What a delightful, unique book. As other reviewers have noted this is a book where a "mental health specialist" prescribes cats to help temporarily solve his patient's dilemmas. As a cat lover I loved how the author described each patient's confusion and surprised reaction …more to the cat that they were now responsible for, but how quickly the patient found the cat so adorable. As the specialist notes, "Emotional support? That's ridiculous. Cats don't provide emotional support. They just sit there and do whatever they like. But they do say 'A cat is the root of all illnesses'. Or wait, was it 'cure for all illnesses'?" The author has a sharp wit about her. This is a light, enjoyable book that touches on some serious topics. It also has some insight into the mythology of cats in the Japanese culture. For these reasons I will continue to follow this author. (less)

I was attracted to reading this book because of its place. I spent 10 years sailing the Caribbean basin in a sailboat, getting to know the people and the cultures. I was looking for the essence of the islands and Eleanor Shearer captured it beautifully. Her elegantly …more lyrical writing took me back; I could smell the salty air, feel the hot humid forests and the oppression of Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Traveling through this area of the world I learned the history of the American Revolution Loyalists who relocated their plantations along with their slaves to the British Caribbean Possessions. The author individualizes this story through the life of Rachel, a slave, during the start of when the UK abolishes slavery, but the slaves are still not totally free. This book fills in some the gaps that I had learned in an engaging story of the will of the slaves to become free at all costs; their pain, loss, dislocation but also their newfound hope to be reunited with families and children.

If you like historical fiction and would like to learn about this part of world, I would highly recommend this book. (less)

I was first intrigued by the premise of the book. A physic medium who doubts herself and a journalist out to prove her a con and grief vampire. I then quickly devoured the book and It did not disappoint. The book takes some interesting and unexpected twists and turns. Not …more often do I read a mystery where I haven't figured out the ending mid-way through the book. Here the ending is unexpected and believable, a hard line to walk. I enjoyed how Sylvie's and Thomas's relationship with their parents, past and present, weave in and out of the story. I also enjoyed what the character's choice of pets tells us about the sensitive, hidden side of themselves. It was a satisfying read and I would highly recommend it. (less)