My Hair-Raising and Heartwarming Adventures as a Pet Sitter by Christi Grace is such a fun book and really opened my eyes to what pet sitters go through. If you love animals and endearing stories about them, this is the perfect book. Recommend.

Filled with humor, openness, and spiritually this book was a delight and fun to read. Christi is a natural with animals and this together with her love for animals comes across heart warmingly so in this book .I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves animals and needs a afternoon with a heart warming lovely adventure of pet sitting through the author's eyes with a touch of spirituality.

Synopsis

This is the first faith-based book that I have had the privilege to review. I am normally approached to write complex scientific tombs owing to my academic background. When I stumbled across this book, I was intrigued by the book cover and then the title. I had no idea that the work was humorous, laconic, inspirational, profoundly moving, and a homage to Christi Grace’s devotion to Jesus Christ.

What followed was a beautiful retinue of animal stories some deeply moving and others full of drama and pathos. The text doesn’t only revolve around our ‘furry friends’ however it also includes a tale of human existence, challenges, and tragedies.

There are a number of characters throughout the book, and it begins with Gideon’s story. Gideon with the beautiful eyes and only three working limbs. Christi Grace portrays a stunning image of Gideon and her warmth for him radiates from the pages as she leads us through his life adventure. The list begins with Gideon and ends with Graces’s long standing friendship with Joy. In between are the recollections of Ginger the goat, Rocko the Polish rooster, Zinna, Maui, Dekota, Molly, Hollis, ToTo, and the invisible cats. In addition to the animal menagerie is the cast of human characters.

This fable has multiple attractions primary among them is the engaging tales, adventures and humanity in this written account of her experiences. The monograph enjoys a broad appeal. The text contains humor, pathos, inspiration, and devotion when brought together they produce a heady mix. Therefore, if you are looking for fun, a distraction, something to read that carries a positive message this manuscript will fulfill your needs.

The format is made up of compendium anecdotes about the dogs, cats, goats, horses, and people. In many ways the stories make up a series of parables cleverly linked together by Grace’s use of Biblical quotes and passages. This juxtaposition of her real-life experiences and that of ‘The Book’ see each supporting the other.

Grace is moved and motivated deeply from a place of love, admiration and faith; all concentrated by her personal life experience. Grace tells us many times how the panoply of God’s blessings continually gives her reason to praise him. She shares that praise with the reader in copious amounts. This in no way distracts from the chronicle, in may ways it enhances the narrative and supports it.

As mentioned above the characters are many and varied, as are the experiences both amusing and sad. I could not help but be moved by several of the tales, and I admit to finding some rather humorous. I found myself gripped by the tales which were both written well and completely believable to anyone who has ever owned a pet.

Christi Grace has managed to distill twelve years of caring for other people’s animals into a concise read. It is short enough to be read in an hour or two or to be savored like a fine wine over a few days.

Conclusion

My Hair-Raising and Heartwarming Adventures as a Pet Sitter written by Christi Grace is as described in the title. There is humor, pathos, life and death decision making throughout. Ultimately, it is about how Christi Grace recognizes her spirituality in her everyday working life as a pet sitter. It is clear that Christi is eternally grateful for blessings she has received and this work is her eulogy for those gifts.

Of all the stories in the manuscript, the story of Dakota is the one that will remain with me. Animal cruelty is abhorrent to me, and this is such a tale. If you read this book for no other reason then read it for Dakota (Shiloh’s Promise) Beginning Chapter 5. Loc. 548.

The stories are touching, eloquently written and full of love for the animals she cared for. Her passion and love will rub off on you and engage you. I challenge you not to shed a tear over Shiloh’s Promise.

If I have any criticism, it is the stories could have been more comprehensive and lacked illustrations or images. I also would have liked Christi to talk more about herself, her circumstances and her family. Some people feel reluctant to read any faith influenced book and this is such a pity.

I found the dedications at the end useful as an aid memoir.

Acknowledgment

My sincere thanks go to: NetGalley, The Author, Christi Grace, and Harvest House Publishers (2020) for affording me the opportunity to review; My Hair-Raising and Heartwarming Adventures as a Pet Sitter.

Author Christi Grace is a professional pet-sitter of twelve years' duration, who sees God's love and lessons through the animals for which she cares as well as those animals' human owners and carers. In this well-written memoir, she illustrates those lessons through her experiences, backed up with apropos Bible passages. Reading this is a heartwarming and rewarding experience.

Professional pet sitter Christi Grace recounts tales of her escapades whilst caring for a wide variety of animals when their owners are away. This is a charming, funny, sometimes sad but always fascinating book. It helps if you're an animals lover but certainly not essential. It's really for any age group and would make a great present with great novelty value. Each account of pet sitting includes spiritual lessons on God's dealings with us and others. It's amazing what you can learn through animals! As someone who used to preach in churches, there are many great sermon illustrations here as well. Highly recommended and hoping for a volume two!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harvest House for ARC.

This was such a fun book to read ! As a animal lover I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Christi has a way with animals and this heartwarming book is her testament to her love of all creatures. I enjoyed reading of her Spiritual inspiration as well as her many adventures in pet sitting. I highly recommend this book for everyone that loves animals and needs a afternoon with a heartwarming lovely adventure of pet sitting through the author's eyes.
I have known people that pet sit only to make money and would stay for one hour and leave my home without communicating/interacting with my cat or any for the pets they cared for. Christi has a genuine love for animals that shines through her writing and is endearing. She truly cares for each and every pet she cares for. it was nice to read about her level of commitment as a pet sitter. Very enjoyable read !

The lessons that God can teach an inclined heart about Himself and His relationship with us through pets are amazing. Christi Grace beautiful develops this theme as she introduces us to some of the animals and adventures she had in her 12 years as a professional pet sitter in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

I really appreciated the humor, openness, and spiritually-stirring heartbeat of this book. Many of the spiritual lessons (either about God or herself) the author learned with working a certain pet resonate with me as something I’ve failed in similarly and had to correct or served as a challenge to me to continue to allow God to mold my heart. I’m not sure what I expected when I picked up this book, but it caused me to smile, laugh, and slow down and pray.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes from Netgalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Really great fun book about pet-sitting. Enjoyable to read, especially if you are an animal lover. Looking forward to more of the author's pet-sitting stories. I especially enjoyed the inspirational aspect to the stories. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

A fun and engrossing read that kept me hooked till the end.
It think it's the perfect read for any animal lover.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

To put it simply, this book was fun! The stories were cute. My ten year old enjoyed reading about the animals with me. It's a definitely a good read for any animal lover out there!

Loved this book a lot, I laughed so much reading about Christi's adventures with animals. who needs the stress of a high paid job when animals can give you so much love and enjoyment. The scripture readings were a nice touch, I hope that Christi will write another book as I found it so uplifting to be able to dip into it at anytime.
Thank you netgalley and harvest house.

This was a quick read. I really how the stories about the pet-sitting were interwoven with scriptures. It wasn't too heavy-handed though with that. Every story in the book related back to her faith journey in some way, something God was trying to teach her. I really enjoyed it and it just proves that God is in the details!

A great book for all not just animal lovers.
This relates the story of Christi whilst she was a petsitter. She tells us about various animals both big and small with the lessons Jesus was showing her as she cared for the dogs, cats, chickens, goats etc.
An excellent book to read or give.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.

Short little stories about pet-sitting for a variety of neighbors and a variety of animals. the author left a good paying job in the city, and her and her husband live in a more rural area now. Instead of adding to their own collection, she goes and pet-sits for a part time job instead. Each short chapter is a different job, and a learning experience, both of the animal, the owner and the sitter. Interesting, and enjoyed it for the most part, although the spiritual felt a bit didactic at times, so tended to skim some of that a bit more and more. Otherwise, highly recommend this book.

If you love animals you don't want to miss this book. It is an absolute must read. It will make you laugh and cry as you read about her encounters with the animals and people. I hated to see this book end. It is definitely a winner! Thank you Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A delightful book with a great concept. Grace uses her experiences with both animals and humans as a pet-sitter to give us lessons about God and His grace is our lives. I really enjoyed the stories and her reflections.

I loved this book! Even though I am not a pet-lover or a pet-sitter, this book got me with the true story aspect. I laughed out loud several times. However, I gave it four stars because of the doctrinal context. Here are some examples:

EX A.
“Seeing Gideon hobble around each day gave me a kind of comfort from deep within. It reminded me that, as imperfect as I am, an amazing God loves me. He looks down on me, sees me hobbling around, yet has compassion for me. He extends amazing grace. And He knows there will be a better home for me someday, a home where my imperfections will be shed like a useless appendage.”

Is she saying that she will never be perfect until Heaven?.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. -2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV [This references our life on Earth using Scriptural application, yet a lot of Christians keep spreading a message that we will never be perfect, which is contrary to the Scriptures and denies the work of the Holy Spirit. Also, at least 20 perfection Scriptures in the New Testament are not found in the NIV.]

In example b, she admits that she's been given a new life (which would be contrary to the earlier statement of her imperfections not being able to be fixed.)

EX. B
“Gideon’s new start reminded me of my own. Before I allowed Jesus into my independent life, I was much like Gideon. I carried around useless baggage, refusing to let God carry my burdens, “hobbling” through life, doing it my way. But then a Savior gently showed me a different way. He picked me up and gave me a new life. He discarded the old baggage that was thwarting my freedom, and I became free indeed!“

And she shows that it is important to strive for that goal of perfection in example c, which sounds contrary to the first imperfection statement.

EX. C.
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). More important than the fact that Molly achieved her goal is the fact that she never gave up. The apostle Paul taught us that importance when he said, I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me”

Finally, this scripture she used is not in the right context because it is incomplete. (She is using this Scripture to state that we don't know what God has prepared.)

‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’”

However, we do know because He reveals it to us by His Spirit. This is what it says right after in the Bible:

But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. - 1 Corinthians 2:10 KJV

Since this is a Christian book, doctrinal context is incredibly important. If these were fixed, I would definitely recommend this to college/new adult readers who love humor, non-fiction, and pets! And raise it to five stars.

I was actually surprised and sad to come to the end of this book. I really enjoyed the chuckle-inducing stories and felt the sadness of some of the others. I liked how Christi cared so much for her charges and really appreciated that she is often able to narrate what eventually happens to her pets years afterwards.

The life lessons were not new to me, but definitely still great reminders! I admit I did not read the prayers!

Thank you Netgalley and Harvest House for the ARC. This is my honest review in exchange.

very funny. I love animals so this book was perfect for me. It has made me want more animals. The writer captured the humour and the fun as well as the other parts of life living with animals. This book has made me realise animals are better than humans sometimes.

Funny and inspirational this book is a winner. Keep the tissues nearby. I cried a lot too.

Thanks to author,publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free,it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.