Life is messy and complicated and filled with miscommunications and lies. Sometimes we completely trust someone or give control of our life to someone when we shouldn’t. This is a great book about all of that and more. I enjoyed and looked forward to reading it each night, because it was well written and thought provoking for me. It also shows life is beautiful and works out how it should in the end.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay dives into the cost of ambition, the nostalgia of childhood friendships, the longing of lost love, and the transformative power of embracing your true, authentic self. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to find your way home again.

The story uses a “book within a book” structure that I thought was really well executed. Bestselling author Cate Kay—whose true identity remains a mystery to the public—sets out to write her memoir with the help of those she’s met along the way. Told from multiple points of view and across different eras of her life, we get a glimpse of just how many lives Annie/Cass/Cate Kay has lived.

Having read some of the author’s nonfiction, I knew she had a gift for capturing the nuances of the human condition in her writing, and her fiction debut is no exception. I couldn’t put it down. Even when I found myself questioning the characters’ decisions, I fell in love with their complexity and the beautifully written relationships—familial, platonic, and romantic.

Add this to your to-read list. I have a feeling it’s going to be huge.

⚠️Warning: Spoilers Ahead⚠️

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is as complex as it sounds like it would be, with a protagonist who re-invented herself twice and seems unsure who she left buried beneath all the layers painted over. Most of the book is the story of Cate Kay’s past, a memoir, but it is told from multiple points of view as significant figures from her past are invited to add their perspective on events they were witness to. The book pogos forward and back a bit on the timeline, which is a bit jarring at first, and I will freely admit that for the first quarter of the book I jotted down notes to help me keep track of everyone.

The thing about The Three Lives of Cate Kay – and I am fully aware that this may just be my own perception - is that for much of the book none of the characters are actually likable, including Annie / Cass / Cate. It’s as though they’re all stuck at that angsty, self-involved, pre-teen stage where every word and every action or reaction is viewed only through the lens of how it affects them. It’s not until the scene where Cass wakes up after watching Ryan film the final scene of the book adaptation and begins writing The Rain Check (which is around 85% through the book) that you feel as though they are finally beginning to grow up.

And while I warmed more to the relationship between Ryan and Cass as it deepened, I have to say that in the beginning I really wasn’t feeling it. In her description of her time with Cass, Ryan speaks of an energy between them so intense it felt like a tornado. But, to me, the author did not build that in writing the initial interactions between Ryan and Cass. There is an attraction between them, but it read in those moments more as a potential to me than a burning desire. They’re both attracted more to the idea of the other than they are the individual. To me they did not seem to have true feelings for one another until they’d destroyed it. And I have to wonder how much of this was strategic on the author’s part, because this is just that kind of book.


A moment I found especially intriguing was the scene, three quarters of the way through the book, where Cass attends a book club – under false pretense! – for new moms. They select her very own book for review, not knowing who she is, of course, and one of the moms questions Samantha’s behavior in leaving Jeremiah (which is, of course, a close approximation of Annie leaving Amanda). And the mom wonders if it is the author’s way of illustrating the conflict between ambition and relationships. In the book, Cass denies it (and as part of her Cate persona I tend to think it would be more a way of confessing her guilt in an anonymous way to alleviate the weight of it), but I find myself wondering if this is in fact at least partially what Fagan was doing.

And it struck me that this is one of the things about The Three Lives of Cate Kay that twists the reader a little sideways. There are so many terrible decisions made by these characters that it beggars belief, honestly; you can’t help but feel that any one of them would have done better simply by tossing a coin and allowing chance to decide their fate. And of course, one of the effects this has is to have one reflecting, even if just a little, on decisions made in their own lives that set them on one path or another. But it also has to make you wonder how much Fagan has hidden here for the reader to parse out. How much of the book is actually Cass as Cate, writing this character’s life story? And how much is Fagan as Cass as Cate, subtly planting seeds for thought?

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is an enjoyable book even when read purely surface level: it’s an interesting story. But what makes it intriguing is the way it lingers in your mind after you’ve finished it. The Three Lives of Cate Kay is one of those books that hasn’t quite finished with you when you’ve turned the last page.

4.5⭐️

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.

Unfortunately I DNF this one around the 30% mark. I tried to love it but just couldn’t get into it. I felt it was tad bit too similar to another book I’ve read.

Thanks to Atria Books for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.

This was an interesting story. It blends several genres as it tells the story of a writer who has written a bestselling book trilogy that has been turned into a blockbuster movie series. She has managed to remain anonymous under a pseudonym and people are dying to know who she is. We get her story in three parts: as a teen falling for her best friend and acting, in her first relationship as she begins to write and then as a successful writer meeting the star actress of the series. We move back and forth getting her POV interspersed with the people she has interacted with in each period as well as clips from the novel she wrote. We learn of her choices, her mistakes, their motivations and their repercussions.

I really enjoyed the journey and the unique structure of the story. I like a story that makes me think without being too heavy handed.

I’m all over the place with this book. I liked it at the beginning, I didn’t like it at the middle but it redeemed itself at the end.
One of my big issues was I was confused a lot of the time. Lots of shuffling of characters and time lines and that took me out of the story everytime. I also didn’t really see the comparison between this and Evelyn Hugo. This was more Romancy than I prefer and I didn’t really care for that.
I did like the characters and the writing was good.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.
3⭐️

Ever wonder what it’s like to juggle multiple identities while trying to become a bestselling author? Well, buckle up! This book takes you on a wild ride with an elusive author who finally decides to shed her secretive past.

There’s a lot happening here: multiple POVs from characters both major and minor, a book within a book, Cate Kay’s own footnotes (because why not?), flashbacks, and a heavy dose of early 2000s nostalgia. It sounds like a lot, right? But trust me, it all comes together in a way that makes you want to keep flipping pages like you’re on a caffeine high. I was hooked, eager to uncover every juicy detail of Cate Kay’s many lives. This small-town girl who is a master of reinvention turns her wild ambitions into fame while keeping her true self under wraps.

Describing this gem as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins is spot on, but this book is no copycat. It stands out with its emotional depth and insightful observations that hit you right in the feels. I laughed, shed a few tears, and definitely smiled more than I expected. Plus, the characters are complex, real, and oh-so-relatable.

I had a couple of quibbles along the way. But they were quickly set to the side as I dove deeper into this captivating story.

Don’t miss out on this enthralling tale that explores complex friendships, the choices that shape us, the rollercoaster of fame, ambition, secrets, privacy, and, of course, love. Grab your copy and prepare for a reading experience that’s anything but ordinary!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC.

The narrative was strong, but I find that the comparisons to Evelyn Hugo and First Lie Wins are a bit misplaced and may disappoint readers once this is widely released. I did enjoy reading it and I will recommend it to people.

Annie and Amanda are best friends and vow when they graduate from high school they are going to drive to LA to become actresses and escape Annie's troubling relationships and seek freedom. When tragedy strikes, Annie's fight or flight mode kicks in and she takes off. She gets a job as the waitress "Cass" and meets an English professor/writer who allows her to audit his writing class which launches her literary career. However, she is still running from her past and writes under the pseudonym of Cate Kay remaining completely anonymous as her books gain popularity until important relationships and secrets challenge her to confront her past in order to find a new chapter in her life. I really enjoyed Annie's search for identity and self acceptance as it reminds us that our past does not define who we can become in the future.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC !

I loved this book! The Three Lives of Cate Kay was one of those books I did not want to put down and one that completely drew me in. I am impressed by Kate Fagan's ability to balance all of the different characters and connected stories in a way that was satisfying, as well as develop a book within a book trope that I always love, and had me hoping that all would turn out well for Cate/Cassie/Annie. I can't quite explain why this book was such a win for me other than I really felt the characters were well developed, which is important to me, and that the decisions Annie made/makes made sense (esp when I think about her childhood and how young she was when she made some decisions), and that I felt there was an elegant set of redemption arcs and connections across chapters and characters that really made the whole story feel complete. I could pick at little themes and relationships that I wanted more from, to probe more, but I also feel that the story, and probing, goes beyond the last page, that I can see the continued growth of each character unfolding even as the story ends.

