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The Cat Lady Chronicles #1
CATALYST: Book One of the Cat Lady Chronicles
One tough cookie...
Felicity Cheshire has survived cancer, medical bankruptcy, and the world’s slimiest ex-husband. Now she’s about to be evicted from the ramshackle Airstream on the Oregon coast that's home for her and her twelve rescue cats. One last kitty... When her car breaks down during a freakish rainstorm, Felicity spies an injured tomcat on the roadside and thinks, “how much trouble can one more be?” A lot, as it turns out. Soon there’s a naked mystery man in her bed and her small-town, middle-aged existence careens to WTF? territory. Two weeks to save the world. With her posse of badass BFFs at her side, Felicity takes a terrifying journey from has-been to hero, where she must face her darkest fears in order to save those she loves. She might even have to attempt sit-ups.
Felicity Cheshire has survived cancer, medical bankruptcy, and the world’s slimiest ex-husband. Now she’s about to be evicted from the ramshackle Airstream on the Oregon coast that's home for her and her twelve rescue cats. One last kitty... When her car breaks down during a freakish rainstorm, Felicity spies an injured tomcat on the roadside and thinks, “how much trouble can one more be?” A lot, as it turns out. Soon there’s a naked mystery man in her bed and her small-town, middle-aged existence careens to WTF? territory. Two weeks to save the world. With her posse of badass BFFs at her side, Felicity takes a terrifying journey from has-been to hero, where she must face her darkest fears in order to save those she loves. She might even have to attempt sit-ups.
326 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2021
27 people are currently reading
1512 people want to read
About the author
Susan Donovan
46 books935 followersSUSAN DONOVAN's novels have won accolades for being witty, sexy, and entertaining. A former newspaper reporter with journalism degrees from Northwestern University, Susan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose novels have been translated into dozens of languages. Susan is a two-time RITA Award finalist, and her novel TAKE A CHANCE ON ME was named Best Contemporary Romance of 2003 by RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in New Mexico with her family and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 24, 2021
Q:
“Never fuck with an English teacher.” (c)
All the cats in the county synchronously decide that vising a Ms Cheshire (yes, CHESHIRE!) might be a great idea... and other weird stuff happening.
Q:
The car appeared as if by magic. The comforter was a gift from the gods. The cats were beamed down from outer space… (c)
Q:
Want to talk about superpowers? Let me tell you something, Tom, the public library is my superpower. (c)
Q:
These generic freeze-dried crystals made an elixir that tasted like liquified armpit hair. (c)
Q:
the trailer and all things in it were hers. Except for the clothes, books, CDs, and litterboxes, anyway. And the cats, who belonged only to themselves, as all cats did. Everything else—from the whistling kettle to the TV and the electricity it required—was hers. (c)
Q:
Nothing soothed Tasha’s accountant soul like a tidy balance sheet. (c)
Q:
They’d been filthy rich in those days—their currency strong arms, firm thighs, perky breasts, and the dimples displayed at the base of their spines. They called the shots with just a twitch of their hips or a flick of thick, glossy hair. (c)
Q:
Even if she weren’t bankrupt, jobless, scarred, and living in a tin can, the math didn’t add up. Any benefit a man might bring to her life was not worth the effort needed to acquire him. Maybe simple biology was a factor, too. (c)
Q:
Still chatting, Rich pointed his index finger at her, angled it downward, and twirled it clockwise through the air. This could mean any number of things. Perhaps he wanted her to take a seat in the waiting room. Maybe he expected her to fetch him a well-stirred coffee with one cream and one sugar. Or maybe he wanted her to pirouette like a music-box ballerina. (c)
Q:
“Seriously? Because that was some completely whacked shit, you know? Frogs just falling from the sky! And just before it suddenly got super dark—like a rando eclipse or something—and this giant hole opened up over town square and bam! Buckets of rain. Like a waterfall! It was straight out of an alien invasion movie or the Bible or something.” (c)
Q:
Marching scorpions? Pitch-dark skies? This can’t be right. (c)
Q:
Only a dangerously unbalanced individual would be staggering through the rain along a state highway with her ass hanging out, a milk jug swinging from her purse, and a balled-up coat in her arms. That coat could be hiding anything—a severed human head, a rancid Butterball turkey, or even a mostly dead cat. You couldn’t be too cautious in this day and age. (c)
Q:
What have you done with her body?”
“I believe her body is in town running an errand.” (c)
Q:
He knew the only way to handle a woman with secrets was not to handle her at all. (c)
Q:
If he’d learned anything on this trip to the earthly plane, it was that modern Americans were a confused blend of prude and profligate, bouncing from one extreme to the other and not finding joy in either place. (c)
Q:
...a one-man toga party. (c)
Q:
“OkCupid? Hinge? Tinder?”
