“The trick of life, as I see it now, is to make what’s around you beautiful. It’ll grow from there.”

This was a book I picked up purely because of it being recommended to fans of the book Evelyn Hugo, and I must say it deserves that recommendation. This was a fantastic read that I was completely engrossed in throughout. It was very though provoking, and had a lot of moments throughout the book that really made you question the characters motives, as well as evaluate yourself as to what your actions would be, I especially loved the book club scene and felt this was a perfect example of the books ability to break the fourth wall and discuss topics that would have varied responses and opinions.

I loved the books format, the way it is written in a memoir type chaptered read, but with notations, as well as paragraphs from interviews and Cate’s best-selling novels, it was a very well-developed plot and revolved around characters with huge depth, and the romance was adorable albeit very serendipitous. This was a lovely sapphic read that everyone needs, one that builds on an attraction into romance, but without feeling too much like a slow burn.

This book had the right level of shock moments, heart break and intrigue, I really felt for Amanda, and Annie throughout the book, and the author did a wonderful job of creating their characters and friendship. I did think that I would struggle to keep up with the vast points of view as the book alternates very often through different characters perspectives but this was done really well, in a way that benefited each character and the story, as well as the women’s history together. I would say that Carl’s chapter wasn’t really necessary but it delivered my favourite quote of the book so I won’t complain too much.

Either way this is definitely worthy of the anticipated release in 2025, and it is one I recommend to those that love a plot that weaves together through multiple POV as well as sapphic love stories.

A book with a difference, an authors tale, inside an authors tale. A book within 1 book at least.

Story of girlhood infatuation that went wrong and one of them panicked. Then started a literally career instead of an acting career. Discovered her sexuality through trial and error. Showed off the not so glitzy life in Los Angeles and New York. Can she really get over the lies that been told to her along the way and rebuild bridges with family and dearest friend after all the years?

I loved this book! I was gripped from early on, wanting to know what would happen. Interesting characters and I really liked the book within a book element. It gave me a lot of good for thought at the same time as being enjoyable. Highly recommend

Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for the ARC. I thought this was a gripping read, I was really invested and couldn’t put it down towards the end! I enjoyed the sapphic representation, it felt genuine and varied. I liked how some of the characters felt really fleshed out.
However, I found some of the writing to be clunky, especially the earlier chapters, so it took me a while to get into. Overall I enjoyed it, particularly for the plot.

Really loved it, I enjoyed read it. The plot was captivating and so was the characters. The characters were strongly written. I found it to be a page turner, I had to know what was going to happen next, which I really loved. Thanks for the ARC. I can't wait to recommend this in the shop.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay has a complex and ambitious plot at its heart and there is a lot to like about this novel.

I finished the book over a couple of days and found the short chapters and different points of view made for propulsive reading.

The book is structured as a memoir of an extremely successful but anonymous author. As well as the author’s point of view, there are chapters in the memoir from other characters. This was something I wasn’t so keen on in the book.

One of the most intriguing chapters for me was the publisher Melody’s backstory and I would’ve loved to read more about her. I also found Ryan’s story made for compelling and believable reading as she dealt with fame, fake relationships and coming out.

Overall I enjoyed this book enough to finish it but there was something lacking for me. I think some of the differing points of view did not have a distinct enough voice and it’s just not a style I particularly like to read.

Unfortunately I abandoned this book after forcing myself to get through the first half. Not for me! Flat characters and messy narration.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
Out on the shelves 7th of Jan 2025

Cate Kay is a bestselling author. She comes to fame through her trilogy and hooks the world. Yet no one knows who she is. Despite being the talk of every book circle, she does no book tours, no book signings, and no interviews. Her identity is a complete mystery!

The novel takes you through Cate Kay's three names and her three different lives, but who is the real Cate Kay?

Will she really hold onto everyone's hearts once the truth about her past is out, or will her flippant decisions from her youth haunt her future?

Kate Fagan's multilayered debut novel is a delight. It explores many themes. One of longing, both for the past and the future. How ambition can really sometimes cost you everything. Love is intertwined within the novel, showing you how life presents not one but a multitude of opportunities for love and how the protagonist has a different love in each stage of her life.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay will be on the shelves in January 2025, but you can pre-order @waterstones or directly from @bloomsburypublishing who currently have a pre-order discounted price.

#bookreviewersofinstagram #prerelease #bibliophile #bibliotherapy #bloomsbury #thethreelivesofcatekay

Had me hooked from the first page. Totally engrossed me. The concept of three stages of life. Couldn't put it down. Flawed but human reactions following certain circumstances. Relationships and careers.
Can't recommend this book enough.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is an extraordinary debut that delves into the complexities of identity and ambition. Fagan’s writing is deeply emotional, capturing the longing for love and the price of fame. As Cate prepares to unveil her true self, the tension builds around the repercussions of her choices. This captivating story challenges us to consider the cost of our dreams and the possibility of redemption, reminding us that the path to self-discovery is often paved with both sacrifice and hope.

A really good story but quite messed up.in places with dependant unhealthy relationships however bery enjoyable!

There were many plot holes that could have been better resolved with stronger plot planning and a more coherent use of multiple points of view. Overall, I think the premise was great but the execution needed a bit more sorting out as it didn’t have me reaching up pick it back up.

Is not common to find a book that made you go this book is full of powerful and WELL developed female characters. I Belive this book gonna be adore and loved for many females that love good storytelling and it totally worth to give it a try if you not sure about read it. A queer love story that gonna make people love this author

Loved this! I think this will be a bestseller; it’s incredible!
Told through multiple narrative perspectives and times, this was a page-turner. I had to stay up most of the night to read this in one setting. Great for fans of Taylor Reid Jenkins, but still original and unique. A wonderful story of love, family, careers and friendship.

After the emotional whirlwind of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I was eager to find a novel that could evoke a similar sense of connection and depth. The Three Lives of Cate Kay did just that, pulling me into its world and holding me captive until the last page.

The story follows Cate Kay, a complex protagonist whose life unfolds across three distinct chapters. Each "life" reveals different facets of her personality, struggles, and triumphs, making her a deeply relatable and multifaceted character. The author masterfully weaves themes of identity, love, and resilience throughout Cate's journey, making her experiences resonate on a profound level.

What I appreciated most about the book was its pacing; it kept me on my toes with unexpected twists and turns. The writing is both lyrical and engaging, drawing me in with vivid descriptions and emotionally charged dialogue. I found myself completely absorbed, often losing track of time as I navigated through Cate's joys and heartbreaks.

The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding richness to Cate's story. Their interactions illuminate different aspects of her life and choices, making her journey feel all the more poignant. The exploration of relationships—both romantic and platonic—adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the complexities of human connection.

Overall, The Three Lives of Cate Kay is a beautifully crafted tale that captivates and moves in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It’s a perfect read for anyone who enjoyed the emotional heft of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m still reflecting on Cate’s journey long after finishing. Highly recommended!

I whole heartedly implore you to read this book.

A friendship romance! My favourite genre. Especially when it's gay.

I whipped through this in a day - it's a proper page turner, and satisfyingly complex emotionally as well. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives, especially the odd little chunk from characters ranging from 'relatively minor' to 'blink and you'll miss them'.

My heart was genuinely beating faster as I reached the end, waiting to find out what would happen ...

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A book led by 4 powerful females - you don’t see that often! Barely a male in sight. Anyway, The Three Lives of Cate Kay is hauntingly beautiful. A tale of lost love and second chances. I’ve seen it compared to Evelyn Hugo and I have to say that I think I prefer Cate Kay. I appreciated her more as a character and really felt her emotions and challenges. The story rounds off perfectly! A hit for 2025 I’m sure.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is a masterfully crafted narrative by Kate Fagan that delves into the complexities of identity, dreams, and the power of storytelling. The protagonist, Cate Kay, is a bestselling author whose acclaimed trilogy has made her a household name—but intriguingly, Cate Kay is a fictional creation, never seen at author events or in interviews. Her true identity has remained a well-guarded secret, until now.

The story begins with a glimpse into Cate's youth, where she and her best friend, Amanda, aspired to leave their troubled homes behind and chase their dreams of stardom in California. However, a tragic event the day before their planned departure shatters those dreams, forcing Cate into a life on the run, adopting various identities and evading her past. A shocking revelation prompts her to confront her history, leading her to realise that returning home is essential for her to regain her sense of self.

Fagan expertly avoids the potential monotony of a slice-of-life narrative, infusing the story with vibrant queer love stories that feel genuine and relatable. The pacing is expertly handled; each moment feels plausible without dragging, striking a perfect balance that keeps the reader engaged.

The use of multiple perspectives enriches the story, offering deeper insights into the characters' mindsets, all while being framed as a “memoir” narrated by Cate herself. This unique storytelling twist adds an intriguing layer to the narrative without becoming overly self-referential. A standout feature of the book is Fagan's clever use of footnotes, which I found myself eagerly skipping ahead to read every time they appeared, adding depth and humour to the experience.

Overall, The Three Lives of Cate Kay is a compelling exploration of resilience, identity, and the impact of choices, told with a refreshing and engaging style. Fagan has crafted a poignant and thought-provoking read that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

thank you to the publishers for the arc.

I saw that three lives of cate kay has been compared to the seven husbands of evelyn hugo, personally I do think cate kay is a better novel and it certainly comes across as more authentically queer to me than the former. there were times when I thought I knew where this novel was going and was pleasantly surprised when it didn't turn out that way, I wasn't into the idea of annie/amanda reuniting romantically and was pleased it didn't turn out that way. it was an enjoyable read that started slow was great once I managed to get into it and I'll be keeping an eye out on what kate fagan writes next.

This book is super entertaining, I sped through it after being in a bit of a reading slump, it kept me engaged and wanting to know more. It follows ‘Cate Kay’, a mysterious bestselling author whose identity is kept completely secret. We see her childhood framed by her neglectful mother and deep relationship with her best friend Amanda, and try to figure out what exactly sent her running from upstate New York headlong into the rest of her life, desperate to keep her identity a secret.

I loved the depiction of female friendship in this book, especially the ways in which it can blur between the boundaries of romantic love, and I enjoyed the queer representation as well. I liked that the chapters featured the perspectives of different characters, especially where they prove to be unreliable. The story within a story was also an interesting element-seeing segments of Cate’s book scattered throughout, though I’m not sure if I believe it as a bestseller!

Some things didn’t work as well for me, there was one character who acted so villainously but whose motivations weren’t crystal clear and I feel like we never got to reckon with the consequences of their actions. I also wanted a bit more out of the ending, there were some things that were just not touched on at all and others I would have liked to see explored in more depth. Overall though it was a super enjoyable story and I definitely recommend it!