What can I say? Big fan, I really want to read the Cate Kay's books, and I am excited for what Kate Fagan has to offer next.

9/10

Yes I loved The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo and yes I love this book.

Very different authors, very different stories, very different characters, but there are strong similarities in the style, the robust characters you can’t help but love and the can’t-put-it-down-ness of the writing.

The book starts with Annie and Amanda who are besties of all besties. Their plan is to drive to Los Angeles together and become star actresses. But, as we know, nothing ever goes as planned.

The story that unfolds is heartbreaking, encouraging, tragic and inspirational - all at once.

This book is like a warm blanket on a crisp night - I just want to cuddle up with it and never let it go.

I’m so sad I finished reading it.

#netgalley #thethrerlivesofcatekay

If this book doesn't get a special edition I will RALLY. I devoured this book in one sitting. In terms of general fiction with a dash of thriller I never could guess what was coming next. I loved how there were so many POV's that enriched the experience tenfold.

You’re going to love this book!

Thank you @atriabooks for my #gifted copy!

The Three Lives of Caty Kay is going to make a splash for good reason. Think The Seven Lives of Evelyn Hugo + Daisy Jones with a sprinkle of Honey. Given that I loved all three of those novels, it’s no surprise I loved this one too.

Cate Kay is a bestselling author whose books have launched a huge movie franchise. However, she’s managed to stay anonymous throughout her career. Now, she’s ready to reveal her identity through a memoir. Her life story is told through a series of perspectives (including her own).

This book felt like a unique take on the rise-to-fame books we’ve been seeing lately. I loved how the author wrote the story as if the reader was reading Cate Kay’s memoir. The alternating POVs worked and told this story in a way that will stay with me for a long time.

This is a fast-paced story that feels deep. You will be hooked immediately and be sucked into Cate’s life.

This is one of my favorite books of 2024, and I definitely recommend putting a preorder in.

It’s out 1/7/25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is very entertaining that will hook the reader from chapter 1. Amanda and Annie are close friends and plan to become famous stars after high school until a tragic accident separates them.

Told in multiple POVs, the reader can get into the mind set of each character. Cate Kay is telling her "memoir." Her story is twisted and crazy. This is fast paced with all the Hollywood glamor. This is the Annie/Cate/ Cass's story. With very short chapters and copious use of footnotes.

The first 30% of the book is a struggle before it really takes off. It is somewhat predictable and the ending just ends. It can be compared to "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo."

A Book Journey, Heartwarming, and a Great Debut! 3.5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 1/7/25.

A very impressive fiction debut! This story is perfect for readers who are fans of "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." The story is told through the form of a memoir written by Cate Kay, the best-selling writer of a very popular trilogy. The use of multiple POVs throughout this book was done very well. Each character had their own distinct voice and added a lot to the story. I really enjoyed learning about Annie/Cass/Cate and how she evolved as a person throughout her many "lives."

This book touches on so many important topics including friendship, dysfunctional family, relationships, the cons of fame, and the price people are willing to pay for success. I was intrigued from start to end wanting to learn more about Annie and to see how her story unfolded. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

This book was touted as "First Lie Wins" meets "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" so I had pretty high expectations going in. I didn't love Evelyn Hugo but First Lie Wins was one of my favorite books of the year. So I had pretty high expectations going in. Unfortunately, this book just didn't quite meet them.

Cate Kay is the bestselling author of a science fiction trilogy. But she is completely anonymous. In "The Three Lives of Cate Kay" we read the story of how she becomes Cate Kay with contributions from the people in her life that crossed her path along the way.

The author's writing is really beautiful. But, I had a hard time reconciling myself with the fact that this wasn't a mystery or stolen identity story at all. I had a hard time getting into the flow, but that got better as I got deeper into the story. I just kept waiting for more action and instead I got an emotional story with long pieces of reflection from both Cate and the secondary characters. I had trouble connecting with many of them and trouble understanding why they were taking up so much space in the pages. There were moments of redemption and self-discovery that I enjoyed but mostly I was left hoping for more.

Thank you to Atria Books for the advanced digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review! I think many will love this story and this debut author.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria books for providing an E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.25 Stars
It took me a little bit to get into this book. The first half was 3 stars, but then I fell in love with the characters (most of them), the writing, and the individual stories that eventually tied together. Once I was in the story, I was invested. I can see why it is compared to Evelyn Hugo and the references to First Lie Wins. I love both books; however, they are just very subtle similarities!
If you like character-driven stories, short chapters, and multiple POVs, this one is for you!

This book is billed as "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins" and honestly I could not disagree more, but in the best way possible.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is a beautiful book that crosses so many themes, that at it's core, I really think it is about life and love, mistakes and how it's never too late to correct them, and about how we can run from the past, but it will always find us.

The premise of the story is that it is a memoir of "Cate Kay"-- Cate being the pseudonym of a famous blockbuster author's whose true identity isn't known to the world. The novel is made up of different POVs from major characters who tell her life story from various perspectives. We hear about her childhood, and the trauma that caused her to go anonymous, as well as her life story.

Honestly, some of the POVs were pure gold. That single "Carl" chapter just brought me to tears. I could not put this down and I loved every minute. This is a love story, a mystery, a thriller, a coming of age story, and so much more.

I enjoyed this one, but it never quite got under my skin the way I hoped it would.

The character perspectives skip around a lot, which I don't always love. I think it worked well here - I never felt lost on who the characters were or why we were getting their perspective, but it did also mean we didn't always get the depth that I'd want.

I liked the way our main character's life evolved and the way the story wrapped up - and it was an interesting ride along the way.


A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

”My mind’s long been divided on the question of my goodness—and now here you are, the deciding vote.”

The early hype and marketing efforts over The Three Lives of Cate Kay had my hopes unrealistically high for how good it was going to be. And while I did love Kate Fagan’s writing style and her impressive, lifelike characterizations, it didn’t live up to what I was expecting.

The comparisons to Evelyn Hugo and First Lie Wins had me expecting old Hollywood Regency glamour, legendary fame & fortune, elaborate cons & schemes, and a totally propulsive plot. Instead, it’s a relatively simple, character-driven story of a young woman, haunted by a poor choice she made as a teen, and the successes, failures, and relationships she finds over the years as she tries to figure out when/if she can go back home.

”Annie Callahan, I’ve never met anybody who dreams as hard as you do.”

Much of the story is well written, and the characters are three-dimensional & interesting. The book is told from so many different perspectives (even a book-within-a-book) that it got hard to follow in places. A full cast audiobook narration, a la Daisy Jones and the Six might solve that problem, but I read a physical copy.

”The trick of life, as I see it now, is to make what’s around you beautiful. It’ll grow from there. Took me a long time to see that.”

The last 10% of the book, however, felt so rushed and incomplete, so much so that I didn’t even realize it was over when it ended. I thought my copy was missing pages—that’s how abruptly it ends, right on the cusp of almost-getting closure. Instead, the ending is incredibly vague, and multiple story arcs remain unresolved.

I can appreciate some ambiguity when an author wants readers to draw their own conclusions, but that works better for me in a plot-driven narrative where we’re left asking, “What really happened?” In a character-driven story, after we’ve gotten totally invested in these people and their lives / relationships, it is deeply unsatisfying when we don’t get to see MCs make amends, find closure with each other, figure out where they stand in each other’s lives, or decide how to step into their future.

”Broken things are beautiful. More beautiful in the end than perfect things, which are usually an illusion of some sort.“

——

A huge thank you to Kate Fagan, Atria, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!