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Night Songs
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100 copies available
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In this haunting family saga, a young woman must delve into her country star mother’s music to break a curse that has plagued the women in her family for generations—before her time runs out.
On the morning of Rhea’s eighteenth birthday, she makes a shocking discovery—her mother was the famed singer of some of country music’s most iconic tunes, the legendary Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, and she’s just inherited her massive estate. Eager to know more about this woman she barely remembers, Rhea travels to Nashville to retrace her mother’s footsteps. But as she gets to know Belle’s closest friends and learns more of her story, she can’t help but think something is being kept from her.
It isn’t until years later that her mother’s best friend Hess reveals the truth—her mother believed all the women in her family were cursed to die at thirty-three—Belle’s exact age when she passed away in a mysterious plane crash. Hess dismisses the curse as pure superstition, but Rhea feels something sinister stalking her, her own life beginning to mirror her mother’s as she gets closer to her thirty-third birthday. Desperate for answers, Rhea delves deeper into her mother’s music, uncovering Belle’s last unpublished album Night Songs, which leads her back to her roots in ways she never could have imagined.
Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, Night Songs is an electric story of inheritance and resilience, love and freedom, and the power of music to connect across generations.
On the morning of Rhea’s eighteenth birthday, she makes a shocking discovery—her mother was the famed singer of some of country music’s most iconic tunes, the legendary Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, and she’s just inherited her massive estate. Eager to know more about this woman she barely remembers, Rhea travels to Nashville to retrace her mother’s footsteps. But as she gets to know Belle’s closest friends and learns more of her story, she can’t help but think something is being kept from her.
It isn’t until years later that her mother’s best friend Hess reveals the truth—her mother believed all the women in her family were cursed to die at thirty-three—Belle’s exact age when she passed away in a mysterious plane crash. Hess dismisses the curse as pure superstition, but Rhea feels something sinister stalking her, her own life beginning to mirror her mother’s as she gets closer to her thirty-third birthday. Desperate for answers, Rhea delves deeper into her mother’s music, uncovering Belle’s last unpublished album Night Songs, which leads her back to her roots in ways she never could have imagined.
Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, Night Songs is an electric story of inheritance and resilience, love and freedom, and the power of music to connect across generations.
- GenresFiction
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 11, 2026
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November 15, 2025A family curse where all the women die by age of 33—Rhea is ready to go after the sinister feeling that’s been stalking her.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author, Alli Dryer for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: August 11, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author, Alli Dryer for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: August 11, 2026
December 2, 2025
I received a free copy of, Night Songs, by Alli Dyer, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Rhea found out who her real mother was a famous singer, when she was 18. Rhea wanted to learn more about her mother. This was a n interesting read, I dont know if I liked it though. So many family secrets and lies.
November 23, 2025
I was contacted by the publisher to review this book and gave it my best shot. I liked the premise very much and was eager to be drawn into the world promised by the book's summary. however, from a beginning that I found reminiscent of Harry Potter, the writing didn't connect for me. I found the two characters voices nearly identical, and yes, I know they are mother and daughter, but I still wanted something that took me to a different time and state of mind for each. I also didn't find many of the scenarios plausible enough to feel emotionally moved by them. It's almost as though this was a book in an earlier stage of writing, waiting to develop more depth.
I really hate writing a poor review and I hope the three stars reflects my belief that many will find this book engaging.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for a chance to read the advanced copy.
I really hate writing a poor review and I hope the three stars reflects my belief that many will find this book engaging.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for a chance to read the advanced copy.
January 1, 2026
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. Dyer captured Nashville across time. I liked how the city was treated as a character. It was written with an insider’s eye.
Belle and Rhea were both intriguing in their own right. I appreciated that their stories intertwined, but also stood alone. I was truly interested in the development of each. Also, often in dual-perspective stories, one character can feel more forced than the other, but that was not the case with Night Songs. Both were believable.
The supporting cast was also really well executed. Hess and Micah especially stood out. The same can be said of Clayton, Tate, and all the ladies of Mom’s. Dyer told us enough to make the characters real, but then left any judgements or conclusions up to the reader. Very well done.
Finally, the story didn’t conclude how I thought it would. I was expecting something more fantastical, but I was satisfied with the final direction. Everything was tied up nicely.
I really enjoyed this book. Dyer captured Nashville across time. I liked how the city was treated as a character. It was written with an insider’s eye.
Belle and Rhea were both intriguing in their own right. I appreciated that their stories intertwined, but also stood alone. I was truly interested in the development of each. Also, often in dual-perspective stories, one character can feel more forced than the other, but that was not the case with Night Songs. Both were believable.
The supporting cast was also really well executed. Hess and Micah especially stood out. The same can be said of Clayton, Tate, and all the ladies of Mom’s. Dyer told us enough to make the characters real, but then left any judgements or conclusions up to the reader. Very well done.
Finally, the story didn’t conclude how I thought it would. I was expecting something more fantastical, but I was satisfied with the final direction. Everything was tied up nicely.
November 26, 2025
📚Night Songs
✍🏻Alli Dyer
Blurb:
In this haunting family saga, a young woman must delve into her country star mother’s music to break a curse that has plagued the women in her family for generations—before her time runs out.
On the morning of Rhea’s eighteenth birthday, she makes a shocking discovery—her mother was the famed singer of some of country music’s most iconic tunes, the legendary Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, and she’s just inherited her massive estate. Eager to know more about this woman she barely remembers, Rhea travels to Nashville to retrace her mother’s footsteps. But as she gets to know Belle’s closest friends and learns more of her story, she can’t help but think something is being kept from her.
It isn’t until years later that her mother’s best friend Hess reveals the truth—her mother believed all the women in her family were cursed to die at thirty-three—Belle’s exact age when she passed away in a mysterious plane crash. Hess dismisses the curse as pure superstition, but Rhea feels something sinister stalking her, her own life beginning to mirror her mother’s as she gets closer to her thirty-third birthday. Desperate for answers, Rhea delves deeper into her mother’s music, uncovering Belle’s last unpublished album Night Songs, which leads her back to her roots in ways she never could have imagined.
Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, Night Songs is an electric story of inheritance and resilience, love and freedom, and the power of music to connect across generations.
My Thoughts
Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is still unsure if the curse is true. Told in Rhea and Bell’s POV in past and present timelines, this book comes together nicely. The book did drag on a bit in the middle and the ending wasn’t really what I expected. There was a decent twist at the end. I’m not sure how I’d categorize this book. It feels more literary fiction, but I wanted more magical realism and suspense.
Thanks NetGalley, Simon&Schuster and Author Alli Dyer for the advanced copy of Night Songs" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Simon&Schuster
#NightSongs
#AlliDyer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Alli Dyer
Blurb:
In this haunting family saga, a young woman must delve into her country star mother’s music to break a curse that has plagued the women in her family for generations—before her time runs out.
On the morning of Rhea’s eighteenth birthday, she makes a shocking discovery—her mother was the famed singer of some of country music’s most iconic tunes, the legendary Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, and she’s just inherited her massive estate. Eager to know more about this woman she barely remembers, Rhea travels to Nashville to retrace her mother’s footsteps. But as she gets to know Belle’s closest friends and learns more of her story, she can’t help but think something is being kept from her.
It isn’t until years later that her mother’s best friend Hess reveals the truth—her mother believed all the women in her family were cursed to die at thirty-three—Belle’s exact age when she passed away in a mysterious plane crash. Hess dismisses the curse as pure superstition, but Rhea feels something sinister stalking her, her own life beginning to mirror her mother’s as she gets closer to her thirty-third birthday. Desperate for answers, Rhea delves deeper into her mother’s music, uncovering Belle’s last unpublished album Night Songs, which leads her back to her roots in ways she never could have imagined.
Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, Night Songs is an electric story of inheritance and resilience, love and freedom, and the power of music to connect across generations.
My Thoughts
Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is still unsure if the curse is true. Told in Rhea and Bell’s POV in past and present timelines, this book comes together nicely. The book did drag on a bit in the middle and the ending wasn’t really what I expected. There was a decent twist at the end. I’m not sure how I’d categorize this book. It feels more literary fiction, but I wanted more magical realism and suspense.
Thanks NetGalley, Simon&Schuster and Author Alli Dyer for the advanced copy of Night Songs" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Simon&Schuster
#NightSongs
#AlliDyer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 3, 2026
I received an advanced copy of Night Songs by Alli Dyer from NetGalley and Atria books in exchange for my honest review. I chose this book because its premise is vastly different from what I’ve been reading lately. The story vacillates between two different points of view from two different time periods. We begin with Rhea in 1995, who lives with her aunt and uncle in a very Harry Potter-esque scenario: unwanted child, mean aunt, creepy uncle, scourge of the earth dead parents. We soon learn that Rhea is the orphaned daughter of country music legend Lulabelle Powers (her personality and lewk as big as Dolly Parton herself), and the story shifts back and forth in time between Lulabelle’s and Rhea’s lives. Both women fear a familial curse that kills all women in the family by the age of 33. Lulabelle suffers alone, but Rhea finds (and sometimes evades) support from her husband and her mother’s best friend (and love of her life, we later learn), Hess.
I actually enjoyed the shifting, and sometimes mimicking, viewpoints between mother and daughter. The twist was foreshadowed from the start and I think it was handled well. I liked the premise a lot because it is so different from what I have been reading - it was fun to read about Nashville and country music. My only complaints are that the writing and character development are, at points, a little bit clunky. You can tell that there are a few kinks to work out. I went back and re-read the beginning chapter of the book and it felt like a totally different story than the end. I also liked Rhea’s character a lot more than her mother, who was self-absorbed, self-serving, and kind of annoying.
Still, a nice book with an entertaining story. It was so fun to read something in advance of its publication date!
I actually enjoyed the shifting, and sometimes mimicking, viewpoints between mother and daughter. The twist was foreshadowed from the start and I think it was handled well. I liked the premise a lot because it is so different from what I have been reading - it was fun to read about Nashville and country music. My only complaints are that the writing and character development are, at points, a little bit clunky. You can tell that there are a few kinks to work out. I went back and re-read the beginning chapter of the book and it felt like a totally different story than the end. I also liked Rhea’s character a lot more than her mother, who was self-absorbed, self-serving, and kind of annoying.
Still, a nice book with an entertaining story. It was so fun to read something in advance of its publication date!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Night Songs by Alli Dyer is an electric story of resilience, love, freedom, heritence, and the power of music connecting generations. Alternating between Rhea’s journey and Lulabelle’s untold rise to country queen, this story is full of secrets, lies and betrayal that explore generational curses in a unique way.
The premise intrigued me instantly. Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three; not the daughter of a mother who left her at a young age to addiction. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is unsure if the curse is true.
With alternate POV in different timelines this book comes together nicely as it progresses. There was a twist at the end. The pacing was a bit slow in the middle but that may be to help build the tension and suspense because when the twist is revealed you almost feel like you are losing your mind right along side the characters.
Keep an open mind and just try this book. I did enjoy it and hope you will too!
Thanks NetGalley, Atria Books, Simon&Schuster and Author Alli Dyer for the advanced copy of Night Songs. Here is my honest review.
The premise intrigued me instantly. Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three; not the daughter of a mother who left her at a young age to addiction. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is unsure if the curse is true.
With alternate POV in different timelines this book comes together nicely as it progresses. There was a twist at the end. The pacing was a bit slow in the middle but that may be to help build the tension and suspense because when the twist is revealed you almost feel like you are losing your mind right along side the characters.
Keep an open mind and just try this book. I did enjoy it and hope you will too!
Thanks NetGalley, Atria Books, Simon&Schuster and Author Alli Dyer for the advanced copy of Night Songs. Here is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Night Songs by Alli Dyer was an eARC given to me by Atria Books on Netgalley. The premise sounded very interesting. Rhea finds out on her 18th birthday that her mother, who died when Rhea was 5, was really famous country star Belle Powers. Powers has left Rhea a fortune. And a family curse.
The novel has multiple timelines and POVs from Belle and Rhea (also spelled Ray in the book - not sure why?) Every woman in the family line will die at 33, says the curse. We follow Belle’s path as she counts down from 18 years old to 33, when the plane she was flying crashes into water. Rhea finds out who her mother really was on her 18th birthday and thus starts her countdown. It feels like Belle’s character takes heavily from Dolly Parton’s life but is a little more twisted. Rhea had a bad time growing up with her aunt and uncle and was happy to run to Nashville on Belle’s fortune to find out who she really is.
I felt like I was more connected to Belle’s character than I was to Rhea’s. I liked the twist at the end and the better explanation of the curse. I just wish it had come earlier in the book and been delved into a bit more.
A few small details took me out of the story (uncle in his underpants, but Belle could hear him mess with his buckle. (of his underpants??)) but otherwise I was thoroughly invested in the story from the get go.
The novel has multiple timelines and POVs from Belle and Rhea (also spelled Ray in the book - not sure why?) Every woman in the family line will die at 33, says the curse. We follow Belle’s path as she counts down from 18 years old to 33, when the plane she was flying crashes into water. Rhea finds out who her mother really was on her 18th birthday and thus starts her countdown. It feels like Belle’s character takes heavily from Dolly Parton’s life but is a little more twisted. Rhea had a bad time growing up with her aunt and uncle and was happy to run to Nashville on Belle’s fortune to find out who she really is.
