Tag: cats

Shelve Under C

Posted on by Frances

If you are into books and cats, this is the book for you! Just look at the cute cat on the cover! (There’s also a pic of a cat for each chapter heading!)

In this novel, Jenny Kalahar did a phenomenal job describing different behaviors of cats. There were times I had to laugh because I know all too well just what cats act like. Each cat has their own personality, and it was neat to see some of the different ones in this book.

I also think that the events that took place in Shelve Under C were believable. There was one instance that I had to question (the price of used books), but overall, the story was written in a way I could picture what was going on and it all made sense.

This is a light, easy-to-read book. There is not a lot of depth to it. Basically, you will read the day ins and day outs of the life of bookstore owners and the cats they have roaming in their store. There is a side story of a foster child woven in that I think was cute. How everything ended melted my heart.

Shelve Under C is a book I would recommend to anyone. It’s clean! I think people of all ages would find enjoyment out of it. Just don’t expect anything deep. Overall, I rated this four out of five stars.

Here is the blurb of Shelve Under C by Jenny Kalahar:

A novel for everyone, Shelve Under C is a big, leaning stack of humor, heart, stray cat hairs, old book dust, mystery, family drama, longing and hope.

Used bookshops often have a cat or two roaming the aisles, sleeping on the shelves, or sleeping on the customers. Here is a novel all about one bookshop and its resident cats, Stomper and Buglit; and about Kris, a 12-year-old boy who apprentices in the shop. Kris is a little bit like the cats: he’s a foster child getting used to a new family, and the cats are being fostered in the bookshop for the local shelter. Stomper and Buglit are a little bit like Kris: they get into trouble, have some wild adventures, and find out just what being part of a family really means.

Unlike some novels that have a bookstore setting, Shelve Under C has the real spirit of the store, its owners, its apprentice, its customers, and, especially, its cats as the beating heart of this fuzzy beast. It’s full of wonderful characters, a wild storm, a doggy bucking bronco, catnip capers, an almost-deadly chicken salad sandwich, and . . . books! No need to knock — the door is open. So come on in, grab something to read, and get comfy on the big, red sofa.

Sound good to you? I thought it would! Here is the buy link so you can get your own copy! It’s only $0.99, too!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0089S7M3S

 

The Lucky Cat

Posted on by Frances

Do you like cats? If you’re like me, then Yes, Yes, a billion times YES! Those who know me know I grew up with cats and, except the year I lived in an apartment with my then newly wed husband, I have always had at least one cat. So I think it’s safe to say that to read about a cat would be up my alley.

 

Not too long ago I came across a book by Lisa Shea called The Lucky Cat. It’s part of the Salem Massachusetts Mini Mystery series that Lisa has, which if you like the history of that city, these books would be just the thing for you. I didn’t have a lot of time to read so The Lucky Cat was the perfect fix! AND, I do need to share that I kind of know Lisa Shea is a big name so I was excited to pick this one up and see what her writing was like!

 

First, let me give you the rundown on The Lucky Cat:

  • As of January 24, 2017, it has 76 reviews with an average of 4.3 stars!
  • This is book one of thirty-one. You read that right, 31! She wrote one book a day from October 1 to October 31 back in 2014
  • It’s FREE!
  • With just 13 pages, you can read it in 10 minutes
  • It’s #17 in Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
  • #19 in 30 minute short reads: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
  • I’d recommend for ages 14 and up (unless you don’t want the younger ones to read about magic, luck, etc.)
  • Completely clean!
  • There’s a tiny cliffhanger, but not important enough to where you have to read the rest. However, I’d recommend reading them all to get the complete story

 

Kathy Taylor, a black female police officer turned private investigator, moved to Salem, Massachusetts; a town surrounded by wiccans, herbalists and the like.

 

Her first client comes in looking for a stolen cat. This black cat had the power to help the client’s daughter get well from cancer. Now the cat is gone and the client’s daughter is getting sick again.

 

Kathy takes on the case and quickly figures out what happened and why. The cat may be closer than you think and may have been taken for a very meaningful purpose.

 

This is the purr-fect (see what I did there?) short read! The mystery aspect was great as the author did a great job putting the pieces together. I think things were described well, and that this magical cat was sweet. I already have one black cat, but this nice mini mystery makes me want to get another! I rated this 5 out of 5 stars!

My Earliest Memory

Posted on by Frances Hoelsema - Author

I saw a writing challenge worksheet that listed various topics someone could write about, and after perusing some of the options available, I saw one on your earliest memory. Thinking that’s unique, I decided it would be a good idea to share mine! When you’re done reading, I’d love for you to submit yours!! Continue reading “My Earliest Memory” →

Rusty

Posted on by Frances Hoelsema - Author

Let’s pause for just a minute and take a look at this beautiful creature. This is our cat, Rusty. Sometimes I call him Rusty Pants or Rusty Panters (don’t ask why because I won’t be able to give a reason).

Rusty was adopted from the local humane society eight years ago with his brother Ringo (RIP, Ringo!). Both cats were seven years old when we go them, making Rusty 15 years old!

He has such a wonderful Continue reading “Rusty” →

What Will You See?

Posted on by Frances Hoelsema - Author

Doing a blog is a very, very new thing for me. I have no issues writing about various things, but my problem comes in with thinking about what to write on a pretty constant basis. So after doing some thinking, this is what I came up with: Continue reading “What Will You See?” →