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Whistling Women and Crowing Hens
To escape her strait-laced overbearing sister, Birdie Stauffer auditions for the all-female Versatile Quintet, Chautauqua circuit’s opening act. Through this train-traveling roadshow she experiences the tumultuous 1920s, a modern era of shocking flappers and smuggled whiskey, with the camaraderie of newfound friends. Her exceptional gift of concert whistling entertains more than songbirds as she gains national notoriety and she’s soon entangled in two romantic relationships—one with a dapper circuit manager, the other her fellow pianist. Accompanied by four other musicians—a slang slinging flapper, a confident girl-next-door, a tight-lipped loner, and a virtuoso sapphic—and following a series of traumatic events, Birdie discovers even the best relationships can be filled with misunderstandings. As she learns to trust her intuition, she finds it may cost her love interests, her sister, and maybe even herself.
Praise for Whistling Women and Crowing Hens
"Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is an immersive read set in the Chautauqua circuit of the 1920s. Talented whistler and trombonist Birdie Stauffer finds herself a member of a quintet performing throughout the northeast. When small-town Birdie steps into the wider world, she discovers aspects of herself she never knew existed. Increasingly at odds with societal and sisterly expectations, she must choose between following her truth and disappointing the most important people in her life.
Melora Fern’s debut novel offers an unconventional coming of age story set against the backdrop of a nation doing the same. As the propriety of the Victorian era gives way to the anything-goes roaring twenties, women find themselves newly enfranchised and empowered, yet still traditional expectations endure.
Fern’s attention to detail and a cast of unforgettable characters make this book hard to put down. Full of the drama and humor that come from five women sharing close quarters for weeks at a time, Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is at times raucous, tragic, and uplifting. At its heart, this book is about finding one’s voice and singing (or whistling) it loud."
—Culley Holderfield, award-winning author of Hemlock Hollow
Praise for Whistling Women and Crowing Hens
"Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is an immersive read set in the Chautauqua circuit of the 1920s. Talented whistler and trombonist Birdie Stauffer finds herself a member of a quintet performing throughout the northeast. When small-town Birdie steps into the wider world, she discovers aspects of herself she never knew existed. Increasingly at odds with societal and sisterly expectations, she must choose between following her truth and disappointing the most important people in her life.
Melora Fern’s debut novel offers an unconventional coming of age story set against the backdrop of a nation doing the same. As the propriety of the Victorian era gives way to the anything-goes roaring twenties, women find themselves newly enfranchised and empowered, yet still traditional expectations endure.
Fern’s attention to detail and a cast of unforgettable characters make this book hard to put down. Full of the drama and humor that come from five women sharing close quarters for weeks at a time, Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is at times raucous, tragic, and uplifting. At its heart, this book is about finding one’s voice and singing (or whistling) it loud."
—Culley Holderfield, award-winning author of Hemlock Hollow
- GenresHistorical Fiction
374 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2025
9 people are currently reading
2611 people want to read
About the author
Melora Fern
2 books17 followersThe only constant in life is change – so after a year of multiple doozies, Melora Fern moved from Texas to North Carolina to become herself. Growing up as the perpetual “new kid” she persevered by making up stories and recently has learned how to hone that skill into writing fiction. As a recovering CPA, she now counts seashells, colorful stones, or words discovered on her walks. She loves a good local gin, hiking, feeding songbirds, moonrises and joyfully sharing bites of your dinner. Her tonic is a daily belly laugh combined with mindfulness. Embracing new and old friends, undiscovered and favorite places, unique and familiar books, family, and all that comes with writing currently fills her days.
After eight years of perfecting her craft with writing classes, workshops, retreats, and an awe-inspiring critique group, Melora’s months of querying agents and small presses has paid off. She signed with Sibylline Press’s Digital First Imprint and is very excited about her coming out May 16 2025!
Join Melora Fern’s community on Instagram, Facebook or Substack to engage in open-minded insights on life’s next chapters, writing/reading recommendations, interesting facts about 1920’s nostalgia and a few other tidbits which may or may not include cats, gardening, hiking, birds, and travel.
After eight years of perfecting her craft with writing classes, workshops, retreats, and an awe-inspiring critique group, Melora’s months of querying agents and small presses has paid off. She signed with Sibylline Press’s Digital First Imprint and is very excited about her coming out May 16 2025!
Join Melora Fern’s community on Instagram, Facebook or Substack to engage in open-minded insights on life’s next chapters, writing/reading recommendations, interesting facts about 1920’s nostalgia and a few other tidbits which may or may not include cats, gardening, hiking, birds, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 16, 2025
This was such a fun read! I loved Birdie and how Melora Fern explored different types of relationships and what we can learn about ourselves while we are learning about them. This a great coming of age story, and really touches on the different growing pains that come with breaking out of your shell to begin to find yourself.
