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The Cat of Yule Cottage: A magical, heartwarming Christmas romance for cat lovers
It's nearly Christmas, and Jessamine Pike needs a serious life overhaul.
Jess moves into Enysyule, a centuries-old cottage in Cornwall, and begins the process of renovating the rundown house by day and finishing her novel by night, planning to have both finished in time for the holidays. She's got good company: a beautiful, arrogant tomcat stalks around like he owns the place, and seems very skeptical of Jess' tenancy.
But there's magic in the air... Local legends tell of a spirit that inhabits the area, and an ancient standing stone that keeps watch over the valley. As Christmas comes closer and closer, Jess uncovers treasures from Enysyule's past, and becomes involved in a fight for its future.
For Jess has stumbled into a story that's been going on for five hundred years. A story about land, love, friendship, the Yuletide... and one remarkable cat.
Jess moves into Enysyule, a centuries-old cottage in Cornwall, and begins the process of renovating the rundown house by day and finishing her novel by night, planning to have both finished in time for the holidays. She's got good company: a beautiful, arrogant tomcat stalks around like he owns the place, and seems very skeptical of Jess' tenancy.
But there's magic in the air... Local legends tell of a spirit that inhabits the area, and an ancient standing stone that keeps watch over the valley. As Christmas comes closer and closer, Jess uncovers treasures from Enysyule's past, and becomes involved in a fight for its future.
For Jess has stumbled into a story that's been going on for five hundred years. A story about land, love, friendship, the Yuletide... and one remarkable cat.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2023
101 people are currently reading
1379 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
July 18, 2019
What a strange book. I couldn't tell whether it was a crime, mystery, ghost, drama or chick lit. It had a mixture of everything. It had many different facets however, and I enjoyed it overall. It was an interesting plot. The story follows a young girl named Jess, who after a relationship breakdown, moves into an old and slightly ramshackled house in Enysyule, a mysterious place with a strange and magical history. With only the resident cat named Perrin for company, Jess is initially given the cold shoulder by many of the locals, who are disturbed to see a young girl living in the house of an old resident named Thomasina. Then the letting agents get involved to say that she has no claim to the house, and suddenly Jess is about to discover the strange reason why the locals are so unfriendly.
January 13, 2021
3,5⭐
Una lettura che profuma di legna appena raccolta dal bosco, di foglie di agrifoglio ricoperte di brina e di una bella tazza di thè presa davanti al camino.
Un libro molto carino, piacevole, accogliente e delicato che parla di magia e leggende della Cornovaglia.
Ho adorato lo stile di scrittura, è descrittivo e quindi risulta un po' lento, però le descrizioni di ambientazioni e profumi sono così vive da sentirsi davvero tra quelle valli e quei boschi della Cornovaglia.
Jessamine Pike, la protagonista, è una giovane donna e scrittrice che decide di isolarsi in un cottage per poter finire di scrivere il suo libro entro Natale.
Qui però troverà una guerra tra due famiglie del villaggio, vecchia centinaia di anni, per il cottage che ha affittato.
Una pietra magica nel mezzo della valle, un gatto misterioso di nome Perrin, che si aggira nella valle e nel cottage in cerca di cibo, dei sogni misteriosi e qualche nuovo amico, aiuteranno Jess a scoprire chi è il vero proprietario della casa, e cosa è successo in quella valle.
Al contrario di come facciano pensare il titolo e la copertina (newton compton non capirò mai le tue scelte) il libro non è completamente a tema natalizio, infatti il Natale si trova solamente nell'ultimo 20%, però si sente ugualmente l'attesa per questa festività nel corso del romanzo.
E il gatto nel romanzo è nero, non rossiccio.
Mi è piaciuto l'alone di mistero che circonda la trama, così come il realismo magico dei sogni della protagonista, utili per arrivare alla verità, e la sua amicizia col vecchio gatto Perrin.
Ho adorato il fatto che l'autrice abbia dato importanza a temi come l'amore per la natura e gli animali, e che abbia accennato al folklore della Cornovaglia.
Il finale non me lo aspettavo, è stata davvero una piacevole sorpresa.
Unici difetti: la caratterizzazione dei personaggi secondari e il romance affrettato, che però non ha molto spazio all'interno della storia, quindi ci sta.
Una lettura perfetta per queste serate invernali, e non da leggere solo a Natale, vi sorprenderà con la sua magia e le sue ambientazioni.
E con questo, chiudo il 2020 con un buon libro!
Una lettura che profuma di legna appena raccolta dal bosco, di foglie di agrifoglio ricoperte di brina e di una bella tazza di thè presa davanti al camino.
Un libro molto carino, piacevole, accogliente e delicato che parla di magia e leggende della Cornovaglia.
Ho adorato lo stile di scrittura, è descrittivo e quindi risulta un po' lento, però le descrizioni di ambientazioni e profumi sono così vive da sentirsi davvero tra quelle valli e quei boschi della Cornovaglia.
Jessamine Pike, la protagonista, è una giovane donna e scrittrice che decide di isolarsi in un cottage per poter finire di scrivere il suo libro entro Natale.
Qui però troverà una guerra tra due famiglie del villaggio, vecchia centinaia di anni, per il cottage che ha affittato.
Una pietra magica nel mezzo della valle, un gatto misterioso di nome Perrin, che si aggira nella valle e nel cottage in cerca di cibo, dei sogni misteriosi e qualche nuovo amico, aiuteranno Jess a scoprire chi è il vero proprietario della casa, e cosa è successo in quella valle.
Al contrario di come facciano pensare il titolo e la copertina (newton compton non capirò mai le tue scelte) il libro non è completamente a tema natalizio, infatti il Natale si trova solamente nell'ultimo 20%, però si sente ugualmente l'attesa per questa festività nel corso del romanzo.
E il gatto nel romanzo è nero, non rossiccio.
Mi è piaciuto l'alone di mistero che circonda la trama, così come il realismo magico dei sogni della protagonista, utili per arrivare alla verità, e la sua amicizia col vecchio gatto Perrin.
Ho adorato il fatto che l'autrice abbia dato importanza a temi come l'amore per la natura e gli animali, e che abbia accennato al folklore della Cornovaglia.
Il finale non me lo aspettavo, è stata davvero una piacevole sorpresa.
Unici difetti: la caratterizzazione dei personaggi secondari e il romance affrettato, che però non ha molto spazio all'interno della storia, quindi ci sta.
Una lettura perfetta per queste serate invernali, e non da leggere solo a Natale, vi sorprenderà con la sua magia e le sue ambientazioni.
E con questo, chiudo il 2020 con un buon libro!
December 26, 2016
The Cat of Yule Cottage is one of those books that you appreciate the magical scenes specially if you loves cats. The story is about a cat and Writer Jassamine Pike from London. Before Jassamine knew it she was telling the letting agent that she would take the house called Enysyule. It was Miss Roscarrow's wish that who ever rents the house must also care for the cat. Strange as it was Miss Roscarrow tried to leave the house to the cat. She would have left the whole house to the cat if she could. But it wasn't legal for the cat to inherit the cottage. Miss Roscarrow wanted the cottage to be rented and not sold, so the cat could be cared for there, for the rest of the duration of his life. There's always been a cat at Enysyule and there always will be. A wonderful told tale. I do hope that Lili Hayward publishes more books soon.
