"Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter" by Heather Fawcett

 

"Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter" by Heather Fawcett is a charming cozy fantasy packed with magic, mischief, a grouchy magician…and an awful lot of cats! This is the first book I’ve read by the author, and I loved it; I’ll definitely be seeking out her other works.

Agnes Aubert, a widow, type-A personality, and ailurophile, runs a cat rescue charity. She’s organized and has lists for everything. Her life’s mission is to save stray cats and find them good homes. When the store she rents is destroyed by a group of warring magicians, she’s forced to find another place to lease. Not an easy task, since most shop owners wouldn’t rent to a business housing cats. The only place willing to take her in is a mysterious shop on Rue des Hirondelles.

Agnes soon learns that her new landlord is using her charity as a front for an illegal magic shop—and he is none other than the world’s most infamous magician, Havelock Renard. A shock to her, as she despises magicians due to the havoc they bring. Havelock is the opposite of her: disorganized, cantankerous, and allergic to cats. Before she knows it, Agnes finds herself entangled in dangerous magical battles, magical intrigue, and even a slow-burn romance. 

I enjoyed the book immensely. I loved the banter and sarcasm between Agnes and Havelock, her relationship with her sister, and above all, her love for cats. The snappy dialogue between the protagonists was a lot of fun. The author blended the real world with the fantasy world beautifully. The characterization is excellent, making each person come to life.
 
The cats feel like extra characters, giving the story a cozy, down-home feel. I’m a dog person, but I fell in love with the cats. I loved their quirks and diverse personalities—especially Majesty and Banshee—and admired the enchanted glowing spiders and the magical oven. I wish I had an oven like that! 

The world-building is fantastic. The spells and explanations of the magical system merge seamlessly with the plot. The story moves at a steady, comforting pace that suits the cozy fantasy atmosphere perfectly.

The book explores themes of family bonds, sibling relationships, loyalty, friendship, and second chances. This book was truly everything I want from a cozy fantasy novel and more—it left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. The author weaves a tale of magic, intrigue, and fun that enchants and delights, hooking you from page one and leaving you wanting more.

The writing is captivating, and the plot is gripping. Brilliant characters, magical world-building, and plenty of adventure—what’s not to like? I loved this story from start to finish; the ending felt satisfying, heartwarming, and exactly what I wanted. Like a contented cat in a patch of sunlight, I turned the last page with a deep purr. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a feel-good story with a dash of danger.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book:  "Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter" by Heather Fawcetthtt