Brooks Books- I Will See You in Heaven

Brooks Books- Pet Book Reviews

I Will See You in Heaven  by Friar Jack Wintz (c) 2010 Paraclete Press ISBN 978-1-55725-732-1
Heaven Bound, (c) 2012 Paraclete Press ISBN 978-1-61261-244-7

I Will See You in Heaven begins, "We have a deep desire to know if we will see our pets again, and all the lovely creatures alongside whom we now inhabit this planet. What will become of them after they die?"

I imagine heaven as a place full of love and happiness, and since I know that pets are part of what brings love and happiness, I picture the pets that have passed as being there in heaven. This book offers many reasons why creatures other than humans will find a place in heaven. Friar Wintz discusses the stories of Noah and the Ark, and Jonah and the Whale, and particularly the life of St. Francis to illustrate his points.

An excerpt of a letter written by Mother Teresa states, "(Animals) too are created by the same hand of God which created us....it is our duty to protect them and to promote their well-being. We also owe it to them, as they serve us with such docility and loyalty."
 I Will See You in Heaven shares why we love and care about our pets, and offers hope of seeing them again in heaven.

 A companion book, Heaven Bound, includes everything you need to create a special memorial service for your pet. It offers eulogies, prayers, readings and Bible verses offering comfort in a time of mourning. It includes the words to the popular verse, The Rainbow Bridge, and blank pages to record your own memories.

I recommend these beautiful books for anyone who has loved and lost a pet, or would like to offer words of comfort to friends and family who have lost a beloved pet. 

You can enter to win a copy of I Will See You in Heaven on my newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. If you aren't already signed up, you can sign up now.

* I was provided with a copy of these books for review, but that in no way influenced my review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own.



Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets!

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What if your dog could send you love?

Brooks and Kelly love The Love Dog.

This month, the month of LOVE, I'm going to post something on the topic of LOVE every weekday until Valentine's Day!

And I have the perfect first post...a book review of The Love Dog by Elsa Watson. 

*KEEP READING FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF THE LOVE DOG! CHECK OUT OUR RAFFLECOPTER AT THE END OF THE POST!

Brooks here:  You might not think I'd be into books about mushy, gushy stuff like love, being I'm a manly man. But I've got to tell you, the main character of The Love Dog, a golden retriever named Apollo, is my hero! I always enjoy books told in the voice of a dog (this book is also told in the voice of a woman, but I guess I'll let that slide.) If only Apollo wasn't a fictional character, we'd be best bros. I highly recommend this book to all dogs, dog lovers, and dog parents. I could relate to so many of Apollo's thoughts, such as his fondness for treats, and how he wants to make people happy. Now, here's Mom with the review. 

ENTER OUR RAFFLECOPTER AT THE END TO WIN A COPY OF THE LOVE DOG FOR YOURSELF!

Peggy:  The human main character of The Love Dog, Samantha, is a writer and blogger who believes that love is just a fairy tale, and the reality TV show The Love Dog is a scripted sham. Will she change her mind by the end of the book?

The Love Dog is a delightful read, with well-developed characters who made me care. I especially liked Samantha as she struggled to find answers and set right past mistakes. The real fun, however, was reading the thoughts of golden retriever Apollo, who is no ordinary dog. I have to admit to getting misty eyed several times, when Apollo showed sacrificial devotion to those who didn't treat him the way he deserved. 

And then there was Apollo's special talent. The show's host, Mason, tells Apollo, "You are the Love Dog. Your mission is to help people find love. You'll have the power to change their lives. Can you do that?" Sweet Apollo takes his job seriously. And the moments when he closes his eyes, concentrates, focuses and sends his love to others are especially touching. 

Throughout the book I was rooting for Apollo. I was rooting for Samantha, and Mason, I was rooting for them all to find love and to find their own happy endings.

I highly recommend The Love Dog by Elsa Watson. Enter our Rafflecopter now!

