Songs of Home: River Falls, Book 2

River Falls #2

by Valerie M. Bodden

In the wake of a very public—and very scandalous—breakup, country music star Lydia St. Peter finds herself in need of a place of refuge. She doesn’t know why she thinks she’ll find it with the family she never knew she had in River Falls, Tennessee, but at least the small town will offer her the privacy she so desperately craves.

She never expected it to offer more—in the form of her new landlord, Liam, and his troubled teenage daughter.

When single dad Liam returns to his hometown of River Falls, it’s with the intention of taking care of his mother and protecting his daughter. He knows his own happiest years are behind him. They died with his wife.

What he doesn’t see coming is the instant connection with the new tenant staying in his mother’s carriage house.

As Lydia feels the pull of family and Liam allows himself to open to the possibility of love again, a new relationship starts to blossom. But when Lydia is presented with an opportunity that could rocket her to household-name status, she has to decide whether she’s willing to give up everything she’s gained in River Falls to chase her dreams—or if her heart has finally found its home.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published October 4, 2022

About the author

I have three great loves: Jesus, my family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). I write fast-paced, emotional Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. My characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but I promise I'll always give them a happy ending.

VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR A FREE BOOK!
www.valeriembodden.com

CHAT WITH ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/ValerieMBodden/

CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST!
https://www.pinterest.com/valbodden/

HANG OUT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/valboddenbo...

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Songs of Home is book two in the River Falls series, however, you can easily jump in and read this book as a stand alone novel, as well. It was previously included in the Love’s Treasure box set as Heart’s Home as a novella, but has now been expanded into a full length novel with added scenes and situations.

This book is set in a great community with a wonderful set of characters. I loved the way the Calvano family accepted Lydia into their fold. I especially enjoyed seeing how Lydia bonded with her youngest brother, Benjamin. Yet the main focus of this book was the growing attraction between Lydia and Liam. I really liked their connection and the way they both seemed to bring out the best in each other. I especially enjoyed seeing Lydia come into a true understanding of what home and belonging meant.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Lolita Kringe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a love story about two people who had their hearts broken in the past . They found each other. The book had some intense moments and some great moments in it. But typical of a love story. The main character was adopted and found her biological family. I too was adopted and found my family. The need to belong and the many whys , what ifs and not knowing are what I experienced too. A good book to read if you love love stories.

[Kahla Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent Read

I truly enjoyed this love story. There were many times though that i stopped reading due to the irritation with the characters. I wasn’t such a fan of the push and pull he loves me he loves me not. However, there were a lot of good quotes from it and it was nice to have a love story where the characters loved God first.

[Karly Jo (Christian Booktuber) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ this is a new comfort read 🥹🥹
very simple writing, swoonworthy romance & a down bad mmc, also the fmc is a country singer and renewing her faith in Jesus and the mmc is a widower with a 16 year old daughter afraid to love again. oh, and it takes place in a small town with a nosey grandma! and it made me tear up.

yeah, please read this book 😂😍

[Ranee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who needs to sleep anyway?😄 Read straight through. Loved this sweet story 💕

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful , heartfelt read! We meet Lydia a famous country singer who finds herself needing refuge from the world so heads to River Falls Tennessee so lick her wounds away from the public eye. Liam is our sexy single dad who thinks he can’t find love again after his wife has died and just wants to concentrate on his daughter and mum. It’s an emotional read that really gives you all the feels, it’s about family, friendship, loss, heartbreak but also hope, trust and love and has an ending that is well worth the journey these characters had to take.

[Taya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo cute!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed it. It was cute and heartfelt.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I was in the right series, but the book I actually read was;

Reflections of Love - River Falls - and is the story which leads into Pieces of Forever - Book 1. This story tells the story of Ireland and Asher - their first love which led to an engagement, then a breakup and separation, and then their reuniting several years later. It's a sweet story of renewed romance after a youth camp which met with a bad storm. The book does not show as a published book in Goodreads or Amazon,

I love all the Valerie M. Bodden's stories from Hope Springs abd River Falls.

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome Home Lydia …. your journey will be worth it


Betrayal always tends to sneak up when least expected. Couple that with loss of mom and dad, loss of best friend, loss of the man you ‘thought’ was going to ask for your hand in marriage and last, but not least, loss of your musical career …. well its easy to feel dejected and defeated.

Lydia was at the height of her musical career with too many adoring fans to count. It was her birthday and she just ‘knew’ Dallas was going to propose. But, she lost it all right before going on stage to a packed crowd in Nashville … when she walked in on Dallas and her best friend, Cheyenne, in very loving embrace… the only two people she had left in the world, the two people she loved and trusted the most, betrayed her. And the saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from an enemy.

Lydia and Dallas were more than singing partners, they loved each other, or so Lydia thought. Cheyenne was her best friend, backup singer and stage manager. All the signs were there, but innocent Lydia was way too trusting.

Lydia’s surprises don’t end there. She has many more in store but before she can accept the good awaiting her, she has to come to terms with her own self, her insecurities, her melancholy . When she stormed off the stage that fateful night, little did she know she finally would find ‘home’, a real home with real friends and family she never knew existed. She literally runs into a man named Liam who one day will be her world. Just not yet. He too, has anguish, pain and sorrow to work through. He too knows what loss is all about.

Welcome Home Lydia …. You’ll find the journey might be painful but well worth it in the end.

🤔 WANTS AND WISHES ✍️

I loved this book but so very much want more.

I really want a sequel. I need to know more, more about Lydia’s success with music, with the family at her sold out concerts and especially more seeing Dallas and Cheyenne having to face consequences and see what losers they really are. The Good Book says whatsoever a man soweth, that also he shall reap. We need to see some reaping.

Dallas and Cheyenne need a good comeuppance. Loved what Bryce said in Chapter 37:
“And it’s not like I’m being completely altruistic here.” Bryce hit her with that charming smile. “It’ll be good for my career too. Especially when we top Dallas and Cheyenne in the charts.” He winked at her.”
… We readers need to see things like that happen!!!! We need followup⚡️

Also, Lydia has a biological father out there somewhere. The town is small now and was small when Lydia was born …. Surely someone knows something about her father. Does he ever think about the child he deserted even before she was born? As we age, we think about past choices and ‘the road not taken’. Her dad has to be about 60 now…. Betting he’s reflecting on a lot of questionable decisions made way back when….

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay for me. It was a nice small-town Christian romance. I liked the single father aspect of the story and the teenaged daughter brought a good dimension to the story. My friend recommended this to me and RAVED about it, so others obviously will enjoy it more than I did.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lydia and liam

Book two follows on with Lydia the missing first born child from another dad.Grace finds her just when she needed a family.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do you belong? We all want to feel connected somehow. After Lydia's adoptive parents died, she was hoping for a birthday proposal from her boyfriend of a few years, Dallas. That hope came to an end when she finds Dallas and her best friend Cheyenne lip locked before the concert. Country star that she is, Lydia tried to make it through the concert. She almost did it until that "one" song that had her fleeing from the stage and into the arms of a total stranger who happened to be on the street. Luckily for Lydia, Liam was a good guy- a gentleman. He gets her home after pulling her back together emotionally, at least for the moment. He'd probably make a good distraction from the betrayal of her boyfriend and best friend, but as luck would have it- he is moving the next day. Feeling alone, Lydia checks her computer for the adoption connection she joined after her parents died, this time there is a message. She offers to go to Hearts Bed to meet them. As life loves to laugh at us, she rents the carriage house from Liam's mother- so now they are neighbors. But now she gets to meet her half sister and six (yes SIX!) brothers. Will they accept her? Will she ever belong? She gets the answer about where she belongs from a totally unexpected source. Now, back to the question of where YOU belong. The answer is in this book- so don't miss it. That answer hit me hard, but was also surrounded by a well written story that kept me reading right along.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has many different topics, obviously a love story but it also talks about adopted adults finding their birth family, Liam as a widowed father with a troubled teen and Lydia’s complicated and lonely life as a celebrity. I believe the most important was Lydia finding that the only one she could have in her life who would never hurt or leave her is God! I think Val did a great job of winding these all together in a beautiful love story full of lovable, realistic people. She has a way of describing the settings to make me feel like I am sitting with them watching what is going on rather than reading about it! Any fan of love stories full of twists & turns and characters you will fall in love with will truly love this story!
I really liked the additional content used to expand "Heart's Home" into a full novel in “Songs of Home”. Having the extra scenes added to be able to get to know the characters in the book more, intensifying the story as a whole. Even if you loved the shorter version of this book I encourage you to read “Songs of Home”. The depths it added to the people and the storyline as a whole are fantastic!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author but this review is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love how Valerie writes her books. So awe inspiring. Story: Lydia is a star and on tour with her boyfriend making great music together, but then she finds her friend and Dallas (Her boyfriend) kissing how can she go on the stage and pretend they are so in love, but she does and just can't make it through the show and pretend all is well. She leaves the stage in the middle of the song and of course everyone makes her look like she was at fault. A strange occurrence happens as she is leaving and Liam is there to bail her out of the incident. Liam is a single dad trying to figure out life after he lost his wife and trying to raise a child on his own. This chance meeting changes both Lydia's and Liam's lives, but Liam is moving to River Falls to help his mom out as her health has been iffy lately. 10 months later Lydia escapes to River Falls to try and find her family. She is scared to meet them, because of her insecurities. Little do they know she meets up again with Liam...actually ends up staying in his family carriage house. Can Lydia find her writing and song singing ability again? Will her heart mend and can she connect with her family!? This is a great read and I was honored to get to read it for my honest review! Love Valerie's books! :)

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guiding Hand Of Fate -
Lydia’s life exploded and sent her into a life of solitude for a few months, but then a ray of light shone on her when she received amazing life changing news. Liam’s lived his life solely for his daughter, mother and work since the death of his wife. However, everything changed when Lydia came into his life and showed him how to live again. Lydia had lost her faith and Liam had lost hope, but spending time together with the help of their families, helped them find their faith and hope for a second chance. The bible verse below is perfect for Lydia and Liam.

Lamentations ‪3:21-23‬
But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

I absolutely loved reading this story as it had so many lessons that are relevant to our daily lives. This is a clean and beautifully written romance, that I just couldn’t get enough of. It is a definite must read book.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Liam and Lydia's story! Lydia knew she was adopted. She's always felt alone, and now feels abandoned by her adoptive parents after their deaths. She's been blindsided and humiliated by her now ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend. Her half-sister has found her, and when she goes to meet the rest of her half siblings, she runs into her mystery man who was there for her when she fell apart on her birthday ten months ago. The more time Liam and Lydia spend together, the more they fall for each other, and wonder if this can really work out. Lydia, though, is afraid Liam will be like the others in her life and abandon her. Liam doesn't want to make the same mistake with Lydia that he made with his wife, having her choose between him and her career. Will their love for each other and their mutual belief in God help these two to see that God can be trusted with their love and their lives?

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not require to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the River Falls series. Lydia catches her boyfriend Dallas cheating with her best friend Cheyenne right before the opening of their show. Lydia still goes on with the show but then when it is over she rushes out to grab the Uber to go home but discovers Liam. He is not the Uber driver but lucky for her Liam is a great listener. Liam’s wife had died several years earlier and he is raising his daughter Mia a teenager! Enough said! Lydia had been adopted when she was a small child and then her famous parents had been killed so she was alone until a half sister finds her and persuades her to come meet her whole family. Lydia just kept wishing that she could find the man that she had jumped in the vehicle with so many months ago! This was a really sweet story and the angst that teenage girl put on Lydia and Liam oh my! One of the funniest parts was when Liam was trying to help her write a song!

I received this ARC for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and emotional story about what love really is and how to find direction in the darkness around us. Lydia and Liam's story is similar in that they both have experienced heartbreak and are fearful of opening their hearts up again to that kind of loss and pain. As they focus on the things that matter most in their lives, they begin to see the light that is intended for us all.

I am amazed every time I read a book written by this author at the skill that she has of drawing the emotions of character and helping the reader feel them so intensely, almost as a participant in the story itself. This is a beautiful Christian romance with a happy ending. While there are Christian elements to the story it doesn't feel preachy or uncomfortable for someone who may not have the same beliefs.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review. I highly recommend the book for anyone who wants a realistic, feel-good story.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, clean read. A story of betrayal, heartache, loss, new beginnings, faith, new love, and a HEA. Lydia knew she had been adopted. After the death of her adoptive parents, she discovers she has a whole family waiting to accept her when a woman shows up at her door claiming to be her sister.

Lydia opens her heart to this family she never knew she had, in a town where she starts to feel like she belongs, and reconnects with a handsome stranger who helped her out 10 months ago. Once she finally opens her heart, she also finds home.

