When Cardinals Appear

The Love Birds #1

by Katie Eagan Schenck

She has a promise to keep. But when her plans are thrown into a tailspin, will a persistent red bird show her how to let her dreams take flight?

Lanie McAllister is ready to move on. Wrestling with her mom’s death, the young woman just wants to settle the estate and soar off for good to her boyfriend in California—far away from painful memories. But she suspects the lucky cardinal she keeps seeing is trying to send a message when a flat tire puts her back in the path of the man who broke her heart.

With fate constantly throwing the man her mother always hated in her way, Lanie can’t seem to shake the wounds of the past. And when her current love makes a serious misstep and she discovers her ex harbors a secret, she starts to rethink what will make her truly happy.

Questioning her vow to her mother to never look back, is the cardinal a clue Lanie’s true happiness is hiding in plain sight?

When Cardinals Appear is the emotional first book in The Love Birds women’s romantic fiction series. If you like heroines who grow, overcoming loss, and second chances, then you’ll adore Katie Eagan Schenck’s bittersweet tale.

Buy When Cardinals Appear to read the signs today!

Genres: Romance, Amazon, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2023

About the author

Katie Eagan Schenck, writes sweet romance and women's fiction that warms the heart and gives all the feels. When she's not writing fiction, she's either working on regulations for the federal government or binging Hallmark movies.

Reviews

[Marcia]

good book!

Since I enjoyed this book so much, I’m going to get the next books in the series! Would definitely recommend

[Katie]

"An uplifting romance about mending bruised relationships and holding onto hope."

-Kirkus Reviews

"...a poignant examination of... complex mother/daughter relationship and the repercussions of the often subjective, reactive decisions parents make but later regret.
When Cardinals Appear is a captivating, absorbing, and addictive novel that explores some weighty issues through a heartwarming and sweetly satisfying story. "
- The Book Review Directory

[Janice Batts]

Lovely Book

First, I believe in the cardinal theory! I loved how the ever present cardinal was such a major part of this book! It's difficult to lose a parent and especially to cancer! This book ended in a very positive way after a few struggles to get there! Great job. Katie, a hometown gal!

[Rachel]

Thanks netgallery for the ARC of when Cardinals Appear. This is a sweet homecoming story about a woman who goes home to close out her mother's estate after she passes away. So many moments of grief are experienced and a few times I was brought to tears. It deals with how parents can manipulate the lives of their children and sometimes it is not for the best.

[Cara (semi-inactive)]

When Cardinals Appear is the first book in The Love Birds series written by Katie Eagan Schenck. OH MY GOODNESS, THIS BOOK WAS OH SO VERY BEAUTIFUL, BUT IT LEFT ME SOBBING THE UGLIEST TEARS!!!!!!! When Cardinals Appear was so raw, pure, beautiful, gut wrenching, and uplifting all at the same time. I fell in love with Katie's writing and amazing story telling last year when I read her book "A Home For Christmas", so I was honored and utterly in shock when she asked me to review this one. I truly didn't expect to cry reading this book, but it just strangled my heart until it ripped apart. This book deals with grief, overcoming loss, and death of a parent. The cover is insanely beautiful, and cardinals are truly the most beautiful birds. There's absolutely NOTHING I would change about this beautiful story, the characters were all lovable once you got to know them. Katie, I absolutely loved and adored your book so much, but you owe me a few boxes of tissues for making me sob. I can't recommend this beautiful romance story enough, so please do yourself a favor and grab your copy immediately. There's no amount of words that I have that will do this heart breaking story justice. I just wanted to give these characters a group hug and hold them so close to my heart, because they all deserve the world.

THANK YOU TO KATIE EAGAN SCHENCK FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW💓!!!!!

Lanie McAllister is ready to move on for good. After dealing with her mom's death, Lanie just wants to settle the estate and move to California for good with her boyfriend James. Lanie slowly watched her mom let go and it was the hardest thing ever, but it wasn't the hardest compared to losing her high school sweetheart, Nate. Lanie and Nate were together forever, but when Lanie went to college they thought they could handle the long distance. What Lanie doesn't know is that her own mom broke Lanie and Nate apart. Lanie's mom, Melody didn't like Nate since the very beginning, she always had smart ass comments to make about him. Lanie promised her mom before she passed away that she would never settle in Cedar Haven, Maryland, so Lanie decided to go to college and get her degree in education. Fat forward, Lanie's mom passes away and Melody made Lanie the executor of her house and all of her belongings. When Lanie returns to her childhood home, she runs into Nate after her mom's car breaks down. It's the hardest thing seeing Nate after the way they ended. But every morning, Lanie sees a beautiful cardinal perched on the railing in her mom's backyard. The cardinal even appears wherever Nate is as well. Nate was such a squishy marshmallow, he wasn't willing to give up on Lanie no matter what Melody made him promise to her.

