I was an only child and always longed to have a sister. Now as I watch the sisterly dynamics of my feline family, I realize even more what life could have been like if I had had a sibling.
Halo has the best of both worlds. Since she joined our family as a pregnant stray and gave birth to her litter, she is both a mother to her fur baby Miss Paddington and a sister her adopted housemates, Zoie Joy and London. She seems much more accepting of her motherly role because it came so naturally to her. She is a wonderful mother and still comforts Paddy on a daily basis. She has been more hesitant in her sisterly role but is slowly becoming "closer" to Zoie, even napping on the bed with her. She sometimes gives Zoie a "sisterly" swat if they pass each too closely, but neither shows malice towards the other. 
Zoie and Paddy developed an instant bond. Despite their size differences, Zoie looked to Paddy for companionship and was patient with her kitty antics. Now as they are closer in size, they still romp through the house and Zoie anxiously awaits at the door to open each morning to be reunited with her sisters (Paddy and Halo sleep in my office as they have since Halo gave birth.). 
When they're not napping, Paddy and Zoie keep an eye out for each other. Paddy loves to hide behind doors or in the wastebasket and jump out when Zoie comes by. Zoie also watches for her sister, sometimes observing her playing with her catnip turtle or pushing an escaped ice cube across the floor. Other times, they chase the same ladybug around the house until hubby comes to the rescue and removes the unwanted intruder.
London was used to a quiet house with just her half sister . Her world was turned topsy-turvy, first with the arrival of Zoie three years ago and then with the arrival of Halo and her litter in the summer of 2014. Ebbie's passing that September left London in the sole role of older sister and, at times, she's not sure she likes that designation. She prefers the quiet of an upstairs bedroom and often gets annoyed when Paddy or Halo bother her.
Zoie seems to be the constant in the family...she gets along with all of her "sisters." Her gentle but vocal personality seems to calm whomever she is around.
Each of our "girls" has a unique personality and we are so proud to call them family. With our son half way across the country, our "sister" felines give us daily laughter when we are down and comfort when we are hurting. They are the sisters I always wished I had!
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HER SISTER, Book 7 in Karen's
SEARCH FOR LOVE series
Contemporary women's fiction with romance and mystery
Clare's little sister, Lynnie, was abducted twenty-seven years ago. Now the retired detective who has never been able to let go of the cold case has a lead. Lynnie could be alive!
Clare's neighbor, Joe, an occasional friend until now, gives her support and...wants more than friendship.
Clare's mom, Amanda, thrown together again with her ex-husband into a crisis discovers forgotten love beneath the regrets.
Clare's sixteen year old daughter, Shara, decides to run from her problems instead of facing them.
A devoted sister, a turmoiled mom and a rebellious daughter find their way back to each other in this contemporary ebook about three generations who discover love can knit their family back together again.
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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.
Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.
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©2015 Karen Rose Smith
