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They Call Me the Cat Lady
You’ve seen me on the street. You’ve walked past my house, and pointed, and wondered. The cat lady. All on my own, with only my five cats to keep me company. Did no-one ever tell you that you can’t judge a book by its cover?
Everyone in town knows Nancy Jones. She loves her cats. She loves her tumbledown house by the sea. She loves her job in the local school where she tries to help the children who need help the most. Nancy tries hard not to think about her past loves and where those led her…
Nancy never shares her secrets – because some doors are better kept locked. But one day she accepts a cat-sitting request from a local woman, and at the woman’s house, Nancy sees a photograph, in a bright-red frame. A photograph that opens the door to her painful past…
Soon Nancy doesn’t know what frightens her the most: letting her story out, or letting the rest of the world in. It’s impossible to find companionship without the risk of losing it. But can Nancy take that risk again?
A heart-wrenching and heart-warming story of love lost and found, and of second chances, They Call Me The Cat Lady is perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
Everyone in town knows Nancy Jones. She loves her cats. She loves her tumbledown house by the sea. She loves her job in the local school where she tries to help the children who need help the most. Nancy tries hard not to think about her past loves and where those led her…
Nancy never shares her secrets – because some doors are better kept locked. But one day she accepts a cat-sitting request from a local woman, and at the woman’s house, Nancy sees a photograph, in a bright-red frame. A photograph that opens the door to her painful past…
Soon Nancy doesn’t know what frightens her the most: letting her story out, or letting the rest of the world in. It’s impossible to find companionship without the risk of losing it. But can Nancy take that risk again?
A heart-wrenching and heart-warming story of love lost and found, and of second chances, They Call Me The Cat Lady is perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2019
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358 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 20, 2020
Nancy Jones is known as the local cat lady, and it’s not always meant kindly. Though she has a habit of rescuing felines in need of a bit of care, most humans find her distant. But Nancy has secrets and, after a chance encounter with her past while cat sitting, they threaten to come tumbling out … but to fully tell her story, she just might have to let others in.
Much like a hesitant cat, Nancy Jones is irresistible. Troubled by a past marred by hurt and catastrophe, she’s cloistered herself in a home with cats named after loved ones. For her, it sometimes feels good just to say those names out loud— it’s almost as though they’re with her. It’s a heartbreaking sentiment, but it brings her comfort.
And yet she has such a subdued genial way about her. Author Amy Miller delicately paints Nancy as a pained individual whose role is to alleviate the problems of others. It’s no wonder she works at a local school, and her caring manner serves to protect some of the more discomforted students, particularly a bullied boy named Alfie. Nancy serves as the heart of this book, dutifully going out of her way for others.
Yet it’s the moments when Nancy finally has to assess her personal problems that this book soars. Miller carefully pushes Nancy into situations that force her to confront her past. Nancy comes across a picture of her daughter while cat sitting and it causes all the walls she’s built around herself and her past to come crumbling down. It’s uncomfortable, but there’s a pure optimism that runs through the text, softening the tension— through these baby steps, it’s understood Nancy will be happier in the end. Miller and, in turn, the reader are on her side all the way.
Ultimately, Miller has masterfully crafted a beautiful story of personal forgiveness and hope.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Much like a hesitant cat, Nancy Jones is irresistible. Troubled by a past marred by hurt and catastrophe, she’s cloistered herself in a home with cats named after loved ones. For her, it sometimes feels good just to say those names out loud— it’s almost as though they’re with her. It’s a heartbreaking sentiment, but it brings her comfort.
And yet she has such a subdued genial way about her. Author Amy Miller delicately paints Nancy as a pained individual whose role is to alleviate the problems of others. It’s no wonder she works at a local school, and her caring manner serves to protect some of the more discomforted students, particularly a bullied boy named Alfie. Nancy serves as the heart of this book, dutifully going out of her way for others.
Yet it’s the moments when Nancy finally has to assess her personal problems that this book soars. Miller carefully pushes Nancy into situations that force her to confront her past. Nancy comes across a picture of her daughter while cat sitting and it causes all the walls she’s built around herself and her past to come crumbling down. It’s uncomfortable, but there’s a pure optimism that runs through the text, softening the tension— through these baby steps, it’s understood Nancy will be happier in the end. Miller and, in turn, the reader are on her side all the way.
Ultimately, Miller has masterfully crafted a beautiful story of personal forgiveness and hope.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
April 26, 2019
“ Questions. People couldn’t resist. They always wanted to know why there wasn’t a man, or any children, in her life. Just cats.”
Ted. Elise. William. Tabitha. Bea.
These are the cats that Nancy Jones shares her tumbledown house by the sea with. They are named after people that Nancy has loved and lost. SHE LIKES SPEAKING THEIR NAMES ALOUD.
Although she enjoys her job at the local school, she mostly keeps to herself. But, all of the neighbors know that if you are going away and need someone to feed your cat...just drop off your key at the school and “the cat lady” will be happy to drop by.
And, her neighbor, Alfie, a young boy being bullied at the school also knows that Nancy can be trusted.
One day, Nancy accepts a “cat sitting” job, at 38 Evelyn Rd, and when she enters the home and goes in search of Prudence, the Persian cat...she discovers a photograph of a person from her buried past, instead.
Because of this picture, her secrets may now get out...
The book synopsis which convinced me to read this calls this book-“ A heart wrenching and heart warming story of love lost and found and of second chances.....for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is completely Fine.
I hold a special place in my heart for Ove, and Eleanor.
Also for Arthur Truluv, Harold Fry and Queenie Hennessy.
While I don’t think that this story held QUITE the emotional punch for me of those titles, it is CHARMING in its own right and I would have NO hesitation in recommending this book to readers who loved those novels.
One minor complaint! I wanted more of the cats!! 😻
I loved the last paragraph, so full of hope.......and finished the story with a smile on my face.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and Amy Miller for the digital ARC, I received in exchange for a candid review! This title will be available on April 26, 2019!
Merged review:
AVAILABLE NOW and $2.99 0n Amazon today!
“ Questions. People couldn’t resist. They always wanted to know why there wasn’t a man, or any children, in her life. Just cats.”
Ted. Elise. William. Tabitha. Bea.
These are the cats that Nancy Jones shares her tumbledown house by the sea with. They are named after people that Nancy has loved and lost. SHE LIKES SPEAKING THEIR NAMES ALOUD.
Although she enjoys her job at the local school, she mostly keeps to herself. But, all of the neighbors know that if you are going away and need someone to feed your cat...just drop off your key at the school and “the cat lady” will be happy to drop by.
And, her neighbor, Alfie, a young boy being bullied at the school also knows that Nancy can be trusted.
One day, Nancy accepts a “cat sitting” job, at 38 Evelyn Rd, and when she enters the home and goes in search of Prudence, the Persian cat...she discovers a photograph of a person from her buried past, instead.
Because of this picture, her secrets may now get out...
The book synopsis which convinced me to read this, calls this book-“ A heart wrenching and heart warming story of love lost and found and of second chances.....for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is completely Fine.
I hold a special place in my heart for Ove, and Eleanor.
Also for Arthur Truluv, Harold Fry and Queenie Hennessy.
While I don’t think that this story held QUITE the emotional punch for me of those titles, it is CHARMING in its own right and I would have NO hesitation in recommending this book to readers who loved those novels.
One minor complaint! I wanted more of the cats!! 😻
I loved the last paragraph, so full of hope.......and finished the story with a smile on my face.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and Amy Miller for the digital ARC, I received in exchange for a candid review!
Ted. Elise. William. Tabitha. Bea.
These are the cats that Nancy Jones shares her tumbledown house by the sea with. They are named after people that Nancy has loved and lost. SHE LIKES SPEAKING THEIR NAMES ALOUD.
Although she enjoys her job at the local school, she mostly keeps to herself. But, all of the neighbors know that if you are going away and need someone to feed your cat...just drop off your key at the school and “the cat lady” will be happy to drop by.
And, her neighbor, Alfie, a young boy being bullied at the school also knows that Nancy can be trusted.
One day, Nancy accepts a “cat sitting” job, at 38 Evelyn Rd, and when she enters the home and goes in search of Prudence, the Persian cat...she discovers a photograph of a person from her buried past, instead.
Because of this picture, her secrets may now get out...
The book synopsis which convinced me to read this calls this book-“ A heart wrenching and heart warming story of love lost and found and of second chances.....for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is completely Fine.
I hold a special place in my heart for Ove, and Eleanor.
Also for Arthur Truluv, Harold Fry and Queenie Hennessy.
While I don’t think that this story held QUITE the emotional punch for me of those titles, it is CHARMING in its own right and I would have NO hesitation in recommending this book to readers who loved those novels.
One minor complaint! I wanted more of the cats!! 😻
I loved the last paragraph, so full of hope.......and finished the story with a smile on my face.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and Amy Miller for the digital ARC, I received in exchange for a candid review! This title will be available on April 26, 2019!
Merged review:
AVAILABLE NOW and $2.99 0n Amazon today!
“ Questions. People couldn’t resist. They always wanted to know why there wasn’t a man, or any children, in her life. Just cats.”
Ted. Elise. William. Tabitha. Bea.
These are the cats that Nancy Jones shares her tumbledown house by the sea with. They are named after people that Nancy has loved and lost. SHE LIKES SPEAKING THEIR NAMES ALOUD.
Although she enjoys her job at the local school, she mostly keeps to herself. But, all of the neighbors know that if you are going away and need someone to feed your cat...just drop off your key at the school and “the cat lady” will be happy to drop by.
And, her neighbor, Alfie, a young boy being bullied at the school also knows that Nancy can be trusted.
One day, Nancy accepts a “cat sitting” job, at 38 Evelyn Rd, and when she enters the home and goes in search of Prudence, the Persian cat...she discovers a photograph of a person from her buried past, instead.
Because of this picture, her secrets may now get out...
The book synopsis which convinced me to read this, calls this book-“ A heart wrenching and heart warming story of love lost and found and of second chances.....for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is completely Fine.
I hold a special place in my heart for Ove, and Eleanor.
Also for Arthur Truluv, Harold Fry and Queenie Hennessy.
While I don’t think that this story held QUITE the emotional punch for me of those titles, it is CHARMING in its own right and I would have NO hesitation in recommending this book to readers who loved those novels.
One minor complaint! I wanted more of the cats!! 😻
I loved the last paragraph, so full of hope.......and finished the story with a smile on my face.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and Amy Miller for the digital ARC, I received in exchange for a candid review!
April 20, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
This literary fiction novel reeled me in just by its title. A lifetime devotee to the four legged feline, my cats Rosie and Anotinette just begged me to request this arc. Well, actually, that isn't true, reading sometimes distracts from massages and feeding time. Whatever ! School volunteer, Nancy Jones, lives with 5 cats and while many around Nancy have a tendency to reduce her to "cat lady," she is actually dealing with a whole world of hurt. So if you're looking for a comedy type of book- this isn't it.
I really enjoyed Amy Miller's backstory of what inspired her to write this story and it's a book with a great message. Don't judge a book by its cover. It was a heartwarming read, but I just felt that it's a story that has been written many times before.
Goodreads Review 20/04/19
Publication Date 26/04/19
This literary fiction novel reeled me in just by its title. A lifetime devotee to the four legged feline, my cats Rosie and Anotinette just begged me to request this arc. Well, actually, that isn't true, reading sometimes distracts from massages and feeding time. Whatever ! School volunteer, Nancy Jones, lives with 5 cats and while many around Nancy have a tendency to reduce her to "cat lady," she is actually dealing with a whole world of hurt. So if you're looking for a comedy type of book- this isn't it.
I really enjoyed Amy Miller's backstory of what inspired her to write this story and it's a book with a great message. Don't judge a book by its cover. It was a heartwarming read, but I just felt that it's a story that has been written many times before.
Goodreads Review 20/04/19
Publication Date 26/04/19
July 1, 2019
I assumed that this book by Amy Miller would be nothing more than good comedy or, at best, a Rom-Com. I couldn’t have been more wrong. They Call Me The Crazy Lady snuck up on me and grabbed me and did not let me go. It is an emotional, uplifting, hopeful book about letting go of the past, making changes and moving forward. I laughed, I cried and I was angry at times but in the end I was incredibly happy with the way everything worked out for everyone. The story is beautifully written, the characters charmingly created, and the cats wonderfully portrayed. I loved every single line of this tale. The book is gender neutral even though the word “lady” is in the title, it’s a delight for both sexes and all ages. I also found it to be a bit genre defying and would simply say that it’s well-done fiction. I highly recommend it.
April 2, 2019
Nancy Jones is the cat lady. Living a small life, alone with her five cats in a run down house, working part time at a local school. Tragedy in her past has left her drained and reserved, but she has a kind, loving heart and loves her rescue cats who are all named after those she has loved and lost. She also cares for the children at the school, especially the downtrodden ones who don't fit in. One day her past and present collide when she goes to a house where she is feeding the cat while the owners are on holiday and sees a photograph that stops her heart.
This is a lovely, heartwarming of a woman who has retreated into her shell following great personal tragedy and how she is able to finally accept her past and rediscover herself. The story telling is well written and the characters well drawn. It's easy to feel for Nancy and cheer her on in this beautiful and poignant story.
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC to read.
This is a lovely, heartwarming of a woman who has retreated into her shell following great personal tragedy and how she is able to finally accept her past and rediscover herself. The story telling is well written and the characters well drawn. It's easy to feel for Nancy and cheer her on in this beautiful and poignant story.
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC to read.
December 31, 2019
Ahoy there me mateys! Though this log’s focus is on sci-fi, fantasy, and young adult, this Captain does have broader reading tastes. So occasionally I will share some novels that I enjoyed that are off the charts (a non sci-fi, fantasy, or young adult novel), as it were. I received this literary eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
This novel caught me eye because of the title. It is not in me usual genres but me ship holds three feline cohorts for luck and love. All of me friends and family are dog people. I get called the cat lady . . . well crazy cat lady ALL THE TIME. I am given cat socks and sent photos of cats. I figured this book would be a purrrrfect fit! I picked it up expecting a silly, light read. I didn't get a light read but what I got instead was ultimately interesting and fulfilling.
The story follows a woman named Nancy. She is soft-spoken, private, and independent. Though everyone in town knows who Nancy is, nobody really knows much about her. Other than she has cats. So she is known as the cat lady and watches other folks' cats when folks are out-of-town. Everyone likes Nancy but seem to want to delve into her past which she has no interest sharing. Until one day her past comes to her in the form of a photograph. Finding that photo unleashes an unexpected series of events. Nancy has to choose how to face both her past and her future.
This tale was wonderful. It is about grief, hope, friendship, kindness, closure, isolation, life, healing, and lack of judgment. I thought Nancy was extremely relatable and lovely. I also enjoyed the cast of characters that help bring down Nancy's walls of sorrow. I particularly loved George and Alfie. I loved how we got to see how people deal with negative events in different ways. I loved how it shows ye can't know what goes on behind other people's facades unless ye let them into yers. I loved the connections. I thought the ending was absolutely touching and I may have shed a salty tear or two. Seriously I wouldn't mind having a Nancy in me life.
So if ye want a lovely story that warmed up even this grizzled sailor's old bilge-pump I call me heart, check this yarn out. Arrrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Bookouture!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
This novel caught me eye because of the title. It is not in me usual genres but me ship holds three feline cohorts for luck and love. All of me friends and family are dog people. I get called the cat lady . . . well crazy cat lady ALL THE TIME. I am given cat socks and sent photos of cats. I figured this book would be a purrrrfect fit! I picked it up expecting a silly, light read. I didn't get a light read but what I got instead was ultimately interesting and fulfilling.
The story follows a woman named Nancy. She is soft-spoken, private, and independent. Though everyone in town knows who Nancy is, nobody really knows much about her. Other than she has cats. So she is known as the cat lady and watches other folks' cats when folks are out-of-town. Everyone likes Nancy but seem to want to delve into her past which she has no interest sharing. Until one day her past comes to her in the form of a photograph. Finding that photo unleashes an unexpected series of events. Nancy has to choose how to face both her past and her future.
This tale was wonderful. It is about grief, hope, friendship, kindness, closure, isolation, life, healing, and lack of judgment. I thought Nancy was extremely relatable and lovely. I also enjoyed the cast of characters that help bring down Nancy's walls of sorrow. I particularly loved George and Alfie. I loved how we got to see how people deal with negative events in different ways. I loved how it shows ye can't know what goes on behind other people's facades unless ye let them into yers. I loved the connections. I thought the ending was absolutely touching and I may have shed a salty tear or two. Seriously I wouldn't mind having a Nancy in me life.
So if ye want a lovely story that warmed up even this grizzled sailor's old bilge-pump I call me heart, check this yarn out. Arrrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Bookouture!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
September 9, 2019
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher, Bookouture!
You’ve seen me on the street. You’ve walked past my house, and pointed, and wondered. The cat lady. All on my own, with only my five cats to keep me company. Did no-one ever tell you that you can’t judge a book by its cover?
A new literary women's fiction I need to read ASAP!
You’ve seen me on the street. You’ve walked past my house, and pointed, and wondered. The cat lady. All on my own, with only my five cats to keep me company. Did no-one ever tell you that you can’t judge a book by its cover?
A new literary women's fiction I need to read ASAP!
April 28, 2019
Everyone has a story, everyone has a past. We all have the pain which we hide deep in our hearts, not having the courage to unlock that. Such was the curious case of Nancy Jones, and this book was her journey through life, facing the biggest heartache that no mother should ever have to undergo.
This was quite an unexpected read. I took me two tries to get into this book. The beginning was slow, but once I got to know Nancy Jones, then believe me, this story touched all the chords of my emotions.
Nancy Jones was the cat lady with 30 cats... Nah... The kids exaggerated, she had only 5 with different personalities. To earn money, she took up looking after cats while the owner was away. One day, in one such home, she saw the photo of her past sitting right there in the desk. That opened the chest of her sorrows she had been hiding away.
My first book by Amy Miller, saw me holding my kindle close to me as if I could wipe Nancy's tears and decrease her pain. An accident and a loss marked her heart, scarred it to the point she could love her cats. She was not afraid, but she felt better amongst cats who understood her. Soon Nancy met Alfie a tiny tot who was bullied in school, and both of them captured my heart with their innocence.
Author Amy Miller has done a brilliant job of ensnaring me. It was not done all at once but slowly one thread at a time till I could just do nothing about read about Nancy Jones and her strength. Every page showed me how she was willing to let go of the past and take those tentative steps toward a future. A house which had only cats soon overflowed with people, their emotions bringing the joy which the walls had not seen for many years. A coat of paint can uplift a house, a hug from a friend can uplift that pain, laughter of a child can uplift life.
With its quiet footsteps, the book stole my heart one beat at a time till Nancy Jones the cat lady became mine to cherish.
This was quite an unexpected read. I took me two tries to get into this book. The beginning was slow, but once I got to know Nancy Jones, then believe me, this story touched all the chords of my emotions.
Nancy Jones was the cat lady with 30 cats... Nah... The kids exaggerated, she had only 5 with different personalities. To earn money, she took up looking after cats while the owner was away. One day, in one such home, she saw the photo of her past sitting right there in the desk. That opened the chest of her sorrows she had been hiding away.
My first book by Amy Miller, saw me holding my kindle close to me as if I could wipe Nancy's tears and decrease her pain. An accident and a loss marked her heart, scarred it to the point she could love her cats. She was not afraid, but she felt better amongst cats who understood her. Soon Nancy met Alfie a tiny tot who was bullied in school, and both of them captured my heart with their innocence.
Author Amy Miller has done a brilliant job of ensnaring me. It was not done all at once but slowly one thread at a time till I could just do nothing about read about Nancy Jones and her strength. Every page showed me how she was willing to let go of the past and take those tentative steps toward a future. A house which had only cats soon overflowed with people, their emotions bringing the joy which the walls had not seen for many years. A coat of paint can uplift a house, a hug from a friend can uplift that pain, laughter of a child can uplift life.
With its quiet footsteps, the book stole my heart one beat at a time till Nancy Jones the cat lady became mine to cherish.
September 26, 2019
A beautifully written book which very cleverly covers the sensitive subjects of mental health, bereavement, pre-judging people and so much more.
It is subtle, smart, mildly humorous in a very British way, ballsy, feel good ..... and I loved it.
4.5 stars 🌟
It is subtle, smart, mildly humorous in a very British way, ballsy, feel good ..... and I loved it.
4.5 stars 🌟
April 11, 2019
Nancy is a wonderfully charming character who I loved as soon as I met her. I think she is a prime example of how people can be quick to judge and how nice it would be if everyone took time out of their busy lives to get to know their neighbours/work colleagues better.
The story involves a variety of different topics but mainly grief and bullying. Due to an incident in Nancy’s past, she has become a bit of a recluse keeping herself to herself and exists for the love of her cats which seem to grow in number as she is one of those caring souls who can’t turn away any waif’s or strays.
Alfie is another stand out character in the novel and my heart went out to him. I enjoyed the unlikely friendship between him and Nancy and it was so heartwarming to read.
They Call Me The Cat Lady is a heartwarming read that will pull on your heart strings. It is quite an emotive story of one woman’s life that I think will make an impact on anyone who reads it. Even though there is more than a handful of cats that will certainly appeal to lovers of felines, this story is so much more than that. A story to touch the heart and soul.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story involves a variety of different topics but mainly grief and bullying. Due to an incident in Nancy’s past, she has become a bit of a recluse keeping herself to herself and exists for the love of her cats which seem to grow in number as she is one of those caring souls who can’t turn away any waif’s or strays.
Alfie is another stand out character in the novel and my heart went out to him. I enjoyed the unlikely friendship between him and Nancy and it was so heartwarming to read.
They Call Me The Cat Lady is a heartwarming read that will pull on your heart strings. It is quite an emotive story of one woman’s life that I think will make an impact on anyone who reads it. Even though there is more than a handful of cats that will certainly appeal to lovers of felines, this story is so much more than that. A story to touch the heart and soul.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
April 26, 2019
How could I not read this book?! I was actually worried I’d be disappointed - since the huge international success of Eleanor Oliphant and A Man Called Ove, it was inevitable that we would see a lot more books about lonely oddballs rediscovering life, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’d be any good.
As a Non-Crazy Cat Lady, (I only have 3 cats and a husband) I was drawn to this, and am happy to report that this is a wholesome feel-good read with a likeable heroine, and that you don’t even have to love cats to enjoy it.
Nancy Jones lives alone with five cats in a ramshackle house in Christchurch, on England’s South coast. In her late fifties, she works at the local school, where she’s known for rescuing children in need, but she avoids making friends, feeling safer in the company of her cats. When a cat-feeding job takes her to the house of a troubled young woman, she is taken back to the tragedy that shaped her life, but confronting her past helps open the door to new relationships as she realises that everybody hurts, but friends can help you heal.
This was an well-written enjoyable easy read with an engaging cast of characters. There were no great surprises in the plot, and some characters’ actions felt a bit unrealistic, but in a heartwarming Lovely Book, this didn’t bother me, and the different cat behaviours were spot on. I love the cover which is both relevant, original and looks great, at a time where so many book covers look the same. I was also delighted to see a character use the phrase “Who’s she? The cat’s mother?” that I haven’t heard since childhood, but is where my screen name originated!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc, which allowed me to give an honest review. They Call Me The Catlady is published today.
As a Non-Crazy Cat Lady, (I only have 3 cats and a husband) I was drawn to this, and am happy to report that this is a wholesome feel-good read with a likeable heroine, and that you don’t even have to love cats to enjoy it.
Nancy Jones lives alone with five cats in a ramshackle house in Christchurch, on England’s South coast. In her late fifties, she works at the local school, where she’s known for rescuing children in need, but she avoids making friends, feeling safer in the company of her cats. When a cat-feeding job takes her to the house of a troubled young woman, she is taken back to the tragedy that shaped her life, but confronting her past helps open the door to new relationships as she realises that everybody hurts, but friends can help you heal.
This was an well-written enjoyable easy read with an engaging cast of characters. There were no great surprises in the plot, and some characters’ actions felt a bit unrealistic, but in a heartwarming Lovely Book, this didn’t bother me, and the different cat behaviours were spot on. I love the cover which is both relevant, original and looks great, at a time where so many book covers look the same. I was also delighted to see a character use the phrase “Who’s she? The cat’s mother?” that I haven’t heard since childhood, but is where my screen name originated!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc, which allowed me to give an honest review. They Call Me The Catlady is published today.
April 8, 2019
4.5 Stars - I absolutely loved this story. I grabbed my blankie, hunkered down, and curled up within the pages. The story is about Nancy, a quiet, somewhat lonely woman, who lives a safe and simple life with her five cats, who she has named for important people in her life. We are told the story of how Nancy got to this point and of all the people her cats were named for, plus a few other people that play a significant role. Trust me when I say that I am Nancy, minus four of the cats and add one husband, and if anyone wants to take my huband off my hands and will raise him well, then I would glad and totally be Nancy. Happy to live my quiet, unassuming life, safe behind my own walls, only letting in those who I deem necessary. But Nancy's life got a little to small for her, a little too lonely, and she needed to share who she was with the world, because she was a kind and gentle woman with a giving heart. She suffered a horrible tragedy, heartbreak in her marriage, and she just found it easier to build up her walls of protection to get through life. I feel ya, Nancy! A heart-warming, heart-aching, hopeful, bittersweet story of love, loss, hope, and the lesson that family is really who we let circle their wagons around us.
April 13, 2019
This is a charming, gentle read about a woman who has lived through many of life's tragic events and has found solace within her small, insular world with a gaggle of felines she calls family.
While I didn't find it quite the emotional punch that the blurb describes, it does have an interesting main character that readers can root for as well as a diverse group of secondary characters to round out the cast. The author smoothly introduces bigger issues into the plot, I enjoyed how the life events that have caused Nancy to shy away from the bigger world were revealed to the reader.
This is a heartwarming, fairly predictable but enjoyable, character-driven story that explores how one woman works through her personal tragedies and in doing so broadens the reclusive world she had created around herself. Thankfully, you don' t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this sweet book.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
While I didn't find it quite the emotional punch that the blurb describes, it does have an interesting main character that readers can root for as well as a diverse group of secondary characters to round out the cast. The author smoothly introduces bigger issues into the plot, I enjoyed how the life events that have caused Nancy to shy away from the bigger world were revealed to the reader.
This is a heartwarming, fairly predictable but enjoyable, character-driven story that explores how one woman works through her personal tragedies and in doing so broadens the reclusive world she had created around herself. Thankfully, you don' t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this sweet book.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 20, 2019
At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue reading this story.
But, I am happy that I did.
They call me a Cat Lady is a great yarn.
I loved the ending as it was tied up quite nicely.
But, I am happy that I did.
They call me a Cat Lady is a great yarn.
I loved the ending as it was tied up quite nicely.
March 20, 2019
I figured this was going to be a light read but it totally was not. This was a very emotional story but all of the characters worked well and I enjoyed reading about Nancy and her life.
Definitely not a feel good read throughout but the ending was simply lovely. There are some small flaws and some strange references for the time frames but I can discount those because the overall tale worked so well.
I'm going to try some more books by this author in the future.
My copy was provided by NetGalley and the publisher for review, all opinions are my own.
Definitely not a feel good read throughout but the ending was simply lovely. There are some small flaws and some strange references for the time frames but I can discount those because the overall tale worked so well.
I'm going to try some more books by this author in the future.
My copy was provided by NetGalley and the publisher for review, all opinions are my own.
dnf
April 28, 2019DNF @ 26%
Unfortunately, not only I didn't manage to complete the first ARC I ever received before its publication date, but I didn't manage to complete it at all. There weren't many problems I had with this book, but at the end I just couldn't force myself through this.
The book starts of solid, introducing readers to the main character's life. Nancy lives quietly, surrounded by her beloved cats and avoiding company of other people. As the book progresses, events that lead her to this lifestyle slowly unfold.
After the first chapter, which consists mostly of desriptions of Nancy's cats (quality content here), everything went downhill. Writing was really off and made me completely uninterested about plot, which was very predictable. I couldn't care less about Nancy's encouter with Larry, and afterwards her failing marriage. Maybe I would've continued reading if the writing was better. However, it was all telling, no showing which definetely made it's negative impact on the storyline.
I'm so sorry I couldn't complete this, but what's done is done. Maybe I'll try something from this author in the future, but to be honest, I'll need convincing.
Thanks to the Netgalley and publisher Bookouture for providing me with eARC of this book.
Unfortunately, not only I didn't manage to complete the first ARC I ever received before its publication date, but I didn't manage to complete it at all. There weren't many problems I had with this book, but at the end I just couldn't force myself through this.
The book starts of solid, introducing readers to the main character's life. Nancy lives quietly, surrounded by her beloved cats and avoiding company of other people. As the book progresses, events that lead her to this lifestyle slowly unfold.
After the first chapter, which consists mostly of desriptions of Nancy's cats (quality content here), everything went downhill. Writing was really off and made me completely uninterested about plot, which was very predictable. I couldn't care less about Nancy's encouter with Larry, and afterwards her failing marriage. Maybe I would've continued reading if the writing was better. However, it was all telling, no showing which definetely made it's negative impact on the storyline.
I'm so sorry I couldn't complete this, but what's done is done. Maybe I'll try something from this author in the future, but to be honest, I'll need convincing.
Thanks to the Netgalley and publisher Bookouture for providing me with eARC of this book.
April 27, 2019
A devastating incident can turn your world upside down. It can have such an impact that you build walls around you and you only find solace in taking care of cats and people in need.
You think you are safe in your little shell but suddenly the past you tried so hard to put behind you is thrown in your face when you least expected it.
On the one hand you live through all the pain yet again. On the other hand it might be the start to full recovery.
The author takes us back in time so we can find out what happened. It’s a heartbreaking story and things were said in the heat of the moment. Now, years later, people find their way back to each other and the healing process can start for real.
You might say you will never fall in love again, but you never know what Cupid might have in store for you …
A lovely heartbreaking story with quite a few silver linings around the big black clouds. 4 stars.
Thank you, Amy Miller, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
You think you are safe in your little shell but suddenly the past you tried so hard to put behind you is thrown in your face when you least expected it.
On the one hand you live through all the pain yet again. On the other hand it might be the start to full recovery.
The author takes us back in time so we can find out what happened. It’s a heartbreaking story and things were said in the heat of the moment. Now, years later, people find their way back to each other and the healing process can start for real.
You might say you will never fall in love again, but you never know what Cupid might have in store for you …
A lovely heartbreaking story with quite a few silver linings around the big black clouds. 4 stars.
Thank you, Amy Miller, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
April 26, 2019
A beautiful, heartbreaking, heartwarming treat of a book! Loved this from start to finish! Did not want it to end! A brilliant story, one that will stay with me. Very highly recommended to everyone!
April 20, 2019
TW: Attempted Suicide (graphic), Drug Use, Child Death, Bullying, Mental Health Facilities (not particularly well written)
Bechdel Test: Yes
As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to read it. I love cats and I'm not ashamed to say that I'm somewhat of a cat lady
"After calling goodbye and blowing kisses to each of her five cats, she left for work."
Nancy started of very endearing and relatable to me A woman who is battling some demons from the past which has her isolate herself from the outside world, but surrounding herself with her cats.
The general tone of the book at the start was nicely paced and started to get you into Nancy's headspace, but I felt that it lost its way about a third of the way through. The flashbacks into the past were integral to the story, however I don't feel like they were utilised to their full capacity.
It then started to fall into a "helping others will make me feel better about myself" type of book, which while I get that - from personal experience you shouldn't distract yourself with other peoples problems, no matter the parallels you can gleam and apply to your own situations. I would have liked for Nancy to have worked on her issues a bit more and not have it based around other people.
Unfortunately it was just an okay book for me. Some people may love it, but I just wasn't feeling it.
*thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bechdel Test: Yes
As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to read it. I love cats and I'm not ashamed to say that I'm somewhat of a cat lady
"After calling goodbye and blowing kisses to each of her five cats, she left for work."
Nancy started of very endearing and relatable to me A woman who is battling some demons from the past which has her isolate herself from the outside world, but surrounding herself with her cats.
The general tone of the book at the start was nicely paced and started to get you into Nancy's headspace, but I felt that it lost its way about a third of the way through. The flashbacks into the past were integral to the story, however I don't feel like they were utilised to their full capacity.
It then started to fall into a "helping others will make me feel better about myself" type of book, which while I get that - from personal experience you shouldn't distract yourself with other peoples problems, no matter the parallels you can gleam and apply to your own situations. I would have liked for Nancy to have worked on her issues a bit more and not have it based around other people.
Unfortunately it was just an okay book for me. Some people may love it, but I just wasn't feeling it.
*thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2019
I think I speak for a lot of other people who picked up this book because of the title and the premise of the book. This sounded in the blurb like a cozy, heartwarming story about a woman who loves cats, have insecurities and would rather spend her free time with her cats than her friends. I love cats, and I'm a huge introvert, so this resonates deeply with me.
It turned out to be much more than that. We begin with Nancy, a very reserved woman who lives with her many cats (whom she named after her deceased loved ones), and works in a school as an administrator. She keeps to herself, doesn't mingle much with the students, her coworkers, or her neighbours despite their friendly attempts to include her in social events or just to chat about their lives. As we go along with her days we discover the past she has, and why she is the woman she is like now.
