Storytime With Athena and Marie: A Forever Home For Athena, Chapter 8

Happy Sunday!

I hope you like my selfie. I took it during naptime the other day when it was hot. 

Feels cooler again today. The temperature is up and down here in England. One day we're having a heatwave and the next it's cooled down considerably that snuggles against Mum in bed are essential. Weird weather. Weird times.

We hope you can join us for the latest youtube reading of my story A Forever Home For Athena (published 2013). We are up to Chapter 8 now. You can view the video in this post below or click the above link to take you to YouTube.

Storytime With Athena and Marie: A Forever Home For Athena, Chapter 8

A Forever Home For Athena was published in 2013. The book is based on Athena's real-life story, but for creative purposes the chapters prior to when her mum Marie adopted her from Wood Green, The Animals Charity are fiction. Athena was indeed abandoned in someone's garden in North London though, and she shared a pen with a black kitten called Lily at the shelter. At the time of publication, we donated a percentage of the royalties to pet rescue charities. But for some years now ALL royalties will be donated.

Full Playlist on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

😻

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Storytime with Athena and Marie, A Forever Home For Athena, Chapter 5

Happy Sunday!

Here's a bright-eyed photo today. Mum helped me take it as I was stepping out into the catio yesterday morning. It was sunshiny, so my eyes look brilliantly green. We figured we'd had too many sleepy shots of me lately on this blog so this makes a nice change!

We are still staying home, staying safe here. I'm an indoor kitty anyway so I only get to have a walkabout in my catio. Mum does some gardening with Granny when the weather is nicer and they also go for a little walk around the block where there are some nice trees. You can see the woods from our window so we get a lovely breeze in our garden too.

It's two years since we moved to this neighbourhood now and we can't believe how quick the time has flown by. We don't miss Edmonton, North London where we used to live one bit! We love our little Essex town 💚💜

Oh, and if you're wondering what we do for shopping, we get it home delivered - though it's hard to get delivery slots and Mum gets frustrated a bit. She tells me she has stocked up on my food, so that's OK then 😻

We hope your humans are managing to keep you well-fed and healthy during these strange times.

Storytime With Athena and Marie Chapter 5

Here's our latest A Forever Home For Athena installment, which is read by Mum on YouTube,

You can watch it from the beginning or catch-up via our playlist.

Or watch Chapter 5 here.

Or below.

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Storytime with Athena and Marie #WhiskersWednesday

We hope you are all staying safe and healthy.

I've been giving Mum ideas about fun stuff to do during the lockdown. The UK is currently in week 3.

First, here I am with my wise eyes speaking to Mum. Good job she understands cat. Well, at least she can pick up on my thoughts.

 Remember my rescue story that we published in 2013?

Athena helped her Mum Marie write her rescue story

Well, we have decided to start promoting it again because it had disappointing sales. It has not made much money for the animal charities we support. At first, we were donating partial earnings but then we started donating 100 % of royalties, which we still continue to do.

Mum wishes she had the money to support lots of charities but she hasn't and times are tough for everyone right now.

Anyway, I told her to read my book to share with everybody during quarantine and lockdown. We posted Chapter 1 on YouTube today. Please subscribe and share. Mum says she will try to post a reading 2 or 3 times a week. We know many of you have already read my story and we are very grateful for your support.

We thought recording the video with Mum reading my story to me would be a treat for my fans 😻😽

Here's the video. Mum apologizes for the blurriness. She blames both her camera and her poor eyesight. She was also in a rush to film.

 

Available from Amazon in paperback and for Kindle Amazon UK Amazon US

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Cat Confidential #bookreview

Here is a great book for all cat lovers we'd love to tell you about.

Cat Confidential: expert advice on how to understand your furry feline by renowned cat counsellor Vicky Halls

From Amazon:

"You love your cat – and you hope your cat loves you too – but cats and their owners can often misunderstand each other. The cat says one thing and the owner hears another. Mostly, it feels right but, sometimes, something can go very wrong. How do you really know if your pampered pet wants a stroke behind the ears, or whether that insistent miaow is trying to communicate something more complex? If you’ve ever wondered why your cat does the things it does – soils in the house, picks a fight with the cat next door, feels nervous around strangers or destroys your furniture – then this is the book you have to read.
Renowned cat counsellor Vicky Halls has changed the lives of thousands of owners and their problem cats. Filled with intriguing case studies, amazing facts and practical advice, Cat Confidential answers all your questions so that you can understand your feline friend better. Fascinating, funny and heart-warming, it's your chance to explore the unique bond between you and your cat. Catisfaction guaranteed."

Mum says she found this book really interesting and informative and it's definitely a must-read for any cat lover/parent.

Offering amazing insights into your cat's mind and lots of expert advice backed by real-life case studies, this is a book that deals with a wide range of common cat problems. Anyone who loves cats or has a cat or cats would be wise to own a copy.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO BUY

About the Author

Vicky Halls is a pet behaviour counsellor and has spent over twenty years specialising in cats. Vicky also works on welfare projects with cat charities, writes and tutors cat behaviour courses and lectures all over the world to veterinary audiences. She is a registered veterinary nurse and qualified person-centred counsellor.

The author of a number of books for the general reader and co-author of veterinary textbooks and papers, her particular interests are the complexity of the modern cat/owner relationship and the welfare of unowned cats throughout the world. At home, she is a slave to the demands of Jean Patou, her Burmese.



Disclosure: We received a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and give a mention. We thought we'd share because we know our readers would love this book! The post includes Amazon affiliate links.

Prancie's Prayer #bookreview

Mum read to me this fantastic new book by our blogging pal Ellen Pilch of 15andmeowing.

Prancie's Prayer  is a sweet warm-hearted book for children loosely based on the story of how dear cat Prancie came to live with Ellen and the meowing household.

I loved this book. And so did Mum. Not only is the story captivating and well-told but the illustrations by Nicolas Peruzzo are also amazing to look at and these will no doubt enchant any child for hours on end.

We bought the ebook on Kindle (after Mum saw the email from Ellen who kindly sent us a digital copy of the book). Mum thanked her but she doesn't mind that she purchased it on Kindle because she loves the book and also loves helping out fellow authors. It's really hard work being an author and the support from others is always greatly appreciated.

For the most excellent Christmas gift for a child, we recommend the paperback version as children will delight in reading and re-reading the book while flicking through the pages to admire the wonderful images. At the same time, they will learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Happy reading!

A Thousand Purring Cats #BookReview

Disclaimer: We received a free digital copy of the book from the author. All words are our own. Please also note that some links are Amazon affiliate links.

A THOUSAND PURRING CATS by Susan "Sparky" Kedzie

From Amazon

"A Thousand Purring Cats warmly embraces the healing power of positive relationships. Playful text and images invite smiles and laughter with a surprise tug at your heart, while lively characters gently nudge your child closer when they need it most.

A new feel-good classic your family will want to read and reread for years. Whether you are a cat-lover or not, this book will give you a HUG!"

What did we think?

Here's Mum to tell you!

This beautiful little book is full of breathtaking illustrations that will shower any child with immense healing whenever it is needed, because, let's face it, life can be tough at any age.

Not only are the illustrations, which were inspired by the author's own cats, mesmerizing, but the healing text messages accompanying them are incredibly soothing and will work wonders when needed.  As we cat lovers already acknowledge, cats have amazing healing capabilities. They can help decrease blood pressure and to reduce anxiety, amongst other things. Indeed, Athena does all that for me and so much more.

This lovely book is literally, a big "hug" for any child to turn to when they find life overwhelming,  but it's a lovely book for adults too.

It certainly cheered me up this morning!

If you want to read a book that celebrates the amazing love and power of emotional bonds between pets and humans, then don't miss this book! And if you don't have a cat, the book "nudges" you to accept loving hugs from your favourite human too.

This is definitely one of those books children and even adults will want to pick up time and time again.

To find out more about the author-illustrator Susan Kedzie visit her website here.

Purchase from Amazon UK

A Thousand Purring Cats is also available from Amazon US and Barnes and Noble

It's Here! Completely Cats - Stories With Cattitude

Image courtesy of Completely Cats

We're so excited that my rescue story has been included in Completely Cats - Stories with Cattitude!

This book has been put together by author Beth Haslam and commissioning editor Zoe Marr,  both passionate cat lovers who wanted to use their skills and talent to do something to help felines in need around the world. They chose International Cat Care as their designated charity because of its mission and global reach.

