Pets and Pals: Tangerine Morning

Serenity Cove Series Book 2

Meet Rusty a spirited orange bobtail cat, inspired by my own Sweet Rusty

A Beloved Bookshop Cat

In the quaint town of Serenity Cove, there’s a beloved spot known simply as “The Bookshop.” The Sea Glass Bookshop feels like a warm hug the second you step inside, with the scent of aged paper and freshly brewed coffee hovering in the air. But it’s not just the cozy ambiance that makes it unique—it’s the stories and laughter that fill its walls.

Jezzica was at a turning point in her life. Starting over after the heartbreaking loss of her husband. One day, she noticed a for-sale sign in the window of the charming Sea Glass Bookshop. Memories came flooding back—her childhood summers spent nestled on a soft rug during storytime, eagerly listening to Ms. Anne read tales that sparked her imagination. Jezzica felt an overwhelming desire to relive those moments and create new ones by sharing her love for stories with children.

Just as she was settling into her new role as the shop owner, a dreamy man offered his help, making her heart flutter. But a soft “meow” captured her attention one sunny afternoon. From the shadows emerged Rusty, a scruffy orange bobtail cat with big, warm eyes that touched her heart. Abandoned and shy, he cautiously approached Jezzica, sensing they both needed a friend.

Before long, Rusty claimed his place in the Bookshop, often jumping onto Jezzica’s lap whenever she felt stressed, purring gently to reassure her life had a way of working out. With his comforting presence, Rusty transformed the shop into a haven of warmth and welcome.

He loved lounging on the sun-kissed window ledge, purring softly while readers sifted through books. On chilly days, you’d find him cozied up in front of the fireplace, inviting visitors to scratch behind his ears, and his lively tail flicking as if to encourage them toward his favorite reads—adventures filled with mysteries and tender romances.

Rusty quickly became known as the bookshop cat. His favorite thing was helping during storytime, perched beside Jezzica as she read to the children. The kids adored him, especially when he played with the stuffed Charlie dogs in the children’s area, adopting one as his personal toy.

But Rusty wasn’t just a sweet little face. He was quite the curious explorer, too. Sometimes, his adventurous spirit would lead him to sneak out of the shop for a bit of adventure. He strutted with an attitude that said, “he was all that.” Weaving through the vibrant flower stall, pausing to greet friendly shoppers on Main Street.

One sunny afternoon, Rusty enjoyed the day too much, wandering through gardens and exploring alleyways. As the sun began to dip, painting the sky in soft golds and pinks, he caught the scent of something delightful—a leaf had caught his eye.

Just then, he spotted Julia, the town’s illustrious pastry chef, making her way toward him. “Rusty. What are you doing out here?” she laughed, scooping him up with a gentle hug. “Let’s get you back to The Bookshop before everyone starts missing you.”

With a reluctant yet contented sigh, Rusty let Julia carry him home, purring as she chatted about the new cat treats she had whipped up that day. He couldn’t wait to share his adventures with his friends at the shop.

When they arrived, the bell above the door jingled happily, and the warm atmosphere filled with audible gasps of delight from his fellow book lovers. Rusty strutted to his favorite window ledge, basking in the affection of his admirers. As he settled back on the window ledge, he gazed out at the streetlamps, contented.

From that day on, Rusty cherished the joy of returning home after his adventures. He continued to explore, of course, but always made it a point to return with stories of his adventures—ready to share them with the people who loved him and the books that made life magical. In this beloved Bookshop, Rusty the Bookshop Cat became an integral part of the community, threading his own tale into the stories and dreams of everyone who wandered through the door.

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Meet my Sweet Rusty—the orange bobtail cat that inspired

the character of Rusty—The Bookshop Cat.

Our Sweet Little Rusty

A charming calico cat found her way into our garage, seeking refuge during warm summer nights. One evening, she gave birth to an adorable litter of kittens that brought so much joy into our lives.

Among the little furballs were three sleek black kittens, their long tails swishing playfully. And then there was Rusty, a dazzling orange bobtail that stood out from the rest.

Our daughter quickly formed a bond with Rusty, naming him after his fiery color. But we all had our own affectionate nicknames for him, including Mr. Russell. Rusty wasn’t just her pet—he stole the hearts of our entire family. He loved curling up beside my husband during cozy TV nights, his wide, curious eyes watching the screen until he eventually dozed off.

With a strut and an attitude that said, “he was all that.” Rusty became our family’s beloved prince. His playful nature filled our home with joy and laughter. Always the curious explorer, Rusty would sneak out, treating the neighborhood like his personal playground, making friends wherever he went.

Whenever one of the children spotted him darting between gardens or lounging in the sun, they’d rush to scoop him up with squeals of delight, bringing him back home. Rusty seemed happy to return each time, snuggling in for a nap, probably daydreaming about all the fun that awaited him.

As time flew by, our daughter grew up and married. With a bittersweet mix of tears, Rusty joined her to start a new chapter in her life. During our visits, he would settle on the couch next to us. But he was clearly devoted to her, his eyes sparkling with love as he followed her around like she was his queen.

Like my childhood collie, Rusty will always hold a special place in our hearts. The memories we made together are treasures filled with love and laughter. Though he now roams in a new kingdom, the bond we share will forever connect us.

A quick note:

When our daughter invited friends to see the kittens, we were happy to find loving forever homes for the other three kittens. A senior neighbor fell in love with the beautiful calico mother.

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