I felt like I was more connected to Belle’s character than I was to Rhea’s. I liked the twist at the end and the better explanation of the curse. I just wish it had come earlier in the book and been delved into a bit more.
A few small details took me out of the story (uncle in his underpants, but Belle could hear him mess with his buckle. (of his underpants??)) but otherwise I was thoroughly invested in the story from the get go.
November 14, 2025
Borrowing heavily upon Dolly Partons life, the author crafted a tale of curses and daughters.
I was fascinated and dove right into the book. The more I read, the more disconnected it began to feel.
For one thing, both the mother and the daughter had to stay with aunts and uncles. It was hard to keep each one straight. both sets of aunts and uncles were horrible.
The mother, Belle Powers, is this country legend, we get the back story of marrying to an older Nashville type who will help her, then she divorces him, falls into drugs, gets clean, gets pregnant and......how did she get famous? This was NEVER addressed. Tons of albums but the reader doesn't know what all happened between getting clean/pregnant and fame.
The daughter was told of the curse to die at age 33, but does absolutely NOTHING about it till the week of her birthday?! What had she been doing for years on end?
Then the end is a twist but it was almost a let down because at some point her mother could have stood up and said I did this to break the curse, and yet she never did.
Overall this is a good story, but just disjointed storytelling.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
I was fascinated and dove right into the book. The more I read, the more disconnected it began to feel.
For one thing, both the mother and the daughter had to stay with aunts and uncles. It was hard to keep each one straight. both sets of aunts and uncles were horrible.
The mother, Belle Powers, is this country legend, we get the back story of marrying to an older Nashville type who will help her, then she divorces him, falls into drugs, gets clean, gets pregnant and......how did she get famous? This was NEVER addressed. Tons of albums but the reader doesn't know what all happened between getting clean/pregnant and fame.
The daughter was told of the curse to die at age 33, but does absolutely NOTHING about it till the week of her birthday?! What had she been doing for years on end?
Then the end is a twist but it was almost a let down because at some point her mother could have stood up and said I did this to break the curse, and yet she never did.
Overall this is a good story, but just disjointed storytelling.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
November 16, 2025
Reviewed for NetGalley:
On her eighteenth birthday, Rhea learns her late mother was none other than Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, a legendary country singer. Inheriting Belle’s estate, Rhea travels to Nashville to uncover her mother’s past. Years later, she discovers Belle believed the women in their family were cursed to die at thirty-three—the same age Belle perished in a plane crash. As Rhea nears that age herself, she feels the curse closing in and turns to Belle’s unpublished album Night Songs for answers, finding connections that reshape her identity and destiny.
Night Songs is a sweeping tale of inheritance, music, and the haunting pull of family legacy. The novel alternates between Rhea’s search for truth and Belle’s rise to stardom, weaving together themes of resilience and superstition. The Nashville setting adds richness, grounding the mystery in the heart of country music.
However, the dual perspectives—while ambitious—sometimes slow the pacing. Belle’s chapters provide valuable backstory, but they occasionally dilute the urgency of Rhea’s unfolding curse. Readers may find themselves more invested in Rhea’s tense countdown to thirty-three than in Belle’s earlier struggles, making the split narrative feel uneven.
Still, the novel’s emotional core shines: the bond between mother and daughter, even across time, is deeply moving. The discovery of Night Songs as a hidden album is a powerful metaphor for reclaiming silenced voices and confronting inherited fears.
On her eighteenth birthday, Rhea learns her late mother was none other than Lulabelle “Belle” Powers, a legendary country singer. Inheriting Belle’s estate, Rhea travels to Nashville to uncover her mother’s past. Years later, she discovers Belle believed the women in their family were cursed to die at thirty-three—the same age Belle perished in a plane crash. As Rhea nears that age herself, she feels the curse closing in and turns to Belle’s unpublished album Night Songs for answers, finding connections that reshape her identity and destiny.
Night Songs is a sweeping tale of inheritance, music, and the haunting pull of family legacy. The novel alternates between Rhea’s search for truth and Belle’s rise to stardom, weaving together themes of resilience and superstition. The Nashville setting adds richness, grounding the mystery in the heart of country music.
However, the dual perspectives—while ambitious—sometimes slow the pacing. Belle’s chapters provide valuable backstory, but they occasionally dilute the urgency of Rhea’s unfolding curse. Readers may find themselves more invested in Rhea’s tense countdown to thirty-three than in Belle’s earlier struggles, making the split narrative feel uneven.
Still, the novel’s emotional core shines: the bond between mother and daughter, even across time, is deeply moving. The discovery of Night Songs as a hidden album is a powerful metaphor for reclaiming silenced voices and confronting inherited fears.
November 26, 2025
Thank you to Atria Books and Alli Dyer for an ARC of this novel through NetGalley!
On her eighteenth birthday, Rhea learns that her life has been a lie. Her mother didn’t abandon her due to drugs, but was a country music star who passed away from a family curse. A curse that all women die at the age of 33. This novel follows Rheq in her journey of discovery through the years. As she comes closer to age 33, she finds that she is weighed down by the same demons as her mother. But what does it take to break a family curse?
This is a story of generational trauma, the bonds that connect us, and the love between our chosen family. Lou really gave me Stevie Nicks/Dolly Parton vibes and I LOVED IT. To see how much this mother/daughter duo was so different and the same was beautiful. It was a bit hard to differentiate between the two narrators but I also wonder how much of this was on purpose. I definitely was much more interested in Rhea as we got closer to her 33rd birthday than I was hearing about Lulabelle and her life. BUT, we can’t have one without the other! Overall, a great read. I truly did enjoy this one.
Releasing on 08/11/2026
On her eighteenth birthday, Rhea learns that her life has been a lie. Her mother didn’t abandon her due to drugs, but was a country music star who passed away from a family curse. A curse that all women die at the age of 33. This novel follows Rheq in her journey of discovery through the years. As she comes closer to age 33, she finds that she is weighed down by the same demons as her mother. But what does it take to break a family curse?
This is a story of generational trauma, the bonds that connect us, and the love between our chosen family. Lou really gave me Stevie Nicks/Dolly Parton vibes and I LOVED IT. To see how much this mother/daughter duo was so different and the same was beautiful. It was a bit hard to differentiate between the two narrators but I also wonder how much of this was on purpose. I definitely was much more interested in Rhea as we got closer to her 33rd birthday than I was hearing about Lulabelle and her life. BUT, we can’t have one without the other! Overall, a great read. I truly did enjoy this one.
Releasing on 08/11/2026
December 4, 2025
🎼🎼🎼
I loved Alli Dyer's debut book [Strange Folk] so much and was beyond joyful and endlessly gratefull to be able to read this one as an ARC. Glad to say, my expectations were right. This one is written astonishingly too.
The style and atmosphere the book translates are overworldly. I could physically feel the music, I heard all the sounds surrounding the characters, I lived the moments of their live. It is an unforgettable experience.
We follow the lifes of the mother in 1967-> and her daughter in 1995->. Fearless, powerfull women following their dreams and freedom. I absolutely adored our main characters and the Lou's girls group, but the men were kind of secondary and bland. I wasn't interested in any of them as characters.
At some point in the very beginning the plot moved as a classical coming into an unexpected inheritance novel, but developed so strongly further!
I'm in awe of how this all turned out in the end. I won't say anything more, just go read it and you will be in tears and admiring this absolute gorgeousness of a book!
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I loved Alli Dyer's debut book [Strange Folk] so much and was beyond joyful and endlessly gratefull to be able to read this one as an ARC. Glad to say, my expectations were right. This one is written astonishingly too.
The style and atmosphere the book translates are overworldly. I could physically feel the music, I heard all the sounds surrounding the characters, I lived the moments of their live. It is an unforgettable experience.
We follow the lifes of the mother in 1967-> and her daughter in 1995->. Fearless, powerfull women following their dreams and freedom. I absolutely adored our main characters and the Lou's girls group, but the men were kind of secondary and bland. I wasn't interested in any of them as characters.
At some point in the very beginning the plot moved as a classical coming into an unexpected inheritance novel, but developed so strongly further!
I'm in awe of how this all turned out in the end. I won't say anything more, just go read it and you will be in tears and admiring this absolute gorgeousness of a book!
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 13, 2025
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. When Rhea turns 18, she learns that her mother was the legendary country singer Belle - she also learns that she now has inherited a very large estate. Rhea heads to Nashville to learn about the mother she hardly knew; in that endeavor, she knows she is missing some key information. Years later, her mother's best friend tells Rhea that her mother believed in a curse that all the women in her family are meant to die at age 33 - which happened to be Belle's age when she died. Rhea begins to believe there is truth to this curse, and feels it permeating her own life. Rhea uses her mother's music to begin to make sense of this curse and the feelings that Rhea is experiencing.
This was an unique read, and provided alternating storylines, so readers were well-rounded between Rhea's and Belle's stories. This was a wonderful exploration of the power of family and relationships, all told within the realm of music - heartfelt and fun!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an unique read, and provided alternating storylines, so readers were well-rounded between Rhea's and Belle's stories. This was a wonderful exploration of the power of family and relationships, all told within the realm of music - heartfelt and fun!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
Night Songs is a story about family relationships, generational trauma and finding your own freedom. It follows Rhea, who just recently learned that her mother was a famous country music star instead of the neglectful junkie she was told about. Rhea travels to Nashville to learn more about her mother while the reader gets an alternating POV from the perspective of mom (Lulabelle Powers) that details her music career and personal life. There is something that plagues their family - apparently, there’s a curse on all of the women where they die at 33 because of a long ago deal with the devil.
The premise sounded really intriguing and fantastical but it fell just a little flat to me towards the ending. Some parts seemed to drag and I think I was expecting more magical realism (which is something I’ve been really into recently). It tended to remind me of stories like “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones and the Six” based on the overlying themes and character. I liked how the author told the story and think it could be a fun read for most people.
The premise sounded really intriguing and fantastical but it fell just a little flat to me towards the ending. Some parts seemed to drag and I think I was expecting more magical realism (which is something I’ve been really into recently). It tended to remind me of stories like “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones and the Six” based on the overlying themes and character. I liked how the author told the story and think it could be a fun read for most people.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Night Songs by Alli Dyer — 4.25/5 Stars
Well damn—this was not what I expected when I requested the ARC. Night Songs is a haunting tale of generational heartbreak, buried sorrow, and the fierce devotion of a mother determined to break a family curse. Every woman in Rhea’s line has died at 33, ever since her great-grandmother struck a midnight deal with the devil on a crossroads in a remote Tennessee holler—at least, that’s the story everyone believes.
What unfolds is an emotional rollercoaster that blends supernatural suspense with a deeply human exploration of legacy and love. I went in expecting a straightforward urban fantasy filled with ghosts and demons, but the dual timelines following Rhea and Belle kept me guessing right up to the final chapter.
I loved this story and will absolutely be following this author to see what they write next. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC copy to review
Well damn—this was not what I expected when I requested the ARC. Night Songs is a haunting tale of generational heartbreak, buried sorrow, and the fierce devotion of a mother determined to break a family curse. Every woman in Rhea’s line has died at 33, ever since her great-grandmother struck a midnight deal with the devil on a crossroads in a remote Tennessee holler—at least, that’s the story everyone believes.
What unfolds is an emotional rollercoaster that blends supernatural suspense with a deeply human exploration of legacy and love. I went in expecting a straightforward urban fantasy filled with ghosts and demons, but the dual timelines following Rhea and Belle kept me guessing right up to the final chapter.
I loved this story and will absolutely be following this author to see what they write next. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC copy to review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can definitely say that this was not my usual book choice. I'm a romantasy fan but, as an old-school country music fan, this one piqued my interest. It was very engaging and there were enough twists and turns to keep me interested. In my mind, Belle was a cross between Dolly Parton and Diane Ladd (from "Alice" and totally because her name was Belle). The story is told from Belle's and Rhea's perspectives, jumping back and forth in time as we delve into the "curse" of the women in the family to die at 33.
I loved the relationships, romantic and friendships (even though they do hurt a little bit at times). The author dealt with LGBTQIA+ relationships and the racism experienced by Black entertainers very well.
If you love music, a plot steeped in a little suspense, generational stories, and a few surprises, this one might be for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author, Alli Dryer for sending me this eARC!
I loved the relationships, romantic and friendships (even though they do hurt a little bit at times). The author dealt with LGBTQIA+ relationships and the racism experienced by Black entertainers very well.
If you love music, a plot steeped in a little suspense, generational stories, and a few surprises, this one might be for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author, Alli Dryer for sending me this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an interesting idea for a book that didn't quite pan out as I expected. I was engaged from the words "family curse," as the story tells of a famous country singer mother and her daughter who is raised by virtual strangers due to a family curse in which women in the family die at 33.
One of my issues with the book is that I just didn't care much about the characters. They weren't compelling enough to me to care.
What I did really like about the book was watching the women's visions come true about the curse. This was truly a visionary way to write
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
One of my issues with the book is that I just didn't care much about the characters. They weren't compelling enough to me to care.
What I did really like about the book was watching the women's visions come true about the curse. This was truly a visionary way to write
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of "Night Songs" by Alli Dyer!