May 25, 2025
Melora Fern’s debut novel, Whistling Women and Crowing Hens, is a charming and absorbing coming-of-age tale I found difficult to put down. Earnest young heroine Birdie, and the troupe of new friends she makes among her fellow musicians in the Versatile Quintet out on the road with the Chautauqua circuit, are a varied and believable cast of characters in this dramatic 1920s page-turner. With exciting plot twists and turns, some mystery and intrigue and a dash of romance, there’s something for everyone in this tale. Come along for the ride!
October 2, 2025
I loved this and am sad that it’s over!! I’ll miss you, my little gay whistler book 😭
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June 19, 2025UPDATE: We had the incredible opportunity to Zoom with author Melora Fern, and it was delightful! The conversation was engaging, and she answered so many of our questions—it truly added a whole new layer of depth to our discussion.
If you’re in a book club, I highly recommend reaching out to her to set up a virtual visit. She’s warm, insightful, and clearly passionate about her work. Also, be sure to check out her website: https://www.melorafern.com/
Whistling and Crowing Hens was a fun and rewarding read that surprised me in all the best ways. The standout element for me was the character development—especially Birdie’s. Watching her grow from someone uncertain of her place into a strong, independent woman was truly satisfying. Her journey felt real, layered, and empowering without ever losing its emotional warmth.
I also appreciated learning about the Chautauqua circuit, something I hadn’t known much about before. The book seamlessly wove that piece of history into the story, adding depth and a vivid sense of time and place. It gave Birdie’s world a unique texture and made her transformation all the more meaningful.
This novel strikes a great balance between heart, history, and personal growth. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories about strong women, lesser-known history, and finding one’s voice.
If you’re in a book club, I highly recommend reaching out to her to set up a virtual visit. She’s warm, insightful, and clearly passionate about her work. Also, be sure to check out her website: https://www.melorafern.com/
Whistling and Crowing Hens was a fun and rewarding read that surprised me in all the best ways. The standout element for me was the character development—especially Birdie’s. Watching her grow from someone uncertain of her place into a strong, independent woman was truly satisfying. Her journey felt real, layered, and empowering without ever losing its emotional warmth.
I also appreciated learning about the Chautauqua circuit, something I hadn’t known much about before. The book seamlessly wove that piece of history into the story, adding depth and a vivid sense of time and place. It gave Birdie’s world a unique texture and made her transformation all the more meaningful.
This novel strikes a great balance between heart, history, and personal growth. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories about strong women, lesser-known history, and finding one’s voice.
July 30, 2025
Hello readers!
This is not a review because I am the author of Whistling Women and Crowing Hens. I sincerely hope you add my debut novel to your “want to read” list and once you’ve read it, tell me what you think! I treasure all my readers and especially appreciate their honest feedback—it’s what makes me a better writer. Also, I’d love to join you and your friends and/or book club in discussion about this novel. Please reach out to me and we’ll see how we can make that work!
I wanted to share a bit about why I was inspired to write this story at this time. Over eight years ago, while moving my mom to assisted living, I discovered a box of her mother’s mementos hidden under her bed. It was filled with photos, newspaper articles, brochures, a whistling textbook and best of all—a scrapbook from my grandmother’s days traveling with the Swarthmore Chautauqua Circuit in 1926-28. Unbeknownst to me, my grandmother traveled as a professional whistler before she started her family. I had never heard of Chautauqua, professional whistlers, nor traveling circuits! I spent hours and fell down many research rabbit holes learning about this fascinating part of America’s history during the turn of the 20th Century. Before I knew it, Birdie, and her camaraderie of friends, Helen, Flo, Adelle, Mary, Hugo, and Teddy formed in my mind and have been living with me ever since!
Since I’m a recovering CPA who reads a lot, I not only had to research, I also had to attend writing workshops, online classes, join writers critique groups, etc. to become a better writer. I worked hard to show readers an authentic, yet unconventional side of the 1920s—Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is set in rural America, not in the glitzy speakeasies of New York City or San Francisco. I delighted in the hours I spent reading dissertations, books, articles, newspapers and visiting libraries—all to learn more about the tumultuous 1920s, the Chautauqua movement, women’s suffragette, performance whistling, and more. My characters are experiencing the aftermath of WWI along with the awful effects from the Spanish Flu epidemic. Many of the small towns were resistant to the empowering modern changes happening all around them. The Chautauqua movement helped people feel educated and maintain their Victorian era morals. These Chautauqua circuits reached millions of people across all of the United States and are the forerunners to TED talks of today.
