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Emergency Lullabies
The music died with her sister . . . What will it take to make it come back? Magnolia Callas hasn’t set foot on stage since she dropped out of the performance program. She and her sister Iris believed she could be the next big singer-songwriter, just like Taylor Swift. But the dream died the moment her sister’s heart stopped beating.
Now, two years later, Magnolia feels trapped under the assumption that she’ll take care of Iris’s daughter Poppy. With her dreams dashed and the music lost, Magnolia floats through life, unsure of her next move. When Theo Hennessy, the boy everyone loved in high school, meet cutes his way into Magnolia’s life, colours, music, and lyrics seep through her grief. Theo is the sweetest girl dad, who looks great in a paramedic uniform, and has amazing arms, a heart of gold, and a wingman in the shape of a giant, fluffy Bernese mountain dog. It’s impossible not to fall for him. He sparks a second chance at life for Magnolia; one she didn’t expect. One that leaves her questioning what it is she truly wants and whether it’s the same thing Iris wanted.
Now, two years later, Magnolia feels trapped under the assumption that she’ll take care of Iris’s daughter Poppy. With her dreams dashed and the music lost, Magnolia floats through life, unsure of her next move. When Theo Hennessy, the boy everyone loved in high school, meet cutes his way into Magnolia’s life, colours, music, and lyrics seep through her grief. Theo is the sweetest girl dad, who looks great in a paramedic uniform, and has amazing arms, a heart of gold, and a wingman in the shape of a giant, fluffy Bernese mountain dog. It’s impossible not to fall for him. He sparks a second chance at life for Magnolia; one she didn’t expect. One that leaves her questioning what it is she truly wants and whether it’s the same thing Iris wanted.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
10 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Nixon
31 books54 followersMadeline Nixon has been a dog walker, a nanny, a baker, a shoe saleswoman, a chocolatier, and an editor, but the title she’s most fond of is author. She’s published two nonfiction short story collection about her paranormal experiences, Feathers and Robins, several educational children’s books series, and the Like A Love Song romance series. Her most recent romance is a magical Christmas novella, Last Christmas I Love-Spelled Us Apart. When she’s not writing, you can find her hunting ghosts, planning elaborate theme parties, and baking new recipes. She lives in a suburb outside of Toronto.
Find her on Instagram, Threads, TikTok @markedwithanm!
Find her on Instagram, Threads, TikTok @markedwithanm!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 15, 2024
Hi! I wrote this! I’ve also read it so many times this year that I’m adding it to my 2023 shelf. I’m of the belief that you have to give yourself all the stars. Hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it. A little piece of my heart is within these pages!
A little warning for anyone reading: my book deals with death of a loved one and grief. It also mentions a complication from pregnancy/birth (not with the main character) and panic attacks. Take care of yourself.
A little warning for anyone reading: my book deals with death of a loved one and grief. It also mentions a complication from pregnancy/birth (not with the main character) and panic attacks. Take care of yourself.
March 23, 2025
So, so cute. It made me feel warm and safe. I loved that there wasn’t the long miscommunication trope for pages worth. I felt so satisfied that even with the lack of communication, or miscommunication, that seeing each other after arguments was a happy satisfying meeting. That they realize happy things and kiss or love on each other instead of delving into the negative feelings. It felt so realistic for two people who come with some heavy “baggage” and how that plays out in a relationship that isn’t toxic.
I will say that this was a solid 4 stars but then the little twist towards the end immediately bumped it to 5. I was not expecting that! What a hard thing to add a character as likable 90% of the book, albeit was obviously a little weird in some parts until you find out why, only to find out they did something very unlikable. Something you would immediately dislike the person for so the extra layer of already having sort of liked this character was a fun layer for my emotions.
The mom and dad creating a “garden” was so cute and wholesome with dad’s cute floral ties. Love the flower names!
I will say that this was a solid 4 stars but then the little twist towards the end immediately bumped it to 5. I was not expecting that! What a hard thing to add a character as likable 90% of the book, albeit was obviously a little weird in some parts until you find out why, only to find out they did something very unlikable. Something you would immediately dislike the person for so the extra layer of already having sort of liked this character was a fun layer for my emotions.
The mom and dad creating a “garden” was so cute and wholesome with dad’s cute floral ties. Love the flower names!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2023
Emergency Lullabies is a beautifully written romance story but it's so much more than just a romance, it's also about finding yourself after grief. Nixon handles the topic with compassion and grace. It's a wholesome, comical, and heartwarming story.
Oh, that twist though?! Genius, I didn't see it coming at all, it shook things up in an interesting way.
Oh, that twist though?! Genius, I didn't see it coming at all, it shook things up in an interesting way.
October 3, 2024
3.5 stars.
Magnolia hasn’t set a foot on stage since her sister, Iris, died. Iris believed Magnolia would be the next big singer-songwriter, but this dream died with Iris. Two years have passed, and Magnolia feels trapped with the responsibility of caring for Poppy, Iris’ daughter and is floating through life, searching for purpose. Theo is a paramedic and a girl dad who meet cutes his way into Magnolia’s life, sparking a second chance that she didn’t expect.
EMERGENCY LULLABIES is a quick and cute read. I enjoyed the main characters: Theo and Magnolia. The other central characters (Poppy, Rocket, and Emma) were truly adorable, and Hanna is the best friend a girl could ask for. The flower name theme within Magnolia’s family was too cute!
The romance was sweet but I did find it lacked something to make me swoon over this couple.
EMERGENCY LULLABIES has a strong theme of grief. I liked that the author explored Magnolia’s grief regarding her sister’s loss, but also the grief her parents experienced and how they each handled it a little differently. This aspect of the story was really well done.
Lastly, I enjoyed the subplot about Magnolia’s journey through self-discovery and determining her own path, particularly with respect to music. I wish this would have been discussed more as it was the part of the book that I was most interested in. I also feel the same about Theo’s work – it’s a well known fact that he is a paramedic and the cover made me think there’d be a little more development on this. I think a dual POV would have been helpful to better understand both main characters and to have Theo’s side of things developed a bit more.
Regardless, I’ll be on the lookout for this author’s next book!
Magnolia hasn’t set a foot on stage since her sister, Iris, died. Iris believed Magnolia would be the next big singer-songwriter, but this dream died with Iris. Two years have passed, and Magnolia feels trapped with the responsibility of caring for Poppy, Iris’ daughter and is floating through life, searching for purpose. Theo is a paramedic and a girl dad who meet cutes his way into Magnolia’s life, sparking a second chance that she didn’t expect.
EMERGENCY LULLABIES is a quick and cute read. I enjoyed the main characters: Theo and Magnolia. The other central characters (Poppy, Rocket, and Emma) were truly adorable, and Hanna is the best friend a girl could ask for. The flower name theme within Magnolia’s family was too cute!
The romance was sweet but I did find it lacked something to make me swoon over this couple.
EMERGENCY LULLABIES has a strong theme of grief. I liked that the author explored Magnolia’s grief regarding her sister’s loss, but also the grief her parents experienced and how they each handled it a little differently. This aspect of the story was really well done.
Lastly, I enjoyed the subplot about Magnolia’s journey through self-discovery and determining her own path, particularly with respect to music. I wish this would have been discussed more as it was the part of the book that I was most interested in. I also feel the same about Theo’s work – it’s a well known fact that he is a paramedic and the cover made me think there’d be a little more development on this. I think a dual POV would have been helpful to better understand both main characters and to have Theo’s side of things developed a bit more.
Regardless, I’ll be on the lookout for this author’s next book!
September 25, 2023
4.5 stars! I really really enjoyed this book. A sweet romance, with very touching and real topics of grief, death and moving on/figuring out who you are in the aftermath. Full review to come!
July 12, 2024
Review of Emergency Lullabies!
Firstly I must say once the MMC’s name is THEO, that’s automatically a three stars for me but then with the plot and everything, I had to give this book a five stars. It was so much more than a love story. It was a healing journey for our FMC, magnolia and it goes to show that sometimes you just need that one person to enter your life and show you how loved you can be and how much change you can endure and theo was that person for her. He was awesome. You had times he was a dick and times the miscommunication between them threw me off but it wasn’t enough to rate this less than 5! I loved how much of an easy read this is but I also must say that I love how the grief was portrayed. I love how the chapters were written and how everything was described.
Theo Hennessy has my heart forever. I love him. I love Magnolia (Mags.) I so loved that she got the happy ending she needed and it was just a perfect way to end the book.
Hanna was by far my favourite character because she is SOOOO me😭! I loved how she pushed Magnolia and how much of an amazing friend to her she was.
This was so good and yet it wasn’t over complicated nor filled with spice. It was just a fun, easy read and I found myself giggling all the time at Theo
P.S. Madeline, after that plot twist, we need to arrange for you to pay my medical bills bc I DID NOT SEE IT COMING.
Anyway, loved mags. Loved Theo. Loved Poppy. I LOVEDDDD IT.
Firstly I must say once the MMC’s name is THEO, that’s automatically a three stars for me but then with the plot and everything, I had to give this book a five stars. It was so much more than a love story. It was a healing journey for our FMC, magnolia and it goes to show that sometimes you just need that one person to enter your life and show you how loved you can be and how much change you can endure and theo was that person for her. He was awesome. You had times he was a dick and times the miscommunication between them threw me off but it wasn’t enough to rate this less than 5! I loved how much of an easy read this is but I also must say that I love how the grief was portrayed. I love how the chapters were written and how everything was described.
Theo Hennessy has my heart forever. I love him. I love Magnolia (Mags.) I so loved that she got the happy ending she needed and it was just a perfect way to end the book.
Hanna was by far my favourite character because she is SOOOO me😭! I loved how she pushed Magnolia and how much of an amazing friend to her she was.
This was so good and yet it wasn’t over complicated nor filled with spice. It was just a fun, easy read and I found myself giggling all the time at Theo
P.S. Madeline, after that plot twist, we need to arrange for you to pay my medical bills bc I DID NOT SEE IT COMING.
Anyway, loved mags. Loved Theo. Loved Poppy. I LOVEDDDD IT.
April 25, 2025
Emergency lullabies definitely is full of emotions and is is a very sweet story that also packs a punch.
With a paramedic single father hottie and a strong female mc who is struggling with the grief of loosing her sister after childbirth, on a op of that the whole family choose not to talk about her sister Lilly, Lia is drowning is grief loss guilt and love.
This has so much drama & adorable little girls and huge sweet dog, and you have the perfect love story.
Emotionally tiring but good seeing different people dealing with the passing of a love one showing it’s ok to not be ok with the complicated process. I also loved the connection between our mcs and the kids combined, and how difficult can be to be the best parent you can be without losing yourself in the process.
What I found strange was the parents were Poppys ( the baby )guardians yet Lia took care of her all day every day, it was not clear who would have sloppy when Lia eventually left home.
Would she stay with grandparents or go with Lia, for this I felt it needed an epilogue 1yr later so we saw a new dynamic and also how he family had grown with acceptance.
Overall, this story is heartwarming and I enjoyed it a lot
With a paramedic single father hottie and a strong female mc who is struggling with the grief of loosing her sister after childbirth, on a op of that the whole family choose not to talk about her sister Lilly, Lia is drowning is grief loss guilt and love.
This has so much drama & adorable little girls and huge sweet dog, and you have the perfect love story.
Emotionally tiring but good seeing different people dealing with the passing of a love one showing it’s ok to not be ok with the complicated process. I also loved the connection between our mcs and the kids combined, and how difficult can be to be the best parent you can be without losing yourself in the process.
What I found strange was the parents were Poppys ( the baby )guardians yet Lia took care of her all day every day, it was not clear who would have sloppy when Lia eventually left home.
Would she stay with grandparents or go with Lia, for this I felt it needed an epilogue 1yr later so we saw a new dynamic and also how he family had grown with acceptance.
Overall, this story is heartwarming and I enjoyed it a lot
February 23, 2024
While this book was not what I was expecting it was still a cute fast read. That also handled some heavy issues like loss of a family member and delayed grief. I liked the love story between Lia and Theo. Best girl dad ever! also, Poppy seriously the cutest. I miss that age. The writing flowed well and the banter was great.
Based on the cover and back premise I was thinking there would be a lot more about both Theo's medic career and more of a music focus for Lia. Both of which were things that weren't really touched on at all. I had expected to be reading about Lia refinding her love of music and writing/singing. This isn't to say I didn't enjoy the story we get. Just different from what I went into the book expecting.
That said, the grief was well dealt with. And the relationship progressed realistically. The single parenthood rep was also pretty accurate. I found the book to be a quick easy read with good pacing. And I would also like a Rocket of my own. I'll pick up future books by this insta indie author.
Based on the cover and back premise I was thinking there would be a lot more about both Theo's medic career and more of a music focus for Lia. Both of which were things that weren't really touched on at all. I had expected to be reading about Lia refinding her love of music and writing/singing. This isn't to say I didn't enjoy the story we get. Just different from what I went into the book expecting.
That said, the grief was well dealt with. And the relationship progressed realistically. The single parenthood rep was also pretty accurate. I found the book to be a quick easy read with good pacing. And I would also like a Rocket of my own. I'll pick up future books by this insta indie author.
September 20, 2025
I was intrigued by the premise and really wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me. One of the main challenges I had was with the central relationship, it lacked the emotional depth and yearning that usually draws me into a romance. The conflicts between the characters often felt a bit too trivial or immature, which made it hard to stay invested in their journey or root for them as a couple.
Additionally, the pacing and structure made the story somewhat difficult to follow. It often jumped between scenes without smooth transitions, and I found myself needing to reread certain parts just to stay oriented. This disrupted the flow and made it hard to stay immersed in the world of the story.
Overall, the book had potential, but it felt more like an early draft or a writing assignment than a polished, ready for publication novel. I appreciate the effort that went into it, but I think it could benefit from further development in both character depth and narrative structure.
Additionally, the pacing and structure made the story somewhat difficult to follow. It often jumped between scenes without smooth transitions, and I found myself needing to reread certain parts just to stay oriented. This disrupted the flow and made it hard to stay immersed in the world of the story.
Overall, the book had potential, but it felt more like an early draft or a writing assignment than a polished, ready for publication novel. I appreciate the effort that went into it, but I think it could benefit from further development in both character depth and narrative structure.
October 27, 2023
Final rating 4.5
Emergency lullabies by Madeline Nixon is a super sweet story, but also packs a punch. Yes, it does have a swoonie male interest who is a single father and a paramedic , it also has a strong female mc who is struggling with delayed grief and the effects that has in her life; throw in a family in denial, friend drama and the cutest kids and dog, and you have the perfect recipe!
I really liked the how we are shown are dealing with the passing of a love one is a long and complicated process, how it may vary from person to person.
Also the single parent situation felt real, like you could know someone on that exact situation, and for me it's a plus in the story. I also loved the connection between our mcs and the kids, and how difficult can be to be the best parent you can be without losing yourself in the process.
Overall, this story is heartwarming and I enjoyed it a lot!
Emergency lullabies by Madeline Nixon is a super sweet story, but also packs a punch. Yes, it does have a swoonie male interest who is a single father and a paramedic , it also has a strong female mc who is struggling with delayed grief and the effects that has in her life; throw in a family in denial, friend drama and the cutest kids and dog, and you have the perfect recipe!
I really liked the how we are shown are dealing with the passing of a love one is a long and complicated process, how it may vary from person to person.
Also the single parent situation felt real, like you could know someone on that exact situation, and for me it's a plus in the story. I also loved the connection between our mcs and the kids, and how difficult can be to be the best parent you can be without losing yourself in the process.
Overall, this story is heartwarming and I enjoyed it a lot!
January 31, 2025
This was a beautiful and emotional story, intertwining themes of love, grief, and self-discovery in a way that felt profoundly genuine. Nixon’s prose is lovely and, at times, poetic, painting vivid pictures that pulled me into the scenes and brought tears to my eyes.
I was thoroughly engrossed in Magnolia’s struggle to navigate the excitement and hope of new love while coming to terms with the loss of her sister and the direction she thought her life was headed. Speaking of that new love, the romance at the heart of this book was honest and sweet, and the way Theo and Mags fell into each other felt effortless in the best way. They had their struggles as their connection deepened - and there was a twist/revelation I did not see coming - but in the end, he helped her find her footing on a new path while she helped him let go of past hurts so that they could both step into a new and brighter future together. So satisfying.
I was thoroughly engrossed in Magnolia’s struggle to navigate the excitement and hope of new love while coming to terms with the loss of her sister and the direction she thought her life was headed. Speaking of that new love, the romance at the heart of this book was honest and sweet, and the way Theo and Mags fell into each other felt effortless in the best way. They had their struggles as their connection deepened - and there was a twist/revelation I did not see coming - but in the end, he helped her find her footing on a new path while she helped him let go of past hurts so that they could both step into a new and brighter future together. So satisfying.
June 17, 2024
Emergency Lullabies is a warm blanket of a book. Featuring a romance between a grieving woman and the guy she both hated and admired in high school, it's a great exploration of how delayed grief can get in our way. Magnolia seems to have peaked years ago when she sold a song and was happily planning a career in music. Theo is a young dad who is managing fatherhood and his own demons. They're such a sweet couple and this is a sweet romance. I was very happy to see Magnolia finally try to deal with her grief, as well as encouraging her family to do the same. And, of course, I was thrilled to see her open herself up to romance with the cute paramedic.
April 28, 2024
Poignant and moving!
This is such a sweet story that shows us how easy it is to lose yourself in grief. But in addition to that how love conquers all, when given the chance.
I loved the contrast of light and heavy throughout this book. The banter and open communication made it a win for me!
This is such a sweet story that shows us how easy it is to lose yourself in grief. But in addition to that how love conquers all, when given the chance.
I loved the contrast of light and heavy throughout this book. The banter and open communication made it a win for me!
September 28, 2024
Sweet
Nice story has alot of sad parts to it but its all part of growing up and moving on. Its about a single dad who puts his daughter always first and a young girl basically raising her dead sisters child. Both if them basically putting their lives on hold till chemistry between the two push them together.
Nice story has alot of sad parts to it but its all part of growing up and moving on. Its about a single dad who puts his daughter always first and a young girl basically raising her dead sisters child. Both if them basically putting their lives on hold till chemistry between the two push them together.
June 30, 2024
This book was sooooo cute I really loved it !! I definitely recommend it to anyone that loves rom-coms and real life situations. Something the reader can relate to! Love both books by Madeline and cannot wait to see what else she has in store !
November 22, 2025
I found this book in a little library . It had a note from the author saying this book takes place in her hometown of Oakville which is also my hometown. I was intrigued and I was not able to put this book down. I loved this book . So inspiring .
Can’t wait to read more from this local author
Can’t wait to read more from this local author
December 26, 2025
This was a very cute feel-good romance.
Loved the anxiety rep and I really enjoyed that it wasn’t just a romantic love story but also shared a healing journey.
Bonus points for Canadian characters and setting- love to see it!
Loved the anxiety rep and I really enjoyed that it wasn’t just a romantic love story but also shared a healing journey.
Bonus points for Canadian characters and setting- love to see it!
January 23, 2024
Sweet, funny, made me cry- all the feels. Loved the romance and felt the grief in my soul.
February 7, 2024
A timely read that captures the feeling of falling in love and the challenges that come with it for the millenials and gen z audience. Some unexpected twists and turns keep you locked in!
May 17, 2024
Super cute book! Such a good sweet romance. The way the family dealt with loss was so relatable to a lot of people. I’ll definitely be recommending this book
July 7, 2024
Single dads get me every time
July 19, 2024
What a fun read! I’m not typically a fan of second chance romances but this story was so cute! I can’t wait for Like A Love Song’s next book Not Actually!!!
August 2, 2024
its fun and cute!
August 2, 2024
There were many times I considered not finishing this book. Nothing stood out to me or wowed me
Having 4 “meet cutes” back to back to back felt like an overkill to me
Having 4 “meet cutes” back to back to back felt like an overkill to me
March 15, 2025
As a paramedic who reads a lot of romance novels, this one was a win for me!
September 30, 2025
Cute. Nothing crazy
September 26, 2023
clean fun read but with some sadness
This is a smooth sort of romance with the main problem between the two principals being the death of Magnolia’s sister. At first we don’t realize what a sticking point that is until the elephant in the corner is too overwhelming.
I enjoyed the story. The two year old was a typical terrible two which is a break from a cherub
This is a smooth sort of romance with the main problem between the two principals being the death of Magnolia’s sister. At first we don’t realize what a sticking point that is until the elephant in the corner is too overwhelming.
I enjoyed the story. The two year old was a typical terrible two which is a break from a cherub
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews