All These Gentle Birds: Bittern & Janie's Story

The Sovereign Mountain #3.25

by Raya Morris Edwards

After getting out of rehab, Bittern settles in at Ryder Ranch. Still recovering from a difficult past back home, he’s determined to build a new life for himself in Montana. Working on the ranch is the uncomplicated life he’s always wanted.

Until he sets eyes on the ranch manager’s daughter.

Fresh off a breakup, Janie returns to Ryder Ranch for a long weekend. She’s not interested in dating again so soon, but when she sees the newest wrangler, stoic and unassuming Bittern Hatfield, she can’t stop thinking about him.

Neither of them are ready for a relationship, but fate has other plans. Slowly, Bittern opens up to the idea of having a better future and Janie begins to wonder if her life in the city is what she wanted after all.

All These Gentle Birds is the short and sweet story of Bittern and Janie, characters found in Deacon, the third book in The Sovereign Mountain Series. It is not a standalone and must be read after reading Deacon .

Genres: Westerns, Novella, Romance, Audiobook, Small Town Romance

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

About the author

Raya Morris Edwards is the author of the Sovereign Mountain Series, the Welsh Kings Trilogy, and more! She lives near the mountains, but never close enough. When not writing, she's probably spending time with her family and dogs somewhere in the hills or traveling in the Blue Ridges.

Reviews

[Shaz ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love Bittern from the moment I started this 🫶🏻

Of course, he’s an addict in recovery and that pulls my heart strings every time ❤️‍🩹 But when he 💦 in his pants, it really sealed the deal for me 🥹

[Aleksandra [semi hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

-h 24, H 31
-love at first sight
-no ow/om drama, no cheating/sharing/3rd act breakup
-both experienced, she has just broken up with her boyfriend of a few months/years(? idk I didn’t catch that info if there was any), last time she had sex had been a few weeks earlier, she had disappointing sex with her ex, he didn’t make her come, so she had to touch herself to have an orgasm🙄
-he had dated before he was in the accident in the mine 10 years ago, he’s been celibate since then (he says it’s been more than ten years since his last time, he was taking pain killers after the accident happened, and got addicted to them, so he wasn’t interested in having sex, and couldn’t even get hard, she brings his dick back to life lmao)

It's been so fucking long since I wanted anyone, I don't remember the last time I got hard. It was before the accident, back when I was still dating around a bit. Then, they put us in the ground, and all I could think of was getting out, then dreading the second I had to go back underneath.
When the first pain pill touched my tongue after I got out of the hospital, any thoughts of getting back to normal flew out the window. Whatever shit was in those pills, it killed my sex drive completely. I couldn't get hard to jerk off anymore even if I had the urge.

"Fuck—stop," he pants.
I go still, heart pounding, looking up into his face. He's gritting his jaw, looking hot and tortured.
"What's wrong?" I whisper.
His cheek twitches. "It's been a while."
"Okay. How long?"
He takes a breath, stepping back so I have to let go. He pushes his dick back under his pants.
"I don't know...like ten years."
My jaw drops. I don't mean for it to happen, but I can't control it. Bittern is a handsome guy. Surely, it's been less than a decade since he got laid.
"Oh," I say. "That's fine. We can go slow."
He takes a breath, like he's going to speak, then doesn't.
"Um...how old are you?" I ask.
"Thirty-one," he says. "I've been kinda fucking busy for a while. This is my first year in a while that I've felt ready to get back into dating."

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2.5🌶️

Wow, I love the Sovereign Mountain Series something fierce. And when Raya announced we were getting Bittern and Janie’s story I was beyond excited to return to Ryder Ranch. Bittern has had a rough life. After rehab, he returns to Ryder Ranch to live and work. He’s slowly finding his way when he sees Janie across the yard one day and everything changes. Janie just broke up with her boyfriend and is a little lost and confused about what she wants. Deacon meddles and tells both of them they’re going out Saturday night. The date is sweet and ends spicy. They both know that this is it for them. From there they take things relatively slow, they find a routine and soon she’s moving in. He tells her he’s never been able to just be happy and wants to do that with her but it’s all leading to the same of them getting married and having a family.I loved seeing Freya and Deacon, especially when Deacon meddled and set them up on a date.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5

🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“We don’t say a word, but she feels my heart beat fast for her all the way home.”

