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The Bellbird River Country Choir
A warm-hearted story of fresh beginnings, unexpected friendships and the sustaining power of love and community, from the Top Ten bestselling author of The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle and Thursdays at Orange Blossom House.
Bellbird River, 1998: Teacher and single mum Alex is newly arrived in the small NSW country town of Bellbird River after escaping the city in search of a change of pace and the chance to reconnect with her young daughter. Across town, well-known matriarch Victoria and her globe-trotting, opera-singing cousin Gabrielle find themselves at a crossroads in their personal and professional lives, while local baker Janine and newcomer to the district Debbie are each secretly dealing with the consequences of painful pasts. With its dusty streets, lone pub and iron-lace verandahs, Bellbird River could just be a pit stop on the road to somewhere else. But their town holds some secrets and surprises - and it has a heart: the Bellbird River choir.
Amid the melodies and camaraderie of the choir, each of the women will find the courage to leave the past behind. And together, they'll discover that friends are much closer to home than they'd ever realised.
Bellbird River, 1998: Teacher and single mum Alex is newly arrived in the small NSW country town of Bellbird River after escaping the city in search of a change of pace and the chance to reconnect with her young daughter. Across town, well-known matriarch Victoria and her globe-trotting, opera-singing cousin Gabrielle find themselves at a crossroads in their personal and professional lives, while local baker Janine and newcomer to the district Debbie are each secretly dealing with the consequences of painful pasts. With its dusty streets, lone pub and iron-lace verandahs, Bellbird River could just be a pit stop on the road to somewhere else. But their town holds some secrets and surprises - and it has a heart: the Bellbird River choir.
Amid the melodies and camaraderie of the choir, each of the women will find the courage to leave the past behind. And together, they'll discover that friends are much closer to home than they'd ever realised.
432 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2025
47 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Green
33 books243 followersSophie Green is an author and publisher who lives in Sydney. In her spare time she writes about country music on her website, Sunburnt Country Music.
Sophie's debut novel, THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE FAIRVALE LADIES BOOK CLUB, was a Top Ten bestseller and was shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards for General Fiction Book of the Year 2018, and longlisted for both the Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year 2018 and the Indie Book Award for Debut Fiction 2018.
Sophie Green is internationally published and THE SHELLY BAY LADIES SWIMMING CIRCLE, THURSDAYS AT ORANGE BLOSSOM HOUSE, THE BELLBIRD RIVER COUNTRY CHOIR and WEEKENDS WITH THE SUNSHINE GARDENING SOCIETY were also Top Ten bestsellers.
Sophie's debut novel, THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE FAIRVALE LADIES BOOK CLUB, was a Top Ten bestseller and was shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards for General Fiction Book of the Year 2018, and longlisted for both the Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year 2018 and the Indie Book Award for Debut Fiction 2018.
Sophie Green is internationally published and THE SHELLY BAY LADIES SWIMMING CIRCLE, THURSDAYS AT ORANGE BLOSSOM HOUSE, THE BELLBIRD RIVER COUNTRY CHOIR and WEEKENDS WITH THE SUNSHINE GARDENING SOCIETY were also Top Ten bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
August 3, 2022
In 1998 the quiet little NSW town of Bellbird River had residents both old and new, and Alex and her eleven year old daughter Kim were two of the new ones. Alex was a single mum and leaving Sydney meant she would get to spend more time with Kim. Alex taught at the high school adjoining the primary where Kim was, but with Kim being bullied, Alex wasn't sure what to do. Victoria had been in Bellbird River all her life and now that her opera singer cousin Gabrielle had returned home, and Victoria had had a recent upheaval, their lives were on the cusp of change. Debbie was a new arrival with a turbulent past and Janine, owner and baker of the popular shop in town, also had a problematic past.
When Warrick, piano player and teacher, brought everyone together for the Bellbird River choir rehearsals, the members, some uncomfortable, some shy, began to feel a sense of belonging. Tuesday nights were theirs and the camaraderie which developed over the months saw them making friends - good friends. What would be the outcome for these very individual people who were coming together as friends?
The Bellbird River Country Choir is another excellent contemporary novel by Aussie author Sophie Green and although I had some trouble keeping the characters in their right places to begin with, once I aligned them in my head it was smooth sailing. I love Ms Green's books and this one is no exception. I also love the beautiful green cover with the bee, the magpie and the seasonal flowers (as they mark the passage of time). Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Warrick, piano player and teacher, brought everyone together for the Bellbird River choir rehearsals, the members, some uncomfortable, some shy, began to feel a sense of belonging. Tuesday nights were theirs and the camaraderie which developed over the months saw them making friends - good friends. What would be the outcome for these very individual people who were coming together as friends?
The Bellbird River Country Choir is another excellent contemporary novel by Aussie author Sophie Green and although I had some trouble keeping the characters in their right places to begin with, once I aligned them in my head it was smooth sailing. I love Ms Green's books and this one is no exception. I also love the beautiful green cover with the bee, the magpie and the seasonal flowers (as they mark the passage of time). Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2025
The story takes place in a 1998 in the rural town of Bellbird River in New South Wales. Five women meet, all of whom are struggling with a problem of their own. They make friends through the local choir and slowly begin to support each other in a variety of ways.
At the start of the book I struggled with having five main characters, all female, all without current partners and all not coping with their lives. Keeping them separate in my mind required a bit of extra concentration but it got better as the story moved along. It turned out to be an entertaining read with an eventual solution to a good life for each character. And all in a beautiful country setting. Well worth reading.
At the start of the book I struggled with having five main characters, all female, all without current partners and all not coping with their lives. Keeping them separate in my mind required a bit of extra concentration but it got better as the story moved along. It turned out to be an entertaining read with an eventual solution to a good life for each character. And all in a beautiful country setting. Well worth reading.
August 5, 2022
I know when I open a Sophie Green book I am going to make friends with the characters who are in the story and this one was no exception, this time we meet in Bellbird River a small country town near Tamworth in NSW, where country music reigns, but this choir doesn’t sing that much country and western they sing pop and wonderful songs that I could almost hear them singing, as these five woman come together and put their pasts behind them and look to the future.
Alex is a single mum to eleven year old Kim and a school teacher, living in the city, is putting so much pressure on her and she decides on a move to the country hoping that it will be good for them both, but Kim is not settling in.
Debbie is a newcomer to the town and has a past that she would rather keep to herself for the time being, but maybe here she can reconnect with the people she loves.
Victoria is the town matriarch and when her life suddenly changes it is time for a re-think about her future, when her operatic singer, Cousin Gabrielle suddenly arrives back home after being away for many years, Gabrielle too has had a big change in her life.
Janine is the local baker and keeps to herself she has her own problems from her past and when someone from her past arrives this causes her more thought.
These ladies come together in the local choir conducted by Warrick, some are shy and keep to themselves but singing can open up so many emotions and it is not long before some are opening up to each other and you can see them changing and leaving the past behind, but will they all find what they are looking for, being there for each other is a great way to start.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story it is beautifully written filled with emotion and feelings and an openness about incidents that can change people in so many ways and then to see them find their way forward, it is an uplifting and feel good story. I do highly recommend this one, it is a fabulous read.
My thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read and review.
Alex is a single mum to eleven year old Kim and a school teacher, living in the city, is putting so much pressure on her and she decides on a move to the country hoping that it will be good for them both, but Kim is not settling in.
Debbie is a newcomer to the town and has a past that she would rather keep to herself for the time being, but maybe here she can reconnect with the people she loves.
Victoria is the town matriarch and when her life suddenly changes it is time for a re-think about her future, when her operatic singer, Cousin Gabrielle suddenly arrives back home after being away for many years, Gabrielle too has had a big change in her life.
Janine is the local baker and keeps to herself she has her own problems from her past and when someone from her past arrives this causes her more thought.
These ladies come together in the local choir conducted by Warrick, some are shy and keep to themselves but singing can open up so many emotions and it is not long before some are opening up to each other and you can see them changing and leaving the past behind, but will they all find what they are looking for, being there for each other is a great way to start.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story it is beautifully written filled with emotion and feelings and an openness about incidents that can change people in so many ways and then to see them find their way forward, it is an uplifting and feel good story. I do highly recommend this one, it is a fabulous read.
My thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read and review.
May 10, 2023
Four and a half stars.
Teacher and single mum Alex takes a position in the high school in Bellbird River. Her eleven year old daughter Kim attends the primary school. She hates the move from Sydney and away from her grandmother. But Alex hopes the move will bring more time to spend with her daughter. Also in the town are well known and loved long term resident Victoria who is surprised when her famous opera singer cousin Gabrielle comes to stay. Gabrielle is dealing with health issues with her voice and Victoria with a cheating husband and his latest love interest. Add to these, local baker Janine and newcomer Debbie, who are both trying to move on from past mistakes. All of these women join the local choir run by Warwick and over time come to know each other. Can they each find ways to move forward and maybe help each other in the process? How will life change for each of them?
Having read and enjoyed a couple of other books by this author, I settled happily into this story and liked the way it swapped from one woman and her issues to the next. Setting is well drawn and characters complex and likeable. Perhaps Victoria comes across as a little too perfect but it’s hard to criticise as she is a generous and caring person with a compassionate heart. The type anyone would like as a friend. Gabrielle is larger than life, self absorbed at times but still likeable.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Bellbird River community. I was emotionally involved as certain characters change and come into their own. The story is set over twelve months in 1998. I loved the setting, the different characters and the emphasis on music and singing. A highly recommended feel good read about family, friendship, community and starting over.
Teacher and single mum Alex takes a position in the high school in Bellbird River. Her eleven year old daughter Kim attends the primary school. She hates the move from Sydney and away from her grandmother. But Alex hopes the move will bring more time to spend with her daughter. Also in the town are well known and loved long term resident Victoria who is surprised when her famous opera singer cousin Gabrielle comes to stay. Gabrielle is dealing with health issues with her voice and Victoria with a cheating husband and his latest love interest. Add to these, local baker Janine and newcomer Debbie, who are both trying to move on from past mistakes. All of these women join the local choir run by Warwick and over time come to know each other. Can they each find ways to move forward and maybe help each other in the process? How will life change for each of them?
Having read and enjoyed a couple of other books by this author, I settled happily into this story and liked the way it swapped from one woman and her issues to the next. Setting is well drawn and characters complex and likeable. Perhaps Victoria comes across as a little too perfect but it’s hard to criticise as she is a generous and caring person with a compassionate heart. The type anyone would like as a friend. Gabrielle is larger than life, self absorbed at times but still likeable.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Bellbird River community. I was emotionally involved as certain characters change and come into their own. The story is set over twelve months in 1998. I loved the setting, the different characters and the emphasis on music and singing. A highly recommended feel good read about family, friendship, community and starting over.
June 11, 2022
The Bellbird River Country Choir is the fourth novel by best-selling Australian author, Sophie Green. It’s not a big place, but Bellbird River, located on the Liverpool plains in NSW, does have a town choir. Janine Johnston, who has lived all her life there, is a member: something to do besides baking, selling baked goods, and paintings she’s not quite ready to share.
Victoria Reynold is also a long-time resident, and since her husband has left her for a younger woman, Jimbo French, some years widowed, suggests joining the choir to arrest the inclination to mope. It’s a long time since she’s sung a note, but maybe she’ll check it out for her cousin, Gabby.
World famous opera singer Gabrielle Reynold has returned to her hometown after thirty years away, a little unsure of just who she will be if the top notes the surgeon took away don’t return. She’s glad to be in Victoria’s family home, but does she really want to join the amateurs in this country choir?
Single mother Alex Markovich has brought her daughter Kimberley to Bellbird River to escape Sydney and the overwhelming presence of her mother, Marta. Here, maybe she can be independent and spend more time with Kim. Might she make some friends in this new place by singing in the choir?
Newcomer Debbie works on Wattle Tree, a farming property near Bellbird River, doing chores and ferrying the family’s two young sons to and from school. When she hears Janine practising in the bakery, the idea of singing in the choir immediately appeals, but that will leave her open to scrutiny: does she really want the whole town to know her shameful past?
Over the span of twelve months, these characters encounter one another in the choir and around the town. Tentative friendships are formed as they each face diverse challenges: an audacious settlement demand for divorce; the battle to obtain visitation rights to children after a long absence; the financial and psychological fallout of a career implosion; finding the courage to reject an inappropriate relationship; and balancing independence with the need for support.
Green fills her novel with characters on whose behalf the reader can almost instantly feel sadness, anger, indignation, heartbreak or outrage, but also delight and joy. While there are one or two characters to despise, many ultimately surprise with their charity, generosity, support and understanding. Imperious Vicky proves to be generous and loyal, while snobbish Gabby easily redeems herself in her interactions with a certain errant husband and his lover, and later, his lawyer.
Green touches on both topical and perennial themes: bullying, gaslighting, the stigma of mental illness, the shame of time served in prison, regaining self-worth, and finding purpose in life. She also demonstrates the power of gossip in a country town, and easily evokes both her setting and era with popular cultural references. While the tissues may be needed for certain poignant moments, there are also plenty of laugh-out-loud occasions.
With some authors, reading 400 pages can seem like a chore, but sinking into a Sophie Green story is like settling into your favourite chair with a blanket and a warm drink on a winter’s day: pure comfort. In this one, readers should be prepared to be infected by earworms, but will be grateful for the QR link to the playlist of all the songs mentioned. Moving, thought-provoking and uplifting, this is feel-good fiction at its finest.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Hachette Australia.
Victoria Reynold is also a long-time resident, and since her husband has left her for a younger woman, Jimbo French, some years widowed, suggests joining the choir to arrest the inclination to mope. It’s a long time since she’s sung a note, but maybe she’ll check it out for her cousin, Gabby.
World famous opera singer Gabrielle Reynold has returned to her hometown after thirty years away, a little unsure of just who she will be if the top notes the surgeon took away don’t return. She’s glad to be in Victoria’s family home, but does she really want to join the amateurs in this country choir?
Single mother Alex Markovich has brought her daughter Kimberley to Bellbird River to escape Sydney and the overwhelming presence of her mother, Marta. Here, maybe she can be independent and spend more time with Kim. Might she make some friends in this new place by singing in the choir?
Newcomer Debbie works on Wattle Tree, a farming property near Bellbird River, doing chores and ferrying the family’s two young sons to and from school. When she hears Janine practising in the bakery, the idea of singing in the choir immediately appeals, but that will leave her open to scrutiny: does she really want the whole town to know her shameful past?
Over the span of twelve months, these characters encounter one another in the choir and around the town. Tentative friendships are formed as they each face diverse challenges: an audacious settlement demand for divorce; the battle to obtain visitation rights to children after a long absence; the financial and psychological fallout of a career implosion; finding the courage to reject an inappropriate relationship; and balancing independence with the need for support.
Green fills her novel with characters on whose behalf the reader can almost instantly feel sadness, anger, indignation, heartbreak or outrage, but also delight and joy. While there are one or two characters to despise, many ultimately surprise with their charity, generosity, support and understanding. Imperious Vicky proves to be generous and loyal, while snobbish Gabby easily redeems herself in her interactions with a certain errant husband and his lover, and later, his lawyer.
Green touches on both topical and perennial themes: bullying, gaslighting, the stigma of mental illness, the shame of time served in prison, regaining self-worth, and finding purpose in life. She also demonstrates the power of gossip in a country town, and easily evokes both her setting and era with popular cultural references. While the tissues may be needed for certain poignant moments, there are also plenty of laugh-out-loud occasions.
With some authors, reading 400 pages can seem like a chore, but sinking into a Sophie Green story is like settling into your favourite chair with a blanket and a warm drink on a winter’s day: pure comfort. In this one, readers should be prepared to be infected by earworms, but will be grateful for the QR link to the playlist of all the songs mentioned. Moving, thought-provoking and uplifting, this is feel-good fiction at its finest.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Hachette Australia.
January 25, 2023
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**4.5 stars**
The Bellbird River Country Choir by Sophie Green. (2022).
In 1998 teacher and single mum Alex has arrived in a small NSW country town to escape Sydney and reconnect with her daughter. Town matriarch Victoria and her globe-trotting, opera-singing cousin Gabrielle are at crossroads in their personal and professional lives. Local baker Janine and newcomer Debbie are each secretly dealing with the consequences of painful pasts. Bellbird River is a small dusty town with one pub, but it has some surprises and the heart is the Bellbird River Country Choir. In the choir each of the women will find the courage to leave the past behind, and that friends are much closer to home than they realised.
I have adored all of this author's novels and this one is no exception. Alternating perspectives between the five women mentioned in the synopsis, readers get to see how despite their different life circumstances the women become connected through a local choir. With a strong small-town vibe (everyone is all up in everyone else's business), the large choir is the heart of the town and provides strength to those in it in different ways. The characters face some big every day realistic issues like divorce, illness, reconnecting with family and children, relocation, relationship complications and so on.
Overall: highly recommend this Australian novel that showcases the importance of friends supporting one another through the trials of life, as well as advocating for women to go after what they truly want in life.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
The Bellbird River Country Choir by Sophie Green. (2022).
In 1998 teacher and single mum Alex has arrived in a small NSW country town to escape Sydney and reconnect with her daughter. Town matriarch Victoria and her globe-trotting, opera-singing cousin Gabrielle are at crossroads in their personal and professional lives. Local baker Janine and newcomer Debbie are each secretly dealing with the consequences of painful pasts. Bellbird River is a small dusty town with one pub, but it has some surprises and the heart is the Bellbird River Country Choir. In the choir each of the women will find the courage to leave the past behind, and that friends are much closer to home than they realised.
I have adored all of this author's novels and this one is no exception. Alternating perspectives between the five women mentioned in the synopsis, readers get to see how despite their different life circumstances the women become connected through a local choir. With a strong small-town vibe (everyone is all up in everyone else's business), the large choir is the heart of the town and provides strength to those in it in different ways. The characters face some big every day realistic issues like divorce, illness, reconnecting with family and children, relocation, relationship complications and so on.
Overall: highly recommend this Australian novel that showcases the importance of friends supporting one another through the trials of life, as well as advocating for women to go after what they truly want in life.
August 3, 2022
Set over the twelve months of 1998 Sophie Green’s latest novel, The Bellbird River Country Choir is a totally immersive read about the importance of female friendships.
Five women from different backgrounds and age groups become unlikely friends when each of them, for different reasons, join the local country choir.
At first the women are quiet and even a little judgy however they soon start supporting each other to face their challenges allowing them to grow in self-confidence.
Single mother Alex, who has moved to the country from the bustle of the city to spend more time with her young daughter, joins the choir to make friends.
Janene has lived in the town all her life. She works in her parents bakery and the choir is her social outlet.
Debbie, who is a house-keeper and nanny on a local farm, is encouraged to join the choir to foster some self-confidence.
Famous opera singer Gabrielle is back in Bellbird River staying at cousin Victoria’s family home. She needs to rebuild her confidence after surgery affected her singing voice.
Victoria, a stalwart in the local community, joins the choir, not due to loneliness since her husband left her but to support her cousin Gabrielle.
Each of the women are at a cross-roads in their life and find that confiding and trusting in one another gives them the confidence to move forward.
Sophie Green includes themes of single parenthood, life after prison, mental illness, bullying, gaslighting and regaining self-confidence. These themes flow around a centric topic of love; for children, in marriage, forbidden love, self love, love for family and friends.
The Bellbird River Country Choir is an easy read with likeable characters with relatable problems and realistic solutions. Well worth a read!
*I received a copy through Better Reading Preview
December 11, 2022
Another entertaining read by Aussie author Sophie Green. I did find it a little confusing at the start trying to keep track of all the characters, but once I figured them out I quickly found myself engrossed in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and what a beautiful cover. Highly recommended.
August 4, 2022
Thank you Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
Sophie Green’s latest tale is a good feeling, heartfelt tribute to a group of women drawn together in a country choir and bond over everyday situations.
1998 and the cosy town of Bellbird River is full of love and not without some sort of drama.
Newcomer Alex has just arrived with her daughter, Kim to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend more time with her.
Long time resident Victoria has been through a lot in her personal life and with her glamorous opera star cousin Gabrielle, about to move in, things will get hectic.
Baker Janine is having personal troubles and Debbie, is dealing with the mistakes of her past.
Each of these women find joy, companionship and contentment in joining the town choir.
All needing to heal from the past and together they will blossom.
A feel-good fiction story with lots of warmth.
I did enjoy the structure of the story, the plot was perfectly paced and the characters were entertaining and quirky.
There’s much to adore, ravish and totally delve into here.
Emotive and life affirming with plenty of laughs, touching moments and very uplifting.
It tackles some topical issues amongst the friendships, sorrow, laughter and happiness.
I did have a soft spot for Victoria and Gabrielle, I quite enjoyed their banter and interaction.
The Bellbird River Country Choir is just the type of fiction I enjoy recommending.
A pure comfort read.
Sophie Green’s latest tale is a good feeling, heartfelt tribute to a group of women drawn together in a country choir and bond over everyday situations.
1998 and the cosy town of Bellbird River is full of love and not without some sort of drama.
Newcomer Alex has just arrived with her daughter, Kim to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend more time with her.
Long time resident Victoria has been through a lot in her personal life and with her glamorous opera star cousin Gabrielle, about to move in, things will get hectic.
Baker Janine is having personal troubles and Debbie, is dealing with the mistakes of her past.
Each of these women find joy, companionship and contentment in joining the town choir.
All needing to heal from the past and together they will blossom.
A feel-good fiction story with lots of warmth.
I did enjoy the structure of the story, the plot was perfectly paced and the characters were entertaining and quirky.
There’s much to adore, ravish and totally delve into here.
Emotive and life affirming with plenty of laughs, touching moments and very uplifting.
It tackles some topical issues amongst the friendships, sorrow, laughter and happiness.
I did have a soft spot for Victoria and Gabrielle, I quite enjoyed their banter and interaction.
The Bellbird River Country Choir is just the type of fiction I enjoy recommending.
A pure comfort read.
August 10, 2022
Such a beautiful read. Beautiful exploration of friendship and creativity beautifully told. It’s not all light and love though, this novel does talk bullying, stigma, prison and failure too. It’s just beautifully done. I loved that each of our ladies were each secretly dealing with the consequences of their pasts. I loved seeing that tentativeness and uncertainness, it certainly wasn’t just easy. I was expecting the choir to be country music but certainly wasn’t disappointed it was Spice Girls and Minogue..it was all so fun! I also completely loved the Australianess of this novel, Bellbird River could not be anywhere else; flowers mark the passage of time, magpies, wedge tailed eagles and cricket feature and it’s peopled with characters named Debbie and Jimbo x I loved it, it’s the greatest escape just like who magazine have said
May 26, 2023
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Salutations to Sophie Green’s most current release, The Bellbird River Country Choir. A mood lifter that is full of heart and plenty of spirit, Sophie Green’s music themed title is a deeply affectionate read. I cherished my time with the squad of The Bellbird River Country Choir
Moving back in time to 1998, The Bellbird River Country Choir follows the arrival of a new woman in the quaint little township of Bellbird River in rural New South Wales. This single mum is hoping a treechange to Bellbird River will open up a tighter relationship with her daughter and allow her to take life at a slower pace. A key resident of Bellbird River is Victoria, who is the dame of the town and her cousin, a musically gifted woman named Gabrielle, both find themselves in a quandary in their personal versus professional lives. We are also acquainted with Janine, another new face in Bellbird River, while another resident of the area Debbie is hiding a difficult past. This antiquated township is defined by a singular pub and plenty of old-world charm. Bellbird River is also a place where people go to hide their secrets and discover new things about themselves. With the help of the Bellbird River choir collective, the women of this community will find the strength, resilience and the inner power to move on from their histories.
With three top ten bestsellers under her belt, Sophie Green in an Australian author who needs no introduction. I have enjoyed Sophie Green’s previous contemporary fiction novels, they are always so pleasant and filled with endearing characters embarking on heart-warming adventures. Plus Green’s covers are always so divine! The Bellbird River Country Choir was much the same – delightful characters, lively situations, a nostalgic setting and a cover to die for!
This time around Sophie Green transports us to country New South Wales, to a fictional township with a strong country music base, much like Tamworth. I’ve never had the opportunity to travel to this part of our country, but I would dearly love to one day. Sophie Green’s novel offered me a lovely glimpse into the country music scene and a community choir thanks to the wonderful storyline presented in The Bellbird River Country Choir. It was such a nice set up for a story and I have no hesitation in recommending this novel to readers who love a hearty Australian contemporary fiction tale. Green fills her latest release with moments of laughter and serious reflection. There are some topical issues included in the main narrative which range of separation, marital breakdown, health problems, location shifts and troubled relationships. These conflicts allow Green’s cast to first be tested and then experience significant growth thanks to the curveballs that are thrown their way. This was a prominent positive feature of The Bellbird River Country Choir.
Sophie Green always has a good handle on her cast and this novel is no exception. There are five core protagonists who all offer something a little different to the unfolding narrative, which is down to the shifting viewpoint format. These women all have traits or past secrets that we can relate to in some form or another. I know I found glimmers of myself in almost every core character. I couldn’t work out which one I reserved a soft spot for, it was virtually impossible. The journey these women embark on is truly wonderful and I must say I wasn’t quite ready to say toodle-oo by the time the final curtain call was made.
A tale of female bonds, worthy connections, community links, the power of music, fresh pathways and love, The Bellbird River Country Choir is a snug novel that delivers plenty of reader satisfaction.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Salutations to Sophie Green’s most current release, The Bellbird River Country Choir. A mood lifter that is full of heart and plenty of spirit, Sophie Green’s music themed title is a deeply affectionate read. I cherished my time with the squad of The Bellbird River Country Choir
Moving back in time to 1998, The Bellbird River Country Choir follows the arrival of a new woman in the quaint little township of Bellbird River in rural New South Wales. This single mum is hoping a treechange to Bellbird River will open up a tighter relationship with her daughter and allow her to take life at a slower pace. A key resident of Bellbird River is Victoria, who is the dame of the town and her cousin, a musically gifted woman named Gabrielle, both find themselves in a quandary in their personal versus professional lives. We are also acquainted with Janine, another new face in Bellbird River, while another resident of the area Debbie is hiding a difficult past. This antiquated township is defined by a singular pub and plenty of old-world charm. Bellbird River is also a place where people go to hide their secrets and discover new things about themselves. With the help of the Bellbird River choir collective, the women of this community will find the strength, resilience and the inner power to move on from their histories.
With three top ten bestsellers under her belt, Sophie Green in an Australian author who needs no introduction. I have enjoyed Sophie Green’s previous contemporary fiction novels, they are always so pleasant and filled with endearing characters embarking on heart-warming adventures. Plus Green’s covers are always so divine! The Bellbird River Country Choir was much the same – delightful characters, lively situations, a nostalgic setting and a cover to die for!
This time around Sophie Green transports us to country New South Wales, to a fictional township with a strong country music base, much like Tamworth. I’ve never had the opportunity to travel to this part of our country, but I would dearly love to one day. Sophie Green’s novel offered me a lovely glimpse into the country music scene and a community choir thanks to the wonderful storyline presented in The Bellbird River Country Choir. It was such a nice set up for a story and I have no hesitation in recommending this novel to readers who love a hearty Australian contemporary fiction tale. Green fills her latest release with moments of laughter and serious reflection. There are some topical issues included in the main narrative which range of separation, marital breakdown, health problems, location shifts and troubled relationships. These conflicts allow Green’s cast to first be tested and then experience significant growth thanks to the curveballs that are thrown their way. This was a prominent positive feature of The Bellbird River Country Choir.
Sophie Green always has a good handle on her cast and this novel is no exception. There are five core protagonists who all offer something a little different to the unfolding narrative, which is down to the shifting viewpoint format. These women all have traits or past secrets that we can relate to in some form or another. I know I found glimmers of myself in almost every core character. I couldn’t work out which one I reserved a soft spot for, it was virtually impossible. The journey these women embark on is truly wonderful and I must say I wasn’t quite ready to say toodle-oo by the time the final curtain call was made.
A tale of female bonds, worthy connections, community links, the power of music, fresh pathways and love, The Bellbird River Country Choir is a snug novel that delivers plenty of reader satisfaction.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
July 26, 2022
I have read all of Sophie’s books and loved them. In The Bellbird River Country Choir she has produced another delightful tale with writing that is immersive, confirming and heartwarming. In this hectic world we live in, who does not wish for escapism that provides an uplifting story about family and friends.
‘Gabrielle has been an habitué of big cities for so long that she's forgotten the grace of the Bellbird River kind of living, in which everyone is important yet also knows they are part of the whole, existing in concert for the benefit of all.’
The Bellbird River Country Choir brings together a diverse group of people meeting one night a week for choir practice. As a result of this, new friendships form, a sense of place and belonging is achieved so that together life and its many challenges can be faced. The reader appreciates how Sophie, through a choir, brings together completely different, yet strangely similar characters - their problems could easily be your problems. The secret attached to this is how Sophie then goes on to resolve these issues in the most organic and realistic way.
‘Life is hard enough to navigate when people tell the truth; trying to circumnavigate lies makes it almost impossible.’
For me, Sophie’s writing style is so gentle, moving at a pace that allows her readers to lose themselves in the story. Through each of the narratives readers are sure to find a little of themselves, such is the genuine nature of these lead characters. My personal feeling is that on this occasion there were too many characters and I would have preferred a firmer focus on fewer for a richer reward.
Congratulations Sophie for another beautifully written story. A story that is affirming of how family and friendships enable you to make changes to your life that may help unlock an even better you.
‘That's all anyone can really ask of another person, isn’t it? If we all do the best we can, every day of our lives, we are that much further ahead in making life better for everyone.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘Gabrielle has been an habitué of big cities for so long that she's forgotten the grace of the Bellbird River kind of living, in which everyone is important yet also knows they are part of the whole, existing in concert for the benefit of all.’
The Bellbird River Country Choir brings together a diverse group of people meeting one night a week for choir practice. As a result of this, new friendships form, a sense of place and belonging is achieved so that together life and its many challenges can be faced. The reader appreciates how Sophie, through a choir, brings together completely different, yet strangely similar characters - their problems could easily be your problems. The secret attached to this is how Sophie then goes on to resolve these issues in the most organic and realistic way.
‘Life is hard enough to navigate when people tell the truth; trying to circumnavigate lies makes it almost impossible.’
For me, Sophie’s writing style is so gentle, moving at a pace that allows her readers to lose themselves in the story. Through each of the narratives readers are sure to find a little of themselves, such is the genuine nature of these lead characters. My personal feeling is that on this occasion there were too many characters and I would have preferred a firmer focus on fewer for a richer reward.
Congratulations Sophie for another beautifully written story. A story that is affirming of how family and friendships enable you to make changes to your life that may help unlock an even better you.
‘That's all anyone can really ask of another person, isn’t it? If we all do the best we can, every day of our lives, we are that much further ahead in making life better for everyone.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
May 13, 2024
A heartwarming tale with community at its core. An easy read, that tells the story of 5 individuals that are all bought together by joining a town’s choir. It’s great to see their journeys and story’s unfold. Thoroughly enjoyable!
June 26, 2022
Copy received via @betterreading for an honest review
I have read a few Sophie Green stories now, and am at the stage that I will never give up an opportunity to read a new one.
She has again given us an wonderful tale of different lives intertwining, and strangers becoming family - because blood does not always make you a family.
Set in 1998, it gave me some great memories of how my home country and home state were. I smiled at the reminders of Sydney pre-Olympics and how the city changed in those years leading up.
Beautifula imagery had me picturing the places she was talking about as I was reading.
As there were many characters, it did take me a little while to distinguish a couple of them from each other, but once I got my brain wrapped around it all was good.
Alex most resonated with me, as I too did the tree change from Sydney to country NSW. so her feelings about the town and time to adapt felt so real to me..
I liked how the choir brought all these completely different, yes somehow similar characters together. Their issues were relatable, and I felt that their stories grew and resolved organically,
Sophie Green has become one of the Australian authors whose stories I have come to really admire, and I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.
I have read a few Sophie Green stories now, and am at the stage that I will never give up an opportunity to read a new one.
She has again given us an wonderful tale of different lives intertwining, and strangers becoming family - because blood does not always make you a family.
Set in 1998, it gave me some great memories of how my home country and home state were. I smiled at the reminders of Sydney pre-Olympics and how the city changed in those years leading up.
Beautifula imagery had me picturing the places she was talking about as I was reading.
As there were many characters, it did take me a little while to distinguish a couple of them from each other, but once I got my brain wrapped around it all was good.
Alex most resonated with me, as I too did the tree change from Sydney to country NSW. so her feelings about the town and time to adapt felt so real to me..
I liked how the choir brought all these completely different, yes somehow similar characters together. Their issues were relatable, and I felt that their stories grew and resolved organically,
Sophie Green has become one of the Australian authors whose stories I have come to really admire, and I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.
November 3, 2024
It's been quite a while since I sat down and got lost in a Sophie Green title. The Bellbird River Country Choir reminded me what a talented author she is. This little choir may be made up of a mismatch of members, but the concept of community spirit and friendship shines through.
There's Alex, a newcomer to the area. She's a single mum to daughter Kim and teaches at the local high school. Being a single parent is hard, especially without the support of her own mother back in Sydney. Kim is being bullied, and Alex doesn't know what to do.
Another newcomer is Debbie, finding her feet after being released from jail. Debbie enjoys belting her little heart out, and this choir gives her the opportunity to shine. It's lucky that Debbie has been blessed with kind and understanding employers, alongside the choir, who gives her the ability to reconnect with her two young children.
Janine owns the popular town bakery and is struggling to find her fit in the universe. Whilst she adores her older brother, Bradley, to bits, Janine often makes wrong decisions in terms of self-love. She's a talented artist to boot - will those artistic skills resonate through music, too?
Victoria is a pillar of the community. Her forty year marriage has just blown up in smoke, creating quite the scandal. Whilst she puts on a formidable front, it's clear that Vicky is depressed and worried about an uncertain future. Her ex is causing problems financially, and she doesn't see her grown-up children often enough.
Finally, it's time to meet Vicky's cousin, opera singer extraordinaire, Bellbird River's very own Gabrielle. Gabby is certainly flamboyant, but after recent vocal surgery, she is fighting to hit those high notes again. Joining the choir settles those singing urges, but will she ever perform on stage ever again?
This was a heartfelt and sweet tale, reminding us all of a simpler time. Set in 1998, there are no social pressures to contend with, not to today's standards at least. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these characters in Bellbird River.
4.5 🌟
There's Alex, a newcomer to the area. She's a single mum to daughter Kim and teaches at the local high school. Being a single parent is hard, especially without the support of her own mother back in Sydney. Kim is being bullied, and Alex doesn't know what to do.
Another newcomer is Debbie, finding her feet after being released from jail. Debbie enjoys belting her little heart out, and this choir gives her the opportunity to shine. It's lucky that Debbie has been blessed with kind and understanding employers, alongside the choir, who gives her the ability to reconnect with her two young children.
Janine owns the popular town bakery and is struggling to find her fit in the universe. Whilst she adores her older brother, Bradley, to bits, Janine often makes wrong decisions in terms of self-love. She's a talented artist to boot - will those artistic skills resonate through music, too?
Victoria is a pillar of the community. Her forty year marriage has just blown up in smoke, creating quite the scandal. Whilst she puts on a formidable front, it's clear that Vicky is depressed and worried about an uncertain future. Her ex is causing problems financially, and she doesn't see her grown-up children often enough.
Finally, it's time to meet Vicky's cousin, opera singer extraordinaire, Bellbird River's very own Gabrielle. Gabby is certainly flamboyant, but after recent vocal surgery, she is fighting to hit those high notes again. Joining the choir settles those singing urges, but will she ever perform on stage ever again?
This was a heartfelt and sweet tale, reminding us all of a simpler time. Set in 1998, there are no social pressures to contend with, not to today's standards at least. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these characters in Bellbird River.
4.5 🌟
November 28, 2022
Unlike the swim circle book, I found myself speed reading through this to get it finished. I could not connect to the characters and thought their friendships were bland.
May 7, 2024
A nice easy slow read for book club. Not my usual genre. Become quite invested in some of the characters and their personal story/journeys. Nothing mind blowing but an enjoyable read.
August 20, 2022
This was such a delightful book to read. It was full of many recognisable characters of a typical country town.
I enjoyed the way everything was tied together through the town choir.
I was frustrated by the actions of the primary school principal who refused to intervene in the bullying issue because of the community standing of the parents of the bullies. Sadly this is so true in so many schools country and city alike. Usually it’s the kids of the P&C president who get a free ride in the city or the local mayors in the country.
Such a beautifully written book.
I enjoyed the way everything was tied together through the town choir.
I was frustrated by the actions of the primary school principal who refused to intervene in the bullying issue because of the community standing of the parents of the bullies. Sadly this is so true in so many schools country and city alike. Usually it’s the kids of the P&C president who get a free ride in the city or the local mayors in the country.
Such a beautifully written book.
June 4, 2024
Read for Book Club. I didn't dislike this book but I also didn't find it as interesting as I'd hoped. The characters felt more caricatures than realistic people and the storylines felt similar. It was a bit too much and yet not enough. It was OK.
July 14, 2022
Set in 1998, this book focuses on the lives of new, old and returned residents of a rural NSW town.
These women end up singing in the local choir, and slowly form strong friendships they didn’t realise were missing from their lives.
This is a relatively cozy read, and I loved how the author was able to dive into the complexities of each character and their history. Some characters got on my nerves, and honestly, it made me uninvested in their storylines, but I found myself rooting for other characters.
This is a great read for anyone who loves books set in small towns, or 90’s nostalgia (like an ice bun costing 50 cents and the rent for a house being 50 bucks a week!)
Thank you Hachette Australia for my gifted copy.
These women end up singing in the local choir, and slowly form strong friendships they didn’t realise were missing from their lives.
This is a relatively cozy read, and I loved how the author was able to dive into the complexities of each character and their history. Some characters got on my nerves, and honestly, it made me uninvested in their storylines, but I found myself rooting for other characters.
This is a great read for anyone who loves books set in small towns, or 90’s nostalgia (like an ice bun costing 50 cents and the rent for a house being 50 bucks a week!)
Thank you Hachette Australia for my gifted copy.
September 2, 2022
Frivolous but fabulous. This kind of book is a delicious type of escapism. Where the sponge cake is freshly baked, the flowering gums are in bloom and the people are country quirky.
It’s January 1998 and rehearsals are well underway for the Bellbird River Country Choir. And fortuitously there’s plenty of new choristers this year. With some baggage.
There’s a barrage of issues- failed nodule surgery, terribly public infidelity, school yard bullying, loneliness and schizophrenia.
Victoria and Celeste, with their delicious banter, were a wholly necessary addition to the story. ‘I do not think she slipped and fell on his penis by accident, so I can assign as much blame to her as I wish’. Yes ma’am.
I didn’t love Alex’s storyline. Her motivation for moving was to create a better life for her daughter and this was clearly not achieved and she just appeared to be fairly passive about the whole thing. How could she let Kim be so unhappy for so long 🤨!
Sometimes it’s just nice to read something where no one is murdered and no one is terminally ill and you can read whilst simultaneously cooking a meal for five and being a actively employed snack bitch (ruling out the whole point of cooking said meal) and still follow the plot.
This is that book.
4/5
It’s January 1998 and rehearsals are well underway for the Bellbird River Country Choir. And fortuitously there’s plenty of new choristers this year. With some baggage.
There’s a barrage of issues- failed nodule surgery, terribly public infidelity, school yard bullying, loneliness and schizophrenia.
Victoria and Celeste, with their delicious banter, were a wholly necessary addition to the story. ‘I do not think she slipped and fell on his penis by accident, so I can assign as much blame to her as I wish’. Yes ma’am.
I didn’t love Alex’s storyline. Her motivation for moving was to create a better life for her daughter and this was clearly not achieved and she just appeared to be fairly passive about the whole thing. How could she let Kim be so unhappy for so long 🤨!
Sometimes it’s just nice to read something where no one is murdered and no one is terminally ill and you can read whilst simultaneously cooking a meal for five and being a actively employed snack bitch (ruling out the whole point of cooking said meal) and still follow the plot.
This is that book.
4/5
August 4, 2022
Easy to read, great for the beach. I got a bit sick at times of all the harping on about the dead-beat men - I got the point and agreed, I just think it could have been shorter!
I didn't enjoy this as much as The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle, but it was still a good read.
I didn't enjoy this as much as The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle, but it was still a good read.
June 26, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this gorgeous book. Characters were believable and the storylines made you think. This is just my kind of book. Set in Australia makes it so easy to relate to. Reminds me of Sandie Docker, Tricia Stringer and Josephine Moon. I will now have to read all Sophie's other books. Not giving away any spoilers but well worth the read.
February 27, 2025
I thought this was a delightful book, Alex a School Teacher a single Mum of Kim, deside’s to move from Sydney to a country town. Kim has an unsettled time as she is bullied at school, her Mum works in the high school next door. Victoria who is well known throughout the town whose family have been part of the town for a few generations, has problems with her marriage, she has a cousin who is an opera singer who has been away overseas for years suddenly come back home. There is Janine in the bakery who has personal problems. Debbie who has come to work on a nearby property after a failed marriage and an addiction problem. Warrick is a musician who is forming a choir and they all join and while learning to sing, and make new friends their lives take new directions,
February 27, 2025
Light, easy to read but disappointed that I could not be more emotionally invested in the characters . Interesting to follow yes but not necessarily likeable people in the way they are portrayed. This book satisfied my need to read something as a break from deeper, more meaningful novels . Recommend for a light holiday read.
October 4, 2022
This was a lovely book to read after a few not so good books lately! It was set in a small country town and showed the nature of small communities well. The characters were relatable and interesting, each with their own story to tell. I really enjoyed it!
May 6, 2023
A lovely book to read, with characters that were easy to relate to or feel for. Each had their own story that entwined easily as the chapters went on.
July 13, 2023
This was a delightful read.
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