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The Other Kind of Lion: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26A war widow and a neglected boy form a chosen family in a profoundly moving multigenerational saga about the transformative power of kindness by
New York Times
bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
It’s 1970 in rural California where Shirley Bennett, a forty-year-old Vietnam War widow, lives with her two sons. It’s a routine life until she sees Cash Pierce, a scruffy eleven-year-old boy, trailing the fence alongside her Appaloosa, Phoenix. The horse never gave such a welcoming nicker to anyone but her late husband. Even her stubborn old dog Edsel takes to the boy. Out of curiosity and compassion, so does Shirley.
Abandoned by his father, his mother in jail, and raised by his teenage brother, Cash is lonely, bullied, but smart as a whip and starved for attention. Shirley begins inviting him for dinners, providing lunch money, sewing his shirts, and offering the maternal care he desperately needs. Neither realizes that such simple acts of kindness create a bond that will span five decades and redefine family itself. No matter where life takes Cash, he will never forget her.
Through war, loss, grief, illness, second chances, and years of separation they will meet again. Shirley was there for Cash. Now it’s his turn to be there for Shirley when she needs him the most.
It’s 1970 in rural California where Shirley Bennett, a forty-year-old Vietnam War widow, lives with her two sons. It’s a routine life until she sees Cash Pierce, a scruffy eleven-year-old boy, trailing the fence alongside her Appaloosa, Phoenix. The horse never gave such a welcoming nicker to anyone but her late husband. Even her stubborn old dog Edsel takes to the boy. Out of curiosity and compassion, so does Shirley.
Abandoned by his father, his mother in jail, and raised by his teenage brother, Cash is lonely, bullied, but smart as a whip and starved for attention. Shirley begins inviting him for dinners, providing lunch money, sewing his shirts, and offering the maternal care he desperately needs. Neither realizes that such simple acts of kindness create a bond that will span five decades and redefine family itself. No matter where life takes Cash, he will never forget her.
Through war, loss, grief, illness, second chances, and years of separation they will meet again. Shirley was there for Cash. Now it’s his turn to be there for Shirley when she needs him the most.
- GenresContemporaryFiction
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
69 books6,364 followersCatherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 50 published and forthcoming books.
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The Other Kind of Lion
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Publisher: Lake Union Publishers
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: November 3, 2026
My Rating: 4.7 rounded up
Pages: 288
Story is told in the time period from 1970 to Present Day.
1970~ Shirley Bennett, a forty-year-old Vietnam War widow, lives in rural California with her two sons Curtis and Reid.
It is a routine life until she hears a familiar sound but one she has not heard in years- her husband Hal’s horse Phoenix nickering- a sound the horse only made when he saw Hal but the Appaloosa is following a young boy who is walking on the other side of the fence. Just then her son Curtin interrupts and says he is going to be late for school. She tells him to take dad’s truck and offer a ride to the young boy and find out more about him.
Curtis comes home and tells his mother that the young boy is eleven and in the sixth grade. His name is Ludlow Pierce and is being raised by his eighteen-year-old brother Jace who had dropped out of school. Their father left them and their mother is in jail.
Doesn’t take Shirley long to show compassion and invites Ludlow for dinner. Soon she is mending his torn shirts and is providing lunch money. She knows he desperately needs support. Ludlow is teased at school, so Curtis comes up with the idea of a nickname such as ‘Cash’ and says he will call out to him- surely sixth graders will be impressed with a High School kid having Cash as a friend.
It seems that changing his name changed everything.
As time goes on, he continues to flourish.
However, Cash and his brother leave the area as a good paying job is available for Jace. However, Cash knows he will never forget Mrs. Shirley. Shirley misses him very much, also the fact her older son was drafted makes it a very emotional time for her.
Shirley has tried to reach Cash, but her letters are returned.
As time goes on Shirley’s life is slowly changing. There is always hope that one day she will see Cash again.
[Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde]'s writing style is different than any other author I read and I love it! Her stories are character driven but there is always a message and thoughts that linger long after I am done reading.