Firstly, what I liked about this book is the themes they discussed, especially dealing with loss and grief, marital problems and familial conflicts. I also quite liked Nancy as a character, I think she brings out a lot of relatable problems many people suffer from in their lives. The main message that I found very touching is how in your lowest and thinking about your past, you imagine that you are the worst person in the world and that you do not deserve other people's love or attention. While in fact everyone is suffering from something themselves, we all have our low points in life, and our own weaknesses, but that doesn't mean we cannot continue establishing connections with people who can make us better people, and that doesn't mean that we still cannot be happy. Nancy learned a lot in this book, and so did I.
However I did find that the book was filled with stories or themes that are just too sugary, cliche'd, and overall just boring to me. It felt too much like a children's fairytale that is centered for adults and has more modern problems, but it just felt fake and sugary. Especially regarding Nancy's past and experiences. Even though it wasn't too rambly or boring in the sense that nothing happens in the plot, it just didn't reach out to me emotionally very well. I was left feeling like nothing in the book was very realistic, and therefore not substantial and did not evoke my feelings.
In the end it was a very enjoyable book. I wished for more cats, and it made me realize I'm not a huge fan of these feel-good, sweet stories. Indeed it was fun, nicely written, with tons of nice messages in between, but it's just not my cup of tea.
It turned out to be much more than that. We begin with Nancy, a very reserved woman who lives with her many cats (whom she named after her deceased loved ones), and works in a school as an administrator. She keeps to herself, doesn't mingle much with the students, her coworkers, or her neighbours despite their friendly attempts to include her in social events or just to chat about their lives. As we go along with her days we discover the past she has, and why she is the woman she is like now.
Firstly, what I liked about this book is the themes they discussed, especially dealing with loss and grief, marital problems and familial conflicts. I also quite liked Nancy as a character, I think she brings out a lot of relatable problems many people suffer from in their lives. The main message that I found very touching is how in your lowest and thinking about your past, you imagine that you are the worst person in the world and that you do not deserve other people's love or attention. While in fact everyone is suffering from something themselves, we all have our low points in life, and our own weaknesses, but that doesn't mean we cannot continue establishing connections with people who can make us better people, and that doesn't mean that we still cannot be happy. Nancy learned a lot in this book, and so did I.
However I did find that the book was filled with stories or themes that are just too sugary, cliche'd, and overall just boring to me. It felt too much like a children's fairytale that is centered for adults and has more modern problems, but it just felt fake and sugary. Especially regarding Nancy's past and experiences. Even though it wasn't too rambly or boring in the sense that nothing happens in the plot, it just didn't reach out to me emotionally very well. I was left feeling like nothing in the book was very realistic, and therefore not substantial and did not evoke my feelings.
In the end it was a very enjoyable book. I wished for more cats, and it made me realize I'm not a huge fan of these feel-good, sweet stories. Indeed it was fun, nicely written, with tons of nice messages in between, but it's just not my cup of tea.
August 26, 2019
Not sure how but I managed to read this in a couple of short hours, I just couldn't put it down, nor was I particularly aware of the outside world while I was reading it.
Although I had read a few of Amy Millers books years ago when she was writing as Amy Bratley, I haven't read one for ages, but apparently the author is as absorbing as ever for me. I love her writing style and ability to tell a story.
That being said I had no idea what to expect from this book, and I loved getting to know Nancy Jones, who is a bit of a lost soul, but has a heart of gold.
She is many years on still recovering from a tragic accident, and it's lead to her leading a life that outsiders may see as odd.
But as the book progresses you see her starting to heal, and open up her life a lot more. The little boy she tries to help really got under my skin, and I also enjoyed the descriptions of her cats.
It really is a lovely heartwarming story, that was a pleasure to spend a sunny afternoon reading.
Thank you to Bookouture on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Although I had read a few of Amy Millers books years ago when she was writing as Amy Bratley, I haven't read one for ages, but apparently the author is as absorbing as ever for me. I love her writing style and ability to tell a story.
That being said I had no idea what to expect from this book, and I loved getting to know Nancy Jones, who is a bit of a lost soul, but has a heart of gold.
She is many years on still recovering from a tragic accident, and it's lead to her leading a life that outsiders may see as odd.
But as the book progresses you see her starting to heal, and open up her life a lot more. The little boy she tries to help really got under my skin, and I also enjoyed the descriptions of her cats.
It really is a lovely heartwarming story, that was a pleasure to spend a sunny afternoon reading.
Thank you to Bookouture on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 23, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by Amy Miller it won’t be the last.
I wasn’t sure what this book was going to be about as the blurb doesn’t give much away (I love this fact) I was drawn to it as I’m a bit of a cat lady myself.
It was a little slow at the beginning to get into but once I had got into the characters the story really picked up and I didn’t know what was going to happen next.
A heart warming emotional story that made me laugh and cry.
So true too that we really don’t know what’s gone on in people’s lives.
Really enjoyed the book.
I wasn’t sure what this book was going to be about as the blurb doesn’t give much away (I love this fact) I was drawn to it as I’m a bit of a cat lady myself.
It was a little slow at the beginning to get into but once I had got into the characters the story really picked up and I didn’t know what was going to happen next.
A heart warming emotional story that made me laugh and cry.
So true too that we really don’t know what’s gone on in people’s lives.
Really enjoyed the book.
April 26, 2019
They Call Me The Cat Lady is such a heartwarming read which I couldn’t put down. Nancy Jones is a closed book, nice enough but quickly forgotten, dismissed as a bit of a strange character. Nancy doesn’t open up to anyone so nobody really knows her so she inadvertently leads quite a lonely life…other than the company of her cats! What we do know about Nancy is that she works in a school and has formed relationships with her co-workers but keeps a distance from them – its clear that she doesn’t want to talk about her past but what isn’t clear is why she keeps this to herself.
One day, someone contacts Nancy following her advert for her cat sitting services – what Nancy doesn’t realise is that visiting that house is going to change her life when she comes across something extremely familiar in the person’s home.
I’ll be honest, during the first few chapters of the book (about 8%), I was questioning whether it was for me with it’s slow gentle pace (I’m used to a murder taking place or a body being found within the first couple of chapters and the pace ramping up) but I stuck with it because Nancy was such a lovely character. I am so glad I did because after this point I was glued to the story, the narrative really took off and I wanted to learn more and more about Nancy, her past and why she was so closed off now. As such, I read the rest of the book in 2 sittings (and it was 2 sittings because I had to feed the family, had it not have been for their unreasonable demands, it would’ve been in 1 read 😊)!
Nancy is such a wonderful character, whilst Nancy keeps many secrets, the author gives the reader the special privilege of being in on the secrets as Miller tells us through Nancy’s flashbacks. Some of these passages were difficult to read (as they should be to be fair) but were so important to the overall story and to really understand Nancy.
Another stand out character is Alfie, the young boy who is being bullied at school and who Nancy takes under her wing to try and make his day a little bit better. Alfie’s garden backs onto Nancy’s garden so they are practically neighbours. Alfie has an old head on young shoulders and helps Nancy in facing her secrets without even realising – their relationship is wonderful, how they ultimately help one another.
I cannot review the book without mentioning the cats, as the title suggests, cats are very present in the story (which I think was one of the main attractions of the book!). I loved the way the author used the cats to show a different side of Nancy, whilst others saw her as a closed book, Nancy could be herself around her cats and discuss her worries with them, even if the conversation is rather one sided. The cats provided the company that Nancy couldn’t bear to let in if it was in human form.
There are lots of themes beautifully covered in this book but what stood out for me the most was that you never really know what goes on in people’s lives so it’s important to take the time to be nice to one another. Never judge a book by its cover….or a lady by her cats 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle, emotional and heart-warming read from Amy Miller.
One day, someone contacts Nancy following her advert for her cat sitting services – what Nancy doesn’t realise is that visiting that house is going to change her life when she comes across something extremely familiar in the person’s home.
I’ll be honest, during the first few chapters of the book (about 8%), I was questioning whether it was for me with it’s slow gentle pace (I’m used to a murder taking place or a body being found within the first couple of chapters and the pace ramping up) but I stuck with it because Nancy was such a lovely character. I am so glad I did because after this point I was glued to the story, the narrative really took off and I wanted to learn more and more about Nancy, her past and why she was so closed off now. As such, I read the rest of the book in 2 sittings (and it was 2 sittings because I had to feed the family, had it not have been for their unreasonable demands, it would’ve been in 1 read 😊)!
Nancy is such a wonderful character, whilst Nancy keeps many secrets, the author gives the reader the special privilege of being in on the secrets as Miller tells us through Nancy’s flashbacks. Some of these passages were difficult to read (as they should be to be fair) but were so important to the overall story and to really understand Nancy.
Another stand out character is Alfie, the young boy who is being bullied at school and who Nancy takes under her wing to try and make his day a little bit better. Alfie’s garden backs onto Nancy’s garden so they are practically neighbours. Alfie has an old head on young shoulders and helps Nancy in facing her secrets without even realising – their relationship is wonderful, how they ultimately help one another.
I cannot review the book without mentioning the cats, as the title suggests, cats are very present in the story (which I think was one of the main attractions of the book!). I loved the way the author used the cats to show a different side of Nancy, whilst others saw her as a closed book, Nancy could be herself around her cats and discuss her worries with them, even if the conversation is rather one sided. The cats provided the company that Nancy couldn’t bear to let in if it was in human form.
There are lots of themes beautifully covered in this book but what stood out for me the most was that you never really know what goes on in people’s lives so it’s important to take the time to be nice to one another. Never judge a book by its cover….or a lady by her cats 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle, emotional and heart-warming read from Amy Miller.
September 22, 2019
In
«They Call Me the Cat Lady»
we follow Nancy Jones, the lonely local woman, who works at school, lives alone in her small house with five cats which she names after the people that sometimes meant something to her, the people she misses: Ted, Elise, William, Tabitha and Bea.
Nancy is the local cat lady, someone who the neighbours can reach out to when they need an “animal-sitter”, or to whom they will take the stray kittens. But she is also known to be the “odd-one”. She keeps to herself, spends her evenings alone and doesn’t have many friends.
Why did I pick up this book?
It was publicized as «A heart-wrenching and heart-warming story of love lost and found, and of second chances, They Call Me The Cat Lady is perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.»
As you know, Eleanor Oliphant is my favorite book of all time and I’ve been on a hunt for similar books for over a year now. So far, «They Call Me the Cat Lady» is the closest one I’ve found, however still not as good. I know I shouldn’t be comparing these two books, but it’s difficult not to when the publisher itself promotes it as the book for the Eleanor Oliphant fans.
Although, Nancy Jones isn’t as odd as Eleanor, she has some dark past that she isn’t ready to face. That’s why she keeps to herself, afraid that people might find out and judge her, or that the memories will rush back with the force she won’t be able to deal with.
So when it comes to comparing these two books Eleanor Oliphant is definitely my favorite. It’s darker, it’s more character focused. While, «They Call Me the Cat Lady» is a slightly lighter version, with less oddities and more haunted past memories, not only Nancy’s but some of the side characters’ as well.
Even though I enjoyed this book and gave it a 4-star rating, there were some things that didn’t sit well with me.
The first one is the portrayal of Nancy as a cat lady of the town. I don't think it meant to come out so negative, but it did for me. If you search for definition of “cat lady” you might find something like this:
That’s exactly how Nancy was shown. I understand that the message of this book is “don’t judge the book by its cover”, and that by the end of the story Nancy miraculously turned into a completely different person. But I still didn’t like how the “cat lady” was used negatively, as if it’s something to get rid of and improve on.
Another thing that I didn't like was the relationship between Nancy and her ex-husband. I didn’t like the way she let herself be treated, I didn’t like how she couldn’t stand up for herself, or have some more faith in herself.
Nancy is the local cat lady, someone who the neighbours can reach out to when they need an “animal-sitter”, or to whom they will take the stray kittens. But she is also known to be the “odd-one”. She keeps to herself, spends her evenings alone and doesn’t have many friends.
Why did I pick up this book?
It was publicized as «A heart-wrenching and heart-warming story of love lost and found, and of second chances, They Call Me The Cat Lady is perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.»
As you know, Eleanor Oliphant is my favorite book of all time and I’ve been on a hunt for similar books for over a year now. So far, «They Call Me the Cat Lady» is the closest one I’ve found, however still not as good. I know I shouldn’t be comparing these two books, but it’s difficult not to when the publisher itself promotes it as the book for the Eleanor Oliphant fans.
Although, Nancy Jones isn’t as odd as Eleanor, she has some dark past that she isn’t ready to face. That’s why she keeps to herself, afraid that people might find out and judge her, or that the memories will rush back with the force she won’t be able to deal with.
So when it comes to comparing these two books Eleanor Oliphant is definitely my favorite. It’s darker, it’s more character focused. While, «They Call Me the Cat Lady» is a slightly lighter version, with less oddities and more haunted past memories, not only Nancy’s but some of the side characters’ as well.
Even though I enjoyed this book and gave it a 4-star rating, there were some things that didn’t sit well with me.
The first one is the portrayal of Nancy as a cat lady of the town. I don't think it meant to come out so negative, but it did for me. If you search for definition of “cat lady” you might find something like this:
a woman who has a lot of cats, especially a woman who lives alone and is considered to be slightly strange.
That’s exactly how Nancy was shown. I understand that the message of this book is “don’t judge the book by its cover”, and that by the end of the story Nancy miraculously turned into a completely different person. But I still didn’t like how the “cat lady” was used negatively, as if it’s something to get rid of and improve on.
Another thing that I didn't like was the relationship between Nancy and her ex-husband. I didn’t like the way she let herself be treated, I didn’t like how she couldn’t stand up for herself, or have some more faith in herself.
April 16, 2019
Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was so not what I expected. I expected a story about a cat lady with way to many cats who perhaps met a young person who changed her. But this is so much more than that. What happened in her past has changed her, but this story tells you that it’s not too late to change again, for the better. You just have to find the right time. It also shows you how small the world can be, how you can connect a person to other in small steps.
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s both heartbreaking and unbelievable beautiful. I’m so glad I read this. If I had to recommend 5 books for a person to read this year, this book would be on the list. It’s so sweet, sad and beautiful. I admit to tearing up a few times. I actually have problems discribing how much I loved this book.
This was so not what I expected. I expected a story about a cat lady with way to many cats who perhaps met a young person who changed her. But this is so much more than that. What happened in her past has changed her, but this story tells you that it’s not too late to change again, for the better. You just have to find the right time. It also shows you how small the world can be, how you can connect a person to other in small steps.
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s both heartbreaking and unbelievable beautiful. I’m so glad I read this. If I had to recommend 5 books for a person to read this year, this book would be on the list. It’s so sweet, sad and beautiful. I admit to tearing up a few times. I actually have problems discribing how much I loved this book.
April 29, 2019
I'm quite an emotional person at the best of time, and this novel really touched me. I've shed both sad and happy years whilst reading this book, a true testimony to the author at how emotive the book is. It's so wonderfully written and tells such a heartfelt story that I will highly recommend to many others.
Nancy's journey has really helped me to see that you will always find people who will be there for you; and they too are going through their own things that they may need support with. I genuinely felt grateful to be able to be a part of Nancy's journey because not only do we get to see where she is in the present, we get to see what has happened throughout her past, that has shaped her in to the person she is today.
I especially loved Nancy's devotion to her cats and the stories/reasons behind each of their names. It was lovely to see each individual cats personalities too and how in sync they were with their owners feelings, always knowing how best to react and interact with her.
Nancy's journey has really helped me to see that you will always find people who will be there for you; and they too are going through their own things that they may need support with. I genuinely felt grateful to be able to be a part of Nancy's journey because not only do we get to see where she is in the present, we get to see what has happened throughout her past, that has shaped her in to the person she is today.
I especially loved Nancy's devotion to her cats and the stories/reasons behind each of their names. It was lovely to see each individual cats personalities too and how in sync they were with their owners feelings, always knowing how best to react and interact with her.
May 19, 2019
When I first saw the title of this book, I knew it was one I just HAD to read, and I am glad that I did :)
Nancy leads a quiet existence with her 5 cats, and her part-time job at her local school. She keeps her cards close to her chest and the locals don't actually know that much about her. Her run-down house is her happy place and she doesn't need anything or anyone, other than her kitties. Then, one day, she sees a photograph which pushes buttons she has tried so hard to ignore. This leads to a whole series of events which turn her life upside down.
This book was clearly written by someone who really GETS cats! I have 4 of my own and a similar kind of relationship to them that Nancy had to hers, and so I found myself really getting emotionally caught up in her story. I loved that Nancy was there to help out Alfie (and then later his dad as well) and was a soft place for him to land. All Alfies should have someone like Nancy in their lives. I felt for her as she re-visited the painful parts of her past but cheered her on, all the way.
A gorgeous book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
4.5 stars from me.
Nancy leads a quiet existence with her 5 cats, and her part-time job at her local school. She keeps her cards close to her chest and the locals don't actually know that much about her. Her run-down house is her happy place and she doesn't need anything or anyone, other than her kitties. Then, one day, she sees a photograph which pushes buttons she has tried so hard to ignore. This leads to a whole series of events which turn her life upside down.
This book was clearly written by someone who really GETS cats! I have 4 of my own and a similar kind of relationship to them that Nancy had to hers, and so I found myself really getting emotionally caught up in her story. I loved that Nancy was there to help out Alfie (and then later his dad as well) and was a soft place for him to land. All Alfies should have someone like Nancy in their lives. I felt for her as she re-visited the painful parts of her past but cheered her on, all the way.
A gorgeous book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
4.5 stars from me.
April 26, 2019
People who seem to prefer animals to humans are often seen as eccentric. Nancy looks after cats and names them after people she has loved. She volunteers and is always there to help out in the community, but still many see only what she chooses to show and so she’s ‘the cat lady’.
This is not the first time a story has been told about a woman with secrets, whose past has made her introverted, and trusts animals more than people who judge and are intrusive. This story is notable because of its sensitive treatment of Nancy and her broken life. It sees her grow and learn to trust and have the courage to face heartbreak again.
This journey of self-development is hopeful and Nancy realises that she deserves to feel happiness and love again. She is courageous and easy to empathise and this gentle story is worth reading to escape for a little while.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is not the first time a story has been told about a woman with secrets, whose past has made her introverted, and trusts animals more than people who judge and are intrusive. This story is notable because of its sensitive treatment of Nancy and her broken life. It sees her grow and learn to trust and have the courage to face heartbreak again.
This journey of self-development is hopeful and Nancy realises that she deserves to feel happiness and love again. She is courageous and easy to empathise and this gentle story is worth reading to escape for a little while.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 27, 2019
My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of Amy Miller’s ‘They Call Me the Cat Lady’ in exchange for an honest review.
Nancy Jones lives in a shabby house near the sea in Christchurch, Dorset. She shares her home with five cats and works as an administrator at a local school. Everyone calls her ‘the cat lady’.
On occasion she also takes on cat sitting jobs and it’s one of these that opens the door to her painful past when she comes across a photograph.
While I am not a huge reader of ‘Women’s Fiction’, I was drawn to this novel mainly due to its title (being a lifelong cat person myself). I thought that it would be pure fluff but actually dealt with themes of loneliness, loss and bereavement, domestic violence, bullying, mental illness, and suicide.
Nancy is a kind hearted person whose journey captivated me. I certainly would recommend.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Nancy Jones lives in a shabby house near the sea in Christchurch, Dorset. She shares her home with five cats and works as an administrator at a local school. Everyone calls her ‘the cat lady’.
On occasion she also takes on cat sitting jobs and it’s one of these that opens the door to her painful past when she comes across a photograph.
While I am not a huge reader of ‘Women’s Fiction’, I was drawn to this novel mainly due to its title (being a lifelong cat person myself). I thought that it would be pure fluff but actually dealt with themes of loneliness, loss and bereavement, domestic violence, bullying, mental illness, and suicide.
Nancy is a kind hearted person whose journey captivated me. I certainly would recommend.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
March 31, 2019
This is a lovely story full of friendship in unlikely places and second chances. My only criticism was that the story between Alfie and Stuart was brushed over and resolved too quickly. Amy Miller is another new author for me and I did read the blurbs about her other books and I would be interested in reading more by her. I received this in exchange for my opinion and I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own views and are completely unbiased.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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