NOW in mass market paperback

The Astonishing Thing_mass market final.jpg
the astonishing thing copy_March 2017.jpg

The Astonishing Thing

Sometimes, parents do bad things. Terrible, awful things. 

When Boo’s Mother disappears for weeks, Boo is determined to solve the mystery of where Mother went. After all, Mother is her best friend.

Boo’s not a girl. She’s the Sullivan family cat. And she can’t comprehend why Mother would leave her with a Father she can’t stand, two smelly teenagers, and a newborn baby who clearly has something wrong with him.

The truth comes as a shock to Boo: Mother left to live with another man. Boo is forced to create a new life with the family she has left. She finds love in unexpected places—even with her once-distant Father and that funny little baby. 

But what if Mother comes back to take her away?

Parents aren’t perfect. They’re only human, after all.

“A unique and poignant tale of a family’s struggle as witnessed by someone who sees everything...a triumphant debut for Sandi Ward.”
— Helen Brown, New York Times bestselling author of CLEO
“Heartfelt and emotionally touching, Boo’s story opens a window into mental and emotional turmoil, as well as the strength that grows from each.”
— RT Book Reviews
“A beautiful and touching look into the intricacies of marriage and family life, all seen through the loving and unique perspective of the family pet.”
— Modern Cat
“A stunning debut novel about understanding human behavior through the eyes of a cat.”
— Fresh Pick for November 2017 at FreshFiction.com
something worth saving_TRD.jpg

SOMETHING WORTH SAVING

Lily and Charlie are best friends: a boy and his cat. So when Lily sees Charlie has bruises, she is determined to get to the bottom of things. Who would do such a wicked thing?

But Lily can’t seem to get her family to focus on Charlie.

Mother kicked Father out weeks ago. Lily thinks Mother’s new boyfriend is charming, but the children don’t like a new man hanging around the house. Kevin, the oldest boy, is trying to hold himself together despite missing his father terribly. Victoria, the middle child, has a menacing boyfriend who Lily despises and suspects may be Charlie’s bully. And Lily wonders: why is Father carrying his gun, even when he’s off-duty?

Sometimes, in a family, it’s hard to know what’s a threat, and what’s a distraction.

“Told with empathy and hope, this would be a perfect gift for cat lovers or anyone who enjoys a fresh take on the family drama.”
— Booklist
“Powerful and smartly written, Ward explores the intricate workings of family life with a compassionate touch and unflinching honesty.”
— Lisa Duffy, author of THIS IS HOME
“...covertly, cleverly, perceptively, and earnestly tells the story of a family unit facing drama on all fronts. Intriguing and thought provoking!”
— Jenni Walsh, author of SIDE BY SIDE
what holds us together_TRD.jpg

WHAT HOLDS US TOGETHER

Annika struggles to move on after the death of her husband Peter. It doesn’t help that Peter’s mother thinks Annika’s twin teenagers belong at boarding school—because Peter was always the better parent.

When Sam, Annika’s first love, comes to dig her out during a snowstorm and gets stuck at the house, Annika is reminded of a terrible mistake from her past involving Peter and Sam.

Luna, the family cat, thinks she can see and communicate with Peter’s ghost. Is he real or just an illusion? And can Luna, with Peter and Sam’s help, heal Annika’s broken heart?

NEW PROJECTS

I’m currently working on new projects. I hope to be able to tell you more very soon!

swb.jpg