I know the idea behind the title will stick with me. The Discussion Questions also has lessons learned. It mentions adults being honest with children and also asks – how honest? There was a time when she said something encouraging and Cash asks – Promise? – Shirley thinks about it and answers –it is very possible things will turn around.
She has had 45 and books published. As well fifty of her short stories have been published in professional Reviews and Journals.
Now I am willing to read anything she writes! When I saw this, I knew I wanted to read it without knowing anything about it!
Want to thank Net Galley and Lake Union Publishers for this wonderful early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Publisher: Lake Union Publishers
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: November 3, 2026
My Rating: 4.7 rounded up
Pages: 288
Story is told in the time period from 1970 to Present Day.
1970~ Shirley Bennett, a forty-year-old Vietnam War widow, lives in rural California with her two sons Curtis and Reid.
It is a routine life until she hears a familiar sound but one she has not heard in years- her husband Hal’s horse Phoenix nickering- a sound the horse only made when he saw Hal but the Appaloosa is following a young boy who is walking on the other side of the fence. Just then her son Curtin interrupts and says he is going to be late for school. She tells him to take dad’s truck and offer a ride to the young boy and find out more about him.
Curtis comes home and tells his mother that the young boy is eleven and in the sixth grade. His name is Ludlow Pierce and is being raised by his eighteen-year-old brother Jace who had dropped out of school. Their father left them and their mother is in jail.
Doesn’t take Shirley long to show compassion and invites Ludlow for dinner. Soon she is mending his torn shirts and is providing lunch money. She knows he desperately needs support. Ludlow is teased at school, so Curtis comes up with the idea of a nickname such as ‘Cash’ and says he will call out to him- surely sixth graders will be impressed with a High School kid having Cash as a friend.
It seems that changing his name changed everything.
As time goes on, he continues to flourish.
However, Cash and his brother leave the area as a good paying job is available for Jace. However, Cash knows he will never forget Mrs. Shirley. Shirley misses him very much, also the fact her older son was drafted makes it a very emotional time for her.
Shirley has tried to reach Cash, but her letters are returned.
As time goes on Shirley’s life is slowly changing. There is always hope that one day she will see Cash again.
[Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde]'s writing style is different than any other author I read and I love it! Her stories are character driven but there is always a message and thoughts that linger long after I am done reading.
I know the idea behind the title will stick with me. The Discussion Questions also has lessons learned. It mentions adults being honest with children and also asks – how honest? There was a time when she said something encouraging and Cash asks – Promise? – Shirley thinks about it and answers –it is very possible things will turn around.
She has had 45 and books published. As well fifty of her short stories have been published in professional Reviews and Journals.
Now I am willing to read anything she writes! When I saw this, I knew I wanted to read it without knowing anything about it!
Want to thank Net Galley and Lake Union Publishers for this wonderful early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 Stars – A Tender, Unforgettable Story About the Kindness That Changes a Life
Polished Review:
The Other Kind of Lion – Catherine Ryan Hyde
Shirley Bennett has spent fifteen years raising her two sons alone after losing her husband in Vietnam. Their quiet, predictable routine shifts the moment Phoenix, their horse, gives a welcoming nicker to an 11‑year‑old boy wandering past their fence — a greeting he had once reserved only for Shirley’s late husband. When both Phoenix and the family dog show an unusual interest in the boy, Shirley feels compelled to reach out as well.
Cash Pierce lives with only his teenage brother, doing his best to survive after being abandoned by his father and left without his mother, who is in jail. Far too thin, constantly hungry, and frequently bullied, Cash is nevertheless exceptionally bright. Shirley begins offering him lunch money, inviting him to dinner, and quietly tending to his needs — even mending his torn shirt and sewing new ones. These simple, steady acts of kindness become a lifeline, altering the course of Cash’s life in ways neither of them could have predicted.
Years pass, and circumstances separate them, but their connection is not lost. When they are reunited under the most unexpected circumstances, Cash returns at the exact moment Shirley needs someone in her corner.
I’ve read Catherine Ryan Hyde for many years, and she consistently writes stories that illuminate how small, compassionate choices can ripple outward and transform lives. This poignant, heartfelt novel is no exception. It’s a reminder to look closely at the people around us — because kindness, even in its simplest form, can be life‑changing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Polished Review:
The Other Kind of Lion – Catherine Ryan Hyde
Shirley Bennett has spent fifteen years raising her two sons alone after losing her husband in Vietnam. Their quiet, predictable routine shifts the moment Phoenix, their horse, gives a welcoming nicker to an 11‑year‑old boy wandering past their fence — a greeting he had once reserved only for Shirley’s late husband. When both Phoenix and the family dog show an unusual interest in the boy, Shirley feels compelled to reach out as well.
Cash Pierce lives with only his teenage brother, doing his best to survive after being abandoned by his father and left without his mother, who is in jail. Far too thin, constantly hungry, and frequently bullied, Cash is nevertheless exceptionally bright. Shirley begins offering him lunch money, inviting him to dinner, and quietly tending to his needs — even mending his torn shirt and sewing new ones. These simple, steady acts of kindness become a lifeline, altering the course of Cash’s life in ways neither of them could have predicted.
Years pass, and circumstances separate them, but their connection is not lost. When they are reunited under the most unexpected circumstances, Cash returns at the exact moment Shirley needs someone in her corner.
I’ve read Catherine Ryan Hyde for many years, and she consistently writes stories that illuminate how small, compassionate choices can ripple outward and transform lives. This poignant, heartfelt novel is no exception. It’s a reminder to look closely at the people around us — because kindness, even in its simplest form, can be life‑changing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m drawn to stories centered on belonging and connection, and I can always count on Catherine Ryan Hyde to pen an emotionally resonant story about found family. This one, also showcasing the transformative power of kindness, will stay with me for a long time.
The story begins in California in 1970 and follows a five-decade bond between a war widow and a neglected 11-year-old boy from the neighbourhood.
Shirley Bennet and her two sons befriend Ludlow ‘Cash’ Pierce and form a found family. Putting her own grief aside, Shirley creates a safe place for Cash by offering him an environment of safety, significance, and belonging. He remembers this kindness his whole life and returns the favour when she needs him.
Hyde’s novel focuses on how we respond to loss. Shirley had every right to bemoan her circumstances, but I love that she chose to reach out to help others. There’s a lesson in that for us. War stole from her, but because Shirley didn’t stop being free with her heart and just kept going, she was ‘saved’ when she needed it most.
Hyde also reminds readers of the importance of creating sanctuary for others. Giving Cash the space to heal emotionally and set down his burden came back to Shirley tenfold. The author shows us that we’ll all face circumstances that push us out of our comfort zone, but having someone to catch us makes the experience easier and helps us “write our own silver lining”.
Grab some tissues and make time in your schedule to binge this one.
I’m still mulling over how the title connects to the story….
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The story begins in California in 1970 and follows a five-decade bond between a war widow and a neglected 11-year-old boy from the neighbourhood.
Shirley Bennet and her two sons befriend Ludlow ‘Cash’ Pierce and form a found family. Putting her own grief aside, Shirley creates a safe place for Cash by offering him an environment of safety, significance, and belonging. He remembers this kindness his whole life and returns the favour when she needs him.
Hyde’s novel focuses on how we respond to loss. Shirley had every right to bemoan her circumstances, but I love that she chose to reach out to help others. There’s a lesson in that for us. War stole from her, but because Shirley didn’t stop being free with her heart and just kept going, she was ‘saved’ when she needed it most.
Hyde also reminds readers of the importance of creating sanctuary for others. Giving Cash the space to heal emotionally and set down his burden came back to Shirley tenfold. The author shows us that we’ll all face circumstances that push us out of our comfort zone, but having someone to catch us makes the experience easier and helps us “write our own silver lining”.
Grab some tissues and make time in your schedule to binge this one.
I’m still mulling over how the title connects to the story….
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of a kind and one of my favorite authors. I've just finished reading this book for the second time - every time I read one of her books, I discover something new.
