 18:05

Bookowle wrote:
'Hurricane John - You're most welcome. It was a nice eclectic collection. Now you need to write Holiday Dog Tales.'

Sounds like a wonderful idea, but I would need to spend more time around dogs to get to know their habits. I've had cats for most of my adult life and Bella my 4 year old tabby is the inspiration for the book.

-- December 7th, 2015, 7:05 pm --

Bookowle wrote:
'Hurricane John - You're most welcome. It was a nice eclectic collection. Now you need to write Holiday Dog Tales.'

Sounds like a wonderful idea, but I would need to spend more time around dogs to get to know their habits. I've had cats for most of my adult life and Bella my 4 year old tabby is the inspiration for the book.

Post by **bookowlie** » 07 Dec 2015, 18:18

I think the concept of the intense love between pets and people would be the same. For me, dogs are almost human except for the talking thing.

Hurricane John · Post by **Hurricane John** » 07 Dec 2015, 18:48

Bookowlie wrote: "Thanks! I agree that the cover is cute...maybe too cute. The subject matter in two of the stories is mature and not appropriate for chlidren. I just hope that the overly cute cover doesn't attract younger readers."

I hope that parents will read the description before purchasing this book for their children. The book is only available on-line, so you would need a credit card and an account to purchase it. In any case I posted the following clarification note at the beginning of the book description on both Amazon and the Kindle Store websites.

Dear Reader: Please be aware that this is not a children's book. The subject matter in these stories is for adults.

Post by **bookowlie** » 07 Dec 2015, 19:03

I did see that note on Amazon when I first read the sample. I didn't realize the book was only available online. I thought of the scenario when children are walking around a bookstore and ask their parents to buy them the book.

j p gilbert · Post by **j p gilbert** » 07 Dec 2015, 22:46

Maybe this one will be on my wife's Christmas list. She loves cats and all things "cat". She loves hot cocoa too. This is right up her street.

Hurricane John · Post by **Hurricane John** » 08 Dec 2015, 08:10

It's also good with coffee or tea.

Post by **bookowlie** » 08 Dec 2015, 08:38

j p gilbert wrote:Maybe this one will be on my wife's Christmas list. She loves cats and all things "cat". She loves hot cocoa too. This is right up her street.

I think your wife would really enjoy the book.