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All the Furs and Feathers

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In this cozy animal fantasy, Smokey, an architect employed by Fluffington ArCATecture, lands the account of her dreams -- designing the first ever cat park in Faunaburg. Her boss, Abigail Fluffington, says that if Smokey is successful, she'll become a partner and inherit the business.

A dream come true? There’s one problem. The proposed park is adjacent to Rodent Way. Activist Jerome J. Ratley, quickly forms R.A.T. (Rodent Action Taskforce) and stages a protest.

Meanwhile, Smokey’s lovable but quirky sister and cooking savant, Autumn Amelia, is busy dishing up meals too delicious for any fur or feather to resist. And wandering uninvited into the kitchens of local restaurants to improve their recipes.

Together with their furred and feathered friends, Smokey and Autumn Amelia must find a way to make the proposed park a reality. But how to abolish the long-standing animosity between felines and rodents?

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

3 people are currently reading
2009 people want to read

About the author

Eileen O'Finlan

6 books220 followers
Eileen O’Finlan lives in central Massachusetts with a calico Maine Coon cat named Autumn Amelia who likes to "help" her with her historical research and writing mostly by shoving her research books onto the floor, sleeping on her keyboard, and demanding treats at inopportune moments. Eileen loves Autumn Amelia.

Eileen also loves history which is why she went back to college in her late twenties to earn an undergraduate degree in it. She later retunred to college for a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry. Now she teaches online courses for the University of Dayton, Ohio. Seems she can't get enough of college.

She also can't get enough of books - reading and writing them. And cats. She can't get enough of cats. Since she's had at least one since the age of six, she can't comprehend life without a cat.

Find out more about Eileen O’Finlan at www.eileenofinlan.com , https://www.facebook.com/eileenofinla... , https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee... , https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B...

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5 stars
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3 (23%)
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1 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Geff Ratcheson.
250 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I didn't realize when I offered to review this that it was a children's book. But I stayed with it, & the last 10% really made it worth it; I cried through that ending 10%.

The book is a bit tough to describe. It features animals with very human traits (they eat human food with a little bit of that animal's regular diet thrown in), they wear clothes, they all speak, they're intelligent, & they're quite prejudiced (in some cases with good reason due to traumatic events).

Autumn Amelia is the best chef in the world, Abigail owns a very successful ArCATechture firm, Smokerina is a successful architech & program manager, etc. Most of the characters have emotional issues to work through.

There also lots of rodents, some Birds, a dog or 2 & more.

My take is for most children this would aimed towards 4th - 6th grade reading level. Some intelligent younger children may be able to read it, also. My concern is with the part at the end that I like the most: it will either go right over the children's head's, or it could have a very positive impact on the child.

I'm going to avoid spoilers, though I think it's unlikely that kids will read this review!

The end made sitting through the rest worthwhile, but most of this is not intended for adults (which is ok, but I wish I would have known!)

The author really loves cats (as I do), & that comes through.
224 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2023
3.5 stars, cute story nice break from reading heavier stories. If your an animal lover you’ll enjoy it!
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,731 reviews50 followers
January 13, 2023
All the Furs and Feathers is Book 1 in the Cat Tales by Eileen O'Finlan. I thought that this story was excellent and unique. The characters are cats, rodents, coyotes, and other animals. I think that this is a story about racism with the natural enemies wanting to come together in peace. Very interesting story and also lots of humor. I am looking forward to reading book 2 and see what the characters are doing next. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
97 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2023
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

I’ve just finished All the furs and feathers by Eileen O’Finlan. This is a sweet funny book about acceptance and repentance.

Autumn Amelia and Smokey are sister cats, Smokey works as an architect and Autumn Amelia is a baker.

The story revolves around their personal growth. Autumn Amelia is a remarkable savant baker but she is timid and because of an incident in childhood doesn’t believe she is a real cat. Smokey is terrified of coyotes from an incident in her childhood.

Smokey is tasked with drawing up plans for a Catpark which adjoins an area exclusively inhabited by rodents who are, understandably, alarmed at the prospect.

In attempting to bring the park to fruition both sisters and their friends achieve both personal and species growth.

This book is of course and allegory of how we should all behave and accept and treat one another as friends and neighbours.

I enjoyed it although it is somewhat simplistic but the sentiments are admirable and the book is sweet and charming.
Profile Image for Book Reviewer.
4,762 reviews441 followers
April 20, 2023
All the Furs and Feathers, the inaugural novel in the Cat Tales Series by the talented author Eileen O'Finlan, is a captivating animal fiction that will steal your heart. The story revolves around the lives of Smokerina and Autumn Amelia, two feline sisters who are coping with the loss of their parents and living together in a cozy cottage. Autumn, renowned for her culinary skills, is regarded as the finest baker in the world, while Smokey, a talented architect, works at Fluffington ArCATecture.

When Smokey lands the project of her career, constructing the first cat park, Abigail Fluffington promises to make her a partner if the project succeeds. Simultaneously, Smokey has the opportunity to work on a project that has the potential to revolutionize animal relations forever. Throughout the story, readers will witness the heartwarming moments shared by family, friends, and strangers with similar interests, as well as the reconciliation between age-old foes, such as cats and rodents.

The author employs personification throughout the book to drive the plot forward, imbuing animals with human-like characteristics while still preserving their species-specific traits. Many of the animals are dressed like humans; some even work and drive, have access to education and recreation and dine on human food. Despite this, some cats question their feline nature, while others suffer from mental health issues. Additionally, the author's witty use of cat puns adds a charming touch while keeping cats at the forefront of the narrative.

In my opinion, All the Furs and Feathers is a true masterpiece. The story's concept is symbolic, and the characters are utterly lovable. The narrative is also an allegory for social divide, activism, and the pursuit of equality, as some animals strive to coexist peacefully with one another. This is an ideal book for cat and animal lovers of all ages. I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel, and I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a heartwarming read.
Profile Image for Cindy Kazanovicz.
2 reviews
February 2, 2023
This is a fun story for all ages. Anyone who likes animals at all will get a charge out of the characters. A cat who's an architect with a furry sister who's a chef. Squirrels who make deliveries on a bicycle. A mouse who designs and sews clothing. You can read this book as a fun piece of fluff but if you look a little closer, you will find that it's all about acceptance and caring for each other. A feel-good story. I can hardly wait for Book II.
Profile Image for Eileen Charbonneau.
Author 33 books57 followers
February 4, 2025
The gang is back and the joint is jumping in this new (?) genre...cat fiction! Wedding plans are hilarious. It's a good thing Catzilla bride has a kind and tolerant groom. Family issues and lost members are found to heartwarming resolution. The series continues to blend family, friendship, and fun. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Andrea Kenner.
18 reviews
May 13, 2023
Delightful!

What a delightful tale, especially if you were a member of the Catster Community! Here, you’ll find brusselball, and Spa Meow, and a story that sings along right to the very end!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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