  

Elsa Watson’s novel Dog Days (Tor, 2012) took readers on a hilarious and heartwarming journey inside the mind of (wo)man’s best friend. This winter, Tor will release Watson’s THE LOVE DOG (A Tor MM Original; $7.99; On-sale January 29, 2013)—a fresh and delightful standalone romance in the vein of Dog Days that is sure to appeal to readers of women’s fiction and dog lovers.  Publishers Weekly calls it “[an] adorable story,” and included it in their Best Romance Books of 2012 list.

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Brooks' Books- Of Wolves and Westies

Brooks here. I'm so far behind on my book reviews, I'm going to bring you TWO books today. One is The Truth about Wolves and Dogs by Toni Shelbourne. Should I exercise my inner wolf? Aroooo!

The other book is You Tell Your Dog First by Alison Pace. Well, naturally you tell your dog first. Who else would you tell?

Here's mom with the reviews:

The Truth about Wolves and Dog by Toni Shelborne
Veloce Publishing ltd
ISBN 978-1-845844-27-1
$24.95

You've probably heard talk about diet, and how dogs are descended from wolves so they should eat raw meat like wolves. Or about training, and how wolves are pack animals, and you should be the alpha dog to your dog's pack. And then someone may counter, saying that dogs are no longer the same as wolves, they've been domesticated, and thus their needs are quite different.

Well which is true?

This beautiful, coffee-table book takes on the task of explaining the physical and behavioral differences between dogs and wolves, and further, explains that we shouldn't expect our dogs to have the same needs as wolves.
             "(Dogs) have given up a lot to live with modern man and are now so closely linked with us that they have sacrificed the ability to survive long-term in the wild without us."

The subtitle "Dispelling the myths of Dog Training" refers to Shelborne's preference for positive training methods. She encourages the reader to challenge old traditions and misconceptions, and question the advice given by "out-of-touch and out-of-date dog trainers." She dispels the dominance theory of training and explains how to achieve a partnership based on mutual trust, love and respect.

First, you're going to learn a lot about wolves, and packs, and the physical differences between wolves and dogs (wolves have larger brains!), body language, and family life.
 Next are chapters about how to understand your dog. I think that is key to any good dog training, and relationship. I especially enjoyed the numerous photographs of dogs and wolves, with explanation of the body posture and facial expressions and what it meant.
Why is your dog licking his nose?
Is your dog dominant, or in pain?
Are they playing or fighting?
Why does my dog avert her gaze?

This is not a training manual but an excellent reference and myth buster! I think it's a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand their dog.

You Tell Your Dog First
by Alison Pace
Berkley Books
$15.00

I'm a big fan of Alison Pace's fiction books including Pug Hill, City Dog, and A Pug's Tale, so I was excited to read her newest book of personal essays.

Instead of a pug, the cover is graced by a sweet Westie moseying along a city sidewalk.

Pace lived life surrounded by dogs: Joey the St. Bernard, Morgan the poodle, Mischief the English Bulldog, Boswell the Mastiff, Maxwell the Wolfhound/Sheepdog, Sasha the Shar-Pei, Jake the Corgi, and more. So naturally her essays revolve around dogs. Finding an apartment that allowed dogs. How dogs helped her make friends. How dogs affected relationships. Dog-related jobs.

According to Pace, "you tell your dog first about the date you just had...about the questionable results of a medical test...about the good and the bad...about everything."

You will enjoy reading about experiences with many different dogs, or as it states on the back cover, "...the tales of a dog person who found her dog."

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Brooks Books- Dogs of Courage

Brooks here. Would you like to read a book about hero dogs? Then I've got the book for you: Dogs of Courage, the Heroism and Heart of Working Dogs Around the World by Lisa Rogak. Of course, I think all dogs are heroes. 
Here's Mom with the review:












 Me:  Dogs of Courage by Lisa Rogak (St. Martin's Press Griffin 2012) describes the many different jobs performed by service and working dogs.  From police dogs to search and rescue dogs to guide dogs to therapy dogs, these are the stories of dogs who spend their lives helping and serving people.

The book explains the duties, care, and training of dozens of varieties of working dogs. It also includes touching stories of dogs including:

* Apollo, an apricot Standard Poodle, helped bring a 10-year-old girl out of a coma.

* Bilbo, a Newfoundland, a canine lifeguard and "Pet Hero of the Year."

* Sheba, a Rottweiler, rescued nine puppies that had been buried alive.

Rogak acknowledges that some people feel dogs shouldn't work, and that they deserve to be fed, cuddled and spoiled only. However, she explains, many dogs are happiest when they have a purpose, and are allowed to do what they were born to do. "Dogs should have a chance to prove they are a hero."

Basic introductory information here, but the topic is interesting and so are the different dogs and the many ways they help humans. These dogs truly are heroes.

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Brooks Books- The Divinity of Dogs

Brooks: I found this book for Mom because, well, because of the dog on the cover. Isn't it a lovely resemblance? I figure that any book with a golden retriever on the cover has to be good.

 














And this book is full of "true stories of miracles inspired by man's best friend"...I can tell you, and many of my friends can tell you, about miracles. Dogs are great at miracles! Here's Mom to tell you about the book.

Me: The Divinity of Dogs by Jennifer Skiff is a book of more than 70 heartwarming, true stories about dogs and the gifts they bring to us humans. I write frequently about the healing love of animals, a subject which I love, and so I was immediately attracted to this book. In fact, in my book Heart to Heart, Hand in Paw my chapter headings are Animals Heal, Animals Forgive, Animals Teach and Animals Love. Skiff's book chapters include love, forgiveness, and healing. So it's clear we're on the same track!

My favorite section of the book is labeled "Gratitude: Appreciating Home." There I read story after story of dogs who were neglected, abused, or homeless and had been rescued by a loving person. As someone who shares her home with two rescue dogs, I share the emotions expressed by the authors of these tales. I often wonder about my dogs' lives before coming to our home, who they lived with, what their names were, and how they happened to end up alone. It may just be a human foible to think that our dogs are grateful for us rescuing them. Or maybe what we perceive as gratefulness is really their innate ability sense of devotion. Whatever it may be, I am sure dogs feel a sense of peace and happiness when treated with respect and love.

I highly recommend The Divinity of Dogs. The stories are beautifully written and you'll feel like you've shared the joy, the tears, and the experiences told. It's a great book for reading a story or two before bed or when you want to relax for a few minutes.

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Brooks Books- A Dog Named Leaf

Brooks here. I'm always sniffing up the best books about my canine brothers and sisters. And I found a really special one for you today. It's about the special healing capacity of dogs. Well, I know all about that. I was lucky enough to help my human dad heal from a medical situation. Us dogs are great at that, aren't we? I think you should get this book and read all about cocker spaniel Leaf. I'll let my mom tell you the rest.

**Keep Reading! We're giving away 3 copies of the book at the end!!




A Dog Named Leaf
The Hero from Heaven Who Saved My Life
by Allen and Linda Anderson
Release date: November 6, 2012

There are books about dogs helping people. And books about people helping dogs. The best books, however, are about a mutual relationship-- the dog and the person both saving and being saved. Former police officer Allen Anderson and cocker spaniel Leaf's lives come together at just the right time.

"Our paths had crossed at exactly the right place, the right time, and under the right circumstance for us to help each other heal."

Allen thoughtfully relates his anxieties about his upcoming brain surgery, fearing the possibility of sudden death or severe disability. Thoughts of doctors opening up his skull and operating on the very delicate control center of his mind and body consumed him with nightmares. Gradually, thoughts of Leaf--who had revealed himself to be wise and empathetic-- took over Allen's disturbing thoughts. At the same time, Allen gently helped Leaf transform from a fearful dog who growled at strangers and bit the groomer to a friendly, confident and happy companion.

A Dog Named Leaf is a beautiful story told with honesty and depth. You'll be changed by Allen and Leaf's journey. This book will fill you with hope.

Linda and Allen Anderson are speakers, authors, and founders of Angel Animal Network.

Win a copy of A Dog Named Leaf! We're giving away 3 copies!

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*Full Disclosure: I was sent a copy of A Dog Named Leaf for my review. All the opinions expressed here are 100% my own. 

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Brooks Books- Natural Way to Healthy Pets

Book: The Royal Treatment, A Natural Way to Approach Wildly Healthy Pets
by Dr. Barbara Royal
(c) 2012 Atria Books

BROOKS: I only have an obedience school education, so this book was a little heavy for me. And I mean heavy--- it's 371 pages long! I left the reading up to my mom. But Mom says this book is all about keeping me healthy, and I'm all for that!

Me: Thanks Brooks.
To tell you the truth, I too set this book aside for a while, not sure I'd really get into it. I worried I'd be getting a lecture, and would feel guilty for any non-natural things I did. Or that it would be inaccessible, full of unfamiliar terms, and instructions to buy weird roots and ingredients I had no idea where to get. Surprisingly, this book has jumped from the bottom of the pile to the top, and will from now on be one of my top go-to references for all things dog. I love it that much!

Chicago veterinarian Dr. Barbara Royal was the first-known veterinarian to administer acupuncture to a zebra...and while that particular classification may not include a large circle of people, what that means is that she was thinking of, and practically applying, natural treatments before any others.

The Royal Treatment is filled with fascinating tales from her casebook of pets, wildlife and zoo animals, and includes useful tips for our own pets. A large part of the book is dedicated to pet food. "A rotten diet will spoil all of your best efforts to maintain your pet's health. Animals must be fed according to requirements of their species." There's even a section on dieting your dog and tips for fat cats.

According to her press release, Dr. Royal "promises to do for vet care what Dr. Andrew Weil has done for allopathic human medicine."

Some of the topics covered include:
*How to decrease the risk of cancer in pets
*Why not all vaccines should be given annually
*How to treat a pet's arthritis without drugs
*How we can better deal with a pet's diabetes

Although the book may look dense, it's clear, easy to read, and full of helpful charts. And all the information is fascinating and most of all,  designed beautifully to give my pets a better, healthier life. Check out the book on Amazon, and visit the website. I highly recommend The Royal Treatment for every pet parent. What could be more important than keeping our pets as healthy as possible?

*Full disclosure: I was provided a review copy of this book. The opinions are 100% my own.

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Brooks Books- Dogs and Flowers and Grass

Dog-Friendly Gardening
by Karen Bush
(c) 2012 Hubble and Hattie
USBN 978-1-845844-10-3

BROOKS: If I went to sleep and imagined my dream-yard, it would be here on the pages of this book. If only it was a catalog, and I could pick and choose the features I'd like to order, and have them all delivered to my own back yard! I didn't read all the words in this book, but I loved the pictures!

Me: If you have a dog (or two or three!) and if you have a yard (or garden, in the UK) then you know that sometimes the two don't always go well together. Dogs sometimes escape from fences, dig holes, leave "landmines", and at the very least yellow patches of grass. What's a person to do?

Well, for starters, you should get this book, Dog Friendly Gardening. This book covers everything you need to enjoy your space with your dog. It's packed with ideas on how to make your yard beautiful and pet friendly, and how to keep your dog safe and secure.

As for fencing, I was pleased to read that the author does not support invisible fences and the shocks they use for training methods. "If you care about your dog," she writes, "please do not even consider installing one of these systems."

Now on to grass. She talks about lawn repairs, which is a big topic at our house. The easiest suggestion is to keep a full watering can handy to dilute the urine. (Note: I enjoyed the author's use of the British term "spend a penny" as in, "whenever you see your dog spending a penny, immediately water the spot thoroughly to dilute the urine."  I hadn't heard that before!) 

