Night Songs

The Bedford County Series #1

by Jennifer Sienes

In Bedford County, second chances grow like wildflowers after a storm.

When Charlotte “Charlie” Van Cleave’s picture-perfect life implodes in true country-song fashion, she does what any good Southern woman would do—dusts off her boots, holds her head high, and goes back to her roots. Her only inheritance is a run-down farmhouse full of memories, peeling wallpaper, and whispers from a life she tried to forget.
But Charlie’s no stranger to starting over. She clawed her way out of grief before. If there’s one thing she knows, it’s how to survive the unsurvivable.
Now, rebuilding her life one crooked floorboard at a time, Charlie is determined to rise again. But when she reconnects with Derek Daniels—a wounded veteran who’s finally come back to his family farm—old romance stirs. Derek tries to keep his feelings to himself, but when Charlie pleads for his help in unraveling the mystery of her parents’ deaths, his protective instincts take over.
Set under the soft light of Southern stars and the hum of cicadas, Night Songs is a deeply moving story of second chances, small-town values, and the kind of love that refuses to let go. This southern romance story will have you laughing, crying, and longing for just one more page.

If you love second chances and Southern charm, your next favorite read starts here.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Inspirational, Divorce

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

Award-winning author Jennifer Sienes is college-educated but discovered life experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance, and writing and puts it all together in inspirational contemporary fiction/romance. Her Apple Hill Series takes place in Northern California, and her Southern fiction Bedford County Series and Norfolk Southern Series are set in Tennessee where she now resides. When she isn’t writing, she works in her garden, refinishes old furniture, and dabbles with home décor.

Reviews

[Melissa Wardwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever come across a first-time-to-you author, not sure what to expect, and you find yourself pleasantly surprised from the first page? Well, I can say that I have just had one of the most pleasurable reading experiences and had no problem letting the words within this book consume my day.
Night Songs surprised me in many ways. And I love surprises.
For starters, this story is in the first person AND third person. Now, I know that might make some of you decide immediately that this is not the book for you. Let me say “Don’t let that stop you.” It has been a long time since I have read first-person and enjoyed it so much that I didn’t feel like I was reading first person. It was bliss.
Second, there are so many elements to this story that you can’t help but keep turning the page. There is romance, there is mystery, and there is suspense. It is a full and well-rounded book that never has a dull moment. It entertained me so much that hours passed by and it felt like minutes. Seriously.
Finally, these characters are so well developed that they were as real as those who live in my house. The pain, the joy, the love–they were tangible and relatable.
All I can say now is GET THIS BOOK!!! You won’t be disappointed.
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. Glowing reviews are not required but freely given.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by Jennifer and this might be my favorite. I love the real issues she deals with in her books and the faith aspect of them as well.

From the beginning I wondered how Charlie ended up with Nicky and not Derek but that becomes more clear as you read. It becomes even more clear that she definitely should end up with Derek. But Jennifer does a great job of placing doubt in the readers mind and making you wonder if things will work out the way the reader hopes.

Jennifer also developed a wonderful cast of characters that you are sure to adore.


I have A copy of this book was give to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about an audio book that really excites me especially if Christa is the narrator. She has this gift to give each character a voice that rejects their personality. I love listening to her on audio as she makes each story more vivid and inviting.

A wonderful story that reflects the power of forgiveness and new beginnings. Charlie’s career is over because she just couldn’t help telling a customer what she though. It may not have been the best choice but here she is in a farmhouse left to her by her sweet nana and pawpaw. The farmhouse is not exactly in great shape but maybe Charlie can use her skills to bring life back in to it. I loved that she is where so many good memories are and a feeling of comfort surrounds her on her first night. Perhaps there were a few moments when noises may have kept her up but this is her new home so she will have to adjust.

I really liked getting to know more about Charlie’s past and how Derek and Nicky became so important in her life. Their time together when they were younger was carefree and filled with family time. I think Charlie might have spent more time at the boys house than hers. We learn about the tragic lose she endured and how she was taken in by her grandparents. That bond grew stronger over the years which I think has helped her get reacquainted with her new environment. Two brothers both like her but did she make the wrong choice?

I liked Derek and how patient he has always been with Charlie. He tries to guide her to Jesus but she will have to let go of her anger and guilt first. Coming back home is bittersweet for him as Charlie is nearby. His feelings have never faded but now he is caught in the middle with Charlie and her husband. What do you do when you know a family member has done wrong? Can Derek be neutral when he deals with Charlie and his brother? I have to say it was hard for me to decide if she should give Nicky another chance. We all sin and sometimes need a second chance.

It is hard to put into words all the emotional feelings I felt as I read this book. All these years Charlie has blamed herself for something she had no control over. She has believed that God has punished her and I cried when she realized how wrong she had been. Clarity seemed to finally break through for Charlie and the realization that God had a purpose for her life overwhelmed her. Who does Charlie end up with? Does Nicky change to save his marriage? Will Derek find his way to God’s plan for his life? Grab a copy of this story and find out the answers as you take a journey of discovering forgiveness, letting go of the past and finding that God has a plan for each of us.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a good story except for all the melodrama. If there was something tragic that could happen to the main character, it did. It was all a bit too much, and some things could have been kept for another character in a different book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Night Songs to read and provide an honest review. Jennifer Sienes weaves wonderful Christian stories of average folks dealing with challenges and it's always interesting to see how things can be worked out once God is part of the plan. I was excited to read her latest and once again she did not disappoint.

In this story Charlie and her husband Nick have taken some wrong turns in life. Will they continue to make mistakes while trying to fix past mistakes or will they seek God for help in making the right moves next? What about Derek? How will he fit in the picture?

Then there is the mystery of what really happened to Charlie's parents. They were killed in an accident when she was young but she's beginning to think she may not have been told the truth and searches for answers as to what really happened to her parents.

You'll just have to pick up this book to find out for yourself how it all plays out. It will be worth it!

[Maria]

FREE today (January 31, 2026) on Amazon.

[Kathleen Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Jennifer Sienes’ book, Night Songs. It’s the first in the Bedford County Series, and I’m anxious to get started on Book 2, Shadow Dancing, which just released! And if that’s not enough, there are two more Bedford County books, A Sojourner’s Solace and These Simple Gifts.

So here we go! Jennifer Sienes’s charming words put me right smack in the heart of the South, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened with the people in the little hometown. Charlie and Derek are two tormented souls who deal with their inner conflicts, magnified by seemingly unsolvable outside forces. The other characters were delightful, and the element of faith in their lives served as a wonderful conscience for Charlie. Sienes has a way of painting her characters in a corner, and I couldn’t figure out how they’d get out of the mess they’d created. I loved that, and she didn’t disappoint me.

Although Night Songs covers many hard issues, they are real-life issues happening in a lot of lives today. I’m thankful the author presented it in a worldview that gives hope in our worst choices. Night Songs is easy to read despite the difficult subjects of infidelity and lies. I think it’s the way the author handles those issues turning this into a comforting read.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not having read any books by Jennifer Sienes, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I enjoyed Night Songs, the first book in The Bedford County Series and am looking forward to other books in the series. Southern charm, a damsel in distress (big time distress--country music type distress!), a hero challenged by circumstances but wanting to help, and a long-time mystery waiting to be solved--what more could a reader who likes contemporary romance stories ask for? The author created realistic and relatable characters--characters who are normal everyday folk with struggles and dilemmas that need to be solved. I like how faith in God is brought out in a personal way, recognizing that He is there in the struggles and the joys of life. I listened to an audio version of the book and Christa DelSorbo did a great job narrating Charlie's journey to trusting God to fix her brokenness. I was given a complimentary copy of the audiobook through Celebrate Lit and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

[Susan Beatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest novel from author Jennifer Sienes, Night Songs, oozes with folksy, Southern charm. I felt right at home in Tennessee with vivid settings and richly crafted characters. The story might be a little gritty if infidelity is a trigger for the reader. But, while there’s some wrestling with God, His love shows up time and time again. If I hadn’t had to get at least some sleep, I would have read it in one sitting. I highly recommend Night Songs.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is in the May issue of #BecauseFiction Magazine: https://www.becausefiction.com/posts/...

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a unique premise of a missionary kid searching for the truth of how her parents died. It also raised a perplexing spiritual question about divorce.
Unfortunately, I can only give it four stars because the multiple POVs made reading too confusing.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Sienes is a favorite author of mine, I have read many of her books. I am always excited when she releases a new book. I recently read the First book from her new series. Night Songs by Jennifer Sienes is part of The Bedford County Series.

Charlotte Van Cleave(Charlie) is recently separted from her husband after finding out about her husband's cheating. She has no job and living in the Farmhouse that her Grandmother left to her. She is struggling because she feels like life is not what she dreamed. She remembers that she has stood strong through so many life altering changes and she is a Southern Girl and just needs to get out of her rut. She is determined to tackle the projects needed at the Farmhouse and do so on her limited budget. Derek Daniels, who is is her husband's brother, is back home at the Family Farm, after his Military career ended. Derek knows his brother and Charlie are separted and he knows he will have to keep his feelings for her to himself. Derek has only ever had feelings for one person and that is Charlie. The challenge becomes difficult when Charlie finds out some information about her parents death which is different from what she was told growing up. Charlie asks Derek to help her get to the truth, thus they will be spending more time together. Will Charlie find the truth behind her parents death? Will Charlie reunite with her husband or will she and Derek grow close?

WOW, this book was a definite page turner! Charlie is definetly a strong, independent woman. She took what was given to her(the Farmhouse) and brought it back to life on a budget and reused most of the furniture that was in the house. She is heartbroken over her marriage falling apart and wonders if it is worth fighting for. Her Husband, Nicky, is jealous of the time she is spending with his brother Derek. Derek was one of my favorite characters in the book. He has values and morals and it shows. I really like how the author brings God and Faith into the book. The story is one of being able to lean on God and become stronger in faith, even through the trials of life. Forgiveness is also a theme in this book. I HIGHLY recommend this Clean, Sweet Christian Romance. GREAT BOOK!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Jennifer Sienes. I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is the first book in the Bedford County Series. You are introduced to Charlie who has come back to her Nana's house after leaving her cheating husband behind. The house is in disrepair. She has lost her job, and her marriage is seemingly over. The house she has inherited from her nana is going to need a lot of work and sweat equity. Then you are introduced to Derek, Nicky's brother, and actually her first crush/love. Even though her crush was on Derek, she has somehow ended up married to Nicky. Derek has come back to town after being injured and forced into retirement by the Army. So begins their stories.

She tells the story through the eyes of Charlie and Derek in the present, and then she will take you back in time to share their story over the years through their individual eyes. This is a story of forgiveness and learning to lean on the Lord, and understanding that there are some things you cannot control. She mixes a little mystery in as well as Charlie begins to question how her parents truly died. She was always told they died in a fiery automobile accident, but she finds clues in her Nana's home that make her question everything she thought she knew and believed in. I fell in love with the characters in the story particularly Darlene. Darlene has had a tough life, and coincidentally (or by design) Charlie meets her and well... you will have to read the book to find out their story. Suffice it to say that Darlene is the epitome of a woman of God. This is a clean and wholesome book with an inspirational message, but Jennifer Sienes is a master at showing the "real" side of life with her characters (i.e. no one is perfect).

If you enjoy a good love story and a story of healing and promise, you will not be disappointed with this book. I highly recommend it!

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. Some of the topics the author discussed hit a little different after well life and it gives me a different perspective on how people may react to things. I think the author handled it all really well and realistically.

She also does a great job with up and down emotions and ‘what if’ questions. I liked visiting the past Charlotte had and didn’t wonder how she wound up with one instead of the other. I liked the characters and the mystery was good too. Just such a good book that I couldn’t put down.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.


I had already read this book and was excited to listen to it. It was still good and I liked how listening to it gave me a time to sit and reflect on how different folks react to different situations. I really think the author did all this with realism.

The narrator did a good job giving voice to the story. I really enjoyed being able to listen as I drove. It was once again a story that I couldn't 'put down'. The characters were great and the story was fabulous!

5/5


Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Lana Lynne Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters of Charlie and Derek are endearing. In the aftermath of losing her parents on the Mission field at the age of twelve, Charlie goes to live with her grandparents. She grows close to two brothers who live next door. The story opens with the adult Charlie's return after the death of her nana. She's married to one of the brothers but on the verge of divorce due to his repeated unfaithfulness. It moves between the past and present throughout the novel. You have to pay attention. It is written in the first person, alternating between Charlie's and Derek's POVs. The story is well-paced and you care about the other characters surrounding them. It is laced with heavy use of Southern colloqialisms. I am Southern, but felt these were overused. However, I kept turning pages. I wasn't sure how the story would end, especially as it dealt with a delicate balance. Derek's strong faith shines. Charlie's has wavered. The Lord's grace reaches both of them. I won't unfold any more of the story. It's a clean read.

[Heidi McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a transplant to the south and love all things southern...except sweet tea. Jennifer captured the feel of what I experience daily--from the weather to the hysterical use of words in unique ways to the accent. She vividly portrays well-developed characters in a lovely setting. A mystery, a love story, and redemption all come together in this well-written tale. Trigger alert: Divorce, Death, Miscarriage.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

She married the wrong brother for all the wrong reasons so Charlie blames herself for everything that has gone wrong in her life. Two miscarriages and a cheating husband must surely be her fault, right?

After losing her lucrative home decorator job and with no other choices left, Charlie returns to her grandmother’s house where she was raised after the deaths of her missionary parents. No job, very little money, but full of determination, Charlie decides to fix up the deteriorating house with her limited budget and her grandparents’ furniture.

There was one fly in the ointment though – Derek, her husband’s brother was back home next door and his presence was a mixed blessing. After all she was still married and angry with Nick as she was, the last thing she needed was to let herself become involved with Derek.

Night Songs was an emotional story that probed deeply into the wounded hearts of its characters. Charlie, Derek, and Nick were forced to do some soul searching in order to make the proper decisions about the remainder of their lives. Faith, forgiveness, and loyalty were important components of the plot. A bit of mystery woven into the tale added even more depth and interest to it.

I liked the integrity that Derek showed in his interactions with both Charlie and Nick. No matter what his true feelings were, his aim was to do what was best for his brother and Charlie. I also loved the Southern setting which was totally authentic. As a lifetime Tennessean, I should know!

This was my first book by Jennifer Sienes but I will certainly be checking out her other books when I have time to read them.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Songs is a great book by an author I’ve come to love for her gritty and real-life novels. Her characters struggle and grow as if real.

I read the first chapter of this book in the back of another and immediately knew I had to read it. But, of course, it wasn’t out yet. I hate when they do that. It makes me so mad. . . not really but it does irk me because I want to read it RIGHT NOW!!!

It was worth the wait. We’ve got Charlie who is just the cutest character. She’s flawed guys. Really flawed but aren’t we all? She chose the wrong man and has to live with that while the right man just happens to now be living next door. Oh and yeah he’s her ex-husband’s brother. Talk about awkward!

You’re going to love this book. It’s one of those you can’t put down because you absolutely have to keep going and see what is going to happen next because you might miss something, amazing.

If you’ve never read one of this author’s books you’re in for a treat. Plus it’s promising that this is the first book in a new series. I always love new series popping up because that means more for me to read. All though it also means I have to wait. Sigh. I’m getting good at waiting.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Songs is book one in the Bedford County series that is written by Jennifer Sienes. The author has released so many amazing books the past few years that I was super excited to read this one. Her characters are always realistic, flawed and not cookie cut.

Charlie is such a sweet well written character. She literally loses everything. Her marriage, her home, job, etc. It really is like the author describes, straight from a country song. She also has walked through a lot in her life. Her parents were missionaries and they were killed in the Congo, and as you read they touch on the circumstances surrounding that. She also grew up around Derrick and Nicky and seems to have ended up with the wrong brother. Growing up she spent a lot of time with her neighbors. Derrick tries to show her the way to Jesus, but Charlie is very angry and hurt and will have to let go of that to move forward.

Let's talk about the narrator, Christa. I have been so lucky and blessed to listen to several books that she has narrated. She has such a voice for reading. I could listen to her read all day. Her voice is always so calming. Her voice has great power and control. She elevated it when needed to draw attention quickly. I just love listening to her read.

The book is well written. The story is unique, the characters are flawed. The Biblical message of forgiveness and letting go is woven in nicely. I enjoyed this story.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read and listen to a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[Challice · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the opportunity came to listen and review another Christa DelSorbo book, I was all over it like a perfect cup of coffee. I have really been enjoying the Ever After mysteries narrated by this talented woman. I wanted to see what she could do with something outside the mystery genre. And she did not disappoint.

It is hard to write an adequate review about this book. Does the reader want to know what I thought of this book? Or what I thought of this book with the narrator. You get both because when I listen to an audio book, its the narrator that will PULL me into the story and set the stage at every scene.

It is funny how JUST yesterday, I sat across from another godly woman and we discussed some of the disappointments we have with the Christian books of today. Many of them follow a similar plot that is easily predictable. The characters are perfect except this one area that is all about trusting in God for the perfect man, and its just UGH! Especially for us married women! Jennifer Sienes has a flawed characters. And I LIKE it! What I enjoyed most is hearing Christa even create a character that wavers but still falters. I don't know how to explain it.

As for the story as a whole; Sometimes the first person and then switching was a bit difficult, but that is just me. I have a hard time with first person perspectives, and throw me back and forth its even more difficult.  I really enjoyed seeing the story unfold. You have a bit of mystery and just some hard Christian faith being tested. Enjoyed! And would recommend!

[Heather Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning paragraph, things seem to be going in a downwind spiral for Charlie (Charlotte). When things didn’t go the way she wanted, she took another path and regretted it ever since. When she finds her husband with another woman and she loses her job, she decides something has got to change. She goes back to the beginning and a place of comfort, hoping things will get better. However, things seem to go in the opposite direction.

For Derek, he is trying to move forward with his life, but he isn’t sure what that will look like. When the girl next door moves back into her grandparents’ house, he feels conflicted between his brother and his true feelings for Charlie. He seeks God for wisdom towards the right steps for his life as well as for Charlie.

This book was definitely hard to put down! I was immersed into the lives of Charlie and Derek with their relatable personalities. I wanted the best for Charlie and felt the conflict of all the characters.
This is proof of a well written story when the reader feels like they are right on the sidelines watching the events taking place. Jennifer Sienes has the ability to bring the reader in and make them want to stick around until the very last page. I am so glad that I don’t have to wait very long for book #2 in the series because I enjoy her books tremendously!

I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in Shelbyville, Tennesse, a quaint little town about an hour south of Nashville. The main characters were two brothers, Nick and Derek, who were both in love with Charlie Van Cleave. One brother wanted to be a country musician while the other wanted to save the world. Charlie was only sixteen when Derek went away to the Army giving Nick the opportunity to swoop in on Charlie and doing things the wrong way. Charlie was pregnant and subsequently married to Nick before Derek was out of the Army. Nick was still trying to make it big in music.

At this point in the book, every family member Charlie had was dead. Her grandmother had recently died and leaving Charlie her house. Recently fired and facing divorce, moving back to a dilapidated house was Charlie's future.

Just so you know, I’m not giving much away, this is all in the first chapter. And there’s so much more to the story, including her parents' deaths while they were missionaries in the Congo when Charlie was just twelve. There was a mystery surrounding what happened, a story no one told her.

What I loved about this story was how God worked through peoples lives, even when they messed up. Derek was always a man of God and always a gentleman. Nick, on the other hand, was plagued with his own emotional demons. But wise counsel and good friends can always bring about a Godly ending.

Jennifer Sienes is a new-to-me author and one I’ll be looking forward to reading again.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

In the wake of realizing her husband's infidelity—and losing her job, as a result—Charlotte Van Cleave has little hope for her future, but she determines to figure it out. At the same time, Derek Daniels returns home from his life in the military in need of a new career path. There seems to be drama at every turn as they sort through their choices, but perhaps what God has in store for them is better than they could have planned.

Night Songs by Jennifer Sienes makes for an interesting listen. These characters have quite a few challenges set before them, and at times, I felt frustrated how long they took to come to certain conclusions—but their journeys proved fruitful for their development. It is an uplifting read.

I will say that I am not a huge fan of Southern accents in audiobooks, so while that influenced some of my enjoyment, this audiobook is still well-done. It makes for a solid option for readers who want to enjoy Night Songs in an alternative way.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Jeannine Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Night Songs by Jennifer Sienes, narrated by Christa DelSorbo, especially if you like Christian Women’s Fiction audiobooks.

This was the second book by the author that I enjoyed, and the narrator is one of my favorites. Jennifer can tell a fantastic story that keeps you holding on to every word, while Christa’s narration brings that story to life, drawing me in every time.

The story begins with Charlotte Van Cleave, Charlie as she is known, leaving her cheating husband. Charlie is a strong-willed woman who has dealt with many heart-wrenching disappointments in life but somehow manages to thrive despite them all. Derek Daniels, a close friend Charlie grew up with, and her brother-in-law left after high school to serve in the military. Upon returning home from his last assignment, Derek finds Charlie needing a friend and his brother in need of a severe beating for his wild ways.

The story has a lot of twists and turns, with many “ah-ha” and “no way” moments. A constant listen, for sure. The author and narrator do not disappoint in the telling of this story. However, my favorite part of the book was seeing life as a journey. Life is filled with sorrow, regrets, love, and joy. Seeing how God can restore even the most broken of paths to provide a joy-filled life beyond our expectations is amazing.

Overall, I found the audiobook to be a worthy listen. I give Night Songs 5 out of 5 stars.

Note: I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for sharing my thoughts.

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author's voice and the characters she creates. Plus, her covers, including this one, are gorgeous.

I'm not usually a fan of stories that include a love triangle or possibility of one, but when done correctly, this trope adds an extra layer to the story. This author does a triangle, even one involving family, perfectly. And though the story's themes are serious and could be very heavy, the author sprinkles in little moments which keep it from bogging down the reader. There's even one place where the MC quips that her life has become a talk show episode. The MC means it, but it's a fun and humorous way to look at the drama her life has become.

The MC's struggle with the goodness of God is well-done and relatable. Is there anyone out there who hasn't at times dealt with "did God do this because I did that" or feeling like their world is falling apart because they've somehow not lived up to their end of things with God? Actions have consequences, and the author brings that out. She also doesn't try to color the truth that sin has consequences. But she also reminds us that God isn't out there striking back at us every time we mess up. He's loving, forgiving, and merciful.

All in all this is a wonderful book. And I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Songs by Jennifer Sienes is a well written, easy-to-read story. Charlie and Derek had a special relationship but when he moved away, she married his brother Nick. Now years later, Charlie has become a successful interior designer who has had enough of Nick’s infidelity and partying. She moves home to the rundown home she inherits from her grandmother to start over. Derek has also moved home after leaving the military.

This is a nice story that focuses on starting over. Charlie does what she needs to to survive, which includes getting rid of the car she can no longer afford. I especially enjoyed reading of how she fixed up the home and upcycled her grandmother’s items to make a new business. I also enjoyed how she reached out to a stranger and helped her start over.

This is a wonderful story, it is so inspirational and uplifting. I enjoy Jennifer Sienes’s writing. It is so easy to read and so realistic.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Blossom Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Sienes is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. She cannot write fast enough for my liking.
I started Night Songs on my lunch hour knowing I had a pile of work to do that afternoon. It was a long lunch hour. LOL This book should come with a warning.” Read the prologue and first chapter and you won’t be able to put this book down.”
Jennifer masterfully created a mixture of sticky situations… Decisions made out of disappointment and without the wisdom of God. Marriage to the wrong brother…not an easy family dynamic. Infidelity. Pregnancy. Childhood memories, nightmares, and intrigue all with a splash of southern charm. I was engrossed from the first page on.
Jennifer has the gift of writing real life situations with well-developed characters. She writes with such passion, it’s like I am sitting in the kitchen with Charlie and Derek rooting them on. This book is a must read and I highly recommend it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! The way the author slowly but surely showed the transformation Charlie goes through from being so angry with and distant from God to where she ends up. The battle that Derick fights between his feelings for Charlie and doing the right thing in God’s eyes is such a realistic battle that I felt like I was walking through it with him. Nicky, what can I say about him? He has his own battles to fight and jealousy is a monster! I loved the characters in this book and how the author brought out the worst and the best in all of them. I did however feel there was some repetition that made the story drag a bit and is the only reason for giving it 4 stars. I thought it was a great story and would recommend it! I was given an advanced copy and my thoughts are my own.

[Marbeth Skwarczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Songs by Jennifer Sienes was a wonderful surprise of a book. A split-POV novel, it focuses on two beautifully developed and dynamic characters. Charlie has had enough tragedy for two lifetimes, but discovering that her husband is cheating on her (again) and losing her job is enough to send her back to her nana's old house. Usually, her tragedies are coupled with seeing Derek, the neighbor boy she'd given up on loving years before because she couldn't compete with his military duty. Now, he's discharged and working to discover how he wants to live the rest of his life. Seeing Charlie is a surprise, but learning that she's walked away from her marriage to his brother shocks him down to his socks. What in the world does God have in mind?

[Lynne Tagawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn right into this southern-style Tennessee romance. It's an inspirational story with some hard edges. An angry young woman blames God--and herself--for loss after loss. And some unanswered questions.

I could not tell how it was going to end. Was she going to get together with Derek? Or would she reconcile with Nicky? If I had any criticism at all, it's that the plot threads all resolve nicely at the end, and real life isn't like that usually. But then, this is a novel, not real life. I'm thankful the author gave us a HEA.

Very clean, appropriate for YA.