THE THING IS BY KATHLEEN GERARD

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Ever since the death of her fiancé, Meredith Mancuso has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she's not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she's ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.

Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.

Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it's still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy--and sometimes, even love--along the way.




Kathleen Gerard writes across genres. Her work has been widely published in magazines, journals and anthologies - and has been awarded and nominated for many prizes including The Saturday Evening Post "Great American Fiction" Prize, The Mark Twain House Humor Prize and the Faulkner-Wisdom Prize. Several of Kathleen's essays have been broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR). Her woman-in-jeopardy novel, IN TRANSIT, won The New York Book Festival - "Best Romantic Fiction" category. 

To learn more about Kathleen, visit: www.kathleengerard.blogspot.com

MY REVIEW (BY KRIS METOYER)


THE THING IS.. a wonderful story about loss and love.  Meredith lost her fiancé and went into a deep depression.  She is avoiding everyone and everything, not wanting to be bothered with life.  Her sister wants Meredith to watch Prozac the therapy dog while the elderly lady Helen heals.  The challenge comes in realizing Prozac has a full schedule, and very specific needs.  She reluctantly decides to give it a try.  Meredith and Prozac begin a very funny and interesting journey.  Evergreen Retirement home is the first stop.  Blackmail, vanilla ice cream, and funny patients are all part of the adventure ahead.  Prozac is a star at Evergreen gardens.  You’ll hear about the resident Antoinette, what a hoot!  She’s a spunky firecracker with her own agenda.  Ham is Helen’s adopted nephew who reveals she had a set back and is still recovering.  Stephan was Helen’s real nephew who died of cancer.  He was engaged to Ham.  David is a patient’s son who becomes close friends with Meredith.  Maggie, Ham and Helen all have something in common.  They all suffered a loss.  Prozac gets lost or stolen or disappears.  You’ll have to read!!  The chase and challenge to catch who is involved becomes the heart of the story.  No spoilers for the ending.  Prozac was able to give joy and comfort to everybody.  Bringing all the people together with compassion and comfort to cure heartache and give unconditional love.  The story is a great example of how therapy dogs, really can mend a broken heart.  I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.  I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  This is a perfect story, to share with someone who needs a little boost to continue celebrating life.   

Posted in: Book review,Romance,Romantic comedy,Women's Fiction