Second-Chance Cats: True Stories of the Cats We Rescue and the Cats Who Rescue Us

by Callie Smith Grant (Editor)

There's no feeling quite like that of getting a second chance and a fresh start. When we adopt a homeless cat--or that cat decides to adopt us--we're not just giving one of earth's most beautiful and inscrutable creatures a chance at a good life, we're giving ourselves the gift of companionship, solace, and love. And plenty of laughter too!

This heartwarming collection includes more than 30 true, contemporary stories told by a variety of writers, including Melody Carlson, Lauraine Snelling, and Kristin Billerbeck. Each feel-good story involves cat rescue, some in a typical way and others in surprising--even miraculous--ways. Sometimes the question Really, who rescued whom?

A thoughtful gift for the cat lover in your life, Second-Chance Cats is the purr fect companion for cozy nights, lazy weekends, and any time you need a pick-me-up.

Genres: Cats, Animals, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Anthologies

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2020

About the author

Callie Smith Grant is the editor of A Prince among Dogs and A Dickens of a Cat. She is also the author of several nonfiction books for young readers and adults as well as many animal-themed stories and poems which can be seen in Guideposts anthologies and in magazines such as Small Farmers Journal.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance Cats: True Stories of the Cats we Rescue and the Cats Who Rescue Us by Callie Smith Grant- Editor- is a 2020 Fleming H. Revell publication.

No need to explain why I wanted to read this book. I love cats and am always a sucker for the second chance theme- and happy endings!!

This book is a collection of true stories told in first person, by a variety of contributors, from all walks of life. Each short essay explains how a cat entered their lives, some only briefly, and some for long periods of time, and what impact the cat had on them. Some stories are a little bittersweet, some are inspirational, and some are just sweet stories about a cat that touched the writer in a special way or came to be a permanent part of their family.

As the title suggests, the cats featured in these stories are ones who were rescued, sometimes passing through the person’s life on their way to a longer term residence, and sometimes the writer is able to provide a permanent home for the cat. Yet, very often these cats are the ones doing the rescuing, help to heal and comfort their humans in times of stress, grief or illness- and everyone knows cats are good for our general well being.

I like to tell people that all my cats found me, not the other way around, and that is mostly true.

I have plenty of similar stories, dating back to my childhood, when cats just seemed to find me and stick around. I have tamed feral cats, rescued abandoned kittens, and even shared ownership of a cat with a neighbor once. As an adult, I only owned dogs for a long time before once again adopting a cat. Now, my cats outnumber the dogs- and the stories of how they came to live with us are as special to me as the ones printed in this book. It is for this reason, this book resonated with me, and I found myself nodding and smiling along, knowing how easily felines can worm their way into our hearts and lives.

There is nothing especially fancy about this compilation- the stories are short, told by real people, and are straightforward and simple, but always very heartfelt and sincere.

It goes without saying that cat lovers will not be able to resist these heartwarming stories featuring some very special feline friends.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book of short stories will appeal to anyone who loves cats or is thinking about adopting a rescue cat or kitten! Each story is told by the person who became the cat’s owner or even just a companion for a day. Some stories are sad, some are funny, and all are heartwarming and uplifting.

At times I found myself wondering if it was the cat or the person whose life was saved! These stories show that it’s the simple things in life that are often the most cherished, and that trust, patience, kindness, and love for our pets can bring joy and meaning to life.

I loved reading the stories and think that I’ll be buying several copies of this book to give to some of my cat loving friends!

Thank you to NetGalley, Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group), and editor Callie Smith Grant for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this very enjoyable book.

[Linden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter is by a different author, and tells about a cat he or she rescued. The short anecdotes are upbeat, and are reminiscent of the kind of stories that used to be in Reader's Digest. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had seven second-chance cats, all adored, so I was thrilled to get this ARC from Revell and NetGalley.

I know my rescue cats helped me through divorce, depression, death of a parent, and my second husband’s cancer. I thank God for each one!

In SECOND-CHANCE CATS, you’ll find 30+ warm and inspiring stories by different writers who rescued felines they claim rescued them back. A hope-filled read for our trying times!

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 15 Sep 2020

Thanks to the authors, Revell, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#SecondChanceCats #NetGalley

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a life-long cat lover, when I saw this title, I just had to read it! People who are not cat lovers don't seem to understand the concept of rescuing cats and them rescuing you back, but it is so true.

