4⭐️ An enchantingly magical novella, the perfect cosy read for a cold autumn night✨

Thank you so much to Little Brown Book Group UK for approving me for an earc via netgalley and sending me a review copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.

As soon as I heard about this book I just knew, as a cat lover, I had to read it. A Midwinter’s Tail tells the story of Mina, a woman who, after 20 years, returns to the tiny Cornish Island of Morgalyn, home to her godfather Davy and his seemingly ageless and ethereal cat, Murr. Although she lived there with her mother for a couple of months as a child, she never returned, becoming estranged from her godfather when her mother tragically died - until she receives a mysterious note from Davy, along with a key to his cottage. When Mina arrives, she begins to remember the fantastical folklore tales Davy once told her and finds the local community in need of her help and the closer to Midwinter’s Eve she gets, the harder it is for Mina to tear herself away.

This was a truly beautiful little book that explored the often difficult realities of love, loss and family, both that of blood and that which is found and really moved me at times. There was a little bit of mystery going on, piecing together the past, the present and the magical tales of the island that were interspersed within the narrative which was nice and it had a good pace- it felt like the perfect length. Of course, the star of the show was Murr who reminded me of one of my own cats, Darcy, with her sass and her ‘I am the Queen here’ attitude. I wish i could snuggle her in all her magical majesty!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful festive cover, with a beautiful festive read that makes you feel warm inside with all the magic. I literally read this in one sitting and felt my imagination carried away with me to a distant land. Absolutely bloody loved it!

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4.5/5stars

This heartwarming winter read is an absolute delight! The book's cover, beautifully illustrated, instantly captured my attention. As a devoted cat lover, I was already inclined to fall in love with any story involving feline companions. However, this book offers so much more. It skillfully weaves tales of sea spirits and Cornish folklore into the tapestry of modern-day life, addressing the challenges faced by remote villages. The prose is as enchanting as the cover art.

Within the pages of this contemporary novel, a touch of the speculative emerges as myths entwined with a cat's existence play out on a small Cornish island. While I can't verify the authenticity of these myths, I relish the notion that they could be genuine. The tale unfolds with a seemingly immortal cat rescuing people from harm and uniting lovers and family members. What's not to love about that?

Moreover, it's a narrative of self-discovery and reconnection. Mina, a city dweller, unexpectedly finds herself at peace on this remote, hard-to-reach island at the world's edge. Her journey might offer a chance to mend a long-standing emotional wound, one stemming from feelings of abandonment. The story also explores the prospect of Mina gaining acceptance within the warm, protective, albeit insular, island community.

This all unfolds against the backdrop of Mina's fight to protect a small community that is being exploited by a greedy antagonist. This villain is so easy to despise, relentlessly pursuing personal gain at the community's expense. However, in this story, unlike real life, the forces of good emerge victorious. This results in a heartwarming and cozy atmosphere as the close-knit community takes on a corporate developer.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in return for an honest review

What a lovely read! It is a perfect example of cosy reading. Caught my attention from the very beginning, nothing feels extra, I actually would not have minded it to be a bit longer! Something light that mixes folklore, Christmas, some action... and cats! I enjoyed it a lot, and really recommend it for when you want to read something not too heavy or overly complicated :)

Having lived on the Cornish coast for three years, I may be a little biased in my love for this book. It brought back memories of the good times - the tang of salt air, fresh after a storm or warm and almost toasted on a summer’s day; the strange and almost surreal beauty of snow on a deserted beach; and the sigh of relief every street seems to sag with in the dead of winter, when all the tourists are gone and you can hear the gentle whispering of the waves over chattering crowds. Cornwall is a place of ancient magic, inseparably tied to the sea for now and forever - and A Midwinter’s Tale captures that perfectly.

This book has everything: a special kind of magic unique to places rich in folklore, intrigue and sabotage leading to an exciting caper, family drama, a touch of romance, and most importantly - a cat. A Midwinter’s Tale is a sweet tale spun over the span of a week or so, perfect for tucking up with amongst a pile of blankets and a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

4 Stars
One Liner: Beautiful!

It is Christmas time, and Mina Kestle gets one step closer to signing the biggest deal for her agency. This is everything she wanted, or so it seems until Mina finds a cryptic letter with an iron key in her handbag.
Why did her godfather contact her after twenty years? Mina doesn’t want to bother. After all, he didn’t respond when she needed the most. However, she rushes to his cottage on the tiny Cornish island of Morgelyn to take care of his cat, Murr. Mina is sure she can sort the matters in a day and rush back to London and her life.
However, many truths come out in the open, forcing Mina to reconsider what she knew about her life and her godfather. With more concerns added to the list, Mina might be the only one to set things right, with Murr’s help, of course! The grey cat with green eyes has its own stories to tell!
The book comes in Mina’s first-person POV and snippets of folklore/ stories in the third-person POV.

My Thoughts:
This is a whimsical, cozy, cutesy story with Cornish folklore and contemporary drama set in December. The book is less than 250 pages and has a steady pace. While this sacrifices some character development, it’s easy enough to empathize with the main characters.
The book has touches of magic realism, though it is very light. The otherworldly elements get stronger as the story progresses. This works for the plot as Mina takes time to feel a part of the tiny island with a history.
The stories woven into the main plot are my favorite. They are short and evocative and stay connected to the overall storyline, even if it is not immediately apparent.
Murr, the mysterious cat, is one of the main characters. She does have a prominent role, though I think it could have been even better. I was hoping for Murr to be more active in the present. That said, the story relies on the cat and justifies the title and the cover (don’t you love that cover design).
The book has a bit of romance, too, though it doesn’t dominate the main plot. The same goes for a touch of inclusivity with a non-binary character (very minor role) and a lesbian ex-couple.
The villain or the grey character does what they are supposed to do. No depth again, though we do get a reason for their actions.
The writing, however, is beautiful. The descriptions have a touch of poetic charm without feeling verbose or overwhelming and also without slowing down the narration. I love how the words flow. The setting doesn’t just come alive. It sucks the reader in and transports them to the cold, mystical island with secrets from the past.
The book was an almost 5-star read until certain twists or revelations came to light. Though it sounds heartbreaking, I have too many questions and not enough information (also, I'm not a fan of that trope). I wish this aspect was handled differently. Not saying more to avoid spoilers.
There’s an epilogue with happy moments, so that’s a bonus.

To summarize, A Midwinter's Tail is a heartwarming novel about life, priorities, and being true to oneself, community, and family. You can finish it in a couple of hours on a cozy afternoon.
Thank you, NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and Sphere, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I basically already wanted to read this book based on the title alone. I love a good wordplay. Even though I'm not even a cat-person. When I read the summary of the book I was sold completely. And because I have of course overestimated my speedreading skills (and miscalculated the amount of review copies I requested and accepted) I could only really start this book, which I got from Little Brown Book Group via Netgalley, yesterday.

This book was the most magical experience I had ever had reading. At some point while reading the book I started crying and I can't even pinpoint why. I can't tell you why at that point. I can't tell you why I couldn't stop anymore. I can't tell you why all those emotions, mostly tears of happiness, were overwhelming me so much. It just happened. It might have been a strange kind of magic, slowly bewitching me while reading this book.

Which isn't weird. Because this book is constantly balancing on the brink of reality and magic. Or maybe it's a tale about real magic. Or maybe it's a story about magical realities. There are stories being told filled with magic and miracles. And surprisingly enough there are loads of moments where the magic and the people from those stories briefly show their faces during celebrations and storms and other important moments for this small town.

And yet, the true magic is the power of this community and the power of this one girl being stubborn enough to fight for it until the bitter end. There is so much love in this community, these people care so much about each other. It's the kind of community everyone wants to be a part of and I think everyone wants to feel once what the heroine gets to experience in this novel: The magic of coming home and belonging.

A heart-warming, cosy, winter read!

When Mina receives unexpected mail that draws her back to the island of Morgelyn, she finds the wonder of island life, community, long held secrets, and a very curious cat awaiting her. The myths of morgelyn weave into the narrative, adding real intrigue to the story.

The writer beautifully evokes Christmas on the windswept Isles of Scilly. This is a feel-good, easy read with substance, as the twists and turns of the story developed I found myself really invested in the characters.

This charming book makes for a great read to get you into the spirit of the season, and would make a lovely Christmas gift!

Thanks to netgalley, author, and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel ahead of its release.

A MIDWINTER'S TAIL absolutely comes under "feel-good, wintry stories". It's about someone finding what they need and reconnecting with someone who left their life years ago. And it had a cat in it.

This is a contemporary novel with a dash of the speculative as myths relating to a cat weave themselves around a small Cornish island. I have no idea if these myths are real myths or not, but I like the idea that they are. It's a determined cat-that-might-be-immortal saving people from harm - and bringing lovers and family together. What's not to like about that?

It's also a story about finding yourself and reconnecting. Mina is a city girl but suddenly finds herself at ease in this end-of-the-world island that's hard to get to. And she might have a chance to go back to her past, healing a wound of apparent abandonment. Not to mention the close knit community that might, eventually, let her into their warm, protective, but closed circle.

This is all happening while Mina is fighting with a small community who is being exploited by someone greedy. The antagonist is easy to hate, doing thing after thing to get their own way. But here, unlike in real life, the good guys win. It makes for a cosy, feel good atmosphere at the close-knit community take on a corporate developer.

If you're looking for something light, quick, and cosy to read this winter - with a determined cat - then this is a book to pick up.

Title: A Cozy Mystery with a Heartwarming Twist

"A Midwinter's Tail" by Lili Hayward is a delightful and heartwarming addition to the cozy mystery genre, offering readers a charming tale that combines mystery, furry friends, and a touch of holiday magic.

Hayward's storytelling takes center stage as she introduces us to a lovable cast of characters, both human and animal, who inhabit the small, snow-covered town where the story unfolds. The character development is skillfully done, making the protagonists relatable and endearing. Readers will easily find themselves invested in their lives and the mysteries they unravel.

The plot of "A Midwinter's Tail" is a perfect blend of mystery and holiday spirit. The story revolves around a series of puzzling events that occur during the festive season, keeping readers engaged and curious throughout. Hayward skillfully weaves the elements of suspense, humor, and the warmth of community into the narrative, making it an ideal read for cozy mystery enthusiasts.

What sets this book apart is the inclusion of adorable and clever animal characters, particularly a mischievous cat. These furry companions add a delightful layer of charm to the story and are sure to appeal to pet lovers. Their antics bring humor and heart to the plot, making it even more enjoyable.

Hayward's writing style is inviting and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the snowy town and its inhabitants. Her descriptions evoke the cozy and festive atmosphere of the holiday season, creating a setting that feels like a welcoming embrace.

While "A Midwinter's Tail" can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, it captures the essence of the holiday season, making it a perfect read for those looking to get into the festive spirit.

In conclusion, "A Midwinter's Tail" is a heartwarming and entertaining cozy mystery that is sure to brighten your holiday season. Lili Hayward's storytelling talent shines in this novel, offering a delightful escape into a world of mystery, community, and the magic of the season. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries or simply seeking a heartwarming read, this book is a wonderful choice that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Beautifully atmospheric, with wonderful characters and one of the best-written literary cats I have ever come across. The setting was a character in its own right, with just enough detail that you could imagine it but not so much that you were bored of the descriptions. This book trod the line between magic and reality far better than most in the genre, with the actual mystical elements added with a light enough touch that they blended in with the wonders of Cornwall. I will be recommending this as a seasonal read, to readers and non-readers alike, as it is the perfect book to curl up with now the weather is turning. I am excited to read other books by this author!

Thank you publisher, Lili Hayward and Netgalley for providing me an advanced reader copy of this book.
If you're searching for heartwarming, cozy story to read under blanket with mulled wine in hand, it would be a perfect choice!
Cornish folk tales, unexpected love and cat who lived a thousand lifes it's exactly what we should expect from a book when festive season is just around the corner.
It was such a pleasure to read this book. I'm definitely going to buy it for one of my fest friends for Christmas.

I would lie if I said that the cute illustrated cover was what drew my attention to this book. But the actual book turned out to be just as lovely. Short and sweet, A Midwinter’s Tail is a whimsical cozy festive tale about found family and rediscovering the place where you belong. It’s a story about leaving the thing that brings you down for a place where cornish folk tales run freely. A place with a cute feline companion, a tight knitted community and just a dash of magic. It’s a perfect read for the holidays when you just want something light and cozy to read. It pairs best with a fuzzy blanket and a hot drink.

This is a sweet, heartwarming story, filled with friends and family. Set in the wild Cornish isles, it's about overcoming the odds, starting a new journey in life and looking out for each other. Wonderful!
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free co0y in exchange for an honest review.
PS, upvote for the cat!

A Magical Delight!

This wonderful story follows Mina Martinovszky on a journey from London to the remote Cornish island of Morgelyn following receipt of a letter from someone in her past.

An enchanting trip through beautiful landscapes, a journey of discoveries, love, loss, friendships, communities interwoven with stories of Cornish folklore, old sea spirits and Christmas traditions, not forgetting a very extraordinary cat.

Beautifully written with a beautiful cover to match.

I loved this book.

I was drawn to this book by its beautiful cover. I wonderful magical cozy read. A story of family, love, loss and community with some Cornish folklore thrown in too. Purr-fect winter read.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the arc of A midwinters tail by Lili Hayward. Cute and cozy, Christmassy. I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but I was soon drawn in. Love it.

Review posted on Goodreads:
Right, so I DNF'd this at about 10% but I don't want to give it a bad star rating because a) I would feel awful having not read most of it and b) the book is quite cute and whimsical but is simply not my thing.

It's one of those 'it's me not you' moments - I could tell from the first few pages that this book isn't my usual style, but the cover was so adorable (and it has a CAT!) I couldn't stop myself from requesting it.

I think if you're looking for an light, cosy and cute story with some fantasy elements and Christmas-vibes this would be the perfect read. I don't really read books that are that whimsical, so this ones not for me sadly.

I received the ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

A Midwinters Tail by Lili Hayward

It's nearly Christmas and committed Londoner, Mina Kestle, is close to signing a deal that will make her career and give her everything she's ever wanted. And then she receives a mysterious letter in the post along with an ancient key, sent by her long-estranged godfather . .
A wonderful tail ( pun intended ) and a magical read.
I really loved the way the cat Murr was integrated into the book and how the book .
I'm not usually into reading books like this , and not sure if it's the plot or the author's way of writing but very much enjoyed it.

Mina has a few memories of the stories her Godfather Davy used to tell her while on holidays to his cottage on Morgelyn but all those stopped when she was 8 years old. 20 years later she receives a mysterious letter and a key with just 5 words. Davy has suffered a stroke and needs Mina to look after his cat Murr. But Murr is no ordinary cat and it soon becomes clear this isn't going to be the fleeting visit Mina thought
I absolutely loved the cover of this book, it is so beautifully illustrated. And of course as a cat lover anything about cats is sure to be a hit. But this book is so much more, tales of sea spirits and Cornish folklore intersect with modern day life and issues that remote villages face. The writing is as lovely as the cover