National Black Cat Day Review

We celebrate National Black Cat Day each year on October 27th. On this day, leading up to Halloween, feline fans love showing off their love for this often misunderstood animal.

Misconceptions of Black Cats

Black cats  have been considered both good luck and bad luck, depending upon locale.

In the British Isles, and also in Japan, black cats are considered to be forebringers of good fortune and prosperity.  But in most other places, particularly in much of the Western world, black cats are thought to be the bringers of misfortune and wickedness. This belief appears to have begun in the historical times of witchhunts and the witch trials when people mistakenly believed that black cats served as companions to potion-brewing, spell-casting witches, thus, symbolizing supposed evils.

Enough of this negativity surrounding black cats continues to exist today to the point where they have lower rates of adoption compared to other cat breeds. Thus, National Black Cat Day was begun to bring awareness to the plight of black cats.

Myths and a Holiday Associated with Black Cats

Halloween has long been associated with black cats. It seems to come from these cats’ stealthy and nocturnal nature, combined with their dark fur. It led to the belief that black cats were either witches in disguise or were witches’ supernatural familiars. It all apparently became  symbols of evil and bad luck and, over the years, contributed to a spooky holiday imagery. 

Personal Black Cat Story

Our family had a series of black cats over the years. Our very first one was an all-black, half-Siamese cat we got as a tiny kitten. We named her Spooky. The name came from the owner of our kitten’s parent cats.  Catherine was from England and once told us stories of a haunted house she lived in there. She called the stories her ‘Spook Stories’, so “Spooky” seemed the perfect name for our new kitten. She was the ‘best cat ever!’ 🙂

Summary

It is time to discard the old-fashioned notion that crossing the path of a black cat, or just associating with black cats in general, brings bad luck. 

Therefore, National Black Cat Day becomes a terrific opportunity to change these wrong impressions of these beautiful black cats and demonstrates appreciation for these animals who could use a little luck themselves!

National Black Cat Day

October 27

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*National Black Cat Day review was written by Wednesday Elf

+Black Cat images in this review are compliments of Pixabay

Black Cats Galore! Happy Halloween ~

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Black Cats Blanket Throw Super Soft and Cozy Blankets for Home Decoration, Couch, Bed, Sofa 50"x40" Small for Kids for All Seasons

Manhattan Toy Lanky Cats Ziggy Black Cat Stuffed Animal 14 inch

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Book Review of Decoy Saves Opening Day

This new book, due to be released on February 3, 2026, is already, in its pre-order listing on Amazon, proving to be a very popular book in the Children’s Baseball Books category, as well as Children’s Dog Books. A darling story for children ages 4 to 8 who love both baseball and dogs.

Synopsis

Decoy Saves Opening Day

A new baseball season is about to begin. To Decoy, a Dutch Kooikerhondje breed known as a duck decoy dog, the baseball stadium has everything a dog loves ~ hot dogs, the biggest back yard ever, and thousands of human friends. Decoy knows he is going to have the best day ever! He’s been chosen to throw out the first pitch on this baseball Opening Day and make his ‘dog dad’ (famous baseball star Shohei Ohtani) proud. 

Oh No! Decoy forgot and left his lucky baseball at home. How is he going to throw out the first pitch without it?  Can he run back home, get his ball and get back to the stadium in time? 

Author of Decoy Saves Opening Day

This adorable debut story is written by Shohei Ohtani, MLB LA Dodger all-star, and stars his real-life pup, Decoy. Ohtani wrote this story with Michael Blank and the book was illustrated by Fanny Liem. 

Summary

The well-known Japanese baseball star, Shohei Ohtani, along with his dog, Decoy, support animal rescue organizations. They hope to use the profits of their debut story to help dogs find their forever homes. Shohei and Decoy are working to help real-life animals in need. 

You can pre-order “Decoy Saves Opening Day” here on Amazon. 

Note: Decoy actually DID throw out the first pitch. As the first dog to ever do so, Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch to Ohtani on their shared Bobblehead night on 8/28/2024. This is no doubt the cutest pitch you will ever see. Decoy definitely steals the show! Watch the YouTube Video below: 

*Book Review of "Decoy Saves Opening Day" is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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October is National Seafood Month

For Seafood Lovers everywhere, join me in a review of several seafood products and recipes by the contributing writers here on ReviewThisReviews.

Celebrating National Seafood Month

People everywhere love seafood. And what’s not to love with so many choices. The variety, from shrimp cocktails to fish, from smoked salmon to yummy, dripping in butter, lobster tails, makes choosing a favorite nearly impossible. And when you consider the wide variety of ‘ways’ to prepare various seafood delicacies, the list is just about endless. Plus, for quick meals, there are some delicious, pre-packaged, seafood dishes available at your favorite markets.

A few fish recipes and restaurants are included in this review, as fish (such as salmon, tuna and trout) are considered seafood, along with those in the shellfish category. 

So, read through the following list of seafood reviews from the helpful review site of ReviewThisReviews.com, and find a few you would like to try. After all, as a seafood lover, you want to help celebrate the delicious Seafood Month of October! 

Seafood Recipes

Buttery Pasta and Shrimp Recipe - review written by Wednesday Elf

Phillips Frozen Crab Cakes Recipe and Review written by Dawn Rae

Review of Our Favorite Seafood Dip - With Recipe written by Wednesday Elf

Recipe Review of Drunken Mussells written by Dawn Rae

Fish Recipes

Easy Meal Recipes for Fish Tacos written by Dawn Rae

Air Fryer Lightly Breaded Haddock, review written by Sam Monaco

Heat & Serve Prepacked Seafood Dishes

Gortons Grilled Tilapia Review written by Wednesday Elf

Review of Budweiser Beer-Battered Cod written by Wednesday Elf

Seafood Restaurants

Flying Fish Bar and Grill Restaurant Review written by Wednesday Elf

Restaurant Review of Go Fish Marina and Bar written by Wednesday Elf

Seafood-Related Holidays

January: 10th Oysters Rockefeller Day, 25th Fish Taco Day.

February: 13th Crab Rangoon Day, 24th Tartar Sauce Day, 24th Fish Fry Day.

March: 9th Crab Meat Day, 12th Baked Scallops Day, 31st Clams On The Half Shell Day.

April: 17th Crawfish Day, 29th Shrimp Scampi Day.

May: 2nd Tuna Day, 10th Shrimp Day.

June: 25th Catfish Day.

July: 3rd Fried Clam Day.

August: 5th Oyster Day, 27th Crab Soup Day.

September: 25th Lobster Day.

October: 2nd Fried Scallops Day, 8th Salmon Day, 19th Seafood Bisque Day.

November: 1st Fried Clams Day.

December: 21st Fried Shrimp Day.

Summary

So, throughout this National Seafood Month of October, indulge in some tasty fish and shellfish recipes and restaurants. Fish and shellfish are considered a healthier meal alternative, plus have the added advantage of being delicious.

Happy National Seafood Month

An October Holiday

*National Seafood Month is a fun food holiday review written by Wednesday Elf

Fish & Seafood Cookbooks:

From OCEAN TO TABLE: A Beginners Guide To cooking Fresh Seafood

The Ultimate Fish and Seafood Cookbook: 70 Delicious Recipes to Make at Home – The Complete Guide to Cooking Fish & Shellfish

Shellfish: Recipes with the Fresh Taste of the Sea (A Seafood Cookbook)

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Love in the Present Tense - Book Review

Love in the Present Tense is an inspiring story of love in all its many forms. 

Synopsis of Love in the Present Tense by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Love in the Present Tense

Pearl is a street kid who, on her 13th birthday, becomes pregnant and accidentally kills the baby’s father, a police officer. She spends the next five years moving around, trying to keep hidden from the police who search for her and attempting to keep baby Leonard safe. Eventually, her past catches up with her and she never returns after leaving Leonard with her neighbor, Mitch.

Mitch is far from the ideal caretaker--he’s having an affair with a client’s wife--but he and Leonard must find a way to bridge the gap between them as they bond as parent and child. As time goes on, Leonard becomes very close to Mitch, but he never stops feeling Pearl's presence in a tangible way: her 'forever love' for him.  And Mitch discovers that taking care of Leonard is the best thing that ever happened to him.

The story's characters include a tough teen (Pearl), her sweet son (Leonard, age 5 at the beginning of the story, smart and loving and suffering from a degenerative eye disease), and the 25-year-old neighbor, Mitch, who maintains a home business. 

Summary

Narrated in the alternating voices of the principal characters, this novel is an examination of relationships and special bonds. Events go back and forth in time from one chapter to the next. Mitch and Leonard grow up together, through the power and the magic of the human heart.

Author Catherine Ryan Hyde once again gives us an astoundingly wise portrayal of human nature. 

*Review of the novel, Love in the Present Tense, was written by Wednesday Elf

 

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Walter’s Purple Heart - Book Review

Serious, sad, lighthearted and told with humor.

Each chapter is titled by a name, flipping between Michael, Walter, Mary Ann and Andrew

Synopsis of Walter’s Purple Heart

Walter's Purple Heart

Michael Steeb is an aimless 21-year-old pot farmer in Central California in the 1980s. He has no real plans or interests...until the day he connects with memories of a life that seems to belong to someone else. That "spirit" is Walter, a young American soldier killed in World War II.

Forty years ago….

Seeking answers on the Ouija board, he later comes to understand that Walter is an earlier incarnation of himself.

Michael eventually realizes that he has been given a mystery to solve. He is being asked to lead Walter's family to closure and peace and deliver the real truth behind Walter's Purple Heart. Somehow, he needs to achieve the forgiveness absent for so many years so Walter can move on, and leave his anger behind.

To accomplish this task given to him, Michael sets out to find Walter's best friend, Andrew, and Mary Ann, the fiancée Walter left behind. Mary Ann recognizes Walter in Michael immediately. But Andrew thinks Michael is nothing but a con man and doesn't believe a word he says. Michael, encouraged by the spirit of Walter, continues to try and accomplish the goal Walter has set for him. 

Summary 

A large part of the story is narrated by Walter ~ from beyond the grave.  Walter's Purple Heart is a fast-paced war drama and a deeply felt romance, with a unique twist on the prospect of multiple lives. 

A romantic story about a dead World War II soldier who transcends the barriers of time to touch the lives of the people he loved in his life.  Catherine Ryan Hyde at her best in this fascinating metaphysical fiction story.  

Related Links:

• Reviews of books by Catherine Ryan Hyde
• Book Reviews by ReviewThisReview's contributing writers can be found at ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of Walter’s Purple Heart is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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