Review: The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard

Title: The Thing Is 

Author: Kathleen Gerard

Publisher: Red Adept Publishing (author invite via blog)

Date of Publication: March 18th, 2016

Pages: 299

Rating: 5/5

My Review:

This is an amazing, laugh out loud story with two main characters – Meredith and Prozac! Meredith is an author who was with her fiancé when he was murdered as they were leaving the restaurant where they’d been celebrating her birthday. She’s never really recovered and certainly hasn’t any joie de vivre anymore. When her sister, Monica, leaves her client’s Yorkshire terrier for Meredith to look after, little did they know he’s a Spirit Guide Dog sent to help them all.

The story is told from the points of view of both main characters, and some of Prozac’s insightful asides and comments are absolutely brilliant! The secondary characters (especially the Judge) are also well developed and have distinct personalities which contribute to the ensuing adventures, mystery and suspense. It is a great read, showing the journey through grief to life after the death of a beloved partner in a sensitive yet still humorous manner. It also explores the relationship characters have with Prozac in an emotive manner. It is so easy to relate to all the characters and we could all do with a Spirit Guide dog like Prozac in our lives to help up in times of need.

This is a delightful, heartwarming story, written by a superb story teller. It is a page turner that captures the reader and transports them to interact with these well crafted characters in a great adventure that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys brilliant stories about new beginnings and great relationships!

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, with additional thanks to the author for alerting me to the ARC being available to request!

Synopsis:

Ever since the death of her fiancé, Meredith Mancuso has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she’s not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she’s ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.

Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.

Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it’s still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy–and sometimes, even love–along the way.

This book is available from a variety of sources including

amazon.co.uk           amazon.com          barnes and noble