As the Easter season approaches each year, I enjoy being on the lookout for new stories that highlight the theme of Jesus’ last days on earth. This year I found a story that is told from perhaps the most unique perspective I’ve come across so far – through the eyes of a small, innocent dog! “The Dog Who Was There: A Novel” was written by Ron Marasco and published by Thomas Nelson early in 2017. In this sweet and oh-so-endearing story, a little dog named Barley witnesses firsthand the events of the greatest story ever told. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, the lessons he learns along the way just might teach us something as well…

Admittedly, people who love dogs will enjoy “The Dog Who Was There” the most. However any reader who wants to witness the story of the Messiah’s journey to the cross from a different perspective will almost certainly find themselves immersed in Barley’s story as well. With moments of humor interspersing moments of heartbreak and tragedy, the innocent love and trust of Barley will melt your heart. While perhaps not the most well-written, gripping, or historically accurate of novels, it has a big heart and an even bigger message of love and forgiveness. In the end, I encourage you not to miss this book, and to share it with friends and family this Easter season!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.