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Happiness Came with a Cat-A Nonfiction journey by Cynthia Star-Review

About The Book

How the cat she never wanted taught her the lessons she never knew she needed.

It was not love at first sight for Jinx and Cynthia. The long-haired, dandruff-ridden creature wasn’t Cynthia’s dream for a new family pet. And Jinx was equally unimpressed with her.

Jinx’s arrival marked a dramatic turning point in Cynthia’s life. Soon after, she endured a devastating loss and battled grief, loneliness, and depression. Throughout the turmoil, Cynthia and Jinx progressed from sparring partners, to reluctant roommates, to friends. When Cynthia finally decided to take her life back, she brought Jinx along for the ride.

Side by side, they weathered all the excitement, disappointment, mishaps, and adventures that come with finding happiness and redefining your life. Through it all, Jinx was an unexpected source of comfort, affection, and valuable life lessons. Because sometimes the thing you most need shows up in the way you least expect.

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Lesson #1: Cats are better than people

Ten lessons you can apply to take back your life and find your joy.

Lesson #8: Cats are an excellent judge of character

“Happiness is always on the other side of fear.”~ Margie Johnson

Lesson #10: Cats are smarter than people

“LOVED this story and you will too!” ~Dee

My Thoughts

As a cat owner this book just resonated with me.
Her daughter wanted a cat after their other one passed away, she did as well but just not the one her daughter chose. At the time of coming into their lives, the cat and woman do their best to avoid each other. After all cats have personalities too and we can’t expect cats to warm up to us as soon as they meet us.
From a broken-down romantic relationship to finding true happiness her cat is with her the whole way. Starting out with the cat and the author not liking each other to tolerating each other to not wanting to be without each other we see such progression in the relationship.
Each chapter is short and easy to get through but yet there is a simple truth to the life lessons the cat teaches along the way. Cats are very good judges of character.
I very much enjoyed taking this journey with the cat owner and her cat. It is a heartwarming and enjoyable read. I recommend this nonfiction book by this new to me author.

Pub Date 11 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Are you ready to change your life?

Have you ever struggled with anxiety, depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder? This book tells the true story of my journey from utter brokenness to happiness, and how my cat taught me life-changing lessons. You will laugh and cry with me as I tell my story honestly and openly. How I nearly died of a broken heart, became suicidal then learned from my cat to be truly happy.

About The Author

I am the youngest of 3 children and the only girl. My two older brothers taunted, teased and often terrorized their baby sister, but it made me who I am today; strong, confident and not afraid to stand my ground. I was lucky enough to grow up in Rural Nebraska on a farm where I learned to love animals and the outdoors. I wrote my first book when I was about 10 years old and I have been writing ever since. I recently won a top award for some song lyrics I entered in an online contest on a whim. That was so exciting! I now live in New Mexico and get my ideas for new stories while hiking in the foothills.

Thank you so much for stopping in today. You visit blesses me. Have a teriffic day.

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The Christmas Spirit-Heartwarming story from the queen of Christmas fiction, Debbie Macomber-Review

240 pages Ballantine Books October 18, 2022 publication date

About the Book

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two lifelong friends decide to trade places the week before Christmas and end up finding love along the way in this delightful novel from the queen of holiday stories, #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax are best friends, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Peter, the local pastor who is dedicated to his community, spending time visiting the flock, attending meetings, and, with the holiday season approaching, preparing for the Christmas service and live nativity. As a bartender, Hank serves a much different customer base at his family-owned tavern, including a handful of lonely regulars and the local biker gang. 

When Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy compared to him, the two decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve. To their surprise, the responsibilities of a bartender and a pastor are similar, but taking on the other’s work is more difficult than either Peter or Hank expected. As the two begin to see each other in a new light—and each discovers a new love to cherish—their lives are forever changed.

In The Christmas Spirit, Debbie Macomber celebrates the true meaning of the holidays and the inclusive community spirit that binds us all.

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My Thoughts

A woman while watching her grandchildren one evening, they ask her about baking cookies and after volunteering all that day she is wiped out. They agree to have her tell them a story instead and while drinking hot cocoa and cuddling on the couch she starts, it’s a true story about two men, friends since childhood. One is a pastor, one a bartender, two quite different professions. Each thinks the other’s job is easy peasy, nothing to it and they agree to trade jobs for a bit and prove how easy each other’s job is. With funny and disastrous results, it’s quite the eye-opening experience for them both as they meet new people and come to have a new appreciation for each other. A heartwarming and emotional story. I really enjoy this author’s books and always read her new ones when they release.

18 Oct 2022 publish date.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2022, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include The Best Is Yet to Come (July) and The Christmas Spirit (October). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, two adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Do you have a favorite Debbie Macomber book or series? I’ve loved all of them I’ve read by her.

Thank you for visiting today. I hope your day is wonderful!

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Stories For Christmas by Bernadette Watts-Review

4+ years- 248 pages-watercolor illustrations-NorthSouth Books-Sep 14,21 publication

About The Book

Eight heartwarming classic tales for the Christmas season—illustrated by Bernadette Watts–in one beautiful volume.

A beautiful Christmas collection that includes The Smallest Snowflake, The Little Drummer Boy, Shoemaker Martin, The Star Child, The Snow Queen, The Little Donkey, The Christmas Story, and Varenka, this collection of stories will get you in the Christmas spirit.

“Watts’ watercolors overlaid with crayon-like texture are appealing and rustic.”—School Library Journal

Praise for Little Red Riding Hood (illustrated by Bernadette Watts) “My what big talent she has! The old is new again here, and this is a welcome addition to the fairy-tale shelf.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A master in choosing a palette to fit each story.”—Eric Carle

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My Thoughts

Eight heartwarming classic tales for the Christmas season—illustrated by Bernadette Watts–in one beautiful volume.
Though these are labeled as children’s stories I think many adults would enjoy them as well. Stunningly illustrated in watercolors, the art style is rustic, old-fashioned and nostalgic.
The fairy tale like collection is sure to bring a smile to your face as you read about the animals and people of days gone by. The stories are filled with kindness and empathy and would be perfect as a gift for children.
I enjoyed this very much!

Pub Date 14 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

Bernadette Watts, known throughout Europe simply as Bernadette, has illustrated many dozens of folk- and fairy tales. Born in England, she loved to draw from childhood. She studied at the Maidstone Art School in Kent, UK, and for some time was taught by Brian Wildsmith and David Hockney. Bernadette’s many beautiful books include The Snow Queen and The Little Drummer Boy. Bernadette finds her inspiration in nature. Today she lives and works in Kent. She has been illustrating for NorthSouth Books and NordSüd Verlag since the beginning of her career fifty years ago.

Thank you for stopping in today to read my post. Have a wonderful day.

Do you have a favorite Children’s book you’ll look at from time to time?