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Melinda Foster #5

Songbird Season

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An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
When you get everything you wanted, where do you go from there?

The first blush of spring finds Melinda filled with great expectations and high-flying goals. She's officially taking the reins of her charming farm, the lambs and rescue kittens are thriving, and new life is popping up in unexpected places.

But as the songbirds return and the garden’s soil is turned, not everything’s coming up roses: A no-nonsense housing inspector claims Melinda’s sweet deal with Horace could come at a high cost, and a plan to help the cats in her rural community draws skepticism from some of the locals.

When Uncle Frank makes a shocking discovery in the town’s archives, the fallout threatens to dim Prosper Hardware’s bright future. As friendships are tested and family ties begin to fray, can Melinda restore the harmony in her life?

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2019

3057 people are currently reading
458 people want to read

About the author

Melanie Lageschulte

28 books289 followers
Melanie Lageschulte is the author of the "Growing Season" women's fiction series. She grew up on an acreage in northern Iowa with a menagerie of four-footed friends. She’s spent much of her professional life telling the stories of Iowa and its residents, including several years as a features reporter and editor for the Des Moines Register. Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in American history from the University of Iowa.

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5 stars
1,213 (54%)
4 stars
731 (32%)
3 stars
234 (10%)
2 stars
37 (1%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Candice Kamencik.
249 reviews21 followers
September 22, 2025
3 stars - There were a few higher points in the book, but they were counteracted by some mishandling of the very nebulous plot. I'm happy that this book was a return to the previous feel of the series after being disappointed in Book #4. Not quite as engaging as books 1-3, but I also admit that it's hard to keep momentum over time.

That said, I liked that there was a bit of an expansion to the cast of characters, but it was done unobtrusively. We got to see some character development with Karen as well, which was nice.

My main sticking point with this book was that the whole "plot" revolved around the problem with Prosper Hardware's lot line issue. Ever time we read about it, all I could think was, "Whooo caaares?" It was presented as this huge, possibly life altering thing, when it was not, nor really could have been. I felt like this was just used (badly) as a plot device to give the author some means to create strife and friction between the characters. It felt forced, and because in reality it was a non-issue, it just made me roll my eyes a lot when people got randomly up in arms about it.

The story line with the acreage moving forward as well as the interactions between Melinda and Horace, as well as with the Sherrman family in general, were the bright spots that carried the book. The genuine interactions were warm and served to progress our understanding of Horace (who is my favorite character) and his family. The descriptions of the inner workings of the farm were hit or miss for me unfortunatly.

Overall, a decent read, but I'm worried that this series has lost the feel good nature that drew me in initially.
Profile Image for Marilyn Geary.
239 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2019
I love this series

The author has a way of making the little community of Prosper seem so real. It's the little details of town life. As usual, I can hardly wait for the next book in the series to come out.
204 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2019
I do love visiting the lovely town of Prosper and all it's denizens and especially pick up once again on what Melinda is doing on her wee little farm with all her critters. Book #5 is as good as the first. It was worth the wait. She finally bought the farm...Yay! I am looking forward to Book #6, so that I can visit Prosper yet again.

I liked the sort of unsettledness (Is that a word?) of the ending. It was different than the endings of the previous books. Perhaps it is because Melinda's friends are back in the tale and one is facing a major life changing set of events and there is now a man that has popped in and out of Melinda's life a few times that appears to have a crush on her. Karen, the town's vet could have a love interest in the Vet, new to the town 15 miles away.

It is a fun series - one that I don't have to go so deep into that I feel as though I am crawling out of a hole and seeing the light of day. I love that it's just like visiting with friends and it was another delightful visit.
1 review
May 1, 2019
More

I'm so hooked on these books I'm sorry they don't come more often, but can't imagine the author trying to keep up. Great job
Profile Image for Asheley T..
1,566 reviews124 followers
April 8, 2021
I thought it would be a lot of fun to revisit Melinda on her farm in Prosper, Iowa during the early spring since it is early spring in real life. This story begins as Melinda is about to sign papers in the sale of the farm she is renting. After being encouraged to give it about a year to see if it's something she can handle on her own, Melinda is ready to purchase the acreage from the elderly Horace Schermann. Watching the buildup of this farm sale has been a lot of fun. Melinda started her year at the farm without any experience, learning everything as she goes. With the help of her family and friends, and especially the other farmers in her area, she did a great job managing the large garden crop last summer and keeping all of her animals safe and warm during the harsh winter. I feel like I've learned a lot too. It has been great to watch her hang in there with all of the stresses and close-calls, and I've been thrilled to share in her successes.

There's a storyline in this installment involving the property lines at Prosper Hardware, which is Melinda's family's business, where she works. Honestly, everything about these property lines felt confusing. This has been my least favorite thing about the series so far, even though things seem to be in a good place as the story ends.

It's so great how much these characters genuinely enjoy being around one another. They love helping each other, and they all want the best for everyone in their community. It's nice to see people getting along (and even disagreeing) without so much pesky drama. And I love the way the people in this community respect one another. These books have absolutely no angst and are just a joy to read.

Anyway, I've been making preparations for my own garden so I do feel some kinship with Melinda as she has started her seedlings indoors and has to transplant them to the ground outside when the weather warms up. The veggie garden is my favorite thing about Melinda's story and I'm hoping that there is more about this part of her life in the next installment, since it is set during the summer.
75 reviews
May 5, 2019
Another wonderful addition to the saga

These stories are heartwarming and keep me entertained from beginning to end. It was a lovely surprise to find this latest chapter and I am looking forward to more about all these characters in the town of Prosper. The stories are realistic but told in a wholesome fashion so rare today.





Profile Image for Adele Varenas.
46 reviews
May 6, 2019
Need more meat Ms. Lageschulte!

You know, I read these too fast and they're too short! I need the Prosper stories to be longer so I don't finish too fast. I guess that says something though because I'm invested in the story of Horace and Wilbur's farm and Melanie growing into becoming a true farmer.
Profile Image for Sarah Lee.
675 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2019
Songbird Season by Melanie Lageschulte is the 5th book in the series and also means that I have now caught up with what has already been written. I will have to wait till later in the year to follow Melinda's adventures on her own farm. This novel follows Melinda during spring on the farm, which she has now bought. I just love the descriptions, the characters, I love Horace. Looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Profile Image for Marie Cordalis.
105 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2019
Another wonderful peek into the town of Prosper "The Little Town That Didn't". I'm so in love with the town, Melinda and all of her friends and family (Furry, Feathered and with Skin) that I wait anxiously for every new edition. There were a couple really tense moments for Prosper this time around and I was on edge until almost the very end. I can't wait to pre order and then anxiously await the next book in the saga :)
Profile Image for Dena Molner.
4 reviews
Read
May 7, 2019
I hope this series never ends. I have fallen in love with the town's people and their every day life. A wonderful relaxing read.
59 reviews
May 11, 2019
Spring is coming to Iowa

Like a visit with a good friend, Melinda is buying her little farm in rural Iowa as the songbirds start singing and the Prosper town antics continue. Not all goes smoothly but life goes on.
262 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2019
Another heartwarming story in Prosper

I am captivated with this story of Melissa and her farm and all that goes with it. I can hardly wait for Bright Season to become available. Treat yourself to this good clean series and you will be hooked!
Profile Image for Janet Friesner.
940 reviews13 followers
May 2, 2019
Continuation of a wonderful series

Loving this series. This is truly a wonderful feel good series full of real life characters that are people you would like to know and hang out with.
34 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2019
Love this series

The author writes in such a way that you feel like town you are in the country. You can almost smell the scents of spring coming in the window. I loved the small town atmosphere and fell in love with the characters. Can't wait for the next book.
118 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2019
Songbird Season

So enjoyed reading this book it is so good coudn t hardly put it down can't wait to read the new one.
26 reviews
May 25, 2019
I have read all 5 in this series. Can't wait for #6 in this series. Love the characters settings and believable rural storylines.
Profile Image for Sandy Tucker.
114 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2019
I LOVE this series and cannot wait to see what Melinda is up to in the next book.
Profile Image for Heide.
22 reviews
May 19, 2019
So fun

It has been so much fun following the lives of the people in Prosper! The writing is easy to read and you can envision everything that is happening! Great series!
26 reviews
May 17, 2019
I can't wait for the next book!

I just finished this book, and it didn't disappoint! I love this series, and an so looking forward to the next book. I love the characters, and can't wait to see what Melinda does to the farm next!
304 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2019
Just couldn’t do it. The write up sounded homey, uncomplicated rural living. Stevia overload. Blew small matters up to international terrorism levels. Used to love Laura Ingall Wilder books, this was on that level but I’m not in third grade anymore. Couldn’t finish, just don’t care.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews67 followers
September 30, 2019
The Songbird Season, Book 5 is by Melanie Lageschulte. Even the fifth book catches your attention and keeps it as you read about Melinda and her concentration on keeping the farm. Melanie does an excellent job of showing us what is going on with the farm and with the store as well as Melinda’s reaction to all the changes.
Spring finally arrives and with it Melinda’s spirits and plans increase, as do her problems. She has looked at the seed catalogs and has planned out her ambitious gardens. She starts seed plants in the canning room in her basement. The two kittens she had fostered had wormed their way into her heart and were now part of her life, so she had to deal with getting them their shots, etc. and making sure they were healthy and happy. She has four sheep ready to have lambs and hopes for the best. A late winter storm keeps the vet from coming when needed. A Schermann family funeral ends up having the family gather at the farm for the last time and a nice visit turns sour when arguments begin over who gets what from the house. When it turns to one family member wanting the house and farm, Melinda’s heart plunges. Following this development, the visit from a house inspector reveals problems that have to be fixed before anyone can purchase the property. He also reveals things that may go wrong in the future which could be cost prohibitive for her. As if this isn’t enough, Uncle Frank uncovers a mistake in the plat of the land on which the store stands. This means the store is 5 feet 2 inches on the next plot’s land. Between 1800 and 1850, someone made a mistake in measuring. What does this mean for the store? What other problems will spring uncover as nature teases between winter and spring?
Profile Image for Debbie Lesley.
509 reviews12 followers
October 12, 2019
Life on a Farm

I like when I read a book and the pictures start flowing. Like watching a comfy tv series where everyone knows your name ( not Cheers) in a small town, I pictured every little bit of this town. From Melinda’s farm house to the general store to the library and more. I want to know these people.....people who live in a dying little town but who refuse to give up on it.

Now that the decades long empty store front has been sold and Vicki, the new owner, has plans for a nice gift shop and tea room, things will turn around, I predict. Maybe the town will become a destination place.

And the photographer Chase, will something develop? Or maybe the new veterinarian, Josh, will bring excitement? After all, both these men live in nearby towns.

This book reminded me of the series, The Ladies of Covington. The women move to NC where they move into a dilapidated farm house one has inherited and the adventures just keep coming. I see Melinda having many adventures as she figures out her new life on her little farm and at the Prosper Hardware Store.

This was Book 5 or 6 but it did not seem to matter. The author gave enough clues to what had happened previously that it was easy to read on its own. Prequel clues were done well without rehashing previous books in the series. I just had to get my head around the many characters.

Hope I do t forget to read the next book.
Profile Image for Pat.
458 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2020
Back to Prosper, Iowa, The Little Town that Didn't

Melissa and her quirky friends return in this 5th book of the series. While this isn't great literature, it's pleasant and comforting. It's spring, and after making it through the Iowa winter, Melissa buys the farm, thus really establishing herself in the country. A problem is discovered in an old deed that causes her aunt and uncle some worries about their family business, The hardware store. And Melissa takes the lead on a new community project. And that's about it, in terms of plot-driving events. But it's the little joys that keep me reading these books: the men's morning coffee klatch that meets at the store; the farm chores; shoveling the 'black gold' produced by the sheep; finding wild asparagus; just the description of ordinary, daily events of country life.
223 reviews
June 2, 2022
Absolutely addictive Series!

Another great read I couldn’t put down. I’m so addicted to this series I can’t stand to miss a minute of what’s going on, I feel as snoopy as the old guys who meet for coffee at the hardware store!
It’s amazing to live life through a book, especially a book about a small town and a farm neither of which I have absolutely no experience of. But how these books make me wish I had. I love Prosper and the people in it. So much constantly going on for a small town of only 200 inhabitants. Grab this book and come join all of us right here in Prosper, Melinda would love to have you join the book club.
Where does it meet? Well right across the street from Prosper Hardware in City Hall, just follow the smell of hot coffee and fresh baked treats. We’d love to have you!
Profile Image for Rhoda Fitzsimmons.
202 reviews
July 9, 2023
Spring has arrived. Melinda enlists the help of her best friends from Minneapolis to help plant the garden. She's made changes from how Horace planted it and is looking forward to being able to reap the rewards when it comes time for canning.

However, a drought has brought the prices of feed and hay/straw to higher prices and everyone's garden is also suffering. Prosper has started a farmer's market and everyone is worried there won't be much surplus.

Frank has also been going through town records and has discovered a discrepancy in the property line that Prosper Hardware sits on. It's caused some hard feelings between Frank and Jerry the mayor.

In the end, newcomers to the area have agreed to purchase the building next door and have told the sellers they need to pay for the discrepancy.

Still no man in Melinda's life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
189 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2019
Mad!

I don't usually read straight through a series because I usually get bored if I do. But not with this one. I read straight through all five books. Now I'm mad because there's a sixth book that won't be out until close to the end of the year. Melinda is the main character in this series. I relate to her so much. She loves animals and talks to them the way I do. I can hardly wait until the next book. These books were fun to read.
The characters were very well developed and believable. The dialogue flowed smoothly and was very realistic. (Even with the animals). Easy reading. I have signed up to follow this author so I can find out when the next book will arrive.
12 reviews
May 1, 2021
Another wonderful book

Melinda has a farm - things are coming together!

We had a small farm like hers - old house, a red dairy barn, loved it- then we moved away when when the kids were grown. Now we have 6 acres, & everyone loves our new place.

It looks old, even tho’ it’s not: lots of flowers, plants, a big front porch with rocking chairs and antique wicker (found the wicker in the trash 2 years ago), and instead of sheep, chickens and cows we now take in homeless dogs. No money in dogs, and I hate to tell Melinda this, but there’s no money in sheep, either. That’s ok - we loved the sheep and we love the dogs.
Guess that’s why I love the series so much - reminds me of when we had our little farm and now, our new place.
Profile Image for Maryelen Charnovesky.
68 reviews
October 19, 2019
Heartwarming and Captivating

I have been so enthralled with this series ! I moved to Vermont from NYC over 30 years ago to a remote area. I can so relate to so much of Melindas experiences. I look forward to the times in my day when I could sit with one of her books ! Heartwarming and educational and just plain wonderful. I am so looking forward to Bright Season’s arrival. I have recommended these books to my friends who all have tiny farms, love animals, and just plain love a good read. I don’t want this series to ever end ! Thank you for sharing with us !
Profile Image for Sue Negrillo.
632 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2025
Iowa.
Liked the story, got me in the spring mood. Just to much verbiage where it wasn’t needed.
Melinda goes into spring. They family comes and goes through house. They take away all their stuff. She buys the house and begins to fix it up slowly as she has money and buys furniture. They start a cat fixing time. To fix stray cats.
They find out 5 ft of the hardware store is on the property next to them, so they are in crisis to get it straightened out. Chase comes out to farm to try to sale print but way to much. Stacy and Cassie come for the weekend.
713 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2019
Another great read in this series

I have so enjoyed this series. One book flows right into the next. After stumbling upon the first book by accident, I have thoroughly enjoyed each one. The characters are thoughtfully written, the plot is part of everyday life in the country's farmland. I love the life created in each book and can imagine myself living it. Can't wait for the next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews

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