What do you think?
Rate this book
Conversations with Saint Bernard: A Novel
George Gibson is determined to check off the last item on his bucket list: a trip across America. He hops in his RV to visit - and sketch - the buildings and places across America that he and his wife never got to see. When his daughter learns of a young boy forced to give up a beloved Saint Bernard named Lewis, she suggests George adopt the animal as a traveling companion. The dog even fits perfectly in the sidecar of George's Vespa motor scooter.
As George warms to his travel mate, he begins talking to Lewis, sharing stories from his life and his unrealized dreams. Along the way, Lewis seems to attract people and make instant friends with the quirky and charming, funny and odd people who cross their path.
Could it be that his new friends - and this strange dog - will help George to finally confront the secret he's been hiding? Can Lewis's devotion to the truth be enough to save George from himself?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2015
73 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 30, 2015
I must admit that I would not have normally selected this novel were it not for the adorable St. Bernard on the cover - and even when it arrived, I was surprised that it was fiction as I had somehow gotten the impression that this was a memoir... But this Inspirational Fiction read is quite an entertaining and enjoyable novel. It is at times sweetly sad, but overall an uplifting read. At the heart of the novel is Lewis, a young St. Bernard, Lewis. Adopted by a family, it quickly becomes apparent that Lewis is special and has a knack for provoking the truth. But Alex, the young boy who is Lewis’ best friend, is sickly and when it turns out that he has allergies, the perfect solution reveals itself to have Lewis accompany widowed and elderly George on his cross-country, year-long tour of America in his RV while Alex undergoes treatment for his allergies.
The journey is fun and moving in the ways that George and Lewis together are able to help the strangers they encounter. Though it is Christian fiction, there is more poetry quoted here than Scripture, so it is not an overly religious book. But it definitely deals in faith and handles it in a non-offensive way (I think the Lewis angle works well on many levels here). The characters are well drawn and all feel genuine. It may not always be the most believable book, but it is definitely an entertaining and sweet story.
The journey is fun and moving in the ways that George and Lewis together are able to help the strangers they encounter. Though it is Christian fiction, there is more poetry quoted here than Scripture, so it is not an overly religious book. But it definitely deals in faith and handles it in a non-offensive way (I think the Lewis angle works well on many levels here). The characters are well drawn and all feel genuine. It may not always be the most believable book, but it is definitely an entertaining and sweet story.
February 3, 2017
A fun read
I love a feel good book. That is exactly what it is, but with a different ending that I didn't see coming. I would have loved to see Lewis in his "riding gear". Buy this book if you enjoy happy endings.
I love a feel good book. That is exactly what it is, but with a different ending that I didn't see coming. I would have loved to see Lewis in his "riding gear". Buy this book if you enjoy happy endings.
April 20, 2024
This book captures the essence of what it’s like owning a Saint Bernard.
Absolutely loved it.
Absolutely loved it.
March 19, 2018
I loved this book. Of course, I'm a dog lover and once had the privilege of being a partner with a Therapy Dog named JouJou so I know just how sensitive a dog can be and firmly believe that they can act as angels (messengers from God)
George is despondent after his wife passed away feeling that life was no longer worth living and as a former engineer he prided himself on planning very specifically and with utmost precision just how he was going to end it all. He had been a caretaker , taking care of his wife until she finally passed away with ALS... When she finally passed on , he felt guilty since while he prayed fervently for her to be relieved of her pain, his prayers for her healing seemed only to result in a further deterioration of her health. He was losing his faith since his prayers were not answered in the way he desired...until he prayed that she would just die and that prayer was answered. Therefore, he felt he was guilty of her death somehow. He was a very private person, not at all sociable and planned his own demise by purchasing a small RV and seeing the country . He also purchased a gun with the idea that while he was far away from home, he would just silently end it all.
His daughter was concerned about his depression and felt that he should have a traveling companion. The last thing he wanted was to have a companion. He wanted only to be left alone...but Tess, his daughter, a nurse, had met a young boy named Alex. Since Alex had had several heart surgeries in his young life, his parents felt that he needed a dog. Alex picked a St. Bernard puppy but it wasn't long before it was discovered that he was allergic to his dog. He had named the dog Lewis and they bonded. However, his parents felt that it was either Alex, their son, or Lewis, the dog. There were shots available but it would take a year for the shots to take effect. A truly heart breaking "solution" but...Tess came up with the idea of Lewis being a companion to her father as he traveled cross country. George accepted his companion since it was a way of having a place for Lewis until Alex's shots would take affect.
You can probably guess by now that George and Lewis became the greatest of traveling companions. Having a dog in tow is one way to meet people, especially if the dog is a large, gentle sociable St. Bernard...not that George wanted to meet people but during the course of the year while traveling across country, things changed. It seemed that the dog was a very understanding 'conversationalist" and sensitive to feelings and to people who needed a listening ear while they had no hesitation in baring their souls to Lewis .
I can't tell much more about the plot but the journey with Lewis and George, the people they met along the way and the ability of the author, Jim Kraus, to weave a tale filled with a gentle sense of humor .
If you own a dog, you know they do understand everything you say .
George is despondent after his wife passed away feeling that life was no longer worth living and as a former engineer he prided himself on planning very specifically and with utmost precision just how he was going to end it all. He had been a caretaker , taking care of his wife until she finally passed away with ALS... When she finally passed on , he felt guilty since while he prayed fervently for her to be relieved of her pain, his prayers for her healing seemed only to result in a further deterioration of her health. He was losing his faith since his prayers were not answered in the way he desired...until he prayed that she would just die and that prayer was answered. Therefore, he felt he was guilty of her death somehow. He was a very private person, not at all sociable and planned his own demise by purchasing a small RV and seeing the country . He also purchased a gun with the idea that while he was far away from home, he would just silently end it all.
His daughter was concerned about his depression and felt that he should have a traveling companion. The last thing he wanted was to have a companion. He wanted only to be left alone...but Tess, his daughter, a nurse, had met a young boy named Alex. Since Alex had had several heart surgeries in his young life, his parents felt that he needed a dog. Alex picked a St. Bernard puppy but it wasn't long before it was discovered that he was allergic to his dog. He had named the dog Lewis and they bonded. However, his parents felt that it was either Alex, their son, or Lewis, the dog. There were shots available but it would take a year for the shots to take effect. A truly heart breaking "solution" but...Tess came up with the idea of Lewis being a companion to her father as he traveled cross country. George accepted his companion since it was a way of having a place for Lewis until Alex's shots would take affect.
You can probably guess by now that George and Lewis became the greatest of traveling companions. Having a dog in tow is one way to meet people, especially if the dog is a large, gentle sociable St. Bernard...not that George wanted to meet people but during the course of the year while traveling across country, things changed. It seemed that the dog was a very understanding 'conversationalist" and sensitive to feelings and to people who needed a listening ear while they had no hesitation in baring their souls to Lewis .
I can't tell much more about the plot but the journey with Lewis and George, the people they met along the way and the ability of the author, Jim Kraus, to weave a tale filled with a gentle sense of humor .
If you own a dog, you know they do understand everything you say .
July 26, 2019
Great Road Trip
I loved traveling with George and Lewis to many places that I've never been, and probably will never get to visit. Charleston is a place I have been several times and I love that city. It was enjoyable to spend time there and feel the magic with George and Lewis. These two traveling companions were such a sweet duo of friends. I also loved the people they met along the way. I am a firm believer that animals (especially dogs and cats) are God's ambassadors in fur coats. This story was told in the manner of that belief. What a gift God has given us in allowing humans to grow close to our furry angels. They bring out the best in us with their unconditional love.
I loved traveling with George and Lewis to many places that I've never been, and probably will never get to visit. Charleston is a place I have been several times and I love that city. It was enjoyable to spend time there and feel the magic with George and Lewis. These two traveling companions were such a sweet duo of friends. I also loved the people they met along the way. I am a firm believer that animals (especially dogs and cats) are God's ambassadors in fur coats. This story was told in the manner of that belief. What a gift God has given us in allowing humans to grow close to our furry angels. They bring out the best in us with their unconditional love.
April 1, 2025
2.5
Well. This book was cute. I was not impressed by the writing by any means, but the overall message of the book was good.
Honestly, it was really lacking in personality and color. The plot was predictable and dragged due to the monotonous writing. The ending felt very lackluster also, I don't know. If they say "No one says that anymore, do they?" one more time, I probably would've burned the book, ngl.
As a Christian and as someone who is dealing with loss, the message is good. There is life worth living as long as God brings breath to our lungs and wakes us up every morning. But the way it was presented was cheesy and not as profound as it could've been.
Lewis is a cute dog though.
Well. This book was cute. I was not impressed by the writing by any means, but the overall message of the book was good.
Honestly, it was really lacking in personality and color. The plot was predictable and dragged due to the monotonous writing. The ending felt very lackluster also, I don't know. If they say "No one says that anymore, do they?" one more time, I probably would've burned the book, ngl.
As a Christian and as someone who is dealing with loss, the message is good. There is life worth living as long as God brings breath to our lungs and wakes us up every morning. But the way it was presented was cheesy and not as profound as it could've been.
Lewis is a cute dog though.
April 8, 2018
This book is a religious book and speaks often of God. If one does not believe the book may feel forced and a bit much. The relationships that are built surrounding Lewis and his ability to understand people was endearing. Anyone who has ever had a pet thinks to themselves, "Does my pet understand me when I speak to them?". The scene that spoke about blackness was not one that was needed in the book. It felt as if the author was pushing something that was not needed to be pushed especially if one believes in holistic approaches off all kinds. The ending felt rushed.
June 20, 2017
A Good Sweet Spiritual Book Excellent Read
This book was out of my norm as far as reading about a dog's perspective on Life and love. This is a fun clean loving book that let's you know that no matter what our circumstances in Life is. God will give you who you need and what you need in your darkest moment and he is a forgiving God.
This book was out of my norm as far as reading about a dog's perspective on Life and love. This is a fun clean loving book that let's you know that no matter what our circumstances in Life is. God will give you who you need and what you need in your darkest moment and he is a forgiving God.
February 13, 2018
I found this to be a fascinating read about the grieving process and the love of a dog. I know that my dogs have all been capable of knowing when I needed an extra bit of love and acceptance, which is Lewis' purpose.
May 23, 2018
Light read
I found the book somewhat predictable but still left you feeling good. There were parts of the book that I am unclear as to why they were included as I couldn't tie them to anything of meaning. But it was an enjoyable book.
I found the book somewhat predictable but still left you feeling good. There were parts of the book that I am unclear as to why they were included as I couldn't tie them to anything of meaning. But it was an enjoyable book.
December 13, 2022
a lovely book about pain, sadness, joy and happiness….all drawn together because humans opened their hearts to a dog. other books have been similar but they all tear at your heart and conversations makes you cry and smile…
January 1, 2025
Great read
I absolutely loved this book. The only part of the book I didn't like was when George was contemplating taking his own life because he felt he had no choice. The St. Bernard is the hero in this story by saving George's life. This book makes me want to get a ST. Bernard.
I absolutely loved this book. The only part of the book I didn't like was when George was contemplating taking his own life because he felt he had no choice. The St. Bernard is the hero in this story by saving George's life. This book makes me want to get a ST. Bernard.
December 2, 2017
This book was very gripping and well written. I love dogs so that helped, I have faith so those parts appealed to me. The setting changed and I like that on this journey George and Lewis took
January 26, 2018
Great story and it makes us dog lovers know that sometimes are pets
are smarter then we are being Lewis was so alert
are smarter then we are being Lewis was so alert
February 4, 2018
A must read for young or old.
Animal lover or not this is a must read for young and old. It shows the power and forgiveness of God.
Animal lover or not this is a must read for young and old. It shows the power and forgiveness of God.
February 25, 2018
Beautiful sweet book any dog lover would understand and love. I think all dogs have a special connection. Loved the travel and sights described. Makes me want to get an RV and go on my own road trip.
April 3, 2018
If you like Saint Bernards, or just like a feel good travel story...
June 5, 2018
Loved It!
This is the 3rd book that I've read by Jim Kraus. And they've all made me cry and I've loved them all. I do highly recommend it.
This is the 3rd book that I've read by Jim Kraus. And they've all made me cry and I've loved them all. I do highly recommend it.
May 12, 2020
Great read for encouragement among aging folks, with excellent guidance from a GREAT ST BERNARD!!!
May 1, 2021
Great, heart warming read!!!!
August 16, 2021
Good message and concept but was overall mediocre.
December 19, 2021
Wonderful story. I wish my mom could have read it!
November 25, 2023
I don’t even have the words to tell you how wonderful this book is.
May 22, 2024
Perhaps it's because I needed a change of pace. I loved this faith filled novel. It filled me with Hope, belief in the future for those suffering with incurable illness and one's ability to cope with change. I will be looking for more books by this author.
February 23, 2016
George has lost his wife and feels very lost and alone. He knows that he must make a journey around the United States to honor his wife. They had always wanted to travel and enjoy theirselves; but alas it was to late for his dear wife. He sells everything and buys a RV. Of course his family thinks he crazy but he is determined to do this.
His daughter finds out that there is a small boy who has become allergic to his dog. He needs to take shots for a year so he can become immune to the allergens the dog gives him. Somehow George is coaxed into taking the dog on his journey so the boy can get better.
Lewis is a huge Saint Bernard that has a sweet disposition and soon the two are off on their journey. They meet interesting people along the way and George begins to treat Lewis like a member of the family. I loved how the author developed the relationship between George and Lewis. He gave Lewis a great insight into what George was thinking and kinda became his conscious. George is still dealing with the death of his wife. Why does George feel guilty about the last prayer he spoke to God?
The book is filled with wonderful moments as George begins to confide in Lewis about things in his life. As I read the book I wanted to give George a big hug and tell him everything was going to be ok. Lewis had this way about him that drew people to him. He could comfort someone or bring a smile to a lonely person. Lewis is the star of this book as he becomes a much needed companion to George and helps him come to terms with the loss of his wife. The author writes a story that brings tears, a smile and peace to hurting people.
Thank you for writing a book that captures the essence of friendship, unconditional love and touches readers with
compassion.
I received a copy of this book from Abingdom Press for an honest review.
His daughter finds out that there is a small boy who has become allergic to his dog. He needs to take shots for a year so he can become immune to the allergens the dog gives him. Somehow George is coaxed into taking the dog on his journey so the boy can get better.
Lewis is a huge Saint Bernard that has a sweet disposition and soon the two are off on their journey. They meet interesting people along the way and George begins to treat Lewis like a member of the family. I loved how the author developed the relationship between George and Lewis. He gave Lewis a great insight into what George was thinking and kinda became his conscious. George is still dealing with the death of his wife. Why does George feel guilty about the last prayer he spoke to God?
The book is filled with wonderful moments as George begins to confide in Lewis about things in his life. As I read the book I wanted to give George a big hug and tell him everything was going to be ok. Lewis had this way about him that drew people to him. He could comfort someone or bring a smile to a lonely person. Lewis is the star of this book as he becomes a much needed companion to George and helps him come to terms with the loss of his wife. The author writes a story that brings tears, a smile and peace to hurting people.
Thank you for writing a book that captures the essence of friendship, unconditional love and touches readers with
compassion.
I received a copy of this book from Abingdom Press for an honest review.
January 10, 2016
George Gibson is determined to check off the last item on his bucket list: a trip across America. He hops in his RV to visit - and sketch - the buildings and places across America that he and his wife never got to see. When his daughter learns of a young boy forced to give up a beloved Saint Bernard named Lewis, she suggests George adopt the animal as a traveling companion. The dog even fits perfectly in the sidecar of George's Vespa motor scooter.
As George warms to his travel mate, he begins talking to Lewis, sharing stories from his life and his unrealized dreams. Along the way, Lewis seems to attract people and make instant friends with the quirky and charming, funny and odd people who cross their path.
Could it be that his new friends - and this strange dog - will help George to finally confront the secret he's been hiding? Can Lewis's devotion to the truth be enough to save George from himself?
--My thoughts. Just cute and I fell in love with the cover! Who wouldn't want to go on a road trip with an adorable dog like Lewis? I know I would!! Me me me! So George's daughter talks him into taking Lewis across the country in his Vespa side car and off they go.. what George doesn't bank on is Lewis ending up getting him to open up about a lot more than he bargained for.
This book is short and sweet but full of faith and funny sweet moments. You will love to pass it on to all your friends and family!
As George warms to his travel mate, he begins talking to Lewis, sharing stories from his life and his unrealized dreams. Along the way, Lewis seems to attract people and make instant friends with the quirky and charming, funny and odd people who cross their path.
Could it be that his new friends - and this strange dog - will help George to finally confront the secret he's been hiding? Can Lewis's devotion to the truth be enough to save George from himself?
--My thoughts. Just cute and I fell in love with the cover! Who wouldn't want to go on a road trip with an adorable dog like Lewis? I know I would!! Me me me! So George's daughter talks him into taking Lewis across the country in his Vespa side car and off they go.. what George doesn't bank on is Lewis ending up getting him to open up about a lot more than he bargained for.
This book is short and sweet but full of faith and funny sweet moments. You will love to pass it on to all your friends and family!
December 23, 2016
Absolutely wonderful book.
May 9, 2015
George Gibson is coming up on 70, his life as a husband ended the year his wife died, and his profession as an engineer is now closed. He has gotten rid of most of his possessions and moved into a small apartment, only temporarily, as he told his daughter, because he has one goal left to do. He wants to buy an RV and travel across the America to see historical buildings.
Alex Burden is an 11 year old boy who was born with heart problems that have required multiple surgeries. He is finally getting healthy, and he wants a dog. When his parents find out about a litter of Saint Bernard puppies he gets to pick one for his own.
Lewis is small for a Saint Bernard, the runt of the litter, and very inquisitive. They take him home and learn that he has an interesting trait that draws people to him. Alex and Lewis have a close bond, but Alex develops allergies to Lewis’ fur. Just when things look bleak for Lewis they meet George and ask him if he would take Lewis with him across America. George isn’t sure, but Alex and Lewis know it’s best for all of them. George doesn’t know it, but he needs Lewis for conversation and more. This novel is very enjoyable, I would call it sweet but it deals with some heavy subjects like caretaking someone with terminal illness. I liked it a lot and would rate it 4.5 stars.
Alex Burden is an 11 year old boy who was born with heart problems that have required multiple surgeries. He is finally getting healthy, and he wants a dog. When his parents find out about a litter of Saint Bernard puppies he gets to pick one for his own.
Lewis is small for a Saint Bernard, the runt of the litter, and very inquisitive. They take him home and learn that he has an interesting trait that draws people to him. Alex and Lewis have a close bond, but Alex develops allergies to Lewis’ fur. Just when things look bleak for Lewis they meet George and ask him if he would take Lewis with him across America. George isn’t sure, but Alex and Lewis know it’s best for all of them. George doesn’t know it, but he needs Lewis for conversation and more. This novel is very enjoyable, I would call it sweet but it deals with some heavy subjects like caretaking someone with terminal illness. I liked it a lot and would rate it 4.5 stars.
April 14, 2015
Who can resist a sweet book about an intuitive dog with a big heart? The concept may seem a bit cheesy, but it’s really not. George and Lewis are well-developed characters whose interactions will touch readers’ hearts and hopefully cause everyone to think a little more about those around them and the struggles they face.
After his wife died years ago, George has slowly lost purpose. He decides to purchase an RV and take a trip across the country, visiting and drawing landmarks. When his adult daughter hears of a Saint Bernard named Lewis who needs a home, she gives him to George as a traveling companion. The trip gets more interesting the more people they come into contact with. (ABINGDON, Mar., 320 pp., $24.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
After his wife died years ago, George has slowly lost purpose. He decides to purchase an RV and take a trip across the country, visiting and drawing landmarks. When his adult daughter hears of a Saint Bernard named Lewis who needs a home, she gives him to George as a traveling companion. The trip gets more interesting the more people they come into contact with. (ABINGDON, Mar., 320 pp., $24.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
September 28, 2015
I liked that this book faced that life is not fair and can be difficult at best. George, 68, nursed his wife with ALS for 10 years. He watched as she slowly faded away. Her death has left him alone in an empty life with a shaken faith. He decides his one final act in his life, will be to take a cross country trip in an RV like he had wanted to with his wife. Along the way he picks up Lewis, the Saint Bernard and many adventures. I won't spoil the ending. I'll read this author again. I liked the story and the way the the issues surrounding death were dealt with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews