There are 2 reasons why I absolutely loved this book.
Firstly, it features ALOT of cats and as someone who adores cats, this made me very happy.
Secondly, the main character has health issues and we follow her as she comes to terms with those health issues both mentally and physically. Some of the challenges and frustrations she experiences really resonated with me.
This book is one of those rare books that although I have a kindle copy, I will definitely be buying a paperback copy and reading it several times, especially on bad health days. Thank you Jessica Redland for writing the book that so many people need.

Review to come ,
I will for now tell you what I was drawn to when selecting this book , the title, and the cover really got me.
Thank you net galley and publisher for allowing me to read this book. !

You always smile when you read a Jessica Redland. Lovely to be back in Castle street and meet old and new people. Took a little while for me to warm to the cat cafe but it got me . I also learnt a lot about an illness 3 close friends have. I loved the spoon idea etc. You always learn something new with Jessica ‘s book. Her research is amazing. Just read it. Can’t spoil the plot line . Some good twists.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This is a standalone book (but I really hope it's not!) set in the Castle Street area of Whitsborough Bay. Nice to see some familiar faces pop up in this story of Tabby and her dream to set up a cat cafe. Things aren't always what they seem though and there are difficulties along the way.

Really enjoyed this (even if there were far too many cats in it for me!)

A new Jessica Redland book?
A new Christmas book?
A new Jessica Redland Christmas book?

Yes. Yes. And Yes.

This is my 7th festive book of 2023 and it's only the beginning of August (at time of writing).

I've read a few books recently when someone has had a chronic illness and I'm glad it's being featured. I've been unwell for several years now and it has taken its toll. But chronic illnesses don't have to be the end of everything. To have protagonists living their life, having friends, being in relationships, owning a house, holding down a job, opening a business...it really makes readers feel that they can live with a chronic illness.

As well as other conditions, I suffer from the same illness that the main character of Tabby has, and so I felt a kind of kinship and support and empathy for her right from the off.

I am definitely more of a dog person than a cat person, and I have friends who have been to cat cafes before. It sounds like such a bizarre idea but I see that it has really caught on. I can see Tabby's love - and I assume Jessica's - for cats in the book.

I am impressed by the detail of each cat. I know she has said some of them are based on real cats, and some are made up, but apart from maybe a Siamese cat or a Maine Coon, my knowledge of cat breeds is not impressive. But Jessica has given each cat their individual markings and personalities and characteristics that I am really impressed with.

I like how it links to other books Jessica has written, such as Christmas Wishes at the Chocolate Shop. You don't have to have read the others for this one to make sense, but having done so, it was fun to pick out familiar characters. It shows that Jessica has created this beautiful community for everyone to co-exist, including her readers.

It also shows that we shouldn't be afraid of failure, and success is not everything. That admitting you cannot do something for the benefit of your health, isn't failure, it's bravery, and we shouldn't be ashamed of it.

I didn't like Leon right from the off, for reasons I won't say but will be clear when you read it. On the other end of the spectrum, I adored Tom. He was the perfect gentleman, the perfect friend when Tabby needed him most, and I would like a copy of him please. There are many other characters of course, but for me, Tom and Tabby...this is their story. Oh and of course the dozen plus cats.

I generally have two rules when it comes to reading in bed. 1) I only read happy, uplifting books - tick. And 2) I don't read my Kindle in bed, only physical books. But I broke rule two with this book. It was so warming and comforting that I had to finish it.

I assume it is a standalone novel as there's nothing to say it will carry on, but I'd be just as happy to read a continuation of the story and with these characters.

It is really moving and emotional. There are positives - it is generally a positive book - but there are hardships, guilt, hate, love, worry, anger - there's a bit of everything. It was so layered it really caught me out at times how moving I found it. Overall it is a good, enjoyable, hopeful and fun read, sad but joyful, and exactly what I've come to expect from Jessica Redland.

This book is a lovely, romantic, Christmassy fairy tale. Being chronically ill myself, I was pleased there being a disability theme. I think this story will make it easy to explain the uncertainties, insecurities, grief, fear, and despair those who are ill are dealing with. Not to mention the guilt. Ah, the guilt, oh yes.
Also: that there might be days when simple tasks such as making two phone calls and answering an email can be all one can handle. If a debilitating illness means you've got to stick with your (unpredictable) boundaries and give in to that, it is not the same as giving up. Not on yourself, not on life. Very wise indeed!

However, let me admit it felt a bit off that everyone was so supportive with Tabby. Once or twice a conflict between someone dealing with FM and a loved one was mentioned, but not a single person of all the neighbors, the co-workers, family and friends, not the journalist or kind customer doubting her story of Tabby's physical and mental pain.
The world is a hard place generally, and ableism is very much a part of that. This side of our society not being reflected in Tabby's story was a bit flat for me personally. Yeah, we all want a Christmassy happy ending, but alas... that is not real life, is it? On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with escapism from time to time.

Therefor, at the same time I am really hoping this book to be the first in a series. Who knows what the seven reindeers can be up to with their new human? Yes, very cryptic as not to give away any hints and spoil things :)

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.