I hope you enjoy reading Whistling Women and Crowing Hens, as much as I enjoyed writing it. And if you want to learn more about Chautauqua circuits, performance whistling, my writing process and me, check out my Stay Curious blog on my webpage.
This is not a review because I am the author of Whistling Women and Crowing Hens. I sincerely hope you add my debut novel to your “want to read” list and once you’ve read it, tell me what you think! I treasure all my readers and especially appreciate their honest feedback—it’s what makes me a better writer. Also, I’d love to join you and your friends and/or book club in discussion about this novel. Please reach out to me and we’ll see how we can make that work!
I wanted to share a bit about why I was inspired to write this story at this time. Over eight years ago, while moving my mom to assisted living, I discovered a box of her mother’s mementos hidden under her bed. It was filled with photos, newspaper articles, brochures, a whistling textbook and best of all—a scrapbook from my grandmother’s days traveling with the Swarthmore Chautauqua Circuit in 1926-28. Unbeknownst to me, my grandmother traveled as a professional whistler before she started her family. I had never heard of Chautauqua, professional whistlers, nor traveling circuits! I spent hours and fell down many research rabbit holes learning about this fascinating part of America’s history during the turn of the 20th Century. Before I knew it, Birdie, and her camaraderie of friends, Helen, Flo, Adelle, Mary, Hugo, and Teddy formed in my mind and have been living with me ever since!
Since I’m a recovering CPA who reads a lot, I not only had to research, I also had to attend writing workshops, online classes, join writers critique groups, etc. to become a better writer. I worked hard to show readers an authentic, yet unconventional side of the 1920s—Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is set in rural America, not in the glitzy speakeasies of New York City or San Francisco. I delighted in the hours I spent reading dissertations, books, articles, newspapers and visiting libraries—all to learn more about the tumultuous 1920s, the Chautauqua movement, women’s suffragette, performance whistling, and more. My characters are experiencing the aftermath of WWI along with the awful effects from the Spanish Flu epidemic. Many of the small towns were resistant to the empowering modern changes happening all around them. The Chautauqua movement helped people feel educated and maintain their Victorian era morals. These Chautauqua circuits reached millions of people across all of the United States and are the forerunners to TED talks of today.
I hope you enjoy reading Whistling Women and Crowing Hens, as much as I enjoyed writing it. And if you want to learn more about Chautauqua circuits, performance whistling, my writing process and me, check out my Stay Curious blog on my webpage.
June 12, 2025
Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a wonderful, well-researched novel about a little-known form of musical entertainment in the early 1920’s and the lives of the talented women who performed for audiences in towns across the northeast. It is also a coming-of-age story for the main character, Birdie Stauffer, who leaves behind her safe, conventional life to travel the circuit with the Versatile Quintet, playing trombone and whistling. One of the best features of this book is the excellent character development by Ms. Fern of the various quintet members. Her writing style enabled me to feel complete sympathy for some of the characters and great disdain for others; impressive work for a first novel. I look forward to her next novel.
July 8, 2025
To borrow the words of the young women comprising the Versatile Quintet at the story’s heart, this book is “the bee’s nose,” “the pig’s wings,” “the duck’s quack,” “the bear’s hug,” and (my personal favorite which I’ve already used twice in conversation) “the berries.” This heroine’s journey by train as part of the Chautauqua Circuit takes us to a time when a woman cutting her hair was an act of rebellion, which shouldn’t feel familiar but does. “Whistling Women and Crowing Hens” is a ride worth taking with characters worth knowing to places that might surprise you. It is beyond the bee’s knees.
October 28, 2025
Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a powerful story about a young woman whose determination and strength will help her to never stop trying to achieve her goals. During a time (the 1920's) when women were meant to get married and have children, one girl, with a bit of luck and a great amount of talent will decide to go on a different journey, even though her family is very against it, and become an independent adult no one will be able to stop.
Birdie Stauffer is talented. She can play the trombone and whistle songs mimicking birds while doing so. She pleads with her sister to audition for an all-female traveling musical group for the summer. With the help of another girl, Helen who plays the piano she is accepted.
Unfortunately, her sister Lydia whom she lives with refuses to allow her to go. But Lydia's husband, Gerald finally convinces her, and she excitedly waves goodbye and jumps on the first train to meet the other members of the Quintet.
And... what a summer it will be. Exhausting, anxiety ridden, the girls not getting along and for Birdie, first love, but also horrific treatment of some of them. What will not change during this summer is Birdie's determination to succeed and be creative. She will always root for the other girls, and they will try and protect each other when they can. Only one thing gives her pause...going back home to her sister at the end of the summer.
As her independence grows, she realizes the hold her sister has on her. But how can Birdie who loves Lydia very much make her realize she doesn't have the same goals as her sister. She doesn't want to settle down, get married and have children. She wants to continue pursuing her passion, which would mean leaving Lydia.
But Lydia has a different idea of what's good for Birdie.
Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a wonderful look at how a young woman becomes empowered and strong and learns to be her own person. Once emboldened she is finally able to decide her future no matter what that means.
Thank you #BooksForward #JacieKarneth #MeloraFern #WhistlingWomenandCrowingHens for the advanced copy.
Birdie Stauffer is talented. She can play the trombone and whistle songs mimicking birds while doing so. She pleads with her sister to audition for an all-female traveling musical group for the summer. With the help of another girl, Helen who plays the piano she is accepted.
Unfortunately, her sister Lydia whom she lives with refuses to allow her to go. But Lydia's husband, Gerald finally convinces her, and she excitedly waves goodbye and jumps on the first train to meet the other members of the Quintet.
And... what a summer it will be. Exhausting, anxiety ridden, the girls not getting along and for Birdie, first love, but also horrific treatment of some of them. What will not change during this summer is Birdie's determination to succeed and be creative. She will always root for the other girls, and they will try and protect each other when they can. Only one thing gives her pause...going back home to her sister at the end of the summer.
As her independence grows, she realizes the hold her sister has on her. But how can Birdie who loves Lydia very much make her realize she doesn't have the same goals as her sister. She doesn't want to settle down, get married and have children. She wants to continue pursuing her passion, which would mean leaving Lydia.
But Lydia has a different idea of what's good for Birdie.
Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a wonderful look at how a young woman becomes empowered and strong and learns to be her own person. Once emboldened she is finally able to decide her future no matter what that means.
Thank you #BooksForward #JacieKarneth #MeloraFern #WhistlingWomenandCrowingHens for the advanced copy.
May 29, 2025
A delightful historical fiction about a group of women touring with the Chautauqua circuit in the 1940s. The Chautauqua was a celebrated touring group of performers that visited small towns, bringing culture to rural Americans.
Birdie, the main character, battles with her insecurities and naivety when she joins the players as a Whistler. Who knew whistling was a big thing back then!?! She is a lovable character that you can’t help but cheer on as she navigates life on her own, finally getting free of those who want to keep her on the ‘expected’ path.
The book is full of enchanting characters and my only criticism is that I wish had learned more about many of them!
I didn’t want this story to end and am hoping for a sequel!
Birdie, the main character, battles with her insecurities and naivety when she joins the players as a Whistler. Who knew whistling was a big thing back then!?! She is a lovable character that you can’t help but cheer on as she navigates life on her own, finally getting free of those who want to keep her on the ‘expected’ path.
The book is full of enchanting characters and my only criticism is that I wish had learned more about many of them!
I didn’t want this story to end and am hoping for a sequel!
June 2, 2025
Set in the 1920’s, “Whistling Women and Crowing Hens” is a well researched novel that presents an accurate portrayal of a time when women were expected to mind their p’s and q’s, endeavor to find a good man and settle down. “Whistling Women…” gives a behind the scenes look at a traveling Chautauqua troupe through the eyes of a uniquely talented, but inexperienced young woman as she discovers the wider world, friendship and romance but most importantly finds herself and her place in the world.
A good read with humor, intrigue and discovery sprinkled with historical facts that made me want to know more about Chautauqua and the unique time in our nation’s history when the movement was crisscrossing the country.
A good read with humor, intrigue and discovery sprinkled with historical facts that made me want to know more about Chautauqua and the unique time in our nation’s history when the movement was crisscrossing the country.
May 26, 2025
What a great read! Melora clearly did her research for a historically accurate depiction, which gives this story a remarkable touch. As a fellow musician and birder, I appreciate the unique components this book has to offer.
Insider note - this book is based off of Melora's family members and their experience, which offers a personal touch like no other!
I can't wait to have Melora attend my book club.. not only is she a fantastic writer, she's a heck of a human being!
Insider note - this book is based off of Melora's family members and their experience, which offers a personal touch like no other!
I can't wait to have Melora attend my book club.. not only is she a fantastic writer, she's a heck of a human being!
October 6, 2025
The story was a little slow in building. However, this gave a chance to let each character unfold before the events really start to surprise the reader about halfway through. The tension of the relationships and the discovery that a mutual respect grows even when opinions differ was a triumph in the novel.
A surprising element of the story is the way the “modern” transformations happening for young women are portrayed. When doing a dip into researching the Flapper Movement, it truly was more about the changing times and women’s attempts toward independent thinking, claiming for themselves new rules of dress and social behavior. The movies tend to focus on dresses with tassels, sassy talk, and jazz clubs. But the 1920’s has importance in women seeing themselves as more than quiet homemakers. The transformation of each of the characters seems authentic and wide-ranging on how much each is hoping to gain as they leave their respective hometowns and travel as working women.
Be prepared, Melora Fern may inspire a new internet search with her first novel: Whistling Women and Crowing Hens. It features five young women in the 1920’s who join a Chautauqua circuit using their musical talents and a coveted skill of the time: bird whistling! Who knew the historical cultural influence of the Chautauqua Movement?
( for my full review see novelsalive.com)
A surprising element of the story is the way the “modern” transformations happening for young women are portrayed. When doing a dip into researching the Flapper Movement, it truly was more about the changing times and women’s attempts toward independent thinking, claiming for themselves new rules of dress and social behavior. The movies tend to focus on dresses with tassels, sassy talk, and jazz clubs. But the 1920’s has importance in women seeing themselves as more than quiet homemakers. The transformation of each of the characters seems authentic and wide-ranging on how much each is hoping to gain as they leave their respective hometowns and travel as working women.
Be prepared, Melora Fern may inspire a new internet search with her first novel: Whistling Women and Crowing Hens. It features five young women in the 1920’s who join a Chautauqua circuit using their musical talents and a coveted skill of the time: bird whistling! Who knew the historical cultural influence of the Chautauqua Movement?
( for my full review see novelsalive.com)
October 15, 2025
Easy read, and a light peak into the 1920s. I wish the mystery was revealed - there are a few loose ends I'd like wrapped up. What's the scandal/drama with the show? What's the deal with A?
I saw the attraction coming from the lead immediately, so it was nice when that suspicion was confirmed! I hope they have a happy ending. I would read a sequel if one comes out, but I don't mind an open ended ending.
I saw the attraction coming from the lead immediately, so it was nice when that suspicion was confirmed! I hope they have a happy ending. I would read a sequel if one comes out, but I don't mind an open ended ending.
September 6, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to hop a train in the 1920s and tumble into a world of flappers, speakeasies, and scandal all while chasing your own voice Whistling Women and Crowing Hens delivers that ride!
Birdie Stauffer, eager to break free from her bossy, judgmental sister, joins the Versatile Quintet, a daring all-female musical act traveling the Chautauqua circuit. With her uncanny gift for concert whistling, yes whistling, Birdie not only charms audiences across the country but also stirs up more than a little attention offstage. As she navigates a world of bootleg whiskey and smoky jazz clubs, she finds herself pulled between two romances: a polished, dependable circuit manager and her talented, magnetic pianist.
What really hooked me was the dynamic within the quintet. Melora Fern gives us a vibrant cast of women: a flapper with quick wit, a steadfast girl-next-door, a guarded loner, and a luminous sapphic performer who all bring their own fire to Birdie’s journey. Together, they face personal and professional trials that challenge the meaning of loyalty, love, and self-expression in a time when women’s roles were rapidly shifting.
The story is as much about friendship and independence as it is about love. Birdie’s path is messy, brave, and often heartbreaking but isn’t that what makes it feel real? By the end, I felt like I’d been on tour with them, swept up in both the glitz and the grit of a decade that didn’t always welcome women who dared to whistle or crow too loudly.
⚡️Thank you Books Forward PR and Melora Fern for sharing this book with me!
Birdie Stauffer, eager to break free from her bossy, judgmental sister, joins the Versatile Quintet, a daring all-female musical act traveling the Chautauqua circuit. With her uncanny gift for concert whistling, yes whistling, Birdie not only charms audiences across the country but also stirs up more than a little attention offstage. As she navigates a world of bootleg whiskey and smoky jazz clubs, she finds herself pulled between two romances: a polished, dependable circuit manager and her talented, magnetic pianist.
What really hooked me was the dynamic within the quintet. Melora Fern gives us a vibrant cast of women: a flapper with quick wit, a steadfast girl-next-door, a guarded loner, and a luminous sapphic performer who all bring their own fire to Birdie’s journey. Together, they face personal and professional trials that challenge the meaning of loyalty, love, and self-expression in a time when women’s roles were rapidly shifting.
The story is as much about friendship and independence as it is about love. Birdie’s path is messy, brave, and often heartbreaking but isn’t that what makes it feel real? By the end, I felt like I’d been on tour with them, swept up in both the glitz and the grit of a decade that didn’t always welcome women who dared to whistle or crow too loudly.
⚡️Thank you Books Forward PR and Melora Fern for sharing this book with me!
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June 9, 2025Whistling Women & Crowing Hens follows Birdie Stauffer, a charming dreamer, who in the summer of 1924 pursues her ambition to become a modern Chautauqua Circuit whistler. Determined to carve out her place in a rapidly changing world, Birdie flees her hometown—and her overbearing sister—for the adventure of city-to-city travel aboard steam locomotives. But life on the road isn’t always “the cat’s meow” or “the bee’s knees.” Beneath the canvas of the performance tent set up in each town, Birdie navigates the highs and lows of her craft, forging new friendships, stumbling with her independence, and experimenting with the latest hairstyle. With its engaging characters and precise historical detail, Melora Fern’s debut historical fiction is “ab-so-lute-ly” a trip worth taking!
June 2, 2025
One of the best historical novels published this year!
Birdie is a bang-up character who brings us into her world with her first whistle. She grows, falls backward, grows again as she changes from a protected little sister to a modern working woman.
The characters in this story are drawn with such love and beauty that you begin to believe you met them all years ago. They lived in your dorm or populated your workplace. They were your gal pals and first loves.
The historical context of the 1920s comes alive through the flappers, booze, and language that is meticulously presented in this debut novel by Melora Fern.
Birdie is a bang-up character who brings us into her world with her first whistle. She grows, falls backward, grows again as she changes from a protected little sister to a modern working woman.
The characters in this story are drawn with such love and beauty that you begin to believe you met them all years ago. They lived in your dorm or populated your workplace. They were your gal pals and first loves.
The historical context of the 1920s comes alive through the flappers, booze, and language that is meticulously presented in this debut novel by Melora Fern.
August 25, 2025
In Whistling Women and Crowing Hens, Melora Fern ushers her readers into small-town 1924, where we meet Birdie, a musically gifted teen who struggles with the rigors of Victorian period staunchness and the promising modernization of societal norms the Roaring Twenties are foisting upon the nation. Birdie's frustrating compulsion to self-sabotage her relationships with people who wanted to care for her throughout most of this book annoyed me, but in the end, she makes some difficult choices about living her life for herself and defying a personal relationship taboo of the times. Bravo to Melora Fern for setting her book in a chaotic period with an unlikely heroine.
June 3, 2025
This novel was a summer in the 1920’s. I have not read many books from this era and enjoyed learning many things that were happening at that time. Women were finding their voice.
Wonderful character development. Loved some of the characters so much that I was sad when it ended. A great book club book.
Wonderful character development. Loved some of the characters so much that I was sad when it ended. A great book club book.
June 5, 2025
Amazing debut novel! Historical fiction is not my normal genre, but any books with solid character development, witty dialogue and a captivating plot draw me in. This book definitely hits in all the marks! Birdie is a wonderful character and her growth through out this novel is truly a joy to witness. Put this on your summer reading list!
September 30, 2025
Birdie Stauffer takes her chances and auditions for the All-Female Versatile Quartet of the Westdale Chautauqua Circuit in the 1920's. Despite her sister, Lydia's, initial disapproval, Birdie is accepted and makes it a quintet on account of not only her trombone skills, but her amazing whistling. Birdie is joined by her friend Helen, a pianist, Flo, a brash harpist, Mary, a sweet violinist and Adelle, a tough banjo player. However, Lydia imposes a condition on Birdie's adventure, she must come back with a marriage proposal. Birdie finds a new freedom travelling with the Chautauqua circuit, even though the Quintet gets off to a rough start, Birdie grows in her skills, her friendships and knowledge of the world. Birdie has two romances on the tour, one that satisfies Lydia and one that satisfies herself. Once the tour is over, Birdie must decide to live a life that her sister chooses or a life for herself.
Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a historical fiction novel centering around the Chautauqua Circuit in the 1920's. Using her grandmother's Chautauqua CIrcuit Scrapbook, the author is able to detail aspects of the Chautauqua circuit and make it come to life. I enjoyed learning about the Chautauqua assemblies; despite living near where they originated, I was unaware of their existence. The characters were all complex and unique. Helen was an amazing friend and composer, who was clearly hiding a secret. I loved Flo's brashness and her resilience in the face of trauma. Adelle was a hardened leader, with a soft heart, and Mary was welcoming and understanding. I felt for Birdie as she went from a very sheltered environment under her sister's thumb to a worldly experience on the Circuit. Birdie's journey was one of growth and self discovery as she learned who she was, what she needs, how to stand up for herself and be a friend. Through several traumatic incidents and living life on the road, Birdie is able to experience more of the world and figure out her place in it. Her romances were unexpected and tumultuous, moving the plot along. I wish Lydia would have grown along with Birdie, however, I was glad that she had a friend in Lydia's husband, Gerald. Overall, an amazing heartfelt story of personal growth.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a historical fiction novel centering around the Chautauqua Circuit in the 1920's. Using her grandmother's Chautauqua CIrcuit Scrapbook, the author is able to detail aspects of the Chautauqua circuit and make it come to life. I enjoyed learning about the Chautauqua assemblies; despite living near where they originated, I was unaware of their existence. The characters were all complex and unique. Helen was an amazing friend and composer, who was clearly hiding a secret. I loved Flo's brashness and her resilience in the face of trauma. Adelle was a hardened leader, with a soft heart, and Mary was welcoming and understanding. I felt for Birdie as she went from a very sheltered environment under her sister's thumb to a worldly experience on the Circuit. Birdie's journey was one of growth and self discovery as she learned who she was, what she needs, how to stand up for herself and be a friend. Through several traumatic incidents and living life on the road, Birdie is able to experience more of the world and figure out her place in it. Her romances were unexpected and tumultuous, moving the plot along. I wish Lydia would have grown along with Birdie, however, I was glad that she had a friend in Lydia's husband, Gerald. Overall, an amazing heartfelt story of personal growth.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
December 17, 2025
Melora Fern’s Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a transportive and utterly charming debut that sings with the energy and tumult of the 1920s. The novel invites readers onto the Chautauqua circuit’s trains and stages, offering a vibrant, backstage pass to a unique moment in American cultural history through the eyes of the memorable Birdie Stauffer. Birdie is a wonderfully relatable heroine. Her journey from a small-town life constrained by her strait-laced sister to the adventurous, sometimes shocking world of the all-female “Versatile Quintet” is a perfect metaphor for the era itself. Fern’s attention to historical detail, from the slang and fashions to the smuggled whiskey and changing social mores, creates a richly immersive world. The novel’s heart, however, lies in its exploration of found family and self-discovery. The quintet is a beautifully drawn ensemble: the slang-slinging flapper, the confident girl-next-door, the tight-lipped loner, and the virtuoso sapphic musician. Their camaraderie, conflicts, and shared experiences in close quarters provide both raucous humor and poignant drama. Birdie’s “exceptional gift of concert whistling” is a delightful and unique thread, and her navigation of two romantic entanglements adds a layer of compelling personal tension. This is more than a historical romp; it is a thoughtful, unconventional coming-of-age story about a woman learning to trust her intuition and find her own voice amidst societal and sisterly expectations. As Culley Holderfield’s praise perfectly notes, it is “at times raucous, tragic, and uplifting.” A truly special and immersive read that is hard to put down.
September 3, 2025
Birdie’s older sister practically raised her after their parent’s untimely deaths, but that doesn’t give her the right to run Birdie’s life. At least, Birdie doesn’t think so. She reluctantly gives Birdie permission to audition for a touring all-female quartet. When she doesn’t make the cut with her saxophone playing, another member of the group tells the managers about Birdie’s unique talent: whistling bird calls. The group is now a quintet and they go off on a whirlwind tour. This tour is a series of eye opening events for Birdie. Before long, she has drunk beer, bobbed her hair, and received her first kiss. She has made new friendships and attracts the attentions of others. But not all the new experiences are positive ones, though many are. One thing is for certain: Birdie is now a new creation seeking a new life on her own. This wonderful story, set in the roaring twenties, is intriguing from the first page to the last. The characters come alive on the page. The relationships of the five girls with their vastly different personalities are well developed as the girls themselves grow and mature. The novel is humorous at times, but has plenty of drama, conflicts, and a couple of tragic events. Still, it is an uplifting book, filled with hope for the future. I highly recommend it for everyone who enjoys a good historical fiction story, well told.
June 21, 2025
A Historical Fiction Story with Heart!
Melora Fern eloquently develops the character Birdie, who joins the Chautauqua Circuit’s 1920s musical troupe. Birdie would most likely have adhered to the typical societal norms for a proper young woman of that time had she not taken the opportunity to share her talents and travel as a member of the circuit. The author developed the torment and consequences of impulse, regret, conscience, and desire. Fern has a keen sense of human behavior, and in her writing she gave each of her characters unique personalities and brought them together on their tour, paving the way for a great emotional read. Thank you, Melora, for delivering a heartwarming story that reminded me of the times in my emerging adulthood when I needed to be decisive and independent. I adored Birdie and could not wait to read about how she navigated her challenges. This is a fine work of historical fiction set in the 1920s, complete with vivid details of clothing, language, architecture, and even food. I learned so much! I highly recommend reading this story built around the history of the circuit that is sure to bind you to the young woman pictured on the cover. Wonderful!
Melora Fern eloquently develops the character Birdie, who joins the Chautauqua Circuit’s 1920s musical troupe. Birdie would most likely have adhered to the typical societal norms for a proper young woman of that time had she not taken the opportunity to share her talents and travel as a member of the circuit. The author developed the torment and consequences of impulse, regret, conscience, and desire. Fern has a keen sense of human behavior, and in her writing she gave each of her characters unique personalities and brought them together on their tour, paving the way for a great emotional read. Thank you, Melora, for delivering a heartwarming story that reminded me of the times in my emerging adulthood when I needed to be decisive and independent. I adored Birdie and could not wait to read about how she navigated her challenges. This is a fine work of historical fiction set in the 1920s, complete with vivid details of clothing, language, architecture, and even food. I learned so much! I highly recommend reading this story built around the history of the circuit that is sure to bind you to the young woman pictured on the cover. Wonderful!
May 26, 2025
Historical fiction is not my go-to but I loved this!! It only took a couple chapters for me to be fully engrossed in Birdie’s journey! it was such a realistic and captivating story of learning to who you are and how to trust yourself to do the scary thing! It is in a 1920s that shows the complicated and shifting social structures that pull Birdie between the comfort of tradition and family and the exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, modernity of the flapper era. A really unique approach to a coming of age and a 1920s story - a different way to experience and learn about such an iconic time.
(full disclosure: the author is my mom but I would have the same review even if she wasn’t! She put so much time, research, and work into writing this novel and that shines through on each page. Even if your mom didn’t write this, you should read it because it’s a fantastic novel!)
(full disclosure: the author is my mom but I would have the same review even if she wasn’t! She put so much time, research, and work into writing this novel and that shines through on each page. Even if your mom didn’t write this, you should read it because it’s a fantastic novel!)
May 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I loved being transported back in time to the 20s, a period I didn't know much about. Birdie, the heroine of this book, joins the Versatile Quintet with the Chautauqua circuit during an era when women aren’t encouraged to follow their dreams. She grows significantly while on the road with the troupe, and it was fascinating to see how she changed during her time away from her domineering sister and out on her own. Each woman in the quintet was very different, and their characters were well developed. I had trouble putting the book down because I was so curious about what would happen next! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and loves a good story with characters you will be sorry to say goodbye to.
August 24, 2025
It’s the roaring 1920’s and small-town girl Birdie Stauffer is headed for a rigid future—behave, capture a husband, and above all, don’t do anything ‘different.’ But when she’s accepted as a musician performing as part of a versatile quintet on the Chautauqua circuit, her world expands at dizzying speed. She’s a whistler (yes, professional whistling really was a thing), and as she embraces travel, friendships, adventure, and numerous challenges, she not only learns what she wants out of life, she finds the fortitude to pursue it. Meticulously researched and filled with a delightful cast of characters, this story kept me captivated. WHISTLING WOMEN AND CROWING HENS is Melora Fern’s debut novel, and I’m already looking forward to her next book.
November 12, 2025
This is a wonderful tale of a naive young woman, dominated by an older sister, who escapes to the Chatauqua tour as part of an all-female musical group. A vivid picture of the 1920s and the awakening of previously docile women to the possibilities in life. She meets and is attracted to a man who proves unreliable and forms a deep friendship with one of her bandmates. She discovers a lot about herself and the life she wants, as opposed to the life that has been designed for her.
The book illustrates the traditional societal roles of women and how those courageous enough could break out of that mold and find their own path, but not without cost.
The book illustrates the traditional societal roles of women and how those courageous enough could break out of that mold and find their own path, but not without cost.
May 30, 2025
The perfect read!! This is a beautiful story that highlights not only a coming of age for the main character, but a discovery of self. I thoroughly enjoyed being transported into the 1920s and felt like I was right there with the ladies as they toured the performance circuit up and down the east coast. The friendships and strong feelings between the women were raw and tangible. I couldn’t set the book down as I was eager to find out what obstacles they would overcome next. I loved the ending and where the main character, Birdie, landed. I feel a true kinship with her journey.
December 4, 2025
This was an exceptional read. While I typically select non-fiction or romantasy types of books, this was a welcome breath of fresh air. It is such a unique and authentic story. I love any story that does a great job luring you into a character's world and explores growth and self-discovery. I stayed up past my bedtime and squeezed in reading the final chapters because I had to know how it ended. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Share/Gift this with/to a sibling, a parent, a friend and see what conversations it can spark. 💓💓💓
Share/Gift this with/to a sibling, a parent, a friend and see what conversations it can spark. 💓💓💓
May 28, 2025
I loved this! I was transported to the Chautauqua Circuit - an arts movement I knew nothing about beforehand, but got to experience through Melora's vivid writing. Birdie is such a relatable protagonist, navigating the pressures of family expectations while discovering her own identity. Plus, she has a great gang of friends on the Circuit. The author brings this historical period to life with authenticity and compelling character relationships.
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