A Home for Merlin

by Sheila Jeffries

As the sun dips from the sky and drizzle begins to fall, a small ginger cat finds himself homeless and alone.

Desperate for warmth and a home he scurries from house to house on the heels of a group of people delivering care packages. Each time a door is opened, the cat slips inside, and each time he is evicted. No one wants him until Theo, a gruff old man, opens his heart and home.

Abandoned and friendless but for each other, Theo and Merlin try to find a way to heal, and hope for the future. But neither can forget those they left behind. For Merlin it's young Imelda, a troubled 15-year-old girl, and Bully Boy, the feral cat that once mentored him. For Theo it's the family that no longer speaks to him. Both wonder: can forgiveness ever be found?

An inspiring, heartbreaking and uplifting story about friendship and forgiveness, and the extraordinary cat who is the most faithful of friends.

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2021

Reviews

[Jester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merlin is a ginger cat who finds a home. But all is not right at home. The two parents argue. Their 15-year-old daughter, Imelda, is being bullied at school. Merlin does his best to help her, but then a tragic situation happens. Imelda is no longer there, and Merlin is left without a home. He then goes off with Bully Boy, the neighborhood's feral cat.

The story covers topics of bullying, death, family, and friendship.

At the beginning, the story was a bit cozy despite the tough topics. I loved the way Merlin thinks. It's cute. And the way he describes himself.

I was a ginger cat. A nice ginger cat.

I wasn't just a ginger cat. I was Merlin.

I didn't like some of the dialogue, though. That's not how people talk.

The one thing I didn't like was the spiritual talk in the book. If I had known it had that, I wouldn't have read it.

Note: Using new rating system starting 2025.

[Marit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving and heartwarming story told from the POV of Merlin, a fluffy ginger cat with gorgeous emerald eyes (although the book cover shows bright blue eyes). He has been given the task of loving and caring for Imelda, a lonely fifteen year old girl. They make friends with Bully Boy, a big black old tomcat who plays a pivotal role in the story. Each chapter has its own heading which adds to the interesting and incredible novel. Sad at times also. Lovely story.

[Carol Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

An
absolutely brilliant book that captures the heart of the reader from the very start. Moving, tear jerking, told through the eyes of the cat Merlin. Highly recommended for young and old.

[thara · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute