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Cat and Jemima J: A Short Story
From New York Times bestselling author Jane Green comes Cat and Jemima J, a free ebook original short story.Featuring Jemima, the main character from Green's beloved novel Jemima J, and Cat, the main character from her novel Summer Secrets. Fans of these popular characters will be delighted to see them sharing the pages of Green's engrossing short story.
36 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2015
228 people are currently reading
1571 people want to read
About the author
Jane Green
95 books8,720 followersJane Green's twenty first novel, Sister Stardust, is out April 5th 2022.
She is the author of eighteen previous New York Times Bestselling novels, and known as one of the world's leading authors in women's fiction, with over ten million books in print, and translations in over 25 languages.
Previous novels have included The Beach House, Second Chance, Jemima J, and Tempting Fate.
She joined the ABC News team to write their first enhanced digital book— about the history of Royal marriages, then joined ABC News as a live correspondent covering Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.
A former journalist in the UK, she has had her own radio show on BBC Radio London, and is a regular contributor on radio and TV, including as well as regularly appearing on television shows including Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart show, and The Today Show.
Together with writing books and blogs, she contributes to various publications, both online and print, including anthologies and novellas, and features for The Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Cosmopolitan and Self. She has taught at writers conferences, and does regular keynote speaking, and has a weekly column in The Lady magazine, England’s longest running weekly magazine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York, Green is bringing out her first cookbook: Good Taste , with Berkley in October 2016.
She is a storyteller for The Moth radio hour on NPR,
and lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and their blended family. When she is not writing, cooking, gardening, filling her house with friends and herding chickens, she is usually thanking the Lord for caffeine-filled energy drinks.
Jane's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Gr...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
She is the author of eighteen previous New York Times Bestselling novels, and known as one of the world's leading authors in women's fiction, with over ten million books in print, and translations in over 25 languages.
Previous novels have included The Beach House, Second Chance, Jemima J, and Tempting Fate.
She joined the ABC News team to write their first enhanced digital book— about the history of Royal marriages, then joined ABC News as a live correspondent covering Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.
A former journalist in the UK, she has had her own radio show on BBC Radio London, and is a regular contributor on radio and TV, including as well as regularly appearing on television shows including Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart show, and The Today Show.
Together with writing books and blogs, she contributes to various publications, both online and print, including anthologies and novellas, and features for The Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Cosmopolitan and Self. She has taught at writers conferences, and does regular keynote speaking, and has a weekly column in The Lady magazine, England’s longest running weekly magazine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York, Green is bringing out her first cookbook: Good Taste , with Berkley in October 2016.
She is a storyteller for The Moth radio hour on NPR,
and lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and their blended family. When she is not writing, cooking, gardening, filling her house with friends and herding chickens, she is usually thanking the Lord for caffeine-filled energy drinks.
Jane's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Gr...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 22, 2015
So I have a kind of love/hate relationship with Jane Green books. I absolutely adored her first books until they switched over to romance/contemporary with the main characters in America. I missed the earlier books like Jemima J, Mr. Maybe, and Bookends. This short story is the first time in such a long time that I felt like I was reading one of Ms. Green's older books and I loved it.
This is a set up to Jane Green's Summer Secrets focusing on the character of Cat. Now I have to buy this book to read more about Cat and to see if Jemima appears again. It was nice to get a glimpse at her and to read about what has happened to Jemima since readers last saw her. This short story nicely sets up the character of Cat (a journalist) who appears to have a drinking problem.
The short story itself only takes up 45 percent of the book, the next 42 percent shows the first couple of chapters of Summer Secrets with the remaining amount just showcasing information on Jane Green. That 42 percent was definitely enough to get me wanting more.
This is a set up to Jane Green's Summer Secrets focusing on the character of Cat. Now I have to buy this book to read more about Cat and to see if Jemima appears again. It was nice to get a glimpse at her and to read about what has happened to Jemima since readers last saw her. This short story nicely sets up the character of Cat (a journalist) who appears to have a drinking problem.
The short story itself only takes up 45 percent of the book, the next 42 percent shows the first couple of chapters of Summer Secrets with the remaining amount just showcasing information on Jane Green. That 42 percent was definitely enough to get me wanting more.
July 14, 2025
3.75💛⭐️🌟✨stars for this short story. Fmc details her descent into alcoholism.
January 16, 2018
gorgeous cover, totally what pulled me in right away, I found it on Amazon for free. I am new to Jane Green, & yes I will be finding more books from Jane to read soon enough. I love a great short story, I so enjoyed these characters, and yes I have seen many of Jane's book covers and she has been on my TBR list for sure, just getting around to checking her out. For me this was a quickly read book, whatever it is ...it pulls me in and I was sad to see it over and done. A huge reason I know I will be checking out more from her asap!! Loved it! ( ;
May 5, 2015
Well, that was a nice little sneak peek. Now I can't wait for Summer Secrets!
January 21, 2016
Perhaps it was wishful thinking to hope an Amazon freebie would be a little more than a plug for an upcoming book.
The first half of Cat and Jemima J is a short chapter (to call it a story would be too generous) that connects Jane Green's Jemima J and Summer Secrets by the protagonists meeting in a bar, while the second half is a sneak preview of Summer Secrets.
While an interesting concept to overlap her two protagonists, the titular Cat and Jemima J, it doesn't feel like it achieved much. It's so short there's not much room for any sort of closure, and only really establishes Cat's character as the first - or early - chapter of Summer Secrets should do.
However, if you're a fan of Jane Green and want to bridge the gap between Jane Green's Jemima J and Summer Secrets then there's nothing to fault it.
The first half of Cat and Jemima J is a short chapter (to call it a story would be too generous) that connects Jane Green's Jemima J and Summer Secrets by the protagonists meeting in a bar, while the second half is a sneak preview of Summer Secrets.
While an interesting concept to overlap her two protagonists, the titular Cat and Jemima J, it doesn't feel like it achieved much. It's so short there's not much room for any sort of closure, and only really establishes Cat's character as the first - or early - chapter of Summer Secrets should do.
However, if you're a fan of Jane Green and want to bridge the gap between Jane Green's Jemima J and Summer Secrets then there's nothing to fault it.
May 26, 2015
I loved this short introduction to Cat, the main character in Jane Green's upcoming SUMMER SECRETS, as well as the appearance of Jemima from one of my all-time favorite books, JEMIMA J. I'm hoping that this means Jane Green is thinking about Jemima again and maybe we'll hear more from her?? A girl can dream!
December 30, 2017
Lovely to be reunited with Jemima again, even so briefly. Having previously read Summer Secrets, seeing Cat’s descent into alcohol was still so heartbreaking. I saw Jane Green post she’s looking to revive Jemima which reminded me I had yet to read this short story and I’m certainly looking forward to more Jemima in the future, in any form!
April 19, 2018
This was a really short read and left me wanting way too many answers! Like does Cat land an interview with Jemima? What’s the story with Jemima? I guess I will have to read the other books to find out!! Frustrating!
October 11, 2024
How can I even rate this? It was less than an hour audiobook, if that?
September 24, 2017
it was an alright audiobook to short tho
June 24, 2015
The short version first…
Free previews of books help you make decisions about whether you want to spend your money buying the book being previewed. In the case of Jane Green’s Cat and Jemima J you are definitely getting a lot more than you are “paying for,” i.e. nothing. This preview gives you a good feel for several things. Let’s look at what you are getting…
First, this preview of Ms. Green’s Summer Secrets gives you a feel for her writing style. You can see that she portrays her characters with honesty, clarity, and a factual approach while also providing a compassionate feeling that lets you appreciate the character’s faults and humanity while also providing you with a clear understanding of what the characters paid for their discoveries and revelations. Her writing style has a good deal of dialog and backstory building through an expert use of flashback and return to present as is appropriate to the story arc.
Second, the depth of her characters is superb. She provides you with the nuts and bolts of what makes her characters tick and the factors that influenced the choices they made. She also makes you feel what the characters feel with a style that is engaging and a pace that makes you want to keep reading. I am not a reader of this type of fiction as a general rule, but I found Ms. Green’s to be as engaging as most of my favorite authors are; so much so in fact, that I am really motivated to try out some of her other work, over a dozen novels at least.
Finally, setting is always interesting to me as far as the author answers questions of time, place, and believability. Ms. Green|12915] provides detailed descriptions of the locations, events, and details that provide you with a complete scenario so that you feel like you are really in the setting she develops. Once again it is that characteristic of reality that makes the work so engaging and believable, you can almost see yourself there and then.
Short and to the point this preview work is. You get a good feel from reading the Prologue and the first chapter of her newest work. In retrospect and with three chapters of her latest work, Summer Secrets behind me, I can report that all of the items mentioned above are true, clearly so and even more so as I read the work that was previewed. You can really appreciate the honesty and forthrightness provided in the preview. It was an authentic view prior to reading a larger work. So, did you get what you “paid” for with this preview? The answer has to be an unambiguous “Yes, and you can take it to the bank!” Excellent in all respects. It’s a fast read, a good read, and a must read if you want to read the longer work. Worth every minute you spend reading it!
