There is nothing more pure and sacred than being loved by a cat. That’s what Michelle always told anyone who would listen. Then again, nothing hurts worse than having to say goodbye too soon. Still reeling from the unexpected loss, she helps other hurting pets and their owners through the grieving process in her new career as a hospice veterinarian. Just as one death changed her whole life, so too will another. This time the devastating murder of someone especially close to her heart. Losing Blackjack set Michelle on a new career path; now this second loss will invite new love into her life in the form of a handsome detective just as committed to securing justice as she is to finding meaning in all the dark turns her life has taken. This evocative and bittersweet exploration of life, death, and what lies beyond is wrapped lovingly in the pages of an engaging murder mystery. Anyone who has ever loved and lost is sure to recognize themselves in Michelle, which makes the happy ending she eventually achieves that much sweeter.
Kim Cano is the author of seven women's fiction novels: A Widow Redefined, On the Inside, Eighty and Out, His Secret Life, When the Time Is Right, The Healing Train, and My Twin in Budapest.
She writes emotionally charged book club reads about second chances, family life, and friendship.
Kim's novelette, The Rescue, is available for free on her website.
If you are looking for a light read, do not pick up this book. But if you are looking for a book that will punch your soul then by all means read this one.
This book is billed as a mystery, and while there are some mystery aspects, I really felt like it was a book about family and surviving a tragedy. You can really feel the grief from the various characters and the various stages. I appreciated that they sought solace in each other and in a support group too.
Michelle is a veterinarian that has decided to move into home euthanasia for those pets that are ready to cross the rainbow bridge. I wish I had someone like her a few years ago when it was time for ours to cross. Each story is heartbreaking but cathartic at the same time. I like how she eventually asks them to share a funny story about their pet. What a great way to bring back some happy memories for the pet owners. I think it also helps her miss her cat a little less. I found it interesting that she spoke to a psychic that shared some details with her about her cat, Blackjack, and how he was going to help her. Granted it was a little vague because if we knew exactly how life was going to turn out it wouldn't be interesting. Anyway, I say this because I spoke to a psychic when my first dog passed. It was quite an interesting experience.
I enjoyed the closeness of Michelle to her mom and twin sister. They only had each other after her father passed away when she was younger and despite all, they remained close even to the present. A tragedy could have easily torn them all apart, but it actually brought them closer.
I was intrigued by the mystery aspect and wondered if the crime would be solved. It was hard on everyone in the family and I appreciated the grief support group that they attended to try and get through what happened. Now, I have to say when the perpetrator of the crime was uncovered, I don't know that it was really known if this person was guilty or not. Events occurred that don't allow us to truly know the answer. But Michelle did receive some closure to the crime.
There is even a bit of romance for Michelle and I appreciated that they took it slow and took the time to get to know one another especially after the crime threw them together.
This was a very enjoyable book but definitely sad and perhaps a bit heavy considering the subject matter. But we still enjoyed it and give it 4 paws up.
This novel really runs the gamut of almost every emothion that can be felt--definitely emotionally charged. the characters come to life as they go through the trials and tribulations of the occurrences. You will feel as if you are living the scenes with them.
Michelle Catalano's boyfriend has recently decided to take a job in another state. And her best friend, Blackjack-her cat, has recently gone over the Rainbow Bridge. Her current job has her as a Vet who visits people in their homes and helps them send their beloved pets over the Rainbow Bridge. She tries her hardest to make it as painless as possible for the people involved and actually does a very good job. Someone tells her about a pet psychic who can connect her with Blackjack. She tries it--but what she is told makes her slightly skeptical and a bit confused. So what else could go wrong?
Her twin sister, Paige, is about to have a baby. The baby shower is the next day. Michelle goes over to Paige's house and finds her lying on her kitchen floor-shot through the head! The grieving the family goes through is heartbreaking. What they want most is the person who did it to be caught! But they do attempt to get on with their lives--The police keep hitting roadblocks
But that cat psychic had told Michelle that Blackjack would be there when she really needed him! To find out how that did happen you will have to read this book. This novel does end on a happy couple of notes.
And in case you are wondering--yes--I had a cat, Gremlin, who does come visit me on occasion. I feel him jump on my bed (and it is not my current cat, Baby who is already asleep on my bed or in the other room.
I was given a copy of 'When the Time Is Right' by Kim Cano in exchange for an honest review. The story is unique and I have never read a book quite like it.
The book is about Michelle, a young woman who works giving animals their angel wings when their time is up. She enjoyed learning about each of their lives, and how fond their relatives are, and writes eulogies and ensure they have a respectful and kind send-off.
Her job also provides Michelle with a lot of time to think, mulling over thoughts of her ex-boyfriend Matt, and her deceased cat Blackjack, and missing them. So when he best friend Nathan who is like a brother to her discusses a pet medium he has read about, Michelle is sceptically intrigued, wondering whether there is any truth in the stories. Reaching out to the spiritualist, Michelle takes a chance, learning that Blackjack is still very much present, and ensures that he is keeping a watchful eye over her.
Unfortunately despite how comforting the reading initially is, Michelle also receives some rather unsettling news, news that puts her on edge and takes her out of her comfort zone. And when Michelle's family suffers an incredible loss, Michelle is very much reliant on those around her to help her through.
With the charming introduction of Bruce, a kind policeman who vows to bring their family justice, Michelle is determined to find answers.
This was a compelling read, and the first chapter reeled me in. I loved the originality of the story, and Cano wrote in a flow that enabled me to breeze through the story, dying to seek the answers for myself.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy suspense and intrigue, but also those looking to get a flavour of something different. This was a new to me author, but I look forward to enjoying more of Cano's writing.
Veterinarian Michelle Catalano has the unique but difficult job that focuses on helping people’s beloved pets cross the Rainbow Bridge. She is still healing from losing her own cat, Blackjack, and also from her breakup with her boyfriend. Feeling alone and a little lost, she goes to a pet psychic for a reading and receives a dark warning that turns her blood cold. Not long after that, a tragic murder devastates her family, and Michelle is determined to find answers. But her search for the truth could place her own life in danger.
When the Time is Right is a page-turning story of a baffling murder and a family trying to understand why it has happened to them. It is also a story of a woman who finds strength during a stressful time by feeling the presence of her beloved cat that has passed. It’s a heart-wrenching story about loss and coming to terms with a tragic death, while finding hope for the future. Perfect for mystery/suspense fans who are pet lovers too.
When the Time is Right took me on a roller coaster of emotions! I laughed, I cried, was horrified and surprised. All within a fairly short novel. Kim Cano is a heartfelt writer, who wrings the emotion out of you.
Michelle Catalano is a trained veterinarian who now does housecalls to allow pets to pass at home, in their family's arms. The job is an emotional one, but she loves knowing the the animals and their families are together in a peaceful place. Since her beloved cat passed, she reached out to a pet psychic and got a very strange response.
Michelle's life is mostly work and visiting with family, along with excitement about becoming an aunt. When tragedy strikes her family, the whole family must band together and help each other and the investigation. As Michelle gets closer to the lead detective on the case, romance is afoot.
Will they bring the murderer to justice? Will Michelle and Bruce find love? And will the pet psychic help Michelle heal?
Michelle was still mourning the loss of her cat Blackjack when her pregnant twin sister Paige is murdered. Michelle had been warned by a psychic that something would happen. She just thought the psychic was a fake, but now that she was proven authentic, Michelle watches for her Blackjack to return. Will his spirit be able to help her during her greatest need?
I wasn’t sure how this story was going to play out, so it had me suspicious of everyone’s intent. Gladly though, it ended exactly the way I had hoped it would. I felt each character’s emotions deeply. This was an eye-opening story that makes you truly grateful for the people in your life.
Kim Cano has written one of the most unique and intriguing books that I've read in a long time! I'm not crazy about cats (well, animals in general inside the home because of my allergies); but I do appreciate the bond that forms between an animal and their person.
Michelle's profession is one that piqued my interest. She is compassionate and ensures that only the good memories are left behind as pets cross the Rainbow Bridge. She experiences all the emotions that accompany the procedures; but is professional, too.
After losing her boyfriend, her beloved cat, and now a close family member, Michelle is forced to face a difficult time in her life that seems to help bring her more to life. She becomes involved in the investigation while simultaneously trying to keep her life moving forward on a personal and professional level.
Being a firm believer that we are all given things we need exactly when we need them, I quickly became wrapped up in this story. I felt the pain of loss as well as happiness in the gains that Michelle and several other characters find throughout the book.
This book is very well-balanced in the animal/cat aspect of the storyline, as well as the romance and mystery/investigation. All of the characters stand out and can be visualized as real, every day people. Once I got to the part of Michelle's interaction with the pet psychic, I knew I wouldn't be able to put this book down. The pace keeps your heart turning with each page, curious and anxious.
Kim Cano easily earns a 5-Star rating on this title -- absolutely in the top 5 books I've read this year!
Special thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy to read. All opinions are my own!
I got a new book to share with you. This one is a bit of a murder mystery and family love and triumph. It's a book that draws you in if you love mysteries that leave you trying to figure it all out. I love books that bring out my inner detective. This book is called When The Time Is Right by Kim Cano. You will love it!
This story is about a veterinarian named Michelle who helps animals get their wings and cross that rainbow bridge safely and humanely. Michelle lost her cat Blackjack which she is still coping with and her boyfriend left her too. She is going through alot when her best friend decides to take her to a psychic who tells her unbelievable things. She tells her Blackjack is coming back to her but she will go through something tragic first. She brushes this off until her pregnant twin sister is brutally murdered. She and her family want justice and answers. The police keep hitting roadblock after roadblock. It is so frustrating.
Michelle meets a detective named Bruce who vows to help her family find the person and bring them to justice. Michelle decides to also investigate herself and see if she can get anything new that the police can't find. This leads her on a journey that keeps you guessing and searching with her the whole time.
I definitely recommend this book if you love suspenseful books. I couldn't put it down! It draws you in and makes you feel like you are a detective in the case too. You must pick up this book today. You will be glad you did!
A story that will be well received by all animal and mystery lovers.
Veterinarian Michelle already has one of the hardest jobs to deal with, which is to send pets to the other side of Rainbow bridge in the comfort of their own homes with their loved ones beside them. She then loses her own cat, Blackjack, as well as finding herself newly single, her emotions are running high and she feels lost and alone, apart from her family close to hand. A friend mentions a medium who can connect with animals and she ponders on whether to try it or not. She decides to speak to the medium who tells her that Blackjack will return when the time is right but also gives her a stark warning, which unfortunately does come true.
A sudden murder leaves the close family in shock and feeling helpless, as they try to grasp for clues to given them some idea why it had happened. The story follows their emotional journey on discovering the truth, as well as looking out for each other.
You become connected to the characters and their daily lives, and the author keeps you gripped to find out the truth and whether Blackjack does indeed return or not.
This story captured my heart from the first chapter. Dr. Michelle is a compassionate veterinarian who helps animals and their humans as the beloved pet transitions to Rainbow Bridge. That is always a hard thing to go through and this is a wonderful service to provide. She loves her animals.
And then the unthinkable happens. The drama and pain that Michelle had to endure drew me further into the story until I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Her life is a roller-coaster ride as the ups and downs of her search for answers keeps her motivated to move forward.
Kim Cano is a new-to-me author but I loved the twists and turns of this story as well as the love and compassion shown to animals that is apparent throughout the whole book. This is a dramatic, emotional, engaging story while still be being beautiful and heart-warming. I'm definitely going to be checking out more of her stories!
I am not a cat person but a dog lover. I love all animals in general. This book is so emotional. I did not cry but I felt their emotions so raw and deep. This is my very first book from the author. I am a new fan.
The main character's job is not easy. I am not sure if I can handle it myself. It will be a hot mess. She did a phenomenal job. Seeing death in my job is too hard for me to take in. I lose our Pitbull female dog a year and 4 months ago. We missed her every day. She is one of the best dogs we will ever have. This book gives me the closure and hopes that Maggie is having fun over the Rainbow Bridge with the rest of her furry friends.
The book is so intense as well. It will put you to the edge of your seat. Losing a dog is hard for me and worst if somebody you loved. Prepare not to lose hope, keep on fighting, and cherish the ones you loved the most.
This is an unusual story for those who like stories where animal characters feature and enjoy a murder mystery. There are elements of the paranormal in this story, and it's an emotional read.
Michelle has a job that takes its toll emotionally and demands an empathetic nature towards animals and their humans. Grieving the loss of her cat companion, and her human boyfriend, she approaches a medium for a psychic reading. The results are disturbing, and when a tragic event occurs, she needs the support of her cat, if only in spirit.
This is a well-thought murder mystery with a psychic twist. It explores the emotions surrounding the sudden loss of a loved one, and that love can transcend death. The plot flows well, the characters are relatable, and the paranormal elements give depth to the plot.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
If you are looking for something emotional but a little different this would make a perfect read.
I dove right into this book for the name of it alone. My son has been wanting a dog for some time but the timing for us is not working and I keep saying to him "When The Time Is Right" it will happen! And, I believe this for so many things in life. This book just reinstated it for me. Timing is so important and well worth the wait. The story of Michelle pulled me in and I enjoyed the other characters and story line from front to back. I could not put this book down and it left me a believer in things I didn't think could be possible. It also gave me hope and made me smile throughout. I would recommend to all animal lovers and those waiting for their right time. I received this book through a book tour.
Michelle is a veterinarian who does in-home euthanasia allowing animals to pass to the Rainbow Bridge from the comfort and safety of their own home. She loves her job but has an emptiness in her life due to the passing of her own cat, Blackjack, and her ex-boyfriend moving away. At the advice of a friend and her sister, Michelle gets a reading from a pet medium that is both accurate and dark so she tries to forget it. But when a murder rocks the family, the reading keeps coming back to mind. She does begin a relationship with the homicide detective, Bruce, which fills a hole in her heart. Will a cat enter her life too?
I truly loved this book which was a fantastic and heartwarming read. You'll find yourself experiencing a wide range of emotions while reading from laughter to tears. It's well-written with well-rounded characters and it will pull you in from the beginning, keeping you hooked until the end. This book is a definite page-turner, I didn't want to put it down and I highly recommend it.
I enjoy this book. It did make me get teary and makes me wonder if it is possible that our little fur friends are still with us. I have my dog for 12 years now and I can’t imagine me without him. It was a different and interesting read. It is a side that we don’t usually hear about like the process after they pass away or what do they do when it happens. It gives you some information regarding that. I love the cover of the book such a beautiful cat. But that’s not all the book is about it talks about her skills in finding out more Information about the mysterious murder. And it has some romance too. Thank you.
4.5 Stars Boy was this a good book. I'm a cat lover so I couldn't pass this book up. This book pulled at all my emotions. The tears were flowing while reading this one. It ripped my heart out. I had to pause a bit after an intense moment for Michelle that will forever change her life. That part just ripped my heart out. This book also gave me the sense of hope. Michelle with the help of her beloved Blackjack may find something so unexpected. I would highly recommend this one. It gives you heart and feels, but prepared to cry with this one. I loved the cats in this book. That was definitely the big draw for me. I really liked Michelle's job. It's has to be emotionally draining, but so rewarding at the same time. Don't miss this book!
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading When the Time is Right by Kim Cano. This book took me through every range of emotions and back again. I loved the connection Michelle has with the animals throughout this book. This was so different than what I have read recently and it was just what I needed. Once I started reading this unique story pulled me in and I didn't want to put it down. I will be looking for more from this author in the future.
Multidimensional story with wonderful, realistic characters and loving, devoted animal family members.
The best part is if you’ve ever suffered the heartache of losing an animal whom you loved, this book validates what you already know in your heart. They’re still devoted to you and watching over you, even from the Rainbow Bridge!!
If you enjoy well crafted characters, especially the furry kind, multidimensional plots and thought provoking topics this book is for you. I didn’t want to put it down.
Can’t wait to explore more stories from this very talented writer!!
Our book club loved When the Time Is Right. It was a unique tale of tragedy, healing after loss, with a sprinkle of the supernatural. It totally stole our hearts! I highly recommend this book to all readers.
I want to thank kim cano & love books tours for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book! Wow, this book definitely struck several different cords in me. From the beginning I felt emotionally invested and it had me in tears quite a few times. I really struggled to put this one down. Throughout the book I was left searching for answers, and usually in some books you can guess what is going to happen however with this I had totally no idea and it left me at the edge of my seat at quite a few times. This sometimes made me question certain characters' however I was wrong on all counts. I do wish I could read this all over again from the beginning so I didn’t know what was going to happen. I loved Kims writing style throughout this book. I would definitely recommend giving this a read!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and will have a review up on my blog in the coming weeks! This book sat for me right between 3 and 4 stars, but given that it’s self published I bumped it up to 4 - as it didn’t read at all like a self published book. The story was short but interesting and incredibly unique. I’ve never read anything with such a focus on pet psychics before; and the murder mystery aspect was interesting and kept me interested- though I did find myself sceptical about the level of detail they were given throughout - though with a policeman in the family it was perhaps understandable.
no matter what I guessed would happen next - did not. The twists and turns in this book are not the normal expected ones. This made the story line both surprising and enjoyable.
Will keep you guessing until the middle of the book who can you trust and tell what. However Cano provided information from mediums read when Michelle and her mom had a conversation.
Thanks To the author and lovebookstours for my digital copy of this book in return for my own honest review. I really enjoyed this book, it is emotional. in this book we read about Michelle, a veterinarian who travels to her patients home to put them to sleep, she has just lost her cat blackjack and her friends girlfriend gives her a book about a pet psychic, She speaks to her twin sister Paige who is pregnant about the psychic and its Paige who presures Michelle into getting a reading done by this so called pet psychic. Michelle gets her reading from the pet psychic and the one statement that sticks with her " Blackjack will save you from yourself" unfortunatly not long after the reading michelle finds Paige dead at her home in the kitchen she has been shot in the head.From loosing blackjack to loosing her twin sister and her unborn neice, can things get better?? I really want to tell you more about this story but I don't want to ruin it for you.