The book is not just the same old obvious stuff. It's full of fun ideas, how to's, and beautiful photographs. I love the section on enjoying the garden, with ideas for wading pools, hammocks, sprinklers, digging pits, tunnels and even a ball pit! If I had a big enough yard, I dream of outfitting it with a big rock for climbing, agility equipment, and all sorts of multisensory equipment to experience.

Check out Dog-friendly gardening on Amazon or on Hubble and Hattie's website!

*Full disclosure: I was provided a review copy of this book. The opinions are 100% my own. 

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Brooks Books- A Fistful of Collars

Book:  A Fistful of Collars
by Spencer Quinn
Atria Books (c) 2012

BROOKS:  I LOVE Chet the dog, hero of A Fistful of Collars, fifth in the fabulous Chet and Bernie Mystery Series. Seriously, I wish Chet and I were bros. I want to tag along with him on all his adventures. For those of you who don't know, Chet is the canine partner of detective Bernie Little. Honestly, I don't know where Bernie would be without Chet. How could that mixed-up two-legger fight crime and find the bad guys without my boy Chet? Speaking of which, if you wonder what kind of dog Chet is, he's a mixed breed. I'd like to think he has a little golden retriever, like me, in him. That would just make him even more awesome!

I'm a huge fan of this series, and A Fistful of Collars is no exception. I hang on every word Chet barks. Yup, he's the narrator, and boy does he have a story to tell. So do yourself a favor and pick up A Fistful of Collars, and if you don't have the rest of the series, don't forget to get The Dog Who Knew Too Much, To Fetch a Thief, Thereby Hangs a Tail, and Dog On It as well! 

Me: A Fistful of Collars is like taking a wild, crazy romp with a dog you love, letting your dog take the lead and never knowing where he's going to take you! With Chet the Dog guiding (or dragging) you along, you are sure to be in for a little mystery, a little drama, and a fistful of fun!

Here's Brooks with the book, and his own fistful of collars.

Quinn's canine tone is spot on, with his engaging style grabs you and never lets go--kind of like Brooks and his tennis ball. In A Fistful of Collars, Bernie and Chet are hired to keep bad boy movie star, Thad Perry, out of trouble. Of course, nothing is as easy or obvious as it seems, and they're soon involved in a mystery that will leave you in suspense, while at the same time laughing out loud. For you cat lovers, there's even a cat, Brando, in the mix. Hmmm, do you think he's a good guy or a bad guy?

This book has everything going for it. I'm already sitting up and begging for the next book in the series.
Check out my review of the fourth in the series, The Dog Who Knew too Much.

Connect with Chet the Dog
Chet the Dog website
Chet the Dog on Facebook
Twitter @chetthedog





*Full disclosure: I was provided a review copy of this book. The opinions are 100% my own. 

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Brooks Books- Jimmy Mender and his Miracle Dog

This week is book review week, so please come back every day to read about another great dog or pet book! Today I'm reviewing Jimmy Mender and his Miracle Dog by Leland Dirks and Angelo Dirks. Read on for a chance to win a copy of your own!

 BROOKS: Miracle Dog? Now that's a dog I'd like to meet in real life! And that is what really drew me into this book. The best parts were about Phannie, the miracle dog. We first meet her when she's traipsing along the road, and she has someplace to go.

"Along a highway in northeastern Nevada, a sort of shadow moved. A dog with a purpose ran at night to avoid the heat of day. She knew where she was going. She just didn't know how long it would take to get there. 
         In the daytime, when she slept, she got glimpses of the man she was pursuing. She had to hurry."

 I like reading about other dogs, especially ones on a special mission. I won't tell you what Phannie's mission turns out to be, you'll have to read for yourself. But of course, true to dog nature, she ends up helping the man. Good dog!

ME: Leland's writing is strong and his imagination vivid in this engaging story of Paul Young and his trek of discovery. The story takes you along on a journey of love and loss that will tug at your heart. As always, Leland's at his best when describing man's relationship with dog. I love the protagonist Paul's intuitive connection with border collie Phannie.

A little adventure, a little magic, a little dog story, a little love, a little "what might have been"...Jimmy Mender and His Miracle Dog is a book you won't want to put down. You can get the book on Kindle or paperback on Amazon.

GIVEAWAY!!!  And now, here's a chance to win a copy of your own! Just leave a comment below answering the question: What is one miracle you'd like to see a dog perform? For extra entries, "like" Leland Dirks on FB, "like" my page on FB,  and if you haven't already, follow this blog. (leave an extra comment saying you've done so.) Contest winner will be selected by random draw. Sorry, U.S. residents only. Contest closes Tuesday 9/25. Winner announced on Wednesday Pet Roundup 9/26.

What is one miracle you'd like to see a dog perform?



*Full disclosure: I was provided a review copy of this book. The opinions are 100% my own.

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What the Dog Ate vs Dieting with my Dog

My blogging pal Jackie Bouchard of Pooch Smooches just released her new book, What the Dog Ate. See it there on the table?

Brooks and Kelly check out What the Dog Ate

One day Jackie and I got laughing, thinking about how our two books related. Sure, there are some obvious differences...What the Dog Ate is a novel, and Dieting with my Dog is memoir. Kona of What the Dog Ate consumes a wide variety from the non-food group (just see the chart, below!), while my pup Kelly learns to eat healthy, nutritious snacks. But basically, both books celebrate dogs, eating, and overcoming life's challenges. 

Read on for your chance to win a copy of BOTH books! 

But first, here's our review of What the Dog Ate.

Brooks: 

Right away I loved this title. I mean, What the Dog Ate? Seriously, there's a whole book about this? Yum! And may I also add, I seriously love the book's hero, Kona. Now he's my kind of dude. Okay, now over to Mom.

Me: 

Brooks, this isn't a "how to," you know. Please don't eat all those things Kona did. What the Dog Ate is a warm, funny novel about Maggie Baxter, who thinks she has life's priorities in order. She lives with her husband of seventeen years and their chocolate lab, Kona. But Kona unwittingly reveals Maggie's husband's cheating ways. Let's just say, what the dog ate--and brought back up--plays a key role by way of  incriminating evidence. 

Maggie deals with family, friends, divorce, and job pressures, all the while trying to carve out the best life for her and Kona. The question is, will she find a new man in her life? 

     From the  book: "On the way home, she fantasized about how much better it would be if finding a  new man was    like getting a dog. You could go online and research the type you wanted. Would you prefer one who'd be a couch-potato with you? Or one that would fit into an active lifestyle? Toy or worker? Purebred or mutt? More influenced by scent or sight? Guard or companion?"

If you like a story of love and romance, with a great dog for a best friend, then What the Dog Ate is for you! Brooks and I highly recommend you check it out!

Connect with Jackie at:

Her site: www.jackiebouchard.com

Her blog: http://poochsmooches.blogspot.com

Facebook: Jackie Bouchard Writer

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jackiebouchard
What the Dog Ate is available on print and e-book on Amazon, print only: CreateSpace, e-book only: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and iTunes.

* A portion of the print sales will be donated to Best Friends Animal Society.  

Keep reading, you can win a copy below!

So, now do you want to know some of the things Kona ate? Here's the list, along with some Dieting with My Dog revisions!  

You might notice the list reads #6 -10. Jump over to Pooch Smooches to see #1-5. And while you're there, check out her Dieting with my Dog interview, where she asks me about Kelly's favorite snacks and my favorite "bad for me" food. AND enter to win a free copy of Dieting with my Dog! 

This contest, and more great giveaways, is part of All Things Dog and DogTipper's Fido's Freebie Friday! 

Enter to win What the Dog Ate! 

Contest open to residents of the US and Canada, excluding Quebec and where prohibited.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Brooks Books- Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service

Brooks here: Today I'm reviewing The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service by Beth Kendrick. (NAL Trade Paperback 2012) The best thing about this book is that there are a lot of dogs! And, a really kind woman who rescues dogs, hates puppy mills and helps us dogs find homes. Oh, and the dogs were naughty too. I like that! Now here's mom with some more.

* Read on for your chance to win a copy of the book!

Peggy: In the first chapter it seems like the main character, Lara, is making matches between men and women. Then we make the charming discovery that she is matching people with dogs. I thought this book would be mainly about the matches and the interesting people and dogs Lara puts together. It turns out, however, that there is not so much matchmaking as I thought. In fact, it seems she does more dog training than matchmaking. Even so, her situations are not only entertaining, but also contain some useful tips for pet parents.

Hey Brooks, I can read books too!

The book also deals with Lara's relationship with her detached mother--which felt genuine and touching-- and her boyfriend, who was frustrated by Lara's zealous overcommitment to dogs and rescue. My favorite scene was when her boyfriend did something unforgivable with her needy rescue dog's only toy, and Lara had to choose between her distraught rescue dog and the man in her life.


















I think you'll enjoy this book and cheer on Lara as she advocates for dogs everywhere!

Brooks gives The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service 4 out of 5 wags!

Okay, now for the giveaway! Leave a comment below telling about how you and your dog were matched up...or, if you prefer, what you think your perfect canine match would be. One winner will be selected at random, except where prohibited, and announced Friday. Contest open until Thursday 8/9/12 at 11:59pm. Good luck!

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Brooks Books-- Enchanting Lily

Brooks here, with another book review, this time about a cat. I know, I know...Brooks usually likes to chase cats under parked cars in the neighborhood, not read about them. But, in this case he happily made an exception.

READ ON to ENTER to WIN one of TWO COPIES of ENCHANTING LILY  by Anjali Banerjee!

If you like fiction, and cats, and a little bit of romance, then this book is for you. I love fiction, and I like cats, but I am also really surprised that I liked this book because it is a little bit quirky...it involves ghosts and spirits and such.

Brooks and I are not fans of ghostly type stories, but this was done in such a gentle way, not spooky and scary, but almost matter of fact. Because of that, we didn't mind that part at all. Plus, it is the cat--not the people-- who senses these spirits and seems to understand what they are feeling. I thought that the cat parts were sweet and touching, adding an interesting depth to the tale. Brooks says it figures that a cat would get all weird about spirits and such.

The story is about a young widow named Lily who needs a new start in her life. The setting in the Pacific Northwest is vivid and beautifully detailed, as are Lily's vintage clothing boutique and the residents of her new little town. Then a mysterious white cat with one blue eye and one green eye arrives.  "Lily thought she saw an aura, a subtle rainbow of color surrounding the cat, as if the creature was not of this world..."

Thus Lily begins a journey of healing. Saved by the hidden graces of others, she even allows herself to fall in love again. Brooks gives Enchanting Lily 4 out of 5 wags. I think this is partially because there was not a major dog character.
  

If you're looking for a bit of a quirky read, that is light, well-written, imaginative, and hopeful, then pick up Enchanting Lily. The book will be released on August 7th... but you could win a copy here right now! Just leave a comment below and tell me why you'd like to win this book. I'd be delighted if you also  followed this blog and liked my facebook page too, if you haven't already. Tell me that you did and you'll get another entry. Thanks! And good luck! Two winners will be announced on Wednesday's blog.

About the Author: 

Anjali Banerjee was born in India, and raised in Canada and California and received degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of seven previous novels.  Banerjee lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.  Visit her website at www.anjalibanerjee.com.

*I was provided with a review copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own. And Brooks'. 

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