Liam is dealing with issues of his own. He never planned to fall in love again, but once he reconnects with Lydia, the walls he’s built around his heart start to crumble. Can a famous singer fall for a small-town electrician?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pop star blows a fuse at the end of her concert
And then she runs away. But has no way to get home, as her ride is the reason she flipped. Fortunately there is a man there who for some reason she trusts and he takes her home. And leaves, And she becomes a recluse .. . until the day she opens her door and there is a woman who looks just like her!!! She knew she was adopted . . . .is this a new start? This book Is superb . . . .God’s grace shines through and over and over again she turns to Him!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet story that involved Lydia and Liam and their families. God brought reconciliation and healing, and Lydia returned to her faith. It was very inspirational and drew me in and kept me engrossed from start to finish. It was fun seeing some of the characters from the author’s Hope Springs series. I received a copy of this book from Ms. Bodden, and she remains one of my favorite authors because of the heartfelt emotions she brings out when I read her stories, and her dedication to writing about God’s amazing love shining through the characters she brings to life. I have given my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was well written and fully detailed. The first chapters were a little slow for me, but the last several chapters were good and made it a worthy read. The story of Lydia, Liam, Mia, and the whole Cálvano Family, and a list of a few other characters. Lydia is heartbroken and the story is so well woven that her heartache is touching, her tears and streaked face makes you want to go take a peek see in the mirror. Really the drama is low, but very heartfelt. I was there with Lydia’s very personal and public humiliation. I had to keep reading because I just don’t like for the bad guy/jerk to come out ahead.

[Jaycies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I had read the first book in this series, I was anxious to see if the same quality of writing and characters would be the same with the second. And yes it was! The interaction between Lydia and her dreams and Liam's lifestyle kept me wondering how it would turn out. I KNEW what I wanted to happen but the author kept me guessing until the end. (Since I don't want to worry about this being a spoiler alert, I won't go any further.)

The author also does an excellent job of wrapping God's plan for us all into her books and because her writing is "clean", this is another one I wouldn't hesitate to suggest to young readers as well.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Songs of Home is a sweet, heartwarming, second chance, inspirational, small town romance. This extremely well written book captured my attention with the first page and never let go. Lydia and Liam both have issues they need to resolve. Most of the story takes place ten months after that fateful night when Lydia's world exploded and Liam came to her rescue. You will not want to miss Lydia's journey as she connects with her half sister and six half brothers and their father while staying in Liam's mother's carriage house. I never want to miss a book from Valerie M. Bodden!

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the previous version of this book as a novella, “Heart’s Home,” in the Love’s Treasure boxed set, and enjoyed it then. I liked this version expanded into a full novel even better. Some characters I’d met in other books by Bodden show up again, which I always enjoy. The characters felt like “real people,” and I felt the plot moved at a good pace. She has good insights on finding home, belonging, and dealing with past hurts.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Lydia and Liam's story. Lydia had just caught her boyfriend with her best friend, now she has to go on stage with him and act like nothing's wrong. Liam had just finished the last lighting job before heading home to help his Mom in River Falls. When these two meet it's just for a ride, but who knew what the future held. I read this in 2 sittings. I did not want to stop, but I needed sleep. If you like clean wholesome stories of brokenness finding a way to mend, I highly recommend 'Songs of Home'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Vicki Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Darkness

In the dark we lose our way. Without light we feel isolated. But God says He’s still with us, and to just believe. But believing is the hard part when your life has been thrown into turmoil and you don’t know which way to turn or who to trust. Strangely enough God sent Liam into Lydia’s life when she was betrayed by two people she deeply trusted. And amazingly enough He sent Lydia into Liam’s life to help him learn to live again. The light which is Jesus will show us the way home.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beginning! Country singing star, Lydia, is expecting an engagement ring for her birthday but instead finds her boyfriend and duo partner in the arms of her best friend! I loved how Lydia’s newfound birth family welcomed and accepted her even though their mother has passed away. I felt sorry for Liam who blamed himself that his late wife had given up a music career for him. Valerie Bodden has written a great story of love! I received an advance e-book of Songs of Home. This is my honest opinion.

[Kgsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story of Finding Home

Another amazing Valerie M. Bodden novel that pulls you right in and grabs your heart! Liam and Lydia’s story is about finding courage to risk one’s heart and find that place of home that they’ve been longing for. As always, I so admire how the bigger picture of God’s love and faith are woven throughout to touch my heart in deep places. I always find myself highlighting pages and copying quotes to ponder long after the story is over. Now on to reading Simeon and Abigail’s story! :)