My mother wouldn't let me have a cat at home (would make the house dirty, you know?) so I patted other people's cats wherever I went. At one point we lived in a cottage which had a barn attached to it. The people who lived in the barn had cats and I spent many happy hours with them. It was an absolute joy to be able to have my own cats, once I had left home and was in stable housing and I currently have 3, all of them rescues. I could have written one of the stories in this book myself :) All of my cats have their own stories to tell, as do past kitties who have now crossed over the rainbow bridge. I have definitely gotten much more from my kitties than I have given to them, no doubt, and I thank all of them for giving me their unconditional love every day, in their own special ways.

This book is a beautiful collection of stories in which cats do rescue humans, in a variety of ways. So many different scenarios and all of them touching, poignant or heart-stopping in some way.

Loved it!

[Lucy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a cat lover I so wanted to read this little gem of a book.

I rehomed a stray a couple of years ago so was really interested in other people's stories.

Each chapter is told by a different Author to share their cat story, which were just a delight to read.

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second-Chance Cats is a lovely anthology collection of stories that feature rescued cats. It'll make your heart swell if you love those fluffy and furry friends. It sure made me have all of the feels! It's a great feel good animal set of stories to light up your day. Protect those babies, they deserve all of the love!

Three out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Miranda Atchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big animal-lover and I really enjoy reading stories about animals, so when I heard about Second-Chance Cats, I knew I wanted to read this book. I was most definitely not disappointed.

This was such a sweet compilation of stories! Each story tells the tale of a rescue cat and the impact they have on their rescuers. From kittens found on the side of the road, to feral cat colonies, to strays who decide to take matters into their own hands (or rather, paws) and adopt the perfect humans for themselves, each story was sweet and endearing. Reading the incredible stories of these poor creatures to whom life hasn’t always been so kind truly pulled at my heartstrings, yet it was uplifting to read that through all that, these special felines still had love in their hearts.

Having a cat in your life truly is a special thing. They’re mysterious creatures; at turns they are goofy and at others quite serious. It may be true that they don’t need our companionship the way dogs do, but more often than not, they chose to spend their time with us and they are always there when we need them. Second-Chance Cats perfectly highlights this. So many heartwarming stories filled this collection; of how someone found the perfect rescue cat at just the right time in their life when they truly needed a companion. Of how a rescue cat was able to support someone facing seemingly unsurmountable obstacles and inspire them to change their life for the better. Cats that broke down the supposed barrier between felines and canines, befriending and supporting the dogs they shared their homes with. And ordinary cats who added humor to their loved ones days.

Second-Chance Cats is a lovely book. Not only would it be the perfect choice for cat lovers everywhere, but I also hope it helps those on the fence see just how special these creatures are.

Fans of Vicki Myron’s Dewey and James Herriot’s stories will love this inspirational collection of rescued cats who in turn rescue those that love them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!! (Wish i could rate it 10 Stars!!)
Review:
Thank you to Revell for sending me this FREE ARC Copy to review for them!!

This was my first time reading a book by this author so i wasnt sure if i'd like it or not but might i say i enjoyed this book so much!!

Learning about Homeless Cats is such a special topic for me since i used to help my Grandma in a vet office when i was a teen when she worked for a local Vet and i learned so much about Stray Cats.

This book was so touching and sad at the same time since the stigma for people not wanting to adopt cats cause of behavioral issues etc is very low and sad how people judge cats even before getting to know them.

Can't wait to read more books like this in the future!!

[Sarah Carper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own. This book is full of heartwarming stories about cats who have been rescued and adopted by people who have loved them fully. Each story was a short read and felt very "Reader's Digest"-ish in style. As someone who, in just the past couple of years, has become a cat person and taken in two cats of my own...I've not only rescued two cats, but they've rescued me in many ways. These stories were just what I needed to read after a long hard day at work. Coming home and cuddling on the couch with my cats and this lovely book made for a great evening.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love cats!!!

Such a heartwarming book, which would make an ideal present for any cat lover. I love that the book is made up of individual stories, which made for short quick reads.

[Zeljka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have two cats in my home. The neighbor's cat is also regularly eating and playing with them. I love them to pieces. I do not need any assurances by others that the adoption of these furry babies was the good thing for them and for me. Still I wanted to read this book when I saw it on NetGalley, and I must thank the publisher for making it possible for me to read.

While cat (and dog) lovers are not probably the target audience, it still may make them feel warm and fuzzy for other people's happiness with their furry adoptees. If someone has doubts about the same, they definitely should read these thirty-something warm stories about how animals changed their lives for better.

The care for animals is never an easy and smooth ride, but that's not the point, just like no one has a family just for sake of checking one box in their to-do list. Animals have their own personalities, and it shows in these stories, how each is different, as are different the life situations of the storytellers. And yet it is so easy to relate to all of them. It is interesting to note that some storytellers are involved with non-profits in their region, meaning that it is not all about cats they adopted, but also about their lives that were deeply influenced by that cause.

I would highly recommend reading this book. People who already have animals in their lives would definitely like to read stories of like-minded people. Those who are thinking about an adoption or two, in the near or far future, should also read this, to confirm to themselves that they are planning to do the right thing. Well, even those who can't think about having animals in their lives at all, may simply enjoy in beautiful warm stories about ordinary humans and silly animals in their lives. The yearning afterwards may hurt them, but the book is really that much interesting.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Second-Chance Cats is a collection of 33 cat rescue stories edited by Callie Smith Grant. Due out 15th Sept 2020 from Baker Publishing on their Revell imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.

This is exactly as advertised; wonderful, mostly heartwarming true stories of cat rescue and adoption with the added twist of including the ways cats rescue and improve *us*, the humans who are blessed to live and interact with them. These stories run the gamut from "accidental" adoptions, to humane society stories, and crawlspace abandoned kitten rescues.

These are heartwarming stories full of love and hope. Each story runs a few pages. The writing is accessible and they are edited gently enough that they retain the voice of each of the authors. They're authentic and relatable.

This would make a lovely gift for a cat lover. The stories are short enough that they can be sampled one at a time like chocolates or devoured all at once.

Four stars. There's a lot to love here.

I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Caroline Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to be given a copy of this lovely book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I am a firm believer in #adoptdontshop and have always included rescue animals as part of my family. I was an active member of the RSPCA’S junior branch, Animal Defenders from the age of nine or ten and became great friends with the lady who looked after the cats and kittens. Inevitably this
resulted in my mother finally cracking and allowing the adoption of two kittens, I think she hoped that this would quell my endless requests for more animals...how wrong she was!
Anyway this book is a real treasure containing as it does more than thirty true stories by a variety of authors which relate to cat rescue in a variety of ways. As all cat lovers know, human beings may decide to adopt a cat or kitten but in reality it is always the cat who makes the choice, we may kid ourselves that we are in charge but, however small our feline friend may be, they rule with a paw of iron! This is a wonderful book for all cat lovers, perfect to dip into at any time, particularly enjoyable when accompanied by a cat or three snuggling up whilst you read.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wonderful! I love cats! My little guys are all rescues. Most were strays that came to stay, a couple were abandoned kittens, all of them are sweeties! Callie Smith Grant is correct in writing that the cats are not only rescues, but rescuers, as well.. I have no idea what would have became of me if my first cat hadn't showed up just when I needed a buddy. My newest furry kid is a giant kitten- he's keeping us all young (so I'm told) and exhausted! The stories in this book are all endearing; cat owners will relate to them quite easily, I think. It can be a cold and cruel world for our little animals. It's good to read happy stories like these. Every cat and dog should have families and good lives. If you love cat, or any,animal stories, you'll enjoy these stories and maybe even be inspired to go out and adopt a couple more. Cats are like potato chips, you can't just have one (or so I have been told!) 3-4 is a good number! Kudos on a very readable book!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading stories about animals. We have two cats we got from a rescue (and I volunteer for that rescue) so this book caught my eye.

This book has 33 shorts stories about people who have rescued cats (and have kept them or found homes for them) or have been rescued by cats (the cats came along when they were needed). It's a quick read and most of the stories were cute and heartwarming.

I was surprised, though, at the amount of people in the stories who let their cats outside. I live on a busy street and our cats are never allowed outside. They are happy with their inside world. And I wasn't crazy reading about some parents who begrudgingly let their child/children keep a cat but it had to live outside or in a garage/shed.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/08...

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an obvious choice for me, as I love cats. It is a collection of anecdotes about cats being rescued by humans, cats rescuing cats, and cats rescuing humans. I really enjoyed it, the stories varied from touching to amusing, there are some real characters in here! Each anecdote is nice and short, so it’s a great book for dipping in and out of.

If you love cats, I’d definitely recommend reading this book. It will relax and entertain you.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[Penmouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second-Chance Cats by Callie Smith Grant would be the PURRFECT gift for cat lovers as the author has shared a collection of cat tales that would make any cat lover happy to read. My favorite story was The Gift as I could easily identify with Andi Lehman's story about her cat Grungy as I had a similar experience.

Overall, this is a thoroughly delightful book that was a quick read.

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads. I am most definitely a dog-person, but even I couldn't resist these thirty-three short stories, averaging about six pages in length, by various authors about the cats they rescued or who rescued them. Make sure to have some tissues handy as you read these stories. There's a short bio of each of the contributors at the end of the book. The one thing that would have made it better was if a picture of each cat/cats was included with each story.

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed the audiobook from my local library. Although some narration is overly dramatic, overall it was a mostly enjoyable listen. I do wish there weren't so many stories of cats living outside, not even allowed in the home. I expected more spoiled cat stories.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this easy read compiled of heart warming stories from people who rescue cats and the cats who rescue them. Both funny and touching, any animal lover will enjoy!

[Sally Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have cried a couple of times during this poignant collection of true tales about feline pets, how they change us, and the incredible gifts they bring into our lives.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: I read a book this week about pets and humans and how we animals improve the health of our people. It was an interesting book but it lacked passion and failed to move me. I am looking for a book that inspires. I want one that will make me laugh at the antics and perhaps shed a tear or two. I want to be invested in the stories so vicariously I share the experience with the authors.

This book nails what I seek. It is filled with stories of cats who were rescued from some terrible situations and returned the favour by rescuing the humans. Sometimes it is as dramatic as stopping a suicide. Sometimes it gives the human purpose and meaning. Sometimes it just soften the blow or salves the loneliness. All the stories remind us, cat and human alike, just why we have this special relationship and what we bring to each other. These are truly heartwarming tales.

If you are a fan of these stories, as I am, you will love this collation. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Rena McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent my life with cats of all kinds. Mostly all rescues, strays and adopted. I currently live with five, two who are one-eyed and one who is not only one-eyed but the victime of a horrible hoarding criminal situation. This book made me laugh and cry at the same time, the stories were so well-written and from the heart of the authors. Animals can truly teach us humans so many things about unconditional love, survival and getting along with others (especially dogs and other cats).. If only we could learn about those so important values and share them with our fellow humans the world would be a better place. I highly recommend this book to all animal lovers and thanks to Net Galley and Baker Publishing Group for granting me the privilege of reading this wonderful collection of stories.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent read. I loved the heart warming stories about cats and their caregivers. It made me appreciate my fur baby all that much more and how I rescued him.
This book gets five out f five stars from me!

[Zee Monodee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful and heartfelt book about cats. Prepare your tissues - you are bound to cry at some point through this read. Any cat lover will truly relish these tales.
Warning, though - if you just lost a fur baby or anytime recently, then this will absolutely break your heart

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good collection to dip into sporadically. The stories are short and sweet.

[Keradwen Sweeten · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a book about cats, of course I'm going to rate it 5 stars. I love cats, and I love reading about them.

[Xanthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook format.
I was quite enjoying this anthology until I got to one piece that just pissed me off. Isn’t that usually the way it goes with anthologies? There has to be at least one story that ruins it. In it, a questionable decision is made with little to no explanation as to why. Also, the story was full of references to god, prayer, and divine guidance. I’m an atheist and this just had me rolling my eyes. Some of the other writers mention god but not to the extent as the writer of the offending piece which was Just so OTT. It felt like they were using god to justify the crappy actions they took. I didn’t realise until finished this book that it was brought out by a ‘Christian’ publisher. So I guess I should consider myself lucky that this entire collection of stories weren’t like the crappy one.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book stuffed with stories about cats blessing humans. I appreciated the Christian perspective within these pages and found myself also enjoying a lot of the stories.

As a cat owner myself, a lot of these stories resonated with me. Readers that enjoy animals--particularly cats-- will likely find this book to be a treasure trove.

For me, I really grappled with awarding this book 5 stars. Unfortunately, I found one of the stories extremely frustrating because I felt like the person's issues were being enabled by others and also by the cat.

Your reading experience may be different and please do not let my sentences above deter you from this book. There are many gems here that is likely to please any cat lover and Jesus follower.

4/5 stars.