A quick and engaging read which isn’t as “light” as the blurb implies. Fascinating characters and very well written - recommended.

Everybody has known one, heard of one or seen a meme about one – The Crazy Cat Lady! But have you ever stopped to wonder why somebody would prefer the company of an untold number of cats, giving over their property and their lives to them? I have never met a child with the goal of growing up to be a crazy cat lady, have you? Why are they out there? And do they, in fact, have to stay out there?

Amy Miller has done an amazing job of getting into the mind and soul of one particular cat lady, Nancy Jones, who works as a lunch helper at a local elementary school. By the unskillful use of back flashes Miller takes us through the events of Nancy's life that led to where she is today. Really it is amazing that she even gets out of bed in the morning. Miller then contrives a series of small events of Nancy so we have the pleasure of watching her gradually come out of her shell, make peace with the past and learn to live again! Heart warming!

CAT LADY FOREVERRRR.

Nancy Jones lives with her cats, all named after people she used to love. She's quiet, keeps to herself and the community knows if you are traveling and need help, Nancy will feed your cats.

When called upon to cat-sit one day, Nancy finds a photo of someone from her past - and here's where the story starts.

This is a story of a woman who is scared of her past and works so hard to hide it. This is the story of how that woman learns to forgive herself and move forward.

Thanks to netGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I received an ARC of this novel through Netgalley in exchange for my review. I must admit the title of this novel made me not really want to read this, but the reviews were good so I gave it a try. Really glad I did! This was a terrific story! The characters, especially Nancy Jones, were so well written. This story really brought to my mind how everyone has a story, even those who on the surface seem to have nothing to share. This was just the sweetest story I have read in awhile.

'They Call Me the Cat Lady' is a book I loved reading. I think the characters were great, and often not exactly what I expected them to be when I started reading - although there are exceptions like mr. Loveday, who was an a*hole all along.

This book does not shy away from the more difficult subjects of life. It is not the light reading I expected, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed to read. It is just like life does, it throws things and situations in your lap that make that you have to face stuff.

I really loved this book! I was hooked by the blurb that fans of Eleanor Oliphant may enjoy it, and although it's a completely different kind of story, I still loved it.

I could identify with the main character as I too love cats; for non-animal lovers, I think identifying with her may be more difficult, but cats are not the main focus of the story. The main character has had sadness in her life and has essentially shut herself away from the world, becoming the stereotypical 'cat lady'. However, due to outside circumstances, she finds herself offering help to people who soon become friends. I loved that she didn't end up in a relationship with the person I thought she would end up with - it added a bit of extra guess work.

An easy read, but I loved it so much that I went and bought the other 3 books by the author - a wartime series - and loved them even more. Just wish she'd hurry up and write the next one!

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.

Bookouture book so just clearing this down as a review for my profile so my feedback looks better - Kim Nash

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an engaging and quick read that drew me in, but it did get quite a bit less "light" once the main character's backstory was revealed. I found some of the characterization a bit flat and two-dimensional, which made the flow of the story a bit less easy to follow (when you start wondering why on earth so-and-so is thinking/acting such-and-such).

Overall, the story about the main character's cautious approach to a life that had not been kind to her, and the ending on a positive note - while easily foreseen - was a lovely read.

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.

Grab a cup of tea (or glass of wine), a cozy shawl and a box of tissues. Nancy tries to keep her very sad past to herself while living a quiet life with her cats. Along comes someone she hasn’t seen since tragedy rocked her world and who knows the story she hides. I love Nancy. She’s a lovely character who has experienced something I can relate to. The author did a wonderful job with her. She reminds me of Eleanor Olyphant. I love the whole story!

This book was a nice, quick read. It was equal parts well-written and intriguing, at least until one learned about Nancy's (aka the Cat Lady's) backstory.

However, this wouldn't be a contructive review if I did not point out a couple of things that could have used some improvement. I felt that at times the transitions between the chapters weren't smooth enough, especially towards the end of the book. Perhaps this stood out because the author's storytelling was amazingly smooth during most of the book.

I also thought that the children in the book (Alfie and Stuart) spoke and sometimes behaved more like adults. Maybe this made sense in Alfie's case, but I believe that Stuart, who was a bully, started behaving too maturely too fast.

The very last twist of the book was very predictable (if not pleasant), as was the overall way the author chose to tie every loose end.

Despite these small details, I do think that this was an enjoyable book that showed Amy Miller's potential. I would recommend it and would definitely read more of her books in the future.

The saying 'don't judge a book by its cover' certainly applies to this book. Yes there are cats in the story, but there is so much more to this book than cats. Although a little slow going at first, boy does it pick up speed. You are absolutely drawn into the emotions of this story which at times is heart wrenching. Beautifully written,. A totally absorbing story..

I wanted to read this book because of cats. Yes, I am cat lady too, so everything with cat lovers is good for me.

This novel wasn't entirely about cats, but I like how Nancy felt about them. She truly loved them not only because she was alone and they remembered her about her loved ones, but because they were her friends.

They Call me a Cat Lady is a story about loneliness, but also about love and friendship and everyday hardships. There's a lot of grief but also so much warm and coziness and all this make this book so good.
It's not very original, but it's one of this books that keeps you care not only for characters in the novel, but also for people around you. And for cats of course.

“ 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!

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 . . .

they call me the cat lady (Amy Miller)
Title: they call me the cat lady
Author: Amy Miller
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: TODAY!! (paperback/ebook)
ASIN: B07N8GFKHF
Source: NetGalley

[picture of cover]

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 like this:

[picture of cat lady]

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!

Goodreads has this to say about the novel:

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

To visit the author’s Facebook page go to:
Amy Miller - Author

To buy the novel go to:
they call me the cat lady - Book

To add to Goodreads go to:
Yer Ports for Plunder List

They Call Me the Cat Lady by Amy Miller is a lovely novel that ruminates on society's tendency to label certain individuals without knowing anything of their personal histories or circumstances. I delighted in discovering Nancy's story, and relished the reminder that everyone is fighting a battle that we know nothing of, so be kind, always.

Nancy Jones is known in her community as the 'cat lady', a woman who has all but shut herself off from any kind of social connection, instead favouring the companionship of her feline friends. Nancy could never have imagined that her life would turn out this way. Yet, several devastating life events have led Nancy to protect herself from further grief by limiting herself to minimal social contact. Nancy works at a school in a job that she loves, and gradually begins to open her heart to a boy called Alfie who is being bullied, while at the same time enduring a difficult home life. But it is when she reconnects with an old school friend of her daughter's that Nancy's life begins to open up to the possibilities of re-engaging with the world.

Nancy Jones is a beautifully-written and well-developed character, and the author, I think, does an excellent job of conveying that although this woman has suffered immense tragedy in her life, she is a beautiful soul who is willing to put aside her own fears for the benefit of the friends and animals she cares for so deeply. Nancy's story is a lovely reminder that not one of us is left unscathed by this life, so never judge a man (or woman) until you have walked a mile in his (or her) shoes.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this wonderful ARC.

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.

Whata lovely book this is. It is a gentle but clear sighted account of the life of Nancy whose life has taken a series of unfortunate and eventually tragic turns as she suffers bereavements and losses and finds herself ultimately isolated and reliant on her rescue cats as her solace. It is an insightful and engaging gem of a book, where the reader cares about this ultimately hugely likeable central character. The pace of the story takes us through a hectic and eventful period in Nancy's life's where spdespite her capacity for misinterpreting others she forges new connections and renews old acquaintance. This was one of the books for which the blurb gives little away and where the reading pleasingly exceeds your expectation. I'd thoroughly recommend for anyone who likes to explore character in depth.

Well, thank goodness I had a box of tissues in the house. This is a story of loss, and grief and healing. It's about isolation and the importance of human contact. It's not a comedy about a mad cat woman, although there's certainly a chuckle or two along the way. So now that's established, let's focus...this is a story about Nancy Jones, a middle-aged lady who lives in a rundown house with her cats for company and they're a fabulous bunch. She works at a local school; has started being an animal sitter for when people go away and befriends a young boy who is being bullied. One day she meets up with him and takes him with her to help feed a cat; it is here that Nancy makes a discovery that deeply upsets her. This begins the start of Nancy looking back into her past and we slowly find out why Nancy lives alone.
This is a deeply moving book exploring the effects of deep grief and loss, but is it also about healing. About remembering that despite outward appearances, we never know a person's story and sometimes maybe we should. It's about facing our demons, being brave and having the courage and faith in others to help you. This book is emotional but it also gave me hope.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the review copy