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The Summer of Songbirds
Four women come together to save the summer camp that changed their lives and rediscover themselves in this “moving and nostalgic” ( Southern Living ) new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil and the Peachtree Bluff series.
Nearly thirty years ago, in the wake of a personal tragedy, June Moore bought Camp Holly Springs and turned it into a thriving summer haven for girls. But now, June is in danger of losing the place she has sacrificed everything for.
June’s niece, Daphne, met her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, during a fateful summer at camp. They’ve all helped each other through hard things, from heartbreak and loss to substance abuse and unplanned pregnancy, and the three are inseparable even in their thirties. But when attorney Daphne is confronted with a relationship from her past—and a work issue becomes personal—she is faced with an impossible choice.
Lanier, meanwhile, is torn between the commitment she made to her fiancé and the one she made to her first love. And when a big secret comes to light, she finds herself at odds with her best friend…and risks losing the person she loves most in the process.
But nothing is more important to these songbirds than Camp Holly Springs. When the women learn their favorite place is in danger of closing, they band together to save it, sending them on a journey that promises to open the next chapters in their lives. A love letter to the places and people that make us who we are, The Summer of Songbirds is “a story to savor…and share with a friend” (Susan Mallory, New York Times bestselling author).
Nearly thirty years ago, in the wake of a personal tragedy, June Moore bought Camp Holly Springs and turned it into a thriving summer haven for girls. But now, June is in danger of losing the place she has sacrificed everything for.
June’s niece, Daphne, met her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, during a fateful summer at camp. They’ve all helped each other through hard things, from heartbreak and loss to substance abuse and unplanned pregnancy, and the three are inseparable even in their thirties. But when attorney Daphne is confronted with a relationship from her past—and a work issue becomes personal—she is faced with an impossible choice.
Lanier, meanwhile, is torn between the commitment she made to her fiancé and the one she made to her first love. And when a big secret comes to light, she finds herself at odds with her best friend…and risks losing the person she loves most in the process.
But nothing is more important to these songbirds than Camp Holly Springs. When the women learn their favorite place is in danger of closing, they band together to save it, sending them on a journey that promises to open the next chapters in their lives. A love letter to the places and people that make us who we are, The Summer of Songbirds is “a story to savor…and share with a friend” (Susan Mallory, New York Times bestselling author).
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2023
1959 people are currently reading
59708 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Woodson Harvey
17 books6,908 followersKristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of eleven novels including A Happier Life, The Summer of Songbirds, and The Peachtree Bluff Series. Many of her books have been optioned or are in development for television and film and have received numerous accolades, including Good Morning America’s Buzz Pick, Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Reads, Katie Couric’s Featured Books, and Joanna Garcia Swisher’s The Happy Place Read. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize.
A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Southern Living, Parade, Traditional Home, USA TODAY, and many more. She also holds a master’s in English, with a concentration in multicultural and transnational literature.
Kristy is the cocreator and cohost of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction with fellow New York Times Bestselling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, and Patti Callahan Henry. She is also the co-founder of the interiors site Design Chic, with her mom, Beth Woodson.
She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband, son, and dog, Salt, where she is (always!) working on her next novel.
A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Southern Living, Parade, Traditional Home, USA TODAY, and many more. She also holds a master’s in English, with a concentration in multicultural and transnational literature.
Kristy is the cocreator and cohost of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction with fellow New York Times Bestselling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, and Patti Callahan Henry. She is also the co-founder of the interiors site Design Chic, with her mom, Beth Woodson.
She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband, son, and dog, Salt, where she is (always!) working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,984 reviews
February 13, 2023
I am so grateful to everyone who reads this book and can’t wait to share my songbirds with you!!
July 18, 2023
2.5 - A story of 3 friends trying to save their childhood summer camp. This has amazing reviews here on GR so I had reallyyyyy high hopes, but I just didn't like it! It felt very randomly pieced together and at times would flip back and forth between then and now in the middle of a story, so it made it hard to keep track of what was happening. I really really wish I liked this because the whole premise was right up my alley, but it was not it IMO.
July 17, 2023
Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books are the ultimate in comfort reads. I’ve been calling them book comfort food since I first discovered her debut, Dear Carolina. Since then, I tell everyone I know about her books, and I look forward to one each and every summer, and sometimes in winter, too. Kristy and I share an alma mater and a home state we both love, especially the coastal region. With each story there’s something I connect to with deep nostalgia like the playground at an old beach hotel where I spent countless hours, or with this book, The Summer of Songbirds; camp and summers spent on the water. The story is set in a fictional location that is spot-on to where I spent four years growing up, four of my favorite years.
Four women are at the heart of this story, Lanier, Mary Stuart, Daphne, and her aunt, June, who owns the camp for girls. Three of the women forge a lifelong friendship while attending Camp Holly Springs. I loved those back-in-time chapters, and it made me long for the long, lazy days I spent with my cousins and friends when they would visit us at the beach. Each of the women has something she is struggling with, and for June, the camp is in financial jeopardy. The women rally, and they continue to help each other with all their hard things.
Years ago, I remember reading an interview where Kristy shared that she reads and re-reads her own writing to make sure the flow is as natural as possible. I think of that every time I read her books because I know she must still do it. I can consume her books lickety split because of that smoothness, but at the same time, I never want them to end. I cherished my time spent with the friends and aunt June, the days at camp, the men who come into their lives, and especially those who stuck around. I’m hoping we‘ll continue to have Cape Carolina as a backdrop, and I’m counting the days until next summer when I get to visit again.
I received a gifted copy but I also preordered a copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Four women are at the heart of this story, Lanier, Mary Stuart, Daphne, and her aunt, June, who owns the camp for girls. Three of the women forge a lifelong friendship while attending Camp Holly Springs. I loved those back-in-time chapters, and it made me long for the long, lazy days I spent with my cousins and friends when they would visit us at the beach. Each of the women has something she is struggling with, and for June, the camp is in financial jeopardy. The women rally, and they continue to help each other with all their hard things.
Years ago, I remember reading an interview where Kristy shared that she reads and re-reads her own writing to make sure the flow is as natural as possible. I think of that every time I read her books because I know she must still do it. I can consume her books lickety split because of that smoothness, but at the same time, I never want them to end. I cherished my time spent with the friends and aunt June, the days at camp, the men who come into their lives, and especially those who stuck around. I’m hoping we‘ll continue to have Cape Carolina as a backdrop, and I’m counting the days until next summer when I get to visit again.
I received a gifted copy but I also preordered a copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 28, 2024
For anyone looking for another great summer read, this will always be one of my favorites!
—-
HAPPY RELEASE DAY! 🤗
The Summer of Songbirds is a beautiful story about unconditional love. Without completely escaping the realities of adulthood, Harvey perfectly captures the nostalgia of childhood summers, the beginnings of lifelong friendships, and the enduring memories of first loves that never completely fade. This made me both laugh and cry but most of all, it inspired me with the ultimate message of forgiveness & the importance of choosing to repair relationships with the people we love most. There’s always a way to move forward when you have the right people in your circle.
Big thank you Kristy Harvey for my early copy! The countdown is on for 7/11/23 and I can’t wait for others to enjoy this as much as I did!
—-
HAPPY RELEASE DAY! 🤗
The Summer of Songbirds is a beautiful story about unconditional love. Without completely escaping the realities of adulthood, Harvey perfectly captures the nostalgia of childhood summers, the beginnings of lifelong friendships, and the enduring memories of first loves that never completely fade. This made me both laugh and cry but most of all, it inspired me with the ultimate message of forgiveness & the importance of choosing to repair relationships with the people we love most. There’s always a way to move forward when you have the right people in your circle.
Big thank you Kristy Harvey for my early copy! The countdown is on for 7/11/23 and I can’t wait for others to enjoy this as much as I did!
July 21, 2023
Fair winds and following seas.
Three little girls form a summer camp bond that lasts for decades. Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart have been doing hard things for each other for years. Then Daphne becomes aware of lawsuits being filed against Lanier's fiance'. To tell Lanier will compromise Daphne's law practice. What to do? Meanwhile, Mary Stuart is getting married and Daphne is reigniting a relationship with an old flame. It's complicated. Daphne's Aunt June is also an integral part of the cast and is the director of Camp Holly Springs and needs help keeping the camp from closing due to financial difficulties. There are quite a few moving parts in this one, but they all come together to give us a very satisfying ending. Just one more bit of wisdom from the Songbirds:
Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.
Thank you to Gallery Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Three little girls form a summer camp bond that lasts for decades. Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart have been doing hard things for each other for years. Then Daphne becomes aware of lawsuits being filed against Lanier's fiance'. To tell Lanier will compromise Daphne's law practice. What to do? Meanwhile, Mary Stuart is getting married and Daphne is reigniting a relationship with an old flame. It's complicated. Daphne's Aunt June is also an integral part of the cast and is the director of Camp Holly Springs and needs help keeping the camp from closing due to financial difficulties. There are quite a few moving parts in this one, but they all come together to give us a very satisfying ending. Just one more bit of wisdom from the Songbirds:
Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.
Thank you to Gallery Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2023
Very disappointed in this. I normally love this author’s books but I couldn’t get into this at all. I couldn’t even keep the characters straight.
June 15, 2023
I can honestly say Summer of Songbirds is KWH at her FINEST, and I have read all of her books! Add this to your TBR, preorder a copy, request it from the library because I promise, this will be one not to miss this summer.
What I loved:
-SUMMER CAMP setting! Being a huge sleep away camp girl myself, I was immediately transported right to my childhood summers at my favorite place ever. KWH made me feel all the nostalgia from the bunks to the blob to the camp songs and so much more.
-The full cast of characters! This story alternates between the POV of two best friends, Daphne and Lainer, and then Daphne’s aunt, and owner of Camp Holly Springs, June. All three characters were equally lovable and had great arcs. Daphne and Lainer also had a third best friend, Mary Stuart, and while there were no chapters narrated by her, we got to see her POV through email exchanges with her friends and amazing friendship dialogue, which I loved!
-All the romance! While this is a women’s fiction story at heart, readers will get to witness two epic second chance romances. I loved both Huff and Rich, especially how forgiving and sincere they each were.
-Found family theme! Once you start reading, you will quickly learn that these characters have formed one epic, interconnected family throughout the years, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye!
-Single mom trope! Daphne is a successful, hardworking mom who has the most adorable four year old, Henry. What’s even better is how her son’s father, Steven, was integrated into the story. While never married and not together, the co-parenting was drama free and full of platonic love. It was so great to see how much Daphne and Steven cared about each other, which is something not often show in books a lot.
-The last few chapters were excellent. All the loose ends were tied up perfectly, and it brought a lot of closure to the themes unraveled in the story.
I hope this has persuaded you to read this one!!
Thank you so much Gallery Books for the ARC! Pub date 7/11/23
What I loved:
-SUMMER CAMP setting! Being a huge sleep away camp girl myself, I was immediately transported right to my childhood summers at my favorite place ever. KWH made me feel all the nostalgia from the bunks to the blob to the camp songs and so much more.
-The full cast of characters! This story alternates between the POV of two best friends, Daphne and Lainer, and then Daphne’s aunt, and owner of Camp Holly Springs, June. All three characters were equally lovable and had great arcs. Daphne and Lainer also had a third best friend, Mary Stuart, and while there were no chapters narrated by her, we got to see her POV through email exchanges with her friends and amazing friendship dialogue, which I loved!
-All the romance! While this is a women’s fiction story at heart, readers will get to witness two epic second chance romances. I loved both Huff and Rich, especially how forgiving and sincere they each were.
-Found family theme! Once you start reading, you will quickly learn that these characters have formed one epic, interconnected family throughout the years, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye!
-Single mom trope! Daphne is a successful, hardworking mom who has the most adorable four year old, Henry. What’s even better is how her son’s father, Steven, was integrated into the story. While never married and not together, the co-parenting was drama free and full of platonic love. It was so great to see how much Daphne and Steven cared about each other, which is something not often show in books a lot.
-The last few chapters were excellent. All the loose ends were tied up perfectly, and it brought a lot of closure to the themes unraveled in the story.
I hope this has persuaded you to read this one!!
Thank you so much Gallery Books for the ARC! Pub date 7/11/23
September 16, 2023
4.5⭐️ The epitome of the summer read, Kristy Woodson Harvey’s latest packs a powerful, nostalgic punch. Told from multiple perspectives and within a past and present timeframe, this story of lifelong friendships, found family and second chance romance was beautifully executed from start to finish. In fact, with writing so rich in detail and well developed, relatable characters, even those who did not attend summer camp can appreciate and connect with this story.
What I loved most about Songbirds is that it merges quite a few different themes and genres together, and does so seamlessly. The romance did not overpower the theme of female friendships; the family dynamics did not overpower the importance of the camp, the love they had for it and the desire to save it. Instead, each element worked to compliment another. The result - a gorgeously written, heartwarming story that was impossible to put down.
Read if you like:
•summer camp nostalgia
•strong female friendships
•found family
•multiple povs
•north carolina setting
Thank you Uplit Reads and Simon Audio for my gifted copies.
What I loved most about Songbirds is that it merges quite a few different themes and genres together, and does so seamlessly. The romance did not overpower the theme of female friendships; the family dynamics did not overpower the importance of the camp, the love they had for it and the desire to save it. Instead, each element worked to compliment another. The result - a gorgeously written, heartwarming story that was impossible to put down.
Read if you like:
•summer camp nostalgia
•strong female friendships
•found family
•multiple povs
•north carolina setting
Thank you Uplit Reads and Simon Audio for my gifted copies.
July 11, 2023
3.5 stars
The Summer of Songbirds was a pleasant read. If you have a favorite outdoor reading spot this book is a good one to sit back and relax with while drinking a cold beverage of your choice. The story has a bit of everything including love, heartbreak, friendship and tough choices.
When Daphne was six years old, she attended her aunt June's summer camp for the first time. At Camp Holly Springs she met Lanier and Mary Stuart and decades later they are still best friends. When times are rough, they can count on each other. The chapters alternate between Daphne, Lanier, and June.
I was surprised the author chose to feature the aunt rather than the third friend but it became clear June had a more interesting storyline arc than Mary Stuart. I liked what June brought to the table but wish there was more development with her character. Not as much attention was devoted to her which is a shame because her character to me was the most intriguing.
Daphne and Lanier both had interesting friendship dilemmas. In all honesty, I didn't find either woman to be super likable but that's okay as it's not a requirement in order to enjoy the story. There's beautiful sentiment in the writing that really brings everything together in a lovely way. The story as a whole works well and if you are looking for a nice summer read, this book is worth checking out.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites for sending me an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
The Summer of Songbirds was a pleasant read. If you have a favorite outdoor reading spot this book is a good one to sit back and relax with while drinking a cold beverage of your choice. The story has a bit of everything including love, heartbreak, friendship and tough choices.
When Daphne was six years old, she attended her aunt June's summer camp for the first time. At Camp Holly Springs she met Lanier and Mary Stuart and decades later they are still best friends. When times are rough, they can count on each other. The chapters alternate between Daphne, Lanier, and June.
I was surprised the author chose to feature the aunt rather than the third friend but it became clear June had a more interesting storyline arc than Mary Stuart. I liked what June brought to the table but wish there was more development with her character. Not as much attention was devoted to her which is a shame because her character to me was the most intriguing.
Daphne and Lanier both had interesting friendship dilemmas. In all honesty, I didn't find either woman to be super likable but that's okay as it's not a requirement in order to enjoy the story. There's beautiful sentiment in the writing that really brings everything together in a lovely way. The story as a whole works well and if you are looking for a nice summer read, this book is worth checking out.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites for sending me an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
July 23, 2023
Bleh. I could not get past the author's insistence that 6 year old girls act, think and plan like fully functional adults. Uff. Read 50 pages, you'll know how it all turns out, then skip to the epilogue to confirm.
July 10, 2023
The PERFECT summer 📖 recommendation.
Thank you @gallerybooks and @kristywharvey for the gifted copy.
The Summer of Songbirds is available July 11th.
💪🏻 Female Friendships ✔️
Second Chance ❤️ ✔️
Summer ⛺️ ✔️
Multiple POVs ✔️
I picked this up because it seemed like the perfect book to read at the lake and it did NOT disappoint. In fact, it surpassed my expectations in all ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this nostalgic story and hope many of you decide to pick it up this summer.
“Four women come together to save the summer camp that changed their lives and rediscover themselves in the process in this moving new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil and the Peachtree Bluff series.”
Thank you @gallerybooks and @kristywharvey for the gifted copy.
The Summer of Songbirds is available July 11th.
💪🏻 Female Friendships ✔️
Second Chance ❤️ ✔️
Summer ⛺️ ✔️
Multiple POVs ✔️
I picked this up because it seemed like the perfect book to read at the lake and it did NOT disappoint. In fact, it surpassed my expectations in all ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this nostalgic story and hope many of you decide to pick it up this summer.
“Four women come together to save the summer camp that changed their lives and rediscover themselves in the process in this moving new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil and the Peachtree Bluff series.”
April 14, 2023
I loved every minute of this book. Harvey has done it again and who does like a story of lifelong friendships. This is one to add to your summer reading list. You won't be able to put it down.
I gave this 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
I gave this 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
August 8, 2023
Drama! Weddings on the horizon! Secrets! Second chance romance! Women squealing with excitement! This is a summer story of longtime girlfriends as close as sisters. Greatly anticipated as one of this year’s top beach reads, it was too much chick-lit for me.
The three 30-year-old main characters were still acting like high-schoolers throughout this novel about saving a beloved summer camp. The chapters, alternating between three women (two of the girlfriends and an aunt) all seemed like they were told by the same person, so I had to keep flipping back the pages to find out whose point of view was being shared.
It was a predictable testament to female friendship that has found a grateful audience, but sadly this book is not for me.
The three 30-year-old main characters were still acting like high-schoolers throughout this novel about saving a beloved summer camp. The chapters, alternating between three women (two of the girlfriends and an aunt) all seemed like they were told by the same person, so I had to keep flipping back the pages to find out whose point of view was being shared.
It was a predictable testament to female friendship that has found a grateful audience, but sadly this book is not for me.
August 9, 2023
This was a terrific summer book!
What starts out as a new friendship between three six-year-old girls at summer camp, turns into a friendship that lasts a lifetime. I've never been to "summer camp", but this book makes me wish that I had! But, it also reminds me of the great summers that I did have growing up with my friends.
What starts out as a new friendship between three six-year-old girls at summer camp, turns into a friendship that lasts a lifetime. I've never been to "summer camp", but this book makes me wish that I had! But, it also reminds me of the great summers that I did have growing up with my friends.
July 18, 2023
A solid 3 🌟 beach 🏖️ read!
The Good:
• Nostalgia 🥰
• Camp 🏕️
• Ride or Die friendships 👯♀️
• Working through the highs and lows 🩷
SOLID UGLY CRIES & HAPPY FEEL GOOD MOMENTS
The Bad:
• A mean girl storyline that makes no sense
• Characterization is a bit bland
• Average ARCs
• Predictable Ending
I knew straight away that I would cry 😭 those ugly cries. I am missing my best friend in the whole world so much right now. We met in summer band camp then went to actual summer camp together later. We were inseparable and probably still would be if we lived in the same state.
The book is told in 4 different POVS, Daphne, June, Lanier and Mary Stuart. Daphne is the strongest character and was developed the most out of all of them. But it’s easy to see, you either connect with her or you don’t.
June is her aunt and we would all love her at camp!
Mary Stuart is a main character but nothing happens with her. Her character helps move the plot along and is likable.
::::::::::::::::: SPOILERS:::::::::::::
.
.
.
.
.
LANIER
I cannot begin to RECONCILE how a best friend/Sister stays by her BFF’s side through recovery but AT THE SAME TIME is the biggest TOXIC MEAN GIRL!?!?!?
It makes no sense. Without her “JEALOUSY” of her brother Huff and Daphne, we would not have a storyline folks. It made zero sense as to why she would be creepy jealous when they were younger.
The NOT TALKING/NOT COMMUNICATING TROPE is my least favorite.
How can you be best friends and not talk about this through the years. It happens then BLOOP …. Never discussed?
I have so many highlights about her - so kudos to the author for making me hate her so much.
She gets so angry at Daphne, who is a lawyer bound by attorney client privilege, doesn’t tell her what’s going on with her fiancé.
I found her to be a selfish, immature bitch.
When it came to Rich, he shouldn’t have taken her back. I mean he takes the fall for her back when and then she ignored him… FOR YEARS !
Then the second coming of their relationship happens and then she ignores him AGAIN!!
Lanier LIES to her brother about Daphne to AGAIN ruin their relationship and LITERALLY ASKS, “but was I right to?” (Poor grammar)
Excerpt:
“With that, I stormed out of the dining hall, my heart pounding. I had clung to my moral superiority for years. But was I right to? If I hadn’t interfered, would Huff and Daphne be together now? Would they be happily married with a kid or two? I pushed the thought away.”
My answer FUCK NO SISTA !!
So this is why the book disintegrated 2 🌟 from its rating.
BUT ANYWAYS …..
I enjoyed Daphne’s story. I loved her love story. I felt it. I loved her little boy Henry too.
The songbirds made me laugh, cry, get angry and fall in love. It made me feel nostalgic and seriously miss my bestie. I love that the book did this.
I’m kinda glad I didn’t read this at the beach because I cried lol ! I read the story pretty quickly. Perfect vacation read!
The Good:
• Nostalgia 🥰
• Camp 🏕️
• Ride or Die friendships 👯♀️
• Working through the highs and lows 🩷
SOLID UGLY CRIES & HAPPY FEEL GOOD MOMENTS
The Bad:
• A mean girl storyline that makes no sense
• Characterization is a bit bland
• Average ARCs
• Predictable Ending
I knew straight away that I would cry 😭 those ugly cries. I am missing my best friend in the whole world so much right now. We met in summer band camp then went to actual summer camp together later. We were inseparable and probably still would be if we lived in the same state.
The book is told in 4 different POVS, Daphne, June, Lanier and Mary Stuart. Daphne is the strongest character and was developed the most out of all of them. But it’s easy to see, you either connect with her or you don’t.
June is her aunt and we would all love her at camp!
Mary Stuart is a main character but nothing happens with her. Her character helps move the plot along and is likable.
::::::::::::::::: SPOILERS:::::::::::::
.
.
.
.
.
LANIER
I cannot begin to RECONCILE how a best friend/Sister stays by her BFF’s side through recovery but AT THE SAME TIME is the biggest TOXIC MEAN GIRL!?!?!?
It makes no sense. Without her “JEALOUSY” of her brother Huff and Daphne, we would not have a storyline folks. It made zero sense as to why she would be creepy jealous when they were younger.
The NOT TALKING/NOT COMMUNICATING TROPE is my least favorite.
How can you be best friends and not talk about this through the years. It happens then BLOOP …. Never discussed?
I have so many highlights about her - so kudos to the author for making me hate her so much.
She gets so angry at Daphne, who is a lawyer bound by attorney client privilege, doesn’t tell her what’s going on with her fiancé.
I found her to be a selfish, immature bitch.
When it came to Rich, he shouldn’t have taken her back. I mean he takes the fall for her back when and then she ignored him… FOR YEARS !
Then the second coming of their relationship happens and then she ignores him AGAIN!!
Lanier LIES to her brother about Daphne to AGAIN ruin their relationship and LITERALLY ASKS, “but was I right to?” (Poor grammar)
Excerpt:
“With that, I stormed out of the dining hall, my heart pounding. I had clung to my moral superiority for years. But was I right to? If I hadn’t interfered, would Huff and Daphne be together now? Would they be happily married with a kid or two? I pushed the thought away.”
My answer FUCK NO SISTA !!
So this is why the book disintegrated 2 🌟 from its rating.
BUT ANYWAYS …..
I enjoyed Daphne’s story. I loved her love story. I felt it. I loved her little boy Henry too.
The songbirds made me laugh, cry, get angry and fall in love. It made me feel nostalgic and seriously miss my bestie. I love that the book did this.
I’m kinda glad I didn’t read this at the beach because I cried lol ! I read the story pretty quickly. Perfect vacation read!
April 23, 2023
I've read every word that Kristy Woodson Harvey has written and I can tell you that this is her best yet. My prediction is that this will be THE book of the summer of 2023 and the book that everyone will be talking about!
Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart meet on the first day of Camp Holly Springs when they are 6 years old. A camp friendship formed almost immediately and they continued to meet a camp over the years and even worked as counselors when they were older. Now 30 years later they are still best of friends, helping each other through the problems in life and celebrating their good times together. Daphne is now an attorney and has just been faced with an insurmountable choice between her career and taking care of her young son, Lanier is getting married soon and is depending on her friends to take care of all the loose ends. Mary Stuart is just getting ready to marry. I especially enjoyed the emails that they sent to each other asking for help on the hard things going on in their lives -- something that each girl didn't want to face but knew that one of her friends would have no problem with. When the three long time friends decide to have Lanier's bachelorette party at the camp, it brings back a lot of memories and brings one of them face to face with their first love. This is when they find out that June - the camp owner and Daphne's aunt - is in financial trouble and is planning to sell the camp to a developer. When they find out, they work to save their beloved camp so that other girls can enjoy their summers like the three friends did when they were young.
This is a story about summer in all its glory, friendship that endures through the years and how lessons that we learn at a young age continue to guide us through our lives. It shows the importance of female friendship and has bit of romance, a few tears and a lot of happiness! Even if you didn't go to summer camp when you were young, the book still brings back memories of growing up during fantastic summers.
Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart meet on the first day of Camp Holly Springs when they are 6 years old. A camp friendship formed almost immediately and they continued to meet a camp over the years and even worked as counselors when they were older. Now 30 years later they are still best of friends, helping each other through the problems in life and celebrating their good times together. Daphne is now an attorney and has just been faced with an insurmountable choice between her career and taking care of her young son, Lanier is getting married soon and is depending on her friends to take care of all the loose ends. Mary Stuart is just getting ready to marry. I especially enjoyed the emails that they sent to each other asking for help on the hard things going on in their lives -- something that each girl didn't want to face but knew that one of her friends would have no problem with. When the three long time friends decide to have Lanier's bachelorette party at the camp, it brings back a lot of memories and brings one of them face to face with their first love. This is when they find out that June - the camp owner and Daphne's aunt - is in financial trouble and is planning to sell the camp to a developer. When they find out, they work to save their beloved camp so that other girls can enjoy their summers like the three friends did when they were young.
This is a story about summer in all its glory, friendship that endures through the years and how lessons that we learn at a young age continue to guide us through our lives. It shows the importance of female friendship and has bit of romance, a few tears and a lot of happiness! Even if you didn't go to summer camp when you were young, the book still brings back memories of growing up during fantastic summers.
March 11, 2023
Kristy Woodson Harvey's new novel made me remember the joys of childhood and the complications of being a grownup and how friendship endures through difficulties and how love binds us together. This is a delightful novel, a yummy summer read.
June 25, 2024
Master Southern storyteller Kristy Woodson Harvey (a favorite) returns following The Wedding Veil and the Peachtree Bluff series with her latest summer sizzler, THE SUMMER OF SONGBIRDS —a perfect beach read! Four women come together to save a much-loved and memorable summer camp.
June Moore has some difficult decisions to make. She is about to lose Camp Holly Springs. The camp has been her life for over thirty years. She sacrificed for the camp—her business, and her home.
Her niece Daphne loved the camp where she met her best friends Lanier and Mary Stuart. She spent every summer here with her aunt. The girls (The Songbirds) are now women in their thirties. She must tell them the news and knows they will be devastated.
Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart met on the first day of Camp Holly Springs when they were six. Their friendship continued over the years, and later worked as counselors.
Daphne is a single mom of four-year-old Henry. Steven is a large part of their lives, a great dad, friends, but never married. Huff is the love of her life, but they are keeping it a secret for now.
When Daphne learns of her aunt June's financial situation and possibly the loss of the much-loved camp, she is ready to help. Her aunt June was there for her when he mom was not. The camp meant so much that she rallied her friends for assistance.
Lanier is to be married, but her fiancé is not the man she thought, and then an old flame surfaces, her first love, and she is torn. Then a secret comes out, which causes problems with her best friend.
Mary Stuart is getting married, and they plan a bachelorette party at the camp. This brings back a lot of memories and first loves.
The three women decide they will use their skills to raise money to help save the camp for Aunt June and hold a special camp weekend for all the families and friends of those who attended camp over the years.
Daphne is reconnecting with Huff, the love of her life. Huff is Lanier's brother, and the two friends are upset that Lanier is about to marry the wrong man. Hopefully, at the bachelorette camp, they will convince her otherwise.
No matter their problems, nothing is more critical to the songbirds than Camp Holly Springs!
Kristy Woodson Harvey dazzled us with her debut and every single book since. A huge fan, she again pens a beautiful, compelling, nostalgic, charming summer read of friendship, love, loss, romance, sisterhood, family, self-discovery, healing, and second chances.
THE SUMMER OF SONGBIRDS is essential for your summer reading. Rich in setting, place, and character with loads of charm, heart, and important takeaways. If you ever attended summer camp (or your kids), you will adore revisiting those memorable lazy summer days when things were simpler —nature, first loves, friendships, and good times.
A summer delight and an ideal book club pick! For fans of Jennifer Weiner's Golden Hills.
As I mentioned years ago, the author is a mix of Emily Giffin and Dorothea Benton Frank and is well-deserving of the title with her signature voice as the top Southern author of today. Every book is 5 STARS! Do not miss this one.
Special thanks to the author and Gallery books for the beautiful print copy, and truly honored to be included with her long list of supporters and the beautiful swag - I love the KWH fanny pack put to good use. Also, thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: July 11, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars +
July 2023 Must-Read Books
June Moore has some difficult decisions to make. She is about to lose Camp Holly Springs. The camp has been her life for over thirty years. She sacrificed for the camp—her business, and her home.
Her niece Daphne loved the camp where she met her best friends Lanier and Mary Stuart. She spent every summer here with her aunt. The girls (The Songbirds) are now women in their thirties. She must tell them the news and knows they will be devastated.
Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart met on the first day of Camp Holly Springs when they were six. Their friendship continued over the years, and later worked as counselors.
Daphne is a single mom of four-year-old Henry. Steven is a large part of their lives, a great dad, friends, but never married. Huff is the love of her life, but they are keeping it a secret for now.
When Daphne learns of her aunt June's financial situation and possibly the loss of the much-loved camp, she is ready to help. Her aunt June was there for her when he mom was not. The camp meant so much that she rallied her friends for assistance.
Lanier is to be married, but her fiancé is not the man she thought, and then an old flame surfaces, her first love, and she is torn. Then a secret comes out, which causes problems with her best friend.
Mary Stuart is getting married, and they plan a bachelorette party at the camp. This brings back a lot of memories and first loves.
The three women decide they will use their skills to raise money to help save the camp for Aunt June and hold a special camp weekend for all the families and friends of those who attended camp over the years.
Daphne is reconnecting with Huff, the love of her life. Huff is Lanier's brother, and the two friends are upset that Lanier is about to marry the wrong man. Hopefully, at the bachelorette camp, they will convince her otherwise.
No matter their problems, nothing is more critical to the songbirds than Camp Holly Springs!
Kristy Woodson Harvey dazzled us with her debut and every single book since. A huge fan, she again pens a beautiful, compelling, nostalgic, charming summer read of friendship, love, loss, romance, sisterhood, family, self-discovery, healing, and second chances.
THE SUMMER OF SONGBIRDS is essential for your summer reading. Rich in setting, place, and character with loads of charm, heart, and important takeaways. If you ever attended summer camp (or your kids), you will adore revisiting those memorable lazy summer days when things were simpler —nature, first loves, friendships, and good times.
A summer delight and an ideal book club pick! For fans of Jennifer Weiner's Golden Hills.
As I mentioned years ago, the author is a mix of Emily Giffin and Dorothea Benton Frank and is well-deserving of the title with her signature voice as the top Southern author of today. Every book is 5 STARS! Do not miss this one.
Special thanks to the author and Gallery books for the beautiful print copy, and truly honored to be included with her long list of supporters and the beautiful swag - I love the KWH fanny pack put to good use. Also, thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: July 11, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars +
July 2023 Must-Read Books
March 19, 2023
It’s hard to come down from the euphoria of reading this awesome Southern Women’s Fiction story. It’s simply the best Women’s Fiction I’ve read this year. The completeness of the characterization of each of the cast members; the rich, descriptive narrative that took me there alongside them; the emotional buildup I felt as the reader in each person’s life because they seemed so real to me; and the way that realness of the words touched all my emotions. That’s everything I look for in an extraordinary book. I finished the story feeling like the author left no stone unturned. The circle of life is clearly portrayed in this marvelous summer story that I highly recommend to readers of Southern Women’s Fiction and to everyone who simply enjoys a fantastic read! If I could give this story 10 Stars, I would.
“The Summer of Songbirds” is a must-read. It’s amazing. Author Krista Woodson Harvey is clearly a gifted storyteller. “Fair winds and following seas!”
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Gallery Books. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
“The Summer of Songbirds” is a must-read. It’s amazing. Author Krista Woodson Harvey is clearly a gifted storyteller. “Fair winds and following seas!”
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Gallery Books. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
June 30, 2024
A perfect summer read.
May 17, 2023
The Summer of Songbirds ⛵️
Thank you, Gallery Books & UpLit Reads, for the gifted copy of this book {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 7.11.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"We belong together. Like sand and the ocean. Like flowers and the soil. Like songbirds and the sky."
Leave it to Kristy Woodson Harvey to deliver just the book I needed!
I didn't have the opportunity to attend summer camp as a child, but this book painted the perfect picture of what it must've been like to experience and cultivate friendships like Daphne, Mary Stuart, and Lanier. The characters in this book are the true embodiment of found family. Kristy Woodson Harvey always creates real, relatable characters that I can't help but love (even if they mettle in other's relationships - I'm looking at you, Lanier).
There were additional elements that I particularly loved about this book - broken families and romance. While these are contrasting themes, they added grit to the story I didn't know I needed. Without giving much away, Daphne comes from a family broken by addiction, which Daphne also struggles with during her earlier years. As hard as it was to read some of these chapters, KWH added romance for the older Daphne, which helped soften the darker edges of the book. It was a welcome addition to the story that added a lot of character depth.
🥰 Friendship & found family
⛵️ Summer camp setting
🗣️ Three perspectives (Daphne, June, & Lanier)
🙌🏼 Relatable characters
🔥 Huff
👌🏼 Character growth
💯 Perfect ending
I recommend reading The Summer of Songbirds if you're looking for the perfect summer read!
______
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Thank you, Gallery Books & UpLit Reads, for the gifted copy of this book {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 7.11.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"We belong together. Like sand and the ocean. Like flowers and the soil. Like songbirds and the sky."
Leave it to Kristy Woodson Harvey to deliver just the book I needed!
I didn't have the opportunity to attend summer camp as a child, but this book painted the perfect picture of what it must've been like to experience and cultivate friendships like Daphne, Mary Stuart, and Lanier. The characters in this book are the true embodiment of found family. Kristy Woodson Harvey always creates real, relatable characters that I can't help but love (even if they mettle in other's relationships - I'm looking at you, Lanier).
There were additional elements that I particularly loved about this book - broken families and romance. While these are contrasting themes, they added grit to the story I didn't know I needed. Without giving much away, Daphne comes from a family broken by addiction, which Daphne also struggles with during her earlier years. As hard as it was to read some of these chapters, KWH added romance for the older Daphne, which helped soften the darker edges of the book. It was a welcome addition to the story that added a lot of character depth.
🥰 Friendship & found family
⛵️ Summer camp setting
🗣️ Three perspectives (Daphne, June, & Lanier)
🙌🏼 Relatable characters
🔥 Huff
👌🏼 Character growth
💯 Perfect ending
I recommend reading The Summer of Songbirds if you're looking for the perfect summer read!
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend....
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookendd...
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
September 10, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. I loved summer camp as a kid. Romance is my jam. But. I have zero love for this books.
I found Daphne and Lanier to be HIGHLY irritating. The only character of the trio I liked was Mary Stuart. Who for some reason was a back up character to their three musketeers friendship and didn’t get her own POV? The male characters were all cringey. The dialogue between characters felt inauthentic.
By the time I got 70% through, I didn’t care if the whole camp burned down and after struggling to get to that point, decided it was time to DNF and move on.
I found Daphne and Lanier to be HIGHLY irritating. The only character of the trio I liked was Mary Stuart. Who for some reason was a back up character to their three musketeers friendship and didn’t get her own POV? The male characters were all cringey. The dialogue between characters felt inauthentic.
By the time I got 70% through, I didn’t care if the whole camp burned down and after struggling to get to that point, decided it was time to DNF and move on.
August 30, 2023
DNF at 37%. I am livid at the way Goodreads bamboozled me on this book. Is this what passes for good story these days? Where are the 4 and 5 stars coming from? Literal 15 year olds? Scratch that, I have to think a 15 year old would have a more mature, multi-dimensional POV than literally a single character in this book.
Literally nothing that happened up to this point nor ANY of the relationships feel authentic or real life. I couldn’t get through a single page without rolling my eyes or gritting my teeth, it just sucks. The more I think about it, the more I think the author just has to be some AI human being whose entire existence was spent learning the technical aspects of writing without ever experiencing real effing life in any sense.
Editing to add: the DUMPING of exposition at all times is just downright sinful for an author this far into her career.
Literally nothing that happened up to this point nor ANY of the relationships feel authentic or real life. I couldn’t get through a single page without rolling my eyes or gritting my teeth, it just sucks. The more I think about it, the more I think the author just has to be some AI human being whose entire existence was spent learning the technical aspects of writing without ever experiencing real effing life in any sense.
Editing to add: the DUMPING of exposition at all times is just downright sinful for an author this far into her career.
August 14, 2023
Have your insulin syringe handy, this chic lit novel might even be too sugary sweet for the Hallmark Channel. The author is a technically talented writer but the story line was so saccharine I was rolling my eyes throughout most of the novel. Three women who met at girls' camp become lifelong friends, as adults they rally to help save the financially strapped camp, romances bloom then fade then reignite, etc. The Summer of Songbirds was recommended on national news in addition to the Goodreads 4 and 5 star reviews. The book resonated with many but was a washout for me.
June 6, 2023
I wouldn't expect anything less from KWH. Another fabulous book about friendship and forgiveness and the greatest backdrop of all: summer camp.
Four women return to the sleep away camp that bound them for life, setting them on a course for self-discovery and healing.
What to expect: Woodson Harvey’s engaging prose, the warm nostalgia of camp, and the childhood bonds that carry us through life’s most touching moments. A beautiful story.
Four women return to the sleep away camp that bound them for life, setting them on a course for self-discovery and healing.
What to expect: Woodson Harvey’s engaging prose, the warm nostalgia of camp, and the childhood bonds that carry us through life’s most touching moments. A beautiful story.
April 2, 2025
4.5 stars!
This book has been on my backlist for awhile and I was so happy to finally get to it. I alternated between the book and audiobook which I thoroughly enjoyed 😊
Three girls form a summer camp bond that lasts for decades. Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart have been doing hard things for each other for years.
The story is centered around Camp Holly Springs.. a summer camp over the years for many young girls that is now in danger of closing.. with Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart banding together to save it.
This is a very touching story about sisterhood, found family , second chances and lifelong friendship .. all coming full circle.
Once again, Kristy Woodson Harvey has written a beautiful story.
• Female friendship
• Summer camp
• Best friend’s brother
• Second chance romance
• Multiple POV’s
~Fair winds and following seas.~
This book has been on my backlist for awhile and I was so happy to finally get to it. I alternated between the book and audiobook which I thoroughly enjoyed 😊
Three girls form a summer camp bond that lasts for decades. Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart have been doing hard things for each other for years.
The story is centered around Camp Holly Springs.. a summer camp over the years for many young girls that is now in danger of closing.. with Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart banding together to save it.
This is a very touching story about sisterhood, found family , second chances and lifelong friendship .. all coming full circle.
Once again, Kristy Woodson Harvey has written a beautiful story.
• Female friendship
• Summer camp
• Best friend’s brother
• Second chance romance
• Multiple POV’s
~Fair winds and following seas.~
May 11, 2024
This is a tricky book to rate because it kept me turning pages, and that’s something I really appreciate! But there were several things that bugged me:
1)Lanier was the most unlikable character, and she totally did not deserve a happy ending! I’m still scratching my head about why Rich took her back.
2)Why was Mary Stuart in this book? She played no important roles and didn’t even get a POV.
3)Speaking of which, why did June get a POV? I really feel like her information could have been revealed via Daphne.
After all that, the only thing left that I liked was Huff and Daphne’s story. It was really sweet and definitely redeemed some of the annoying aspects.
Overall, this was a nostalgic summer read- I just question some of the editing.
1)Lanier was the most unlikable character, and she totally did not deserve a happy ending! I’m still scratching my head about why Rich took her back.
2)Why was Mary Stuart in this book? She played no important roles and didn’t even get a POV.
3)Speaking of which, why did June get a POV? I really feel like her information could have been revealed via Daphne.
After all that, the only thing left that I liked was Huff and Daphne’s story. It was really sweet and definitely redeemed some of the annoying aspects.
Overall, this was a nostalgic summer read- I just question some of the editing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2022
Excellent to See 💖 Kristy Woodson Harvey has a new book coming out 4/25/2023
It Sounds Great! Can’t Wait to Read This One 💖
It Sounds Great! Can’t Wait to Read This One 💖
October 26, 2023
A sweet story of lifelong friendships, first loves, and the nostalgia of summer camp.
August 24, 2023
I loved this heartfelt, nostalgic novel of days gone past at a summer camp, reminiscent of my own childhood.. a serendipitous tale for that summer getaway wherever you are!! 📚🏕️🦉🚣🏼♀️🎣
The story is centered around Camp Holly Springs.. a summer respite over the years for many young girls that is now in danger of closing.. with the songbirds🪶(now adults) banding together to save it. This is a very moving and relatable tale about sisterhood, the messiness of friendship, family and second chances.. those guilt laden mistakes + the rekindling of romance with a first love.. all bringing life full circle. Once again, Kristy Woodson Harvey has brought readers a delightful story that has lept out of its pages and into our hearts.♥️ 5 stars — Pub. 7/11/23
The story is centered around Camp Holly Springs.. a summer respite over the years for many young girls that is now in danger of closing.. with the songbirds🪶(now adults) banding together to save it. This is a very moving and relatable tale about sisterhood, the messiness of friendship, family and second chances.. those guilt laden mistakes + the rekindling of romance with a first love.. all bringing life full circle. Once again, Kristy Woodson Harvey has brought readers a delightful story that has lept out of its pages and into our hearts.♥️ 5 stars — Pub. 7/11/23
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