Where science ends, magic begins...
Brendan Redbird is a man of science and a medical professional. When this very uptight, predictable guy is adopted by a naughty talking cat (Tom) and his two brothers (Dick and Harry), Brendan's life makes an unpredictable turn.
Tom smacks a girl on the butt and lets Brendan take the blame. The only problem is the girl Tom smacked is a water nymph, Myrotessa, or Tessa for short. She isn't about to let Brendan off with that ridiculous excuse. Tessa has healing waters and the gift of prophecy -- but she did not see that coming.
When the magical felines of Cat's Paw Cove begin succumbing to a mysterious malady, Tessa and Brendan are forced to work together to find a cure. Along the way to helping others, they fix the cracks in their hearts -- and are healed with a kiss.
Another fun trip to Cat's Paw Cove. The story starts with Brendan falling for Naomi, a woman in Orlando's swamps near his home. What he doesn't realize is that she is a naiad - a nymph. Brendan is ready to propose to her when he discovers her with someone else. Hurt, though maybe not as brokenhearted as he thinks, Brendan heads off to Cat's Paw Cove to visit his very pregnant sister, Charlotte (Charlotte Redbird, Ghost Coach). Angry at being dumped, Naomi swears to get him back.
On arriving in the Cove, Brendan is adopted by three Sherwood cats - Tom, Dick, and Harry. Freaked out by their talking to him, Brendan believes that his sister is playing a trick on him. You see, Brendan doesn't believe in magic. He is a medical professional and man of science, and magic doesn't make sense. During his visit, he must also face his father, whom he still resents for leaving after his mother died in childbirth. Complicating matters further, he falls fast and hard for Tessa, yet another nymph. Brendan feels ambushed by magic no matter which way he turns - and then Naomi shows up.
I had to laugh at Brendan's first encounter with Tom and his brothers. His frustration and bewilderment leaped off the page and only got worse when he confronted Charly about it. He tried so hard to find a scientific explanation, and it wasn't happening. I loved his first meeting with Tessa, helped along by Tom's mischievousness. What looked promising that evening turned to disaster the next morning when Tessa showed up just as Naomi made her move on Brendan. In another scene that tests Brendan's scientific beliefs, he makes up with Tessa.
But things are about to get really crazy in the Cove. Tessa's fountain turns to slime, Naomi lurks about trying to steal Brendan back, and the cats of the Cove suddenly start to bark instead of talk. With his grandmother's help, Brendan and Tessa must find a way to combine science and magic to cure the cats. At the same time, Brendan faces some uncomfortable facts about his past and what he believes. I loved the support that Tessa provides as he adjusts to the changes in his life.
Not to be forgotten, Naomi is still determined to get Brendan back in her clutches. Some of her actions have far-reaching consequences that Brendan and Tessa must find a way to mitigate. My heart was in my throat as Charly was one of those affected, and they raced to save her life. There was an intense scene as Naomi's attempt to kidnap Brendan goes awry (for her). I loved Tessa's revelation of why Naomi's actions were so extreme and the difference it made to Naomi.
I loved the ending as Brendan faces a new chapter in his life. I loved seeing him accept that science and magic can coexist and the difference it made to his family relationships. The scene at the Valentine's Ball was fantastic.
No comments:
Post a Comment