Sometimes I feel like I was the only person who loved The Life and Death of Sophie Stark since it went out of print so quickly, but this book reminds me of that title.
There's a lot to like here- good Queer rep, piecing together a person's life through various narratives and points of view, but I get frustrated with misunderstandings and a single person's machinations to derail an person's entire life and relationships. I understand why this deceit was used in terms of the story, and there was a really fun bit with a mail center because of this- this is just a personal pet peeve.
Overall, it was a fun read, but I felt like it could have been more, been deeper and richer. 3.5 Stars

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is the first book I’ve ever read by Kate Fagan and I am very pleased. This was such a solid and fun read. I loved the multi POV concept. It worked so well here. This felt fast paced but still managed to dive deep. I thought it was a great fast read to start the year.

👩🏽 The Three Lives of Cate Kay 👩🏽
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Three Lives of Cate Kay {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date:  1.7.2025
Pages: 304
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5

"{She} shot words straight light arrows, often pointed at my heart. But me, I burned my feelings alive, just smothered them down." 

When I think about The Three Lives of Cate Kay, what stands out most to me is the beautiful complexity of the relationships between the characters. The book isn't about soulmates or grand, destined love—it's more about the fleeting yet significant connections that come into our lives at just the right moment. These romances aren't meant to last forever but hold meaning to that character's story. Each love interest served a purpose, offering something to Cate's journey. 

However, as much as I enjoyed the book's emotional layers, I did struggle to connect with the characters on an individual level. And, as much as the synopsis drew me in, the book didn't quite deliver on the mystery aspect. I went in expecting a thrilling, conwoman-centered plot—something along the lines of Kate from Lost—but instead, I got something different. Still intriguing, yes, but definitely not the story I anticipated.

Read if you enjoy:
🗣️ Multiple POV
🔀 Non-Linear Timeline
❤️‍🩹 Complex Relationships
🐌 Slow Paced
📖 Debut Novels
📚 Books Within Books

A best selling author that writes under a pseudonym decides to reveal herself. This is the story of how she came to be. I love the way this one unfolded and getting the glimpses into each of her relationships.

As soon as I heard the premise for this book, I knew I needed to read it. And I think it overall delivered! I can see why the author/Cate Kay herself used multiple points of view to tell the story, because everyone has a different version of events. However, sometimes I got a bit lost with how many different POVs there are and jumping back and forth in time. Also, the premise for The Very Last sounds cool and I want to read it. I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

Kate Fagan's 'The Three Lives of Cate Kay' totally blew me away. This wild ride follows Annie, a writer who's hiding under a pen name, as she tries to figure out who she really is.
The story is a mix of suspense and those deep, introspective moments that really make you think. Annie's past comes back to haunt her in the most unexpected ways, forcing her to confront some seriously tough issues. Fagan does an amazing job of weaving together the present and the past, and you just feel for Annie as she tries to piece everything together.
I loved how Fagan developed the characters – they feel so real, you almost forget you're reading a book. And the way she explores themes like self-doubt and the impact of the past? So powerful.
'The Three Lives of Cate Kay' is definitely a thought-provoking read. It's one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page. If you're into character-driven stories with a touch of mystery and a whole lot of emotion, you'll absolutely devour this.

I had a challenging time getting interested in this story, and while it was not for me, and I could not make myself finish it, I’m still giving three stars for it because the writing is pretty good, and my lack of interest is perhaps just me. I can see how others rave about this book, but I found it hard to follow from the start, which is likely why I didn’t finish this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. One of the best fiction novels I've read in so long - the weaving of voices to tell the story of one person was incredibly skillful. I loved how there was also essentially another story woven in with chapters from the protagonist's book. And of course, I loved that it was a queer story that wasn't just about being queer. Highly recommend for fans of fiction, queer stories, and even memoirs.

Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I found The Three Lives of Cate Kay to be compelling and the writing to be so engrossing. I felt like I was surrounded by the characters. It was a quick read with a fleshed-out story. I did feel like Annie’s, and to a lesser extent the journalist Jake’s, misdeeds were over-exaggerated, but that did make their actions have consequences. I would have only liked to see Amanda’s reaction to finding out about Sidney’s lie. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

This book was a welcome surprise!! Heart warming while also gut wrenching at times! It filled my whole cup reading this unique, well developed novel! I love that the author is from my neck of the woods too! Can’t wait to read more from Fagan!

Annie has a best friend, Amanda. They do everything together. They plan to take Hollywood by storm and become great actresses. Then, after a tragic accident, their lives change forever.

Marketed as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins, this definitely caught my attention. Both books are favorites so I was excited to dive in. The beginning was a little slow for me, I had a hard time understanding Annie’s decision, even though she was young and scared. The story evolved nicely and it then took off for me. I enjoyed seeing Annie reinvent herself as Cass/Cate, all the time never forgetting her past while figuring out her future and finding her truth. Amanda, while going thru a life changing situation, found her voice. This book is full of forgiveness and friendship, life and love. This cover is a perfect representation for this story. I can’t wait to read Ms. Fagan’s next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

This is a character driven story about women and friendships, relationships, identity, and coming of age. This is NOT mysterious or unusual. In fact, the main “mystery” of who Kate Cay is isn’t even that compelling. I was a little disappointed by this, but clearly others aren’t as this book is super buzzy. I think if you enjoy character driven novels about writers and female. friendship/relationships, then you’ll enjoy this. But it wasn’t for me!

📖Book Review 📖
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Thank you @netgalley and @atriabooks for the advanced copy of the three lives of cate Kay. This was chosen as the Reese’s book of the month and has been drawing comparison for the 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo (one of my faves ever). This was a great book, it was well written but at times it was hard to follow with so many different pseudonyms and time lines. It was a super unique story; I was most interested in the Amanda time line/past tense. It really came together beautifully at the end but I didn’t love it as much as I wanted.
*
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
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Summary- Cate Kay knows how to craft a story. As the creator of a bestselling book trilogy that struck box office gold as a film series, she’s one of the most successful authors of her generation. The thing is, Cate Kay doesn’t really exist. She’s never attended author events or granted any interviews. Her real identity had been a closely guarded secret, until now.

As a young adult, she and her best friend Amanda dreamed of escaping their difficult homes and moving to California to become movie stars. But the day before their grand adventure, a tragedy shattered their dreams and Cate has been on the run ever since, taking on different names and charting a new future. But after a shocking revelation, Cate understands that returning home is the only way she’ll be a whole person again.
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QOTD- do you have a nick name ?! What is it?! My name is Madeline but everyone calls me Madi, at home I’m just babe 🤣.

I loved the premise of this book and was intrigued by the overall story around Annie Amanda. The multiple POVs and the book within a book also made this book unique and interesting. However, I personally don’t really think I was ever truly invested as I didn’t particularly like any of the characters. A lot of the time I also felt like nothing was really happening.
I truly think the comparison to The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo set my expectations very high and it ended up kind of ruining it for me. I am an outlier in this situation, though, because a lot of people loved this book, so I’d love to hear your thoughts if you read it/when you do read it!

Thank you @atriabooks #atriapartner for the gifted copy

Anna (Annie) Marie Callahan, Cass Ford, Cate Kay - all the same person, but the personas all hail from vastly different worlds.

Annie hails from upstate New York where she meets her best friend and love of her life, Amanda, at theater camp when they were twelve. The two were inseparable and had dreams of Hollywood along with stars in their eyes. The plan was to take off together as soon as they graduated from high school. Alas, there was a terrible accident, an even worse betrayal and abandonment. One makes it to LA; one is stuck in their small, upstate New York town.

Cass Ford is Annie reinvented after she flees from not only her hometown but also from her best friend. Cate Kay is the pen name of Cass Ford, who is now a famous. but elusive author, of the world's most popular trilogy (also now made into motion pictures.) What a long, long way from the quaint, little upstate New York town.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is a fictional memoir told in various voices of those who came into contact with Annie/Cass/Cate. There are lies; there are favors; there is deceit; there is love and the illusion of love; there is betrayal; there is fame; and there is the unrelenting searching for happiness.

The book explores the topics of how fame can change a person, but how we are always searching for our roots. What truly makes one happy - is it fame, or is it those unforgettable and special moments that molded us in our youth?

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria, for this ARC of The Three Lives of Cate Kay, a reflective glimpse into what makes up our identity and how we can return to our origins, even after many decades.

I absolutely loved this book! The characters’ stories were thorough but not too detailed which made it easy to track who was who even as smaller characters got their own chapters. I already recommended it to friends halfway through the book!

Annie and Amanda were best friends in their small upstate New York town, united by their dream of leaving for LA as soon as they graduated high school. Just before they left, Amanda wanted to show Annie something--when Amanda has a horrible accident, Annie flees, terrified. She reinvents herself as Cass, eventually moving to Manhattan while her girlfriend finishes law school. She writes a successful novel, but refuses to reveal her true identity. Cass remains on the run, denying her early life and its tragedies.

I wanted to love this book, but in the end, I kind of didn't get it. Annie/Cass/Cate, for an author, is remarkably uncurious about what really happened all those years ago. I don't know. It's just kind of strange. #TheThreeLivesofCateKay #NetGalley

Book Review: The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan is a beautifully crafted, emotionally charged novel that masterfully blends mystery, fame, and personal redemption. With vibes similar to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this story follows Cate Kay, a bestselling author who has spent years hiding behind a pen name and avoiding the spotlight. When a shocking revelation forces her to confront her past, Cate realizes she can’t keep running forever.

The way Fagan unravels Cate’s life is gripping. You’re drawn into her dual identity—Cate, the celebrated author, and the real woman behind the name who’s burdened with guilt and secrets. The flashbacks to her friendship with Amanda add so much depth, making you feel the weight of the tragedy that changed everything. The emotional tension is balanced with just enough glamour from Cate’s fame to keep it exciting without losing its heart.

The writing is stunning—lyrical yet raw, with vivid imagery that makes both Cate’s emotional struggles and the Hollywood world come alive. Fagan also nails the pacing, blending past and present in a way that keeps you hooked while slowly peeling back layers of Cate’s life.

If you’re into stories about complex female leads, hidden identities, and emotional healing with a touch of glitz, The Three Lives of Cate Kay is a must-read. It’s powerful, thought-provoking, and will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan is a fairly entertaining and unique tale about a woman finally coming clean about her past. While uneven at times, I did overall enjoy it.

This story is written as a fictional memoir as a bestselling author is revealing the truth of her identity. I’m not a huge nonfiction, memoir fan so that type of writing isn’t always my favorite. But I thought it was an interesting approach. It also allowed multiple viewpoints without having to circle back around.

Overall, a solid read. While a bit of a slow start, and I wish we had read more key scenes as they happened, I still found this to be such an original and absorbing story. So many strange decisions by these characters made it very fascinating. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.

👉🏻 For my friends who want a story about “big dreams, love, and unexpected twists.” (Reece Witherspoon, who selected it for her book club)

Thanks, @atriabooks, for the review copy via @NetGalley. (Available Now)

Anne Marie-Annie-Cass-Cate left home suddenly, changed her name, and then became crazy-popular anonymously, becoming one of the most successful authors of her generation. This book is her memoir, weaving her story and the stories of various key people in her fascinating life together in a book-in-a-book, complete with Cate’s footnotes on other people’s chapters (which I loved).

This is a fast-moving, well-plotted, and satisfying story of love, friendship, fame, and forgiveness. TIP: As much as I love a good story told via audiobook, I’m grateful I read this as an e-book. Following all the POV and timeline changes in this intricately layered story was easier (for me) that way. You’ll want to pay attention, as eggs laid at the beginning of the book come to roost at the end.