Cats+Christmas+Jessica Redland are a sure way to make read and enjoyed a novel.
Festive, cute, and the perfect book for a cold winter afternoon.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

It’s a lovely feel good book. I will be reading it again nearer to Christmas.

From page one I was in a happy place that continued until the end. Loved it.

A Review of "Christmas at the Cat Café"

⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars

If you're in the mood for a cozy Christmas read, then Jessica Redland's "Christmas at the Cat Café" might just be the purr-fect choice. The story follows Tabby, a pastry chef who fulfills her dream of opening a cat café in the charming town of Whitsborough Bay. But as the holiday season approaches, Tabby finds herself facing multiple challenges, including a broken heart and some health issues. With the support of her loved ones and a bunch of adorable feline companions, Tabby embarks on a journey to bring joy and magic to Castle Street.

Let's start with that festive cover! It's so delightful and full of Christmas cheer. Unfortunately, that's about as festive as the book gets. The story itself is cute, don't get me wrong, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. There was something missing that prevented me from fully connecting with it. However, I must admit that I couldn't help but chuckle at the fact that Tabby had a whopping fifteen cats living in her house. No wonder her boyfriend preferred living on a cruise ship! Ha!

Despite not being the most memorable or emotionally gripping holiday tale, "Christmas at the Cat Café" still offers a cozy escape into a world filled with furry friends and a determined protagonist. Tabby's journey to open her café alone is relatable and inspiring, and you'll find yourself rooting for her every step of the way. Plus, the author does a great job of capturing the special bond between humans and their feline companions, adding an extra dose of charm to the story.

So, if you're looking for a light-hearted and easy read this Christmas, "Christmas at the Cat Café" might just hit the spot. It may not be the most profound or festive book out there, but it offers plenty of feel-good moments and a sprinkle of humor. Whether you're a cat lover or simply in need of a cozy escape, this book will provide you with a warm and comforting experience.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Ok, this book was good. I loved the cats, and felt its discussions on chronic pain were really good. That being said this book was marketed as a book about a cat cafe, and that was only 20% of the book, the other 70% was the main character having fibromyalgia an 10% being the romance. While i liked the discussions, it felt more like an information book on the chronic illness than a book about a cafe. Regardless, the book was really good, and brings up topics that aren’t always discussed. The plot didn’t feel like it was always going anywhere, but I still enjoyed it and read it quickly.
(*2.5)

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy of Christmas at the Cat Cafe by Jessica Redland in exchange for an honest review. It published September 15, 2023.
Back in her usual fashion, Jessica Redland brings an absolute treasure of a book to her audience! She is an auto-buy author for me! She is the top of this genre, and all of her books are lovely.
I found this book to be so charming and sweet, and honestly, you could totally read it any time of year, as it's not all set at Christmastime, (my favorite way to read a Christmas book TBH!). I personally have an aversion to cats, (allergies, and a slight phobia), and yet she had me LONGING to go to this cafe!

Tabby is a pastry chef, who also happens to love cats. She had a dream of opening her own cat café, and when she gets an inheritance after losing her beloved grandmother, it looks like her dream might finally come true. She and her boyfriend are planning to open it together, but things take a turn for Tabby. First she is diagnosed with severe Fibromyalgia and as she comes to grips with her diagnosis and limitations, she is dumped and Leon will no longer be working with her. She doesn't want to be a burden on others, so downplays the severity of her Fibromyalgia, until she can't anymore. Will her friends and family be able to fill in the space that Leon left in her business plan? Will she be able to follow her dream? Is romance in the air for Tabby?

I am a huge fan of Jessica Redland's books and she always includes adversity in some way for her characters. This gives her and her readers the opportunity to see how people overcome those issues as well as support one another. It is up-lit at it's finest. I enjoyed being back on Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay and meeting up with some familiar characters from previous books. I really liked Tabby's character, but it doesn't mean I didn't get frustrated with her. Keeping things close to her chest got aggravating at times, especially when she has such a close knit family and community. I was happy to see her finally share what she was dealing with and seeing who came to support her. The protests and opposition to the cat café was not surprising, but it always bothers me when someone harasses and gives negative reviews to something, someplace or someone without even seeing what it is all about themselves. I liked the way this was presented in the book. This is a story of family, community, following your dreams, new beginnings, never giving up, supporting one another, learning to live with a chronic illness and acceptance. Set at Christmas, with some Christmas cheer, magic and even romance, made this a wonderful story that I recommend.

Another brilliant and gorgeous story from Jessica! Jessica is an auto author for me, I don't even have the read the synopsis' anymore to know I'm going to absolutely love anything and everything she has written and this one was no exception. I loved the idea of a cat cafe and Jessica described it to the point I was craving to jump into the book and experience it all for myself. Like any Jessica book, there was some heart-breaking moments that you don't see coming, but she is always able to turn it back around so positively, your spirits are lifted. I really enjoyed the romance within this book too, I did see it coming and it was very sweet. Every character (beside the obvious two) were an absolute joy to read about, there was some new characters and there was some old characters who we had met previously and it was lovely to be back in the midst of Whitsborough Bay. A lovely Christmas read for the holidays, highly recommend!

Tabby's dream is to open a cat café and finally thanks to her nanny she can make it all come through. Together with her boyfriend Leon, she is soon opening and moving to her cat café where they will work together. Then Leon drops all of their plans and Tabby and she is suddenly alone, not sure how to manage fulfilling her dream on her own. She also has to come to terms with her health issues and letting her family and friends be part of it. With the help of her family, friends and the local shopkeepers Taby opens the café just before Christmas, hoping she will find the spirit back and feels happy.

Christmas at the cat café was for me a very predictable story with a beautiful, predictable cover. But even with all the predictability, the cover is really cute, the story is beautiful and in some way has some originality in it. The characters are strong, even the evil ones. (Yes, you do feel like that about some) And sometimes it is just nice to read a predictable love story, with all its troubles, headache and situations you know will get resolve and have a happy ending. When I finished reading Tabby's story I had a grinning, feel-good smile on my face.

It was a perfect read for this weather!

This was so so cute !!! I was a bit lost at the start wondering where this was going, definitely didn’t see her being a couple with Tom but then I was definitely for it ! After 25% of the book ( the start is maybe a bit slow) I couldn’t put the book down literally

I absolutely love this author and this book was no exception. Another heart warming lovely read is highly recommend to anyone. Fabulous characters that you fall in love with.

Loved this story and loved being back in Whitsborough Bay. Jessica has again written characters that come alive in my imagination, that you can’t help but fall in love with and become immediately invested in and unable to put the book down until I’ve finished.

I love the romance, but I also love the part the community plays in this story, I even fell in love with cats (surprising for a dog person) and I’m not embarrassed to say shed a tear or two.

100% recommend this book and any of Jessica Redlands.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas At The Cat Cafe written by Jessica Redland was such a fun, cute, and festive Christmas read. CALLING ALL CAT LOVERS AND CHRISTMAS LOVERS, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!!! As many of you know, I'm a dog lover at heart, but this book was still equally cute. From the festive cover, to the festive descriptions in the story, it gives me the impression that Jessica Redland is a sucker for Christmas, just like me. I had to take a star off of my rating because there was just TOO MANY CATS TO KEEP UP WITH, I HAD TO KEEP FLIPPING BACK PAGES TO REMEMBER WHO WAS WHO!!!!!! Christmas At The Cat Cafe will have your emotions flip flopping back and forth, so be prepared to be sad, happy, angry, and mad. I suggest not reading this book on an empty stomach, all the delicious treats will have your stomach rumbling. With Christmas right around the corner, this is the perfect book to read, and to get ideas for your baking list. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Christmas At The Cat Cafe immediately. I can't recommend this book enough, it was so cute, festive, and heart touching.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOLDWOOD BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!

Tabby is a ailurophile (cat lover) at heart. Tabby has always wanted to own her own cat cafe to combine her love for cats and baking all in one place. Tabby who's real name is actually Tabitha, has been going by Tabby since she was a little girl and found a tabby cat. When Tabby receives an inheritance from her beloved grandmother who also loved baking, Tabby is elated, her dreams are finally coming true after all to own her cat cafe. Tabby and her boyfriend, Leon are planning to open the cat cafe together, but things start taking a wrong turn. Tabby is diagnosed with fibromyalgia, as Tabby comes to terms with her diagnosis, she decides to keep it a secret because she doesn't want to be a burden to anyone, thins then start to get even worse, Leon decides to dump Tabby. With her life in shambles, Tabby will need the support of her friends, family, and community to be able to open the cat cafe in time for Christmas, but how will Tabby be able to do that with all of her Christmas cheer thrown in the trash can? I wanted to scream at Tabby sometimes because when things got tough she would cry on her cats instead of standing on her two feet and kicking life in the ass showing people she's capable of running her own cat cafe.

I read this one a while ago and forgot to post about it! I love Christmas books and when I saw this one I knew I wanted to read it because a cat cafe sounds lovely, especially at Christmas. I did enjoy this one, but know there are heavier topics in it such as chronic illness (fibromyalgia). The female main character, Tabby, has fibro. She has always wanted to work with cats and now that she received an inheritance from her nanna she decides to open a cat cafe with her boyfriend. But her BF leaves her and she is forced to open it solo. She needs help from her friends and family to succeed. Can she get the cafe open before Christmas, and will it help fill her broken heart with joy again? I really liked Tabby. I liked how she was so strong about her Illness. I actually learned a lot about this Illness that I wasn't aware of. Her family and friends were also very likeable. This book didn't necessarily take place during Christmas….it was more like the month before. So I think this would be a great read for any time of year. It was very heartwarming.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this! I couldn't stop reading. I love when a character isn't perfect and Tabby has a health issue, fibromyalgia, and I love this representation, I had not seen it before in books. I absolutely could not stop reading this wonderful holiday romance.
I just reviewed Christmas at the Cat Café by Jessica Redland. #ChristmasattheCatCafé #NetGalley

⭐⭐/5

I tried with this book - I really did. I made it 45% through and was unable to finish. I think that I was expecting more of a story, and this book really felt like an education on fibromyalgia. To be fair, I'm sure there aren't many books out there about this chronic illness so I appreciate how much the author was trying to educate through the book.

It just fell flat to me. There were a lot of cats and a lot of cat names to try to keep straight. I was waiting for more of a story to develop, but the book overall felt depressing. I had to put it down when it felt like a chore to be reading. I gave it two stars because it was well-written.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This novel is very sweet bringing on some Christmas spirit throughout and wonderful to read even though it is emotional. Tabitha Walsh named Tabby is fond of cats and this Christmas season she is getting ready to open her brand new business venture - Castle Street Cat Cafe in Whitsborough Bay's Castle Street. For Tabby Life is better with baking and cats, if you are a feline lover you would come across many cats and their names in the novel. Tabby, who is 34 years old and diagnosed with Fibromyalgia is dreaming of achieving her work with cats one day. She has been an Ailurophile - a cat lover since she was seven. For Tabby cats are the most adorable and loving animals that are capable of bringing such great comfort to their owners. Tabby's grandmother had told her never to give up on her dream of a cat-based career. Tabby is also passionate about baking as she studied for a diploma in catering before securing an apprenticeship at the Ramparts Hotel, which is Whitsborough's only five-star hotel. Even though she stayed there as a pastry chef she never let go of her dream to work with cats and now she was 18 days away from opening her new cat cafe.

Before her grandmother died she left Tabby a sizeable inheritance to work with cats, her granny wanted her to 0pen a cat cafe with this money. Out of all the cats and breeds named out there I adore Babushka and Marmalade the British red ginger shorthair cat the most. Things take a turn when Leon, Tabby's boyfriend breaks her heart by not keeping his promise to be there at the opening of the cat cafe. Leon and Tabby had met as instant friends at the Ramparts while working as chefs and bought a house at Drake Street. Tabby is left with tears and grief as lost her boyfriend, gave her home up, and could be about to lose her business before it ever opened. Will she could run the business without Leon? Will her broken heart find hope?

I could empathize with the author's intention to bring light to her characters. Even though Tabby goes through chronic pain from Fibromyalgia, Flare-ups, and frustrations of brain fog that causes forgetfulness she finds happiness in her supportive family and friends like her parents, friends - Alison, and Tom who are there to help her out in this situation.

An uplifting novel where there is hope and love, there is friendship, family, and community, and a climax that ends well. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

Novel Nerd Blog: https://smithareading.blogspot.com/

Tabby's dream of opening a cat café on Castle Street becomes a reality, thanks to an inheritance from her beloved nanna. When her boyfriend Leon leaves her unexpectedly, Tabby faces the challenge of opening the café on her own, compounded by the pressure of hiding her health issues. With Christmas approaching, Tabby navigates local resistance and a mysterious opponent who seems determined to thwart her success. Surrounded by her friends, family, and feline companions, Tabby strives for a Christmas miracle, hoping her cat café will bring festive joy to Castle Street and mend her broken heart. The novel blends the charm of a Christmas setting with themes of resilience, community support, and the transformative power of holiday magic.

Perfect for fans of women’s fiction and cats.

Tabby is forced to open her cat cafe by herself after her ex boyfriend leaves her before opening. She must deal with her health issues and resistance to the cafe as well as her growing feelings towards her childhood friend, Tom.

I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars. I personally did not like the book that much, but it was not bad. Part of my rating includes the fact that I thought this book was a romance book. It really wasn’t. This book is more centred around Tabby and her cat cafe, so the cover is misleading. The characters were alright, but the dialogue didn’t really vary from the same kind of emotion. The conflict was good though. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book but it wasn’t bad.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Tabby is just about to have her life's dream of opening up a Cat Cafe come true. Unfortunately weeks before the opening her longtime boyfriend decides it isn't for him and chooses to pursue a career on a cruie ship instead. On top of that Tabby hasn't been completely honest with her friends and family about the severity of her Fibromyalgia. She must learn how to be open and honest, and lean on them to help get here through every roadbump that comes along with trying to get this Cat Cafe up and running. This book was truly a roller coaster ride of emotions, it was always seemed to be 1 step forward and 2 steps back for Tabby. I'm glad I had the opportuity to read this book and learn more about Fibromyalgia and how truly dibilating it can be. This was my first book by Jessica Redland and I really enjoyed her writing and the characters. If you love cats and are looking for a book to help get you in the holiday spirit look no further. Thank you to NetGally and Jessica Redland for an advanced copy of this book!

"Christmas at the Cat Café" by Jessica Redland is a heartwarming tale that brings together the magic of late autumn and the warmth of early winter. I extend my gratitude to Jessica Redland, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for granting me an early look at this charming ARC.

At its core, this book is a friends-to-lovers romance, a timeless theme that always warms the heart. But what truly sets this book apart is the careful and insightful inclusion of chronic pain representation and the meticulous research about the world of opening a cat café. The depth and detail in these themes are praiseworthy and add a unique layer to the story.

The narrative gracefully tackles the challenges of fibromyalgia from various angles, shedding light on the physical and emotional struggles that individuals with this condition face. Tabby, the central character, is portrayed with authenticity as she grapples with moments of intense pain while juggling the responsibilities of her business. Her fears of becoming a burden are relatable, making her a character readers can genuinely empathize with. The way other characters learn about and respond to her condition provides a well-rounded perspective on living with fibromyalgia.

"Christmas at the Cat Café" is a delightful read for those who dream of opening their own café, have a soft spot for our feline friends, or simply seek a heartwarming romance infused with hope and the enduring bonds of friendship.