on sale
December 18
"I worry most of all about the youngest boy.
Bad things have been happening lately. Unpredictable things, that I don’t see coming."
synopsis
Lily and Charlie are best friends: a boy and his cat. So when Lily sees Charlie’s bruises and realizes someone is hurting him, she is determined to get to the bottom of things. Who would do something so terrible? But Lily is up against many challenges in trying to get her family to focus on Charlie.
Lily thinks Mom’s new best friend is charming, but he’s also a stranger. Kevin, the oldest boy, is falling apart because he misses his dad, who was kicked out months earlier. Victoria, the middle child, has a boyfriend who Lily despises and suspects may be Charlie's bully.
Most strangely, why is Dad carrying his gun, even when he’s off-duty?
Lily knows what it's like to feel helpless. But she also knows you don't always have to be the biggest or the strongest to fight fiercely for your family...
NOW Available in LARGE PRINT!
Large print edition.
“This is a truly special book, one that captured my heart from the very first line. THE ASTONISHING THING feels like a bit of a miracle and we all could use a miracle.”
“A unique and poignant tale of a family’s struggle as witnessed by someone who sees everything...a triumphant debut for Sandi Ward.”
“Devastatingly original.”
“Masterful in its telling, and weaving a complex story about mental illness, the complexities of love, and finding hope when all seems lost, this story will break your heart, and put it back together page by page.”
“This charming novel reminds us that love and salvation can come in the most unexpected ways. I suspect all of us will look at our cats differently after reading this book.”
“The book touches on some of the darker turns in life...the cat’s personality and insights are so unsparing that it pulled me though this rich novel.”
“An incredibly sweet and charming novel—but it doesn’t shy away from difficult subject matter, either.”
“This tender, charming novel is a true pleasure and worthy of your time and attention. If you can read just one book this year, this would be an excellent choice.”
“The novel touches on some very heavy topics. However, Boo’s endearing voice is a salve for the reader, and Ward’s command of balancing comedy with drama shapes the novel’s tone into something both unique and inspiring. People who like THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN will enjoy this unusual take on a family in crisis.”
“Endearing, irresistible, sometimes painful, and unforgettable.”
“Original and heartfelt.”
“There are lessons here for everyone, about sacrifice, starting over, and seeing the hero in those we too often overlook. A fun and fantastic read.”
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