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The Songbirds of Darling Bay #2
The Songbird's Call
“Relationships are at the heart of women's fiction, and Herron could teach a master class on creating them.” Chicklit Central
“Rachael Herron seamlessly blends romance, friendship, and laughter.” Barbara Bretton, USA Today Bestselling Author
From international bestseller Rachael Herron comes a hilarious novel too delightful to put
Once Adele, Molly and Lana were The Darling Songbirds, a world-famous country band. Now they're just three sisters who barely speak. But that’s about to change.
Middle sister Molly arrives in town, and is immediately drawn to the neglected little café where she worked as a teenager. Could she dare to bring it back to life? As lead singer, Molly had always been the voice of the band. But caught between controlling big sister Adele and demanding baby sister Lana, she never felt heard. If she's going to reopen the café, she'll do it on her own terms, no more being bossed.
So the last person she should fall for is the handsome Sheriff Colin McMurty – the man whose job it is to tell people exactly what to do . . .
Scroll up and BUY NOW!
“Rachael Herron seamlessly blends romance, friendship, and laughter.” Barbara Bretton, USA Today Bestselling Author
From international bestseller Rachael Herron comes a hilarious novel too delightful to put
Once Adele, Molly and Lana were The Darling Songbirds, a world-famous country band. Now they're just three sisters who barely speak. But that’s about to change.
Middle sister Molly arrives in town, and is immediately drawn to the neglected little café where she worked as a teenager. Could she dare to bring it back to life? As lead singer, Molly had always been the voice of the band. But caught between controlling big sister Adele and demanding baby sister Lana, she never felt heard. If she's going to reopen the café, she'll do it on her own terms, no more being bossed.
So the last person she should fall for is the handsome Sheriff Colin McMurty – the man whose job it is to tell people exactly what to do . . .
Scroll up and BUY NOW!
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2016
152 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Herron
54 books898 followersUnofficial bio: Rachael eats way too many Cadbury Creme eggs, no matter time of year it is. She lives with a menagerie, and battles dog hair on a full-time basis. She's a Knitter with a capital-K, and she reads WAY more than she'd ever even think about exercising.
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 5, 2017
4.5 Discovering Your Own Anthem Stars
* * * * 1/2
It is so easy for us to hear things and immediately assume they mean something not intended....We have these loops of insults playing in our head from childhood and even as we mature... the conditioning of the past can cause false reactions in the present. It is a hard pattern to break and all of the painful, hurt feelings are not without cause...It just complicates things when someone new may be trying to compliment and it is taken as a cut.
This concept is only one of the issues approached by Rachel Herron in this fantastic entry to her Songbirds Series. I found this and am so happy I did for it was a wonderful read. It is the second entry but I was able to jump right in without any problems. It has made me want to go and read the first part...which will happen very soon :D
This is a tough book to review as there is so much given... and so well. It is done with humor, charm, and insight. It looks clearly at the music business and the obsession of image. It focuses on families labeling each child and how it can stunt the emotional growth. It shows the "sins" of a parent should not be placed on a child...by teachers or community. There is even more to this story and it is done with crafting and purpose.
The Darling Songbirds were a group of sisters who had major success in the Country Music Industry. (I thought of The Dixie Chicks) They started young and were guided by their dad. Each of the sisters were connected in ways so strong, the music written and the harmonies sang, came to them as if it was a gift from above. They started in honky tonk bars and broke through to major stardom. And as these things go...popularity came with a personal price for all of them...At the peek of their rise to fame, their father died. This caused a break between all of them...just intensifying all of the issues they had brewing. They broke apart ... not just as a group but also as sisters...
Eleven years have passed and these sisters are still apart...Oh, they have sort of stayed in touch... two of them more than the other...but still very much apart. But now Molly is back from traveling the world on cruise ships as a nutritionist. She fell into it and after years away, she is coming home to see her sister Adele.
It seems Adele has fallen in love and decided to make a go of the Golden Spike, the saloon/motel in Darling Bay, the sleepy gold-rush town founded by their great-grandfather. Their Uncle Hugh left it to all the sisters. Now it has been refurbished with the hands of both Adele and her man. They are working on the motel part and there is still the cafe to tackle. Adele is hoping she can convince Molly to take it on....because deep in Adele's heart... she wants her sisters to come back together...
Molly is hit with full force of the her past time here in Darling Bay. Although it wasn't their actual home... it felt like it. The sisters had the most fun... and Molly felt all the love her Uncle gave her...
Molly is settling in and is staying in the only room that is inhabitable. As she lays on the lumpy mattress, she is unable to just rest. She decides to take a look at the diner and see just how bad it is...
2AM is not the usual time to look at property... and especially when it has been abandon and has no electricity... but when Molly has an itch, she will scratch. As she opens the door, she immediately knows this was not the smartest thing she has ever done. She starts to think she is hearing noises...from critters! and her feet are sticking to the floor...But she also is flooded with all of the wonderful memories of her Uncle who taught her how to cook and loved her completely.
As spooked as she was in the diner, Molly was moving with the flashlight app on her cel accessing the damage of the place...when all of the sudden there was another sound and it was not a critter but human...and before she knew it, she was running through the diner for her life.
A voice yells FREEZE, HANDS UP!!
and Molly with her pulse pumping turns and throws her cel phone at the man and hits him in the face. She's running to try to get away and tackled; they tussle and is finally held down by the man who turns out to be....
The Sheriff. Collin McMurtry
They both decide she is not a threat to the community, although he has a few doubts about his own safety considering their history back in the day...it seems there may have been a car incident and his body .....
They talk and it seems Molly in her Kermit the Frog PJ's has captured his imagination. For Molly Darling was always his favorite Darling. She had the voice and her looks were exactly what he loved... womanly. Curves with sass. She was the spokeswoman for the group, the one who would do all the interviews...and he had a soft spot for that girl. After a few more exchanges about how the town was still small and the gossip the same...they say good bye.
Molly is woken by her sister asking her to get bagels and this starts a chain of events which end up with Molly realizing what a cafe in Darling Bay could mean for the community. It seems since it closed, the town has no place to eat "real" food at a decent price...Also the old cafe was like an unofficial community center where all went to hang out and be together...There is a huge hole now that hasn't been filled and the people are missing it.
Molly decides she is going to take on the redo of the cafe. Adele is thrilled and starts to take over like she has always done...it was her position with her sisters...But this time, Molly politely but firmly tells her when she is ready, she will ask for her help... that she needs to do this on her own...
For Molly has started to realize she needs to take hold of her life and make it happen for herself. Her history in the family and while in the group was of Adele taking charge, Lana being the free spirit and Molly being directed as to what to sing, what to wear and constantly being told what to eat. Molly wasn't lean like her other sisters...her father told her she took after his side of the family... and had to watch every little thing. It wasn't done with malice but it left a permanent impression.
Years of being badgered in school as a child, teen and then attacked in the press and by fans took a toll on Molly. Her relationships with men were not positive and although she had figured out finally when her body felt right for her, she wasn't as secure as she thought she was with her self image.
This realization happens with her exchanges with our Sheriff. Both of them are interested in each other... yet it seems every time things are rolling along quite nicely for Colin and he thinks he is making headway with Molly...something happens and she shuts down. He has no friggin idea as to what causes it and is really confused. They will be talking and then Molly will hear something Colin says...and because of her painful history... she hears what has been implied by others...Not what Colin implied at all. This will be a pattern with them and until Colin figures out what the deal is...he will be clueless.
Molly also has one other trigger...she cannot take anyone telling her what to do... it will raise her hackles and she will run as far away as possible.
The sweet charm and attraction between Colin and Molly is right there for the taking... we want them to connect. We want Molly to be open to Colin and let him just love her. Collin is presented not as this perfect man... he has his own crap... but his heart is so good, we know he is a keeper.
I would also say, look for the "Best Supporting Character", Collin's sister. She has a future.
I was hooked with this read. I wanted to follow this couple, the sisters and other characters in the story. The growth of all the players, big and small, was huge and important to the story. This was not some little romance tale with just a HEA... it was so much more and worth the read.
While rereading this review, I don't know if I have given you enough of the charm and heart central to this series. It discusses important issues but in a way which is not overwhelming or a turnoff. I think those that give it a chance will be glad they did.
Although there isn't a title for the third book in this series...I know there will have to be one, Lana is in the wings.... waiting for her cue.
A gifted copy was provided by HGA Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2
It is so easy for us to hear things and immediately assume they mean something not intended....We have these loops of insults playing in our head from childhood and even as we mature... the conditioning of the past can cause false reactions in the present. It is a hard pattern to break and all of the painful, hurt feelings are not without cause...It just complicates things when someone new may be trying to compliment and it is taken as a cut.
This concept is only one of the issues approached by Rachel Herron in this fantastic entry to her Songbirds Series. I found this and am so happy I did for it was a wonderful read. It is the second entry but I was able to jump right in without any problems. It has made me want to go and read the first part...which will happen very soon :D
This is a tough book to review as there is so much given... and so well. It is done with humor, charm, and insight. It looks clearly at the music business and the obsession of image. It focuses on families labeling each child and how it can stunt the emotional growth. It shows the "sins" of a parent should not be placed on a child...by teachers or community. There is even more to this story and it is done with crafting and purpose.
The Darling Songbirds were a group of sisters who had major success in the Country Music Industry. (I thought of The Dixie Chicks) They started young and were guided by their dad. Each of the sisters were connected in ways so strong, the music written and the harmonies sang, came to them as if it was a gift from above. They started in honky tonk bars and broke through to major stardom. And as these things go...popularity came with a personal price for all of them...At the peek of their rise to fame, their father died. This caused a break between all of them...just intensifying all of the issues they had brewing. They broke apart ... not just as a group but also as sisters...
Eleven years have passed and these sisters are still apart...Oh, they have sort of stayed in touch... two of them more than the other...but still very much apart. But now Molly is back from traveling the world on cruise ships as a nutritionist. She fell into it and after years away, she is coming home to see her sister Adele.
It seems Adele has fallen in love and decided to make a go of the Golden Spike, the saloon/motel in Darling Bay, the sleepy gold-rush town founded by their great-grandfather. Their Uncle Hugh left it to all the sisters. Now it has been refurbished with the hands of both Adele and her man. They are working on the motel part and there is still the cafe to tackle. Adele is hoping she can convince Molly to take it on....because deep in Adele's heart... she wants her sisters to come back together...
Molly is hit with full force of the her past time here in Darling Bay. Although it wasn't their actual home... it felt like it. The sisters had the most fun... and Molly felt all the love her Uncle gave her...
Molly is settling in and is staying in the only room that is inhabitable. As she lays on the lumpy mattress, she is unable to just rest. She decides to take a look at the diner and see just how bad it is...
2AM is not the usual time to look at property... and especially when it has been abandon and has no electricity... but when Molly has an itch, she will scratch. As she opens the door, she immediately knows this was not the smartest thing she has ever done. She starts to think she is hearing noises...from critters! and her feet are sticking to the floor...But she also is flooded with all of the wonderful memories of her Uncle who taught her how to cook and loved her completely.
As spooked as she was in the diner, Molly was moving with the flashlight app on her cel accessing the damage of the place...when all of the sudden there was another sound and it was not a critter but human...and before she knew it, she was running through the diner for her life.
A voice yells FREEZE, HANDS UP!!
and Molly with her pulse pumping turns and throws her cel phone at the man and hits him in the face. She's running to try to get away and tackled; they tussle and is finally held down by the man who turns out to be....
The Sheriff. Collin McMurtry
They both decide she is not a threat to the community, although he has a few doubts about his own safety considering their history back in the day...it seems there may have been a car incident and his body .....
They talk and it seems Molly in her Kermit the Frog PJ's has captured his imagination. For Molly Darling was always his favorite Darling. She had the voice and her looks were exactly what he loved... womanly. Curves with sass. She was the spokeswoman for the group, the one who would do all the interviews...and he had a soft spot for that girl. After a few more exchanges about how the town was still small and the gossip the same...they say good bye.
Molly is woken by her sister asking her to get bagels and this starts a chain of events which end up with Molly realizing what a cafe in Darling Bay could mean for the community. It seems since it closed, the town has no place to eat "real" food at a decent price...Also the old cafe was like an unofficial community center where all went to hang out and be together...There is a huge hole now that hasn't been filled and the people are missing it.
Molly decides she is going to take on the redo of the cafe. Adele is thrilled and starts to take over like she has always done...it was her position with her sisters...But this time, Molly politely but firmly tells her when she is ready, she will ask for her help... that she needs to do this on her own...
For Molly has started to realize she needs to take hold of her life and make it happen for herself. Her history in the family and while in the group was of Adele taking charge, Lana being the free spirit and Molly being directed as to what to sing, what to wear and constantly being told what to eat. Molly wasn't lean like her other sisters...her father told her she took after his side of the family... and had to watch every little thing. It wasn't done with malice but it left a permanent impression.
Years of being badgered in school as a child, teen and then attacked in the press and by fans took a toll on Molly. Her relationships with men were not positive and although she had figured out finally when her body felt right for her, she wasn't as secure as she thought she was with her self image.
This realization happens with her exchanges with our Sheriff. Both of them are interested in each other... yet it seems every time things are rolling along quite nicely for Colin and he thinks he is making headway with Molly...something happens and she shuts down. He has no friggin idea as to what causes it and is really confused. They will be talking and then Molly will hear something Colin says...and because of her painful history... she hears what has been implied by others...Not what Colin implied at all. This will be a pattern with them and until Colin figures out what the deal is...he will be clueless.
Molly also has one other trigger...she cannot take anyone telling her what to do... it will raise her hackles and she will run as far away as possible.
The sweet charm and attraction between Colin and Molly is right there for the taking... we want them to connect. We want Molly to be open to Colin and let him just love her. Collin is presented not as this perfect man... he has his own crap... but his heart is so good, we know he is a keeper.
I would also say, look for the "Best Supporting Character", Collin's sister. She has a future.
I was hooked with this read. I wanted to follow this couple, the sisters and other characters in the story. The growth of all the players, big and small, was huge and important to the story. This was not some little romance tale with just a HEA... it was so much more and worth the read.
While rereading this review, I don't know if I have given you enough of the charm and heart central to this series. It discusses important issues but in a way which is not overwhelming or a turnoff. I think those that give it a chance will be glad they did.
Although there isn't a title for the third book in this series...I know there will have to be one, Lana is in the wings.... waiting for her cue.
A gifted copy was provided by HGA Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 29, 2016
4.5 stars
I've read quite a few of Rachael's books (I especially loved the Cypress Hollow Yarn series) and she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors - there is a warmth and depth to her writing which is really drawing me in. This story was no different. I like the relationships and communities that Rachael builds in her various series, and I loved the way the setting in this book in particular was like a character in itself. I admired Molly the heroine, I thought her strength was portrayed well and I loved the dream/magical aspect of her past that was woven into the story setting, but I must admit I had some moments when I felt uneasy about the hero Colin. I'm not totally convinced he's going to be allowed to stay the distance, he might need to pull his head in on a regular basis, although there was a hint at a tenderness that I thought possibly could have been explored a little more. All in all, I really enjoyed the book and will definitely read the others in the series and beyond.
I received a kindle review copy of the book from the author.
I've read quite a few of Rachael's books (I especially loved the Cypress Hollow Yarn series) and she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors - there is a warmth and depth to her writing which is really drawing me in. This story was no different. I like the relationships and communities that Rachael builds in her various series, and I loved the way the setting in this book in particular was like a character in itself. I admired Molly the heroine, I thought her strength was portrayed well and I loved the dream/magical aspect of her past that was woven into the story setting, but I must admit I had some moments when I felt uneasy about the hero Colin. I'm not totally convinced he's going to be allowed to stay the distance, he might need to pull his head in on a regular basis, although there was a hint at a tenderness that I thought possibly could have been explored a little more. All in all, I really enjoyed the book and will definitely read the others in the series and beyond.
I received a kindle review copy of the book from the author.
October 16, 2016
This was ok but I didn't love it.
February 22, 2017
Though I really enjoyed this author’s writing style, if I could relay one message to Molly Darling, the heroine, it would definitely be, “Good golly, Miss Molly, get over yourself!” The repeating mantra of her insecurities about past/present perceived criticism about her weight got old, folks. For someone who claimed she didn’t like attention, she somehow always seemed to make everything about her, especially if she was arguing with someone. With supposedly rehearsed stage presence, she should have learned by now just to give the piranha media or any annoying stranger the mental middle finger all while smiling graciously.
It was implied repeatedly Molly was the voice of this trio of sister singers, on and off the stage, when they were famous a decade or so ago, but she sure seemed to lack the voice of reason here. Speaking of which, as I am not a fan of celebrities using their stardom as a platform to launch their personal tirades/promoting their own political agendas/views, I wasn’t pleased this author choose to do the same. Using flashbacks of some of Molly’s previous media appearances, that is exactly how it came across to me. I do not appreciate authors who do the same, especially in my romantic reads.
What was the passion meter on this one? It isn’t until around 50% before Molly and Colin kiss. Then at 53%, they make it to off the charts smexy, folks. Misunderstandings, jumping to conclusions, and poor decisions/illogical thinking (mostly on Molly’s part) ultimately get in the way of them becoming the town’s next top hit #1 new couple. Yeah, angst sits in, and it will be quite a while before they make beautiful music together again.
To better make my point regarding my on and off again Molly dismay, let me give you an example. How many times have you read a romance novel where the hero sneaks out, under the cloak of darkness after an amazing night together, and the heroine wakes up feeling used/rejected? Well, it is role reversal time, folks. Molly did just that but somehow felt justified and didn’t feel she really owed him any explanation. Sure, she claimed she left a note by the coffee pot, but he didn’t see it and was genuinely worried something had happened to her. You see, they were out in the boonies, near cliffs by the ocean, and she didn’t have a car to head back into town. What is a sweet, caring sheriff, who is used to dealing with worst case scenarios, supposed to think? That is when I seriously started questioning her rationale and habit of making everything about her.
Then how dare he track her down to make sure she was OK and offer to buy her breakfast! Well, that’s just horrible, now isn’t it? No, what is terrible is she turns this generous offer into making him sound like a villian.
At 70% her paranoid phobia of someone ordering her to do something had me shaking my head in frustration. A close second was her weight paranoia. It’s never a good thing in a romantic read when you realize one of the main characters would be better off without the other. In this case, the hero deserved better than her. Instead, he finds himself questioning himself and wanting to be a better person. Seriously, it made no sense. Folks, he was pretty freaking amazing already.
At 76% she helps out a woman who has been abused and lies to the police, ultimately making the situation worse. When caught in this deception, she still manages to turn the blame back on the hero. What does he do? He stops enforcing the law and hands out coffee and doughnuts instead. Again, because the heroine wants him to be a better person. She’s the one who needs fixing, my friend. What a shame Dr. Phil wasn’t part of her TV media tour years ago.
With a cheesy, overly played out theme on birds singing/migrating, these sisters end up singing poorly written lyrics, all for a good cause, that were meant to be heart-melting, but for me induced eye-rolling instead, near the very end.
I know...I know. I’m sounding overly critically. I did enjoy many aspects of this book, mainly when the main couple were dancing around each and finally got together. Molly just made things difficult each and every time she become overly defensive.
Lana, the third supposedly artistic sister, will be the focal point of the next book. As she comes across as carrying a grudge/antagonistic/self-centered on the brief cameo phone calls to Molly, I’m not sure whether to welcome her return to this nest of songbird sisters. Here’s to hoping she won’t come across as a vulture and will be singing a new song that won’t be more of the “can’t ever make this girl happy” familiar family tune.
Title: The Songbird’s Call, Series: The Songbirds of Darling Bay (Book 2), Author: Rachael Herron, Pages: 297, stand-alone but part of a series, sweet/alpha/good guy hero who deserved better, HEA, no cheating, no love triangle, no OM/OW drama, oversensitive/irrational/sweet heroine, sub-character endures domestic abuse.
Book 1 - The Darling Songbirds (Adele & Nate), Pages: 395, 3/1/16
Book 2 - The Songbird’s Call (Molly & Colin), Pages: 297, 8/29/16
Book 3 - The Songbird’s Home (Lana & Taft), Pages: NL, 4/3/17
(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
It was implied repeatedly Molly was the voice of this trio of sister singers, on and off the stage, when they were famous a decade or so ago, but she sure seemed to lack the voice of reason here. Speaking of which, as I am not a fan of celebrities using their stardom as a platform to launch their personal tirades/promoting their own political agendas/views, I wasn’t pleased this author choose to do the same. Using flashbacks of some of Molly’s previous media appearances, that is exactly how it came across to me. I do not appreciate authors who do the same, especially in my romantic reads.
What was the passion meter on this one? It isn’t until around 50% before Molly and Colin kiss. Then at 53%, they make it to off the charts smexy, folks. Misunderstandings, jumping to conclusions, and poor decisions/illogical thinking (mostly on Molly’s part) ultimately get in the way of them becoming the town’s next top hit #1 new couple. Yeah, angst sits in, and it will be quite a while before they make beautiful music together again.
To better make my point regarding my on and off again Molly dismay, let me give you an example. How many times have you read a romance novel where the hero sneaks out, under the cloak of darkness after an amazing night together, and the heroine wakes up feeling used/rejected? Well, it is role reversal time, folks. Molly did just that but somehow felt justified and didn’t feel she really owed him any explanation. Sure, she claimed she left a note by the coffee pot, but he didn’t see it and was genuinely worried something had happened to her. You see, they were out in the boonies, near cliffs by the ocean, and she didn’t have a car to head back into town. What is a sweet, caring sheriff, who is used to dealing with worst case scenarios, supposed to think? That is when I seriously started questioning her rationale and habit of making everything about her.
Then how dare he track her down to make sure she was OK and offer to buy her breakfast! Well, that’s just horrible, now isn’t it? No, what is terrible is she turns this generous offer into making him sound like a villian.
At 70% her paranoid phobia of someone ordering her to do something had me shaking my head in frustration. A close second was her weight paranoia. It’s never a good thing in a romantic read when you realize one of the main characters would be better off without the other. In this case, the hero deserved better than her. Instead, he finds himself questioning himself and wanting to be a better person. Seriously, it made no sense. Folks, he was pretty freaking amazing already.
At 76% she helps out a woman who has been abused and lies to the police, ultimately making the situation worse. When caught in this deception, she still manages to turn the blame back on the hero. What does he do? He stops enforcing the law and hands out coffee and doughnuts instead. Again, because the heroine wants him to be a better person. She’s the one who needs fixing, my friend. What a shame Dr. Phil wasn’t part of her TV media tour years ago.
With a cheesy, overly played out theme on birds singing/migrating, these sisters end up singing poorly written lyrics, all for a good cause, that were meant to be heart-melting, but for me induced eye-rolling instead, near the very end.
I know...I know. I’m sounding overly critically. I did enjoy many aspects of this book, mainly when the main couple were dancing around each and finally got together. Molly just made things difficult each and every time she become overly defensive.
Lana, the third supposedly artistic sister, will be the focal point of the next book. As she comes across as carrying a grudge/antagonistic/self-centered on the brief cameo phone calls to Molly, I’m not sure whether to welcome her return to this nest of songbird sisters. Here’s to hoping she won’t come across as a vulture and will be singing a new song that won’t be more of the “can’t ever make this girl happy” familiar family tune.
Title: The Songbird’s Call, Series: The Songbirds of Darling Bay (Book 2), Author: Rachael Herron, Pages: 297, stand-alone but part of a series, sweet/alpha/good guy hero who deserved better, HEA, no cheating, no love triangle, no OM/OW drama, oversensitive/irrational/sweet heroine, sub-character endures domestic abuse.
Book 1 - The Darling Songbirds (Adele & Nate), Pages: 395, 3/1/16
Book 2 - The Songbird’s Call (Molly & Colin), Pages: 297, 8/29/16
Book 3 - The Songbird’s Home (Lana & Taft), Pages: NL, 4/3/17
(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2016
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
4.5 stars
The Songbird's Call was such a beautiful read. It has been a while since I read this author, but now I am thinking what took me so long to read the rest of her work? This story was simply fantastic and wrapped me up in the warm fuzzies that I love so much. It was almost Laura Florand like while reading. It is like the author spirited me off to a magical land where everything is so beautiful I can't help but be totally in awe of the story. That is not to say the characters and everything weren't real and have their ups and downs and everything, it just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside (even when they did things I may not like). It was wonderful.
I should note that though this is the second book in a series I haven't read the first book yet (though I will be changing that soon). As such it was fine as a standalone, but really just made me want to read more and more and more. I didn't want the story to end so it is nice that I have another book still to read. Then I wasn't so sad to see this story come to a close.
Alright as for the story itself? Well this is the story of Molly and Colin. Molly of the famous Darling Songbirds. I am not sure what exactly happened to the three sisters who used to be so close, but this story is a few years later after they have all dispersed and haven't talked much since. Molly's sister was in the first book and the first to come back to Darling Bay and settle down. Now Molly is back for a bit for a surprise visit and she is not planning on sticking around. It is hard being back where everyone knows you and everything that happened. It is just not for Molly even though she loved the time she spent there as a kid. Molly was an interesting character. She has a bit of self esteem issues. I mean she was the larger sister, so everyone always commented on her weight. I can't imagine what that would be like when you are in the spotlight and are not stick thin. People can be very brutal, especially online where they feel anonymous, and Molly still struggles with self image issues. That and some poor choices she made after the band broke up make her think she is not doing so well. She needs to stop and recharge and get herself back before she can figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life.
Colin is the sheriff in Darling Bay. He grew up there and hasn't had it easy. He is not used to wanting things or hoping for things as he never seems to get them, but he always liked Molly. She was the one he was drawn to, not her sisters. In his eyes she was perfect. But she would never go for him. Until she comes back to town and they start to get thrown together. Then for the first time he sees that maybe he could have something here. Something amazing. If they can both stop being afraid and face this together. They were so cute. I loved how they just kept getting in these ridiculous situations. I loved how Colin was bossy, but Molly wouldn't put up with that. I loved how long it took the two of them to see what was there between them. Really I just loved these characters.
Now I didn't always understand Molly or her reasons for doing things. She is one of those people that has to do everything herself. If she gets help then she didn't do it and it wouldn't be hers. I don't really understand that as everyone needs helps sometimes, but I know people like that. She also lets her insecurities get in the way sometimes and cause problems with her and Colin. Sometimes I felt so bad for him as she would be so hot and cold. He would think things were fine, then she would be cold and he would feel terrible that he did something to hurt her, when really it was just Molly and her issues. She also was always running and afraid of everything. Even at the end she is too afraid to try and fix some issues she has. Instead she would rather be miserable when it would have been easy to fix if she would put on her big girl pants and face her problems. She did get on my nerves at times, but the writing made it so I still loved her. Yes, I didn't always understand her, but she was still great to read. I may have yelled at her a bit at times, but that is okay. The author made me still care for her and want nothing but good things to happen.
Overall this was a wonderful read. Molly could be annoying at times, but the writing made me not care so much. Made me still love her when otherwise I might not have. That is the test of a really great author. Make me love a book and characters I otherwise wouldn't. And Colin? He was wonderful. Not perfect, but always trying to do right by those he cares about. This was such a sweet, wonderful, beautifully written story. I highly recommend it even if you haven't read this author before. Get wrapped up in the warm fuzzies. You won't regret it.
Note: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars
The Songbird's Call was such a beautiful read. It has been a while since I read this author, but now I am thinking what took me so long to read the rest of her work? This story was simply fantastic and wrapped me up in the warm fuzzies that I love so much. It was almost Laura Florand like while reading. It is like the author spirited me off to a magical land where everything is so beautiful I can't help but be totally in awe of the story. That is not to say the characters and everything weren't real and have their ups and downs and everything, it just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside (even when they did things I may not like). It was wonderful.
I should note that though this is the second book in a series I haven't read the first book yet (though I will be changing that soon). As such it was fine as a standalone, but really just made me want to read more and more and more. I didn't want the story to end so it is nice that I have another book still to read. Then I wasn't so sad to see this story come to a close.
Alright as for the story itself? Well this is the story of Molly and Colin. Molly of the famous Darling Songbirds. I am not sure what exactly happened to the three sisters who used to be so close, but this story is a few years later after they have all dispersed and haven't talked much since. Molly's sister was in the first book and the first to come back to Darling Bay and settle down. Now Molly is back for a bit for a surprise visit and she is not planning on sticking around. It is hard being back where everyone knows you and everything that happened. It is just not for Molly even though she loved the time she spent there as a kid. Molly was an interesting character. She has a bit of self esteem issues. I mean she was the larger sister, so everyone always commented on her weight. I can't imagine what that would be like when you are in the spotlight and are not stick thin. People can be very brutal, especially online where they feel anonymous, and Molly still struggles with self image issues. That and some poor choices she made after the band broke up make her think she is not doing so well. She needs to stop and recharge and get herself back before she can figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life.
Colin is the sheriff in Darling Bay. He grew up there and hasn't had it easy. He is not used to wanting things or hoping for things as he never seems to get them, but he always liked Molly. She was the one he was drawn to, not her sisters. In his eyes she was perfect. But she would never go for him. Until she comes back to town and they start to get thrown together. Then for the first time he sees that maybe he could have something here. Something amazing. If they can both stop being afraid and face this together. They were so cute. I loved how they just kept getting in these ridiculous situations. I loved how Colin was bossy, but Molly wouldn't put up with that. I loved how long it took the two of them to see what was there between them. Really I just loved these characters.
Now I didn't always understand Molly or her reasons for doing things. She is one of those people that has to do everything herself. If she gets help then she didn't do it and it wouldn't be hers. I don't really understand that as everyone needs helps sometimes, but I know people like that. She also lets her insecurities get in the way sometimes and cause problems with her and Colin. Sometimes I felt so bad for him as she would be so hot and cold. He would think things were fine, then she would be cold and he would feel terrible that he did something to hurt her, when really it was just Molly and her issues. She also was always running and afraid of everything. Even at the end she is too afraid to try and fix some issues she has. Instead she would rather be miserable when it would have been easy to fix if she would put on her big girl pants and face her problems. She did get on my nerves at times, but the writing made it so I still loved her. Yes, I didn't always understand her, but she was still great to read. I may have yelled at her a bit at times, but that is okay. The author made me still care for her and want nothing but good things to happen.
Overall this was a wonderful read. Molly could be annoying at times, but the writing made me not care so much. Made me still love her when otherwise I might not have. That is the test of a really great author. Make me love a book and characters I otherwise wouldn't. And Colin? He was wonderful. Not perfect, but always trying to do right by those he cares about. This was such a sweet, wonderful, beautifully written story. I highly recommend it even if you haven't read this author before. Get wrapped up in the warm fuzzies. You won't regret it.
Note: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
August 29, 2016
I received an early release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first book I’ve read of the Songbird series (there is a book one.) I have read the Cypress Hollow series. What can I say? I love Rachael Herron’s books. I am not a huge “romance” reader, but her books focus on more than just romance. Rachael writes in a way that challenges you, as the reader, to put the book down. I end up reading far past when I should, often falling asleep while still trying to get through another chapter.
The Songbird series is based on three sisters who were once a rather popular country group, the Darling Songbirds. This book focuses on Molly, and her return to her “hometown” of Darling Bay. All three sisters have gone their separate ways and started leading their own adult lives. Molly returns home to visit her sister and try to find her way.
There are revelations and topics in this book that are so timely. Rachael doesn’t shy away from talking about subjects that are sometimes kept in the shadows. Her characters learn so much about themselves throughout the novel. They find their inner strength and character. Molly comes to Darling Bay fairly broken, though she thinks she’s conquered her demons. It takes a few side battles for her to learn who she really is. I loved that Molly wasn’t perfect, nor was any other character in this book. They are real people.
Rachael’s female characters are strong women who sometimes don’t realize their own strength. They are fighting similar battles to the battles we fight every day. I always find a character that I can relate to in each of her books. Rachael’s writing is strong - you can visualize very easily where you are and who these people are. That is one of the joys in reading her novels. There is definitely some good, hot romance, but nothing over the top. For those who love a good love story, you won’t be disappointed.
Now that I’ve read book two of this series, I am definitely going to go back to book one. I want to learn everything I can about Adele, Molly and Lana Darling, and anxiously await the next book in the series.
This was the first book I’ve read of the Songbird series (there is a book one.) I have read the Cypress Hollow series. What can I say? I love Rachael Herron’s books. I am not a huge “romance” reader, but her books focus on more than just romance. Rachael writes in a way that challenges you, as the reader, to put the book down. I end up reading far past when I should, often falling asleep while still trying to get through another chapter.
The Songbird series is based on three sisters who were once a rather popular country group, the Darling Songbirds. This book focuses on Molly, and her return to her “hometown” of Darling Bay. All three sisters have gone their separate ways and started leading their own adult lives. Molly returns home to visit her sister and try to find her way.
There are revelations and topics in this book that are so timely. Rachael doesn’t shy away from talking about subjects that are sometimes kept in the shadows. Her characters learn so much about themselves throughout the novel. They find their inner strength and character. Molly comes to Darling Bay fairly broken, though she thinks she’s conquered her demons. It takes a few side battles for her to learn who she really is. I loved that Molly wasn’t perfect, nor was any other character in this book. They are real people.
Rachael’s female characters are strong women who sometimes don’t realize their own strength. They are fighting similar battles to the battles we fight every day. I always find a character that I can relate to in each of her books. Rachael’s writing is strong - you can visualize very easily where you are and who these people are. That is one of the joys in reading her novels. There is definitely some good, hot romance, but nothing over the top. For those who love a good love story, you won’t be disappointed.
Now that I’ve read book two of this series, I am definitely going to go back to book one. I want to learn everything I can about Adele, Molly and Lana Darling, and anxiously await the next book in the series.
August 16, 2016
So...I am a HUGE fan of Rachael Herron. I adore her Cypress Hollow series and Splinters of Light left me a weepy mess (in the best possible way). When I had the opportunity to read The Songbird's Call, I was incredibly interested. Former country music stars - check. Family group - check. Interpersonal family issues - check. Small town living AND a sheriff hero - double check. I'm only sad that I didn't read book 1 first (a problem that I will soon correct).
In book 2, we follow Molly, the middle child and former lead singer of the Darling Songbirds, as she comes back home to face the past she ran from. Molly's whole life in the limelight was fraught with insecurities. Fresh off a really bad relationship, Molly heads home to visit the eldest songbird, Adele, and her hunky boyfriend, Nate. It's a case of "back to the past" for Molly, and she must overcome a boatload of emotional baggage in order to get her life back on track.
Molly's fortuitous run-in with the town sheriff, Colin, jumpstarts a chain of events that helps Molly realize how good home feels. Colin has his own emotional baggage that he struggles to come to grips with. Between his father's unfortunate legacy and a grown sister that he still wants to baby, Colin needs to let go of the past and focus on what he wants for his future.
These two together were perfect. Their faults and frustrations made for unbelievably realistic characters that I just wanted to hug (all of them!). Molly's desire to feel like she is enough and to use her voice for good coupled with her quirky awkwardness made for a delightful heroine. Additionally, Colin's soft heart and gruff exterior made him the perfect foil for Molly.
I only hope book 3 includes more about Colin's sister, Nikki. Her character made for a compelling subplot, and my heart went out to her. We all know people who've been in her situation (or we've been their ourselves), and her story was told in such a real and impactful manner.
In book 2, we follow Molly, the middle child and former lead singer of the Darling Songbirds, as she comes back home to face the past she ran from. Molly's whole life in the limelight was fraught with insecurities. Fresh off a really bad relationship, Molly heads home to visit the eldest songbird, Adele, and her hunky boyfriend, Nate. It's a case of "back to the past" for Molly, and she must overcome a boatload of emotional baggage in order to get her life back on track.
Molly's fortuitous run-in with the town sheriff, Colin, jumpstarts a chain of events that helps Molly realize how good home feels. Colin has his own emotional baggage that he struggles to come to grips with. Between his father's unfortunate legacy and a grown sister that he still wants to baby, Colin needs to let go of the past and focus on what he wants for his future.
These two together were perfect. Their faults and frustrations made for unbelievably realistic characters that I just wanted to hug (all of them!). Molly's desire to feel like she is enough and to use her voice for good coupled with her quirky awkwardness made for a delightful heroine. Additionally, Colin's soft heart and gruff exterior made him the perfect foil for Molly.
I only hope book 3 includes more about Colin's sister, Nikki. Her character made for a compelling subplot, and my heart went out to her. We all know people who've been in her situation (or we've been their ourselves), and her story was told in such a real and impactful manner.
August 30, 2016
I was given an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest for review.
I hadn't read the first book of this series when I read this one, but it wasn't necessary for me to thoroughly love Molly's story. There are so many layers to her story, from the relationship between the sisters, their musical history, their breakup and separation with different careers...it kept me engaged and wanting to know more. Add in the beautiful imagery and descriptions of Darling Bay...well, I want to book a trip and visit there myself!
Molly's interactions with Adele, her developing relationship with Colin, and her relationship with Nikki all rang true, while at the same time tackling some major issues: family ties, body image issues and eating disorders, and domestic abuse. Each of these was handled with compassion and insight, and added to Molly's story rather than distracting from it. I loved that I not only got to know Molly, but found out what drove Colin, and his sister, as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed having the chance to spend some time in Molly's world. My only disappointments? That Lana's story isn't available yet and that I can't download a Darling Songbird's CD!
I hadn't read the first book of this series when I read this one, but it wasn't necessary for me to thoroughly love Molly's story. There are so many layers to her story, from the relationship between the sisters, their musical history, their breakup and separation with different careers...it kept me engaged and wanting to know more. Add in the beautiful imagery and descriptions of Darling Bay...well, I want to book a trip and visit there myself!
Molly's interactions with Adele, her developing relationship with Colin, and her relationship with Nikki all rang true, while at the same time tackling some major issues: family ties, body image issues and eating disorders, and domestic abuse. Each of these was handled with compassion and insight, and added to Molly's story rather than distracting from it. I loved that I not only got to know Molly, but found out what drove Colin, and his sister, as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed having the chance to spend some time in Molly's world. My only disappointments? That Lana's story isn't available yet and that I can't download a Darling Songbird's CD!
August 26, 2016
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have a major problem with Rachael's books, I always end up at 2am fighting to keep my eyes open wanting desperately to know what is going to happen next whilst not wanting the book to end... Her characters are always realistic, they have issues and brains and they talk to each other, which is something that tends to be sorely lacking in a lot of romance books. You end up rooting for the people to do well, to feel better and not just to get together and have things all wrapped up in a pretty bow. At the same time it's great romance and smoking hot in places which isn't an easy thing to pull off and doesn't come that often in any kind of book.
There's also a sense of fun in these books (and all the Darling Bay books), they're not heavy heavy and depressing, they're uplifting, and although I wasn't a huge fan of the public way this particular story wrapped up I really enjoyed the book, even though it was far too short and over too quickly! Hurry up with the next one Rachael!
I have a major problem with Rachael's books, I always end up at 2am fighting to keep my eyes open wanting desperately to know what is going to happen next whilst not wanting the book to end... Her characters are always realistic, they have issues and brains and they talk to each other, which is something that tends to be sorely lacking in a lot of romance books. You end up rooting for the people to do well, to feel better and not just to get together and have things all wrapped up in a pretty bow. At the same time it's great romance and smoking hot in places which isn't an easy thing to pull off and doesn't come that often in any kind of book.
There's also a sense of fun in these books (and all the Darling Bay books), they're not heavy heavy and depressing, they're uplifting, and although I wasn't a huge fan of the public way this particular story wrapped up I really enjoyed the book, even though it was far too short and over too quickly! Hurry up with the next one Rachael!
August 29, 2016
The Songbird's Call by Rachael Herron 4.5 Stars is a really enjoyable read.
Read today you won't be disappointed.
Read today you won't be disappointed.
April 26, 2024
This is a fantastic country romance book set in the small coastal town of Darling Bay.
Molly Darling and her sisters used to be in a country band called the Darling Songbirds, they were world famous until things changed in their lives and now they barely speak.
They were left a struggling bar, a rundown cafe and a derelict hotel. Adele is running the Golden Spike bar and now that Molly has returned she has decided to rejuvenate the cafe. She is doing it on her terms and not being told what to do by her sisters.
She has bumped into the local Sherriff Colin McMurtry, who realises who she is right away and feels very attracted to her. But..... can anything actually happen between them?
Molly Darling and her sisters used to be in a country band called the Darling Songbirds, they were world famous until things changed in their lives and now they barely speak.
They were left a struggling bar, a rundown cafe and a derelict hotel. Adele is running the Golden Spike bar and now that Molly has returned she has decided to rejuvenate the cafe. She is doing it on her terms and not being told what to do by her sisters.
She has bumped into the local Sherriff Colin McMurtry, who realises who she is right away and feels very attracted to her. But..... can anything actually happen between them?
July 25, 2024
I picked this book up for a challenge and read it out of order - this series should really be read in order. Molly Darling was one third of a group called the Songbirds, her sisters being the other two. They split up years ago and all went on to do their own thing. After their uncle dies and leaves them his businesses in Darling Bay, Molly travels back to see her sister who has settled in the town and opened up a bar. Colin McMurtry is the town sheriff who meets Molly when he thinks she breaking into the old diner. After some misunderstandings, the pair start to spend more time together while Molly decides if she wants to stay in Darling Bay. This book was just okay, although I am kinda interested in the sister's stories.
November 14, 2017
After being introduced to Molly as a side character in the first book, I wanted to see what her story was - it felt like she had one to tell. Cute continuation of the Darling Songbirds story which hits on some heavier topics in an interesting way.
**Extra props to the author - the author is a San Francisco Bay Area resident and I totally appreciate her using local reference spots, naming the right freeways, and quoting the correct travel times to get to her fictional Darling Bay ; The number of times I've read books that get this stuff wrong is countless and irrationally irritating to the locals who know better. Cheers to Rachael for that!**
**Extra props to the author - the author is a San Francisco Bay Area resident and I totally appreciate her using local reference spots, naming the right freeways, and quoting the correct travel times to get to her fictional Darling Bay ; The number of times I've read books that get this stuff wrong is countless and irrationally irritating to the locals who know better. Cheers to Rachael for that!**
July 3, 2021
Romance with a purpose
This book, a romance story, is also the story of helping abused women discover that, when they’re ready, they can be strong enough to get out of the situation. It’s not easy to go, and it’s not easy to “make it stick.” Sometimes you go back into the situation. But, if you are lucky and find help (which IS out there, search the internet or ask for help doing so) you can move on to a healthier life. It takes time to recover emotionally, but, over time, you can. I know this from personal experience.
This book, a romance story, is also the story of helping abused women discover that, when they’re ready, they can be strong enough to get out of the situation. It’s not easy to go, and it’s not easy to “make it stick.” Sometimes you go back into the situation. But, if you are lucky and find help (which IS out there, search the internet or ask for help doing so) you can move on to a healthier life. It takes time to recover emotionally, but, over time, you can. I know this from personal experience.
December 26, 2019
Excellent
This book was by turns laugh-aloud and tear-worthy. Trying to figure out why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars, it is because the secondary theme cut too close to home, adding unexpected tension and reducing my enjoyment. But for you this will probably rate the full 5 stars.
This book was by turns laugh-aloud and tear-worthy. Trying to figure out why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars, it is because the secondary theme cut too close to home, adding unexpected tension and reducing my enjoyment. But for you this will probably rate the full 5 stars.
July 20, 2020
Molly Darling. The second sister to come home to Darlin Bay when her sister asked her too. Molly has being struggling with her weight all her life and couldn’t see someone loving her the way she was but Colin proofed her wrong but they both had a past with other baggage they had to get over to be together.
October 25, 2017
Second book of the series
Middle sister with low self esteems comes home to visit but is drawn to the cafe she loved as a child. She meets the sheriff while rebuilding the cafe. They have a rocky start but find a way to love
Middle sister with low self esteems comes home to visit but is drawn to the cafe she loved as a child. She meets the sheriff while rebuilding the cafe. They have a rocky start but find a way to love
January 21, 2021
The Songbirds Call
This is just as compelling a story as the first book! Wow, this Author is truly amazing. I can't get over how real the emotions in her books feel. I am going to buy the last book in this series as soon as I submit this review.
This is just as compelling a story as the first book! Wow, this Author is truly amazing. I can't get over how real the emotions in her books feel. I am going to buy the last book in this series as soon as I submit this review.
August 11, 2021
This was more like a 4.5 stars. Part 2 of the trilogy follows Molly home to Darling Bay where she tries so hard not to fall in love. While I appreciated the steamy love scenes, it was the tackling of the domestic violence topic that made my heart ache.
November 8, 2017
Enjoy Rachael Herron's books.
December 19, 2019
I didn't expect this, but I'm reading the whole series. This is a fun story. So nice to have a story without a lot of blood. Good interesting characters and situations.
April 30, 2020
I've been reading light romances during the shelter in place order. I like Rachael Herron's books because I can easily relate to the characters and they are fun. Perfect pandemic getaway.
July 11, 2021
Sweet and compelling story
July 2, 2022
A bittersweet romance with a happy ending. I enjoyed it.
September 15, 2016
This is the second book in the Songbird Trilogy series. The Darling Songbirds are a fictional musical trio of sisters –think Dixie Chicks from Bolinas. When we start our story, the band has been broken up for the better part of a decade and the sisters are slowly making their way back to Darling Bay. This book focuses on Molly, the middle sister.
Molly is chunky. Is she actually fat or is she just not super Hollywood thin? I couldn’t really get a picture of her in my head. A lot of Molly’s character is wrapped up in her weight, controlling her weight, people commenting on it, etc. It’s the chain that other people use to yank her around – regardless of their intentions. It’s very definitional for her and I understand that for a lot of women in the US weight is a huge _thing_ in their lives and identity. It’s not in mine. I have a really hard time connecting to contemporary female characters who are weight focused. I hate the propensity in “light” women’s fiction for female characters who are presented as psychologically normal to think about food in a pathological way. Molly knows that she doesn’t have the healthiest relationship with food and her self awareness helps to mitigate how much I was put off by her food talk.
So Molly has come home for Christmas after having been away from Darling Bay for more than ten years. The sisters have inherited a bar with attached hotel and cafe from their uncle. Adele, the eldest sister (and subject of the first book) is running the bar. Molly returns home from working on a cruise ship for six years and decides to re-open the café.
While poking around the abandoned café in the middle of the night she meets Sheriff Colin McMurty when he tries to arrest her and she throws her phone and hits his head.
This almost killed the book for me. It seems like every week I hear about another black person being gunned down by police while doing absolutely nothing wrong and this little bitch (the character) can fucking assault a sheriff and get a date out of it? The fucking privilege of even being able to conceive of this scene in this day and age literally made me nauseous.
To be honest, if I was not committed to writing a review, I would have stopped reading right there.
Now, knowing the author’s background helped me back up a step. She was a 911 dispatcher for more than a decade. Her perception of and relationship to law enforcement as a whole and individual members of LEOs is much different than mine. She was illustrating a side of law enforcement that she has seen and values.
Colin’s big issue is that he is bossy. It’s sort of his job to tell people what to do but it gets in the way of his ability to have functional relationships. His father was also the sheriff and for a guy who doesn’t want to be like his father he sure doesn’t seem to have tried to steer himself very far from the tree. There is a lot of fatalism in Colin that reflects a fatalism in Darling Bay. People from certain families end up in one way or another. It’s part of the small town trope that Herron uses but it’s depressing as fuck to think of all these poor people trapped by destiny.
Molly and Colin feel instant attraction and that’s all very well and good. Because I don’t have a lot in common emotionally with either of them I had a hard time connection with their conflict. Colin’s bossiness, which is a deal breaker for Molly, wouldn’t be for me. Molly’s internal journey felt very jerky. They dance around each other. Or really, Colin sort of boils in his own skin and Molly weebles until they come together.
The lead up to the climax felt like it was tacked on, or maybe it was the start that was tacked on to the climax. Everything is moving along with Molly and the café and then BAM! She decides to start a second, far larger, far more ambitious project and it was jarring. I thought “Where the fuck did that come from? You can’t do both of these things!”
Spoiler: You are not going to start and run a national domestic abuse assistance hotline and website within six months of starting your own restaurant business.
It really felt as though Herron was trying to fulfill her theme of each sister running part of the old family business and at the same time create huge stakes for Molly and Colin to come together over. It didn’t work for me. Either Molly is a small town woman who had some time being larger than life but was fine going back to where she started or she is fully embracing that she is a world renowned music star and goddamnit she’s going to use her powers for good.
Wrap Up: There are one of two laugh out loud moments but this was not Herron’s best effort.
Molly is chunky. Is she actually fat or is she just not super Hollywood thin? I couldn’t really get a picture of her in my head. A lot of Molly’s character is wrapped up in her weight, controlling her weight, people commenting on it, etc. It’s the chain that other people use to yank her around – regardless of their intentions. It’s very definitional for her and I understand that for a lot of women in the US weight is a huge _thing_ in their lives and identity. It’s not in mine. I have a really hard time connecting to contemporary female characters who are weight focused. I hate the propensity in “light” women’s fiction for female characters who are presented as psychologically normal to think about food in a pathological way. Molly knows that she doesn’t have the healthiest relationship with food and her self awareness helps to mitigate how much I was put off by her food talk.
So Molly has come home for Christmas after having been away from Darling Bay for more than ten years. The sisters have inherited a bar with attached hotel and cafe from their uncle. Adele, the eldest sister (and subject of the first book) is running the bar. Molly returns home from working on a cruise ship for six years and decides to re-open the café.
While poking around the abandoned café in the middle of the night she meets Sheriff Colin McMurty when he tries to arrest her and she throws her phone and hits his head.
This almost killed the book for me. It seems like every week I hear about another black person being gunned down by police while doing absolutely nothing wrong and this little bitch (the character) can fucking assault a sheriff and get a date out of it? The fucking privilege of even being able to conceive of this scene in this day and age literally made me nauseous.
To be honest, if I was not committed to writing a review, I would have stopped reading right there.
Now, knowing the author’s background helped me back up a step. She was a 911 dispatcher for more than a decade. Her perception of and relationship to law enforcement as a whole and individual members of LEOs is much different than mine. She was illustrating a side of law enforcement that she has seen and values.
Colin’s big issue is that he is bossy. It’s sort of his job to tell people what to do but it gets in the way of his ability to have functional relationships. His father was also the sheriff and for a guy who doesn’t want to be like his father he sure doesn’t seem to have tried to steer himself very far from the tree. There is a lot of fatalism in Colin that reflects a fatalism in Darling Bay. People from certain families end up in one way or another. It’s part of the small town trope that Herron uses but it’s depressing as fuck to think of all these poor people trapped by destiny.
Molly and Colin feel instant attraction and that’s all very well and good. Because I don’t have a lot in common emotionally with either of them I had a hard time connection with their conflict. Colin’s bossiness, which is a deal breaker for Molly, wouldn’t be for me. Molly’s internal journey felt very jerky. They dance around each other. Or really, Colin sort of boils in his own skin and Molly weebles until they come together.
The lead up to the climax felt like it was tacked on, or maybe it was the start that was tacked on to the climax. Everything is moving along with Molly and the café and then BAM! She decides to start a second, far larger, far more ambitious project and it was jarring. I thought “Where the fuck did that come from? You can’t do both of these things!”
Spoiler: You are not going to start and run a national domestic abuse assistance hotline and website within six months of starting your own restaurant business.
It really felt as though Herron was trying to fulfill her theme of each sister running part of the old family business and at the same time create huge stakes for Molly and Colin to come together over. It didn’t work for me. Either Molly is a small town woman who had some time being larger than life but was fine going back to where she started or she is fully embracing that she is a world renowned music star and goddamnit she’s going to use her powers for good.
Wrap Up: There are one of two laugh out loud moments but this was not Herron’s best effort.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
I think I'm done with this trilogy. I can't even think of why the last will be interesting since these girls are just caricatures. The first book is still the most interesting, but I don't understand why the men these sisters hook up with have to be musicians/singers in some form too? Superfluous. Also, the place still sounds like a total dump. Burn it and rebuild.
September 20, 2016
In their youth, the Darling sisters were a country music act, but a few years have now passed and times have changed.
While Adele, the eldest, is running a bar their uncle once owned, Molly, the middle sister, arrives back in town after working and living on a cruise ship for several years. Molly is penniless (of course, cliche #253), having been manipulated out of her savings by her ex-boyfriend. Not only did he con her for her money, but he also verbally/mentally abused her for a long time. Adele convinces Molly that it's time to make a fresh start and it's off to the family cafe to start the clean up (cliche #192) to re-open the business.
Helping Molly out is a local policeman, Colin, and his sister, Nikki. Obviously romance is in the air between Colin and Molly. The conflict in this situation is that Molly has promised herself to never be bullied or abused by a man again, and apparently bullying comes natural to a policeman with a shady past.
I'm quite sure everyone else liked this book much more than I did (there's a plethora of 5/5 ratings). I just found it to be too full of cliches for my liking.
Even the blurb and cover is a bit of a cliche. The blurb telling me The Songbird's Call is a 'romantic comedy' is purely odd. There isn't much humour in the book. This is purely a romance in the vein of a Mills & Boon (Harlequin).
I didn't like the cliche of everyone's country music prowess. Everyone sings. The Songbirds are apparently nothing special as both Colin and Adele's boyfriend and the hero from the first book in the series, Nate, sing in bands etc.
The girls' similarity with the Dixie Chicks is borderline plagiarism too. Herron confused me with just how popular the girls' group was before they went their separate ways. In several scenes we hear that they were household names with Molly able to use her media fame to fight for worthy causes, and then in the next scene Molly will rant that no one would possibly remember who she was or recognise her.
I could have liked the cliche of Molly's self-esteem issues, but unfortunately it wasn't very well written. The background and reasons for Molly's askew body image is excellent, but her resolution and acceptance confused the hell out me. How does someone go from obsessing about their weight to performing a striptease in the office of her brand new boyfriend? I just don't see how she could jump from point A to point B so quickly.
Talking of sex... The sex scenes seemed really forced. They seemed to just be plopped in amongst the rest of the plot for no real reason, other than to get a few readers hot under the collar. Unfortunately they did little for me, because of this forced inclusion.
There's also a huge theme of domestic abuse in the book. Herron had some fabulous ideas for this theme (especially with Colin's father's sad legacy being passed to Colin and Nikki) but it wasn't well executed. Molly's issues with Colin never seem to be resolved, and Nikki's resolution with her boyfriend seemed much too simplistic.
As much as I appreciate the importance of raising awareness of domestic violence and body shaming, the handling of each subject didn't win me over.
I might have made it through the plot holes if the writing impressed me sufficiently, but this wasn't to be either. It's not awful, but nothing more than pedestrian. There's no brilliant food porn from the cafe. There's no sweet setting that's tempting you into holiday mode.
Molly and Colin were pretty ho-hum. I did like Nikki, and maybe we'll see her again in another book. (I must add, too, that fans of the first book shouldn't get too excited about reading about that edition's couple. Adele and Nate hardly feature.)
Obviously I was terribly disappointed (expected too much?) and I don't think I'll rush to find out what happens with the third sister, Lana.
2 and a half, stretched to a 3/5
While Adele, the eldest, is running a bar their uncle once owned, Molly, the middle sister, arrives back in town after working and living on a cruise ship for several years. Molly is penniless (of course, cliche #253), having been manipulated out of her savings by her ex-boyfriend. Not only did he con her for her money, but he also verbally/mentally abused her for a long time. Adele convinces Molly that it's time to make a fresh start and it's off to the family cafe to start the clean up (cliche #192) to re-open the business.
Helping Molly out is a local policeman, Colin, and his sister, Nikki. Obviously romance is in the air between Colin and Molly. The conflict in this situation is that Molly has promised herself to never be bullied or abused by a man again, and apparently bullying comes natural to a policeman with a shady past.
I'm quite sure everyone else liked this book much more than I did (there's a plethora of 5/5 ratings). I just found it to be too full of cliches for my liking.
Even the blurb and cover is a bit of a cliche. The blurb telling me The Songbird's Call is a 'romantic comedy' is purely odd. There isn't much humour in the book. This is purely a romance in the vein of a Mills & Boon (Harlequin).
I didn't like the cliche of everyone's country music prowess. Everyone sings. The Songbirds are apparently nothing special as both Colin and Adele's boyfriend and the hero from the first book in the series, Nate, sing in bands etc.
The girls' similarity with the Dixie Chicks is borderline plagiarism too. Herron confused me with just how popular the girls' group was before they went their separate ways. In several scenes we hear that they were household names with Molly able to use her media fame to fight for worthy causes, and then in the next scene Molly will rant that no one would possibly remember who she was or recognise her.
I could have liked the cliche of Molly's self-esteem issues, but unfortunately it wasn't very well written. The background and reasons for Molly's askew body image is excellent, but her resolution and acceptance confused the hell out me. How does someone go from obsessing about their weight to performing a striptease in the office of her brand new boyfriend? I just don't see how she could jump from point A to point B so quickly.
Talking of sex... The sex scenes seemed really forced. They seemed to just be plopped in amongst the rest of the plot for no real reason, other than to get a few readers hot under the collar. Unfortunately they did little for me, because of this forced inclusion.
There's also a huge theme of domestic abuse in the book. Herron had some fabulous ideas for this theme (especially with Colin's father's sad legacy being passed to Colin and Nikki) but it wasn't well executed. Molly's issues with Colin never seem to be resolved, and Nikki's resolution with her boyfriend seemed much too simplistic.
As much as I appreciate the importance of raising awareness of domestic violence and body shaming, the handling of each subject didn't win me over.
I might have made it through the plot holes if the writing impressed me sufficiently, but this wasn't to be either. It's not awful, but nothing more than pedestrian. There's no brilliant food porn from the cafe. There's no sweet setting that's tempting you into holiday mode.
Molly and Colin were pretty ho-hum. I did like Nikki, and maybe we'll see her again in another book. (I must add, too, that fans of the first book shouldn't get too excited about reading about that edition's couple. Adele and Nate hardly feature.)
Obviously I was terribly disappointed (expected too much?) and I don't think I'll rush to find out what happens with the third sister, Lana.
2 and a half, stretched to a 3/5
September 22, 2016
Let’s face it, when you pick up one of Rachael Herron’s romances to read, you’re not really looking for high brow literature. Her romances are formulaic: girl meets boy, they seem somewhat mis-matched, but fall in love, some event or misunderstanding causes them to break up, but in the end they get back together and all is well. The end. The difference is that Rachael Herron’s characters are real and engaging, so despite the stock formula, her books are very enjoyable, satisfying reads.
Her latest book, The Songbird’s Call, the second book in the Darling Songbird series, is no exception. (For full disclosure’s sake, please note that I was given a pre-release copy of the book under the condition that I publicly review it. The opinions expressed in this review, however, are totally my own.) Molly Darling, one of three sisters who once made up the country music group The Darling Songbirds, returns to Darling Bay to visit her sister Adele after the end of a disastrous relationship. There she meets Sheriff Colin McMurty, and the inevitable romance starts to unfold. Along the way, Molly works at resolving the estrangement between her sisters and begins to build a new life for herself in Darling Bay.
As I pointed out earlier, this is all pretty much standard romance novel fare. What isn’t standard, is the depth and authenticity of the characters. The quirks of the characters feel real. Their reactions feel real. (I often found myself giggling, nodding my head and thinking, “yup, that’s pretty much what I’d do.”) The depth of the love that they have for each other, despite the inevitable conflicts and misunderstandings, feels real. Reading this book was like being wrapped up in a comfortable quilt on a rainy Saturday, so it’s a great book for bedtime or de-stressing or any time you’re craving a bit of contentment. (And aren’t we all these days?) This level of warmth and authenticity is something I don’t think I’ve ever encountered in romance novels from any other author. This is why I keep reading Rachael Herron’s books – despite the limitations of the genre, when I am done, I am happy. Happy for the characters, because that’s a necessary part of any good romance novel, but happy for myself, too, because I’ve had a really good read.
So, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of The Songbird’s Call. Read it. Savor it. Enjoy it. I’m pretty sure that once you’re done, you’ll start looking for everything else she’s ever written and impatiently await her new works, too.
Her latest book, The Songbird’s Call, the second book in the Darling Songbird series, is no exception. (For full disclosure’s sake, please note that I was given a pre-release copy of the book under the condition that I publicly review it. The opinions expressed in this review, however, are totally my own.) Molly Darling, one of three sisters who once made up the country music group The Darling Songbirds, returns to Darling Bay to visit her sister Adele after the end of a disastrous relationship. There she meets Sheriff Colin McMurty, and the inevitable romance starts to unfold. Along the way, Molly works at resolving the estrangement between her sisters and begins to build a new life for herself in Darling Bay.
As I pointed out earlier, this is all pretty much standard romance novel fare. What isn’t standard, is the depth and authenticity of the characters. The quirks of the characters feel real. Their reactions feel real. (I often found myself giggling, nodding my head and thinking, “yup, that’s pretty much what I’d do.”) The depth of the love that they have for each other, despite the inevitable conflicts and misunderstandings, feels real. Reading this book was like being wrapped up in a comfortable quilt on a rainy Saturday, so it’s a great book for bedtime or de-stressing or any time you’re craving a bit of contentment. (And aren’t we all these days?) This level of warmth and authenticity is something I don’t think I’ve ever encountered in romance novels from any other author. This is why I keep reading Rachael Herron’s books – despite the limitations of the genre, when I am done, I am happy. Happy for the characters, because that’s a necessary part of any good romance novel, but happy for myself, too, because I’ve had a really good read.
So, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of The Songbird’s Call. Read it. Savor it. Enjoy it. I’m pretty sure that once you’re done, you’ll start looking for everything else she’s ever written and impatiently await her new works, too.
August 30, 2016
Rachael Herron’s books are a delight to read, and The Songbird’s Call didn’t disappoint. Even without having read the first book in the series, it was easy to pick up on the existing storyline and characters- there were only a few times where it seemed to me there was a character’s backstory I might be missing. Rather than detracting from The Songbird’s Call, these few instances merely encouraged me to read The Darling Songbirds.
The story itself is about a small town, and three sisters who once lived there but left as their country music three-girl band struck it big. After the group dissolved, and so did the sisters’ bond, they seem to find themselves returning to Darling Bay. The Songbird’s Call is about the lead singer, “the voice,” of the group. As she returns to Darling Bay and re-opens a cafe that once brought her much joy, she befriends the local sheriff and they get to know one another.
There were several themes in this book that stood out- but largely, this book is about abuse of all kinds and the overcoming it. Necessarily, then, the book is also largely about hope in the face of (at best) resignation and (at worse) fear and violence. The characters were well-suited to develop this theme- particularly the use of the sheriff as not just a stern authority figure.
Another theme running through the book is that of sensitivity to body image. I think this must be a very difficult thing to write about- for the character would realistically be thinking about it all the time and it would guide so many decisions, but to write it like that would be heavy-handed and awkward. I think Herron did a great job balancing this- it was realistic in that it ran through the thoughts of the character very often, but as it was about to become tedious, she would back off a little.
The things that I enjoy about most of Herron’s books were present in this book as well. The characters are realistically flawed, but also genuinely good and decent people. I enjoy reading about a small town full of good and decent people who have flaws- it makes for a positive reading experience. I enjoy the way the town is brought to life through the characters and the scenery. Reading these books is really an experience of going to ‘a happy place’ for me.
*I was given an advance copy of the book for review*
The story itself is about a small town, and three sisters who once lived there but left as their country music three-girl band struck it big. After the group dissolved, and so did the sisters’ bond, they seem to find themselves returning to Darling Bay. The Songbird’s Call is about the lead singer, “the voice,” of the group. As she returns to Darling Bay and re-opens a cafe that once brought her much joy, she befriends the local sheriff and they get to know one another.
There were several themes in this book that stood out- but largely, this book is about abuse of all kinds and the overcoming it. Necessarily, then, the book is also largely about hope in the face of (at best) resignation and (at worse) fear and violence. The characters were well-suited to develop this theme- particularly the use of the sheriff as not just a stern authority figure.
Another theme running through the book is that of sensitivity to body image. I think this must be a very difficult thing to write about- for the character would realistically be thinking about it all the time and it would guide so many decisions, but to write it like that would be heavy-handed and awkward. I think Herron did a great job balancing this- it was realistic in that it ran through the thoughts of the character very often, but as it was about to become tedious, she would back off a little.
The things that I enjoy about most of Herron’s books were present in this book as well. The characters are realistically flawed, but also genuinely good and decent people. I enjoy reading about a small town full of good and decent people who have flaws- it makes for a positive reading experience. I enjoy the way the town is brought to life through the characters and the scenery. Reading these books is really an experience of going to ‘a happy place’ for me.
*I was given an advance copy of the book for review*
September 17, 2016
4.5 STARS!!
I have some of Rachael Herron's enjoyable women's fiction and Cypress Hollow books, but this is my first venture into Darling Bay. Now, I'm diving head first into all the series surrounding this fabulous world that Darling Bay offers. The Songbird's Call is the second in the Songbirds of Darling Bay series, but reads beautifully as a stand-alone.
Molly is the middle sister and voice of the now defunct Darling Songbirds. After the death of their parents, the trio went their separate ways until one by one each sister is pulled back to the town of Darling Bay. Big sister Adele has found her HEA and is working at renovating the old saloon/hotel in Darling Bay. Molly decides to try her hand at fixing up the old cafe where she spent her youth learning to cook the daily specials. As Molly begins the arduous process of renovating the cafe, she also begins "renovating" her self-identity. In the meantime, Molly has caught the eye of the local Sheriff, Colin McMurtry, who gives her a chance at her own HEA in Darling Bay.
I simply adored this book, especially Molly and Colin. It doesn't always happen, but I love it when I really like both the hero and heroine of a story. Both were written with strengths and insecurities that one could relate to and not be annoyed by. Colin was a worthy hero who accepted and loved Molly just as she was while questioning his own worthiness. Their meet-cute in the run-down cafe was one of the comedic highlights. Although billed as a romantic comedy, there is so much more than quirky characters and witty banter. You get real and heartfelt romance, as well as a poignant message regarding domestic violence and self-worth. Everything worked well together and flowed seamlessly. I'm looking forward to the next Songbird's story, as well as the other two series within the town of Darling Bay - The Firefighter's of Darling Bay and The Ballard Brothers of Darling Bay.
I was gifted an ARC of The Songbird's Call in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
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