What do you think?
Rate this book
Searching for the Song
The story continues with Caroline, Roderick and Gretchen as we journey with them to Austria, Gretchen's homeland. Secrets, intrigue, and romance--all in the enchanting setting along the Danube River.Assumed dead and a continent away, Gretchen’s wounded heart longs for home . . .With newly found freedom after thirty years, Gretchen and her granddaughter, Bella, a rare musical savant, are happy in their cottage in North Carolina, but the haunting shadows of Gretchen’s past cloud her days. A shameful night in a dark alley of an Austrian village decades ago left Gretchen with only one choice— to flee her family, her beloved fiancé, Peter, and her homeland.Caroline, a beautiful concert pianist and Gretchen’s closest friend, is settling into her Rockwater home as the wife of Roderick Adair, a successful international business tycoon. But Caroline knows Gretchen’s yearning for home, so she and Roderick fulfill Gretchen’s dream of returning to Austria. You will walk with them through musical Vienna, through historic castles and magnificent cathedrals. You will follow Gretchen up the familiar path along the Danube to the cozy cottage where she grew up and to the trysting place where she and Peter had planned their future. But will digging into her past unearth dark secrets that should remained buried? Will she find love with Peter again? With longings stronger than her fears, Gretchen desperately searches for her family and the music that once filled her soul. Her past and her future unfold on the willow-fringed banks of the Danube as she opens her heart and a white velvet bag left to her by her grandmammá.
396 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2021
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Clark Nichols
18 books38 followersPhyllis Clark Nichols’s character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions using the imagined residents of small town communities you just know you’ve visited before. With a strong faith and a love for nature, art, music, and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment . . . often through surprisingly serendipitous events.
Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Born during a hurricane, she is no stranger to the winds of change: In addition to her life as a novelist, Phyllis is a seminary graduate, concert pianist, and cofounder of a national cable network with health- and disability-related programming. Regardless of the role she’s playing, Phyllis brings creativity and compelling storytelling.
She frequently appears at conventions, conferences, civic groups, and churches, performing half-hour musical monologues that express her faith, joy, and thoughts about life—all with the homespun humor and gentility of a true Southern woman.
Phyllis currently serves on several nonprofit boards. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband.
Website: PhyllisClarkNichols.com
Facebook: facebook.com/PhyllisCNichols
Twitter: twitter.com/PhyllisCNichols
Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Born during a hurricane, she is no stranger to the winds of change: In addition to her life as a novelist, Phyllis is a seminary graduate, concert pianist, and cofounder of a national cable network with health- and disability-related programming. Regardless of the role she’s playing, Phyllis brings creativity and compelling storytelling.
She frequently appears at conventions, conferences, civic groups, and churches, performing half-hour musical monologues that express her faith, joy, and thoughts about life—all with the homespun humor and gentility of a true Southern woman.
Phyllis currently serves on several nonprofit boards. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband.
Website: PhyllisClarkNichols.com
Facebook: facebook.com/PhyllisCNichols
Twitter: twitter.com/PhyllisCNichols
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 16, 2024
"Searching for the Song" by Phyllis Clark Nichols is the eagerly awaited fifth book in the beloved ROCKWATER SUITE series. This installment takes readers on an emotional and transformative journey, once again immersing them in the charming world of Rockwater.
The story follows Caroline Carlyle as she embarks on a quest to rediscover her musical inspiration and purpose. Struggling with creative block and personal doubts, Caroline’s journey is both poignant and relatable. Nichols beautifully portrays her inner struggles, making readers feel every moment of her search for clarity and renewal.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is Nichols' ability to blend introspective character development with engaging plot twists. The narrative is rich with emotional depth, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the healing power of music. Caroline’s quest leads her to unexpected places and encounters, each adding a unique layer to her story.
The author’s descriptive prowess is on full display, bringing the picturesque town of Rockwater to life with vivid detail. From serene landscapes to the cozy, familiar settings of the town, readers are transported into a world that feels both comforting and real.
Supporting characters continue to play significant roles, adding warmth and complexity to the narrative. Their interactions with Caroline are authentic and touching, underscoring the importance of community and support systems in times of personal turmoil. The bonds of friendship and family are explored with nuance, enriching the overall story.
Music, as always, remains a central and evocative theme. Nichols masterfully captures the essence of Caroline's connection to her music, illustrating how it serves as both a refuge and a means of expression. The descriptions of musical moments are particularly moving, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate the arts.
"Searching for the Song" is a testament to Phyllis Clark Nichols' talent for crafting emotionally resonant and inspiring stories. This installment not only continues the legacy of the ROCKWATER SUITE series but also stands out as a powerful narrative of personal growth and artistic rediscovery. Fans of the series and new readers alike will find themselves captivated by Caroline's journey and the enchanting world of Rockwater.
The story follows Caroline Carlyle as she embarks on a quest to rediscover her musical inspiration and purpose. Struggling with creative block and personal doubts, Caroline’s journey is both poignant and relatable. Nichols beautifully portrays her inner struggles, making readers feel every moment of her search for clarity and renewal.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is Nichols' ability to blend introspective character development with engaging plot twists. The narrative is rich with emotional depth, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the healing power of music. Caroline’s quest leads her to unexpected places and encounters, each adding a unique layer to her story.
The author’s descriptive prowess is on full display, bringing the picturesque town of Rockwater to life with vivid detail. From serene landscapes to the cozy, familiar settings of the town, readers are transported into a world that feels both comforting and real.
Supporting characters continue to play significant roles, adding warmth and complexity to the narrative. Their interactions with Caroline are authentic and touching, underscoring the importance of community and support systems in times of personal turmoil. The bonds of friendship and family are explored with nuance, enriching the overall story.
Music, as always, remains a central and evocative theme. Nichols masterfully captures the essence of Caroline's connection to her music, illustrating how it serves as both a refuge and a means of expression. The descriptions of musical moments are particularly moving, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate the arts.
"Searching for the Song" is a testament to Phyllis Clark Nichols' talent for crafting emotionally resonant and inspiring stories. This installment not only continues the legacy of the ROCKWATER SUITE series but also stands out as a powerful narrative of personal growth and artistic rediscovery. Fans of the series and new readers alike will find themselves captivated by Caroline's journey and the enchanting world of Rockwater.
July 3, 2024
A Poignant Tale of Redemption and Discovery
"Searching for the Song," the fifth installment in the ROCKWATER SUITE series by Phyllis Clark Nichols, is a beautifully woven narrative of healing, redemption, and the quest for belonging. This book takes readers on an emotional journey, filled with rich character development and evocative settings that captivate from the first page to the last.
At the heart of the story is Gretchen, who, after thirty years of living under an assumed identity and enduring hidden pain, longs for redemption and a return to her roots. Alongside her granddaughter Bella, a musical savant, Gretchen finds solace in a quaint cottage in North Carolina. Nichols brilliantly portrays Gretchen’s complex emotions and her struggle to reconcile her past with her present, making her a deeply relatable and compelling character.
The narrative beautifully intertwines the lives of Gretchen, Bella, and Caroline, a renowned concert pianist settling into her new life at Rockwater with Roderick Adair. Caroline’s understanding and support of Gretchen’s journey underscore the themes of friendship and compassion that are central to the series. The bond between these characters is heartfelt and genuine, adding depth to the story.
One of the standout aspects of "Searching for the Song" is its exploration of the power of music to heal and connect.
"Searching for the Song" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for peace and belonging. It’s a story that resonates with heart and soul, filled with moments of introspection, discovery, and hope. The characters’ journeys are beautifully interwoven, creating a rich tapestry that celebrates love, forgiveness, and the transformative power of music.
Overall, "Searching for the Song" is a compelling and emotionally satisfying read. Phyllis Clark Nichols has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, making this book a standout in the ROCKWATER SUITE series. It’s a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates a beautifully told story of redemption and discovery.
"Searching for the Song," the fifth installment in the ROCKWATER SUITE series by Phyllis Clark Nichols, is a beautifully woven narrative of healing, redemption, and the quest for belonging. This book takes readers on an emotional journey, filled with rich character development and evocative settings that captivate from the first page to the last.
At the heart of the story is Gretchen, who, after thirty years of living under an assumed identity and enduring hidden pain, longs for redemption and a return to her roots. Alongside her granddaughter Bella, a musical savant, Gretchen finds solace in a quaint cottage in North Carolina. Nichols brilliantly portrays Gretchen’s complex emotions and her struggle to reconcile her past with her present, making her a deeply relatable and compelling character.
The narrative beautifully intertwines the lives of Gretchen, Bella, and Caroline, a renowned concert pianist settling into her new life at Rockwater with Roderick Adair. Caroline’s understanding and support of Gretchen’s journey underscore the themes of friendship and compassion that are central to the series. The bond between these characters is heartfelt and genuine, adding depth to the story.
One of the standout aspects of "Searching for the Song" is its exploration of the power of music to heal and connect.
"Searching for the Song" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for peace and belonging. It’s a story that resonates with heart and soul, filled with moments of introspection, discovery, and hope. The characters’ journeys are beautifully interwoven, creating a rich tapestry that celebrates love, forgiveness, and the transformative power of music.
Overall, "Searching for the Song" is a compelling and emotionally satisfying read. Phyllis Clark Nichols has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, making this book a standout in the ROCKWATER SUITE series. It’s a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates a beautifully told story of redemption and discovery.
June 23, 2021
A book of never ending delight!
With books as well-written as the ones penned by Phyllis Nichols, it’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite. I definitely like her longer books because I have more pages to enjoy before the story comes to its end. Searching for the Song seems a little like two books for the price of one. The first ten chapters catch us up on the lives of almost every character in the Rockwater Suite series. With her attention to detail, Ms. Nichols does a superb job with her multi—faceted characters who are believable and have unique stories to tell. The second part of Searching for the Song is set In Austria and I’ve never enjoyed such a fantastic and believable visit. I was fascinated by a layered plot which connected the reader to the past and the present and predicted a future for the main characters. I never wanted the book to end!
With books as well-written as the ones penned by Phyllis Nichols, it’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite. I definitely like her longer books because I have more pages to enjoy before the story comes to its end. Searching for the Song seems a little like two books for the price of one. The first ten chapters catch us up on the lives of almost every character in the Rockwater Suite series. With her attention to detail, Ms. Nichols does a superb job with her multi—faceted characters who are believable and have unique stories to tell. The second part of Searching for the Song is set In Austria and I’ve never enjoyed such a fantastic and believable visit. I was fascinated by a layered plot which connected the reader to the past and the present and predicted a future for the main characters. I never wanted the book to end!
February 3, 2024
Great series..can hardly wait to start #6.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews