The Calico Cat

The Calico Cat- Amanda James- 5*
(Possible trigger warning: childhood psychological abuse.) Charlotte is a geography teacher- or at least she was. One day she decides to walk out and keep walking. Her mother thinks she has lost the plot, her colleague thinks she is brave and wonderful to be able to take a different path. Lotties grandmother was an artist and she has decided this is the route she would like to take, also having received some inheritance from her grandmother- much to her mother’s disdain. There is a family secret which eventually she tell Caleb who is fast becoming a close friend. When he tries to help Lottie pushes him away. A walking holiday and meeting people along the way starts to put life into perspective for Lottie. This is written in the first person - in parts almost like a diary where the narrator is speaking to the reader. This book took me on a journey as it did with Lottie. Not everyone has had a wonderful childhood and for some this may trigger memories that are not of a good nature. That said, it was good to read how someone can be themselves despite everything and be true to themselves which is different and is not always easy. “Bruises heal but words remain raw many years afterwards”. A brilliant read, an unusual plot. One to make you think about yourself for a while hopefully in a good way.
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I have to admit I wasn't quite sure what a Calico Cat looked like even though we are told in the book, but as the title had me so intrigued I couldn't wait and had to go in search of some images myself. After numerous gorgeous cat and kitten images, I would certainly be able to spot one a mile off!

The actual cover ties in with the wonderful setting in the book. The author writes best about the surrounding areas where she herself is from and this really shines through in her writing. I felt like I could easily see everything as it was described to me and it makes for quite an atmospheric read.

Lottie is quite an odd ball. She seems quite rigid in her ways and yet a bit of a free spirit. She likes to speak her mind, which at times did make me cringe, though she only really says what a lot of us are thinking. Some parts I would be cheering her on for speaking exactly what I wouldn't have the nerve to say and at other times I was willing her to keep quiet as I was dreading how the other person would take it.

The story is told in the first person by Lottie herself. I enjoyed finding out about her past and seeing her develop as a character. There are numerous lovely characters that we get to meet along the way of which Caleb and Louisa had to be my favourites.

The Calico Cat for me is a journey of self discovery and going with your heart. It's about overcoming past issues and finding peace within yourself. A tender and engaging read of which I was reluctant for it to end.

I wasn't expecting much from this one and was pleasantly surprised at how well written it was. Lottie's journey of self-discovery was written in the first person, so I felt more invested in the character.

An affecting, emotional and beguiling tale that will pluck at the heartstrings, touch your soul and make you ponder, The Calico Cat is a wonderful tale of secrets, self-discovery and courage from Amanda James, a fantastic writer with a terrific talent from plumbing the depths of the human heart.

When thirteen year old Lottie discovers a shocking secret, her entire life changes in a heartbeat. Shocked that her parents had kept something of this magnitude from her, Lottie’s attitude changes overnight and she becomes rude, hard-headed, troublesome and defies authority at every turn. With her mother handling the consequent fall-out from this time-bomb in an appalling and atrocious manner, their relationship becomes strained and distant and their bond is severed forever. Changed by this sudden turn of events, Lottie soon begins to have problems fitting in and does her absolute utmost to be different from her peers and to shock and scandalise those around her.

Now an adult, Lottie has become a teacher with a desperate yearning to become an artist. When one day, she walks out of her classroom and keeps on walking, Lottie realises that the time has come for her to follow her dream, so she quits her job and decides to try her hardest to make her childhood dream a reality. But on her journey to achieve her objective, she realises that in order to succeed she must first put the past behind her and vanquish those old ghosts that have held her back for so long.

Is happiness within reach for Lottie? Will the past continue to exert its malevolent hold upon her? Or will she find the courage to strive for the fulfillment which she has been craving for so long?

The Calico Cat is a book that is guaranteed to stay with you for a very long time. Although it is far from an easy read, The Calico Cat is a thought-provoking, uplifting and captivating novel that kept me riveted to the page as I was swept up in Lottie’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle to lay old ghosts to rest.

I thought Lottie was a wonderful heroine. Believable, flawed, independent and resilient, she is a character you can relate to and cheer on as she has fears and experiences that we can empathize with.

Amanda James has written a visceral, lyrical and scintillating work that I highly recommend. The Calico Cat is a book to treasure and one which will strike a chord with readers everywhere.

After a crime thriller, this is the perfect read for me. Warm, honest, touching on dysfunctional families (I know quite a bit about them!) and friendship.

We meet Lottie as an adult and it soon becomes obvious that what relationship she has with her mother is not a happy one. Slowly, throughout the story we are let into what Lottie refers to as 'the big fat secret' of what went wrong fifteen years ago when she was a new teenager. Labelled as a 'journey of self-discovery', this truly is exactly that.

A warm, comforting read and a thoughtful one where my admiration for Lottie increased throughout this story as she herself grew. The characters are fabulous; varied, different, from all walks of life but all down-to-earth in their own way. There are ups and downs - as indeed there are everyday for all of us. Lottie herself has a very direct way of looking at life and I found myself both agreeing with her and giggling at her observations. She is very likeable! Amanda James is definitely an author to look out for.

This is the kind of novel which makes you look at those around you and think about what kind of relationship you have with them. The writing flows beautifully and makes for compelling reading. I was sad to reach the final page, but then all good things come to an end, don't they? I certainly couldn't improve on this book in any way whatsoever, and am delighted to give it five well deserved stars.

My thanks to publishers Bombshell Books for approving my request via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

Charlotte has had enough of her job and just walked out. She decides to follow in her grandmothers footsteps and become an artist. Her very vocal and disapproving mother doesn’t approve and believes Charlotte is making a big mistake.

Oh this is a book that I adored and so very different to the couple of other books I have previously read by this author. Set in beautiful Cornwall I got to meet Charlotte, or Lottie as she prefers to be called, and learn of her story. She tells of her family life from a teenager to present day. There have been changes, teen rebellion but also of a dramatic change in her family that still has a hold over her and her feelings. Lottie is not quiet or timid, she is quite vocal in her beliefs and extremely principled with a very matter of fact way in her conversation and thoughts, with an interesting way of voicing her opinion. I would say she is the sort of person that would be very easy to misunderstand, but that is the way she is and it is quite refreshing.

A chance of a holiday with a friend gives Lottie a chance to meet various people from different walks of life. Their experiences help Lottie to realise that there are different perspectives in all things. That sometimes in life a broader outlook is needed rather than a narrower tunnel version. She has to deal with

This is a gentle amble around the Cornish coastline and also Lotties life, it mixes elements of the dramatic landscape and personal heartache with hope and moving forward, with new starts and beginnings. The plot and story of how Lottie and those in her life has been done in a wonderful way that gradually drew me in. I wanted to know more about her and why she reacts the way she does, it held my attention and I loved being immersed in her world for the few hours it took me to read it. This also has a romantic theme, it is not your lovey-dovey, gushy sort as that wouldn’t fit with Lottie.

A book that was the perfect read for a sunny May day and that I think is perfect for readers of women’s fiction, contemporary fiction and romance. It is a book I would highly recommend.

This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be looking to read more from this author in the future.

Lottie learns of a family secret when she’s thirteen years old. The secret changes her life.
Now as an adult Lottie is a teacher. One day she just walks out of her job to follow her dreams of being an artist.

I found this to be a great read of self discovery. The Calico Cat is a refreshing well written story. I loved the secondary characters and felt they added so much to the story.
A perfect beach read or as I did a perfect read sitting out in the garden enjoying the sun.

5☆ A Compelling and Beautiful Read!

First of all I want to say how gorgeous the cover is. I'm an animal lover and it drew me straight in.

The Calico Cat is a beautiful coming of age story, a story of new beginnings and self discovery and learning to accept.

When Lottie was 13 she discovers a devastating secret that will change her life and the way she fits in growing up.
My heart went out to Lottie after discovering the secret her whole world was flipped upside down it's no wonder her personality changes. What with dealing with teenage hormones too.

What makes matters much worse is how her Mum deals with the fall out. Instead of talking to Lottie and helping her come to terms with her emotions she makes matters much worse. She behaves disgracefully.
It's no wonder Lottie rebels. Causing a rift between them. Mum's are meant to be your rock it's so sad.

Fast forward and Lottie is now a teacher. Unsure whether it's really what she wants to do, she walks out on her teaching job and decides to follow her true passion to become an artist like her grandmother.

What follows next is a heart warming journey of self discovery and new beginnings as Lottie discovers who she really is, putting her past to rest.

The Calico Cat is a compelling and heart warming read it's an engrossing, irresistible story that will leave am impression.
There are some sensitive subjects and Amanda has written them realistically and with sensitivity.
The Characters are somewhat flawed, unique but believable.

I highly recommend this Poignant read, it truly is a beautiful book written by a very talented Author.

As I am not really a cat person (I find them cute to look at, but the fact that I sneeze like a banshee when around one for a bit, kinda puts me off!), I had absolutely no idea what a 'calico cat' was. Well, I thought it was either a cat breed, or a cat made of cotton, but then I thought I sounded daft and rebuked any ideas I had. So, with that in mind, this book intrigued me because of the cat and the tagline at the top; 'Can you ever break free from the past?'.


What a good question, can you? Unfortunately for Lottie, she had to find out the answer to that question the hard way thanks to her parents. Due to the lightening bolt which severed hers and her parents relationship, Lottie had to stand on her own two feet and become, what some people might say, 'hard nosed'. I found myself relating to Lottie in terms of her hard exterior and the way she displays herself to other people. Whilst I am sure that a lot of people may find her far too blunt, I couldn't help but nod along as I am very similar to the character in that sense. Yes, I say the things that people think, and yes, my brain doesn't connect to my mouth before my mouth opens - just like Lottie.

I did feel that the way Lottie projected herself was due to her past as it was probably a way of protecting her emotions from any further breakages. You can't really blame her though, can you?

I really didn't know what to expect from 'The Calico Cat', yet it ended up giving me something I still can't put my finger on. I know that doesn't really make sense but, due to the fact that the entire storyline is relatable and magnetic, I felt as though the author was telling my soul a story rather than my brain.

Amanda James seems to have become a voice for those without the confidence to use their own voices, by showing that it's okay to go through difficult times, and that it's okay to not be okay - if you're being true to yourself, what does it matter in the grand scheme of things?

'The Calico Cat' hit home and for those who know me personally, I am sure that they can understand why it did. I never expected a cat to be at the forefront of a novel where self discovery is concerned, but I am certainly not complaining.

A beautifully written, enchanting, and captivating novel which will highlight the importance of looking after number one (and no, I don't mean the cat).

I just love Amanda's style of writing. Every book I have come across is just so easy flowing and a dream to read.
The Calico Cat is such an inspiring book I feel and in some ways reminds me of mine and my siblings upbringing. No matter what your experience growing up, it's you yourself that defines your future.
Lottie is such a lovable character. She is one of those characters that when you finish reading the book you feel you will miss her somehow and you want to know how things turn out.
I'm sorry if this review does not make sense, I was up most of the night reading, as I couldn't put it down.

A very well written and heart warming story about growing up and self discovery.
One those book that leads on a trip through memory and discovery, one of those book you're sad when it's over.
Strongly recommended!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books and Netgalley for this ARC

This is the first book I have read by Amanda James. She immediately caught my interest with her beautiful cover and the title! Can you tell I love cats?
This is a wonderful and intriguing story of a young woman discovering herself and what she is meant to do in life. It details her ups and downs on her journey to self discovery. There are many very interesting characters in her life during this quest.
I loved every minute of reading this and I was sorry to reach the end. I would highly recommend this book! I will be looking for more books by this author.
I would like to thank Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is my first ARC received from NetGalley and my first ebook I have read. I didn’t expect anything from this book when I picked it and received it. I just gave it a shot and see if I’ll like it or not. Well… I was surprised that I LOVED this book!

Author created such life like characters and the way Charlotte was expressing her thoughts in the book- it seemed like she was communicating with the reader… speaking with YOU and telling her story just for YOU.
Another thing why I loved this book so much was… POSITIVITY. This book is soaked in it. No matter what painful events the main character had in the book, she manages to live on, fall in love, and find positive and inspiring people that help her to find her true happiness. This book is so warm that you can literally feel and see what she experiences.

Also, I found so many quotes in this book that I can’t agree more. And if I find many quotes that I like in the book- it means this book “had something in it”.

Summing-up: warm, positive, inspiring, happy end.

A really good novel really felt I was travelling the Cornish coast line with Lottie and seeing in my mind's eye the beautiful places and views good story telling and some interesting characters a delightful novel and well worth a read

Every stressed out teacher at some point of their career has wondered, "What would I do if I threw in the towel and decided to try something else?" In this book, "The Calico Cat," the author shows us a teacher who does exactly that. Right from the start, I was amazed at the main character's bravery and independence. Lottie gets up during the middle of the history class she is teaching, leaves the building, and heads straight towards her dream of becoming an artist like her grandmother. Luckily, Lottie has some inherited money so she can get by for awhile as she figures out her next steps in life. She befriends a former co-worker and they set off on a walking holiday together where Lottie meets other characters who help her in her road to self-discovery.
One of the things I liked about this book was Lottie's "voice." I felt like I was in the same room as Lottie and she was telling me her story. She even had me chuckling aloud at times. The author's use of metaphors and imagery really helped to paint a picture in my mind of the setting and characters of the book. One of my favorite examples of this imagery is the following line: "It's one of those humid August afternoons that have skies heavy with pregnant clouds. They are full-term and desperate to give birth."
Additionally, the author did an excellent job of keeping me in suspense. What was the secret revealed to her at age 13 by her parents? What happened to her after this reveal that dramatically influenced the rest of her life? I really felt hooked from the start and wanted to keep reading to find out if Lottie would get her "happily ever after."
Thanks to Bombshell Books and Net Galley for an advanced reader's copy of this book. I feel like I have presented an honest opinion of this book in my review.

Loved this book. A tale of growing up and grown ups. A good romance and a book with a different slant on life with interesting characters.

A refreshingly, easy read, Lottie takes us on her journey of self-discovery as she struggles with the concept of love; both the giving and receiving, acceptance, and following her heart. It is difficult to not love this plucky young woman, to empathise with her pain at the hand of her indifferent mother, and to rejoice at her successes, supported by the family that she chooses for herself.