Today’s review is about A MIDWINTER’S TAIL by Lili Hayward. Mina rushes away from London to the island of Morgelyn when she learns her godfather is in trouble. Taking place during the winter holidays, this tale is about listening to your heart.
Author: Lili Hayward
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Sphere
Publish Date: October 12, 2023 (UK)
Print Length: 223
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A Midwinter’s Tail Synopsis
Synopsis
A town in need.
An extraordinary cat.
A season for miracles…
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 . . .Davy Penhallow is an artist who lives on the tiny Cornish island of Morgelyn with only his pet cat, Murr, for company. Mina hasn’t seen or heard from him in decades, but now it seems he wants her to look after his cottage – and his cat – while he recovers from a stroke in hospital. Mina doesn’t know why Davy has written after all these years, but she intends to do what’s right: sort out the cottage and the cat and then get back to London in time for her career-saving meeting, before everything she’s built comes crashing down around her.
But the more time Mina spends in the cottage, looking after Murr and remembering the magic of Cornish folklore, the harder it becomes for her to tear herself away. And when she discovers that a set of ruthless property developers are coming for Morgelyn, she realises she might be the only one who can stand in their way to save the island, Davy’s cottage and Murr’s home.
As Christmas draws ever closer and echoes of the past – her own and the island’s – wash up in her memory, Mina begins to unravel a generation of secrets… and discover what it is she has truly always wanted . . .
The perfect magical read to cosy up with on chilly winter nights…
A Midwinter’s Tail Review
A MIDWINTER’S TAIL is an atmospheric delight. Londoner Mina Kestle receives a mysterious letter from her estranged godfather asking her to care for his cat Murr. When she finds out he’s in the hospital, she drops everything to travel to the Cornish island of Morgelyn to find out what’s going on. Though she initially doesn’t want the burden of maintaining his cottage, the island folklore ensnares her once again, just as it did when she was a child. Moreover, she discovers someone wants to redevelop the entire island. Outraged, she and the islanders search for a way to stop the destruction of history.
This is not usually the sort of book to which I gravitate, but something about it pulled me in, likely starting with the cat on the cover (cat lover here). At just over 200 pages, this is seasonally appropriate book to read during the winter or even around the holidays. While it occurs around Christmas, it isn’t about the holiday per se. Rather, it focuses on the strength of community as well as finding the strength to choose a path one truly wants.
A MIDWINTER’S TAIL is more folklore than fantasy, though it has an undercurrent of magic. Hayward captures this elusive magic in the tales spun by Mina’s godfather. Those are a delight to read as Mina recalls them during her stay on Morgelyn. She hasn’t thought of these stories in years, but the moody, seaside atmosphere of Morgelyn seems to draw them forth from her memory.
The writing style is also lovely–not too much or too little detail. I also particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the island, which made me feel like I was there. A MIDWINTER’S TAIL is a good mix of plot- versus character-lead story telling. In addition to self discovery of what she wants out of life, Mina also has a reckoning with her father. The island has a way of outing the truth, which in the end strengthens familial and friendly ties.
I surprisingly enjoyed this book quite a bit and recommend it to anyone looking for a wintery tale. A MID WINTER’S TAIL is both atmospheric and uplifting, with a focus on community, family, and folklore preservation.
Rating: 4.5
Content warnings: death of a parent (historical), infidelity
Reading format: Hardback
If you liked this book, you may also enjoy THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER by H.G. Parry.
I would be drawn to this because of the cat too. Although the cover is very Christmasy, I like that the holiday isn’t the focus. Thanks for sharing!
I also appreciated that Christmas wasn’t the main focus!
I adore the cat on the cover! The cover reminds me of The Haunting Season, and the story sounds mystical and intriguing. Great review!
I thought the same thing about the cover, too! I think you’d like this book. 🙂
The cat on the cover is what first caught my eye with this one too 😂 your review has left me even more excited for it though because you mentioned folklore and the stories that the MC grew up hearing being told too. This sounds like something that I should utterly adore and is on my TBR for late this year. I know you’ve said it’s not technically a holiday book but I want some fitting ones for the season as this year I’m determined to get to some seasonal roads.
Yay for cats grabbing our attention on covers, lol! I think you’ll like A MIDWINTER’S TAIL…it’s nice & atmospheric…perfect for reading in front of the fire with a nice cup of chai.
Ooh that sounds like a wonderful cosy – and tasty – combination 😊
Definitely sounds like a cozy read for the holiday season!
It was! 🙂