Free previews of books help you make decisions about whether you want to spend your money buying the book being previewed. In the case of Jane Green’s Cat and Jemima J you are definitely getting a lot more than you are “paying for,” i.e. nothing. This preview gives you a good feel for several things. Let’s look at what you are getting…
First, this preview of Ms. Green’s Summer Secrets gives you a feel for her writing style. You can see that she portrays her characters with honesty, clarity, and a factual approach while also providing a compassionate feeling that lets you appreciate the character’s faults and humanity while also providing you with a clear understanding of what the characters paid for their discoveries and revelations. Her writing style has a good deal of dialog and backstory building through an expert use of flashback and return to present as is appropriate to the story arc.
Second, the depth of her characters is superb. She provides you with the nuts and bolts of what makes her characters tick and the factors that influenced the choices they made. She also makes you feel what the characters feel with a style that is engaging and a pace that makes you want to keep reading. I am not a reader of this type of fiction as a general rule, but I found Ms. Green’s to be as engaging as most of my favorite authors are; so much so in fact, that I am really motivated to try out some of her other work, over a dozen novels at least.
Finally, setting is always interesting to me as far as the author answers questions of time, place, and believability. Ms. Green|12915] provides detailed descriptions of the locations, events, and details that provide you with a complete scenario so that you feel like you are really in the setting she develops. Once again it is that characteristic of reality that makes the work so engaging and believable, you can almost see yourself there and then.
Short and to the point this preview work is. You get a good feel from reading the Prologue and the first chapter of her newest work. In retrospect and with three chapters of her latest work, Summer Secrets behind me, I can report that all of the items mentioned above are true, clearly so and even more so as I read the work that was previewed. You can really appreciate the honesty and forthrightness provided in the preview. It was an authentic view prior to reading a larger work. So, did you get what you “paid” for with this preview? The answer has to be an unambiguous “Yes, and you can take it to the bank!” Excellent in all respects. It’s a fast read, a good read, and a must read if you want to read the longer work. Worth every minute you spend reading it!
June 12, 2015
It was imaginative to put Cat and Jemima together in a conversation, but I was hoping it wouldn't be so open-ended. Perhaps there will be a sequel in the form of another novella? I really want to know what happens next!
November 24, 2017
As a big fan of Jemima J I was excited to see this character reappear in another Jane Green novel. I really liked this little novella I just wish it was a lot longer! I'm hoping that Jemima J is also found in Summer Secrets.
June 11, 2015
Really enjoyable short story! Plus, there's a teaser chapter of Summer Secrets included!
January 1, 2016
I hope she does a proper book of this story its fab
December 18, 2025
Cat and Jemima J is a short but intriguing read that serves as a lead-up to a longer novel, Summer Secrets, and it does its job well. Though this isn’t typically the kind of story I gravitate toward, I found myself pleasantly surprised.
Despite its brevity, the story offers just enough insight into the characters and their world to spark genuine curiosity. Jane Green’s writing is engaging and accessible, and by the final page I felt I’d been given a carefully crafted teaser rather than a complete snapshot — one clearly designed to draw the reader further in.
While I wouldn’t normally choose this genre, Cat and Jemima J has convinced me that the full novel may well be worth seeking out. For readers looking for a light, intriguing introduction to Jane Green’s work, this short story is an effective and inviting starting point.
Despite its brevity, the story offers just enough insight into the characters and their world to spark genuine curiosity. Jane Green’s writing is engaging and accessible, and by the final page I felt I’d been given a carefully crafted teaser rather than a complete snapshot — one clearly designed to draw the reader further in.
While I wouldn’t normally choose this genre, Cat and Jemima J has convinced me that the full novel may well be worth seeking out. For readers looking for a light, intriguing introduction to Jane Green’s work, this short story is an effective and inviting starting point.
May 31, 2018
Where's the rest?
A terrific start but I can't find the rest of the story. She desperately wants the reporter job but she doesn't have the killer instinct. Drowning her sorrows and feeling despondent she sits drinking at her local. A quick visit to the loo has her returning to find a woman sitting at her table. Who is she? Will Cat remember everything they talked about? Will Cat be able to help her new friend? Cat is a reporter, but she has a soft centre that will not let her use gorilla tactics to get a story. Although everyone she has interviewed has told her their deepest, darkest secrets.
A terrific start but I can't find the rest of the story. She desperately wants the reporter job but she doesn't have the killer instinct. Drowning her sorrows and feeling despondent she sits drinking at her local. A quick visit to the loo has her returning to find a woman sitting at her table. Who is she? Will Cat remember everything they talked about? Will Cat be able to help her new friend? Cat is a reporter, but she has a soft centre that will not let her use gorilla tactics to get a story. Although everyone she has interviewed has told her their deepest, darkest secrets.
December 28, 2017
Intriguing little short story that involves the main characters from two of Jane Green's full-length novels. I had read Jemima J but have not read Summer Secrets. I apparently liked Jemima J (but have almost no recollection of it - just saw that I rated but didn't review it way back in 2008), and while I enjoyed this short story enough, I don't think the premise of Summer Secrets (battling alcoholism I'm guessing) is something I'm interested in spending time reading. Listened to Cat and Jemima J as a free audio book.
June 11, 2018
This is the first book by Jane Green that I have read .. I do like a Novella as it gives a good insight into an Authors' style so I can decide whether to read something else in the future ..
I must say that I enjoyed the writing style, so much that I was disappointed when this short story ended .. I would have liked to follow the characters a lot further .. Will try a full length book by this Author
I must say that I enjoyed the writing style, so much that I was disappointed when this short story ended .. I would have liked to follow the characters a lot further .. Will try a full length book by this Author
June 7, 2018
Really enjoyable
I really liked this short story but was disappointed but the sudden end.
I gave read a few books by Jane and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Her writing style is easy to follow with believable characters and engaging storylines.
I would recommended this short story to fans of Jane's or people who like to read stories about characters that are just like you and I.
I really liked this short story but was disappointed but the sudden end.
I gave read a few books by Jane and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Her writing style is easy to follow with believable characters and engaging storylines.
I would recommended this short story to fans of Jane's or people who like to read stories about characters that are just like you and I.
August 14, 2018
2.5 Stars
Jemima J has always been a favorite of mine; so when I came across this short story, I was excited to read it. This isn't a short story, though; it read as an unfinished chapter and introduction to Cat. If I ever read Summer Secrets, then I may change my rating, but Cat does not pique my interest like JJ. So, this was just meh for me.
Jemima J has always been a favorite of mine; so when I came across this short story, I was excited to read it. This isn't a short story, though; it read as an unfinished chapter and introduction to Cat. If I ever read Summer Secrets, then I may change my rating, but Cat does not pique my interest like JJ. So, this was just meh for me.
February 9, 2019
Read by the author, this was really just a 30+ minute introduction to "Cat", and apparently another character from the author's previous books, "Jemima J", as they meet in a restaurant, setting up the author's book "Summer Secrets".
Unfortunately it didn't entice me to find that book and read further.
Unfortunately it didn't entice me to find that book and read further.
November 15, 2021
Short yet powerful.
It's been quite a few years since I've read anything by Jane Green but I was obsessed with the last book I read by her. This novella was a nice little trip back into her world. It was kind of hard to connect to Cat and Jemima in such a short time but I absolutely loved the authors note at the end.
It's been quite a few years since I've read anything by Jane Green but I was obsessed with the last book I read by her. This novella was a nice little trip back into her world. It was kind of hard to connect to Cat and Jemima in such a short time but I absolutely loved the authors note at the end.
July 15, 2017
Not sure what I expected
Book title looked interesting. Not much progression after the character Jemima was I introduced. Really no plot line. Read more like a diary.
Can't say that that this was a good introduction to the author.
Book title looked interesting. Not much progression after the character Jemima was I introduced. Really no plot line. Read more like a diary.
Can't say that that this was a good introduction to the author.
January 22, 2018
This is a very quick tie in from Jemima J and an upcoming novel with Cat. I'm assuming that you do not need to read this in order to read the book with Cat but it may give a little background. It was read in an hour so I think you could probably take it or leave it.
December 10, 2018
I liked the story, but I'm just not into the "short" part. It felt like this story was about two pages long. So now I will add two more Jane Green novels to my reading list, as this story introduced two heroines from two of her other novels.... but I would have read them anyway.
May 5, 2020
This short story is written & read by Jane Green. It centers around Cat & Jemima J, two characters in other books, written by the author. It also includes a bit of her novel, Summer Secrets, but neither excerpt made me further books on these characters, it just really didn’t hold my interest.
November 28, 2020
Way, way too short. This is more like a chapter in a book instead of an actual story. Cat is a journalist with a drinking problem. She runs into the story of a lifetime, but it doesn't work out for her.
December 27, 2024
A short story that brings Jemina J and Cat together as an introduction to Cat. As Cat, a too kind journalist, drinks one too many glasses, she meets a kind woman, who is dealing with issues of her own. Cat and JJ talk, becoming fast friends. It's only later does Cat realize who she is.
May 7, 2017
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the full length novels that feature these characters, but it was still a good story that had purpose.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews