Doreen's writing style is characterized by vivid depiction and a profound understanding of the animal psyche, drawn from her own life experiences. Her work explores themes of care, community, and the unexpected bonds that form between humans and animals. Through her narratives, she captures the resilient spirit of life and the joy found in simple moments. Doreen's unique voice offers readers both solace and inspiration.
The Toveys face challenges with their Siamese cats, Solomon and Sheba, and their donkey Annabel, who has stomach issues after the apple harvest. More chaos arises when Doreen and her husband Charles return from a riding course.
Doreen and her husband Charles, already caretakers of two curious Siamese cats and a wandering tortoise, decide to adopt a baby donkey named Annabel to manage nettles in their orchard. Drama unfolds when they introduce Henry, a jennet, as Annabel's companion, leading to unexpected romance.
The author recounts her life with her husband Charles in a West Country village, highlighting their amusing challenges with Siamese cats, a donkey named Annabel, nesting swallows, unruly horses, and the villagers who still see them as inept townsfolk after 18 years.
The Toveys, familiar with disaster, face a new challenge after the unexpected death of their beloved cat Solomon: should they replace him with another feline?