Snow falls outside the window. Temperatures plummet. Too much rain or too many gray days bring cabin fever. Defeat the doldrums. Good books provide a reprieve from the winter blahs. Add a cup of hot cider, a mug of candy cane or mini-marshmallow cocoa, a good reading light, and a fleece throw.
Decades ago, I felt led to leave my government job and pursue a long-held dream of becoming a full-time author. My eighty-two-year-old mother and I moved to Auburn, Washington, a fifteen-minute drive from my younger brother, his wife, three kids, a soot-black cat, and a black Labrador.
The cat and dog were a strange, incredible pair. His Majesty Mandrake had strange ways; Sweet Sugar was incredibly lovable. Mom and I enjoyed them for many years.
I am delighted that my oldest niece, Julie Reece-DeMarco, (who has co-authored more than a dozen books with me and has over a million copies in print) tells the story of the beloved family pets. “Mandrake,” is included in the new Chicken Soup book (February 6, 2024).
The 101 true stories in this delightful book have it all: Laughter. Love. Inspiration. Incredible events. Humorous and heart-warming, it is perfect for dreary days. Each entry is short enough to be enjoyed when there is no time for reading a book, or even a chapter.
If a special pet ever left paw prints on your life, Me and My Dog is the perfect antidote for gloomy weather.
Happy reading, and God bless,
COLLEEN L. REECE 