The Song of the Sea

by Jenn Alexander

The ocean has always been a place of freedom for Lisa Whelan, and after her newborn son passes away, she returns to her family home by the sea to seek freedom from her grief. She’s not expecting to meet anyone, and is caught off guard by the attraction she feels for Rachel, the part-owner of a local restaurant. That initial spark is dampened, however, when Lisa realizes that Rachel has a child.

Rachel Murray has worked hard to build a life for herself and her son but raising Declan has not been without its challenges. Each day when Rachel picks him up from school, she says a silent prayer that he will be waiting for her in his classroom, and not in the principal’s office. Again. Her son’s behavior has grown increasingly disruptive, and Rachel is at a loss at how to help him.

Despite her grief, Lisa finds herself drawn to both Rachel and Declan. She thinks she can keep her emotions at bay— keep from drowning in grief and keep from falling in love—but she finds both to be a tidal wave, washing over her, sweeping her off her feet. Lisa never intended on falling in love with anyone, and she certainly cannot allow herself to fall for someone whose son is a constant reminder of the child she lost. Or can she?

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Drama, Queer, Adult Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2019

About the author

Jenn Alexander was born and raised in Edmonton, Canada. She graduated in 2017 with an M.S. in Counseling from the University of North Texas, and has since returned to Canada, where she is trying to reacclimatize to the frozen north.
Jenn is a 2018 graduate of the the Golden Crown Literary Society’s Writing Academy, for which she was the year’s recipient of the Sandra Moran Scholarship. She lives with her three daughters, two cats, and one rambunctious dog. When she’s not writing, Jenn spends her time playing the drums, skiing, or looking for adventure.
Her debut romance novel is The Song of the Sea.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50 Stars. This was an excellent debut book for Alexander. Alexander won this year’s Sandra Moran scholarship from GCLS’ Writing Academy. Anna Burke won this scholarship last year and with her highly rated and successful books Compass Rose and Thorn, I had high expectations that Alexander would continue in a similar vein. I’m happy to say that I was really impressed by this drama-romance. Not only can Alexander write, but she knows how to make a reader feel. Alexander now has my attention and I will be keeping my eye out for her future books.

A little over a year after losing her newborn son, Lisa feels stuck in her grief and depression. When she gets a phone call from her brother announcing his wife is having a baby, Lisa knows she has to run away to the one place she has ever felt some real solace, the ocean. Lisa decides a long stay at a small beach town where her Great Aunt still lives, might just be what she needs to get her life back on track. But when Lisa meets Rachel and her son Declan, her feelings for them shock her. What kind of relationship can she have with them when she is still grieving for her child?

I do have to be honest that this book is tough to read. We all know these kinds of drama books that are so good yet you can’t even count the number of tissues you went through, well this was one of those books. I’m sitting here typing this review with my eyes burning because I could not stop crying. Every time I would compose myself and I could start breathing through my nose again, I would turn the page and the waterworks would start again. This book wrecked me a bit to be honest, but that was because of how well written it was. I was crying because I cared. I think Alexander wrote about grief extremely well and also realistically. I do want to make clear that this book is not all doom and gloom. This is a romance and there are sweet moments and most importantly moments of hope. It’s a tough read but it is also a very satisfying read.

If you are looking for a well done drama-romance, a book that will make you feel, this is a great pick. If you are looking for a book you will not soon forget, than this is for you. I thought this was a really impressive debut and I can’t wait to see what Alexander will write next.

A copy was given to me for a honest review.

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people are brave. And by people, I mean authors. Jenn Alexander in this case. Grief, especially the grief for a lost child, as the topic of a debut novel couldn’t be handled by just anyone. Alexander does it masterfully.

Rachel Murray is a good mom but she can’t see it. Her six-year-old son Declan is hurting and she’s at a loss as to how to help him. He keeps acting out and getting in trouble at school and she wishes others could see what a delightful child he is. Enters Lisa Whelan. Something clicks between Declan and Lisa. Something entirely different clicks between Lisa and Rachel. Neither has felt such strong and perfect attraction in a long time. But Lisa is still mourning the loss of her stillborn son Mitchell and is in no place to start anything with anyone.

I’m a parent. Every day of my kid’s life so far, even the tough ones, the scared ones, the angry ones, has been a wonder to behold. I can’t imagine, I do not want to imagine the pain of losing a child. This book broke my heart from page one.

I won’t lie, The Song of the Sea is a hard book to read. It’s awfully sad. Unlike other reviewers, I didn’t find it depressing, however. There’s too much love for that. I know it’s cheesy but love really is the answer to everything (except to that specific question to which the answer is 42). Unwittingly opening herself to loving and being loved, by both mother and child, is what will save Lisa from the ordeal she’s going through. I don’t know if I’d classify The Song of the Sea as a romance. While there clearly is some falling in love, not all of it is romantic. There are three main characters in this story – Lisa, Rachel, Declan – and a very present fourth one – Mitchell. I could write that it all comes down to learning to love oneself again, but while it would be accurate for Lisa as well as Rachel and Declan, it would be unfair and oversimplifying. Jenn Alexander manages to give all three of them, as well as each relationship between them and between each one and other characters, multiple layers and infinite depth.

As debut novels go, this one is excellent. Sure, it’s at times repetitive but that’s how grief works. You get your head out of the water only to be overwhelmed by the next wave. One big step won’t get you out, it will happen gradually, in fits and starts. The way Alexander writes it, you feel all the bumps on the way but also the bursts of joy and happiness.

One last thing: I can’t end this review without praising the cover created by Ann McMan: simple, understated, perfect.

[Corporate Slave · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is a debut book by Jenn Alexander.. I have to admit that her writing was incredible! I think this is actually the best part of the book.. after I finished the book I was thinking, wow the writing style is unexpected as a debut.. there was literally not a single mistake.
characters were very well developed, the dialogues were so good and the connection was definitely strong!
The only reason why I’m not rating this higher is probably because this is not my genre. This is a pure drama romance. It’s quite dark for my taste! It’s not an easy read it’s sad and a bit depressing. Even the ending as much as it’s supposed to be happy, I just didn’t feel this happiness I still felt sad.
Having said that, again I repeat the book is very well written and I can’t wait to read the next book by this author! I just hope the next one is a bit to the happy side :)
I highly recommend that you read this book because for some reason I believe this author will be a very good addition to the lesfic world!

My rating is a 3.4 ..

[hubsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so......this is a depressing book. I'm just coming right out to say it, it's not a happy feel good romance, but more of a drama read. So if you are in a low place and are looking for something upbeat, maybe save this one for another time. 

MC Lisa is an artist, whose life dream was to be a mom. She is grieving the loss of her baby who died hours after he was born. Though I cannot connect with this subject matter, the words ooooooze loss. She moves from Toronto to small town Nova Scotia, basically to run away from this grief, but she fails. MC Rachel is a waitress in said small town and has a 6 y/o, Declan, and though her and Lisa start falling for each other, Lisa can't even begin to imagine a future with Rachel because Declan reminds her of everything she lost when her baby died. Sadness to the max. Yet Rachel understands this and tries to navigate her own feelings, but it fucking sucks man. They are in a tiny community in NS and are two beautiful lesbians, this scenario does not come up often!! Give the girls a break! 

Ms. Alexander can definitely write and I am impressed that this is her debut. I will eagerly watch for future books. The grief in this piece is palpable, almost to the point of redundancy in parts, as the same descriptors are often used, like the "vice-like grip" of the heart and chest and her having the same thoughts over and over. Got to be a bit much. However, I loved the Canadian-ness of this one, YAY CANADIAN AUTHORS. The descriptions of the ocean are beautiful and moving, albeit sad.  SADNESS, PEOPLE. In case I wasn't clear above. 

Would I read this again? No, it bummed me out. But that doesn't mean I didn't like it, I was impressed actually and would recommend, just be prepared! 3.5/5.

[Jo reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastically written!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was afraid this would be my angstiest read of the year and was pleasantly surprised that it’s not. It’s sad, to be sure, and I cried occasionally when reading it, especially in the second half. But it’s not all grim, because there’s lovely chemistry chemistry between the leads and fun flirting at times, which balance Lisa’s tough moments.

Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/song...

[Women Using Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Song of the Sea is an incredible work of fiction. It is a tenderly written impassioned tale of loss and love. It is an especially stirring and moving story. It is told in third person and chronicles Lisa’s journey through grief after a devastating loss, one that is so deep and consuming, it nearly suffocates her. It is only when Lisa desperately tries to tunnel through her darkness that she begins to find hope, joy and love. Ironically, she finds it in the most unexpected place, in the hearts of a mother and her son. Rachel and Declan become a beacon of hope for Lisa, one she soon realizes she can’t survive without.

The Song of the Sea is a true love story in the deepest sense. It details the love Lisa has for a child she lost in the most heart wrenching of ways, the love she has for a beautiful and spirited young boy, and the love she shares with a kind, compassionate and loving woman. Rachel’s unconditional support and Declan’s genuine love are a much needed lifeline for Lisa, one that she needs more than anything to fully love and live.

This story moved me to tears, but it also made me smile with wonder. As this small boy and his mother breathe life back into Lisa and renew her spirit, I became enchanted with them. They lead a simple life in a small island town in Nova Scotia. The setting is so perfect for the plot of this story; it offers a place of introspection and solitude. The story is poignant and somber at times, and reflective and hopeful at others. At the closing of this beautifully written tale, I was so very moved; these characters left their mark on me. This is a book I will need to reread.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story of triumph over loss and new beginnings filled with love. It is a story that remains with you long after the last page is read.

[Loek Krancher · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story!

The loss of a child affects everything. It has an emotionally, mentally impact and it also affects your relationship with others. Plans and dreams are shattered. You will never be the same.
But when you can count on the woman who gives you comfort, compassion and love, you can survive. The song of the sea is for the most part, a tough one to read. It’s very intense with a lot of pain. Also the emotional turmoil that Declan struggles with and causing Rachel a lot of stress and anxiety, tugged on my heartstrings. There are happy moments too and the humour is not forgotten either. All the emotions seem real and the characters are well set. Overall, It's a great story and definitely worth reading.

[Bib · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book is pretty highly rated on Goodreads. Despite of the smooth writing, I could not feel too deeply on heart wrenching, heart strings tugging parts other Goodreads friends expressed. It is a great book by a debutante author, and I will read other works by her.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book on an inactive hold at my library for years and finally decided to activate that hold. And I'm glad I did. What I found what a really heartfelt read I enjoyed a lot. Now, I realize this isn't effusive praise, and that is correct. The Song of the Sea is well executed with likeable characters. It deals thoughtfully about the grief of losing a newborn baby. It's a postcard of and travel advertisement for Nova Scotia. But it didn't blow me away. I don't know how memorable this will be long-term. But in terms of reading future novels by Jenn Alexander? That's not even in doubt.

I'm rounding this up simply because its execution is better than average.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love as the resounding song of hope

Canadian author Jenn Alexander earned her degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas and now works as a play therapist in Canada. THE SONG OF THE SEA is her debut novel.

Not only does Jenn Alexander take on subjects that are tough to communicate – the devastation of losing a child and discovering a new love whose child is problematic, making that coming together profoundly challenging – but she here demonstrates a gift of eloquent prose that grants her subject matter the grace of a practiced author.

The immediate appeal of Jenn’s writing greets the reader on the opening pages – atmospheric designing that is magnetic: ‘The first time Lisa Whelan had ever listened to the singing of the ocean she was seven years old, sitting with her grandfather on the rocks along the shoreline, trying to make sense of her grandmother’s death. “Do you hear that?” her grandfather had asked as they stared out at the rolling waves. “Do you hear the water?” She had nodded, listening to the soft rush of the surf as it rolled toward shore, then back out to sea. “It reminds me of music.”…

The mood is set and the engaging story unfolds, as in the author’s own distillation: ’The ocean has always been a place of freedom for Lisa Whelan, and after her newborn son passes away, she returns to her family home by the sea to seek freedom from her grief. She’s not expecting to meet anyone, and is caught off guard by the attraction she feels for Rachel, the part-owner of a local restaurant. That initial spark is dampened, however, when Lisa realizes that Rachel has a child. Rachel Murray has worked hard to build a life for herself and her son but raising Declan has not been without its challenges. Each day when Rachel picks him up from school, she says a silent prayer that he will be waiting for her in his classroom, and not in the principal’s office. Again. Her son’s behavior has grown increasingly disruptive, and Rachel is at a loss at how to help him. Despite her grief, Lisa finds herself drawn to both Rachel and Declan. She thinks she can keep her emotions at bay - keep from drowning in grief and keep from falling in love - but she finds both to be a tidal wave, washing over her, sweeping her off her feet. Lisa never intended on falling in love with anyone, and she certainly cannot allow herself to fall for someone whose son is a constant reminder of the child she lost. Or can she?’

Sensitive, tender in the manner in which Jenn shares that love can succor heartache into hope, this is an impressive debut novel by a significant new author. Highly recommended.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. It was sweet. I have a thing for single mothers just doing everything they can to provide a good life. I so easily fall for those characters. I love angst, and this had a satisfying amount. I do think that some things were a bit melodramatic. I can't imagine the utter despair of losing a child, but it just felt a little too 'pity party' for me at times. But overall I thought this was a good dramatic story to dig your teeth into.

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Song of the Sea

by Jenn Alexander

Arc

ByWaterBooks

MC Rachel Murray & Lisa Whelan




This is a moving story about grief and the pain one can experience when you lose a child.  I would never want to feel a pain like this. You could feel Lisa’s pain through the pages of this book.


Rachel was having some issues with her son, she did not understand his anger and what she was doing wrong.

I love how the author brought together three people that truly needed each other.  Lisa was missing a love of a child and a family.   I believe that Rachel and her son were the missing pieces to her broken heart.

The story makes you feel element of sadness,  my heart went out to Lisa for her loss.  The world kept going even though she felt like her personal world has stopped. The loss of a child is a pain I don’t believe anyone can ever really heal from.  I felt as though Rachel and her son brought joy and peace to Lisa.



Favorite line in the book “I don’t know,” Lisa answered, her eyes still focused on Rachel’s mouth. “All I know is I really like you. I feel safe with you. I don’t feel so broken.”

I have to say the book had me in tears 😭 I cried several times throughout the book.

I felt so sad for Declan.  He was having such a hard time throughout the story.Rachel tried so hard to do her best love and support her baby, this story is very emotional, you can’t help but want to see all three of them happy together.



This was a magnificent debut story! I would like to think Selma West who is a true gem! And ByWaterBooks for the arc! 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alamine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing, dealt with personal grief, which was heart wrenching and very sad and emotional, I love lesfic with kids in them,this kind of books always the endgame is family and that makes my heart happy and that the HEA here, grief, the stages of it, finding something or someone to hold on too, living again and finding hope to push forward, the MCs were very compassionate with each other that made me believe their connection, it wasn't sexual but they gave each other peace,i really enjoyed this

[kim child of the god of thunder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance is not my genre at all but I really enjoyed this a lot. So well written, I finished it in about six hours. Lovely flow. Having friends who’ve lost children, it really hit home.

[Your Lips... Apocalypse.. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! After such a long time I had read such an exceptional book, which focused too much on emotions.

I'm pleasantly buzzed after reading this.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sea is the “Song of Freedom.” Couldn’t have said it better! This was an outstanding debut book. Some tough topics, but I really liked the characters. I think I fell for Rachel and Declan too. My heart absolutely broke for Declan. The kiddo has a huge heart but had a hard time controlling his emotions. My heart also broke for Lisa. No parent should ever have to deal with the loss of their child. There is no set timetable for you to stop grieving for your loss. I don’t think you really ever stop grieving after the loss of a loved one. Everyone grieves in their own way.

[Fredo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25

[lezzread · Rating 4 out of 5]

This doesn't read like a debut novel at all. It is packed with heavy emotions and is well written (ok, maybe there were some repetitive phrases in the narrative but still). It's a story of grief, of struggle, but also a story of hope and love.

Truth be told, I've put off reading this for a long time. Not a huge fan of drama, especially of the losing-a-loved-one kind. It is just sad and bruising to read. But sometimes a story is too compelling to pass up on and you relent eventually.

I appreciated how Jenn Alexander was able to write a novel that shows how unprocessed grief affects not only romantic relationships but also that of family and friends. I would imagine it's not an easy story to write. There were definitely no shortcuts taken and Lisa's character, as in real life, had to fight her own battles to move forward – to heal, to let go and move on – for her to be whole in love. And for me, that is an extremely important element in the story. The other half is that of falling in love and who doesn't want to read a story of love?

This is not a light read but it is enjoyable in its own right. Great for a slow evening.

[BlackSandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute story, with a lot of depth.
This story has a little bit of everything; a little healing, some soul searching, a little imagery, nice flushed out scenery and landscapes, and a lot of romance!
Very impressive coming from a new author. Can not wait to read what comes next from this author.

[Kymbe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hard parts

This was a tough one. It can be difficult writing a romance that is focused on such a heart wrenching loss. The author does a good job of relaying Lisa' s overwhelming despair and Rachel's insecurities. The story was slow in parts but that's understandable when you think about the topic.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried a lot and never as much as in the last chapter. I read a lot of romance where the caracter fall rapidly and are not really belivable, so when I saw some people say this was an emotional read I had to read it. And truly, this is a real book, grief and love are truly well developed and done in this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I could not put this book down. The characters were amazing. I found myself laughing, smiling, and crying. This book was truly amazing! I did not want it to end. I wanted to keep reading about the characters journey. I would give this 10 stars if I could. Excellent book!

[Marilyn Langlois · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely well written story of grief, love and healing. As a parent it was sometimes hard to read but also reminded me once again how lucky I am. I am so glad I read this book. This love story was tender and precious.

[AGC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
I can’t say enough good things about his debut novel. It broke my heart, made me cry but then gave me the HEA I needed. For a much more elegant review of The Song of the Sea please read Jude of the Stars amazing review.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut book for this author. Wow! Such sadness and so much love! Heavy topic but very well written.

[Chand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Wish it was less tell and more show.

[Jo Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

The title say it all if,you only read one book this year then it must be this one,my humble words cannot do it justice , so I simply say

THANK YOU !!!

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!

[Natasha Alterici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bawling.