“From my crown to my toes, I’m swooning, colors going off like fireworks in my mind, my body tingling with electricity.”

“I think my k!nk is gentleness, because I’m burning up.”

“I don’t care what you do,” I breathe. “You can come in five seconds. Just make sure I get there too.”

“No work,” I say, slipping into the hall. “Maybe if you’re good, I’ll bl0w you later.”

“He’s got the whole damn package: the body, the voice, the tongue, and the personality. I stand by what I said last night—come hell or high water, I’m locking this man down.”

“The axis of the world shifted and ground to a halt, spinning out in a new direction when we laid eyes on each other. Nothing’s ever gonna be the same.”

[Sarah | sarah_rose_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

BETA + re-read 🖤🕊️

Bittern and Janie's story is 1000% a comfort read for me. If you haven't read the Sovereign Mountain series yet, this is your sign. All These Gentle Birds is a novella and must be read after reading Deacon, book 3 in the series.

If I could highlight nearly every line in this book, I would. Raya's story telling is phenomenal and she makes you feel like you're living on Ryder Ranch in the mountains of Montana with these characters.

Bittern and Janie's love story is one of healing, gentleness, and full of the most sweet and tender moments. Bittern has been through it, and after battling through one hell of a past, he finds solace on Ryder Ranch, owned by his brother in law, Deacon Ryder. Now that Bittern's sister, Freya, has found happiness with Deacon, she only wants the best for her brother as well. So when the ranch manager's daughter, Janie, turns up, some part of Bittern's heart is kickstarted, and it's like he's breathing easy for the first time again after all those years, thanks to Janie.

GOD I LOVE THESE TWO. Their story is so well done, and I'm so grateful Raya gave this beautiful book to her readers because it's now one of my favorites by her (but let's be honest, I love them all). And don't think because this is a novella that it doesn't pack some heat too! The spice is oh so delicious, especially since these two have such a beautiful connection.

One of my favorite take aways after reading this again was to enjoy every season of life, especially after coming out of difficult and dark times, savor the sunshine and the light, and the gentle and tender moments, because they're so beautiful and deserve to be cherished.

Thank you so much to Raya for trusting me with this beta read!🖤

[Tabby Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

All These Gentle Birds by Raya Morris Edwards was a ample read in my opinion. I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version before the release and I really really enjoyed it. The male main character is Bittern, a newly sober fresh out of rehab, ready to resume and improve his life after a dark past led to bad habits. Now working on his sister's ranch in Montana, Bittern is starting to relearn the joy in the simplest things life has to offer, with a few set backs. When his boss's daughter comes to visit for a short time being, Bittern gets the chance to meet her and discover what true love is.
This book was a nice and short listen, just around 4.5 hours long. This book is a DUAL narration book and I LOVED the narrators. I'm unsure if they're new but I hope to listen to more of their voices in the future. I enjoyed this book, which is book 3.25 in a 9 book series, that I added the rest to my Goodreads TBR shelf to read when I have time. I ABSOLUTELY want to listen to the other characters stories.
Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape Media.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this one last night and thought, I will just read a couple chapters before bed. And then next thing I knew, I was finishing the book.

I love the Sovereign Mountain Series so much, so when I saw the audio up for this one, I immediately signed up. Christian Leatherman and Hannah Chiclana brought Bittern and Janie to life and really made the story fly.

This story was beautiful, full of healing. And for a shorter book/novella, it really touched on everything. I fell in love with these characters instantly and loved every single second of their journey.

Absolutely saving this one as a comfort read (especially on audio).

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a short and sweet novella especially when it's two characters from a previous story. They may have not been the main but boy they had enough impact. I loved this story thank you. This was such a cozy read and to see how far you've come out of rehab back into the real world is just heart warming.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredibly sweet and loved how their entire relationship felt as natural as breathing

5/5 stars

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review: All These Gentle Birds by Raya Morris Edwards
(Sovereign Mountain — Bittern & Janie’s story)

All These Gentle Birds is one of those quiet, tender Sovereign Mountain stories that sneaks up on you and settles right under your ribs. This novella follows Bittern, Freya’s brother — and if you remember Freya and Deacon’s book, then you already know the kind of darkness this man had to crawl out of. His home life was brutal, his father’s addiction pulled him under, and Bittern carried scars that weren’t always visible.

This story picks up right as he’s leaving rehab, clean, sober, and trying to rebuild a life he never thought he’d get to have. He’s working at Ryder Ranch. He has his own place. He’s steady. He’s content. And for someone who grew up in chaos, that “ordinary” life is nothing short of extraordinary.

One thing I absolutely loved and rarely see handled with this much care is how the book talks about libido returning after addiction. Bittern’s struggle with prescription pills affected every part of his body, including his desire. Watching him notice those changes, feel surprised by them, and celebrate them was so honest and refreshing. Addiction affects the whole person, and Raya Morris Edwards treats that truth with compassion instead of shame.

Bittern is also just… slower. Not in ability .... in pace. He likes to take his time with decisions, with emotions, with love. And Janie meets him exactly where he is. She doesn’t rush him, doesn’t push him, doesn’t try to “fix” him. She sees the beauty in the way he moves through the world, and that alone made me fall for this couple.

Everyone around him is worried about him “finding someone,” but Bittern is genuinely happy with the life he’s building a home, a dog, a routine, choices that are finally his. And that’s what this novella does so well:
it reminds you that extraordinary doesn’t look the same for everyone.
For Bittern, peace is extraordinary. Stability is extraordinary. Being loved gently is extraordinary.

And if you’ve read Deacon’s book, you know that story leans dark. This one is the opposite — soft, hopeful, healing. A breath of fresh air in the Sovereign Mountain world.

The duet narration elevates everything. Hearing Bittern’s quiet steadiness and Janie’s warmth in two distinct voices made the story feel even more intimate. I’m so glad I’d already read the rest of the series, because knowing the history of these characters made every moment hit deeper. You can read it as a standalone, but it shines brightest when you understand the shadows Bittern walked through to get here.

And yes! the birds. I won’t spoil it, but the symbolism is beautiful. I absolutely went to Google afterward to look up the real bittern bird and its mannerisms, and it made the story even sweeter.

This was an A+ NetGalley listen for me ..... short, tender, and full of quiet triumph. I’ll be recommending it, especially to readers who love stories about healing, gentleness, and love that doesn’t rush.

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

All These Gentle Birds may be a shorter story, but it packed so much heart into its pages. It felt like the perfect little return to Ryder Ranch, giving Bittern and Janie the love story they absolutely deserved.

After everything Bittern has been through, I just wanted good things for him. His journey of recovery isn't magically fixed overnight, and I really appreciated that. He's quiet, guarded, and still learning that he's worthy of happiness. Watching him slowly begin to believe that a better future is possible was easily my favourite part of the book.

Then there's Janie, who's also trying to figure out where her life is headed after a difficult breakup. I loved that neither of them jumps headfirst into a relationship. Instead, they find comfort in each other's company, and their connection grows naturally through quiet moments rather than grand gestures.

Honestly, this book is proof that sometimes the softest romances are the ones that hit the hardest.
The ranch setting was every bit as comforting as I remembered. There's just something about Ryder Ranch that feels like coming home. Between the wide open Montana scenery, the horses, and the familiar faces, it had that cosy, small town feeling that makes this series so easy to fall in love with.

I also listened to the audiobook, and Christian Leatherman and Hannah Chiclana both did a beautiful job bringing Bittern and Janie to life. Their performances captured the quiet vulnerability of both characters perfectly, making their emotional journey feel even more authentic.

The only reason this wasn't a full five stars is because I simply wanted more! More time with Bittern and Janie, more quiet ranch moments, more of their life together after everything they'd been through. It ended far too soon. But I do understand... it is a novella.

All These Gentle Birds is a sweet, healing romance about second chances, recovery, finding where you belong, and allowing yourself to love again. If you've already fallen in love with the Sovereign Mountain series, this novella is a beautiful addition that gives two wonderful characters the ending they deserved.

And honestly... Ryder Ranch is becoming one of those fictional places I'd happily move to tomorrow if someone handed me the keys.

[Morena · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a reader of predominantly dark stories, I don't understand how anyone could label this cozy, no-conflict romance "dark." Maybe the earlier book, Deacon, is dark. Either way this was cozy story set on a ranch.
The writing was solid, and had a nice flow to it. The audiobook was easy to listen to, though at first the male voice sounded much older to me than a 30 year-old man.
As someone who hates billionaire and mafia romances, I appreciated the MMC's working class roots, traumatic upbringing, hard life, and his silent endurance which made him endearing. But none of his dark past encroached on the story. (there was one tiny instance, but I was never worried for the MMC) The FMC had nothing interesting going on about her, (I did appreciate that she was good looking, but other than that she was a boring person). I was hoping for some conflict when she returned back to town, but even that was resolved neatly within one chapter. As for writing flaws: there was one instance where the FMC made no sense to me. When she was leaving for the town (at this point she is deeply in love with Bittern) she decided to leave some clothes at her parent's house so she would have a reason to return. Hahah and what about Bittern, the love of your life? Isn't that reason enough. I feel a beta reader should have picked up on this.
I would rate this book higher if the author introduced some conflict to the story. This book is perfect for those who just want a sweet, insta-love romance.

I got this audio copy through Netgalley

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an unexpectedly sweet visit to The Sovereign Mountain world. All These Gentle Birds is short, soft, and surprisingly emotional for a novella. And a great listen too.

This novella follows Bittern as he comes out of rehab and starts rebuilding his life. He is working on a ranch, finding routine, and learning how to exist in a world that finally feels steady. And that is what makes this story so special. It is not about chaos or high drama. It is about peace. About choosing a slower, healthier life and learning to be okay in it. This definitely had a different vibe (to me at least) than the other stories.

Bittern is such a unique MMC. He moves through life more carefully, more intentionally. Every decision, every feeling, he takes his time with it. And watching him rediscover joy in small, everyday things felt really grounding. His journey is handled with so much care, especially when it comes to his sobriety and the way addiction has impacted every part of him.

Then there is Janie, who meets him exactly where he is. No pressure, no rushing, no trying to change him. She just sees him. Their connection is gentle, easy, and rooted in understanding. It is not explosive or chaotic. It is steady, warm, and quietly beautiful.

I also loved how this story highlights that happiness does not have to look big or dramatic. For Bittern, building a simple life, having stability, and feeling safe in his own choices is everything. That message really struck me.

If you have read other books in this world, this one hits even deeper because you understand where Bittern came from. But even on its own, it is such a comforting, heartfelt read that focuses on healing, growth, and soft love.

The audiobook was great. Christian Leatherman and Hannah Chiclana are both really underrated I think, and I loved them both here. Bittern’s voice carries that quiet steadiness and introspection, while Janie’s brings warmth and softness that balances him perfectly. The performances make the emotional moments feel even more immersive.

What to Expect....
Second Chance at Life
Post-Rehab / Addiction Recovery
Small Town Ranch Setting
Emotionally Grounded MMC
Supportive, Understanding FMC
Healing Journey
Cozy, Low Angst Vibes
Novella (connected to series)

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC! I am still smiling after finishing All These Gentle Birds.

Since I’m originally from Montana, any story set there already has a head start with me, but this one felt especially close to home. As a visual person, the setting just felt so "authentic"—I could practically see those big skies and small-town vibes playing out like a movie in my head while I listened.

This was my first time reading Raya Morris Edwards, and even though this is a shorter story, it’s definitely made me want to go back and dive into the rest of the series (I’m looking at you, Deacon).

Can we talk about Bittern and Janie? Their story is so soft and heartfelt. Honestly, it was such a refreshing change of pace because there wasn't a messy third-act breakup. Instead, the focus was just on their growth and healing, which made their dynamic feel so much more genuine. It’s one of those "feel-good" romances that actually has substance, and I definitely found myself laughing out loud quite a few times while I was getting chores done.

The narration was the cherry on top. Both Christian Leatherman and Hannah Chiclana did a great job bringing that cozy, charming tone to life.

Rating: 4 Stars. If you’re looking for a low-drama, heartfelt romance that feels like a warm hug, this is it. I’m definitely ready for more from this series!

[Brea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen… I did NOT expect to get emotionally ambushed by a soft cowboy novella, but here we are.
This one is a total shift from the usual Sovereign Mountain chaos. Instead of grit and darkness, we get something slower, gentler… and honestly? It works. Bittern and Janie are very much insta-love, but it’s the kind that feels calm instead of chaotic. Two people with baggage just quietly choosing each other without blowing everything up for drama.
And yes—there is a pregnancy storyline in here, but it fits the tone. It leans into that whole “building something steady and safe” vibe instead of feeling like a plot twist thrown in for shock.
Bittern? Soft. Swoony. Emotionally aware king.
Janie? Sweet, supportive, and exactly what this man needed.
No third-act breakup, minimal chaos, just vibes, healing, and a man who wants a life instead of a mess. We love to see it.
Audiobook-wise, the narration really carried the tone. Bittern’s voice especially had that slow, grounded feel that made everything hit a little deeper.
Only reason it’s not higher? I wanted MORE. This easily could’ve been a full-length book and I would’ve eaten it up.
Thank you Raya Morris Edwards, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media.

[Awilda Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL THESE GENTLE BIRDS is not a standalone — you’ll want to read it after Deacon, book three in the Sovereign Mountain series. Trust me. Reading order matters here 🫶

When Raya announced a Bittern & Janie book, I was instantly thrilled because Bittern deserved happiness. He was the softest, most gentle soul in Deacon, and seeing him finally get his HEA healed something in me.

The way this story unfolds is so tender and intentional. You can feel the huge emotions between Bittern and Janie, but everything moves at a slow, careful, gentle pace that fits them perfectly.

Also… Deacon was an absolute menace in this book 😭 Every time he showed up, dropped a few words, and made it law, I was cackling.

This story is truly beautiful. Soft, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying. I’m so happy Bittern got his happily ever after — he earned every single bit of it 🐦✨

Things to know

Cowboy romance, cozy & low stakes, she upgrades, small town, instalust, Discussion of past drug use and rehab, Discussions of abusive parent & past home environment, Discussion of poverty & its effects, Discussion of depression/PTSD and the effects of it, Brief discussions of pregnancy

[Kim Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ • Book Review • ✨

All These Gentle Birds by Raya Morris Edwards
@rayamorrisedwards


Book Review : 5 ⭐️
Spice Level : 2.5 🌶️

All These Gentle Birds by Raya Morris Edwards was such a soft, healing read, and I loved every second of it.

After everything Bittern has been through, seeing him land at Ryder Ranch and slowly start to rebuild his life felt so earned. His journey from surviving to living was beautifully written, and I was genuinely so happy that he finally got the happy ending he deserved.

Janie and Bittern’s love story was pure wholesomeness. Two people carrying their own hurts, not looking for anything serious, yet finding comfort, safety, and understanding in each other anyway.
Their connection unfolded gently and naturally, and watching Bittern open his heart while Janie questioned the life she thought she wanted made their story even more special.

This short and sweet glimpse into their relationship was the perfect addition to the Sovereign Mountain world.
If you’ve read Deacon, this story feels like a warm reminder that even the quiet, broken characters can find love, peace, and a place to belong.

[The_bookoholic_one · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! This is so beautiful. I was really happy that Bittern got his happily ever after. I'm so glad for him. This is such a beautiful story.❤️ I really adore Bittern and Janie. They are such a great couple. I loved their chemistry. There’s something so calm about their relationship. Even though I'm just reading their story, it feels like there’s a peacefulness, gentleness, love, respect, care, and understanding, even in silence, which made it so wonderful to experience. 🤌🥹💞

The spice is just incredible. Every scene hits right in the heart and warms you up. It's a deep connection, both physical and emotional.🥵 I really love these kinds of relationships. Plus, I found it fun to watch how everyone in the small town was working to make Bittern and Janie a couple.🤭😂😉

Overall, this story is sweet and spicy, and it is fast-paced. Although it's a novella, it doesn’t feel like one at all. It has everything you could want—chemistry, character growth, love, and funny moments. It's so amazing and beautiful. 💯👌

[Angel Basri · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️

Sweet cozy novella, Loved to see Bittern find his happily ever after 🥹 and more of Deacon and Freya, it was just the best novella to conclude the two love stories.

Bittern fresh out of rehab, looking to find his north, trying to find his new identity and get away from his traumatic past 💔

Janie, left town to live in the city with her boyfriend, but things are no longer working between them so the break up, and she goes visiting Deacon’s ranch where her parents work and live.

The two share those tender looks that makes one believe in sweet romance again 🥲
Add to that everyone seems to be pushing the two to go out and enjoy life, hoping they get together 🤞🏼

I truly enjoyed this sweet courtship, the steadiness and patience Bittern showed while Pursuing Janie 🫠

Another fact I loved to see more of Deacon and Freya, how gentle he is with he and how he listen to her 🫠 ( my favorite trope a Man that listens )

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

When RME announced she was doing a Bittern and Janie book, I was so happy. Bittern deserved to be happy. He was the most gentle sweet man in Deacon and I’m just happy he got an HEA.

I loved how through her writing you could feel these big feelings between Bittern and Janie but they moved at such a slow, gentle pace.

Deacon was such a menace in this book, I was laughing every time this man came in and just said some things and it was final.

For a novella, I was so damn giddy reading it. I smiled through this whole thing bc it was absolutely perfect for them.

Janie saying it took her 17 seconds to decide Bittern was going to be her husband, I was done for. The spice was just right in this book and it was overwhelming in the best way. You could tell that it was deeper than just hookups. These two people needed each other and it was beautiful.

[Becsbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Raya for giving us all what we wanted.. Bittern & Janie’s story 🖤

Janie and Bittern’s love story was pure wholesomeness.
Two people carrying their own trauma, not looking for anything serious, yet finding comfort, safety, and understanding in each other anyway. Their connection unfolded gently and naturally, and watching Bittern open his heart while Janie questioned the life she thought she wanted made their story even more special.

Also, I loved how much of Deacon and Freya we got throughout this little novella. I just adore them! Deacon Ryder is one of my all time favourite MMC’s and I will never not be obsessed with him!

**Please note this book is not a standalone. It must be read after reading Deacon, the third book in the Sovereign Mountain Series.

𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕢𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:
“I’ve never gotten a lot of time to just be happy, You make me real happy, and I like soaking that up. I think time when it’s just us, figuring things out, is a good thing.”

“I’ve never met anyone who turned me on like this—every second he’s touching me feels like waking up on Christmas morning.”

“He’s got the whole damn package: the body, the voice, the tongue, and the personality. I stand by what I said last night—come hell or high water, I’m locking this man down.”

[Peek · Rating 3 out of 5]

All These Gentle Birds was… okay for me.
There were definitely things I appreciated—the writing has a soft, reflective quality to it, and there are moments that feel thoughtful and emotionally aware. You can tell the story is aiming for something deeper, and I liked the overall tone.
That said, it didn’t fully pull me in. I never felt completely connected to the characters, and at times the pacing felt a bit slow, which made it harder to stay engaged. I kept waiting for that emotional moment to really hit, but it never quite landed the way I wanted it to.
I listened to this on audio, and the narration was solid. It matched the tone of the story well and was easy to follow, which helped keep me engaged even when the story itself lagged a bit.
Overall, it’s not a bad read (or listen), just one that didn’t leave a strong impression on me.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bittern and was so happy to read his HEA with Janie, it was healing and comforting to read their story. Bittern has lived a traumatic life up to this point, an accident lead to his addiction, but now he is sober and trying to get back to normal with the help of his sister and her new husband Deacon. New to working at the ranch her meets his new boss’s daughter, Janie who just broke up with her boyfriend and needed some fresh air to escape from the city. I just loved the tension between them, lingering stares and Deacon intervening on Bitterns behalf because it’s too much to not see them interact with each other. It is a novella but it felt like an entire book, it was beautifully written.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for an ALC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Katie Morad · Rating 4 out of 5]

All These Gentle Birds by Raya Morris Edwards is a sweet, heartfelt addition to the Sovereign Mountain series that delivers a beautiful story of healing, second chances, and finding hope after hardship. Bittern and Janie’s romance unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing readers to truly appreciate their emotional growth and the trust they build together. Set against the stunning backdrop of Montana ranch life, this novella is full of tender moments, quiet strength, and heartfelt emotion. While it’s a shorter story, it packs plenty of heart and provides a satisfying glimpse into two beloved side characters’ happily ever after. A perfect read for fans of small-town cowboy romance, redemption arcs, and soft, character-driven love stories.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It feels really fucking safe to be held in her hands."

Oh how i loved this novella. I am so happy Raya wrote Bitterns story. It was beautifully written and everything I needed.

Bittern has such a sweet gentle soul. He is finally back from rehab and living with his sister at Deacons ranch. He wants his life back. He going day by day trying to slowly find his way. Janie is back at the ranch after breaking up with her boyfriend, just a little lost and confused. But being on the ranch calms her mind. When these two meet everything changes. With a little help from Deacon, they set off on their first date. The date is sweet and ends with spice. It takes them one date to realize this is it for them. They take things slow and build a routine together. This relationship was so natural and you couldn't help but cheer them on. My heart needed this book.

[Nikki McMinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

a cowboy-ish (maybe more Western?) romance that pulled at my heartstrings. I flew through this one, but it gave me everything I needed from the story. Both of the leads are going through difficult seasons in their lives. Our MMC has recently gotten out of rehab and is trying to start over. He’s deeply traumatized by his past, but he’s kind, caring, and achingly reflective. I loved him. He’s such a good example of a diamond in the rough who’s genuinely trying to be better.

The FMC was also really enjoyable. She moved away from home, but in many ways never truly left. After a recent breakup that felt almost inevitable, she finds herself opening her heart again and bringing nothing but love and support to the table.

[lape.titemortt · Rating 5 out of 5]

All These Gentle Birds is a short, emotional cowboy romance set on a Montana ranch, following Bittern and Janie; two people healing from difficult pasts who aren’t quite ready for love but find it anyway.

As an audiobook, the dual narration by Christian Leatherman and Hannah Chiclana adds warmth and intimacy to the story. Their performances help bring out the vulnerability of both characters, especially in the quieter, more reflective moments that define the book’s tone.  

Overall, it’s a gentle, heartfelt listen. Perfect if you enjoy shorter romances, healing journeys, and character-focused audiobooks with a cozy, western setting.

Thank you, Dreamscape for my gifted copy 💕

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ - 🎧
4 ⭐️/ 2 🌶️ - 📚

Let me start off by saying, the audiobook made this novella a 5 star read for me! The accents, the emotions in their performance were just 🤌🏼. Christian Leatherman & Hannah Chiclana did a wonderful job, and I can't wait to hear more of their work.

Story-wise - I have been a Raya fan from the first book in this series and loved the intensity she adds to her writing. This novella didn't fall short of the rest of her full-length standalones. Bittern and Jena's story wasn't as intense as the others, but it was so sweet and a wonderful break from the rest of the series.

Trope: Small town romance, novella

[Kacie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely novella and addition to the sovereign Mountain series! I really wanted the best for BIttern after the end of Deacon because I could tell how much he loved Freya as a sister and he deserve to have good things come his way. The story isn’t a really complicated and it doesn’t have all the tension that you have from the main books in the series but the romance with Janie is just sweet, innocent, and freeing for him. If you’re in front of sovereign mountain, definitely add this one as you’re going through the series.. the narrators did a fantastic job bringing them to life (dual narration).

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fast burn cowboy romance. The characters had well developed back stories that we learn over the course of the book as the characters build their relationship. The family elements of the story were heartwarming as was the story with Daisy and added another layer to the characters because even if their family wasn’t perfect it was still something that formed who they are. The spice was spicing and was perfectly integrated into the story and how their relationship evolved. This is a great light hearted read.
The narrators were great and fit the characters perfectly.

[Nicole Wheelbarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella for Bittern & Janie, as it’s a novella it is of course insta-love. I enjoyed the story but I did find it repetitive, they explain that a bittern is a gentle bird at least 5 times in this novella. It’s a sweet story though, no third act break up and a quick read.

Narration by Christian Leatherman & Hannah Chiclana - these are both new narrators to me, I enjoyed the audio but I really liked the tone and smoothness of Hannah’s voice.

Thank you to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for this ALC, this review contains my opinion.