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"The family pets see so much more than anyone realizes in this family drama . . . Told with empathy and hope" by the author of What Holds Us Together (BOOKLIST ) . A boy and his cat. Its an unconventional friendship, perhaps, but for Charlie and Lily, it works beautifully. It was Charlie who chose Lily from among all the cats in the shelter. He didnt frown, the way other humans did, when he saw her injured back leg, the legacy of a cruel previous owner. Instead, Charlie insisted on rescuing her. Now Lily wants to do the same for Charlie. Shes the only one whos seen the bruises on Charlies body. If she knew who was hurting him, shed scratch their eyes out. But she cant fix this by herself. Lily needs to get the rest of the family to focus on Charlie - not easy when theyre wrapped up in their own problems. Charlies mother kicked his father out weeks ago and has a new boyfriend who seems charming, but is still a stranger. Oldest son Kevin misses his father desperately. Victoria, Charlies sister, also has someone new in her life, and Lily is decidedly suspicious. Even Charlies father, who Lily loves dearly, is behaving strangely. Lily knows what its like to feel helpless. But she also knows that you dont always have to be the biggest or the strongest to fight fiercely for the ones you love . . . "Powerful and smartly written, Ward explores the intricate workings of family life with a compassionate touch and unflinching honesty." - Lisa Duffy, author of My Kind of People