Published by Hachette, Piatkus, Random House, and HarperCollins, Jane Teresa’s latest books are indie-published.
NINTH LIFE
“Jane Teresa Anderson’s NINTH LIFE fully commits to a quirky premise with a surprisingly rich payoff. Cat is on her ninth and final life, but she’s not entirely sure what comes next. She’s supposed to leave her earthbound body and become a spiritual guide for another creature—or she’ll remain on Earth and go through another cycle of nine lives. Musing on the particulars, Cat wanders into the Serene Lotus Centre for Health and Wellbeing, where she finds a host of spiritually attuned humans, all of them offering or seeking guidance of their own. The Centre proves to have all the right resources for Cat to unpack her prior eight lives and learn what she needs in order to ascend to her next level of being.
Jane Teresa Anderson’s NINTH LIFE has an unabashedly weird premise: a reincarnating cat who can transmit psychic messages to humans becomes embroiled in the life of a spiritual wellness center, whose employees include at least one woman who literally sees ghosts and conveys their messages to the living. Yet NINTH LIFE, despite all its spiritual trappings, is surprisingly grounded and often deeply human. Cat, the protagonist, is largely scent-driven, and the prose is heavy with olfactory pleasures like “the peppermint fragrance of newly cut grass;” but it also acknowledges the workaday details of the Centre, like the omnipresent “whiff of hot, milky morning coffee in paper takeaway cups.” The plot is also just as concerned with the material as with the spiritual: Cat wanders into the Centre, and almost immediately the humans there wonder if they can work her into their marketing materials to bring in more business. If nothing else, this is one of NINTH LIFE’s primary strengths: it portrays an institution of spiritual wellness while fully acknowledging that it is a business run by humans; and those strictures mean that providing spiritual services (even when done in good faith by an experienced practitioner) can be complex and uncomfortable.
NINTH LIFE also has a firm grasp of its central themes. The dichotomy between appearance and reality, especially concerning identity, is established very early on: Cat’s name is Cat, and she’s a long-lived being with certain psychic powers, but the humans of the Centre are oblivious to this—calling her “Amantha” and treating her like a normal cat. This theme plays out in investigations of other characters and their motivations—especially Freya, a perimenopausal psychic whose hot flashes interfere with her readings; and Serenity, the business-savvy yogi who runs the Centre. Though this internal-external dichotomy can be read as true-false, or spiritual-material, NINTH LIFE never settles into uncomplicated complacency. On the contrary, issues like hot flashes affecting function, or the economic viability of a business linked to the misbehavior of a powerful male figure, appealingly counterbalance the more supernatural elements of the text.
NINTH LIFE is a story about reincarnation told by a psychic cat, but its concerns are entirely human. The text’s closely observed depictions of spiritual wellness practitioners, often both affectionate and critical, render it much more complex and rewarding than it appears at first glance: yet another dichotomy between perceived realities and internal truths.
Jane Teresa Anderson’s NINTH LIFE fully commits to a quirky premise with a surprisingly rich payoff.” – Dan Accardi for IndieReader
“Jane Teresa Anderson’s Ninth Life presents a whimsical yet profound narrative that follows Amantha, a marmalade cat embarking on her ninth and final life. This multi-layered tale resonates with themes of purpose, morality, and connection—a feline and human journey. In the first chapter, where we meet Amantha perched on her safe stone wall, she is urged by an instinct to uncover her purpose: “What was my last move?”—an echo of her quest to navigate the innate challenges of existence. Amantha inhabits the serene yet bustling Serene Lotus Centre for Health and Wellbeing in the English countryside. This location is a perfect backdrop for converging human and animal experiences, echoed in Amantha’s reflections. Surrounded by spiritually minded practitioners—frequently engaged in their battles—Amantha observes their interactions while struggling with questions of identity and her role as the center’s unofficial protector. When a scandal threatens the well-being of the inhabitants, she must take measures to protect everyone — but can she? The descriptions invoke vivid imagery of green gardens, ancient stones, and the musky scent of healing, heightening the contrast between her feline simplicity and the complex emotional lives of those around her.
The novel’s characters enrich its narrative structure. Each character reflects a different aspect of weakness and aspiration; they are humorous yet grounded. For instance, the psychic counselor, Freya exemplifies a tangled mix of wisdom and personal turmoil. Her struggles with perimenopause and the ensuing brain fog introduce a relatable humanity, making her cheating during sessions both understandable and troubling. Milly represents the audience’s skepticism; as an investigative journalist, her investigation into Freya’s ethics helps to build tension. Interspersed between these characters, Amantha remains the moral compass. She wrestles with her role in a pivotal early moment: “Get it right this time, follow the rules, stay in line, and make sure everyone else does too.”
The setting—the Serene Lotus Centre—is depicted with such tenderness that it feels like a character itself. Anderson describes it as a refuge, encouraging wellness, and a place masked with formality and expectation. In this sanctuary, Amantha’s observations extend beyond mere cat-like indulgences to insightful critiques of the human condition. As Amantha embarks on her mission to guide the center’s practitioners toward healing, her reflections evolve: “Sometimes I see and know things, like knowing Hazel was struggling to conceive,” expressing her keen intuition that transcends her physically limited form. Ultimately, the reader is left pondering the nature of wisdom, the essence of healing, and the underlying tracks of morality that govern both human and feline lives, laying the groundwork for Amantha’s ultimate graduation into a spirit mentor. Ninth Life beautifully captures the beauty of the connection between Amantha and the humans around her and across the broader tapestry of existence, reminding us that each life—feline or otherwise—has the potential for profound impact. The prose is crisp, and the dialogues sparkle from page to page. This one was a delightful tale, and fans of feline creatures will be utterly enthralled and lost in the world that Jane Teresa Anderson creates.” – Meg McKinnon for The Book Commentary
“Ninth Life by Jane Teresa Anderson is a wonderfully told story that follows a clever marmalade cat named Amantha, who embarks on her ninth life with the ambitious goal of becoming a wise spirit mentor. After eight tumultuous lives, she finds herself at the Serene Lotus Centre for Health and Wellbeing, tasked with upholding four essential rules that dictate the harmonious existence of practitioners and clients alike. However, Amantha learns that her human companions—especially Freya, a struggling psychic—often falter. The cat witnesses Freya’s escalating anxiety and deceitfulness during readings, revealing a web of lies woven from desperation and pressure.
As Amantha is drawn deeper into the complex nature of human emotion, she forms alliances with other practitioners, such as the recently bereaved Clary, who are also facing life’s trials. Key moments include a fateful decision by Amantha to expose Freya’s dishonesty, leading to a confrontation that precipitates healing and revelation. As Ninth Life progresses, the stakes grow, leading Amantha closer to earning her place among spiritual beings. With humor and warmth, Anderson weaves together themes of loyalty, ethical dilemmas, and the quest for personal growth in prose that is delectable.”
– Shirley Dela Gracia, USA (Amazon review)
“An engaging character and an intriguing plot: I loved the story of Cat as she wrestled with her personal dilemmas, with the advice of her wise but mysterious friend. The novel was a fascinating combination of the real world financial and reputational issues of running a wellbeing centre and the complexities of its historical context. I really enjoyed the multiple strands of the plot and characters and didn’t foresee the final revelations. I’d really recommend Ninth Life as a thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking read.”
– Nicola Turner, UK (Amazon review)
“I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky tale! It’s a story with many layers and meanings, and subject matter unlike anything I’ve read before. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something a little different to read.”
– Katey Love, Author, Mesmerised Books
“Ninth Life by Jane Teresa Anderson ranks among the weirdly good books I’ve read this year. The story is told from the perspective of a cat in her ninth life, who is on a mission to find the mysterious Silver Crescent Nest, which would help her to graduate as a wise spirit mentor. The setting is the Serene Lotus Center for Health and Wellbeing, where Cat (called Amantha by the humans) takes on the role of protector for the center and its inhabitants. When a scandal hits the center, Amantha helps generate positive publicity and gets promoted as a psychic cat, generating income and helping the center recover. Cat is torn between her mission to find the Silver Crescent Nest and her desire for recognition and fame. Will Cat be able to overcome the moral dilemmas and expectations placed on her?
Jane Teresa Anderson has written an engaging tale in Ninth Life. The story is narrated from the viewpoint of a feline, and I felt it was both imaginative and grounded. Anderson has blended fantasy with relatable human experiences to create a charming storyline. The Cat as a central protagonist was interesting. Cat’s internal monologues and interactions with the neighboring cat, Pearl, showed her thoughts and how there was a constant struggle between Cat’s instincts and ethical responsibilities. The supporting characters, like Emmy, Abby, Serenity, and Freya also bring their perspectives to the plot and add to the overall narrative. Anderson has also explored themes of fertility issues, and perimenopause faced by the women at the center, encouraging readers to reflect on these topics throughout the story. Ninth Life focuses overall on second chances, personal growth and understanding, and following one’s purpose. I’m sure that cat lovers would especially love this engaging read.”
– Priya Mathew, USA
“Ninth Life’s author, Jane Teresa Anderson, has created a clever, inventive novel that is as charming as it is amusing. It is a delightful read, with lots of plot twists and turns to keep you guessing what is in store for Cat.”
– Joan McGovern, former journalist, communications specialist and would-be author
“In this captivating book, the author takes us behind the scenes of running a wellness center, blending the politics of ethics and business with delightful storytelling. The dilemmas faced by the characters are thought-provoking and resonate deeply, showcasing the complexities of maintaining integrity while striving for success.
One of the standout elements of the story is Cat, a brilliantly crafted animal character who imparts wisdom and offers a unique perspective on the unfolding drama. Through Cat’s eyes, we get a fly-on-the-wall look at the diverse cast of characters, adding an extra layer of depth and charm to the narrative.
The author skillfully intertwines a subplot of intrigue and mystery, keeping readers engaged until the very end when all is revealed. This quirky tale is not only full of wisdom but also sharp observations of human nature, making it a truly enjoyable and insightful read.”
– Barbara Courtille, Australia
“In Jane Teresa Anderson’s Ninth Life, Cat is living her ninth life; if she does well, she will become a wise spirit mentor to another living being. Known as Amantha to the humans at The Serene Lotus Center for Health and Wellbeing, this honey-colored cat has to ensure that everyone follows the rules. After all, she has appointed herself the unofficial guardian of everyone stepping inside the health center. From the talented practitioners to the multiple array of clients, Cat is there to help those who need it. However, when some of those she has vowed to keep on the right path seem to stray from it, Cat feels she might fail in her grand mission and spend another cycle of nine lives living as a cat.
Author Jane Teresa Anderson has created an intriguing and spiritually enlightening sanctuary in the setting of this book. The character growth of our protagonist is strong and evident, coming full circle with the cast of supporting characters. Written in the third-person narrative from the perspective of Cat, we are privy to her thoughts, feelings, and desires. I loved how everyone was associated with a specific combination of smells. In this regard, stimulation of the senses was abundant from a different perspective than usual. I loved this interesting spin on the theory of a cat having nine lives and their destiny afterward. This book is suitable for all ages and caters to readers who enjoy thinking about the deeper aspects of life itself.”
– Ronél Steyn
“With a touch of mystery, humor, and drama, Jane Teresa Anderson tells a captivating tale that keeps your attention from the first page to the last. Ninth Life is funny, charming, heartfelt, and surprisingly poignant. Anderson does a brilliant job of capturing a cat’s psyche in the pages through the portrayal of the protagonist, Amantha (Cat). Her actions and how she thinks and sees the world and judges human behavior make you believe she is a real-life cat. The plot is very well-paced, and you don’t know what to expect at any point in the story. I loved the different personalities of the human characters, especially Abby, Milly, Clary, and even Serenity and Freya. Cat’s friendship with Pearl was another highlight for me. If you like cats and mystery adventure tales, you’ll love this book!”
– Pikasho Deka
“Jane Teresa Anderson narrates Ninth Life from the cat’s unique perspective. The whimsical main character invites us to follow the path of self-improvement. We are intrigued by her motives and amused by her keen observations. The author speaks about widespread feline adoration with a touch of irony and highlights its ugly reverse with compassion toward cats. Anderson thoroughly explores the themes of temptations and making the right choices despite them. Freya is a multidimensional character that combines positive and negative features. Her example helps us better understand our fears and insecurities. The enthralling twists in the plot lead to the revealing of old secrets equally important to humans and felines. Anderson’s apparent love for animals and cats particularly motivates us to be kinder to our feline friends. An engaging read for fans of urban fantasy, drama, women’s fiction, and books about animals with a paranormal twist.”
– Nino Lobiladze
“Cat is the protagonist and narrator in Jane Teresa Anderson’s whimsical novel Ninth Life. Cat’s mission is to earn the right to become a wise spirit mentor to an earthbound being. To do this she must pass the tests and graduate from this, her ninth life. The pads of her paws contain marks indicating she previously passed her first eight lives. This one counts for it all. As the guardian of the Serene Lotus Center for Health and Wellbeing, Cat must ensure the staff follows the rules while she stays focused on her own mission. She has her paws full staying on top of Serenity, Abby, Emmy, and Freya, who provide yoga and various therapies at the center amid a scandal and a reinvention of marketing strategies focusing on Cat.
The goings-on at the center and the side stories of various clients will keep readers of Ninth Life amused. Cat, who is also referred to as Amantha by the humans she consorts with, has a mystical sense of knowing her people well. Author Jane Teresa Anderson manages to balance Cat’s narration and thought process with enticing prose and humorous dialogue from the humans. Anderson includes luscious details like “hot fig toast” and garden botanicals and creates reader empathy when Cat realizes that her reach is much larger than those in the yoga studio via hundreds of online followers. We easily fall in love with Cat as she daydreams about where her portrait, yet unpainted, should be hung. Ninth Life has an attractive cover, and Anderson cleverly uses a paw print to denote chapter divisions — paws to pause. Ninth Life is a fun, mystical, and spiritual read.”
– Donna Parrey, USA
“Cat’s struggle to reconcile her pride and ego with encompassing what’s right for the greater good, is something most can identify with. I enjoyed reading about Cat’s odyssey, a blend of providence and Cat’s own will charting the path for her burdensome journey and we, as readers, are given lots of opportunities to learn and grow through the process of her completing her ‘ninth life’ mission. I think this book should come with a warning: reading about Cat’s abilities could influence one to rush out and acquire a cat, but be warned – not all are living out their ninth life.”
– Kerry Kroesen, Australia
BIRD OF PARADISE
“It’s full of laughter and joy and wisdom and truth. Its stories are at times universal and easily transferable. Your flower imagery and symbolism sits effortlessly and unobtrusively within the text, adding that something extra but never slowing the flow. I just loved it. Thank you for this wonderful gift of dreams, imagination, hard work, synchronicity, sharing, wisdom. This book will be a treasure for many people. It made me cry at the end because of what you said, because I’d finished reading it and because of what you have created.”
– Alie Blackwell, Australia
“Jane Teresa Anderson’s many fans will love this opportunity to get to know her better. And if you haven’t met her yet—here’s your chance. You will move from chopping vegetables with her on the lid of her kitchen bath in Glasgow to savouring the literary herbs of her Hobart garden. Along the way you’ll be treated to wise and warm-hearted advice on dreams and life.”
– Rob Drew, USA
“A Gem of a Book. This is a beautiful book, full of love, gratitude and wisdom. Coming from a perspective both personal and universal, Jane weaves her magic in compelling dreams, anecdotes and insights, all opening up our hearts and minds to deeper connections and transformations. She takes us on a compelling journey, subtle but emotionally moving, where profound truths are unlocked and presented for our consideration, understanding and entertainment. I love this book and its flowing moods, gentle twists, turns and mysteries. It brought me safely home to a place within me, now more deeply peaceful than the time before I picked up this graceful gem.”
– Karen Joy, Hypnosis Practitioner Australia
“I have just finished reading your book and it was delightful and fascinating. It was interesting finding out a little about your life and memories and dreams but what was also interesting was how your science background merges with your mystical side. Your work is about shifting our minds from their set grooves to get a different perspective. I like the flow of your book as memoir, your thoughts about dreams and life. It makes for a lovely collage. I also like your acceptance of certain things without being certain about what happened like the two strangers at the party. You don’t try to attribute it to one narrative. You leave it open. Fascinating story!”
– Tania Beudel, UK
“Dreams are fascinating! I love analysing them and unravelling the messages they contain. I was so excited to hear that my favourite dream interpretation author, Jane Teresa Anderson, has written a new book called Bird of Paradise. I was expecting it to be similar to her Dream Alchemy book [note: now updated as The Dream Handbook], which is my go-to for decoding puzzling dreams. I was surprised to discover that Bird of Paradise was more like a memoir, with descriptions of her dreams woven through the stories she shared. It was enlightening to learn how she interpreted and worked with her dreams, and how they helped shape her decisions. Synchronistically, during the days and weeks I spent dipping in and out of the pages of Bird of Paradise, I found that my own dreams became more vivid, and quite effortlessly I was able to understand them more easily than ever before. This is an uplifting book perfect for anyone who wants to invite a little more of the mystical and magical into their waking and dreaming lives.”
– Andrea Sent, Australia (Review published on GoodReads.)
“Jane, I have often reflected, after reading all your amazing Dream Publications, your Website, Blogs, and listened and watched your many Podcasts and Television appearances, when you might just have time for yourself ! “Bird of Paradise” sits at the “top of the tree “in unveiling, with delight and insight, your innate kindness and total commitment to your family and life, as well as your professional work. Your lifetime of hard work and inspiration to others has culminated in a joyous book with a wonderfully illustrated front cover and chapter headings. Your “Bird” is a handy size to put in one’s daily or travel bag.”
– Sue Manger, Australia
“I very much enjoyed reading Jane Teresa’s new book Bird of Paradise. I have read all of Jane’s books to date and this one has a different flavour, it is both insightful and whimsical. Bird of Paradise weaves Jane’s extraordinary life experiences and gives the reader a tangible way to see how her dream alchemy manifests in real terms. Jane’s stories are inspirational and give the reader insight into a life lived to the fullest. I recommend this book for those interested in discovering the hidden aspects of the self and reaching their full potential.”
– Barbara Courtille, Australia
“Jane Teresa Anderson’s NINTH LIFE fully commits to a quirky premise with a surprisingly rich payoff. Cat is on her ninth and final life, but she’s not entirely sure what comes next. She’s supposed to leave her earthbound body and become a spiritual guide for another creature—or she’ll remain on Earth and go through another cycle of nine lives. Musing on the particulars, Cat wanders into the Serene Lotus Centre for Health and Wellbeing, where she finds a host of spiritually attuned humans, all of them offering or seeking guidance of their own. The Centre proves to have all the right resources for Cat to unpack her prior eight lives and learn what she needs in order to ascend to her next level of being.
“Jane Teresa Anderson’s NINTH LIFE fully commits to a quirky premise with a surprisingly rich payoff. Cat is on her ninth and final life, but she’s not entirely sure what comes next. She’s supposed to leave her earthbound body and become a spiritual guide for another creature—or she’ll remain on Earth and go through another cycle of nine lives. Musing on the particulars, Cat wanders into the Serene Lotus Centre for Health and Wellbeing, where she finds a host of spiritually attuned humans, all of them offering or seeking guidance of their own. The Centre proves to have all the right resources for Cat to unpack her prior eight lives and learn what she needs in order to ascend to her next level of being.
“It’s full of laughter and joy and wisdom and truth. Its stories are at times universal and easily transferable. Your flower imagery and symbolism sits effortlessly and unobtrusively within the text, adding that something extra but never slowing the flow. I just loved it. Thank you for this wonderful gift of dreams, imagination, hard work, synchronicity, sharing, wisdom. This book will be a treasure for many people. It made me cry at the end because of what you said, because I’d finished reading it and because of what you have created.”