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. Lottie's 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.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

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The Calico Cat blurb 

At thirteen, Lottie discovers a huge secret which her parents have kept from her, the impact of which proves to be life changing. 

Because of the way Lottie’s mother handles the consequent fall-out, the two become distant. Lottie’s rejected by her mother and deemed troublesome, rude and wilful. Ever since then, Lottie has struggled with fitting in and actively tries to be different from others. 

As an adult Lottie decides to quit her teaching job and follow her dreams to become an artist. But will she succeed and can she put her troubled past behind her?  

As Lottie embarks on a journey of self-discovery she will come to examine the importance of life, love and friendship.

Author Bio:
Amanda has written since she was a child, but never imagined that her words would be published, given that she left school with no real qualifications of note apart from an A* in how to be a nuisance in class. Nevertheless, she returned to education when her daughter was five and eventually became a history teacher. Then in 2010, after many twists and turns, the dream of becoming a writer came true when her first short story was published. Amanda has written many short stories and has six novels currently published.
Amanda grew up in Sheffield but now has realised her lifelong dream of living in Cornwall and her writing is inspired every day by the dramatic coastline near her home. She has sketched out many stories in her head while walking the cliff paths. Three of her mystery/suspense novels are set there, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, Summer in Tintagel and the Behind the Lie. Rip Current is also set in Cornwall and will be published by Bloodhound Books in April 2018.
Amanda, known to many as Mandy, spends far more time than is good for her on social media and has turned procrastination to a fine art. She can also usually be found playing on the beach with her family, or walking the cliff paths planning her next book.
Amanda's blog - http://mandykjameswrites.blogspot.com/
Twitter - @akjames61
Facebook mandy.james.33