November 30, 2016
Before you read my review of this wonderful story her are a few words from it's author.
Famous Cats of History & Folklore
Lili Hayward
All over the world, cats are associated with myths, legends, folktales, historical figures, even gods! Here are just a few of them.
Cat Sìth, Grimalkin, King of the Cats
The Cat Sìth (no, nothing to do with the dark side, it’s pronounced “shee” ) is a Celtic mythological creature; a fairy beast said to hunt the Scottish Highlands. The Cat Sìth is an enormous black cat, with a white marking like a star on its chest. According to legend, the Cat Sìth sometimes tries to steal the soul of a dead person before they are buried. People once held wakes, played music and told riddles to distract the cat and keep it away. And woe betide anyone who didn’t leave a saucer of cream on their doorstep for the Cat Sìth at Samhain…
The Cat Sìth is associated with Grimalkin, a witch’s familiar, of Macbeth fame: “I come, greymalkin!” and also the King of the Cats himself. Grey Malkin or the Cat Sìth also stars of the first ever horror novel written in English, William Baldwin’s Beware the Cat. (1553).
Muezza (or Muʿizza) (Arabic: معزة)
It’s said that the Islamic Prophet Muhammad had a favourite cat called Muezza. One story tells of how, when woken by the daily call to prayer, Muhammad found Muezza sleeping on the arm of his robe. Rather than wake her, he cut off the sleeve, so that she wouldn’t be disturbed.
Although in the past cats were often employed to keep grain stores free from rodents, in paper-based Arab-Islamic cultures they were also the scholar and librarian’s best friend, since they prevented mice from chewing on manuscripts, papers and libraries full of precious books.
Maneki-neko (Japanese: 招き猫?)
Literally meaning “beckoning cat” the Japanese maneki-neko is the popular waving cat figurine often seen in shops, businesses and homes. Its raised paw is thought to call good luck, wealth and prosperity. Apparently originating during the Edo period, there are many stories about how the maneki-neko first appeared. One tells of a nobleman who takes shelter under a tree near a temple, during a thunderstorm. He looks over and sees the temple priest’s cat beckoning to him. Intrigued, he leaves the tree and goes to it. A moment later, the tree is struck by lightning. The grateful nobleman then befriends with the poor priest and the temple becomes prosperous. When the cat eventually died, the first maneki-neko was made in its honour.
Jólakötturinn or Jólaköttur: The Yule Cat
A figure of Icelandic folklore, the Yule Cat stalks the dark, snowy nights of the Yuletide, hunting unfortunate individuals who have not received anything new to wear on Yule Eve. If you have a new item of clothing, you’re safe. If not, then the monstrous cat will yowl outside your house, break in and eat your festive dinner, perhaps even followed by you...
Apparently, the origin of the Yule Cat can be found in wool-making, as an incentive to agricultural workers to get the autumn wool spun before midwinter. If they did, they received a reward: in the form of a new piece of clothing. If they didn’t work hard, they might become supper for the Yule Cat. Better not sneer at those Christmas socks!
If you speak Icelandic, you can read Jóhannes úr Kötlum’s poem Jólakötturinn, which in turn inspired a song, by Bjork. The poem concludes:
“Now you might be thinking of helping
Where help is needed most.
Perhaps you'll find some children
That have nothing at all.
Perhaps searching for those
That live in a lightless world
Will give you a happy day
And a Merry, Merry Yule. “ (Translation by Vignir Jónsson)
Please consider making a donation to an animal rescue charity like Cats Protection this Christmas.
This is my first Christmas read if the season and what a fabulous story to start with. The book may be 197 pages , but every page is jammed packed with a detailed story and the magic of Yule.
If you believe in fate and the magic of Christmas , them this book is for you. We meet Jess ha she just finished writing her first book, but the man she thought she loved sold the book as his own work. Heart broken she feels the need for escape of the high buildings and the hustle and bustle of London. That same day she sees an advert in the paper to rent a cottage down in Cornwall, she gets straight in a train down there to the letting agent in Enysyule. ON arrival she is meet by a grumpy old man that told her that she won't last a night at the old cottage before even looking at the property she takes it. To prove a point to the old man. There was only one condition on the lease that she must take care of the old cat Perrin who comes with the cottage, as old as he stays alive then she can lease the cottage.
When she sees cottage for the first time , she wonders what she has let her self in for !!!!
Dust everywhere and no phone reception she has her work cut for her so sink or swim time for Jess. From the moment she stepped into the the cottage they seemed to be a hold on her from wired noises on the first night to meeting Perrin for the first time. She has the need to find out all the secrets that the cottage has hidden deep in its walls, so when she comes across the pass owners sketch pad that s when the magic begins from a little song that plays over and over in her head but she has never heard the song before to very deep dreams of information that she knows but cannot explain how's she knows it.
On her second day Jess decides to meet the locals in the village pub she follows the map of the land that is attached to the cottage and a path that has been there for many generations , she finds herself in a holly clearing where a perranstone that is dead centre of the clearing , she feels such a pull towards the stone that can not be ignored and feels the full magic of the stone and meets the dashing Ale shows her the way to the pub and takes a shining to Jess straight away?
While in the pub she comes across some information that the son of the grumpy in man is on the hear by table so Jess takes it up to give Jack Roscarrow and piece of her mind and to pass it on to his father.
We follow the story as Jess gets more and more pulled into the cottage and all its sercert site it has to tell, she gets involved with Alex which proves to be a big mistake as ships father wants the land for self to develop but can the betrayal be forgiven for them to be together or is the pull towards Jack Roscarrow to hard to resists.
The run up to Christmas is not a easy one for Jess but you will have to go and buy a copy to find out , you won't be disappointed with this delightful read and I looking forward to reading more from this wonderful writer that has capture the folk law.
Famous Cats of History & Folklore
Lili Hayward
All over the world, cats are associated with myths, legends, folktales, historical figures, even gods! Here are just a few of them.
Cat Sìth, Grimalkin, King of the Cats
The Cat Sìth (no, nothing to do with the dark side, it’s pronounced “shee” ) is a Celtic mythological creature; a fairy beast said to hunt the Scottish Highlands. The Cat Sìth is an enormous black cat, with a white marking like a star on its chest. According to legend, the Cat Sìth sometimes tries to steal the soul of a dead person before they are buried. People once held wakes, played music and told riddles to distract the cat and keep it away. And woe betide anyone who didn’t leave a saucer of cream on their doorstep for the Cat Sìth at Samhain…
The Cat Sìth is associated with Grimalkin, a witch’s familiar, of Macbeth fame: “I come, greymalkin!” and also the King of the Cats himself. Grey Malkin or the Cat Sìth also stars of the first ever horror novel written in English, William Baldwin’s Beware the Cat. (1553).
Muezza (or Muʿizza) (Arabic: معزة)
It’s said that the Islamic Prophet Muhammad had a favourite cat called Muezza. One story tells of how, when woken by the daily call to prayer, Muhammad found Muezza sleeping on the arm of his robe. Rather than wake her, he cut off the sleeve, so that she wouldn’t be disturbed.
Although in the past cats were often employed to keep grain stores free from rodents, in paper-based Arab-Islamic cultures they were also the scholar and librarian’s best friend, since they prevented mice from chewing on manuscripts, papers and libraries full of precious books.
Maneki-neko (Japanese: 招き猫?)
Literally meaning “beckoning cat” the Japanese maneki-neko is the popular waving cat figurine often seen in shops, businesses and homes. Its raised paw is thought to call good luck, wealth and prosperity. Apparently originating during the Edo period, there are many stories about how the maneki-neko first appeared. One tells of a nobleman who takes shelter under a tree near a temple, during a thunderstorm. He looks over and sees the temple priest’s cat beckoning to him. Intrigued, he leaves the tree and goes to it. A moment later, the tree is struck by lightning. The grateful nobleman then befriends with the poor priest and the temple becomes prosperous. When the cat eventually died, the first maneki-neko was made in its honour.
Jólakötturinn or Jólaköttur: The Yule Cat
A figure of Icelandic folklore, the Yule Cat stalks the dark, snowy nights of the Yuletide, hunting unfortunate individuals who have not received anything new to wear on Yule Eve. If you have a new item of clothing, you’re safe. If not, then the monstrous cat will yowl outside your house, break in and eat your festive dinner, perhaps even followed by you...
Apparently, the origin of the Yule Cat can be found in wool-making, as an incentive to agricultural workers to get the autumn wool spun before midwinter. If they did, they received a reward: in the form of a new piece of clothing. If they didn’t work hard, they might become supper for the Yule Cat. Better not sneer at those Christmas socks!
If you speak Icelandic, you can read Jóhannes úr Kötlum’s poem Jólakötturinn, which in turn inspired a song, by Bjork. The poem concludes:
“Now you might be thinking of helping
Where help is needed most.
Perhaps you'll find some children
That have nothing at all.
Perhaps searching for those
That live in a lightless world
Will give you a happy day
And a Merry, Merry Yule. “ (Translation by Vignir Jónsson)
Please consider making a donation to an animal rescue charity like Cats Protection this Christmas.
This is my first Christmas read if the season and what a fabulous story to start with. The book may be 197 pages , but every page is jammed packed with a detailed story and the magic of Yule.
If you believe in fate and the magic of Christmas , them this book is for you. We meet Jess ha she just finished writing her first book, but the man she thought she loved sold the book as his own work. Heart broken she feels the need for escape of the high buildings and the hustle and bustle of London. That same day she sees an advert in the paper to rent a cottage down in Cornwall, she gets straight in a train down there to the letting agent in Enysyule. ON arrival she is meet by a grumpy old man that told her that she won't last a night at the old cottage before even looking at the property she takes it. To prove a point to the old man. There was only one condition on the lease that she must take care of the old cat Perrin who comes with the cottage, as old as he stays alive then she can lease the cottage.
When she sees cottage for the first time , she wonders what she has let her self in for !!!!
Dust everywhere and no phone reception she has her work cut for her so sink or swim time for Jess. From the moment she stepped into the the cottage they seemed to be a hold on her from wired noises on the first night to meeting Perrin for the first time. She has the need to find out all the secrets that the cottage has hidden deep in its walls, so when she comes across the pass owners sketch pad that s when the magic begins from a little song that plays over and over in her head but she has never heard the song before to very deep dreams of information that she knows but cannot explain how's she knows it.
On her second day Jess decides to meet the locals in the village pub she follows the map of the land that is attached to the cottage and a path that has been there for many generations , she finds herself in a holly clearing where a perranstone that is dead centre of the clearing , she feels such a pull towards the stone that can not be ignored and feels the full magic of the stone and meets the dashing Ale shows her the way to the pub and takes a shining to Jess straight away?
While in the pub she comes across some information that the son of the grumpy in man is on the hear by table so Jess takes it up to give Jack Roscarrow and piece of her mind and to pass it on to his father.
We follow the story as Jess gets more and more pulled into the cottage and all its sercert site it has to tell, she gets involved with Alex which proves to be a big mistake as ships father wants the land for self to develop but can the betrayal be forgiven for them to be together or is the pull towards Jack Roscarrow to hard to resists.
The run up to Christmas is not a easy one for Jess but you will have to go and buy a copy to find out , you won't be disappointed with this delightful read and I looking forward to reading more from this wonderful writer that has capture the folk law.
November 26, 2025
No tiene nada que ver con lo que se espera al ver la portada ni incluso al leer la sinopsis. Me esperaba la típica novela navideña, y aunque no lo ha sido, he disfrutado muchísimo del libro.
Está envuelta en un ambiente un tanto extraño y oculto y en su mayoría siento que es más una novela para Halloween que para Navidad, pero a la vez es completamente acogedora y va despertando en ti cariño por los personajes y un interés por saber la historia que tiene tanto el pueblo como la casa, y esto te mantiene enganchado durante toda la novela.
Al terminar he sentido que un trocito de mi se quedaba en este libro. Quizás no es que sea una obra maestra pero sin duda es una novela para disfrutar. 4,5 ⭐️
Está envuelta en un ambiente un tanto extraño y oculto y en su mayoría siento que es más una novela para Halloween que para Navidad, pero a la vez es completamente acogedora y va despertando en ti cariño por los personajes y un interés por saber la historia que tiene tanto el pueblo como la casa, y esto te mantiene enganchado durante toda la novela.
Al terminar he sentido que un trocito de mi se quedaba en este libro. Quizás no es que sea una obra maestra pero sin duda es una novela para disfrutar. 4,5 ⭐️
December 10, 2017
When looking for a Christmas themed read I happened upon this one.
December 19, 2021
This was such a nice, cozy and sweet short story that was perfect for the winter and festive season.
It really made me want to learn more about Cornish beliefs and traditions.
One thing I wasn't crazy about was how the book didn't have chapters, but that wouldn't stop me from reading it again.
It really made me want to learn more about Cornish beliefs and traditions.
One thing I wasn't crazy about was how the book didn't have chapters, but that wouldn't stop me from reading it again.
January 1, 2017
Off the back of a relationship breakdown and with an impending manuscript deadline looming, writer Jessamine Pike sees the advertisement for the secluded cottage of Enysyule in the Devon village of Lanford. Goaded by the bitter old man at the letting agents who implies, "a girl like her wouldn't last a night in a place like that", she signs a year long lease without even viewing the down at heel property. Signing the lease in a fit of pique, with old Mr Roscarrow haranguing her about his aunt's strange property, Jess pays little heed to the 'caveats' placed on the tenant. The 'caveat' centres on a year long tenant providing a home and acting as a guardian for the cottage, property and elderly cat by the name of Perrin, with the penetrating yellow eyes that hint at more than they are letting on. Jess' elderly mother and sister think she is mad, soon expecting her to turn up back on their doorstep in the urban sprawl of London. After all how will a city girl cope with the isolation and her position as an outsider in a distinctly small community?
Arriving at the cottage, Jess is less than enamoured with the crumbling walls and general state of disrepair, met by no electricity and no hot water and with a winter chill blowing through the gaps in the window panes. Discovering the sketchbook and map that belonged to the previous resident, Mrs Thomasina Roscarrow, Jess begins to unravel a world of hidden secrets contained within the village of Lanford. Following a hand-drawn map with ominous reference to the mesmerising standing stone which marks the boundary of the land, it exerts a strange pull on Jess but as she heads to the village and enquires about the heritage of the aged cottage, the locals all seem strangely reluctant to enlighten her. But needing some diversion from a solitary writing life, Jess cannot resist digging deeper...
It does not take Jess too long to understand that her arrival in the village has caused quite a 'stir', met by bets as to how long she will stick it out in the cottage from old Mr Roscarrow and his pals and seen by the urbane young Alexander Tremennor as offering an ideal contact to rub salt in the wound of the old Roscarrow and Tremennor grudge that has stood the test of five-hundred-years and still fought over to this day. Mel Roscarrow's aunt, Thomasina, was the last resident in the home and with no records in the village of the exact ownership of Enysyule, the locals understand it is the source of enmity between the two families. With a curious tree stump marking the boundary, Roger Tremennor sets his sights on bullying Jess and seeing the back of her and tomcat Perrin, but his honest son, Alex, and the bitter Roscarrow's put up quite a fight. The enigmatic grandson of Mel, young Jack Roscarrow takes a shine to Jess, but with the future of the cottage up in the air and Alex Tremennor not yet ready to give up his chance of romance, things come to a head on the night of Montol. Will the legendary winter solstice festival brings a change for the better for Jess and will she keep the place she has quickly come to regard as home? Just what will her family think of the entrancing Enysyule, where the nearest neighbour is a mile away and the nearest supermarket fifteen-miles further afield?
This is an enchanting tale spanning just short of two-hundred-pages and is surprisingly involving, placing the tenant, Miss Jessamine Pike amidst the warring families who do battle over the cottage of Enysyule, located deep in the secluded Devon woodlands. Cats have long held a place in folklore and legends, from their links with the ancient Egyptians who held cats in the highest esteem and even worshipped a cat Goddess but a fondness for cats is not a prerequisite for enjoying this novella.
Jess is a well-drawn character, affronted by the assumption that she will flee at the first sign of any trouble and surprisingly willing to get involved in a battle of good over evil and seeing wrongs righted. I admired her bravery and guts to tackle things head-on. Her initial weeks in her new home, curled up by the fire and getting to know the master of the house, a surly and aged tomcat by the name of Perrin, are blighted by oddly evocative dreams, night terrors and strange insights surrounding the history of a cottage that she immediately notices a strange affinity with. Never expecting to take much notice of Perrin, she is surprised to recognise a growing fondness for her companion and the village, which from an initially aloof and gruff impression seems to offer the fleeing Jess a place in their hearts. Witty and beguiling, The Cat of Yule Cottage, is a feel good read from start to finish, with a very neat wrap-up as Jess and the honest villagers wage war with the somewhat greedy, but humane, Tremennor Estates.
Despite Jess setting up home in November and with a manuscript deadline of Christmas Eve, The Cat of Yule Cottage does not have an overly Christmas feel: it could be based around any season or festivity that holds a place in the heart of a small community and is a recognised celebration. Although Jess has her forthcoming family visit to mark her first Christmas at Enysyule, the main celebration in this small insular village is the night of the winter solstice of Montol, where folk dress up and the emphasis is on appearing as something very different to what one is.
Jess is not in the market for love in any sense of the word, but placed in the midst of a tug of war, she finds herself attracting unwanted attention and the days of seclusion to write go out the window as suddenly she finds that there is a much more at stake, namely the heritage and legacy of a cottage which has entranced so many over the years and a cat who has stood the test of time. A fondness for cats and Christmas in not a requirement for an enjoyment of this story and despite the modern day translation of Enysyule meaning Yule Cottage, this is warm and entertaining fiction. The emphasis is on moral good triumphing greed and opening our communities to outsiders. Surrounded by an eclectic cast of long-term residents, the secondary characters all make a distinct impression and ensure the story never loses its feel-good lustre.
Arriving at the cottage, Jess is less than enamoured with the crumbling walls and general state of disrepair, met by no electricity and no hot water and with a winter chill blowing through the gaps in the window panes. Discovering the sketchbook and map that belonged to the previous resident, Mrs Thomasina Roscarrow, Jess begins to unravel a world of hidden secrets contained within the village of Lanford. Following a hand-drawn map with ominous reference to the mesmerising standing stone which marks the boundary of the land, it exerts a strange pull on Jess but as she heads to the village and enquires about the heritage of the aged cottage, the locals all seem strangely reluctant to enlighten her. But needing some diversion from a solitary writing life, Jess cannot resist digging deeper...
It does not take Jess too long to understand that her arrival in the village has caused quite a 'stir', met by bets as to how long she will stick it out in the cottage from old Mr Roscarrow and his pals and seen by the urbane young Alexander Tremennor as offering an ideal contact to rub salt in the wound of the old Roscarrow and Tremennor grudge that has stood the test of five-hundred-years and still fought over to this day. Mel Roscarrow's aunt, Thomasina, was the last resident in the home and with no records in the village of the exact ownership of Enysyule, the locals understand it is the source of enmity between the two families. With a curious tree stump marking the boundary, Roger Tremennor sets his sights on bullying Jess and seeing the back of her and tomcat Perrin, but his honest son, Alex, and the bitter Roscarrow's put up quite a fight. The enigmatic grandson of Mel, young Jack Roscarrow takes a shine to Jess, but with the future of the cottage up in the air and Alex Tremennor not yet ready to give up his chance of romance, things come to a head on the night of Montol. Will the legendary winter solstice festival brings a change for the better for Jess and will she keep the place she has quickly come to regard as home? Just what will her family think of the entrancing Enysyule, where the nearest neighbour is a mile away and the nearest supermarket fifteen-miles further afield?
This is an enchanting tale spanning just short of two-hundred-pages and is surprisingly involving, placing the tenant, Miss Jessamine Pike amidst the warring families who do battle over the cottage of Enysyule, located deep in the secluded Devon woodlands. Cats have long held a place in folklore and legends, from their links with the ancient Egyptians who held cats in the highest esteem and even worshipped a cat Goddess but a fondness for cats is not a prerequisite for enjoying this novella.
Jess is a well-drawn character, affronted by the assumption that she will flee at the first sign of any trouble and surprisingly willing to get involved in a battle of good over evil and seeing wrongs righted. I admired her bravery and guts to tackle things head-on. Her initial weeks in her new home, curled up by the fire and getting to know the master of the house, a surly and aged tomcat by the name of Perrin, are blighted by oddly evocative dreams, night terrors and strange insights surrounding the history of a cottage that she immediately notices a strange affinity with. Never expecting to take much notice of Perrin, she is surprised to recognise a growing fondness for her companion and the village, which from an initially aloof and gruff impression seems to offer the fleeing Jess a place in their hearts. Witty and beguiling, The Cat of Yule Cottage, is a feel good read from start to finish, with a very neat wrap-up as Jess and the honest villagers wage war with the somewhat greedy, but humane, Tremennor Estates.
Despite Jess setting up home in November and with a manuscript deadline of Christmas Eve, The Cat of Yule Cottage does not have an overly Christmas feel: it could be based around any season or festivity that holds a place in the heart of a small community and is a recognised celebration. Although Jess has her forthcoming family visit to mark her first Christmas at Enysyule, the main celebration in this small insular village is the night of the winter solstice of Montol, where folk dress up and the emphasis is on appearing as something very different to what one is.
Jess is not in the market for love in any sense of the word, but placed in the midst of a tug of war, she finds herself attracting unwanted attention and the days of seclusion to write go out the window as suddenly she finds that there is a much more at stake, namely the heritage and legacy of a cottage which has entranced so many over the years and a cat who has stood the test of time. A fondness for cats and Christmas in not a requirement for an enjoyment of this story and despite the modern day translation of Enysyule meaning Yule Cottage, this is warm and entertaining fiction. The emphasis is on moral good triumphing greed and opening our communities to outsiders. Surrounded by an eclectic cast of long-term residents, the secondary characters all make a distinct impression and ensure the story never loses its feel-good lustre.
December 1, 2025
Μια ιστορία που συνδυάζει στοιχεία ρομαντισμού, μυστηρίου και τη ζεστή ατμόσφαιρα της Κορνουάλης, με επίκεντρο την ανακαίνιση μιας παλιάς αγροικίας και έναν μυστηριώδη γάτο, τον Πέριν. Η ιστορία είναι γλυκιά και ενδιαφέρουσα, ειδικά αν κάποιος αγαπά τα βιβλία με χριστουγεννιάτικη διάθεση και μυθικά και μαγικά στοιχεία. Το τέλος είναι συγκινητικό, αλλά δεν θα πω τον λόγο να μην κάνω σποιλερ. Η έλλειψη κεφαλαίων ήταν ένα σημαντικό μειονέκτημα για μένα. Η αφήγηση ήταν μονοκοπανιά και αυτό έκανε το κείμενο να φαίνεται πυκνό και κουραστικό... Και τώρα πάμε στο προσωπικό μου κομμάτι, για μένα οι γάτες είναι φύλακες, μικροί βασιλιάδες του σπιτιού και αθόρυβοι παρατηρητές της ζωής μας. Μας διδάσκουν την ηρεμία, την αξία της ξεκούρασης και την απόλαυση της απλότητας. Δεν μπορώ να φανταστώ τη ζωή μου χωρίς τη γατίσια συντροφιά...Αν είσαι λάτρης της γάτας νομίζω ότι αυτό το βιβλίο είναι για σένα ❤️
November 15, 2018
Recensione in ANTEPRIMA
.
3.5 - Voto
"Dove c’è la pietra focaia, ci sarà di nuovo la fiamma. Dove c’è il combustibile, ci sarà di nuovo il fuoco. Dovunque ci siano esseri umani, ci sarà sempre speranza. E la speranza – la Terra lo sa – è la miccia per il fuoco migliore in assoluto…"
.
Trovo sia insolito scegliere un libro e pregustarne già i tratti migliori anche solo affidandosi a uno solo dei cinque sensi, la vista. Leggerlo quasi intimorita e senza dubbio sorpresa, ed essere combattuta sino alla fine su quale voto potergli assegnare.
Questo è ciò che mi è capitato con Il gatto che scoprì in Natale. In questo periodo dell’anno cerco sempre romantiche e nevose storie d’amore e speranza, amicizia e spunti di riflessione. La copertina con i colori rossi e un gattone ramato in bella vista mi ha ispirata e incuriosita.
Non ho trovato ciò che cercavo, non ho trovato nemmeno il gatto arancione veramente, eppure nel misto di sbigottimento e ricerca vana della pagina della rivelazione, ho gustato questo libro, che lo volessi o meno, e ne ho assorbito i significati più nascosti.
Non vi aspettate quindi romantiche passeggiate sulla neve, questo libro è mistero, storia antichissima di luoghi ricchi di magia e vecchie credenze. Una lettura lievemente inquietante per quanto mi riguarda, a causa della mia fervida immaginazione e dei passaggi frequenti, scritti in corsivo, in cui non è ben chiaro chi sia colui o colei che mormora e si cela allo sguardo umano.
Il libro comincia con un’avventura in procinto di realizzarsi, Jesse giovane scrittrice londinese, decide di trasferirsi in Cornovaglia e affitta un cottage.
.
" La casa si chiama Enysyule.
Enysyule. Sento la parola indugiare sulla lingua come miele leccato da un cucchiaio. Enysyule: grigio e verde. Vecchia pietra. Vecchi alberi. Ocra paglia e licheni. Un praticello d’erba alta fino alla vita, pieno di sole, e un ruscello che scorre accanto alla casa, un rivolo di acqua fresca che sfocia nel mare. È un’abitazione isolata, l’unica nella zona più profonda di una profonda valle. Annidata come qualcosa di prezioso tenuto sottobraccio.”
.
Ma l’atmosfera magica del luogo cambia molto quando scende la sera e il gatto, incredibilmente affascinante e misterioso che condividerà i suoi spazi con l’inquilina “straniera”, sarà senza dubbio l’elemento chiave della storia. Perrin, un collante tra mondi, epoche e misteriosi segreti che attendono la persona giusta per essere svelati.
La storia d’amore c’è anche se tutto sommato è appena sfiorata tra le ultime righe del libro, c’è anche la neve, in quantità industriale, ma questo romanzo non è una lettura natalizia d’amore e addobbi pre festivi.
In Cornovaglia, nel cuore del tempo di Yule, Jess non si è mai sentita così lontana da casa e dalla società moderna come ora, sebbene si accorga, al contempo, di non essersi mai sentita così libera e serena.
La vallata che circonda il cottage è ricca di antichi misteri e una sorta di monolite troneggia nel bosco. Ci sono antiche faide tra proprietari terrieri e nuove amicizie per questa ragazza straniera che, con il suo sguardo fresco e nuovo, potrebbe dare il via ad un cambiamento e spezzare il circolo di odio e dissapori.
Molti i personaggi interessanti, partendo dal vecchio Mel per concludere con l’anziana ex padrona di Perrie. Peculiarissima la scelta dell’autrice di inserire queste note inquietanti e misteriose in un paesaggio fiabesco, facendoci conoscere i sogni che popolano le notti di Jesse, davvero particolari e movimentati, e al contempo, mostrandoci la sua rinascita spirituale anche attraverso le vicissitudini legate a queste esperienze. Un cuore ferito che ritrova nella solitudine e nell’intimo rapporto con un gatto, il modo di guarire e procedere nella sua vita, lottando quando occorre.
Capirete che già con gli indizi che ho seminato qui potrei aver detto più del necessario.
È davvero un libro insolito, che consiglio di leggere senza aspettative, gustandolo e basta. Adatto a chi ama il mistero, una lieve suspense e la natura incontaminata; no, non è un romanzo natalizio così come definizione vuole ma probabilmente uno scritto inaspettato che vi sorprenderà.
La Min - per RFS
.
3.5 - Voto
"Dove c’è la pietra focaia, ci sarà di nuovo la fiamma. Dove c’è il combustibile, ci sarà di nuovo il fuoco. Dovunque ci siano esseri umani, ci sarà sempre speranza. E la speranza – la Terra lo sa – è la miccia per il fuoco migliore in assoluto…"
.
Trovo sia insolito scegliere un libro e pregustarne già i tratti migliori anche solo affidandosi a uno solo dei cinque sensi, la vista. Leggerlo quasi intimorita e senza dubbio sorpresa, ed essere combattuta sino alla fine su quale voto potergli assegnare.
Questo è ciò che mi è capitato con Il gatto che scoprì in Natale. In questo periodo dell’anno cerco sempre romantiche e nevose storie d’amore e speranza, amicizia e spunti di riflessione. La copertina con i colori rossi e un gattone ramato in bella vista mi ha ispirata e incuriosita.
Non ho trovato ciò che cercavo, non ho trovato nemmeno il gatto arancione veramente, eppure nel misto di sbigottimento e ricerca vana della pagina della rivelazione, ho gustato questo libro, che lo volessi o meno, e ne ho assorbito i significati più nascosti.
Non vi aspettate quindi romantiche passeggiate sulla neve, questo libro è mistero, storia antichissima di luoghi ricchi di magia e vecchie credenze. Una lettura lievemente inquietante per quanto mi riguarda, a causa della mia fervida immaginazione e dei passaggi frequenti, scritti in corsivo, in cui non è ben chiaro chi sia colui o colei che mormora e si cela allo sguardo umano.
Il libro comincia con un’avventura in procinto di realizzarsi, Jesse giovane scrittrice londinese, decide di trasferirsi in Cornovaglia e affitta un cottage.
.
" La casa si chiama Enysyule.
Enysyule. Sento la parola indugiare sulla lingua come miele leccato da un cucchiaio. Enysyule: grigio e verde. Vecchia pietra. Vecchi alberi. Ocra paglia e licheni. Un praticello d’erba alta fino alla vita, pieno di sole, e un ruscello che scorre accanto alla casa, un rivolo di acqua fresca che sfocia nel mare. È un’abitazione isolata, l’unica nella zona più profonda di una profonda valle. Annidata come qualcosa di prezioso tenuto sottobraccio.”
.
Ma l’atmosfera magica del luogo cambia molto quando scende la sera e il gatto, incredibilmente affascinante e misterioso che condividerà i suoi spazi con l’inquilina “straniera”, sarà senza dubbio l’elemento chiave della storia. Perrin, un collante tra mondi, epoche e misteriosi segreti che attendono la persona giusta per essere svelati.
La storia d’amore c’è anche se tutto sommato è appena sfiorata tra le ultime righe del libro, c’è anche la neve, in quantità industriale, ma questo romanzo non è una lettura natalizia d’amore e addobbi pre festivi.
In Cornovaglia, nel cuore del tempo di Yule, Jess non si è mai sentita così lontana da casa e dalla società moderna come ora, sebbene si accorga, al contempo, di non essersi mai sentita così libera e serena.
La vallata che circonda il cottage è ricca di antichi misteri e una sorta di monolite troneggia nel bosco. Ci sono antiche faide tra proprietari terrieri e nuove amicizie per questa ragazza straniera che, con il suo sguardo fresco e nuovo, potrebbe dare il via ad un cambiamento e spezzare il circolo di odio e dissapori.
Molti i personaggi interessanti, partendo dal vecchio Mel per concludere con l’anziana ex padrona di Perrie. Peculiarissima la scelta dell’autrice di inserire queste note inquietanti e misteriose in un paesaggio fiabesco, facendoci conoscere i sogni che popolano le notti di Jesse, davvero particolari e movimentati, e al contempo, mostrandoci la sua rinascita spirituale anche attraverso le vicissitudini legate a queste esperienze. Un cuore ferito che ritrova nella solitudine e nell’intimo rapporto con un gatto, il modo di guarire e procedere nella sua vita, lottando quando occorre.
Capirete che già con gli indizi che ho seminato qui potrei aver detto più del necessario.
È davvero un libro insolito, che consiglio di leggere senza aspettative, gustandolo e basta. Adatto a chi ama il mistero, una lieve suspense e la natura incontaminata; no, non è un romanzo natalizio così come definizione vuole ma probabilmente uno scritto inaspettato che vi sorprenderà.
La Min - per RFS
January 6, 2019
Salve lettrici,
Oggi vi parlo di una storia natalizia molto particolare, ambientata nella zona della Cornovaglia, in una piccola cittadina inglese.
Vi sto parlando di “Il gatto che scopri il Natale” di Lili Hayward, una storia Newton Compton.
Jessamine Pike si trasferisce a Enysyule, in un piccolo cottage completamente da ristrutturare, per staccare un po’ e dare una scossa definitiva alla sua vita.
Sul contratto di affitto del cottage però ci girano intorno troppi misteri. A chi appartiene davvero il cottage?
Jess dunque farà un po’ di ricerche per salvare la sua permanenza in questa cittadina così particolare e sopratutto per salvare il suo coinquilino: un gatto davvero particolare.
Jess nella sua ricerca si imbatterà in segreti, leggende e magia.
Amo le storia di Natale e aspetto con ansia questo periodo anche per rifugiarmi in queste storie che hanno sempre un po’ di magia.
E questa storia, lettrici, di magia ne ha in abbondanza.
Leggendo la trama non avrei mai e poi mai immaginato una storia così e ne sono rimasta colpita. Non è la solita storia d’amore bensì un romanzo ricco di misteri e segreti. L’amore in questa storia infatti passa in secondo piano e io me ho sentito tutta la mancanza. Non mi sarebbe affatto dispiaciuta infatti qualche scena d’amore extra ma devo tenere conto che questa è stata davvero una lettura insolita proprio grazie alla sua originalità.
Inutile dire infatti che questa é una storia che affascina e che una volta iniziata non si può non finirla. La curiosità infatti avrà la meglio su di voi, care amiche del confine, e sono sicura che, come me, anche voi vi farete avvolgere dalla magia di questa storia.
Se la consiglio? Assolutamente si.
È una storia davvero carina, originale, ben scritta e sopratutto magica.
Buona lettura!
Oggi vi parlo di una storia natalizia molto particolare, ambientata nella zona della Cornovaglia, in una piccola cittadina inglese.
Vi sto parlando di “Il gatto che scopri il Natale” di Lili Hayward, una storia Newton Compton.
Jessamine Pike si trasferisce a Enysyule, in un piccolo cottage completamente da ristrutturare, per staccare un po’ e dare una scossa definitiva alla sua vita.
Sul contratto di affitto del cottage però ci girano intorno troppi misteri. A chi appartiene davvero il cottage?
Jess dunque farà un po’ di ricerche per salvare la sua permanenza in questa cittadina così particolare e sopratutto per salvare il suo coinquilino: un gatto davvero particolare.
Jess nella sua ricerca si imbatterà in segreti, leggende e magia.
Amo le storia di Natale e aspetto con ansia questo periodo anche per rifugiarmi in queste storie che hanno sempre un po’ di magia.
E questa storia, lettrici, di magia ne ha in abbondanza.
Leggendo la trama non avrei mai e poi mai immaginato una storia così e ne sono rimasta colpita. Non è la solita storia d’amore bensì un romanzo ricco di misteri e segreti. L’amore in questa storia infatti passa in secondo piano e io me ho sentito tutta la mancanza. Non mi sarebbe affatto dispiaciuta infatti qualche scena d’amore extra ma devo tenere conto che questa è stata davvero una lettura insolita proprio grazie alla sua originalità.
Inutile dire infatti che questa é una storia che affascina e che una volta iniziata non si può non finirla. La curiosità infatti avrà la meglio su di voi, care amiche del confine, e sono sicura che, come me, anche voi vi farete avvolgere dalla magia di questa storia.
Se la consiglio? Assolutamente si.
È una storia davvero carina, originale, ben scritta e sopratutto magica.
Buona lettura!
June 12, 2017
This is a short, quick read about Jess Pike, an author who signs the lease for a cottage without having seen it in person. Even though it's rundown and has a lot of mystery surrounding it, she quickly falls in love with Enysyule, the cat who lives there and the village she now lives in. But then the history and secrets surrounding her new home catch up on her, and she has to fight for its future.
I feel like I should preface this by saying I am not particularly fond of cats, but if you are, you might enjoy this book even more than I did.
As already stated, it's a short book. It doesn't have chapters either, which kind of bothered me, but it was manageable.
It's also set around winter and builds up to Yuletide. A bit strange to read in the summer, but I love Christmas themed things no matter the weather outside.
I don't have very strong feelings about the characters. They were fine, but a little flat and bland. Mel was absolutely fantastic though, I wish he could be my grandfather too. What I did really love was that the cottage, Enysyule, also almost acted as a character. The mysteries and strangeness surrounding it made the book interesting. It was almost like it had a smidge of magical realism, which I really enjoyed.
It's almost like this is a romantic Christmas movie, in book form, with a cat. And as chance would have it, romantic Christmas movies are my guilty pleasure.
I feel like I should preface this by saying I am not particularly fond of cats, but if you are, you might enjoy this book even more than I did.
As already stated, it's a short book. It doesn't have chapters either, which kind of bothered me, but it was manageable.
It's also set around winter and builds up to Yuletide. A bit strange to read in the summer, but I love Christmas themed things no matter the weather outside.
I don't have very strong feelings about the characters. They were fine, but a little flat and bland. Mel was absolutely fantastic though, I wish he could be my grandfather too. What I did really love was that the cottage, Enysyule, also almost acted as a character. The mysteries and strangeness surrounding it made the book interesting. It was almost like it had a smidge of magical realism, which I really enjoyed.
It's almost like this is a romantic Christmas movie, in book form, with a cat. And as chance would have it, romantic Christmas movies are my guilty pleasure.
January 31, 2024
My reaction to the first third of this book was that it was overly melodramatic and wasn’t really my sort of thing. Not helped by it being written in the present tense (I wish authors would not write in the present tense).
Then the story grabbed me and I was hooked. It’s about landscape and connection to the land, and old stories, and most of all, the mysterious cat of Yule Cottage. With a generous helping of old Cornish customs and folklore.
Then the story grabbed me and I was hooked. It’s about landscape and connection to the land, and old stories, and most of all, the mysterious cat of Yule Cottage. With a generous helping of old Cornish customs and folklore.
December 10, 2025
This is not a cheesy Christmas book. Drama, a little bit of magic, and a cute love subplot. This book surprised me. Though it gave “first draft” vibes with the dialogue, I have to say I enjoyed myself.
3.75 ⭐️
3.75 ⭐️
December 22, 2019
What a wonderfully weird little book full of mystery and history with a very sweet cat that is absolutely the star of the show. We follow a woman who moves to Cornwall on a whim and takes up a lease of a run down cottage that is steeped in secrets. Said cottage is also the subject of a feud between two neighbouring families and Jess soon finds herself battling to keep hold of her new home.
I loved the descriptive writing in this book but there's also plenty of speech to break things up. This book doesn't have any chapters and while it was strange at first, I soon got used to it and it worked for this particular story.
All of the characters were great to read about and added drama to the story, but one was definitely the best - Perrin the cat! He was such a good character and I only wished we saw more of him! I liked the peculiar history surrounding Enysyule cottage and it was interesting to discover the past and how it led to the present day.
While it wasn't super Christmassy, it had a warm cosy feeling especially as Jess makes the cottage her home and it builds up to the finale of the story. It's strangely easy to love and super quick to read around the busy Christmas time.
I loved the descriptive writing in this book but there's also plenty of speech to break things up. This book doesn't have any chapters and while it was strange at first, I soon got used to it and it worked for this particular story.
All of the characters were great to read about and added drama to the story, but one was definitely the best - Perrin the cat! He was such a good character and I only wished we saw more of him! I liked the peculiar history surrounding Enysyule cottage and it was interesting to discover the past and how it led to the present day.
While it wasn't super Christmassy, it had a warm cosy feeling especially as Jess makes the cottage her home and it builds up to the finale of the story. It's strangely easy to love and super quick to read around the busy Christmas time.
January 2, 2022
Oh, I loved this book! Although the premise - plucky single woman inherits/leases dilapidated old cottage and finds love with a quirky local whilst fixing it up - has been covered many times before (I call it the "stone cottage syndrome"), this one is done really well, and it's more than just another love story. Set during the frosty, evergreen-laden weeks leading up to Yuletide, the atmosphere is magickal as a mystery, laced with Cornish lore and an enchanting cat, unfolds. This book contains adult but not explicit themes. I look forward to more work from this author.
January 18, 2023
Cozy and atmospheric, just right for those long winter evenings between Halloween and Christmas. Pros: The cat, Perrin, is the best character. The writing is so atmospheric and brings the setting to life so well it made me want to quit my job and move to Cornwall. Cons: The book is just so short, I want a little more of everything - little deeper into the history, a little more suspense, a little more character development particularly with the romance. Even so, the cat and the place are enough to make it worthwhile. Recommend to fans of Mary Stewart and Barbara Michaels.
November 13, 2018
Eine Weihnachtsgeschichte, wie ich sie gefunden habe, ohne zu wissen, dass ich sie gesucht habe! Ein weihnachtlich märchenhaftes wie magisches Leseerlebnis, das einen mit seinem besonderen Charme sofort einwickelt und keine Sekunde mehr loslässt. Ich bin verzaubert und zutiefst gerührt. Wow!
Magisch — geheimnisvoll — fesselnd!
Ausführliche Rezension auf: https://iamnomorningperson.blogspot.c...
Magisch — geheimnisvoll — fesselnd!
Ausführliche Rezension auf: https://iamnomorningperson.blogspot.c...
January 3, 2025
2/5: No me ha convencido esta historia, ya que no he conectado con ella. A pesar de partir de una buena base, la novela se va por los cerros de Úbeda y se me ha hecho muy densa.
La portada y el titulo engañan y mucho, ya que ni el gato es de esa tonalidad ni la época navideña tiene mucho protagonismo, siendo algo que se da en la parte final.
Jessamine es una escritora que decide irse a vivir a una zona de campo de Cornualles, a una cabaña conocida como Enysyule. El motivo por el que se muda es el hartazgo de la vida que lleva en Londres y necesita paz para terminar un manuscrito.
En Enysyule esto no lo va a encontrar, debido a que se encuentra una cabaña medio en ruinas, unas leyendas de susto, unas familias enfrentadas por ese terreno y un gato, negro, llamado Perrin.
Vamos a ir con ella conociendo el encanto del territorio y todos los entresijos del mismo; pero me ha resultado bastante monótona. También un tanto liosa, ya que la autora no define mucho a los secundarios. Es más de ponerte en situación y transporta muy bien a los lugares, pero no dota de personalidad a los personajes, me parecen planisimos.
El hecho de no tener capítulos me ha rechinado mucho.
El desenlace no está mal y hay mensajes bonitos, pero me deja una sensación bastante hueca
La portada y el titulo engañan y mucho, ya que ni el gato es de esa tonalidad ni la época navideña tiene mucho protagonismo, siendo algo que se da en la parte final.
Jessamine es una escritora que decide irse a vivir a una zona de campo de Cornualles, a una cabaña conocida como Enysyule. El motivo por el que se muda es el hartazgo de la vida que lleva en Londres y necesita paz para terminar un manuscrito.
En Enysyule esto no lo va a encontrar, debido a que se encuentra una cabaña medio en ruinas, unas leyendas de susto, unas familias enfrentadas por ese terreno y un gato, negro, llamado Perrin.
Vamos a ir con ella conociendo el encanto del territorio y todos los entresijos del mismo; pero me ha resultado bastante monótona. También un tanto liosa, ya que la autora no define mucho a los secundarios. Es más de ponerte en situación y transporta muy bien a los lugares, pero no dota de personalidad a los personajes, me parecen planisimos.
El hecho de no tener capítulos me ha rechinado mucho.
El desenlace no está mal y hay mensajes bonitos, pero me deja una sensación bastante hueca
January 5, 2020
Libro carino e particolare che ha per protagonista Jess, una ragazza londinese andata a vivere in Cornovaglia ma soprattutto Perrin, gatto nero (non rossiccio come quello in copertina!) e misterioso abitante del cottage preso in affitto da Jess.
Via via che passano i giorni, Jess si sente sempre più "strana", ha delle visioni del passato di quel luogo che la affascinano e, sì un pò anche la spaventano e Perrin ha sempre un ruolo in quegli strani sogni...come mai?
Gradevole lettura, adattissima a questo periodo invernale.
Via via che passano i giorni, Jess si sente sempre più "strana", ha delle visioni del passato di quel luogo che la affascinano e, sì un pò anche la spaventano e Perrin ha sempre un ruolo in quegli strani sogni...come mai?
Gradevole lettura, adattissima a questo periodo invernale.
December 14, 2020
I loved this book.
The writing and the storyline were so well written. I loved the descriptions and the way that you got glimpses into the past and things that had happened in the valley.
I don't want to give away anything about the plot as it would spoil the plot.
Would recommend this book.
The writing and the storyline were so well written. I loved the descriptions and the way that you got glimpses into the past and things that had happened in the valley.
I don't want to give away anything about the plot as it would spoil the plot.
Would recommend this book.
February 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this charming Cornish read . I friend posted this book to me as soon as:she had read it , as the cover & title looked so intriguing.
This book has been filled of myths , time gone past , a unusual cat called Perrin and a young determined woman called Jess .
I liked the ongoing feud between the two families , it gave such an added depth to the story .
This book has been filled of myths , time gone past , a unusual cat called Perrin and a young determined woman called Jess .
I liked the ongoing feud between the two families , it gave such an added depth to the story .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
Appena finito!
È un libro magico. Non saprei definirlo diversamente. La storia è davvero sospesa tra passato e presente .
Lancia un forte messaggio o più di un messaggio :
-amare gli animali
-amare la natura senza contaminarla
...e soprattutto ....
-credere alla magia del Natale ! 🐈
È un libro magico. Non saprei definirlo diversamente. La storia è davvero sospesa tra passato e presente .
Lancia un forte messaggio o più di un messaggio :
-amare gli animali
-amare la natura senza contaminarla
...e soprattutto ....
-credere alla magia del Natale ! 🐈
March 2, 2023
When Jessamine Pike breaks up with her boyfriend and her manuscript of her novel sells she needs a complete change from everything.
So she takes over a very old cottage in Cornwall called Enysyule and starts to renovate the centuries old building.
But she isn't alone, she has the aristocratic and attitudinal Perrin, the community famous resident Tom cat who came with the cottage.
But Enysyule also comes with its own mysteries, legends of spirits in the area abound and is fixated on a huge standing rock called the Perranstone.
It keeps watch over the whole valley and Enysyule and as the true Yule, Christmas comes close the past is locked in with the present as Jessamine embarks on a fight for the future of Perrin and Enysyule.
This was wonderful, a slow burn tale full of secrets and mysteries blended with history and ritual.
A real winter story which I read aloud with my niece and we both cried at the lovely ending.
So she takes over a very old cottage in Cornwall called Enysyule and starts to renovate the centuries old building.
But she isn't alone, she has the aristocratic and attitudinal Perrin, the community famous resident Tom cat who came with the cottage.
But Enysyule also comes with its own mysteries, legends of spirits in the area abound and is fixated on a huge standing rock called the Perranstone.
It keeps watch over the whole valley and Enysyule and as the true Yule, Christmas comes close the past is locked in with the present as Jessamine embarks on a fight for the future of Perrin and Enysyule.
This was wonderful, a slow burn tale full of secrets and mysteries blended with history and ritual.
A real winter story which I read aloud with my niece and we both cried at the lovely ending.
December 5, 2024
A relatively fun and chill Xmas read, with some neat ideas and a sweet lil kittie. Personally, I wish it had 50-75 more pages to do a little more explaining about things.
December 23, 2025
2.5
this had too much going on and I struggled to finish
this had too much going on and I struggled to finish
December 11, 2025
Laura Madelaine "Katinas iš Jolės kotedžo"❤️ Mistinės legendos. Kalėdos. Stebuklingas katinas.
Kai dienos sunkesnės, vakarais norisi ramaus laiko su knyga. Ši istorija kvėpavo savotiška magija nuo pat pradžių. Mažas Enisjulo miestelis, kur visi vieni kitus pažįsta, dviejų šeimų amžina kova dėl žemės ir naujoji nuomininkė, jaučianti atradusi čia namus.
Knyga labai tinkanti žiemai ir kalėdiniam laikotarpiui, skaitant taip norėjau būti prie to židinio troboj kaip ir veikėja 😁 kvepėjo visišku jaukumu.
Jeigu norisi trupučio magijos, šilumos ir žiemos - istorija kaip tik jums 🎄❄️
Kai dienos sunkesnės, vakarais norisi ramaus laiko su knyga. Ši istorija kvėpavo savotiška magija nuo pat pradžių. Mažas Enisjulo miestelis, kur visi vieni kitus pažįsta, dviejų šeimų amžina kova dėl žemės ir naujoji nuomininkė, jaučianti atradusi čia namus.
Knyga labai tinkanti žiemai ir kalėdiniam laikotarpiui, skaitant taip norėjau būti prie to židinio troboj kaip ir veikėja 😁 kvepėjo visišku jaukumu.
Jeigu norisi trupučio magijos, šilumos ir žiemos - istorija kaip tik jums 🎄❄️
December 14, 2025
Σιγουρα ανεδειξε το πνευμα των Χριστουγεννων. Δεν ξερω που να το καταταξω αλλα ητανν ευκολοδιαβαστο και μου αρεσε αρκετα!
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