“I don’t know what those are, Tash, and I’m guessing that’s a good thing.” (c)
Q:
“I know myself, though. And I can tell you that I get overwhelmed when I don’t have enough information. I become anxious and unpleasant to be around.”
“OK.”
“But once I have facts and context, I have knowledge, and knowledge settles my nerves and helps me focus. Knowledge is calm. Do you get what I’m saying?” (c)
Q:
The concoction smelled like unwashed butt crack, though she couldn’t tell Tasha that. “It sure makes a statement.” (c)
“Never fuck with an English teacher.” (c)
All the cats in the county synchronously decide that vising a Ms Cheshire (yes, CHESHIRE!) might be a great idea... and other weird stuff happening.
Q:
The car appeared as if by magic. The comforter was a gift from the gods. The cats were beamed down from outer space… (c)
Q:
Want to talk about superpowers? Let me tell you something, Tom, the public library is my superpower. (c)
Q:
These generic freeze-dried crystals made an elixir that tasted like liquified armpit hair. (c)
Q:
the trailer and all things in it were hers. Except for the clothes, books, CDs, and litterboxes, anyway. And the cats, who belonged only to themselves, as all cats did. Everything else—from the whistling kettle to the TV and the electricity it required—was hers. (c)
Q:
Nothing soothed Tasha’s accountant soul like a tidy balance sheet. (c)
Q:
They’d been filthy rich in those days—their currency strong arms, firm thighs, perky breasts, and the dimples displayed at the base of their spines. They called the shots with just a twitch of their hips or a flick of thick, glossy hair. (c)
Q:
Even if she weren’t bankrupt, jobless, scarred, and living in a tin can, the math didn’t add up. Any benefit a man might bring to her life was not worth the effort needed to acquire him. Maybe simple biology was a factor, too. (c)
Q:
Still chatting, Rich pointed his index finger at her, angled it downward, and twirled it clockwise through the air. This could mean any number of things. Perhaps he wanted her to take a seat in the waiting room. Maybe he expected her to fetch him a well-stirred coffee with one cream and one sugar. Or maybe he wanted her to pirouette like a music-box ballerina. (c)
Q:
“Seriously? Because that was some completely whacked shit, you know? Frogs just falling from the sky! And just before it suddenly got super dark—like a rando eclipse or something—and this giant hole opened up over town square and bam! Buckets of rain. Like a waterfall! It was straight out of an alien invasion movie or the Bible or something.” (c)
Q:
Marching scorpions? Pitch-dark skies? This can’t be right. (c)
Q:
Only a dangerously unbalanced individual would be staggering through the rain along a state highway with her ass hanging out, a milk jug swinging from her purse, and a balled-up coat in her arms. That coat could be hiding anything—a severed human head, a rancid Butterball turkey, or even a mostly dead cat. You couldn’t be too cautious in this day and age. (c)
Q:
What have you done with her body?”
“I believe her body is in town running an errand.” (c)
Q:
He knew the only way to handle a woman with secrets was not to handle her at all. (c)
Q:
If he’d learned anything on this trip to the earthly plane, it was that modern Americans were a confused blend of prude and profligate, bouncing from one extreme to the other and not finding joy in either place. (c)
Q:
...a one-man toga party. (c)
Q:
“OkCupid? Hinge? Tinder?”
“I don’t know what those are, Tash, and I’m guessing that’s a good thing.” (c)
Q:
“I know myself, though. And I can tell you that I get overwhelmed when I don’t have enough information. I become anxious and unpleasant to be around.”
“OK.”
“But once I have facts and context, I have knowledge, and knowledge settles my nerves and helps me focus. Knowledge is calm. Do you get what I’m saying?” (c)
Q:
The concoction smelled like unwashed butt crack, though she couldn’t tell Tasha that. “It sure makes a statement.” (c)
October 20, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining story of a woman who has lost just about everything except for her self respect and empathy. Felicity has no job, no home of her own and has valiantly fought the big C in spite of her cheating scum bag husband. She is virtually destitute and forced to rely on her best friend but even that solid relationship is cracking a little as Tasha has a new and somewhat slimy man. Its ok though Felicity will try to keep going but saving a wounded cat starts a series of events that really do bring out her fighting spirit !
I absolutely loved Felicity and she really was an awesome, not to mention awe inspiring character. I could so easily feel the love between her and her friend Tasha too and they might be completely different personalities but even that felt realistic. Look I love a good paranormal yarn so having a shape shifting cat telling Felicity she had to save the world was fine with me. Sadly "Tom" just didn't feel quite as fleshed out as a character and I really wanted more from him then just him trying to get Felicity to do drills. I did enjoy other side characters though and there's a lot of sly humour worked in here which kept me eagerly turning the pages. I won't betray the end but its one that leads the way clear for these fun characters to come back and who knows maybe save the world for good this time !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I absolutely loved Felicity and she really was an awesome, not to mention awe inspiring character. I could so easily feel the love between her and her friend Tasha too and they might be completely different personalities but even that felt realistic. Look I love a good paranormal yarn so having a shape shifting cat telling Felicity she had to save the world was fine with me. Sadly "Tom" just didn't feel quite as fleshed out as a character and I really wanted more from him then just him trying to get Felicity to do drills. I did enjoy other side characters though and there's a lot of sly humour worked in here which kept me eagerly turning the pages. I won't betray the end but its one that leads the way clear for these fun characters to come back and who knows maybe save the world for good this time !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
September 9, 2023
This was fantastic from start to finish. Characters that I could absolutely relate to, and root for, a plot that was fast paced, and just pulled me in, it had all the elements for a book that I absolutely love.
April 27, 2022
The best book I have read in a long time.
In this difficult times we live in it is so easy to forget what it means to be a woman . We all matter and what we do matters. Also as a middle age lover of cats this book really spoke to me plus it made me laugh something I don't do often. Thank you for those wonderful moments this book provided me. Can't wait to read next one.
In this difficult times we live in it is so easy to forget what it means to be a woman . We all matter and what we do matters. Also as a middle age lover of cats this book really spoke to me plus it made me laugh something I don't do often. Thank you for those wonderful moments this book provided me. Can't wait to read next one.
February 19, 2022
Wonderfully & Unique PWF book!
When I read the description for this book it immediately caught my imagination. With everyone jumping on the PWF bandwagon; this book is a breathe of fresh air! I'm a "CAT" person myself, so that appealed to me too. This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I felt for the main main character Felicity; but she really never felt sorry for herself. She has had almost every horrible thing a woman could go through happen to her. This book is about the power of women and how if we as females could work together instead of tearing each other down...Then they can together make the impossible happen. Plus it did not escape my attention that the only real male main character is the type of man who respects women and treats them like an equal (even though he is a far superior being)! I noted my favorite passage in this book. It gave me goosebumps.
If you are looking for a read that will make you proud to be a woman, then pick this book up! You will be flying braless by the end! LOVED IT! 👍👍
When I read the description for this book it immediately caught my imagination. With everyone jumping on the PWF bandwagon; this book is a breathe of fresh air! I'm a "CAT" person myself, so that appealed to me too. This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I felt for the main main character Felicity; but she really never felt sorry for herself. She has had almost every horrible thing a woman could go through happen to her. This book is about the power of women and how if we as females could work together instead of tearing each other down...Then they can together make the impossible happen. Plus it did not escape my attention that the only real male main character is the type of man who respects women and treats them like an equal (even though he is a far superior being)! I noted my favorite passage in this book. It gave me goosebumps.
If you are looking for a read that will make you proud to be a woman, then pick this book up! You will be flying braless by the end! LOVED IT! 👍👍
October 27, 2021
Blurb:
One tough cookie…
Felicity Cheshire has survived cancer, medical bankruptcy, and the world’s slimiest ex-husband. Now she’s about to be evicted from the ramshackle Airstream on the Oregon coast that’s home for her and her twelve rescue cats.
One last kitty…
When her car breaks down during a freakish rainstorm, Felicity spies an injured tomcat on the roadside and thinks, “how much trouble can one more be?” A lot, as it turns out. Soon there’s a naked mystery man in her bed and her small-town, middle-aged existence careens to WTF? territory.
Two weeks to save the world.
With her posse of badass BFFs at her side, Felicity takes a terrifying journey from has-been to hero, where she must face her darkest fears in order to save those she loves. She might even have to attempt sit-ups.
One tough cookie…
Felicity Cheshire has survived cancer, medical bankruptcy, and the world’s slimiest ex-husband. Now she’s about to be evicted from the ramshackle Airstream on the Oregon coast that’s home for her and her twelve rescue cats.
One last kitty…
When her car breaks down during a freakish rainstorm, Felicity spies an injured tomcat on the roadside and thinks, “how much trouble can one more be?” A lot, as it turns out. Soon there’s a naked mystery man in her bed and her small-town, middle-aged existence careens to WTF? territory.
Two weeks to save the world.
With her posse of badass BFFs at her side, Felicity takes a terrifying journey from has-been to hero, where she must face her darkest fears in order to save those she loves. She might even have to attempt sit-ups.
February 16, 2022
*Copy provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
This was an immensly fun start of a new trilogy. When I read the premise - a fifty something cat lady (with 12 cats) that has nothing left in life except the felines and her dignity rescues a 13th cat and now has got two weeks to save the world - I laughed out loud and prepared to be amused. And so I was. Not only it presents a lot of kittens and a powerful woman, it also brings forth an important point: age is a number, and what matters is what is within. And cats. Always cats.
An enjoyable story filled with fun moments and empowering ones too. Worth the read for the cat-lady inside us.
This was an immensly fun start of a new trilogy. When I read the premise - a fifty something cat lady (with 12 cats) that has nothing left in life except the felines and her dignity rescues a 13th cat and now has got two weeks to save the world - I laughed out loud and prepared to be amused. And so I was. Not only it presents a lot of kittens and a powerful woman, it also brings forth an important point: age is a number, and what matters is what is within. And cats. Always cats.
An enjoyable story filled with fun moments and empowering ones too. Worth the read for the cat-lady inside us.
October 21, 2021
Buckle up for this wild, rollicking read. Felicity Cheshire lives with 12 cats in an Airstream trailer, and when she rescues number 13 discovers she now must save the world. Susan Donovan and Valerie Mayhew create an impressive cast of characters, then send them all on an imaginative and captivating adventure. Catalyst is a real treat, so relax and suspend disbelief to enjoy this magical tale. Even better, this is Book One in the Cat Lady Chronicles, so there will be more adventures in the future.
February 27, 2022
A heroine who is middle-aged, broke, recently divorced and staying in an air-stream trailer with twelve cats must save the world. Might not be your typical story, but it may become your favorite series. This is book #1 of a 3-part fantasy that will have you laughing with this wacky collection of oddballs and their witty banter as they are lead by a hunky guy who used to be a cat on their mission. A 5-star read!
November 23, 2021
Not gonna sugar coast it — the beginning of this book was rough on me. Everything that could go wrong was wrong and I felt every low. (This is really a compliment about how well written this book is). By the end, I’d laughed, cried, and even hooted once or twice. Can’t wait for more Crazy Cat Lady.
January 25, 2022
This book got my attention when I saw it was about cats, saving the world, and some ancient Egyptian history thrown in. This book had it all, humor, adventure, and some romance! A terrific read that made me want to get the second book in the trilogy just to find out it hasn’t been released yet!! No spoilers!!! Just get this book and you won’t be disappointed!!
February 27, 2022
Here’s a heroine I could really cheer for: she’s recently divorced, out of shape, out of money, down on her luck, BUT with lots of cats on the plus side. Save the world, sure thing. Hunky feline guy, sounds reasonable to me. Then literary comparisons to butt cracks that made me snort- I’m all in with humor like that. Great series beginning and I’m wanting to read more now!
October 16, 2021
AWESOME
Oh my goodness! Love 💘 💘 this series! Cats 🐱🐱🐱 and more cats. I'm happy Thanks for. envisioning this wild story
Oh my goodness! Love 💘 💘 this series! Cats 🐱🐱🐱 and more cats. I'm happy Thanks for. envisioning this wild story
October 23, 2021
This is the first book in The Cat Lady Chronicles, and entertaining reading doesn't get much better than this! Paranormal fiction will never be the same. Highly recommended.
December 22, 2021
What a book
I loved it had to make myself put it down to go to sleep. I couldn't put it down for the last two chapters.
I loved it had to make myself put it down to go to sleep. I couldn't put it down for the last two chapters.
February 11, 2022
Exciting and very creative writing. Fascinating character development and characters. Writers have wonderful vivid imagantions. Fun story line to follow. Cannot wait for more. A very good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2021
Unexpectedly great
Not the usual Susan Donovan in many ways (I’ve been a fan for years) but exciting and funny and original to my eyes. Glad I read it. (Stealing Taffy is her best book though).
Not the usual Susan Donovan in many ways (I’ve been a fan for years) but exciting and funny and original to my eyes. Glad I read it. (Stealing Taffy is her best book though).
August 7, 2022
Fun fantasy / chic lit combo
November 11, 2022
I enjoyed Felicia and her crew but thought the world building was too convoluted.
February 26, 2023
I had to stop when the stray cat turned into a smoking hot hunky man. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2022
Engaging
Enjoyable first in series. Unusual premise and engaging characters. Great flow kept my interest up and the pages turning. Recommend
Enjoyable first in series. Unusual premise and engaging characters. Great flow kept my interest up and the pages turning. Recommend
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews