Self-Publish a Book in 10 Steps Book Review

 Many of you know that I'm working on self-publishing an anthology entitled Purrseverance. I am nearly ready to format the manuscript and submit it to my packager. When Self-Publish a Book in 10 Steps by Hank Quense was offered to me for review, I jumped at the chance. 

Book Description

Self-publishing a book is difficult.

This book simplifies it by breaking down a self-publishing and marketing project into 10 steps. This step-by-step process will get your book published and initiate the pre-launch marketing.

Hank Quense has written and self-published over twenty books, both fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of the Author Blueprint Series of books. The Series concentrates on providing valuable guidance on fiction writing, self-publishing and book marketing. Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps is Book 6 in the series.

The book details such vital tasks as developing a compelling book description, building an author platform and getting book reviews to list a few.

Learn the ten-step process that will self-publish and market your book!

Creating Stories Book Review

While I don't write much fiction, I was excited to receive Creating Stories by Hank Quense for review. 

Book Description

Do you have a story in you?

Do you know how to write it or how to tell it? Creating Stories has the answers. Hank Quense, the author of more than twenty books, tells you how to do it. He believes that stories come from the melding of three elements: getting ideas, story design and story-telling. Ideas have to come from the author. Creating Stories covers the last two. The book concentrates on developing characters including such rarely discussed requirements such as a dominant reader emotion and the character's biography. Plots are also covered in depth and a number of graphics are included to illustrate complex points. Another topic discusses subplots and how to utilize them and how to nest them within the main plot. A separate chapter discusses the relationship between the plot and the emotional arcs. Other topics covered are: character arcs, scene design, point-of-view, writing voice.

Review and Giveaway: The Vet at Noah's Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital

 

When I read the description for The Vet at Noah's Ark: The Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital, I was immediately intrigued. If there are books out there largely focusing on exotic pets, I don't know about them. Most of the books I've read about companion animals are about cats or dogs. I thought it might be interesting to read about a veterinarian who not only treats cats and dogs at his hospital but emus, monkeys, skunks, snakes, foxes, and other exotic animals as well.

Book Description: In The Vet at Noah's Ark, Dr. Doug Mader shares his exciting account of his fight to protect his patients and his staff among the dangerous realities of inner-city life and the Los Angeles riots. 

A veterinarian's life is challenging - making difficult decisions regarding people's beloved companions and keeping up with the latest advances in veterinary care. Dr. Mader had the additional challenge of trying to navigate the social unrest in Los Angeles in the early 1990s. Dr. Mader was one of only a few exotic veterinarians in California at the time and was just as likely to treat a lion as a house cat. 

The Vet at Noah's Ark follows Dr. Mader and his staff over the course of a year at Noah's Ark Veterinary Hospital, an inner-city Los Angeles animal hospital that treats not only cats and dogs but skunks, emus, snakes, monkeys, and other exotic animals as well. The story is set against the backdrop of four police officers in the Rodney King case and the violent aftermath after their acquittal.

The story is about survival, not only of the pets Dr. Mader and his staff treat and try to save, but of the staff members as well. Living and working in an inner-city environment, Dr. Mader and his staff must  rise above inner-city realities, such as gangs, drugs, traffic, smog, violence, and deadly riots not only for their own survival but also for that of the patients that rely on them. 

Book Review and Giveaway: Inside Your Heaven

 

About the Book: This book affirms that our loved ones are still around us after they die and their spirits go to the other side. Whether you struggle with grief over losing a loved one, suspect connecting with spirits is possible, or are fascinated by otherworldly dreams, premonitions, or signs, you will find hope and inspiration in this book. 

Follow April as she comes to terms with her own childhood trauma and grows into her vocation, first as a nurse and then as a psychic medium. 

Some of the stories April shares in this book include:

• How Gianna and Vanessa overcome the pain of losing their mothers.
• How Elena received comfort and guidance from her uncle and grandmother.
• How Ella's babcia (grandmother) helped her feel more beautiful and loved and no longer abandoned.
• How Sammy's parents helped affirm her self-worth.
• How Leah Rae and Jenny received peace and closure from their deceased children.

This book will also help you discover and embrace your own gifts. It may help you feel less fearful about death.

Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday: Book Review and Giveaway

 

About the Book: Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday by Alysson Foti Bourque is part of the Alycat series of books for children. 

Alycat wakes up to seafood gumbo in her bowl for breakfast. Even though her house is the first stop for the school bus, the bus is already full when she and her brother, Bugsy, board. Alycat's whole day is turned around. What is going on? 

Follow Alycat as she has a very "cattywampus" Wednesday. Young readers will learn that a little help from friends and a positive attitude can help you make the best of every day. 

This book is intended for children ages 3-7 years old. 

My Toughts: First, let me say that this is a really adorable book! All of the characters in this story are cats, and I love that! The illustrations are cute and colorful. 

The story of Alycat's cattywampus Wednesday is sweet. Initially, Alycat is quite confused that everything in her day is backwards, but by the end of the day, she is taking it in stride and even plays along as if nothing is amiss. I believe this shows kids that having a positive attitude can help you through tough and confusing times. 

This book is intended for children ages 3-7 years old. Younger children will most definitely need their parents to read them this book. Older children may be able to read this book with some help from their parents with a few of the bigger words, like cattywampus. I believe young readers will really enjoy this story and the illustrations that accompany it.

The last page of the book has the definitions for "cattywampus" and some tips on how kids can deal with their own cattywampus days. I think this is great! Sometimes we all just need a reminder on how we can cope with tough times in a constructive manner. 

About the Author: Alysson Foti Bourque is the author of the Alycat series. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Juris Doctor degree from the Southern University Law Center.

After practicing law for six years, she traded in writing trial briefs for writing children's books. Alysson enjoys public speaking at schools, conferences, and festivals nationwide. She hopes to inspire people to follow their dreams and believe in themselves. 

The Alycat series has won several awards, including The Mom's Choice Awards, Benjamin Franklin Digital Award, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Best Book Award Finalist, and NY Big Book Award.

You can purchase Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday at the Alycat website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Bookshop. 

Follow Alysson Foti Bourque on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and on her website. 

Giveaway

Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday Book Tour Giveaway

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of "Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday" by Alysson Foti Bourque for a fair and honest review. Receiving the book did not influence my opinions in any way. All opinions expressed on Fur Everywhere are my own. 

Book Review: Sunny and the Cats

 

About the Book: Sunny and the Cats is a children's book by Victoria Otto. Everyone in Meow Village and Woof Village live peacefully and happily as long as they abide by one rule - dogs were not allowed in Meow Village, and any cat who set foot in Woof Village would be chased up a tree. One special puppy, Sunny, wants to be friends with the cats, though, so he breaks the rule to see if the cats want to play with him. What happens when Sunny goes to Meow Village? 

My Thoughts: Let me just say that this book is adorable! The story is very sweet, and I feel it has value for today's children. 

When Sunny wants to be friends with the cats, his dog friends discourage him. But Sunny goes to Meow Village anyway. Sunny ends up being a great help to a kitty in trouble there, but the cats still aren't friendly to him afterward. It isn't until Sunny has returned to Woof Village that the cats come over to thank him for his help. The cats and dogs end up becoming friends in the end.

This book teaches children to be kind to others, no matter how different they may be from them. I believe this is an excellent lesson for kids (and adults!) in today's world to learn. 

This book is intended for children ages 3-7 years old. Younger childrein won't be able to read this book on their own, but as they get older, this book is an excellent one for them to read independently. The language is kid-friendly; there are no big or complicated words in this story. The book is nicely illustrated, too.

About the Author: Victoria Otto is a children's book author who is passionate about children's literature. She strives to create picture books that are educational, engaging, and fun for children and parents to read. Victoria loves to visit schools and organizations and has been able to read her books to over 800 children in the United States so far. 

You can connect with Victoria Otto on Twitter and Instagram. 

Giveaway

Sunny and the Cats Book Tour Giveaway

You can buy the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BAM, and Wal-Mart. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of "Sunny and the Cats" by Victoria Otto for a fair and honest review. Receiving the book did not influence my opinions in any way. All opinions expressed on Fur Everywhere are my own. 

Capers and Harry Book Review and Giveaway

 

Today, I'm excited to review Capers and Harry by Mother Melania, Illustrated by Cayce Grace Kruse. 

About the Book: Capers the Cat loves to talk about himself and show his friends how awesome he is. He is busy showing his friend, Harry the Hound, how great he is at climbing trees when he gets stuck in one. Capers is too proud to admit that he's stuck, so Harry the Hound and Fearless the Fire Duck must come up with a clever way to rescue their friend.

This is a children's picture book intended for children aged 3-7 years old.

My Thoughts: Let me just say that this book is adorable! Now, I could be just a bit biased because Capers the Cat is an orange tabby, and anyone who knows me knows how much I love orange cats!

This was a sweet story of how friends pulled together to help another friend in trouble. This book has some great lessons kids can learn.

1. It is okay to ask for and accept help. This book teaches kids that it is okay to both ask for and accept help when they need it. Asking for or accepting help is not something one needs to feel embarrassed about. 

2. True friends will accept you for who you are. Your real friends will accept you and love you for who you are, flaws and all. Harry and Fearless the Fire Duck know that Capers is a proud cat. Even though it is his downfall, Caper's friends accept him and love him for who he is. They don't hesitate to help him when he needs it.

This book is intended for children aged 3-7 years old. Younger children will need someone to read the book to them. Older children may be able to read the book without help. However, I noticed there are some big words (for kids) in this book, and a child may need them explained to them. There is a glossary in the back of the book, which may be helpful for older children who can read. 

Overall, I think this book is a great one and would recommend it for children, especially those who love animals!

About the Author: Mother Melania is the Abbess of Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA. She grew up in a house where children were always around. When she was young, her parents had to read to her until they were hoarse. Once she learned to read, she always had her nose in a book. It is fitting that she grew up to write children's books herself. She strives to teach virtue in a fun, non-preachy way in her books. 

You can purchase this book on Amazon. 

FEARLESS AND FRIENDS Book Tour Giveaway

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of "Capers and Harry" by Mother Melania, Illustrated by Cayce Grace Kruse for a fair and honest review. Receiving the book did not influence my opinions. All opinions expressed on Fur Everywhere are my own. 

Finding My Sunshine: A Memoir Book REview

 

About the Book: Shannon was quick to blame others for her anger. She struggled with darkness and pain. Shannon was born with a learning disability, which left her feeling defeated. She tried drinking to quiet the demons inside her mind.

After being kicked out of college, Shannon began working in a nursing home as a Certified Nurses Aide (CNA). This is when the miracle began in Shannon's life. Shannon's new elderly friends served as angels, providing her insights and wisdom to help her find her path through life. 

Griffin's Heart: Mourning Your Pet with No Apologies Book Review

 

About the Book: Griffin's Heart: Mourning Your Pet with No Apologies is a unique pet loss book - it is a book, workbook, journal, and keepsake in one. The author invites readers to become active participants in the healing process by journalling, doing healing exercises, and placing photos. When a reader completes the grieving process with this book, it becomes a keepsake the pet parent can cherish for a lifetime. 

The author, Reagan J. Pasternak, shares her own story of loss and offers comfort and insight to readers as they go through the grieving process. Reagan Pasternak draws on her own experiences, philosophy, religion, and literature to help create a safe space where readers can exploree and experience their feelings after the death of a beloved pet. 

My Thoughts: One thing I love about this book is that the author recognizes and validates how difficult losing a beloved pet is. She also stresses the fact that everyone's grieving journey will be different - there is no "right" way to grieve, and there is no "right" amount of time to grieve. 

Reflections on the Nature of Friendship: Book Review

 

About the Book: Dr. Daniel Cantor Yalowitz, psychologist and world-traveler, takes a deep look at friendship in this book, exploring what humans need and bring to their relationships. The book explores what connects people and what makes friendships work and thrive. 

Chapters in the book cover pertinent topics, such as intimacy, boundaries, conflict, and longing and belonging. The author includes three case studies of primary friendships in his own life. 

Don't Look In Book Review

 

About the Book: Psychiatrist Gus Young left the big city to escape the shame, gossip, and glares of his family, friends, and colleagues after he damaged his reputation. He finds himself in a backwater rural town in Maine where he can start over. 

But someone is out to get Gus. Gus's patients start turning up dead, and he is the main suspect. 

Wanda, the town prostitute, is one of Gus's patients. She is having a secret affair with the town's married mayor, and she is demanding he leave his wife. Meanwhile, Wanda's brother has just been released from jail where he spent 10 years. Wanda's testimony was critical to sealing his conviction. 

Wands is found shot in the head in front of her apartment shortly after a session with Gus. However, due to doctor-client confidentiality, Gus cannot reveal that Wanda was his patient nor what she shared with him in sessions, even if it means helping the police catch the culprit.

Then another patient, Ned, who is suffering from paranoia, and who is certain he knows the identity of Wanda's killer, is found dead in his home after having had a confrontation with Gus. 

The police find circumstantial evidence that points to Gus as a suspect. Both victims were shot with bullets that match a rare type of gun, the Lee-Enfield No. 4, which has coincidentally disappeared from Gus's basement. The police also find Wanda's turquoise necklace in Gus's possession.

Gus takes his patients' confidentiality seriously, even after they are dead. He doesn't reveal any information about them, even though it could help prove that he is innocent. Instead, Gus puts his own life at risk to try to track down the killer. When his estranged daughter comes to town to visit him, her life as well as the life of his friend, Sheila, are in danger - the killer wants to harm both of them. 

As the plot unravels, Gus discovers a terrible secret from his past.

The Boy Between Book Review

About the Book: Josiah (Josh) Hartley was 19 years old with the world at his feet. A new university student, he had his whole life ahead of him. Without warning, Josh's mental health rapidly deteriorated to the point where he planned his own suicide. 

Of course, Josh's situation is not unusual - many young people struggle with mental health issues. Not only did Josh suffer, though, so did his family. His family feared the day Josh might succeed in taking his life. 

Amanda Prowse, bestselling author, found herself grappling for ways to help her son.

In this book, Josh talks about his experience with depression, and Amanda shares her perspective of being a mother watching her beloved son struggle so hard with this illness. This is the book they wish had been around in their darkest days. 

Rescue Meez: A Book Every Cat Lover Should Read

Many of you know how much I adore Siamese cats. What you may not know, however, is that I wasn't always so fond of the breed. It's rather embarrassing to admit, but there was a time in my life that - while I thought they were beautiful - I was perfectly content if a Siamese kept her distance from me.

You see, my parents got divorced when I was seven years old. My dad stayed in our house in the country while my mother, sister, and I moved into the city. At our country home, we always had several outdoor kitties. We had cats of nearly every color over the years - orange ones, a white one with a gray spot on his head, a calico, a brown tabby, solid gray cats, and we even had a Siamese or two!

At one point, we had a beautiful seal-point Siamese. Back then, I thought Siamese all looked the same - I thought they were all seal-point. I also didn't know about feral or semi-feral cats. I naively thought that all cats loved to be picked up, cuddled, and wanted to live inside.

I just loved how this Siamese cat looked. He or she was so gorgeous! I wanted to pick him or her up and cuddle him or her in my arms. So, one day I start walking toward the kitty to pet him or her. I didn't get within 10 feet before he or she gave me a nice loud hiss. I knew enough to back off, but I formed a belief that Siamese cats were mean and unfriendly.

Fast forward 10 years or more...and I meet Lita. Initially I didn't think of Lita as a Siamese - I was still under the impression that Siamese cats only had the one look. Lita was very friendly and affectionate.

When I moved here to Colorado with her, she became my best friend. She followed me around, listened to horribly boring textbooks with me, "helped" me eat my dinner in the evening, and told me when it was time for sleep. She was my constant companion.

Then one day, someone mentioned that she was a beautiful Siamese. Siamese?! But Lita was friendly and affectionate and she didn't look like the cats in The Lady and the Tramp! I learned that she was a blue lynx-point Siamese.

Over the years in volunteering with cat shelters, I met many more Siamese, mostly seal-point and blue lynx-point ones. Nearly all of them were incredibly friendly and affectionate and loved to be pet. After I started this blog, I also did some research about the Siamese and found that your typical Siamese cat will be intelligent, affectionate, and love people.

Now, I can't imagine my life without a Siamese in it! It would just be wrong.

My beautiful Lita when she was young.

So, after my beautiful and precious Lita passed away in 2018, I knew I wanted another Siamese kitty. I wanted to give another Siamese cat a good and loving home in her honor.

I am part of a wonderful Siamese cat group on Facebook, and I asked members where I might find another Siamese to bring home. Nearly everyone who answered recommended Siamese Cat Rescue Center. I had heard about this organization before and really admired the work they do. So, I seriously looked into the application process. I was about to start the process when I decided to see who might be available locally. A search on PetFinder led me to approximately six beautiful Siamese cats who were in my local area. Though I found some gorgeous blue lynx-points like Lita, I was afraid it would be too painful to have a kitty who looked so much like her so soon after she was gone,, though I do hope to be owned by one again someday. I emailed about a few kitties, a couple of seal-points and a flame-point.

I heard back about a cute seal-point first. After getting some questions answered, I scheduled a meet and greet with his foster mom. Carmine and I went to see him, and he told us in no uncertain terms that he was going to come home with us! Anyone who is owned by a Siamese knows that you can try, but arguing with one is futile, so you might as well just do what they say! And that's what I did. After he finished his antibiotics for  an upper respiratory infection, he came to live with us. Tylan has been here for a year now.

Dying Made Easy(er) Book Review

Dying - it's something none of us want to think about, let alone discuss. But dying is a natural - and inevitable - part of life. The more prepared we can be for the event, the better, in my opinion.

When my stepmother died a few years ago, she had everything in order for my dad to take care of after she passed. She fought a long, hard battle with aplastic anemia for a couple of years before she died. Her last hope was a bone marrow transplant. She knew going into the procedure that there was a 25% chance that she would not survive it.

Part of the process for a bone marrow transplant is destroying a person's immune system with chemotherapy. This means that if any infection or illness were to occur, her body could not fight it off, and antibiotics, are useless in these cases as well.

The doctors said that if someone could survive for three months after the bone marrow transplant, they were very likely to keep surviving.

Sadly, at the very end of that three months, Marie (my stepmom) developed pneumonia. Because she had no immune system, she could not fight the illness. It was the thing that took her life - far too soon, in my opinion. She was the kindest, gentlest person I have ever had the honor of knowing. While we weren't close, her death really affected me because of how much she suffered and because of the kind of person she was.

After she died, my dad told me the amount of paperwork he had to do to tie things up was unbelievable. And, as I previously mentioned, Marie had everything in order. I cannot imagine how much more paperwork there would have been if she hadn't gotten all of her affairs in order ahead of time.

The Great Jewel Robbery Review & Giveaway

About the Book: Chicago Tribune reporters, Grace and Emma, have been best friends since college. When Grace is assigned to cover an annual charity ball and auction and she and her boyfriend break up, Grace decides to take Emma to the event as her, "plus one."

The evening is going well until Emma finds the host's brother in the study unconscious. Initially, it's believed that he had a little too much to drink and tripped, but it's soon clear that there's more going on here. The wall safe is open, and three million dollars of jewelry is missing.

Emma and Grace try to solve the mystery, much to the chagrin of the local detective.

Harry the Wonder Cat: Book Review & Giveaway

About the Book: Harry is no ordinary cat. Two centuries ago, he was given the job of helping the Johnson family through the ups and downs of life.

This story takes place in the present. Nikki Johnson and her good friend, Heather Murphy, are planning their annual Christmas trip to Harrot Reef to visit Nikki's Aunt Lynn.

However, Aunt Lynn summons the girls early because something is very wrong. The next day, Nikki and Heather arrive to find Lynn dead in her library with her cat, Harry, next to her. The only clues to what happened are a broken teacup, a note, and a copy of Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affairs at Styles. This definitely won't be the quiet and relaxing trip the women had hoped for.

The Legend of the Pink Diamond is a well-known story around town that's been passed down from generation to generation in the Johnson family. A pink diamond is a priceless and rare stone, treasured for its beauty and rarity. The legend goes that Frank Johnson found and hid one of these incredible pink diamonds and that the stone is still in the Johnson family's possession. But is it true or is it just a story?

Harry uses his magical powers to help the women solve the mystery of Lynn's murder and the Legend of the Pink Diamond.

My Thoughts: This book captured my interest right away. I was interested to see how Harry's magical powers would play out in the story.

I found the main characters charming and very likable. The main characters were down to earth. Instead of seeming to work against the police, as is the case in many cozy mysteries, Nikki and Heather actually worked very well with the police in solving this crime. Oftentimes, the main characters in cozy mysteries go off and do something impulsive, which honestly makes me want to scream. That wasn't the case here.

I think the author could turn this into a really cool cozy mystery series if she wants to. Personally, I hope she does!

I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.

About the Author: Denise Brixey grew up and studied writing in the San Francisco Bay area. When she moved to a small town in the Gold Country, she volunteered at a cat rescue. She learned that while she worked to save the cats, they were actually saving her. Cats have been a meaningful part of Denise's world since. They've starred in her blogs, social media pages, and her new book.

Giveaway

Denise has graciously offered to give THREE of our blog readers a copy of her book, Harry The Wonder Cat: The Legend of the Pink Diamond. 

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States 18+ years of age, except where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You can enter the giveaway from 12AM August 23, 2019 to 12AM September 1, 2019. Three winners will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter. Winners will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to claim his/her prize. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize, and another winner/s will be randomly chosen. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of, "Harry the Wonder Cat," by Denise Brixey for a fair and honest review. Receiving the book did not influence my opinions in any way. All opinions expressed n Fur Everywhere are my own. 

What We Do for Love Book Review and Giveaway

I have a wonderful book to tell you about today. Though it doesn't have any cats in it, it does have a few dogs!

About the Book: Thirty-eight-year-old Nicole Adams has given up on her love life. Instead, she decides to focus on the things that matter to her the most - her 16-year-old son, Justin, her art, and her family and friends. She thinks her life might have finally turned a corner when she gets an opportunity to do a large installation for a Los Angeles museum. Then, Justin brings home a girl, Daniela, to live with them. Her angry parents have thrown her out of the house because she's pregnant with Justin's baby.

Nicole takes the girl in, but in doing so, she makes herself part of Daniela's family inner circle, a world of deceit and violence. Nicole struggle to keep life as normal as possible while dealing with people she doesn't particularly like. She begins to wonder if she can do what she always tells Justin to do - to have faith in yourself and do the right thing.

My Thoughts: This story is a sweet one. However, I did find it rather unrealistic. Most parents wouldn't react so calmly to their son telling them he got a girl pregnant, let alone invite the girl to live with them because her own parents disowned her.

Nicole is always polite and kind on the outside. Even though she has serious doubts about her son's future and her grandchild's, she never expresses them. She's practically a saint with everything she takes on in this book. Her character is very likable, showing tremendous determination and strength in an extremely challenging situation.

The book was an enjoyable read. I always had a hard time putting it down before I went to sleep. There's a happy ending. I'd highly recommend this book. You can enter to win a copy in the giveaway below!

You can buy the book on Amazon.

About the Author: Award-winning novelist Anne Pfeffer grew up in Phoenix, Arizona reading prodigiously and riding horses. After working in Chicago and New York, she escaped back to the land of sunshine in Los Angeles.

​She has worked in banking and as a pro bono attorney, representing abandoned children in adoption and guardianship proceedings. Anne has a daughter living in New York and is the author of four books in the YA/New Adult genres.

Connect with Anne Pfeffer on her website and Twitter. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of, "What We Do for Love," by Anne Pfeffer for a fair and honest review. Receiving the book did not influence my opinions in any way. All opinions expressed on FurEverywhere are my own. 

A Pale-Faced Lie: Book Review and Giveaway

I'll tell you upfront - this book has absolutely nothing to do with cats. It just sounded interesting, so I took the opportunity to review it. I hope you all won't mind my little diversion today. I have news to share on both Carmine and Tylan next week. Stay tuned!

About the Book: Growing up on the Navajo Indian Reservation, David Crow and his three siblings idolized their dad. Tall, strong, smart, and brave, the self-taught Cherokee regaled his family with stories of his World War II feats. But as time passed, David discovered the other side of Thurston Crow, the ex-con with his own code of ethics that justified cruelty, violence, lies—even murder.

A shrewd con artist with a genius IQ, Thurston intimidated David with beatings to coerce him into doing his criminal bidding. David’s mom, too mentally ill to care for her children, couldn’t protect him. One day, Thurston packed up the house and took the kids, leaving her with nothing. Soon he remarried, and David learned that his stepmother was just as vicious and abusive as his father.

Through sheer determination, and with the help of a few angels along the way, David managed to get into college and achieve professional success. When he finally found the courage to stop helping his father with his criminal activities, he unwittingly triggered a plot of revenge that would force him into a showdown with Thurston Crow. With lives at stake, including his own, David would have only twenty-four hours to outsmart his father—the brilliant, psychotic man who bragged that the three years he spent in the notorious San Quentin State Prison had been the easiest time of his life.
​

Tammy The Little Cat with a Big Attitude Review and Giveaway

You all know how much I love cats. Not only do I love writing about cats and hearing about other people's kitties, I love reading about other people and their cats! I was excited to get the opportunity to read Tammy: The Little Cat with a Big Attitude by Liane Carter.

About the Book: I was snatched from my mum when I was only two weeks old, and what happened next was bigger than any kitten could imagine. 

"A gently witty and charming story which draws the reader in from the word 'go' to a truly entrancing feline perspective on human well-intentioned but frequently misguided behaviour when taking on a new pet." Mary Ashton, retired veterinary surgeon

"A heart-warming story that really has unique perspective on the ever-important animal-human bond (and how our pets really feel about us)." Sommer Pari, licensed veterinary technician

My Thoughts: Liane got her wish for a kitten on her 16th birthday, but Tammy wasn't your typical kitten. With a lot of patience and love, Liane and her family were able to coax her out of hiding. 

The love Liane has for Tammy is apparent from the very start. She is so patient with the tiny kitten, loving her until Tammy learns to trust and love Liane back. 

Tammy is certainly a special cat. She loves music and to listen to Liane sing. She also loves to spend time with her people, whether they are outside in the garden or inside reading or playing a game of Scrabble. 

I loved all the great stories Liane shared about Tammy, and I know you will, too! Tammy hated visitors to her home, and what she does to those who dared to use the restroom in her home had me laughing out loud. I also loved reading about how much Tammy loved garlic and what she'd do with a garlic breadsticks bag! 

Sadly, every kitty's life eventually comes to an end. The end of the book will probably leave you with a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes. Liane did a beautiful job of honoring her precious kitty. 

I also love that this book alternates between Liane's and Tammy's point of view. 

If you love cat stories, I believe you'll adore this one. It is heartwarming through and through. 

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Devoted to giving her readers smiles, tears and tension in both her poignant non-fiction and fast-paced fantasy adventures, Liane Carter bares her soul. Author of The Chronicles of Joya, The Dream Devils, Darcy: The Dog Who Talked and Tammy: The Little Cat With A Big Attitude, she has written features and a weekly column for Costa Blanca News, articles for Writing Magazine, and has taught over 150 writing workshops. She pours her innate joy into her books and also expresses it in nature, playing instruments, creating art and dancing.

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FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of "Tammy The Little Cat with a Big Attitude," by Liane Carter for a fair and honest review. Receiving the book did not influence my opinions in any way. All opinions expressed on Fur Everywhere are my own. 

The Broken Girls Book Review

About the Book: In 1950, Idlewild Hall is a place for unwanted girls - the illegitimate, the troublemakers, and the too-smart-for-their-own-good.  It's rumored that the boarding school is haunted.  Four roommates develop a deep friendship, sharing their deepest secrets and fears.  Then, one of the girls mysteriously disappears...

Vermont 2014: As much as she tries, journalist, Fiona Sheridan, can't stop thinking about the events that surrounded her older sister, Deb's, death.  Deb's body was discovered 20 years ago in the field at Idlewild Hall.  Deb's boyfriend was tried and convicted of the murder, but Fiona has always felt that something wasn't quite right about the case. 

When Fiona finds out that Idlewild Hall is being restored, she chooses to write a story about it.  A shocking discovery during the renovation process links her sister's death to secrets in the past. 

My Thoughts: This book flips between 1950 and 2014 and is told from several characters' points of view.  I initially thought that the time changes and different points of view would make the book confusing, but it was very easy to follow.

Fiona's boyfriend, Jamie, thinks it's unhealthy that Fiona has such a hard time letting her sister's death go, but in my opinion, he comes off as a real jerk.  Fiona has clearly never gotten the closure she needs to move on.

I loved the chapters from the Idlewild Hall girls, and I wish there had been more chapters from their perspectives.  The bond the four roommates build with one another is truly heartwarming, and I loved watching it develop.  The author does an incredible job of linking the past to the present. 

I don't want to spoil the book, which is why I'm not giving a lot of details.  This book had me from the very first page, and that rarely happens for me.  I am also considering reading this book a second time someday, and that is incredibly rare, as I find there are so many good books to read with not enough time to read them in! 

If you like mysteries, I highly recommend reading The Broken Girls by Simone St. James. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of "The Broken Girls," by Simone St. James for a fair and honest review.  Receiving the book did not influence my opinions in any way.  All opinions shared on Fur Everywhere are my own.