Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

When Sallie Dawkins set out to get a pet for her child, she did not realize that it would be the beginning of an eight-year spiritual journey that would completely change her outlook on life and her approach to matters of the spirit. God used a beautiful border collie that she named Maggie to open her eyes to all the aspects of worship and meditation that she was either getting wrong or taking for granted. Her relationship with Maggie grew to a point where there were several lessons she picked up from their shared experiences and it eventually transcended what you would expect of the bond between a canine and a human. Maggie's Legacy: Lessons in Spiritual Obedience Learned from My Border Collie is her heartwarming story.

Maggie's Legacy may be a book about a dog but it reads more like a daily devotional manual. Sallie Dawkins uses a unique style in telling her story by picking instances concerning her border collie from her memories and comparing them to her personal experiences with her maker. What makes it even more interesting is the way she uses Biblical verses to support her points. The inclusion of a section with soul-searching questions in each chapter allows the reader to do some thought-provoking introspection concerning the topics in the book. It provides a spiritual panacea for those who feel lost on their journey. When you combine that with the history and care tips for a border collie, you get a dose of spiritual enlightenment unlike any other. Dawkins deserves plaudits for this unusual book.

Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite

The Hebrew Torah and, therefore, the Old Testament of the Christian Bible contains many instances where animals are directly used to let God's will be done. Many instances, if not most, have the donkey as a means of transport, support, or companionship. God sent ravens to take care of Elijah, and throughout the Old Testament, we find metaphors used that include locust swarms that remind us of armies and wolves among sheep as evil men stirring among God's people. But have we ever tried to look at the animals as they are and view the Biblical world from their eyes? Laura Duhan-Kaplan does just that. She looks at some of the more well-known animals in the Bible and views them first as the species they are and the characteristics that we know and further deduce from observing them. Mouth of the Donkey: Re-imagining Biblical Animals is a refreshingly different take on the animals in the Bible and the meaning they bring to the text, both in Biblical context and how that may be made relevant today.

Mouth of the Donkey by Laura Duhan-Kaplan is a well-researched book about the metaphors and meaning of animals in the Bible. The author gives well-researched and thought-through ideas. What makes this book special is how the author draws comparisons between the animal metaphors and today's world. She posits that man can be a lone grasshopper but change into a locust, part of a violent destructive mass through circumstance, just as men can be known as snakes and the innocent as sheep. In my mind, this book can bring depth to the already well-known animals in the Bible that we tend to gloss over to find the "human" side of the meaning of the text. Maybe when we form our Biblical view by including the rich context of the animals we encounter there, our faith will be enriched. Likewise, our balance with nature might become closer to the ideal, broken when we shed our "first skin" and opened our eyes to the new world where sin was present. Indeed, food for the literary-minded, this is a delightful read.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Adopting a pet is one of the most joyful experiences in anyone's family. But there are plenty of times when puppies, kittens, or other rescue animals are welcomed into homes without proper planning. When adopting a pet, you accept responsibility for an animal's life. Raising Naturally Healthy Pets is an A-Z handbook that covers every aspect of adopting and raising pets, ensuring they have the best environment to prosper in and live long and fulfilling lives. Written by Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian and pet nutritionist, the book aims to teach readers how to get the right veterinary care for their pets, the proper use of vaccinations, acclimate pets in their new homes, nurture basic obedience skills, pet-proof your home, and much more. Morgan also strongly advises against things such as ear cropping or claw removal.

Raising Naturally Healthy Pets is a must-read for anyone who owns or is planning to rescue, adopt, or buy a puppy, kitten, or other animal. As someone who grew up with furry family members and still lives with two, I found this book informative and educational. Apart from explaining the dietary needs of pets, Judy Morgan also touches upon pet grooming routines, parasite prevention techniques, proper handling of injuries and diseases, and natural remedies to help pets recover. Dr. Morgan's accessible writing style and meticulous organization of the subject matter make it easy for you, as a reader, to grasp the contents. All in all, a well-researched and thoroughly engaging guidebook on pet ownership.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Dreams, though beautiful and energizing, can sometimes be far from reality. And if one's not careful, they can take our focus away from God and the reason we have these dreams in the first place. Sarah Hickner has been a horse lover all her life, but her desire to befriend horses and embark on thrilling adventures with them was affected by several challenges: her father's late response to her request, accidents that sank her confidence, and the mysterious disappearance of her horse. Finding Gideon is about a horse lover, her struggles with forgetting to put God first, and a tumultuous yet wonderful experience of working with horses. Sarah shares experiences about love, loss, joy, dreams, and faith in this deeply poignant and captivating memoir.

Despite its nonlinear nature, the story converges neatly and keeps the reader engaged. The tale winds smoothly through Sarah's exploits with domestic horses, her connection with God, and her love relationship. This profoundly honest and open story about a woman's passion and faith doubles as a mirror that the reader can use to examine themselves and the goals they've been unknowingly putting before God. Whenever I'm facing a challenging situation, I hope, like Sarah, I also remember to ask, "What is God teaching me?" Finding Gideon is written carefully and gracefully, reflecting the relationship a compassinate horse owner has with a beloved horse. You should read this memoir if you love horses or wish to learn about strengthening your devotion to God in good and bad times.

Reviewed by Lois Henderson for Readers' Favorite

The Cat with Three Passports: What a Japanese Cat Taught Me About an Old Culture and New Beginnings, written by CJ Fentiman, tells of how the author travels with her partner, Ryan, to Japan to teach at a language school. They found their first experience of the country rather alienating, due to their lack of familiarity with the fast-paced and frenetic lifestyle of the urban environment of Osaka. They decided to plump for a smaller school in a more rural setting for their second attempt. They then find themselves at home in the remote town of Takayama, a quiet mountain town set in the Japanese Alps. Fentiman is made to feel so much at ease that she is finally able to come to terms with more negative aspects of her being that she had previously felt unable to avoid or overcome. Her self-discovery is encouraged by the presence of three cats in her life (Iko, Niko, and Gershwin), which she describes with such tenderness that any cat lover’s heart will melt.

CJ Fentiman’s The Cat with Three Passports is an insightful introduction to Japanese culture that provides valuable descriptions of the lived experiences of foreigners in Japan. The author’s warmth of personality comes across so strongly that I felt totally enraptured by her responses to the evolving scenes and events, including her sharing of her feelings regarding the local cultural festivals, customs, and cuisine. Her linguistic awareness bears out in her use of Japanese and Zen sayings and proverbs throughout the book, with her relating their meaning to everyday experiences in the country. The Cat with Three Passports should find a ready target market especially with young adults who are still trying to come to terms with themselves and their past, as well as with those who are thinking of working abroad, especially those who are attracted by the specialness of the Japanese culture and lifestyle.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

“That dark, dank barn, with water dripping down the walls and in through the roof. The concrete floor of my kennel, and the farmer beating me with the broom handle...” That was the beginning of Kat’s life, only she was called Luna back then. When she escaped, she roamed the streets, seeking attention, care, food, and water wherever she could get it until one day, someone offered her a loving forever home. It’s incredible to imagine what Kat endured and how loving she could be after such abuse and neglect.

Alyson Sheldrake’s Kat the Dog is a sweet, heart-wrenching, compassionate story of one dog’s journey from an abusive home to a loving forever home. Based on the true story of the author’s own beloved rescued dog, the author has woven a fantastical story of what might have happened. She chose to write Kat’s story in the first-person narrative, allowing the precious furbaby to speak for herself. I love the way the author used this point of view to make an engaging and heartwarming story so realistic. It’s sometimes difficult to realize the intense cruelty still evident in a world where humans continue to abuse and take advantage of animals.

The plot develops from Kat’s (aka Luna's) rough beginnings on a farm and follows the journey as Kat escapes and searches longingly for a safe place to call home. The descriptive narrative is brutally honest at times, but tender and compassionate as well. Like Bruce Cameron’s A Dog’s Purpose, Marshall Saunders's Beautiful Joe, and many others, this story will definitely warm the hearts of dog lovers and many will shed a few tears as they follow Kat’s journey.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

How does a man who admits he “didn’t know the first thing about writing a book or telling stories” reduce this reviewer to tears at the end of his book Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever? Sure, I’m a dog lover, so it’s only natural I’d respond to a loving tale about dogs. What I didn’t expect from Kerk Murray was that I would not only enjoy a story about those four-legged furry humans who steal our hearts and ultimately become one of the family but that I would be reading such a touching and raw memoir. Having owned four dogs during my lifetime, I smiled as Blaze/Maximus stole Kerk’s sandwich off the table or tore up the house when left alone and how I identified with the grief he felt when Chelsea, Lexi, and little Gunner passed away. Murray’s natural and unpretentious ability to capture his feelings in print made those recollections so immediately relatable.

Equally engaging were his recollections of being bullied as a youngster, his dreams of becoming a “gladiator” in whatever future profession he chose, and the self-loathing he felt when his youthful plans went astray as the result of his actions. But as any good memoir writer should, Kerk Murray gave me a happy ending as he found his true mission in life, thanks to the support of his wife and the lessons he learned about being a fully loving human through his pets Chelsea, Lexi, Maximus, and Spartacus. There is no way I will share more of the details of Murray’s memoir in this review as I want everyone who has ever loved, enjoyed, and lost a pet to read and experience the beauty of Pawprints On Our Hearts for themselves. What I will tell you is that about a year ago, Murray’s experiences with his dogs led him and his wife to sell off the bulk of their worldly possessions to establish the non-profit Lexi’s Legacy Foundation. To date, this foundation has raised over $100,000 and your purchase of his book will help the Murrays continue their work. Along with photos, at the end of the book are links to various other non-profit foundations. I have checked out all of these, along with visiting the author’s website. I hope you will do the same, and if you are a dog lover, please buy this book.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids who Rescued Them by Diane Trull with Meredith Wargo is uplifting, inspiring, and emotional. Diane Trull was an elementary school teacher whose students led her to a profound moment when a picture of dogs in the paper sparked them to ask questions about what will happen to the homeless dogs. The students worried about the fate of the poor animals. This was a concern that led to the turning point in Diane's life and was the first step toward the creation of DAWGS (Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary). The journey taken by Diane and her class as they embarked on creating a shelter is one that inspires hope and compassion. The dedication and determination of Diane and her students created a movement that helped the dogs and cats found abandoned and abused find a forever home. Real stories of the animals they helped along with photographs are included.

This is a book that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. Their mission statement is to encourage children (not just those participating in the program) to learn about responsibility, commitment, and caring for animals while also establishing inspiration for children (and adults) to take part in their community. The cornerstone of the program is about education, a prevalent theme highlighted throughout to show the various principles and ideas they developed through caring for the animals – such as spaying and neutering. The real stories are at the start of each chapter and provide a personal connection to the animals. Not only is this a real story but it's one that connects to all ages and shows that anyone can become involved in helping animals and their community.

Diane Trull explores the problems they faced such as fighting the council, fundraisers, and people that complained about the smell and noise, and dealing with arguments to find something more meaningful. The honesty in sharing the real struggles they faced helps form a connection. The book also highlights the benefits of having kids help at the shelter and the importance of spaying and neutering a pet. The uplifting story completely encompasses the mission principles of DAWGS which are perseverance, determination, a sense of responsibility, and compassion for all. Animal lovers won't leave the book dry-eyed as DAWGS is an uplifting and honest example of hope and compassion.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Sue Tidwell and her husband's first memorable experience in Africa involved a species that not many would look forward to seeing in their motherland continent: tsetse flies. Getting attacked by possibly infected tsetse flies was one of the many surprises that lay in store for the two Western travelers in the perilous wilds of Africa. Cries of the Savanna depicts Tidwell's unforgettable, surprise-packed trip to Africa's wilderness and the harsh truths she discovered about nature. Her story includes various challenging and memorable experiences, such as hours of being jostled about in a Land Cruiser, trekking miles through the bushes, dodging elephants and potholes, and more. Coming from an American culture that glamorized nature, as she familiarized herself with Africa's wilderness, laws, and dangers, Tidwell discovered that reality is much less attractive than the way it is portrayed on the internet.

Even as an African, I learned a great deal about Africa from Cries of the Savanna - like the role tourism plays in Africa's economy and why some animal populations must be controlled to maintain balance in nature. Apart from being quite informative, this is an incredibly fun, addictive read. The choice of words and sense of humor brought a smile to my face as I read the book, which also contains stories about the author's upbringing in the US and her growing up with hunters, which makes it easy to connect with her. The book provides a fascinating insight into the reality of living in the wilderness of Africa. It's as entertaining as a thrilling adventure movie, yet brimming with enough information to match a documentary film. If Sue Tidwell takes another trip and writes about them, I'm reading that book as well.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Life on a farm is something many of us cannot even imagine. There is something special about being in contact with nature and animals, and The Parables of Sunlight by Margaret Dulaney explains it very well. In her splendid book, Dulaney tells how she bought a farm, why at the beginning she did not want to be involved in it, and her relationship with Allie, a wounded horse. Most importantly, she writes her reflections on animals and the afterlife. The Parables of Sunlight is an amazing book, and it is up to nature and animal-loving readers to discover all the depth that it contains.

When I started reading The Parables of Sunlight, I never imagined I would find a book so full of ideas and considerations. Initially, I thought its story focused only on life in the countryside, and I was happy to find out that much more is going on here. I loved to read about Allie, the wounded horse, and I hoped her story would end well. Above all, however, what struck me were Dulaney's reflections on souls and the afterlife. This is something I did not expect to find in a book about life on a farm. I have to say that many of the things Dulaney writes are a great starting point for meditating. Also, they can bring some solace to those who have lost a loved one or animal. The Parables of Sunlight is an inspiration, and I recommend it to thoughtful readers who love animals.