We were pretty excited when Beth and Zoe contacted us on Twitter a while ago asking if we would consider contributing an abridged version of my rescue story A FOREVER HOME FOR ATHENA for their fantastic project. Of course, we said yes and Mum got to straight down to work on editing my story to make it shorter for the book. We were so happy it got accepted!

And now, after months of hard work gathering story contributions from all the cat lovers, writers and owners around the world, the book is finally here and published today and it is definitely a book that all those involved with should be proud of!

This pawsome book is "packed with stories to amuse, amaze and even cause a tear to form"

And it is available worldwide via Amazon!

From the Completely Cats website:

 We're so grateful to all our contributors, without you this book would not have been possible. Remember, 20 percent of the profits are donated to International Cat Care to help cats in need. 

Purchase your copy today and let's help the cats around the world!

Completely Cats - Stories With Cattitude!

Coming Soon! 

Completely Cats - Stories With Cattitude will be published on 21st August 2017!

And we are so glad that our rescue story was chosen - along with many other amazing cat rescue stories - to be featured in this fab book in support of International Cat Care 😻
We'll keep you posted!

We're as excited as Alfie & Brutus. Our pawsome book, produced to support @iCatCare is nearly ready! ^..^ #cats #SundayBrunch #BookLoversDay pic.twitter.com/C6eoS46Asz

— Completely Cats (@Completely_Cats) August 13, 2017

#ThrowbackThursday The Snowflake Pendant & Kindle Countdown Deal

Two years ago Mum published The Snowflake Pendant. The reason I'm telling you this is not only because this is a Throwback Thursday post, but also because starting today, December 22nd , THE SNOWFLAKE PENDANT Kindle Countdown Deal begins on Amazon.com  

If you're quick you can buy this magical cat fantasy for 99 CENTS instead of the full listing price of $4.99. 

AMAZON REVIEWS

" Deeply moving and magical"

"Satisfying to the soul"

"It made me cry. It made me want to rush out and make a film of it"

"A must read for cat lovers"

"Beautifully written, straight from the author's heart"

"Brings justice, like a mighty beam of sunlight, to the sensitive, the caring, the loving people of this earth"

⛄

What is THE SNOWFLAKE PENDANT about? 

Mum wrote this time travel cat fantasy about the soulmate cat that came before me. You remember SUZY right? 

Suzy is the star and co-author of The Snowflake Pendant

Mum talks about her sweet black n white Tuxie girl a lot and still feels a strong connection with her, even though she passed over the Rainbow Bridge many years ago. Nothing new in that, I know, because I'm sure many of you feel the same after your sweet animal companions have passed on too. 

But Mum believes it is Suzy herself that helped her write this book, not just inspired the story, but actually wrote it through her, like she channelled Suzy in a way. 

The Snowflake Pendant is a time travel story, with Suzy helping lead character Cathy travel back in time to a magical land via a special pendant that binds them through all eternity. It is an entirely fictional tale. However, like most authors, Mum weaves her own life experiences into her stories to make them more realistic and believable so the reader can relate.

"It's a story I wanted to write in Suzy's memory," Mum says. "I also believe it's a story my beloved black and white cat wanted me to tell, and feel that she co-authored it with me from across the Rainbow Bridge."

Suzy is amazing in it, but my favourite character was the magnificent snow leopard who Cathy meets on her travels. 

So, dear readers and friends, if you love animals, and have been lucky enough to be blessed with a pet's unconditional love, this book is for you! 

💜💖

GET YOUR COPY NOW ON AMAZON BEFORE THIS SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL OFFER ENDS!*

*ENDS December 29th 2016
*Offer only available to readers in the US 

Wordy Wordless Wednesday: Timba Comes Home review

Though it's supposed to be Wordless Wednesday we have more of a Wordy Wednesday today because we want to tell you about a fantastic new book by our dear friend Sheila Jeffries.

Sheila is the best-selling author of Solomon's Tale and Solomon's Kitten, both of which are must reads for any cat lover. The latest in the Solomon saga is Timba Comes Home. Sheila very kindly sent us a copy of the book and we just had to review it. We would have done so anyway, because we love her books. Mum has already left a review on Amazon, but I thought it would be great to tell you what I think. 

Mum read this book to me and as you can see from the above pic I enjoyed it so much that I dozed off. That's me after the book ended. I didn't sleep through Mum's reading, if that's what you think! As you know, cats are always listening in even when we appear to be sleeping.

I loved Timba, the sweet little black cat, immediately. He is a great little character, strong and resilient, loving and forgiving, and his purpose in life is to be a healing support cat for a young troubled boy called Leroy and a nice kindhearted lady called Angie. He also has to help his brother Vati, a sensitive and mystical cat, and quite a different character to Timba. But they need each other and together they are a strong force.

When the two brothers are abandoned as kittens, they become separated but luckily fate brings them together again in order to help the people they love.  
There is a lot of love and healing in this book. And it sensitively portrays the amazing bond between a cat and his humans. Parts of it brought tears to my mum's eyes, and I of course offered her my own healing purrs to soothe her as she stopped reading to kiss me on my forehead and hug me close.

Mum sometimes says that it's me and her against the world, and in this book it seems that it's Timba and Vati against the world too as they are twin souls (like me and mum!).

I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but if you enjoy books from the perspective of a cat, warmly told and with a touch of spirituality, then this book is for you! It also makes a great heartwarming Christmas gift for any cat lover. 

To find out more about Sheila Jeffries visit her website 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the author. It was my choice to review and all words are my own. Full disclosure.

Book Review: Solomon's Kitten by Sheila Jeffries

I'm going to say a little bit about this fabulous book before handing you over to Mum for a full review.

Mum read Solomon's Kitten to me and I loved it so much! Tallulah is a great little kitten who truly suffers at the beginning of her life after being abandoned. Of course this made me extremely sad for her as I too was abandoned as a kitten, though I don't remember much about it. And I don't want to either. I just want to focus on the life I have right now - with my wonderful mum and granny

But this is an amazing, heartwarming book and it reminded me of the good things in life too, and the healing power of love. It's a must read! Don't miss it, especially you cat lovers out there! And dog lovers too because there is a lovely dog called Amber in it as well, who Tallulah simply adores. I don't understand that kind of love for another animal, but for those of you that do, you will find it incredibly moving. Get your human to read you this fantastic story now!

And now over to you, Mum.



Solomon's Kittenis an incredible story. An emotional journey of happiness and tears. It is a book full of healing love and purrs.

The story follows Tallulah, a 'special kitten' who has 'come to heal' a family. Very soon after she is born, the tiny kitten is taken from her dad Solomon and dumped like rubbish in a hedge. After enduring hunger and fear, the abandoned kitten soon finds a new home with a nice family, forming an unbreakable bond with the daughter TammyLee, who calls Tallulah her 'magic puss cat'. But TammyLee is harbouring a dark secret - a secret Tallulah already knows about.

My heart swelled with love for the kitten Tallulah, who also narrates this inspiring book. Through the eyes of this sweet little kitten, we experience all the ups and downs of modern family life. Not only does TammyLee have a secret, but she is also a carer for her disabled mother and has to juggle this with her school work and carrying the heavy burden of her secret, as well as having to deal with her rather complicated relationship with her dad.

Author Shelia Jeffries says she based Tallulah on a cat she had as a child, and the love and understanding of cats is clearly evident in her storytelling. Her portrayal of the pet-human bond really pulled at my heartstrings and touched my soul deeply as it is a bond I can relate to so well.

But this book is not all love and light, and in many parts I cried. At one point I was reading on the bed with Athena sleeping next to me. I held back the tears because she easily picks up on any upset I may be feeling, even as she sleeps. Well she did pick up. And in what was a most magical moment, she turned to me and held my gaze as I wiped away a tear. Then she slow-blinked at me (which means I love you in cat speak.) It's just so amazing - that unbreakable soul bond and pure unconditional love between pet and human - and this emotion is illustrated perfectly by the author.

Sheila also has the rare ability to capture life through the perspective of a cat. Yes, this is fiction, but animals are sentient beings and they do also have the ability to think. I've always believed this. And so this book touched me deeply in that respect as well. I also enjoyed reading the parts about animal healing, and the theme of spirituality, reincarnation, and how the soul survives death is something that rings true for me too.

Like Solomon's Tale, Solomon's Kitten is a book that will help younger children understand more about what happens after death and it teaches everyone the importance of pets and what a true gift they are when they enter our lives.

In my opinion, Solomon's Kitten is a unique story that deserves to be made into a film or TV drama.

I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this author's work in future!

About the Author:
Sheila Jeffries has been writing since she was young, and has written twelve children's novels.After studying at Bath Academy of Art, Sheila spent many years teaching in UK schools. Sheila lives in Somerset where she enjoys teaching meditation and running workshops for writers.

Sheila's website http://www.sheilajeffries.com/
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheilajeffries1

Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All words are my own. http://www.athenacatgoddess.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Charity Tuesday: Blog the Change for Animals #BtC4A

I have been a very lucky cat because I found the best forever home and human mum ever. Some cats aren't so lucky, and that's really sad.

So as it's Charity Tuesday, I've decided to blog about it to help other cats find forever homes too.

And my mum just told me that it is Blog the Change for Animals day too, so how fitting that I decided to post this today!

As an animal advocate, my mum already posts a lot about animal adoption on her blog, but I told her we should do it on mine too because I am a rescue cat, and have my own book out, A Forever Home For Athena, telling the world about my own rescue story, and which I wrote with my mum to help raise money for three of our favourite cat charities.

If you don't know much about me and haven't read my book yet, here is the very short version:

I was a little abandoned kitten who thought my life was truly over until I got rescued by Wood Green the Animal Charity. I then got taken to their London centre, and though I was very scared in there, it wasn't long before I found a forever home. You see, that's where my mum came to adopt me (after she had seen me on the Wood Green website.)

It was love at first sight for the both of us.

As I was rescued by the London shelter, I wanted to help other cats that are currently there waiting for their forever home too. I hope they are as lucky as I was and get adopted quickly into loving homes.

I know most of you are from US, but for any UK readers, if you live nearby and are looking for a new cat why not check out the Wood Green website for more information? Maybe, just like my mum and me, you will find the purrfect match for you!

Wood Green has cats available for rehoming at three of their shelters - Godmanchester, Heydon and London.

LIONESS

Description

Lioness was brought into the London shelter as her owner could no longer look after her. She is still getting used to shelter life, so is understandably a little shy and nervous. However she loves to be made a fuss off and enjoys the company of people. Lioness is looking for a home with previous cat experience who can help her blossom into a loving member of the family.

To find out more about LIONESS, please CLICK HERE

Help Raise Money For Animals In Need With These Amazing Books!

I'm sharing this from my mum's blog because it's very important.

Help raise money for animals in need with these amazing titles.

September Sale!

All titles just $0.99 each!

From bestselling and award winning author, Sibel Hodge, comes an inspirational coming of age novel...

"A percentage of the royalties from the sale of this book will be contributed to Panthera, a leading international conservation organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the world's big cats, plus other wildlife conservation groups." -- Sibel Hodge, Author

Buy it here: Amazon Amazon UK

 or here: Smashwords

Linda Deane is a South African author and actively involved in the rescue and rehome network. She takes in abused and abandoned cats and kittens, fostering them until their forever homes are found. Her writing goes towards the sterilization and feeding of the animals in her care. 

Ice Angel is a fictitious tribute to one of her very special rescued kitties – an imagined account of one of her nine lives.

Buy it here: Amazon  Amazon UK

or here: Smashwords

Have you ever wished your cat could talk or wondered where he/she goes when you are not around?

Kiwi in Cat City is the first book in a series, of which there are six fun adventures so far. Furry fun for ages 9-99.

Vickie Johnstone supports Hillside Animal Sanctuary, UK, where unwanted and abused animals are given a much needed sanctuary. 

Buy it here: Amazon Amazon UK

or here: Smashwords

“A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to three of my favourite animal charities.” – Marie Symeou, Author  

This is the story of a cute tabby kitten (my Athena) as she awaits her fate at an animal rescue shelter. Will she find her forever home? A heartwarming story for both children and adults alike. 

Note from the author: "For this month only I will be donating ALL ROYALTIES to my chosen charities."

 Buy it here: Amazon Amazon UK

or here: Smashwords