The concept of this book is intriguing and it is very well written. It is told from 2 different perspectives and time lines, with the mother being the more interesting story, to me. I was often confused on the reality of situations in the book, but after reading, I completely understand why! It took me longer than usual to read this book as the story slowly moved forward throughout the book. The imagery is outstanding and I could place myself in each of the settings through the author's descriptions.
It is two women's journeys to understanding their life, with a deep musical influence with Nashville as a background. But it also so much more. It is labeled as Fantasy, as while it's not the new age Fantasy we see, it definitely falls in that category, but also Literary Fiction. I enjoyed this book and look forward to it's release.
The concept of this book is intriguing and it is very well written. It is told from 2 different perspectives and time lines, with the mother being the more interesting story, to me. I was often confused on the reality of situations in the book, but after reading, I completely understand why! It took me longer than usual to read this book as the story slowly moved forward throughout the book. The imagery is outstanding and I could place myself in each of the settings through the author's descriptions.
It is two women's journeys to understanding their life, with a deep musical influence with Nashville as a background. But it also so much more. It is labeled as Fantasy, as while it's not the new age Fantasy we see, it definitely falls in that category, but also Literary Fiction. I enjoyed this book and look forward to it's release.
November 20, 2025
Rhea finds out that she’s the daughter of a famous country singer (Lullabelle/Belle) who died at the age of thirty three. Rhea’s mother was a legendary country music artist, who always believed the women in the family were cursed to die at that age. It is years later and Rhea is now thirty three herself and is still unsure if the curse is true. Told in Rhea and Bell’s POV in past and present timelines, this book comes together nicely. The book did drag on a bit in the middle and the ending wasn’t really what I expected. There was a decent twist at the end. I’m not sure how I’d categorize this book. It feels more literary fiction, but I wanted more magical realism and suspense.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I got an advanced copy of this book from the publisher from netgalley for my honest review- The women of this family are cursed to die at the age of 33. Follow Rhea on her journey to learn about her famous country singer mother Belle Powers and along the way finding out about the family curse and she takes you along with her as she tries to figure it out and how to end it while also trying to navigate life and all that comes with it.
In my honest opinion i liked and enjoyed this book very much. I loved the mystery and thrill on every page, and i loved how the author takes the reader along with the characters in their journey to the point it almost makes you feel like you're right there beside them. Really great book and thank you so much netgalley and publisher/author for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! Definitely recommend!! :)
In my honest opinion i liked and enjoyed this book very much. I loved the mystery and thrill on every page, and i loved how the author takes the reader along with the characters in their journey to the point it almost makes you feel like you're right there beside them. Really great book and thank you so much netgalley and publisher/author for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! Definitely recommend!! :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The first half of this hit so beautifully: it felt haunted, with a sense of time wrapping around the neck like a noose. The Appalachian parts hit with the parts I spent time in as a kid — the sense of being haunted, the potential of the forest, the traditions at the edge of a map. I also adored the dual timelines and the story unspooling across both of them.
What didn't land quite as well was the ending. I loved how razor sharp the pacing of it was, but there were some points where I wished the book had dedicated more page space. It felt.... almost hesitant, both in a way that served the book, but also one where I wanted to sit in the feelings of the aftermath.
Either way, it was a sharp little story and I loved getting to sit with it.
The first half of this hit so beautifully: it felt haunted, with a sense of time wrapping around the neck like a noose. The Appalachian parts hit with the parts I spent time in as a kid — the sense of being haunted, the potential of the forest, the traditions at the edge of a map. I also adored the dual timelines and the story unspooling across both of them.
What didn't land quite as well was the ending. I loved how razor sharp the pacing of it was, but there were some points where I wished the book had dedicated more page space. It felt.... almost hesitant, both in a way that served the book, but also one where I wanted to sit in the feelings of the aftermath.
Either way, it was a sharp little story and I loved getting to sit with it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dyer masterfully uses a dual timeline structure to unfold a rich, haunting story about a country music dynasty, a terrifying family curse, and the complex bonds between mothers and daughters. The atmosphere is superb, instantly transporting you to the eerie heart of Nashville and a history steeped in secrets.
The "die at 33" curse creates a genuine, spine-tingling urgency that drives the narrative forward. While the pacing dips slightly in the middle, the strong character development and a truly satisfying, emotional conclusion make this a compelling and highly recommended read for anyone who loves mysteries with a touch of folk magic and deep generational sagas.
The "die at 33" curse creates a genuine, spine-tingling urgency that drives the narrative forward. While the pacing dips slightly in the middle, the strong character development and a truly satisfying, emotional conclusion make this a compelling and highly recommended read for anyone who loves mysteries with a touch of folk magic and deep generational sagas.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I like music and family stories. I don’t mind alternating POVs and timelines but in this case the tones of the characters were too similar. The premise of the storylines had so much potential but it didn’t quite come together. What did work was the concept that perception (all the women in my family die at age 33) becomes reality and so characters make bold life choices before then. Not to include spoilers, but the conclusion was satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC in exchange for a review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was hooked on this story from page one and kept reading straight through to the end. I am always a fan of stories involving the complex relationships of mothers and daughters, and this one is genuinely twisted. Placed against a backdrop of country music, a forbidden relationship and a family curse drive a fascinating, well-developed story. Everything is here - wonderful descriptive narrative, fascinating characters, and a plot that hangs together very well. This will be one of the best of 2026 for sure.
November 6, 2025
Thank you so much Atria books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of “Night Songs” by Alli Dyer! This novel is set to publish in 2026.
I always enjoy reading books that take place in my home state of Tennessee so I was excited to dive into this one.
This is a book that will make you feel so many different emotions. Empathy, love, heartache and sadness as we follow along a timeline of both the past and present as a young woman named, Rhea finds out at the age of 18 she is inheriting the estate of a famous country star mother, Belle Powers, that she doesn’t remember because she passed away when she was very young. Powers died at the age of 33 just like her own mother and her grandmother.
Rhea dives into her mother’s past head on leaving the toxic family that raised her behind so she can figure out where she came from and the history surrounding the curse on the women in her family. She was born with a very unique birthmark and she learns her mother was as well. The mark of the so called curse stood out to everyone.
Once Rhea is well into her 20’s, she begins to worry even more about dying young and is desperate to learn more. Her mother haunts her dreams almost as if she’s trying to tell her something more. This truly is such a unique story of self discovery as well as grappling with the idea of knowing that a curse may be what ends your life before you’re ready.
I always enjoy reading books that take place in my home state of Tennessee so I was excited to dive into this one.
This is a book that will make you feel so many different emotions. Empathy, love, heartache and sadness as we follow along a timeline of both the past and present as a young woman named, Rhea finds out at the age of 18 she is inheriting the estate of a famous country star mother, Belle Powers, that she doesn’t remember because she passed away when she was very young. Powers died at the age of 33 just like her own mother and her grandmother.
Rhea dives into her mother’s past head on leaving the toxic family that raised her behind so she can figure out where she came from and the history surrounding the curse on the women in her family. She was born with a very unique birthmark and she learns her mother was as well. The mark of the so called curse stood out to everyone.
Once Rhea is well into her 20’s, she begins to worry even more about dying young and is desperate to learn more. Her mother haunts her dreams almost as if she’s trying to tell her something more. This truly is such a unique story of self discovery as well as grappling with the idea of knowing that a curse may be what ends your life before you’re ready.
November 23, 2025
Night Songs is an atmospheric dual timeline story about family secrets, music, and the emotional legacy passed from mother to daughter. Its strengths lie in its rich setting, emotional depth, and the mystery surrounding a famous singer’s unfinished album. While the story is engaging, some of the magical elements and pacing feel uneven at times. Overall, it’s a meaningful, soulful read …not perfect, but heartfelt and a good choice if you enjoy generational stories with a touch of mystery.
November 25, 2025
Unfortunately I did not love this even though I was intrigued by the description. I was sent this book by the publisher and immediately got Harry Potter vibes in the first chapter. I don’t mind a dual perspective but the shifts between present day/Rhea and flashbacks/Belle felt clunky and made it hard as a reader to connect with either character right off the bat. By 30% in I didn’t feel like the story had hooked me enough and I wasn’t really enjoying any of the characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one started off okay, but about 200 pages in it got a little weird for me. I stuck it out, and it was fine, just not something I’d go out of my way to recommend. The premise of the book grasped my interest but I feel something was missing. The author nailed the New Orleans vibes toward the end, but some of the city’s smells. I’ve always said it smells like pee, weed, beer and Cajun cooking. 😂 IYKYK Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A powerful and stirring novel telling the troubled lives of Belle (Lou) and of her daughter Rhea, Both are of a family in which women were cursed to die at thirty-three. Told from both Belle’s and Rheas’s eyes, the evidence of mental illness is clear to the reader but not to the subjects. A moving novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book.All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book.All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 22, 2025
Night Songs was such an emotional and spooky read in the best way. I loved following Rhea as she learned the truth about her mom and the creepy family curse. The back-and-forth between past and present kept me hooked the whole time. If you like family secrets and a little mystery, this one’s really worth picking up.
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