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Sing for My Baby
A beautiful opposites-attract, lesbian romance fused with music, fear, hope, and honesty.
Primary school teacher and singer Rosie Tanner has stopped waiting for someone to have a baby with. She’s diving in and going it alone…although her pregnancy plans are a secret for now.
Amber Kingsley’s only goal is to stay sober and safe, so any complications like relationships are definitely out. That is, until she accidentally joins a community choir—despite having no musical talent or interest—after laying eyes on beautiful star soloist Rosie.
It seems her heart has some crazy ideas. So should Amber actually listen to it?
Tags: age gap romance, friends to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn romance, toaster oven romance
94,000 words
Primary school teacher and singer Rosie Tanner has stopped waiting for someone to have a baby with. She’s diving in and going it alone…although her pregnancy plans are a secret for now.
Amber Kingsley’s only goal is to stay sober and safe, so any complications like relationships are definitely out. That is, until she accidentally joins a community choir—despite having no musical talent or interest—after laying eyes on beautiful star soloist Rosie.
It seems her heart has some crazy ideas. So should Amber actually listen to it?
Tags: age gap romance, friends to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn romance, toaster oven romance
94,000 words
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2021
11 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Matthews
20 books55 followersJenn Matthews lives in England’s South West with her wife, two dogs, and cat. When not working full-time as a health-care assistant at a mental health rehab unit, she can be found avidly gardening, crocheting, writing, or visiting National Trust properties.
Inspired by life’s lessons and experiences, Jenn is a passionate advocate of people on the fringe of society. She hopes to explore and represent other “invisible people” with her upcoming novels.
Inspired by life’s lessons and experiences, Jenn is a passionate advocate of people on the fringe of society. She hopes to explore and represent other “invisible people” with her upcoming novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 4, 2021
3.25 Stars. This was a sweet romance. Matthews is known for writing slower paced romances. While I love a slow burn, I’m not a fan of slow romances where not a lot happens except for more day to day stuff. Matthews is one of the few authors that can be an exception for me since I really liked her book Hooked on You. As slow paced as Hooked on You was, I was well ‘hooked’, and I didn’t want the story to end. Unfortunately, I did not have the same feeling with this book. I think it was a very solid, well written story, but I did feel like parts dragged and were too slow for my personal tastes.
Besides the overall slow pace of the book, I found myself having trouble with the characters. I felt like I could not really connect with them. I didn’t have an aversion to them, but both just seemed less likeable than I wanted. I noticed they would say or think things that I found to be off putting. I also had a lot of trouble picturing them in my mind. I know that is kind of an odd thing to complain about but if I can’t get a real sense of a character, in my head, it hinders me from having that strong connection I hope to have with a main character. I did enjoy and think that many of the secondary characters were well written.
The romance is very slow burn and is a strangers to friends, to lovers’ type or romance. I love a good slow burn and I liked the pace that the relationship went at for the most part. However, I did think overall that it was a little slow even for me, and I found myself wishing for the characters to get to a deeper connection a bit faster. I also wished that the chemistry was stronger overall. I felt like a lot of their emotions were more told to me instead of really experiencing that spark.
I would classify this as a lower angst book. It does have one pretty big angsty moment, but the rest of the book is mostly angst free. I did find myself rolling my eyes at the moment. I felt it was overblown, but that happens in romance so it wasn’t a shocker. On the good side, the timing of the angst was well done and as a reader you don’t have to worry about a rushed ending. It’s always nice to see when authors mix up the timing like this and I hope more authors will do it too.
In the end it’s a perfectly nice romance, but it wasn’t really for me. A large portion of this book is about pregnancy and birth, and I thought all those parts were well written. So if pregnancy is a topic you are looking for in a romance, than this book is good choice. I would still recommend Hooked on You for readers new to Matthews, but if you like slower paced romances, this book could be for you.
Besides the overall slow pace of the book, I found myself having trouble with the characters. I felt like I could not really connect with them. I didn’t have an aversion to them, but both just seemed less likeable than I wanted. I noticed they would say or think things that I found to be off putting. I also had a lot of trouble picturing them in my mind. I know that is kind of an odd thing to complain about but if I can’t get a real sense of a character, in my head, it hinders me from having that strong connection I hope to have with a main character. I did enjoy and think that many of the secondary characters were well written.
The romance is very slow burn and is a strangers to friends, to lovers’ type or romance. I love a good slow burn and I liked the pace that the relationship went at for the most part. However, I did think overall that it was a little slow even for me, and I found myself wishing for the characters to get to a deeper connection a bit faster. I also wished that the chemistry was stronger overall. I felt like a lot of their emotions were more told to me instead of really experiencing that spark.
I would classify this as a lower angst book. It does have one pretty big angsty moment, but the rest of the book is mostly angst free. I did find myself rolling my eyes at the moment. I felt it was overblown, but that happens in romance so it wasn’t a shocker. On the good side, the timing of the angst was well done and as a reader you don’t have to worry about a rushed ending. It’s always nice to see when authors mix up the timing like this and I hope more authors will do it too.
In the end it’s a perfectly nice romance, but it wasn’t really for me. A large portion of this book is about pregnancy and birth, and I thought all those parts were well written. So if pregnancy is a topic you are looking for in a romance, than this book is good choice. I would still recommend Hooked on You for readers new to Matthews, but if you like slower paced romances, this book could be for you.
February 10, 2021
Sing For My Baby by Jen Matthews is a slow burn, low angst romance starring two very different women who have a clear view on life’s priorities and falling in love is not on the list. Far from it. But as we all know, life likes to throw us a curve ball from time to time.
Primary school teacher Rosie Tanner’s biological clock is ticking and she feels it’s now or never to get this whole baby thing on the road. Having no partner she wants to go the solo route and has everything planned out. As this is her second try (the first pregnancy ended in a traumatic still birth), Rosie feels she has to keep it a secret as long as she can so not to jinx it.
Admin assistant Amber Kingsley is focused to keep sober and happy and avoid anything that can put her sobriety to the test including messy relationships. When she accidentally joins a community choir despite having any musical talent or experience it is all because she couldn’t resist the beautiful star soloist Rosie.
Even when a romance is seen as ill timed by both women, they can’t help but grow closer. The only bump in the road is the big secret they keep from each other. Amber doesn’t know Rosie is going to be a mom and Rosie doesn’t know Amber is a recovering alcoholic. The longer they wait the bigger the blow up will be.
Like Susan X. Meagher’s All That Matters and Jenny Frame’s Unexpected the main theme is Rosie’s pregnancy and we will be there every step of the way from turkey baster till delivery room. If you are a fan of that you will be in for a treat, but I felt it put the romance firmly in second place. Rosie was very single minded in doing everything by herself and that put poor Amber on a second track for most of the book. It felt somewhat awkward between them. The slow pace, fairly angst free plot makes it a cozy, domestic affair. Having read her debut book where this was also the case I guess that’s the authors preferred style.
f/f slow burn
Themes: Britain, keeping secrets, pregnant single mom, choir practice, alcoholic past, depression, cut out of the family, lavender massage oil, I feel like I have successfully delivered another baby!
3.8 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Primary school teacher Rosie Tanner’s biological clock is ticking and she feels it’s now or never to get this whole baby thing on the road. Having no partner she wants to go the solo route and has everything planned out. As this is her second try (the first pregnancy ended in a traumatic still birth), Rosie feels she has to keep it a secret as long as she can so not to jinx it.
Admin assistant Amber Kingsley is focused to keep sober and happy and avoid anything that can put her sobriety to the test including messy relationships. When she accidentally joins a community choir despite having any musical talent or experience it is all because she couldn’t resist the beautiful star soloist Rosie.
Even when a romance is seen as ill timed by both women, they can’t help but grow closer. The only bump in the road is the big secret they keep from each other. Amber doesn’t know Rosie is going to be a mom and Rosie doesn’t know Amber is a recovering alcoholic. The longer they wait the bigger the blow up will be.
Like Susan X. Meagher’s All That Matters and Jenny Frame’s Unexpected the main theme is Rosie’s pregnancy and we will be there every step of the way from turkey baster till delivery room. If you are a fan of that you will be in for a treat, but I felt it put the romance firmly in second place. Rosie was very single minded in doing everything by herself and that put poor Amber on a second track for most of the book. It felt somewhat awkward between them. The slow pace, fairly angst free plot makes it a cozy, domestic affair. Having read her debut book where this was also the case I guess that’s the authors preferred style.
f/f slow burn
Themes: Britain, keeping secrets, pregnant single mom, choir practice, alcoholic past, depression, cut out of the family, lavender massage oil, I feel like I have successfully delivered another baby!
3.8 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
March 1, 2021
Sing for my baby is a slow burn romance by Jenn Mathews. Rosie is single and she is pregnant. She has it all planned out. But we all know, sometimes life thwarts plans. Amber has her plans too, #1 is to stay sober and rebuild her life. But when she quasi accidentally joins the choir Rosie is singing in, everything changes. But sometimes plans are there not to be kept. And we all know secrets can destroy a lot of what starts beautifully, but we keep them secret anyway.
It is a quiet story with little big excitement and fear. It is also a story about family and friendships that sometimes have to replace their own family. We accompany the two women during Rosie's pregnancy and this part is very nicely told, even if Rosie is a bit stubborn and does not like to accept help. What goes down a bit is the romance. It really only comes second. But since I've never been pregnant myself, I can't exactly relate to this situation either. Of course, pregnancy is a big event for every woman and certainly very dominant in the daily perception. But sometimes I felt a little sorry for Amber when she was left out.
I never quite got totally into the story, somehow I couldn't really connect with the MCs.But that may have more to do with me, as the book I had read before had me very emotionally stirred up.
Sweet slow burn romance without much angst.
My rating 3.75 stars
ARC provided by Ylva Publishing for an honest review
It is a quiet story with little big excitement and fear. It is also a story about family and friendships that sometimes have to replace their own family. We accompany the two women during Rosie's pregnancy and this part is very nicely told, even if Rosie is a bit stubborn and does not like to accept help. What goes down a bit is the romance. It really only comes second. But since I've never been pregnant myself, I can't exactly relate to this situation either. Of course, pregnancy is a big event for every woman and certainly very dominant in the daily perception. But sometimes I felt a little sorry for Amber when she was left out.
I never quite got totally into the story, somehow I couldn't really connect with the MCs.But that may have more to do with me, as the book I had read before had me very emotionally stirred up.
Sweet slow burn romance without much angst.
My rating 3.75 stars
ARC provided by Ylva Publishing for an honest review
March 5, 2021
3 Stars
“Sing for My Baby” is an opposites-attract slow burn romance.
Rosie is a primary school teacher who has decided not to wait for Ms. Right to get pregnant. Amber is an admis assistant at a dentist’s office. She’s a recovering alcoholic trying to stay happy and stress free. They meet outside an AA meeting when Amber is leaving her weekly meeting and runs into Rosie, who is on her way to a choir meeting that’s being held in the same building. Amber lies and says she’s joining the choir rather than admit to being in AA.
The two hit it off straight away and decide to become friends but both are hiding things from the other. Rosie doesn’t want to tell anyone she’s pregnant so she doesn’t jinx herself and Amber can’t find the right time to tell her she’s a recovering alcoholic.
This is the slowest of the slow burns and not in a particularly good way. They start off as friends and stay that way for a while. You get the gist that they like each other but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of yearning or pining, which is what I like in a slow burn. Most of the storyline is wrapped around Rosie and her being pregnant. The romance is never really front and center, especially with both hiding important things from the other. So, while I enjoyed this overall, I didn’t love it. I like the romance to be front and center and it wasn’t here.
Rosie started out likable but I liked her less and less as the story progressed. She was difficult about being independent and was quite judgmental of others, especially when Amber’s truth was revealed. Amber, on the other hand, was very sweet and likable. She started out shy and without much confidence in herself. I liked how she grew and became more confident in herself as time went on and was able to put herself out there even when she was uncomfortable. I just hated that Rosie kind of kept Amber at arm’s length throughout the story until the very end. I did feel better about Rosie at the end but it took a while to get there.
In the end, I would recommend this to fans of slow burn, friends to lovers’ readers, especially if you like low angst with your romance. There isn’t a lot of drama, the has an even keel feel to it for the most part. I wouldn’t recommend this if you have an aversion to pregnancy. This is well written and I enjoyed Matthews style so although this wasn't the perfect fit for me, I’ll be on the lookout for others from her.
One note for the tags on YLVA’s website for this; the age gap is 5 years and toaster oven doesn’t apply here.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
“Sing for My Baby” is an opposites-attract slow burn romance.
Rosie is a primary school teacher who has decided not to wait for Ms. Right to get pregnant. Amber is an admis assistant at a dentist’s office. She’s a recovering alcoholic trying to stay happy and stress free. They meet outside an AA meeting when Amber is leaving her weekly meeting and runs into Rosie, who is on her way to a choir meeting that’s being held in the same building. Amber lies and says she’s joining the choir rather than admit to being in AA.
The two hit it off straight away and decide to become friends but both are hiding things from the other. Rosie doesn’t want to tell anyone she’s pregnant so she doesn’t jinx herself and Amber can’t find the right time to tell her she’s a recovering alcoholic.
This is the slowest of the slow burns and not in a particularly good way. They start off as friends and stay that way for a while. You get the gist that they like each other but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of yearning or pining, which is what I like in a slow burn. Most of the storyline is wrapped around Rosie and her being pregnant. The romance is never really front and center, especially with both hiding important things from the other. So, while I enjoyed this overall, I didn’t love it. I like the romance to be front and center and it wasn’t here.
Rosie started out likable but I liked her less and less as the story progressed. She was difficult about being independent and was quite judgmental of others, especially when Amber’s truth was revealed. Amber, on the other hand, was very sweet and likable. She started out shy and without much confidence in herself. I liked how she grew and became more confident in herself as time went on and was able to put herself out there even when she was uncomfortable. I just hated that Rosie kind of kept Amber at arm’s length throughout the story until the very end. I did feel better about Rosie at the end but it took a while to get there.
In the end, I would recommend this to fans of slow burn, friends to lovers’ readers, especially if you like low angst with your romance. There isn’t a lot of drama, the has an even keel feel to it for the most part. I wouldn’t recommend this if you have an aversion to pregnancy. This is well written and I enjoyed Matthews style so although this wasn't the perfect fit for me, I’ll be on the lookout for others from her.
One note for the tags on YLVA’s website for this; the age gap is 5 years and toaster oven doesn’t apply here.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2021
I liked this story. The MC’s felt very real to me with their pasts and problems and the way they struggled a bit with their feelings. Well written without too much drama or playing down the issue of alcoholism. The story left me with a positive feeling.
February 22, 2021
If you like pregnancies in your love stories, this book is for you. Undoubtedly, a sweet story.
November 28, 2021
A sweet slow burn romance which grew on me as I continued to read it and eventually turned out liking it 🙂
Ratings: 3+⭐️. Available in Scribd.
Ratings: 3+⭐️. Available in Scribd.
March 6, 2021
ARC received via YLVA in exchange for an honest review
I haven’t read Matthews before, but her earlier books had good reviews so I thought I’d give this a go. Unfortunately I wasn’t blown away.
This is a slow burn romance featuring Rosie, who is having a baby using a donor after suffering a loss a few years prior and Amber, a recovering alcoholic who runs into Rosie on the way out of a meeting and ends up joining a choir.
Amber is a great character, she’s sweet and supportive, even though she’s had a crap life, and I found her story and the progression of her recovery really interesting. Rosie is not a great character, she’s judgemental, self-involved and boring and I couldn’t warm to her.
The two strike up a friendship when Amber ‘accidentally’ joins Rosie’s choir and has to get singing lessons. Their friendship progresses, but is hampered by neither of them confessing their big secrets. The problem was the reactions to these secrets. Amber is hurt but understanding about Rosie’s reveal, but Rosie is a straight up bitch about Amber’s. So much so that I also DNF’d the book at that point.
I also found the pregnancy details a little too much. I swear there was more of a focus on the pregnancy than the relationship. Overall, I found the slow burn too slow, especially since I didn’t think they were suited to each other, so wasn’t invested in the HEA. 3 stars.
I haven’t read Matthews before, but her earlier books had good reviews so I thought I’d give this a go. Unfortunately I wasn’t blown away.
This is a slow burn romance featuring Rosie, who is having a baby using a donor after suffering a loss a few years prior and Amber, a recovering alcoholic who runs into Rosie on the way out of a meeting and ends up joining a choir.
Amber is a great character, she’s sweet and supportive, even though she’s had a crap life, and I found her story and the progression of her recovery really interesting. Rosie is not a great character, she’s judgemental, self-involved and boring and I couldn’t warm to her.
The two strike up a friendship when Amber ‘accidentally’ joins Rosie’s choir and has to get singing lessons. Their friendship progresses, but is hampered by neither of them confessing their big secrets. The problem was the reactions to these secrets. Amber is hurt but understanding about Rosie’s reveal, but Rosie is a straight up bitch about Amber’s. So much so that I also DNF’d the book at that point.
I also found the pregnancy details a little too much. I swear there was more of a focus on the pregnancy than the relationship. Overall, I found the slow burn too slow, especially since I didn’t think they were suited to each other, so wasn’t invested in the HEA. 3 stars.
March 15, 2021
I really loved this story. It was sweet, magical, and refreshing.
When Amber, a recovering alcoholic, accidentally ends up joining Rosie and a choir, what begins is a nice friendship, but with secrets. Rosie hasn't told Amber she's pregnant, and Amber hasn't told Rosie she's in AA.
Both characters were great, although Rosie was my favourite. I greatly appreciated Amber's strength when things went a "little" wrong; it was great character development, like she realised her own worth and that was really nice. The sex scene was beautifully written, as well as the birth. All very realistic, yet still magical. And the strength of Rosie after what she's been through with Ali and her determination to 'go it alone' for what she truly wanted was amazing. A really great story.
This is my first book that I've read by this author but I look forward to another.
When Amber, a recovering alcoholic, accidentally ends up joining Rosie and a choir, what begins is a nice friendship, but with secrets. Rosie hasn't told Amber she's pregnant, and Amber hasn't told Rosie she's in AA.
Both characters were great, although Rosie was my favourite. I greatly appreciated Amber's strength when things went a "little" wrong; it was great character development, like she realised her own worth and that was really nice. The sex scene was beautifully written, as well as the birth. All very realistic, yet still magical. And the strength of Rosie after what she's been through with Ali and her determination to 'go it alone' for what she truly wanted was amazing. A really great story.
This is my first book that I've read by this author but I look forward to another.
February 10, 2021
Amber Kingsley has just earned her one year sobriety chip when Rosie Tanner stumbles into her life. Rosie is in the very early stages of her planned pregnancy and ready to raise her child on her own.
Sing for My Baby is a slow boil romance where past experiences colour the character’s perceptions of each other. There is a good deal of personal introspection throughout the story which did make it drag in spots.
I really like Amber however I just did not have warm feelings for Rosie. She just rubbed me in the wrong way especially when she found out that Amber is in recovery. What happened in Rosie’s past did not truly account for her reaction. It did not seem like a logical reason for Rosie to act as she did.
Amber’s character, because she is in recovery and trying to change her life for the better, pushed me to finish reading this story. Amber will speak to a large number of readers where the disease of alcoholism has touched their lives either personally or in their periphery. Jenn Matthews created a very believable character in Amber.
3⭐️
Sing for My Baby is a slow boil romance where past experiences colour the character’s perceptions of each other. There is a good deal of personal introspection throughout the story which did make it drag in spots.
I really like Amber however I just did not have warm feelings for Rosie. She just rubbed me in the wrong way especially when she found out that Amber is in recovery. What happened in Rosie’s past did not truly account for her reaction. It did not seem like a logical reason for Rosie to act as she did.
Amber’s character, because she is in recovery and trying to change her life for the better, pushed me to finish reading this story. Amber will speak to a large number of readers where the disease of alcoholism has touched their lives either personally or in their periphery. Jenn Matthews created a very believable character in Amber.
3⭐️
March 9, 2021
This is my first Matthews book and after reading other people’s reviews for Hooked on You I had high expectations for Sing for My Baby. Unfortunately, I can’t say it met them, though it is a perfectly enjoyable book and I nice way to pass the time, it just didn’t grab me as much as I was expecting.
I liked the premise of the book - deciding to get pregnant and then meeting the person you’re supposed to be with and I even enjoyed the slow burn nature of the book, but something just didn’t click with me.
Matthews is clearly a good writer, I found her phrasing interesting and the writing of the myriad of characters between Amber’s friends and Rosie’s family to be done really well.
Unfortunately, considering the pace of the book and the way it is written, I couldn’t find the depth or connection to the characters I was looking for. Some things are pointed out about the characters and lined up as important, but I never fully understood why they were. I found both of them frustrating at times and the communication always seemed to break down whenever they were trying to be more than friends.
I also needed more of them actually together. The slow burn takes up a big chunk of the narrative and once they are together they spend less time together, with less on-page interactions than we had with them as friends.
I liked the ending and enjoyed that Matthews didn’t try to force an ending that would have been out of place with the rest of the plot.
I’ll definitely be wanting to read more Matthews, I just don’t think I’d return to this one in the future.
I received an e-ARC directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the premise of the book - deciding to get pregnant and then meeting the person you’re supposed to be with and I even enjoyed the slow burn nature of the book, but something just didn’t click with me.
Matthews is clearly a good writer, I found her phrasing interesting and the writing of the myriad of characters between Amber’s friends and Rosie’s family to be done really well.
Unfortunately, considering the pace of the book and the way it is written, I couldn’t find the depth or connection to the characters I was looking for. Some things are pointed out about the characters and lined up as important, but I never fully understood why they were. I found both of them frustrating at times and the communication always seemed to break down whenever they were trying to be more than friends.
I also needed more of them actually together. The slow burn takes up a big chunk of the narrative and once they are together they spend less time together, with less on-page interactions than we had with them as friends.
I liked the ending and enjoyed that Matthews didn’t try to force an ending that would have been out of place with the rest of the plot.
I’ll definitely be wanting to read more Matthews, I just don’t think I’d return to this one in the future.
I received an e-ARC directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2023
Took a couple of chapters to really understand what this book was about as it tipped towards not being safe, but the author's assurdiness (is that even a word?) ensured it all fell into place and it never toppled. Recommended.
March 1, 2021
I really enjoyed Sing for My Baby by Jenn Matthews. It is a lovely slow-burn, opposites-attract love story set in the same universe as her first novel, Hooked on You.
Sing for My Baby is a tale of two women who come from very different life experiences. Rosie Tanner wants to have a baby, and has decided that she is not going to wait for a partner. She is going it alone. Amber Kingsley is a recovering alcoholic whose goal is to stay sober, which means avoiding any kind of relationship that could send her spiraling back into her addiction. Then Amber accidentally joins a choir that Rosie is in, and a friendship develops. But do they want more than that?
The story had a bit of a slow start, but in spite of that, I quickly connected with the main characters, especially Amber. It took me a bit longer with Rosie, but I eventually understood her character better and connected with her as well. It is a beautiful romance with a layer of angst that runs through most of the book. It’s a touching story and even with the angst, I felt quite happy at the end of the tale.
As I mentioned above, this novel is set in the same universe as Ms. Matthew’s first book. Those of you who have read Hooked on You might recognize a few of the minor characters in this story. However, both of these books are standalone novels. You do not need too read both of them in order. If you love good slow-burn, romances though, then I can easily recommend both books.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Sing for My Baby is a tale of two women who come from very different life experiences. Rosie Tanner wants to have a baby, and has decided that she is not going to wait for a partner. She is going it alone. Amber Kingsley is a recovering alcoholic whose goal is to stay sober, which means avoiding any kind of relationship that could send her spiraling back into her addiction. Then Amber accidentally joins a choir that Rosie is in, and a friendship develops. But do they want more than that?
The story had a bit of a slow start, but in spite of that, I quickly connected with the main characters, especially Amber. It took me a bit longer with Rosie, but I eventually understood her character better and connected with her as well. It is a beautiful romance with a layer of angst that runs through most of the book. It’s a touching story and even with the angst, I felt quite happy at the end of the tale.
As I mentioned above, this novel is set in the same universe as Ms. Matthew’s first book. Those of you who have read Hooked on You might recognize a few of the minor characters in this story. However, both of these books are standalone novels. You do not need too read both of them in order. If you love good slow-burn, romances though, then I can easily recommend both books.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
February 20, 2021
I was very excited to find Ms Matthews had a new book to read. Needless to say how much I enjoy her books.
Amber Kingsley is working hard, working hard to remain sober, trying to keep things quiet and uncomplicated. It's been a full year and she’s doing well, receiving her one year coin marking the progress she’d made. She was living with her best friend Jilly and leaning on her other good friend Harry. She had been separated from her family for a long time now. They seemed to not want her in their lives and at this moment in time she didn’t want to be in theirs. At least that’s what she told herself.
Rosie Tanner loved her job teaching in the local elementary school. In fact she loved them so much that she’s decided to have a baby on her own. Never having met the right one to share in one of life’s in making a family of her own. With the help of her sister and her parents she was never really alone, right. Her other passion beside children was singing in the local community group.
That’s how the two women meet. Amber was just leaving her AA meeting when she met Rosie. When Rosie asks her if she is there to join the choir, for some reason Amber lied saying yes, even though she has not sung for years. Then it was for school plays, etc. But Rosie was very pretty and Amber thought it never hurt to make a new friend. But she didn’t tell Rosie why she was really there at the community center.
Ms Matthews has given us another wonderful read. Great plot, populated with very likeable characters. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via Ylva Publishing
Amber Kingsley is working hard, working hard to remain sober, trying to keep things quiet and uncomplicated. It's been a full year and she’s doing well, receiving her one year coin marking the progress she’d made. She was living with her best friend Jilly and leaning on her other good friend Harry. She had been separated from her family for a long time now. They seemed to not want her in their lives and at this moment in time she didn’t want to be in theirs. At least that’s what she told herself.
Rosie Tanner loved her job teaching in the local elementary school. In fact she loved them so much that she’s decided to have a baby on her own. Never having met the right one to share in one of life’s in making a family of her own. With the help of her sister and her parents she was never really alone, right. Her other passion beside children was singing in the local community group.
That’s how the two women meet. Amber was just leaving her AA meeting when she met Rosie. When Rosie asks her if she is there to join the choir, for some reason Amber lied saying yes, even though she has not sung for years. Then it was for school plays, etc. But Rosie was very pretty and Amber thought it never hurt to make a new friend. But she didn’t tell Rosie why she was really there at the community center.
Ms Matthews has given us another wonderful read. Great plot, populated with very likeable characters. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via Ylva Publishing
February 7, 2021
Unconventional love story
This is an unconventional lesfic love story so if you're wanting a change from reading perfect bodied wealthy jet setting women falling for each other this might do the trick for you. The romance that blossoms between Amber and Rosie focuses more on the intimacy and love, trust and lack of it, than an abundance of hot sex scenes. You know how they feel about each other thru their actions and dialogue so when they do make love it's a very tangible connection between them at the forefront of the writing; in some respects they read like a couple who have been together and known each other far longer than they actually have. Rosie is clear that her first love and priority is her baby-to-be so that has an effect on how her relationship with Amber proceeds and develops, but Rosie does have to unexpectedly adjust her life plan when she falls for Amber.
Aside from the romance there is some snicker worthy dialogue between characters, and a cast of secondary characters who make up Amber and Rosie's support systems in the form of friends, family (blood and chosen) and colleagues. There are some passages describing labor and the birth process which are fascinating but may be too much detail for some readers; readers outside of the UK may also be envious of the health care system depicted in the story. Amber's newish sobriety (one year sober and counting) is handled beautifully with a greater focus placed on her relationships with her sponsor and her landlady (both former addicts themselves) than what occurs in the AA meetings she attends. The typical conflicts in a lesfic story get some variation here with secrets kept for arguably good reason in the beginning rather than misunderstanding or miscommunication between Amber and Rosie but they each stress about being found out as an alcoholic (in recovery) and pregnant, respectively, by the other.
This isn't my favorite story by the author but I did appreciate reading new kinds of characters meeting up and falling in love in a unique way for a lesfic romance. These characters are more like people you'd encounter in real everyday life rather than fantasy ideals, their issues more relatable on some level.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is an unconventional lesfic love story so if you're wanting a change from reading perfect bodied wealthy jet setting women falling for each other this might do the trick for you. The romance that blossoms between Amber and Rosie focuses more on the intimacy and love, trust and lack of it, than an abundance of hot sex scenes. You know how they feel about each other thru their actions and dialogue so when they do make love it's a very tangible connection between them at the forefront of the writing; in some respects they read like a couple who have been together and known each other far longer than they actually have. Rosie is clear that her first love and priority is her baby-to-be so that has an effect on how her relationship with Amber proceeds and develops, but Rosie does have to unexpectedly adjust her life plan when she falls for Amber.
Aside from the romance there is some snicker worthy dialogue between characters, and a cast of secondary characters who make up Amber and Rosie's support systems in the form of friends, family (blood and chosen) and colleagues. There are some passages describing labor and the birth process which are fascinating but may be too much detail for some readers; readers outside of the UK may also be envious of the health care system depicted in the story. Amber's newish sobriety (one year sober and counting) is handled beautifully with a greater focus placed on her relationships with her sponsor and her landlady (both former addicts themselves) than what occurs in the AA meetings she attends. The typical conflicts in a lesfic story get some variation here with secrets kept for arguably good reason in the beginning rather than misunderstanding or miscommunication between Amber and Rosie but they each stress about being found out as an alcoholic (in recovery) and pregnant, respectively, by the other.
This isn't my favorite story by the author but I did appreciate reading new kinds of characters meeting up and falling in love in a unique way for a lesfic romance. These characters are more like people you'd encounter in real everyday life rather than fantasy ideals, their issues more relatable on some level.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2021
An ARC copy was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
This is a story about two woman Rosie Tanner and Amber Kingsley. Both were badly hurt in the past and try to find their way back.
Rosie want to be a single mother and Amber is in recovery from her alcohol issue. Both didn´t count on faith to throw them together. It is a slow building romance and sometimes for me, it was to slow, but both characters are very good written and believable.
This is a story about two woman Rosie Tanner and Amber Kingsley. Both were badly hurt in the past and try to find their way back.
Rosie want to be a single mother and Amber is in recovery from her alcohol issue. Both didn´t count on faith to throw them together. It is a slow building romance and sometimes for me, it was to slow, but both characters are very good written and believable.
March 16, 2021
Rosie is no longer waiting to find love before having a baby. One night early in her pregnancy she meets Amber. Amber was just leaving an AA meeting when she bumps into Rosie, and rather than admit where she was coming from she tells Rosie she's joining her choir. Her lack of experience is evident, so Rosie works with Amber to learn to sing. Both women are drawn to each other the more time they spend together, but when the secrets come out how will their relationship fare?
The first half of this book was a solid four starts but Rosie's reaction to Amber's secret was unwarranted. Amber should have dropped her as a friend after that, let alone deciding to date after the fact. I lost all belief in their love story and it was a struggle to finish. The author tried to explain her reaction and I respect that but I could no longer connect to the characters and story. On top of that, the birthing scene at the end of the book went on forever with too many details that didn't add much to the story or to the beauty of giving birth. It could have been a quarter of the length and it would have been much more impactful. Still, Jenn Mathews writes well, the characters are well rounded and the world she creates is vibrant and interesting. I enjoyed Amber as a character on her own and the author created a really unique story.
I received an ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of this book was a solid four starts but Rosie's reaction to Amber's secret was unwarranted. Amber should have dropped her as a friend after that, let alone deciding to date after the fact. I lost all belief in their love story and it was a struggle to finish. The author tried to explain her reaction and I respect that but I could no longer connect to the characters and story. On top of that, the birthing scene at the end of the book went on forever with too many details that didn't add much to the story or to the beauty of giving birth. It could have been a quarter of the length and it would have been much more impactful. Still, Jenn Mathews writes well, the characters are well rounded and the world she creates is vibrant and interesting. I enjoyed Amber as a character on her own and the author created a really unique story.
I received an ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2021
So Sweet!
Rosie just wants to be a mother, and sick of waiting for Mrs Right to turn up, she has decided she is ready to go it alone and is now pregnant. What she hadn’t bargained for was meeting Amber at choir practice. They have an instant connection and Rosie is excited by the prospect that Amber could be something more to her, but she hasn’t told her about the baby. Amber is holding back fears and secrets of her own, worried about how Rosie might react to her truths and past. When she confides in Rosie, only for everything to change between them, will Rosie’s baby be key to bringing them together.
Such a cute and sweet story, with an innocence amongst the darker elements that are touched on. Rosie and Amber’s story is an emotional and moving one that had me choked up on more than one occasion. They were just normal people, living normal lives, and just trying to be happy. I loved how past decisions and influences changed the characters and determined some of their reactions to the other confessing certain things. That is what Jenn is so good at that, just depicting normality, including that humans make mistakes and can have redeemed themselves and shouldn’t be judged on those mistakes or actions.