The setting begins in the 1970's and ends in 2026. Shirley Bennett is a 40-year-old widow when she meets a young boy named Cash Pierce. Cash is being raised by his 18-year-old brother, who is working to support them both but can't quite make ends meet. Their mother is in jail, and their father had abandoned them and they didn't know where he was. Cash didn't have lunch money most of the time. Shirley was in a low spot of her own emotionally, and Cash was a saving grace to her. She began making sure he got at least two meals a day, and found clothes for him.
The two were separated for many years when Cash's brother came and got him, and took him to Nevada, where he had found a job. Shirley had no way of contacting him, since she didn't have an address. It was such a joy to this reader when Shirley and Cash reconnected when she was in the hospital, many years later. If I could chose one phrase to describe this book, it would be 'pay it forward'.
I received an e-arc of this book from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
The setting begins in the 1970's and ends in 2026. Shirley Bennett is a 40-year-old widow when she meets a young boy named Cash Pierce. Cash is being raised by his 18-year-old brother, who is working to support them both but can't quite make ends meet. Their mother is in jail, and their father had abandoned them and they didn't know where he was. Cash didn't have lunch money most of the time. Shirley was in a low spot of her own emotionally, and Cash was a saving grace to her. She began making sure he got at least two meals a day, and found clothes for him.
The two were separated for many years when Cash's brother came and got him, and took him to Nevada, where he had found a job. Shirley had no way of contacting him, since she didn't have an address. It was such a joy to this reader when Shirley and Cash reconnected when she was in the hospital, many years later. If I could chose one phrase to describe this book, it would be 'pay it forward'.
I received an e-arc of this book from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you're looking for a book that reminds you how powerful kindness can be, The Other Kind of Lion absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
This story follows Shirley, a widow still carrying the weight of loss, and Cash, an 11-year-old boy who's been neglected and forced to grow up far too soon. What begins with a few small acts of compassion grows into a bond that stretches across decades, proving that sometimes the people who change our lives aren't related to us at all.
What Catherine Ryan Hyde does so beautifully is show that kindness isn't always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it's a meal, a safe place to land, or simply someone choosing to see you when everyone else looks away. Those small moments create ripples that last a lifetime.
I laughed, I cried more than once, and by the end I felt like I was saying goodbye to people I'd actually known. The characters felt incredibly real, and the themes of found family, healing, and hope stayed with me long after I finished.
If you love emotional, character-driven stories that leave your heart feeling full, even after breaking it a little, this is one I can't recommend enough.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC!
Pub. date: Nov. 3rd 2026
#TheOtherKindofLion #NetGalley
This story follows Shirley, a widow still carrying the weight of loss, and Cash, an 11-year-old boy who's been neglected and forced to grow up far too soon. What begins with a few small acts of compassion grows into a bond that stretches across decades, proving that sometimes the people who change our lives aren't related to us at all.
What Catherine Ryan Hyde does so beautifully is show that kindness isn't always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it's a meal, a safe place to land, or simply someone choosing to see you when everyone else looks away. Those small moments create ripples that last a lifetime.
I laughed, I cried more than once, and by the end I felt like I was saying goodbye to people I'd actually known. The characters felt incredibly real, and the themes of found family, healing, and hope stayed with me long after I finished.
If you love emotional, character-driven stories that leave your heart feeling full, even after breaking it a little, this is one I can't recommend enough.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC!
Pub. date: Nov. 3rd 2026
#TheOtherKindofLion #NetGalley
July 1, 2026
This book made me ugly cry. In fact, Catherine Ryan Hyde always makes me ugly cry. She just has that Midas touch with her writing that really tugs on the heartstrings and she tells such a complete story that you feel like you really know the characters you’re reading about.
The Other Kind of Lion was such a wonderful, life-affirming read. How one persons kindness can radiate through someone else’s life - what Shirley did for Cash was such a simple thing, multiple simple things, and how it resonated through his entire life was astounding.
This novel spans an immense amount of time, from the 70s to present day and I was hooked, the story was so incredibly well written and Catherine is one of my favourite authors for really absorbing you into the story so that you don’t even feel like you’re reading a book, it’s like it’s actual real life if that makes sense.
Animals are a huge theme in Catherine’s books and Edsel and Phoenix (and, eventually, Stu) felt like animals I could reach out and touch.
I cried multiple times reading this book, there were so many little touching moments that made me choke up and I devoured this book incredibly quickly.
The Other Kind of Lion was such a wonderful, life-affirming read. How one persons kindness can radiate through someone else’s life - what Shirley did for Cash was such a simple thing, multiple simple things, and how it resonated through his entire life was astounding.
This novel spans an immense amount of time, from the 70s to present day and I was hooked, the story was so incredibly well written and Catherine is one of my favourite authors for really absorbing you into the story so that you don’t even feel like you’re reading a book, it’s like it’s actual real life if that makes sense.
Animals are a huge theme in Catherine’s books and Edsel and Phoenix (and, eventually, Stu) felt like animals I could reach out and touch.
I cried multiple times reading this book, there were so many little touching moments that made me choke up and I devoured this book incredibly quickly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“The Other Kind of Lion” by Catherine Ryan Hide is a stunning book about loss, grief, second chances and the power of kindness. I have never read a book written by this author that I haven’t loved but this extraordinary novel has struck a profound chord within me.
The story follows a 40 year old Vietnam war widow raising her two sons, a dog and her husband’s beloved horse in rural California. Life is routine until a scruffy 11 year old boy enters her life. His mother in jail, and abandoned by his father, bullied at school and starved for attention, she begins to invite him for family dinners and offers the maternal care he desperately needs. These simple acts of kindness create a lasting bond that spans five decades of loss, separation, and devastating illness.
I laughed and cried a lot, but most importantly learned life lessons about the impact one person can havre on another, found family, and unconditional love. This poignant, heartfelt novel will easily be one of the best books of 2026, and one that every person needs to read!
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows a 40 year old Vietnam war widow raising her two sons, a dog and her husband’s beloved horse in rural California. Life is routine until a scruffy 11 year old boy enters her life. His mother in jail, and abandoned by his father, bullied at school and starved for attention, she begins to invite him for family dinners and offers the maternal care he desperately needs. These simple acts of kindness create a lasting bond that spans five decades of loss, separation, and devastating illness.
I laughed and cried a lot, but most importantly learned life lessons about the impact one person can havre on another, found family, and unconditional love. This poignant, heartfelt novel will easily be one of the best books of 2026, and one that every person needs to read!
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this book in advance.
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and she has easily become one of my favorites. Everything about this story is beautiful, from the writing and the deep growth of the characters to the lessons learned along the way.
The plot follows Shirley, a war widow trying to navigate a massive transition in her life as her own sons head off to war. Just as she starts realizing it’s time to move forward from where she's been stuck, she meets a young boy named Cash and steps into a motherly role for him. They build this wonderful routine together, but then one night, Cash doesn't show up for their usual dinner and ends up moving across the country with his brother. Years later, she gets back in touch with him, and they get to rebuild and re-blossom that relationship.
What I loved most were the lessons about human connection. The story is a beautiful reminder of how easy it is to get wrapped up in our own lives and forget to look across our own horizons. It really shows that, at the end of the day, it's our job as human beings to look out for and care for one another.
This story captures the true power of kindness and the massive impact a single person can have on your life. This will easily be one of my top reads of the year, and I honestly can’t wait to dive into more of this author’s work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and she has easily become one of my favorites. Everything about this story is beautiful, from the writing and the deep growth of the characters to the lessons learned along the way.
The plot follows Shirley, a war widow trying to navigate a massive transition in her life as her own sons head off to war. Just as she starts realizing it’s time to move forward from where she's been stuck, she meets a young boy named Cash and steps into a motherly role for him. They build this wonderful routine together, but then one night, Cash doesn't show up for their usual dinner and ends up moving across the country with his brother. Years later, she gets back in touch with him, and they get to rebuild and re-blossom that relationship.
What I loved most were the lessons about human connection. The story is a beautiful reminder of how easy it is to get wrapped up in our own lives and forget to look across our own horizons. It really shows that, at the end of the day, it's our job as human beings to look out for and care for one another.
This story captures the true power of kindness and the massive impact a single person can have on your life. This will easily be one of my top reads of the year, and I honestly can’t wait to dive into more of this author’s work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
OH! My Heart!
I love all of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books. There is so much meaning, lessons and love in each one.
The Other Kind of Lion is no exception.
I adored the main character, Mrs. Shirley who shows what it truly means to be positive and to love completely despite so many years of heartbreak.
Family is who we choose, not just who we are given. This is ultimately the theme within the pages of this wonderful story as Cash, a young neglected boy meets Mrs. Shirley, her son and her elderly pets that help and love him.
His promise is to reciprocate that devotion which is shown throughout the years as we follow and learn what caring for one another should be.
This is a tissue alert book! In fact take the whole box!
But.. it is a book not to be forgotten and should be read by all the world!
I will be buying this to save for my grandchildren to one day read!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read and review this ARC.
I love all of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books. There is so much meaning, lessons and love in each one.
The Other Kind of Lion is no exception.
I adored the main character, Mrs. Shirley who shows what it truly means to be positive and to love completely despite so many years of heartbreak.
Family is who we choose, not just who we are given. This is ultimately the theme within the pages of this wonderful story as Cash, a young neglected boy meets Mrs. Shirley, her son and her elderly pets that help and love him.
His promise is to reciprocate that devotion which is shown throughout the years as we follow and learn what caring for one another should be.
This is a tissue alert book! In fact take the whole box!
But.. it is a book not to be forgotten and should be read by all the world!
I will be buying this to save for my grandchildren to one day read!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Other Kind of Lion is a good, ok read although I have enjoyed some of the authors other books more so for me personally this fell a bit short. The authors writing is good and I was pulled into the story fairly quickly. The themes are of family, love, loss, kindness and hope. The story follows Shirley's life after she meets a young boy who makes a lasting impression on her. When she meets him years later he wants to be there for her as she was for him and makes good on his promises. I think the story is good although it is both overly sentimental and very predictable at times. Both Shirley and Cash are likeable and relateable and characterised well, and their strong bond shows that family isn't defined by blood. Overall a good, easy read but not one of my favourites by this author.
3 stars
3 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This newest book by Catherine Ryan Hyde is the story of Shirley and Cash. One is a war widow raising her two sons. The other is a lost little boy being raised by his older brother. Fate brings them into each other's lives. At first Shirley is the one saving Cash. She feeds him, gives him a safe space when life gets too hard, provides mothering when he needs it. When he suddenly disappears, she reluctantly moves on with her life but never forgets that special little boy. Over the next several decades they both grow older. Eventually he finds his way back to her, just when she needs it the most. I’ve loved everything written by this author and her latest is no exception. She has a way of creating characters that work their way into your heart. Five stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved the characters of Shirley and Cash. Their relationship was such a beautiful reminder of the unexpected ways people can become the greatest gifts in each other’s lives.
While the story was heartbreaking at times, the bond they shared made every difficult moment worthwhile. Catherine Ryan Hyde has a remarkable ability to create deeply human characters and stories that stay with you long after the final page.
I always feel privileged to read her books, and this was yet another unforgettable journey. Thank you, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for another beautiful read
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
While the story was heartbreaking at times, the bond they shared made every difficult moment worthwhile. Catherine Ryan Hyde has a remarkable ability to create deeply human characters and stories that stay with you long after the final page.
I always feel privileged to read her books, and this was yet another unforgettable journey. Thank you, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for another beautiful read
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for providing the copy of The Other Kind Of Lion by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I always look forward to the latest book by CRH because I know I’m in for a great read. I adored this book about loving your found family. It was so touching, it was like someone was cutting onions in the room with me. I won’t give anything away, because you should have the pleasure of discovering the story yourself, but trust me, this is a must-read. I’m still thinking about the characters and the life lessons. 5 brilliant stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A tender, heartwarming, and sometimes dark story about loving, caring, the complexity of human relations and the profound lifelong connections that can exist between people, “The Other Kind of Lion”, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, is an emotional read with compelling characters.
I loved that there’s caring, giving, retribution, and loving in general, between a group of unexpected characters where Shirley, the unassumed matriarch, leads by example. She’s someone who experienced pain and hurt but still shows an infinite ability to love and care,
The simplicity and humbleness of these lives and how acts of kindness and love later are kind of rewarded is powerful.
Cash’s early life is so hard, but the resillience and acceptance in such a young boy is hard to watch.
I loved how Shirley and her family became the family Cash needed and deserved.
There’s sadness, loss, and grief in the story, but also compassion, affection, love, and a cute slow-burn romance.
A well written and very enjoyable read, with some heartbreaking moments.
A tender, heartwarming, and sometimes dark story about loving, caring, the complexity of human relations and the profound lifelong connections that can exist between people, “The Other Kind of Lion”, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, is an emotional read with compelling characters.
I loved that there’s caring, giving, retribution, and loving in general, between a group of unexpected characters where Shirley, the unassumed matriarch, leads by example. She’s someone who experienced pain and hurt but still shows an infinite ability to love and care,
The simplicity and humbleness of these lives and how acts of kindness and love later are kind of rewarded is powerful.
Cash’s early life is so hard, but the resillience and acceptance in such a young boy is hard to watch.
I loved how Shirley and her family became the family Cash needed and deserved.
There’s sadness, loss, and grief in the story, but also compassion, affection, love, and a cute slow-burn romance.
A well written and very enjoyable read, with some heartbreaking moments.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this advanced copy. The Other Kind of Lion by Catherine Ryan Hide had a strong premise, and the emotional themes had potential, but overall, it didn’t fully land for me. I found the writing less engaging than I expected, which made it difficult to connect with the story and stay invested. While there were moments that hinted at something meaningful, the pacing and execution missed the mark for me. It wasn't a bad concept, but ultimately, it was a hard book to get into for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just love everything I've read from Catherine Ryan Hyde .Her books come to life. you read it as if you are part of the story. she takes the sad and makes it bearable. This book was so touching, Friendships, love, heartbreak, sadness, death, marriage, kids it had it all wrapped up in a wonderful story that just touches your heart. I loved everything about this book.
Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book
Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Other Kind of Lion by Catherine Ryan Hyde. This is a sweet story of the life of Mrs. Shirley. Her kindness to a young boy in need and how life eventually brings them back to the same place. Shirley once stood by Cash when he needed someone the most. Now it’s Cash’s turn to be there for Shirley, offering the same steady strength she once gave him.
June 27, 2026
Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. Anytime I see a Catherine Ryan Hyde book, I know I'm in for an emotional ride and this one was no different. It's a story filled with heartbreaking loss and deep sadness, but it never loses sight of hope. It reminds us of the importance of both the family we're born into and the family we find along the way.
Want to Read
June 20, 2026The Other Kind of Lion by Catherine Ryan Hyde is published by Lake Union. A stand alone multigen saga that spans decades.
Shirley and Cash's story spans decades. Is a story of loss, illness, grief, war and second chances.
The Other Kind of Lion is a heartwrenching pageturner. Knowing that this author will rip my heart apart with her newest book, I just couldn't wait to get my hands on it. And now I'm sitting here with a big bookhangover and put The Other Kind of Lion on my fav in 26 and re-read pile.
I highly recommend the book, all the stars.
Shirley and Cash's story spans decades. Is a story of loss, illness, grief, war and second chances.
The Other Kind of Lion is a heartwrenching pageturner. Knowing that this author will rip my heart apart with her newest book, I just couldn't wait to get my hands on it. And now I'm sitting here with a big bookhangover and put The Other Kind of Lion on my fav in 26 and re-read pile.
I highly recommend the book, all the stars.
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