Member Reviews
Christmas at the Cat Café is a charming, cozy book featuring a feline narrator named Molly! I didn't realize this was the second book in a series when I requested it, so I know I was missing things about how Molly ended up at the cat cafe. I'll be going back to rad that at some point because Molly's voice is just so cute and heartwarming! Molly's life is disrupted when her owner, Debbie's, sister comes to visit and brings a dog and cat with her. I appreciated that the story was about more than just the goings on in the mind of a cat, and that I got snippets of Debbie's conversations with her sister as well as some other human issues that kept things interesting. You can tell this was written by a cat lover. I was able to picture my own cats and their antics while reading. And of course, being set at Christmas makes the story all the more magical. My cats love Christmas! I wish there was a third book in the series!
Oh my goodness. This book was so much fun. As a cat lover, I loved that it was told by Molly the cat. I didn't realize until after that this is actually the 2nd book in this series. I am definitely going to read the first. If you are looking for something lighthearted and fun, this is the book for you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I love cats so I was really excited to read this one. This is a cute story told from the point of view of a cat named Molly. It tells the story of Molly and her kitten's life at a cat cafe. It also tells about the personal life of Molly's person/the cafe owner Debbie. This was a cute cat-related Christmas story. It didn't have a deep storyline or anything. I did enjoy it though. One thing that did throw me off is that this book is set in the UK. Cat cafes and small towns are much different here in the US so I had a hard time picturing the town and cafe setting.
A cute festive read that works well as a stand alone and doesn’t require the reading of the previous instalment.
Who could resist that cover and a holiday story at a kitty café? Not moi! And oh does this darling sequel to Molly and the Cat Café, written from the feline point of view, deliver. 5 of 5 stars!
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine. Pub Date 23 Oct 2018. #ChristmasAtTheCatCafe.
Sequel to MOLLY AND THE CAT CAFE, this cozy mystery is seen from Molly the cat's point of view. Molly and her offspring are extremely happy in their Cat Cafe, named for Molly, and with the humans they own, but when Debbie's flashy sister Linda moves in, and brings her dog! Molly and kittens are suddenly NOT at all pleased. Then Linda appears to be settling in, rather than seeking a hotel or returning to her husband. Worse occurs when Debbie, the cafe owner, decides to foster a Siamese! Something will have to be done--but what's a cat to do?
A cat cafe? A family of cats? I’m there. Being the cat lover that I am, I couldn’t refuse the opportunity to read and review this one. This is the second book in the Cat Cafe series. Even though I haven’t read the first one, I totally enjoyed this book. The author gives readers all the background information needed throughout this book, but I do intend to read the first one.
The book is told from the cat’s point of view. I will just get this out there from the start - it is not a paranormal or magical book. The cats do not speak to humans and they do not have magical powers. The readers get an insight into what the cats are thinking and how they interpret the human’s actions.
The cafe is called Molly’s Cat Cafe. Molly is the main cat and she lives in the cafe with her kittens. Her boyfriend, Jaspar, shows up at meal times. Oh there are humans involved, too. Debbie owns the cafe and lives above it with her college-aged daughter. Everything is perfect, until the arrival of Debbie’s sister Linda.
Linda’s marriage has fallen apart and she moves in with Debbie. Did I mention that Linda has a dog named Beau? The cats are not pleased with this turn of events. For that matter, neither is Debbie. Not only is there a dog in their midst, but Linda has decided to use her marketing skills to change things around the cat cafe. Molly is particularly fearful for the future of her family.
This is a full-length, delightful story of family, greed, companionship and love. It’s all rolled into one beautifully told tale. It’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s very touching and had me in tears by the end - the good kind of tears. It’s an uplifting book that left me feeling happy and satisfied.
Melissa Daley is a new-to-me author, but I will definitely be looking for more books by her. I truly loved her writing style. If I could, I would give this one more than five stars.
I liked this book and I liked the way it was told from the cat's POV -but in a way, I also didn't like this book because it just seemed so depressing to me. Lost cats, lost husbands etc.
I admit that I AM a big girl and know that kittens leave their mother's and leave the nest (so to speak) but I am also the type of cat lover that doesn't allow her cats out in the world. So I was torn by this book.
The POV was refreshing but I found myself wanting to yell at the cat to 'talk to her owner'.
The romance in this book is sweet and subtle and there is no swearing.
ARC provided by the publisher
This is such a delightful book and a perfect book to read before Christmas season. I enjoyed it cover to cover.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.
This book is told from Molly the cat's point of view.
Christmas at the Cat Cafe by Melissa Daley is the second book in the contemporary Cat Cafe series. I have not read the first in series . This book can be read as a stand alone.
Molly made the decision to set out to find a new wonderful owner after being dumped after her original owner had died at a house with dogs. She ended up on the doorstep of Debbie. Debbie then turned her cafe into "Molly's Cat Cafe" which proved to be a boost to business. Debbie fell in love with Molly . Molly and Debbie have a great relationship and get along well. Molly had kittens and all was well until Debbie's sister moved in with a dog. From Molly's point of view the house is now chaos and the sister ruined their holidays.
This is so charming as told by Molly the cat. You will laugh and cry with the drama and antics. Every cat lover will adore this story and I look forward to further books in the series.
Christmas at the Cat Café is a heartfelt book that is super-adorable and sets the mood for the upcoming holiday season. I really enjoyed this well-written read because of the likable characters, and cozy, cuteness plus we’re never too old to wish for Christmas miracles.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Synopsis from Publisher/NetGalley
The town of Stourton-on-the-Hill has its very own cat café. Resident cat Molly, and her kittens, live here in feline paradise, while owner Debbie serves the locals home-made goodies. But even in the most idyllic surroundings, things don't always go according to plan . . .
When Debbie's heartbroken sister Linda arrives at the café, Debbie insists she move in. But Linda is not alone, and the cats are devastated with the arrival of Linda's dog, Beau. Sadly, Beau's arrival is not the only bombshell - now Molly's home is also under threat when a rival cat moves in on her turf.
With Christmas approaching, Molly is unsettled, barely roused by the promise of tinsel to play with. Fearing for her feline family she hopelessly stares out of the café window searching for an answer. Only a Christmas miracle could bring everyone together . . .
Princess Fuzzypants here: This is a novel, written in the first purrson, by Molly, the namesake of the Cat Cafe. Life is pretty good for her and her four kittens and their dad who divides his life between being outside and inside. The cat cafe is successful, a warm and welcoming place until the arrival of an uninvited and unexpected visitor: the sister of Molly’s human, Debbie. Debbie is a good hearted person who cannot say no. So when Linda and her yappy dog Beau descend and take over, the calm home is thrown into constant turmoil.
Things go from bad to worse when Linda inserts a Siamese cat named Ming into the mix and then decides that Ming should be the focus of the entire cafe. Ming seemingly wants nothing to do with the moggies who inhabit the cafe which sets off a series of unfortunate events that put the safety and happiness of all at risk.
Molly is a very sweet kitty but she is wrong. She thinks she is the cause of all the disturbances. Naturally, any cat would know it is never the fault of the cat. The humans are always at fault, This is no exception. Linda’s attempt to bulldoze Debbie and the resentments, both human and feline, of the incursions, is bad enough. When Molly’s former human bequeaths her estate to Molly, things get super complicated. It is enough to try the patience of the most forgiving kitty.
Molly and Jasper, her mate, and their kittens are all delightful. Their story is told in an entertaining way with just enough suspense. I know if this was a real spot the next time my parents visited the Cotswolds, Momma would haunt the place. She, and you, will have to be satisfied with a literary visit.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
Such a sweet holiday read--with adorable cats! Perfect!
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book is the perfect feel good holiday read. You know how the story is going to end up, but enjoy the ride! I enjoy these heartfelt books during the holidays and this one was extremely well written.
Paraphrasing one of this months’ titles: “Oh, my stars.” It just happens that this women’s fiction column is almost all Christmas stories (I think there is one that isn’t). Which is fine and dandy — because you can read them now, then read them again in December or put them back and pull out one of these heartwarming tales when you just can’t bake another batch of cookies, or wrap another present, or decorate another room. Still, no matter the season, all explore the gift of love and friendship.
The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
What it’s about:
In the snowy Highlands of Scotland, Suzanne McBride is dreaming of the perfect cozy Christmas. Her three adopted daughters are coming home for the holidays and she can’t wait to see them. But tensions are running high…
Workaholic Hannah knows she can’t avoid spending the holidays with her family two years in a row. But it’s not the weight of their expectations that’s panicking her—it’s the life-changing secret she’s hiding. Stay-at-home mom Beth is having a personal crisis. All she wants for Christmas is time to decide if she’s ready to return to work—seeing everyone was supposed to help her stress levels, not increase them! Posy isn’t sure she’s living her best life, but with her parents depending on her, making a change seems risky. But not as risky as falling for gorgeous new neighbor Luke…
As Suzanne’s dreams of the perfect McBride Christmas unravel, she must rely on the magic of the season to bring her daughters together. But will this new togetherness teach the sisters that their close-knit bond is strong enough to withstand anything—including a family Christmas?
The right stuff: Complex family relationships caused by past trauma are resolved in this heartwarming tale. Perfect assembled cast of characters. (See an excerpt on HEA from The Christmas Sisters.)
The Christmas Star by Donna VanLiere
What it’s about:
Thirty-two-year-old Amy Denison volunteers at Glory’s Place, an after school program where she meets seven-year-old Maddie, a precocious young girl who has spent her childhood in foster care. Unbeknownst to Amy, Maddie is a mini-matchmaker, with her eye on just the right man for Amy at Grandon Elementary School, where she is a student. Amy is hesitant – she’s been hurt before, and isn’t sure she’s ready to lose her heart again – but an unexpected surprise makes her reconsider her lonely lifestyle.
As Christmas nears and the town is blanketed in snow and beautiful decorations, Maddie and the charming staff at Glory’s Place help Amy to see that romance can be more than heartache and broken promises.
In The Christmas Star, Donna VanLiere delivers yet another sweet, joyous story that is sure to capture readers’ hearts.
The right stuff: Christian romance book with a heartfelt message of new beginnings and a wonderful second-chance-at-love story.
What Happened to Us? by Faith Hogan
What it’s about:
Sometimes the end is only the beginning…
After ten years together, Carrie Nolan is devastated when she’s dumped by her hot-shot chef boyfriend, Kevin Mulvey without even a backwards glance! But on reflection, she has sacrificed her own long-term happiness by pandering to his excessive ego in their successful Dublin restaurant (and out of it) – but not anymore!
While Kevin is ‘living the dream’ with his beautiful new Brazilian girlfriend, Carrie seeks solace from a circle of mismatched strangers who need her as much as she needs them.
With Christmas just around the corner, all is not quite as it seems and a catastrophic sequence of events leads to the unthinkable.
How far do you need to fall before you learn the true value of family and friends? And is it ever too late to start again…
The right stuff: Spot-on feel-good book. Great characters, wonderful serendipitous reunion and a special bit of karma.
A Healing Justice
by Kristin von Kreisler
What it’s about:
Two years ago, police officer Andrea Brady fell madly in love with a black-muzzled, slightly rumpled German shepherd who showed up at her house one misty autumn day. Now, with the brave and intuitive Justice as her expert K-9 drug sniffer, she’s found an unbeatable partner. Then the unthinkable happens. A savage attack leaves a teenager dead and Andie trapped in every cop’s worst nightmare. Placed on administrative leave, she’s pursued by media and investigated by a deputy sheriff whose handling of the high-profile case could earn him a coveted promotion.
Haunted by self-doubt, Andie is in danger of losing everything—her career, her freedom, and the critically injured dog who’s her soul mate. But as she finds kind allies in her Puget Sound island community, the road back becomes a journey of healing for both Andie and her canine companion. And Andie learns important lessons about justice—and about Justice—as she struggles to find the courage to forgive herself and reclaim the gift of her life …
The right stuff: Perfect homage to people in law enforcement, exploring the split decisions that they must make. Another pet lovers’ delight, along with enticing developing romantic relationship.
Oh My Stars by Sally Kilpatrick
What it’s about:
A heartwarming, hilarious Christmas story with a Southern twist.
Like most things in Ellery, Tennessee, this year’s Drive Thru Nativity is a little unconventional. The Dollar General parking lot doubles as a Bethlehem stable, and widowed writer Ivy Long, who’s been roped into playing Mary, sure as heck isn’t a virgin. But then comes an unexpected development: a genuine, real-life baby left in the manger, with only a brief note. And somehow, in the kerfuffle that follows, Ivy finds her life is about to change …
The holidays are a bittersweet time for Ivy—filled with memories of her beloved late husband and reminders that life doesn’t always offer the happily-ever-afters her readers expect. So when Ivy ends up with custody of the baby, she can only chalk it up to a Christmas miracle. She doesn’t know if it will be forever, but with help from family, she’ll make little Zuzu’s first Christmas a good one. The nativity’s Joseph, aka Gabe Ledbetter, has a pediatrics background that’s coming in mighty handy. In turn, Ivy is helping Gabe find his place in the quirky community. If that place turns out to be somewhere near Ivy, well, maybe this particular Christmas story will turn out to be merry and bright after all …
The right stuff: Down-on-their-luck characters get a second chance at love and new beginnings. Quirky and fun with the right amount of pathos!
Mutts and Mistletoe by Natalie Cox
What it’s about:
Thirty-one-year-old Charlie isn’t in the mood for Christmas cheer...
Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her mother has absconded with her latest husband for the holidays, and—adding insult to (literal) injury—her London apartment has just been destroyed by a gas leak. Single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie realizes there’s only one place to go: Cozy Canine Cottages, where she’ll spend the season looking after her cousin Jez’s doggy day care center. And if she’s not exactly a dog person, well, no one has to know…
But her plans for a quiet Christmas in a quaint country village are quickly dashed. Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane seem determined to keep her up all night. A strange man has been casing her cousin’s house. And where is Cal, the unbearably patronizing but disturbingly handsome local vet, when she needs him?
As the days tick down to Christmas, Charlie’s life has never felt so out of control—but with some help from her new four-legged friends, she just might learn a thing or two about living in the moment, embracing the unexpected and opening herself up to love…
The right stuff: Looking for a little bit zany and a bit of armchair traveling? Then this is the perfect book for you. Pets, humor and romance!
Christmas at the Cat Café
by Melissa Daley
What it’s about:
The town of Stourton-on-the-Hill has its very own cat café. Resident cat Molly, and her kittens, live here in feline paradise, while owner Debbie serves the locals home-made goodies. But even in the most idyllic surroundings, things don’t always go according to plan …
When Debbie’s heartbroken sister Linda arrives at the café, Debbie insists she move in. But Linda is not alone, and the cats are devastated with the arrival of Linda’s dog, Beau. Sadly, Beau’s arrival is not the only bombshell – now Molly’s home is also under threat when a rival cat moves in on her turf.
With Christmas approaching, Molly is unsettled, barely roused by the promise of tinsel to play with. Fearing for her feline family she hopelessly stares out of the café window searching for an answer. Only a Christmas miracle could bring everyone together.
The right stuff: While this is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Think cozy, because that is exactly what this story is. Put your own cat in your lap and enjoy!
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.
MORE ON HEA: See more posts by Leigh
When I saw the cute cover picture, I thought this might be a 'cozy mystery' - a genre I don't love but don't hate - and settled in for an easy if uninspiring read. Then - when I saw the book was told from a cat's viewpoint, I was afraid it would be too cutesy. I'm happy to say neither of these scenarios were true. Instead, I found this to be a charming book with several stories of the humans connected to the cats as well as stories about the cats themselves. I suppose it helps that I talk to my own cat all the time and I'm firmly convinced he communicates with me though not with words. The writing is good with detailed descriptions and imagination. I loved reading Molly's thoughts on what went on around her. All the various stories come together in the end and make for a very pleasant read.
This would be a great book to give a cat lover for Christmas!
Christmas at the Cat Cafe is a adorable story told through the eyes of a cat Molly who has kittens. There is a arrival of a new cat and a dog. There is family drama and cat drama. This is a very enjoyable read.
What an adorable and sweet story. After reading my typical horror genre this October, it was nice to fall into this cute story about Molly and her kittens. This crazy cat lady heartily approves!
Christmas at the Cat Cafe by Melissa Daley is the second book in the contemporary Cat Cafe series. When I first noticed this series I thought maybe they were a cozy mystery or romance type of read but what we actually have is the story told from the point of view of Molly the cat and it's actually a lot of fun to read.
In the first book Molly had been a very spoiled feline living with her elderly owner and the two being inseparable. Unfortunately for both Molly and her owner as time passed her owner began having issues with her memory and her son decided it was time to move her into a care facility. The son was not a fan of Molly and re-homed her into a place with some big scary dogs in which Molly made the decision to set out to find a new wonderful owner of her own leading her to the doorstep of Debbie.
Debbie had been having issues with her business and with some inspiration from Molly the cafe was turned into Molly's Cat Cafe. Things had been well with Molly and Debbie and Molly even had kittens of her own but now Debbie's sister Linda has moved in with not only a dog in the midst but another cat Molly doesn't quite like causing havoc for the holidays.
These books are so cute to read coming from the point of view of a cat, you not only have animals issues to but you do get the conversations and happenings of the humans around Molly which brings in drama and intrigue there for a engaging contemporary tale. The book is one that may bring tears and certainly some laughs along the way too with cat lovers nodding along to some antics.The story is one that may bring tears and certainly some laughs along the way too with cat lovers nodding along to some antics, definitely recommend the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
Wonderfully written from the point of view of a cat. I would recommend this novel for people who love cats and Christmas.
Christmas at the Cat Cafe was okay. There was nothing terrible about it, but nothing really stood out either.
The protagonist is a cat named Molly and the entire story is told from her point of view. Through no fault of the author, I have a hard time with this conceit, particularly when the bulk of the characters are human.
The story itself is a perfectly nice story about a cat named Molly, her kittens, and their human, Deb, who owns the titular cat cafe. Deb and her teenage daughter, Sophie, have their space invaded by Deb's sister Linda and her smelly little dog. There is also a bequest to Molly in her former owner's will. All these little life moments and how they resolve themselves is the story of Christmas at the Cat Cafe.
This would be a pleasant book to read with a cup of tea and a cat on your lap.