After the sale of the house, Lanie wants to go back to California with her boyfriend James, but her family and friends want her to stay in Maryland. During the time Lanie is home, she gets to know the reason why her and Nate broke up, she gets to spend time with her brother and sister in law. Lanie has a hard time being back home, all the painful memories come rushing back, life around Lanie is moving forward but she feels like she's stuck in a rut, Lanie doesn't understand why her own mother would destroy life with her high school sweetheart, when clearly Lanie was so happy. When Lanie runs into her witchy neighbor, she tells her about the cardinal, but Lanie is completely shocked when her neighbor tells her the cardinal is Melody visiting Lanie trying to tell her a message. I absolutely loved and adored Nate and Lanie so much, they were just two sweethearts trying to find their way back to each other. I kind of understand where Melody was coming from because she didn't want Lanie to make the same mistakes she made, but if Lanie was happy with Nate, why would Melody want to ruin that? Nate and Lanie deserve the world and I can't wait to see what Katie has up her sleeve for the next book.

[Rachel (storybookcorner)]

When Cardinals Appear may rip your heart to shreds, and it's well worth it. If you shed a few tears or even a bucket full, it's still worth it.

Lanie McAllister thought she had her future planned out, but of course, plans rarely go as they should. She wanted to make her mother proud and promised to never settle, to chase her dreams no matter where they took her. She tries a long-distance relationship with her high school sweetheart that ends with them broken up and both broken hearted. She eventually moves on in her love life, only to have everything fall apart again as her mother is dying of cancer. She puts college on hold for a semester to go home and be the caregiver to her mother until she passes away. Afterward, she goes back to college to cram two semesters into one so she can finish school with her degree and start her adult life in a career she loves with the man she loves.

She finds herself the executor of her mother's estate for reasons she doesn't understand. Her brother, Steven, is the lawyer, after all. She goes home to her small town to take care of packing up and/or donating everything her mother owned to get the house ready to go on the market. Everything comes crashing down around her piece by piece while she's home. She's dealing with her father and brother as they try to interfere with her life and the choices she's making for her future, she's dealing with her ex, Nate, and all the emotions that brings up, she realizes she let her friends down and hasn't stayed in touch while at college, but most importantly she hasn't allowed herself to grieve properly in the six months since her mom passed away.

Lanie thought she got closure with her mother as their relationship hadn't always been sunshine and rainbows, but as secrets unfold and she's left to process even more hurt and betrayal, it leaves Lanie wondering if she can ever forgive the wrongs that have been done to her.

This is a powerful novel about a mother and daughter relationship, how parenting can sometimes cause us to act, say, and do things to "protect" our children, usually ends up causing more hurt than if noses had been kept out of it and allowed children to learn their own lessons and make their own way, bitterness, heartbreak, betrayal, forgiveness, and grief.

Thank you, Booksirens, for this e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kath]

Lanie left her small town to pursue a better future for herself and also to keep the promise she'd made to her mother, to leave her hometown and live a bigger and better life. Leaving behind her high school love, Nate, and someone she still cared deeply for. She felt Nate stopped the long communication because someone else caught his eye or he'd stopped caring about her. Her mother played an instrumental part in Nate's backing out of their relationship and her mother showed much annymosity toward him. Later on Lanie learns of their acceptance of each other and the behind her back sneeking that her mother had done to ruin their relationship. She was rocky in her relationship with her father, too, since he and her mom divorced. Lanie was the POA for her Mom's estate, so she came back.

It didn't take long to clean out the house with Nate's help and his crew form the repair shop he owns. Nate and Lanie get thrown together for a lot of family time and their chemistry is still strong between them. She is almost engaged to James, from CA and she cares for him, but does she love him is a question she struggled with.

A teacher position is open in Cedar Vale and along with her family many town friends and acquaintances are asking her to consider this job. She brought her resume and filled out an application for this position. While waiting to hear the news whether she was being hired James surprised her and came out during Valentine's weekend to propose.

The story's flow was very good along with the hidden secrets that Lanie learned of, which her mother was very busy with and meddling with her life. The cardinals appearance in the storyline seemed real and believable. Had a hard time putting this book down with the mystery and intrigue between Nate and Lanie. Enjoyed this part of the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer Lara]

When Cardinals Appear is the first book in The Love Birds series by Katie Eagan Schenck. Lanie McAllister is ready to move on but she has a promise to keep. All she wants is to settle her mom’s estate, finalize her move to California and start her new job far away from the painful memories of her small town. What little she knows is that her plans will spiral out of control and she will be forced to confront the memories. When a little red bird starts to appear, she suspects she is being sent a message but is it a message she wants to hear? Adding to her struggles is her path seems to constantly cross with her high school sweetheart, Nate Sanders, the man who broke her heart. Lanie begins to question everything she knows or thought she knew. Is her path to happiness in California or with Nate in their small town?
Legend says that when cardinals appear, a deceased loved one is sending you a message. When Cardinals Appear is an emotional book dealing with gut wrenching grief and secrets of the past. It is a story of growth, second chances and love. I loved Lanie from the moment she appeared on the page and my heart broke for her. When Cardinals Appear is an engaging story as Lanie confronts her past and those around her. She has past hurts, not just from Nate, but her father, brother and her late mother as well. Lanie must learn to stand up and figure out what she wants in life and how to be happy. I also loved that the cardinal is an important part of Lanie’s story and I loved Lanie’s interaction with it. There were tears shed as Lanie comes to grips with her new normal and her life altering decisions. I highly, highly recommend When Cardinals Appear.


When Cardinals Appear is available in paperback and eBook

[Lynda]

Thank you to Voracious Readers and the author Katie Eagan Schenck for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Lanie McAllister has returned to Cedar Haven, her small hometown. Her mother’s estate is now in need of being settled and although her brother is a lawyer Lanie questions why her mom made her the executor. Her plan is to settle the estate quickly and head to California where her and James will be getting a place of their own and she will soon be starting her job as a teacher. She just wants to keep her promise to her mom and be free of this small town and not settle for just anything.

Things never go according to plan though do they? As Lanie gets ready to head out to meet with her brother Steven, a beautiful red cardinal appears. Lanie takes note of it and can’t quite shake feelings of this cardinal appearing. As she heads out in her mother’s car she gets a flat but when she calls her brother to come help her, he instead says he will send over the only car repair shop guys instead. Just what she needs, to deal with her ex Nate but she is sure it would be his dad that comes out.

After many encounters with the red cardinal she realizes the bird always appears just before her and Nate run into each other. Is this a message from her mom or just coincidence? All Lanie wants though is to finish up here so she can get back to James. Isn’t it? She thinks it is but then James does something that makes Lanie question everything.

I thoroughly enjoyed When Cardinals Appear and getting to know the characters throughout the book. At times I got frustrated with Lanie and wanted her to just stop and listen to herself. The questions she had about her and James. Overall, it was a beautifully written book of mending bruised relationships, family contention, and promises made.

Would I recommend When Cardinals Appear? Yes, if you love Hallmark type storylines then I think you would enjoy this book. I look forward to the next book in the Lovebirds series.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG]

A lovely read - Lanie's back in her hometown to settle her mom's estate. Between the painful memories around her loss, her family trying to convince her stay and her ex giving her the cold shoulder, it's the last place she wants to be. Plus her boyfriend isn't there to be a much needed pillar of support.

As she goes through the motions, secrets are revealed that change how she views her mom, and how she views Nate (her ex). The betrayal stings, but what is she to do? Her mom's gone. Forever. And she was torn up over her breakup with Nate. How can she trust him? And what about James? It'll take love and understanding to overcome the hurt feelings and assess what she wants (not her mom's desires).

This is a wonderful story about love, familial and romantic. Lanie and Nate might have taken a long detour to their HEA, but they got there in the end. And she finally made peace with her mom. The cardinal's inexplicable presence was a nice metaphor for her mother's guiding hand and watchful eye.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie]

My sincere thanks to Faery Whisper Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read When Cardinals Appear by Katie Eagan Schenck. I give my unbiased opinion of the book in the following review.

Lanie McCallister has returned to her hometown to settle her mother's estate. She's not sure why her mother made her the executor when her brother is a lawyer. Her plan is to get the estate settled and head back to California where she will move in with her boyfriend and start the job she has waiting for her. Complications arise when she runs into her first love, Nate. Lanie is working through some deep feelings and family conflicts. She also has a cardinal visiting her regularly and her neighbor says cardinals are a sign of someone she has lost visiting her. Is it her mother? What is she trying to tell Lanie?

First of all, I love the cover. The story moved a little slow at times, but I was still interested enough to keep reading. The conflict was not too over the top and the way Lanie worked through her feelings was realistic. I enjoyed the epilogue and look forward to the second book in the series.
3.5/5

[Jean]

This is book one in The Love Birds series and it is Lanie and Nate’s story and what a great start to a new series. Lanie and Nate have history as they used to be highschool sweethearts and thought that they had a future together only for it to all fall apart and end in heartbreak. Now years later and Lanie’s mother had died of cancer and even though they had a difficult relationship Lanie was still suffering from her loss while still grieving and now she had to settle her mother’s estate before she can move forward with her life but sometimes things happen for a reason and a person is put in your path yet again and make you wonder if you would get a second chance with your first love when everything is revealed. This was such an emotional journey that will take you through so many difficult situations while making what sometimes feel impossible decisions and you can feel all the pain and grief as if you are there living through it all with them and I couldn’t put this book down as it was a real page turner and definitely worth reading.

[Lia Lorimer]

Lanie is ready to relocate to California with boyfriend, James, to begin her teaching career there. But first she must return to settle her late mom’s estate in Cedar Haven…
Going through her mother’s belongings, together with her reluctant encounters with Nate, her boyfriend from high school, whom her mother apparently disliked, result in confused and ambiguous feelings, not only about her past, but also about her future, and with the choice she must make between the two men in her life. The coincidental appearance of a red cardinal almost daily leads her to believe her mom is guiding her in a direction, which leads to even more confusion.

The unexpected twist in this fascinating novel reveals the trauma Lanie faces while dealing with her deeply buried and complicated feelings about her mother. Ms Schenck writes in a sensitive, realistic manner, reflecting the often-mixed emotions many people must face with the death of a family member, while trying to continue with the demands of daily life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole]

I wanted to read this one because when I see cardinals I believe it's my grandparents paying me a visit. This book had a little more meaning to it for me. Though Lanie lost her mom I knew the emotions she is going through because I was extremely close to my grandparents. I helped go through some of my grandparents' house this year and I know the toll emotionally it takes out of you. It's a closing of a chapter in life. So as I read about Lanie seeing the cute little red bird through out the book I knew that feeling of a loved one visiting. This also was such a beautiful second chance at love as well. Coming back to her hometown has her facing her high school sweetheart as well. That's another emotionally adventure in itself. What Lanie thought she was supposed to do with her future may not be what she truly needs. Working with the kids in her hometown opens her heart to the possibilities in front of her. It's a heartbreaking story at times, but so beautiful.

[Teri Easterling]

Lanie’s mom messed with her mind, with the best of intentions of steering her daughter to her best life. The results were not what the mom expected, and cancer took her before she could straighten things out. Lanie has lots of difficult choices to make after her mother’s death. Being back in her hometown with her first love nearby compounds her confusion. I’m glad the author included counseling which helped Lanie a lot.

The legend of the cardinal’s appearance adds a nice twist to the story. Dealing with the death of a loved one and the estate matters is difficult any time. The nuances of the relationships in this story made Lanie’s task even harder, but she did persevere. Her remaining family loves her, even though they show it in odd ways sometimes.

I received this book as a free promotion copy with no requirement to review it.

[Barb]

Lanie is in town to settle her mother’s estate and then plans on going back to California to her boyfriend and a new job. There are a lot of things left unresolved where her mother is concerned plus there is an old boyfriend she hopes to avoid. Several times a cardinal appears at the window and later she has dealings with him. Her neighbor talks to her about the legend of the cardinal who visits those who have lost someone. Maybe this one is trying to get her to see the truth. I enjoyed this book, especially the small-town charm. I think it shows how tough it is to return home and wade through years of memories. I liked how her father and brother supported her and their insights into why she had problems with her mother. Great characters.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel]

This poignant story had my emotions all over the place. Lanie is trying to get her life in order by settling her mother's estate and moving on. She runs into her ex and feelings that were bottled up comes out making her question their relationship and what led up to their breakup. When she finds out the real truth about it will she and Nate be able to put aside their differences to rekindle the love they had and chance for a happily ever after. This story captures my attention and had me in Lanie and Nates corner to get their chance for happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson]

Lanie comes home to take care of her terminal mother until she passes away. In getting the house ready for sale and clearing out everything, she finds clues to things her mother did to her or for her, like breaking up her first romance. Can Lanie and Nate rekindle their broken hearts or has he moved on without her?
The characters are believable with deep feelings and entertaining situations. The storyline hits on hard topics where mothers and daughters think they know what is best for the other. Loved the chemistry between Lanie and Nate as the truth comes out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real]

Lanie makes a promise to her mother and after her passing away she still wants to stick to it. She goes home to prepare the house to be sold and every time she sees a little cardinal, she thinks it is trying to send a message from her mother.
Nate owns what was once his father’s business. He is not prepared to see Lanie again, but life is giving him a second chance.
A nice story but emotional about losing a parent and trying to keep a promise.
Well-written and enjoyable with a pinch of paranormal. I loved the cover of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[stinasfavbooks Christina]

What is home to you? Do you live in a way that those closest to you choose for you? Have you followed your path? Sometimes it can feel like we are living the life that someone else wants us to live, so how do we come to live our own?
This book is a true coming-of-age story following a young woman who struggles with these questions. When Cardinals Appear was a touching, sweet, and very charming read. The perfect small-town setting filled with love, loss, grief, confusion, and huge decisions to be made. I was emotionally invested through every turn of the page.

[Jane litherland]

What an emotional challenge for Lanie to go through , but is the Cardinal (a sure fire reason being it’s her mother’s guiding light)she keeps seeing trying to alter her fate and make her see what’s right there in front of her…A beautiful story about betrayal and dealing . Finding solace in the arms of the one she’s meant to spend her life with . Will it be James or could Nate get a second chance at happy ever after….Great story , portrayed well in the fluent writing with empathy .
I read an advance copy and my review is voluntary

[KL Cassanello]

Lanie is struggling with grief after her mother's death, and trying to settle her estate. While home, she keeps running into Nate, the old boyfriend who broke her heart years ago. Her mother is still controlling Lanie, and she's afraid to break the promise she made to her mother. Three chapters into the book, and I'd fallen in love with Nate. He and Lanie have issues to work with, but it's so quickly obvious that they are meant to be together. This is my first read from the author, and it was amazing. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brier]

Nate and Lanie were high school sweethearts who planned to make it for the long haul.

Sadly for them, there were people who were against their relationship.

And they broke up.

Years later, they meet up again after the death of Lanie's mom, Melody. The person responsible for the breakup.

I loved reading this heartwarming second chance and forgiveness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Serlina Rose]

The story was a bit strained to me but I enjoyed the read nonetheless. It was a good read. The MCs receive a second chance at a love that was interfered with by others. Now returned home, the MFC encounters yet again the man she loved at has to decide if its worth it. The book was on the theme of second chance and lived up to it. Heart touching and all.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sheila]

This is a second chance romance with Lanie and Nate who were high school sweethearts until she left for college and her mother interfered breaking them up. When she comes back home after her mother passes away from cancer she reconnects with Nate only to find out how her mother convinced him to break up with her so she could have a better life than the small town they lived in but the cardinal that keeps visiting has convinced Lanie that her mother has returned to apologize for the wrong she has done but can Lanie and Nate find their way back to each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

I was hooked from the start! The cover is so beautiful and really eye catching. I loved the amazing storyline and characters. The story was gripping and full of family drama, emotions and love. Plenty of twists and turns to keep your interest as Lanie finds out the truth. I highly recommend this wonderful new series. Looking forward to the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[HEATHER]

This was another great read from Katie Eagan Schenck. Your emotions will be all over the place but it's so worth the emotional ride! I couldn’t put this book down as it was a real page turner and definitely worth reading. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!! I highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Faery Whisper Press for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme”]

A beautiful next boy story of overcoming loss and finding a second chance.
Loved the red cardinal aspect as my mother believed this very thing and whenever I see a red cardinal, I think lovingly of her.
This was a story you can escape into and come out feeling happy.
The whole story from start to finish was a delightful read.

[Kate Ballard]

The narrative of this book is so emotive and passionate. As I read the story I could resonate with Lanie and all that happened to her and around her. It was easy to read and hard to put down.

After reading the teaser for the next in this series it will be exciting to see how she continues to develop all of the characters.

[Lvsmyfmly]

This is a beautiful story about 2nd chance at love. Or should I say rekindling then flame of your first love.
When tragedy hits and Laine is force to go back to her childhood home. She see signs to guide her along her path or some will say they are gifts from the afterlife. While also dealing with the ex whom she never stopped loving.
How does Laine and Nates story end?