Hey there, book lovers! I’m so excited to finally share a little peek into my upcoming middle grade novel, THE CAT WHO PAINTED CHERRY BLOSSOMS! This story has been living in my heart for quite a while now, and I can’t wait for you to meet Tara, Jihoon, Halmoni, and of course, the mysterious Blossom Cat.
What’s it all about? Imagine being eleven years old and suddenly uprooted from everything familiar. That’s what happens to Tara Reid when her artist mother drags her from their home in Ireland all the way to Seoul, South Korea for a three-month project. Talk about culture shock!
Tara arrives at the Blossom Cat Café (a traditional Korean hanok building) determined to count down the days until she can return home. But then something magical happens, she spots a mysterious white cat with pink-tinged fur that seems to appear and disappear beneath the café’s magnificent cherry tree.
When the cat leads Tara to discover hidden murals throughout the neighbourhood, she finds herself drawn into a mystery that spans generations. With the help of Jihoon (the café owner’s grandson) and despite their language barrier, they uncover the story of Song Yejun, a once-famous artist who disappeared fifty years ago, leaving behind an unfinished masterpiece.
But there’s a ticking clock. The historic café faces demolition once cherry blossom season ends, which happens to coincide perfectly with Tara’s scheduled return to Ireland.
This story blends so many things I love; the magic of everyday life, the beauty of different cultures, the special connection between humans and animals, and those moments where we discover that what initially feels foreign can become a second home.
During my time teaching English in South Korea, I fell in love with the country’s blend of ancient traditions and ultra-modern innovations. The stunning contrast of cherry blossoms against urban landscapes, the warmth of Korean hospitality, and the profound beauty of hanok architecture all found their way into this story.
And of course, there’s the Blossom Cat, part ordinary feline, part something more, who guides Tara toward discovery and connection when she needs it most.
Without giving too much away (no spoilers!), this book explores finding friendship across language and cultural barriers, and the unexpected connections between art, history, and community. It delves into how places that initially feel strange can become deeply meaningful, the way past and present intertwine in surprising ways, and how sometimes, a little everyday magic is exactly what we need to see the world differently.
I can’t wait to share more updates as publication gets closer! If you’re interested in stories where cozy settings meet a touch of magic, where outsiders find their place, and where cherry blossoms swirl around mysterious cats… well, I think you might enjoy this one.
What kinds of stories do you love to get lost in? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Thanks for sharing this journey with me,
areudirty
gracieabrams
prguitarman
2087
turnnoffyourmind
tangentwithtanner
pixelskylines
romaincrisis