There were a few moments in this story that shocked me, and surprisingly I found they came from Rosie. I wasn’t expecting some of the reactions she had, especially after having first gotten to know her and how kind and accepting she seemed to be. Rosie was a great example of how the past can make you very wary of someone without giving them a chance to explain, and not having known their circumstances or situation.
I loved how cute and insecure Amber was. She was one of those characters to admire and when she finally did get a chance to fully explain her story, I really felt for her, empathised, and could see how she had gotten to where she had. A lot of it was relatable and made me very emotional. Something Jenn’s characters always seem to do is get to me on an emotional level, whether I have been in their shoes or not. Jenn just gives such intimate insights into their thoughts and feelings, and really has the character express those in a way that just gives an amazing connection with them.
If you like sweet romance, with a pinch of angst, some funny moments, misunderstandings and falling in love unexpectedly, you are going to love Sing For My Baby. I really hope this won’t be the last we see of Rosie and Amber because I am super excited for their future!
Rosie just wants to be a mother, and sick of waiting for Mrs Right to turn up, she has decided she is ready to go it alone and is now pregnant. What she hadn’t bargained for was meeting Amber at choir practice. They have an instant connection and Rosie is excited by the prospect that Amber could be something more to her, but she hasn’t told her about the baby. Amber is holding back fears and secrets of her own, worried about how Rosie might react to her truths and past. When she confides in Rosie, only for everything to change between them, will Rosie’s baby be key to bringing them together.
Such a cute and sweet story, with an innocence amongst the darker elements that are touched on. Rosie and Amber’s story is an emotional and moving one that had me choked up on more than one occasion. They were just normal people, living normal lives, and just trying to be happy. I loved how past decisions and influences changed the characters and determined some of their reactions to the other confessing certain things. That is what Jenn is so good at that, just depicting normality, including that humans make mistakes and can have redeemed themselves and shouldn’t be judged on those mistakes or actions.
There were a few moments in this story that shocked me, and surprisingly I found they came from Rosie. I wasn’t expecting some of the reactions she had, especially after having first gotten to know her and how kind and accepting she seemed to be. Rosie was a great example of how the past can make you very wary of someone without giving them a chance to explain, and not having known their circumstances or situation.
I loved how cute and insecure Amber was. She was one of those characters to admire and when she finally did get a chance to fully explain her story, I really felt for her, empathised, and could see how she had gotten to where she had. A lot of it was relatable and made me very emotional. Something Jenn’s characters always seem to do is get to me on an emotional level, whether I have been in their shoes or not. Jenn just gives such intimate insights into their thoughts and feelings, and really has the character express those in a way that just gives an amazing connection with them.
If you like sweet romance, with a pinch of angst, some funny moments, misunderstandings and falling in love unexpectedly, you are going to love Sing For My Baby. I really hope this won’t be the last we see of Rosie and Amber because I am super excited for their future!
May 29, 2024
Cute, kinda light while touching heavy topics fairly well, adorable and interesting. I enjoyed the story and I liked the characters.
February 13, 2022
• Song for my Baby
• Jenn Matthews
• MC Rosie Tanner & Amber Kingsley
• Friends to lovers
• Opposites attract
Rosie Tanner is a 36 year old school teacher and has decided to have a baby on her. Rosie suffered a miscarriage, but still pushes forward with another planned pregnancy. She longs to be a mother.
Amber Kingsley is a kind person who has made her fair share of mistakes. She is an alcoholic in recovery. Ambers main focus is on staying healthy and sober.
Rosie and Amber meet by accident after one of Amber’s AA meeting. In the beginning both characters are hiding things about themselves. They both had secrets. It took time for them both to bare their souls to each other. Hence the slowness of this book.
This is a sweet story. If you like really slow burn books, this one is for you.
I found the support characters in this book very well written and relatable. Also, reading about Rosie’s pregnancy journey was something that made this book stand out to me
I highly recommend if you like a slow- burn friends to lovers romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
• Jenn Matthews
• MC Rosie Tanner & Amber Kingsley
• Friends to lovers
• Opposites attract
Rosie Tanner is a 36 year old school teacher and has decided to have a baby on her. Rosie suffered a miscarriage, but still pushes forward with another planned pregnancy. She longs to be a mother.
Amber Kingsley is a kind person who has made her fair share of mistakes. She is an alcoholic in recovery. Ambers main focus is on staying healthy and sober.
Rosie and Amber meet by accident after one of Amber’s AA meeting. In the beginning both characters are hiding things about themselves. They both had secrets. It took time for them both to bare their souls to each other. Hence the slowness of this book.
This is a sweet story. If you like really slow burn books, this one is for you.
I found the support characters in this book very well written and relatable. Also, reading about Rosie’s pregnancy journey was something that made this book stand out to me
I highly recommend if you like a slow- burn friends to lovers romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
February 23, 2021
is not your typical romance. First of all, this is a slow burner, with the characters either too unsure of themselves to act on any attraction they feel, or too concentrated on other aspects of their lives to actively start a relationship. Then, there's how everything is tied together. One of the leads, Rosie, just learned that she is pregnant and is almost obsessively focused on making sure she has as healthy a pregnancy as she can. When she and recovering alcoholic Amber literally run into each other after Rosie's choir practice, they click, but they don't quite know how to handle their attraction to each other.
I like the idea of this one. The Rosie's pregnancy plot is interesting because it is rare to see a pregnant lead actually going through the steps of their pregnancy and the emotional and physical impact that it has. And how important it is to have a support network that they can rely on, so props on that. I also enjoyed how supportive Amber is. And how proud she is of her sobriety. I don't often see that in characters like Amber, so I was just happen to read about that work she has to put into keeping sober without it devolving into melodrama. Each woman's conflict feels grounded in steps that a person in real life would take, and that, more than anything, kept me reading.
The romance was sweet and lovely - especially since the characters where basically dating without realizing they were dating. It gave them time to work on themselves and grow as a couple without the pressure of the romantic aspect of it. I do have to state that the tropey break up drama kind of came out of nowhere, especially given that it felt like there was almost no set up to it. Rosie just gets massively triggered, and takes it out on Amber, which is okay, but there was no indication as to what would cause her to trigger like that. It felt a little too forced, even if the reasoning is given after the fact. And I think that particular scene might turn off readers if they are lukewarm on Rosie to begin with.
I enjoyed this take on pregnancy romance. I enjoyed that each of these characters has issues they need to work on, but when they are together, their true personalities shine through. Amber is an angel, by the way, and I know some people may not like Rosie for Amber, but Rosie was the gateway into a community that Amber never had, so for that, I am happy.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
I like the idea of this one. The Rosie's pregnancy plot is interesting because it is rare to see a pregnant lead actually going through the steps of their pregnancy and the emotional and physical impact that it has. And how important it is to have a support network that they can rely on, so props on that. I also enjoyed how supportive Amber is. And how proud she is of her sobriety. I don't often see that in characters like Amber, so I was just happen to read about that work she has to put into keeping sober without it devolving into melodrama. Each woman's conflict feels grounded in steps that a person in real life would take, and that, more than anything, kept me reading.
The romance was sweet and lovely - especially since the characters where basically dating without realizing they were dating. It gave them time to work on themselves and grow as a couple without the pressure of the romantic aspect of it. I do have to state that the tropey break up drama kind of came out of nowhere, especially given that it felt like there was almost no set up to it. Rosie just gets massively triggered, and takes it out on Amber, which is okay, but there was no indication as to what would cause her to trigger like that. It felt a little too forced, even if the reasoning is given after the fact. And I think that particular scene might turn off readers if they are lukewarm on Rosie to begin with.
I enjoyed this take on pregnancy romance. I enjoyed that each of these characters has issues they need to work on, but when they are together, their true personalities shine through. Amber is an angel, by the way, and I know some people may not like Rosie for Amber, but Rosie was the gateway into a community that Amber never had, so for that, I am happy.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 15, 2021
This is a well-written novel about two women with very different lives who meet. Each has a history with some past sorrow in it. Both have strong support systems, whether it’s Rosie family or Amber’s network of friends. I got confused at times in the first few chapters about who had what background and who was unhappy about whatever. Eventually, I was able to put each with their respective stories. I think that confusion had more to do with my own stereotypes than anything else.
Both keep secrets from each other for a large part of the story. The novel has the usual bumps in the way of their love story. At times, I didn’t like either character, but I respected their ability to talk about issues with each other, as well as their compassion for other people. There were still misunderstandings even though they talked. Rosie seemed pretty judgmental about a big issue in the novel, and although it was explained after another chapter or so, I was disappointed with her.
Both women are very much concentrating on their own difficulties; because they have their own concerns to fret over, this led to being a very slow burning romance. I appreciated the look at stigmas around some issues and how they affect the people involved. Reading all the pregnancy concerns was interesting and humanized Rosie quite a bit. It’s the first time I’ve read a romance about a main character who is pregnant during nearly the entire novel. The story was fine and kept me reading, but because it was so introspective, it was a little slow in places.
Both keep secrets from each other for a large part of the story. The novel has the usual bumps in the way of their love story. At times, I didn’t like either character, but I respected their ability to talk about issues with each other, as well as their compassion for other people. There were still misunderstandings even though they talked. Rosie seemed pretty judgmental about a big issue in the novel, and although it was explained after another chapter or so, I was disappointed with her.
Both women are very much concentrating on their own difficulties; because they have their own concerns to fret over, this led to being a very slow burning romance. I appreciated the look at stigmas around some issues and how they affect the people involved. Reading all the pregnancy concerns was interesting and humanized Rosie quite a bit. It’s the first time I’ve read a romance about a main character who is pregnant during nearly the entire novel. The story was fine and kept me reading, but because it was so introspective, it was a little slow in places.
March 31, 2021
This is a solid slow-burn romance. I have never read a romance that takes place during a 9 month pregnancy, and this was very well done.
The characters Rosie and Amber make smart decisions and communicate well. Instead of instant attraction, the characters are really focused on themselves and their own journeys. They happen to meet and click even though they weren't looking for love. I enjoyed being along for the ride.
The book starts with a positive pregnancy test and ends with a birth and if you aren't interested in reading about that, this one isn't for you. The pregnancy is practically the main story.
The characters Rosie and Amber make smart decisions and communicate well. Instead of instant attraction, the characters are really focused on themselves and their own journeys. They happen to meet and click even though they weren't looking for love. I enjoyed being along for the ride.
The book starts with a positive pregnancy test and ends with a birth and if you aren't interested in reading about that, this one isn't for you. The pregnancy is practically the main story.
February 16, 2021
They say nothing strong can be built from lies, but this novel has a way to makes me think otherwise.
Sing for my baby by Jenn Matthews is about Amber Kinsley, who has been sober for a complete year. With her coveted chip in her hands, she hopes to stay strong and safe from falling again, avoiding messy relationships, and even more, avoiding any lies, since they bring her back to a ‘’Not so nice’’ moment in her life. When Rosie Tanner, a beautiful singer enters her life as a complete misunderstanding, leaving her standing in the choir’s rehearsal, the unsaid takes its toll on Amber.
But Amber is not the only one keeping a secret. As both women grow closer and develop an interesting friendship and chemistry reaches its high point, they are both conscious that the secrets they are keeping from the other one have to be told, to start the relationship on something strong. That leads to an interesting yet infuriating conversation about Amber’s sobriety and Rosie’s secret pregnancy.
This is not my first read by Jenn Matthews, and certainly won’t be my last. I am confident that being a mom made me relate to this book in so many ways, since I was hooked from the first pages, where the author describe the home insemination process, I felt drawn to Rosie and her project since it hit close to how we proceeded. I felt closure and could not drop the book. I also had a lot of compassion towards Amber and all the progress she has made to achieve the life she yearns for.
I enjoyed how both characters develop amazing chemistry together from their first meeting going on, and how fast the book can be read. I will admit, only two things bothered me a little. One being the reason why they fight and the fact that with the intensity of it, and the words used, for it to be so quickly over and simply forgotten without that much of a sincere apology made me hope for more. Don’t get me wrong, the intensity of the scene filled with angst was so good, I would have taken more angst and love-filled moments. Also, I would have loved a chapter or two more in the end, as I felt there was so much more to be written (and missing) about the newfound state of their relationship and how they gravitate towards (and with) each other. It would have been nice to see more, to know more. My happy ending needed more happy ammunition because even if I like angst, I am a sucker for a really happy ending just as much.
I would recommend this book.
@RainbowMReviews
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Sing for my baby by Jenn Matthews is about Amber Kinsley, who has been sober for a complete year. With her coveted chip in her hands, she hopes to stay strong and safe from falling again, avoiding messy relationships, and even more, avoiding any lies, since they bring her back to a ‘’Not so nice’’ moment in her life. When Rosie Tanner, a beautiful singer enters her life as a complete misunderstanding, leaving her standing in the choir’s rehearsal, the unsaid takes its toll on Amber.
But Amber is not the only one keeping a secret. As both women grow closer and develop an interesting friendship and chemistry reaches its high point, they are both conscious that the secrets they are keeping from the other one have to be told, to start the relationship on something strong. That leads to an interesting yet infuriating conversation about Amber’s sobriety and Rosie’s secret pregnancy.
This is not my first read by Jenn Matthews, and certainly won’t be my last. I am confident that being a mom made me relate to this book in so many ways, since I was hooked from the first pages, where the author describe the home insemination process, I felt drawn to Rosie and her project since it hit close to how we proceeded. I felt closure and could not drop the book. I also had a lot of compassion towards Amber and all the progress she has made to achieve the life she yearns for.
I enjoyed how both characters develop amazing chemistry together from their first meeting going on, and how fast the book can be read. I will admit, only two things bothered me a little. One being the reason why they fight and the fact that with the intensity of it, and the words used, for it to be so quickly over and simply forgotten without that much of a sincere apology made me hope for more. Don’t get me wrong, the intensity of the scene filled with angst was so good, I would have taken more angst and love-filled moments. Also, I would have loved a chapter or two more in the end, as I felt there was so much more to be written (and missing) about the newfound state of their relationship and how they gravitate towards (and with) each other. It would have been nice to see more, to know more. My happy ending needed more happy ammunition because even if I like angst, I am a sucker for a really happy ending just as much.
I would recommend this book.
@RainbowMReviews
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
February 15, 2021
Amber and Rosie, just the names alone seem to indicate a perfect couple but they both have their undisclosed secrets and nothing good usually comes from keeping secrets.
This is slow, winding, bump filled love story that deals with relatable, tough realities tempered with deepening feelings, fear of rejection, suspicion and awakened emotions. Amber, introvert (a recovering drug addict/alcoholic relying on her sponsor, and a few like minded individuals) always in fear of losing her job and Rosie, a teacher, choir member and part of a loving family (who is concentrating on becoming a mother) meet by chance and slowly work towards becoming friends.
I found Amber easy to connect with, her warmth and tactile way of dealing with stress. Rosie was chilly though cracks appeared especially when dealing with her niece Chelsea. Secrets kept, secrets revealed and rejection all have to be dealt with before realization that only one person really makes the other happy and safe without reservation. Well rounded supporting characters such as Jilly, Charlie, Fiona and Hayley filled out the storyline which included a detailed birthing process. The author deftly related the dark topic of alcoholism and interwoven childhood trauma with the healing joy of song and community spirit. Ms. Matthews surprised me with this book and I look forward to what she comes up with next.
I rec'd an ARC through Ylva Publishing and this is an un-biased and voluntary review.
This is slow, winding, bump filled love story that deals with relatable, tough realities tempered with deepening feelings, fear of rejection, suspicion and awakened emotions. Amber, introvert (a recovering drug addict/alcoholic relying on her sponsor, and a few like minded individuals) always in fear of losing her job and Rosie, a teacher, choir member and part of a loving family (who is concentrating on becoming a mother) meet by chance and slowly work towards becoming friends.
I found Amber easy to connect with, her warmth and tactile way of dealing with stress. Rosie was chilly though cracks appeared especially when dealing with her niece Chelsea. Secrets kept, secrets revealed and rejection all have to be dealt with before realization that only one person really makes the other happy and safe without reservation. Well rounded supporting characters such as Jilly, Charlie, Fiona and Hayley filled out the storyline which included a detailed birthing process. The author deftly related the dark topic of alcoholism and interwoven childhood trauma with the healing joy of song and community spirit. Ms. Matthews surprised me with this book and I look forward to what she comes up with next.
I rec'd an ARC through Ylva Publishing and this is an un-biased and voluntary review.
February 21, 2021
**ARC copy given to me by YLVA for an honest review**
You have two characters on really quite different paths. Amber is on a path to sustained sobriety, attending AA meetings. These meetings happen to be held at the same place where our other main character, Rosie, comes for choir rehearsals. Rosie has her own past she is trying to push through, and craving to be a mother, even if she is single.
When the two collide, you could call it wrong place, right time kind of scenario, and a friendship soon blossoms.
While the overall book was good, I just couldn't connect with either character and that kind of bums me out with a book, which affects how or if I am drawn to a book. It's a slow burn/build romance. There were times toward the beginning of book I felt the characters were a bit hard to pin down as a reader as far as mood/manner. I sometimes felt they jumped around not knowing even who they were themselves. But that could also just be me again, trying to find someway to connect to the characters.
Again it was well written and should be given a chance, just wasn't perhaps my cup of tea. :)
It is a slow building romance and sometimes for me, it was to slow, but both characters are very good written and believable.
You have two characters on really quite different paths. Amber is on a path to sustained sobriety, attending AA meetings. These meetings happen to be held at the same place where our other main character, Rosie, comes for choir rehearsals. Rosie has her own past she is trying to push through, and craving to be a mother, even if she is single.
When the two collide, you could call it wrong place, right time kind of scenario, and a friendship soon blossoms.
While the overall book was good, I just couldn't connect with either character and that kind of bums me out with a book, which affects how or if I am drawn to a book. It's a slow burn/build romance. There were times toward the beginning of book I felt the characters were a bit hard to pin down as a reader as far as mood/manner. I sometimes felt they jumped around not knowing even who they were themselves. But that could also just be me again, trying to find someway to connect to the characters.
Again it was well written and should be given a chance, just wasn't perhaps my cup of tea. :)
It is a slow building romance and sometimes for me, it was to slow, but both characters are very good written and believable.
February 26, 2021
An unusual premise (As many YLVA publications thankfully tend to be. ) Intrigued from the start. However it didn't seem to hold my attention really strongly. I am honest enough to admit part of that might be a bit of discomfort with my drinking levels... should I drink less, cut down, cut out?
The landlady at 44 was worrying about things sagging. I found that mildly insulting.
I can't say why but I didn't warm to the mains as the book progressed. I couldn't quite remember which main had which backstory. Their voices were not clear. This story was more slow than burn which I normally love but I just didn’t gel with it. However all credit to the writer for writing against the common trope. I am willing to say that it might have been down to me rather than the writer.
The landlady at 44 was worrying about things sagging. I found that mildly insulting.
I can't say why but I didn't warm to the mains as the book progressed. I couldn't quite remember which main had which backstory. Their voices were not clear. This story was more slow than burn which I normally love but I just didn’t gel with it. However all credit to the writer for writing against the common trope. I am willing to say that it might have been down to me rather than the writer.
February 27, 2021
This was an ARC given to me by Ylva for an honest review. A wonderful story dealing with sensitive issues but make the story work for the reader. Not every author can put a positive spin on a character with alcohol issues. Nice to see that character being the strong dependable one her love interests needs. The world can use more positive stories of addiction outcomes. I thought a little more could have been included on Ambers alcohol issues regarding her family to understand how she got where she was in life, but that’s just me. Refreshing love story plot line and I really enjoyed it.
August 2, 2025
A lovely romance that’s not without its bumps in the road which makes a seem more realistic than some romances I’ve read.
February 23, 2021
This novel is a really slow romance. There wasn’t much angst in it. What I enjoyed most about this novel was how Rosie and Amber solved most of their issues by communicating instead of letting it fester. I also liked the fact that Amber wouldn’t allow Rosie to bring her down. However, the pace of their romance was incredibly slow and made for a long read.
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