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A Summer Song
When the music fades, can her heart find a new rhythm?
After years of performing in concert halls around the world, Angelica Cannon has lost the joy that once filled her music. Hoping to rest and rediscover herself, she retreats to the rolling hills of Kentucky. But her quiet plans take an unexpected turn when Kirk Devon, a rugged, thoughtful neighbor, offers his help.
Days of laughter and music in the open air bring them closer than either expected. Yet Angelica’s future lies in New York, and Kirk’s roots run deep in Smoky Hollow. When duty calls her back to the city, she must choose between the life she’s built—and the love she’s found.
A heartwarming, tender romance about finding peace, passion, and a love that can span any distance.
Originally published as Angel of Smoky Hollow.
After years of performing in concert halls around the world, Angelica Cannon has lost the joy that once filled her music. Hoping to rest and rediscover herself, she retreats to the rolling hills of Kentucky. But her quiet plans take an unexpected turn when Kirk Devon, a rugged, thoughtful neighbor, offers his help.
Days of laughter and music in the open air bring them closer than either expected. Yet Angelica’s future lies in New York, and Kirk’s roots run deep in Smoky Hollow. When duty calls her back to the city, she must choose between the life she’s built—and the love she’s found.
A heartwarming, tender romance about finding peace, passion, and a love that can span any distance.
Originally published as Angel of Smoky Hollow.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2025
1 person is currently reading
1056 people want to read
About the author
Barbara McMahon
410 books177 followersBestselling, award winning author Barbara McMahon has written more than 80 novels which have sold more than 16 million copies world wide in more than fifty countries in twenty-eight languages.
Known for her heartwarming, emotional stories, she excels in capturing those feelings when first falling in love. She has won or been nominated for every major award in the romance genre from a double nomination in the RITA to winning the Bookseller's Best, National Readers Choice Award and the prestigious HOLT Medallion, among others.
Barbara lives in West Michigan with her husband and two fur babies. Her favorite passtimes are genealogy research and taking her dogs on walks in the wood behind their home.
Known for her heartwarming, emotional stories, she excels in capturing those feelings when first falling in love. She has won or been nominated for every major award in the romance genre from a double nomination in the RITA to winning the Bookseller's Best, National Readers Choice Award and the prestigious HOLT Medallion, among others.
Barbara lives in West Michigan with her husband and two fur babies. Her favorite passtimes are genealogy research and taking her dogs on walks in the wood behind their home.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 4, 2025
A Summer Song by Barbara McMahon is a predictable, but very charming romance, set in Smoky Hollow, Kentucky and features Angelica Cannon and Kirk Devon. Angelica noticed him immediately when she got off the bus. He was gorgeous, but she was not in town to find a gorgeous man, rather Webb Francis Muldoon, an older man and an expert fiddler. She was a virtuoso with the violin but it had gotten so it was not fun any more. She wanted to expand and she had loved her folk music class in college. She had a letter explaining why she was there to hand to Mr. Muldoon when she found him. But, it turned out he was in the hospital with pneumonia, so Kirk took her to the local B&B and then to the hospital the next day. After reading the letter, Webb Francis invited her to stay in his house, look over his sheet music, and visit the library where there was a complete library of CDs and DVDs covering years of music. Kirk was instructed to introduce her around.
Kirk was an artist who had spent several years after the army visiting all kinds of places. He then realized that Smoky Hollow was where he wanted to be. Angelica had spent years on her art and not much else. Her parents had pushed her and made her life one dimensional. She wanted a vacation and Smoky Hollow was it. McMahon can take the most simple story and make in into something wonderful with her unique details. Who else would write abut a little town in Kentucky and a violin virtuoso? The book flowed and touched the heart of the reader. It was not sad, even when it might have been and certainly showed off Smoky Hollow in its best light. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Angel and Kirk’s story. It hit the spot.
I was invited to read A Summer Song by the author and disseminated by Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Bookfunnel #BarbaraMcMahon #ASummerSong
Kirk was an artist who had spent several years after the army visiting all kinds of places. He then realized that Smoky Hollow was where he wanted to be. Angelica had spent years on her art and not much else. Her parents had pushed her and made her life one dimensional. She wanted a vacation and Smoky Hollow was it. McMahon can take the most simple story and make in into something wonderful with her unique details. Who else would write abut a little town in Kentucky and a violin virtuoso? The book flowed and touched the heart of the reader. It was not sad, even when it might have been and certainly showed off Smoky Hollow in its best light. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Angel and Kirk’s story. It hit the spot.
I was invited to read A Summer Song by the author and disseminated by Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Bookfunnel #BarbaraMcMahon #ASummerSong
December 2, 2025
Angelica had lived her young life practicing the violin for the symphony as she was child prodigy. Now that she was in her late 20’s she was getting burned out, so she left New York with all cash and went to Smoky Hollow without telling anyone. Smoky Hollow was where a renowned gentleman was known for playing mountain songs on his fiddle. I loved that she ran into Kirk as soon as she got off the bus. Little did they both know what an important part they would play in each other’s lives. Kirk was somewhat of a mystery to Angelica until she got to know him better. I loved the laid back atmosphere of the small town and how everyone knew each other. There were times I wished I was there in the town with all the wonderful people. Angelica and Kirk had to fight past ingrained behavior within themselves. This is such a sweet story you won’t want to miss. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
November 24, 2025
Since she was a child prodigy, Angelica Cannon's life has revolved around practice and concerts. Escaping her NYC home and her parents' pressure, Angelica is taking a vacation break in Smoky Hollow, KY. Angelica wants to explore a different kind of music and life. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love this sweet romance. I love that even though they were instantly attracted, their relationship was built through friendship first. I also love that Kirk's life experience gives him a real appreciation for Angelica. This is one of the best books that I have read by this author.
November 25, 2025
A sweet romance. A time for personal growth and independence. The music and sculptures added depth to the story. Surprising conclusion. Thanks to BookSirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THE SADDEST WORDS ARE MIGHT HAVE BEEN
As the title states, this story is part of the Sweet Romance Stand-Alone Collection. It will take place in Smoky Hollow, Kentucky. Sometimes in life, a person must make a stand, especially when they are an adult, rather than allow their parents to do it for them. In this case, Angelica Cannon, 28 years old, will do what she has never done before: leave her home in New York City and travel by bus to the Appalachian area of Kentucky to study folk music.
Angelica was born to older parents, and as a late-in-life baby, they are very protective of their daughter. She is a gifted violinist and plays as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic. Her life is playing concerts and practicing for those concerts, but she has no personal life. She decides to turn off her phone and travel by bus to Kentucky to meet with Webb Francis Muldoon. What a shock when she gets off the bus in Smoky Hollow and learns that Webb Francis is in the hospital with pneumonia.
Kirk Devon loves his life in Smoky Hollow. After his stint in the military, where he suffered major hearing loss due to a mortar, he came back, hoping to begin a life with his high school sweetheart, Alice. But Alice wants more, and leaves Smoky Hollow for Atlanta and a rich man. Kirk feels the Devon men are cursed from having a life with a woman they love. His grandmother left for Hollywood, leaving behind Hiram and their son. Then that son lost his wife to New Orleans, leaving him and a young Kirk behind. Sadly, he didn’t want to farm like his father and went to work in the mines, where he was killed. Now all that is left is his grandfather and him.
The story will have Angelica arriving, spending one night at a boarding house, and then Webb Francis has Kirk take her to his house to stay. Kirk is a neighbor of Webb Francis and can be there to introduce her around. But what happens as these two get to know each other, spending time together? It isn’t long before feelings come into play—but Angelica has a life, a very illustrious one, playing concerts. Kirk’s life is in Smoky Hollow near his grandfather, where he creates his wood sculptures that are sold in art galleries.
Kirk: Each person has to choose his or her own paths in life. Your decision this summer is which path are you going to choose?
Angelica: I’ll have to decide, won’t I? No more coasting along.
The story is clean; there is kissing, but no intimacy. Angelica’s time in Smoky Hollow is limited. She is there to learn more about folk music, and she plans to stay until the music festival, and then she must return to her life in New York. Along the way, she tutors two musical students: Sam Tanner, eight years old, who has studied with Webb Francis, and Teresa Ann Williams, also eight, who wants to learn. Sam has been learning and practicing, using Webb Francis’s violin, for the festival.
I loved the story, which is full of angst, passion, and the love of music. With the support of Kirk, Angelica stands up to her mother and her desire to stay in Kentucky until the festival. She learns so much from townsfolk, and quickly is accepted. What will the future hold for Angelica and Kirk?
As the title states, this story is part of the Sweet Romance Stand-Alone Collection. It will take place in Smoky Hollow, Kentucky. Sometimes in life, a person must make a stand, especially when they are an adult, rather than allow their parents to do it for them. In this case, Angelica Cannon, 28 years old, will do what she has never done before: leave her home in New York City and travel by bus to the Appalachian area of Kentucky to study folk music.
Angelica was born to older parents, and as a late-in-life baby, they are very protective of their daughter. She is a gifted violinist and plays as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic. Her life is playing concerts and practicing for those concerts, but she has no personal life. She decides to turn off her phone and travel by bus to Kentucky to meet with Webb Francis Muldoon. What a shock when she gets off the bus in Smoky Hollow and learns that Webb Francis is in the hospital with pneumonia.
Kirk Devon loves his life in Smoky Hollow. After his stint in the military, where he suffered major hearing loss due to a mortar, he came back, hoping to begin a life with his high school sweetheart, Alice. But Alice wants more, and leaves Smoky Hollow for Atlanta and a rich man. Kirk feels the Devon men are cursed from having a life with a woman they love. His grandmother left for Hollywood, leaving behind Hiram and their son. Then that son lost his wife to New Orleans, leaving him and a young Kirk behind. Sadly, he didn’t want to farm like his father and went to work in the mines, where he was killed. Now all that is left is his grandfather and him.
The story will have Angelica arriving, spending one night at a boarding house, and then Webb Francis has Kirk take her to his house to stay. Kirk is a neighbor of Webb Francis and can be there to introduce her around. But what happens as these two get to know each other, spending time together? It isn’t long before feelings come into play—but Angelica has a life, a very illustrious one, playing concerts. Kirk’s life is in Smoky Hollow near his grandfather, where he creates his wood sculptures that are sold in art galleries.
Kirk: Each person has to choose his or her own paths in life. Your decision this summer is which path are you going to choose?
Angelica: I’ll have to decide, won’t I? No more coasting along.
The story is clean; there is kissing, but no intimacy. Angelica’s time in Smoky Hollow is limited. She is there to learn more about folk music, and she plans to stay until the music festival, and then she must return to her life in New York. Along the way, she tutors two musical students: Sam Tanner, eight years old, who has studied with Webb Francis, and Teresa Ann Williams, also eight, who wants to learn. Sam has been learning and practicing, using Webb Francis’s violin, for the festival.
I loved the story, which is full of angst, passion, and the love of music. With the support of Kirk, Angelica stands up to her mother and her desire to stay in Kentucky until the festival. She learns so much from townsfolk, and quickly is accepted. What will the future hold for Angelica and Kirk?
Review of advance copy
When I finished reading this novel I thought it was a real sweet read: never boring and also no dripping sugar from the pages.
FMC Angelica is a world class classical trained violinist and she is tired from doing all the concerts on big stages with philharmonic orchestras or solo.
She additionally developed a great interest in original folk music already while studying music at college but her parents didn’t support that and so she stayed for a long time, getting more and more successful, on the „classical train“. But now she really is tired from all the touring and is determined to take a break.
That leads her onto her first journey on her own and doing this by bus and not using credit cards makes it easier for her to disappear without her parents knowing about what she is going to to.
She finally makes her great escape to Smoky Hollow, Kentucky, and when she leaves the bus at the local bus stop, she arrives in a for her totally strange new world.
People there talk about her precious violin as a fiddle!
One of the first persons she meets is MMC Kirk and he is someone she is fascinated by from the first minute she takes a look at him. He is very different from the men she usually meets in the city and he also is not as polite as those.When she asks where famous folk Webb Francis Muldoon lives and how she could find him, Kirk’s answer is not as expected and he is also a bit suspicious about her intentions.
Kirk is a former military and he lost most of his hearing while being on a mission abroad and now is ,so it seems, living a rather quiet life in his home town. He also has to overcome some other trauma from his past.
I received a free ARC of this novel and am leaving my review here voluntarily. The story develops nicely and slow, even if it is sometimes a bit too predictable for my personal taste. Angelica and Kirk feel strongly attracted to each other, but they also have made very different life experiences in their respective pasts and at the end of summer Angelica’s and Kirk’s future definitely looks like it will take them on different roads.
FMC Angelica is a world class classical trained violinist and she is tired from doing all the concerts on big stages with philharmonic orchestras or solo.
She additionally developed a great interest in original folk music already while studying music at college but her parents didn’t support that and so she stayed for a long time, getting more and more successful, on the „classical train“. But now she really is tired from all the touring and is determined to take a break.
That leads her onto her first journey on her own and doing this by bus and not using credit cards makes it easier for her to disappear without her parents knowing about what she is going to to.
She finally makes her great escape to Smoky Hollow, Kentucky, and when she leaves the bus at the local bus stop, she arrives in a for her totally strange new world.
People there talk about her precious violin as a fiddle!
One of the first persons she meets is MMC Kirk and he is someone she is fascinated by from the first minute she takes a look at him. He is very different from the men she usually meets in the city and he also is not as polite as those.When she asks where famous folk Webb Francis Muldoon lives and how she could find him, Kirk’s answer is not as expected and he is also a bit suspicious about her intentions.
Kirk is a former military and he lost most of his hearing while being on a mission abroad and now is ,so it seems, living a rather quiet life in his home town. He also has to overcome some other trauma from his past.
I received a free ARC of this novel and am leaving my review here voluntarily. The story develops nicely and slow, even if it is sometimes a bit too predictable for my personal taste. Angelica and Kirk feel strongly attracted to each other, but they also have made very different life experiences in their respective pasts and at the end of summer Angelica’s and Kirk’s future definitely looks like it will take them on different roads.
December 26, 2025
A Summer Song by Barbara McMahon
A Summer Song by Barbara McMahon is a wonderful, clean romance and a delightful addition to any collection of sweet romance stand-alone novels. Warm, heartfelt, and charming, this story offers readers a perfect blend of music, small-town charm, and unexpected love.
Set in the peaceful town of Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky, the novel follows Angelica Cannon, a renowned performer who has played in concert halls around the world. After a life-changing moment, Angelica leaves the fast pace of New York City behind and travels to Kentucky in search of Webb Francis Muldoon, hoping to study traditional folk music and reconnect with a simpler way of life.
Unbeknownst to Angelica, Webb Muldoon is currently in the hospital, leaving her plans suddenly uncertain. Along the way, she meets a handsome and kind stranger while disembarking from the bus—could this unexpected encounter be the very help she needs, and perhaps something more?
Barbara McMahon beautifully captures the magic of second chances, the healing power of music, and the quiet joy of romance that grows naturally and tenderly. A Summer Song is a sweet, uplifting read that will appeal to fans of clean romance and small-town love stories alike.
Highly recommended for readers looking for a comforting and satisfying romance. 💕📖
A Summer Song by Barbara McMahon is a wonderful, clean romance and a delightful addition to any collection of sweet romance stand-alone novels. Warm, heartfelt, and charming, this story offers readers a perfect blend of music, small-town charm, and unexpected love.
Set in the peaceful town of Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky, the novel follows Angelica Cannon, a renowned performer who has played in concert halls around the world. After a life-changing moment, Angelica leaves the fast pace of New York City behind and travels to Kentucky in search of Webb Francis Muldoon, hoping to study traditional folk music and reconnect with a simpler way of life.
Unbeknownst to Angelica, Webb Muldoon is currently in the hospital, leaving her plans suddenly uncertain. Along the way, she meets a handsome and kind stranger while disembarking from the bus—could this unexpected encounter be the very help she needs, and perhaps something more?
Barbara McMahon beautifully captures the magic of second chances, the healing power of music, and the quiet joy of romance that grows naturally and tenderly. A Summer Song is a sweet, uplifting read that will appeal to fans of clean romance and small-town love stories alike.
Highly recommended for readers looking for a comforting and satisfying romance. 💕📖
December 28, 2025
A Summer Song is book 14 in the Sweet Romance Standalone Collection by Barbara McMahon 4.5 stars
A gifted violinist, a Philharmonic soloist, Angelica decides it’s time for a life outside of the pressures in New York. What happens when she arrives in Smoky Hollow, Kentucky…is Kirk Devon, a man who sees her for who she is deep down, teaching some musical students, learning different music, angst, passion, standing up for herself, a town who surrounds her but will she choose to stay or return to her high profile life?
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A gifted violinist, a Philharmonic soloist, Angelica decides it’s time for a life outside of the pressures in New York. What happens when she arrives in Smoky Hollow, Kentucky…is Kirk Devon, a man who sees her for who she is deep down, teaching some musical students, learning different music, angst, passion, standing up for herself, a town who surrounds her but will she choose to stay or return to her high profile life?
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
Sorry for being late reviewing family issues but what a read!
A beautiful story of finding oneself and finding love
How sad a life Angelica had I don’t think we really understand the hours of practice and discipline theses professional musicians sacrifice for our enjoyment what they give up
Kirk was just so adorable all big and muscular and so sweet
Loved the hometown feel of knowing everyone but not overwhelming so
Parents can really get too focused on their children’s career to the point of missing life
A delightful read
Sorry for being late reviewing family issues but what a read!
A beautiful story of finding oneself and finding love
How sad a life Angelica had I don’t think we really understand the hours of practice and discipline theses professional musicians sacrifice for our enjoyment what they give up
Kirk was just so adorable all big and muscular and so sweet
Loved the hometown feel of knowing everyone but not overwhelming so
Parents can really get too focused on their children’s career to the point of missing life
A delightful read
November 20, 2025
“A Summer Song “ by Barbara McMahon
Music and Talent and Love
This is a truly sweet story. I wish I could have heard the music that was played, my imagination is not quite that good. The seemingly perfect lives of others are often not quite so unmarred as they seem. Angelica in search of that certain something; she is not quite sure what, but wants to find. And, Kirk is bound by his family history and his self assurance that he is not quite enough. This was an emotional read for me, spontaneous tears while smiling broadly. Happy Reading ! !
Music and Talent and Love
This is a truly sweet story. I wish I could have heard the music that was played, my imagination is not quite that good. The seemingly perfect lives of others are often not quite so unmarred as they seem. Angelica in search of that certain something; she is not quite sure what, but wants to find. And, Kirk is bound by his family history and his self assurance that he is not quite enough. This was an emotional read for me, spontaneous tears while smiling broadly. Happy Reading ! !
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful read about a classical musician who in leaving what she knew learnt a lot about life and fell in love. I really liked how Angelica wanted to learn more about music but what she learnt was far more important. The children and community as a whole were challenging but supportive. Kirk was a great character as well and as much as he challenged Angelica, he ended up learning as well and finding the best thing.
I look forward to more books by Ms McMahon.
I received a copy of the book from the author and the review is my own.
I look forward to more books by Ms McMahon.
I received a copy of the book from the author and the review is my own.
December 28, 2025
I really liked Angelica Cannon, a child prodigy, now all grown up, searching for more after being burned out. She ended up going to Smoky Hollow, Kentucky where her life would forever change as she found her joy and stood at a precipice. "Behind you is the forest of your path-ahead, nothing familiar, nothing normal. You're poised on the brink." I enjoyed finding out which road she would choose.
I also liked Kirk Devon, her neighbor and the friendship that the two discovered. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I also liked Kirk Devon, her neighbor and the friendship that the two discovered. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A summer song is a very enjoyable read. Angelica and Kirk’s story takes you to Kentucky. Angelica is burnt out with preforming and wants to find her joy in music again. Kirk is her neighbor and decides she may need some help. With twists they don’t see coming they form a bond that is something special. I truly enjoyed this book. I was gifted this as an ARC.
November 8, 2025
McMahon leads with heart. From captivating to heartbreaking, she brings haunting to life. A Summer Song turns the soul upside down. From new beginnings to hot romance, Kirk and Angelica are a breath of fresh air
December 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this cozy story about two people who each had their guard up about pursuing a serious romance. How could a big city girl ever be happy in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky?
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews