Book: The Cat Who Came Back for Christmas

The Cat Who Came Back for Christmas seems like an appropriate book for this month.  Like so many of my favourite cat stories, this one takes place in the UK.  It's the story of Julia, a single mom trying to make it on her own and her autistic son, George, and the black and white kitten who appears as a stray in their lives.  With the appearance of Ben, George began to change from a withdrawn child lost in his own world, subject to frequent outbursts, hating strangers, hating new places, and sometimes seeming to even hate his mom.  As Julia and George get to know Ben he becomes not only part of their lives but a vital member of their family.  In a voice that is supposed to be "Ben's", George starts communicating with Julia, actually talking to her.  Only it's not George who's talking, but really Ben - or so George wants Julia to think.  Delighted with the positive change in George, Julia hosts a wonderful - "all out" "Winter Wonderland" in their village.  Everyone comes.  And George actually participates - unheard of interaction for him with outsiders and even other family members.  George, Julia and Ben embark on some of the happiest months of their lives. Then a terrible thing happens.  Ben goes missing and all the progress George has made seems to have evaporated.  He tells his mom he hates her, that she lost Ben, and then he stops talking. Be prepared for an edge-of-the-chair ending, but also one that will warm you heart right down to your down-bootied toes!  Julia goes to every length to find Ben and this is not a book that ends sadly nor does it disappoint. As Julia searches for Ben she encounters some kind folks, a sad story or two, and develops into the local "lost cat locator".   This wonderful book, copyright 2010,  is available on Amazon, where I got it used, though in excellent shape, probably also on Kindle, possibly at Barnes and Noble and also at  any used book store.  British authors are some of my favourites and this book does not disappoint.  Get ready to meet Julia,  George, and Ben and to love them all - especially Ben - but that is hardly a surprise!  You're sure to like this one - a lot!
Amazon has it...

---