The Perfect Love Song: A Holiday Story

by Patti Callahan Henry

Jimmy Sullivan has been living on the road with his brother, Jack, and his band The Unknown Souls. Without a place to call home, Jimmy and Jack lead a nomadic life filled with music and anonymous cities. When they return to a place Jimmy never wants to see again—their old hometown of Seaboro, South Carolina—he falls in love with Charlotte Carrington. With his soul now filled with hope, Jimmy writes his first love song. When he performs it at a holiday concert to a standing ovation, the lyrics are dubbed the “Perfect Love Song,” so much so that Jimmy finds himself going on tour with famous country music stars, catapulted into a world where the trappings of fame and fortune reign supreme.

All too soon, the hope that had once inspired Jimmy to write such beautiful, genuine lyrics is overshadowed by what the song can do for him and his career. In his thirst for recognition, he agrees to miss Jack’s wedding in Ireland to sing at a Christmas Eve concert. And his ties to Charlotte seem to be ever so quickly slipping away.

Alone in New York City on Christmas Eve, Jimmy finally sees—with the help of a Christmas miracle or two—that his material gains are nothing compared to love, that he is losing all that really matters in his life. Is it too late to find his way to Ireland, to his brother, and to love?

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Holiday

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2010

About the author

Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times, Globe and Mail, and USA Today bestselling author of sixteen novels, including her newest, The Secret Book of Flora Lea. She’s also a podcast host of original content for her novels, Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
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She is the recipient of The Christy Award “Book of the Year”; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for Becoming Mrs. Lewis. She is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online Friends and Fiction live web show and podcast. Patti also was a contributor to the monthly life lesson essay column for Parade Magazine. She’s published in numerous anthologies, articles, and short story collections, including an Audible Original about Florence Nightingale, titled Wild Swan narrated by the Tony Award winner, Cynthia Erivo.
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A full-time author, mother of three, and grandmother of two, she lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama with her husband, Pat Henry.

Reviews

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler free way. If you feel anything in my review is a spoiler and is not already hidden in spoiler brackets please let me know. Thank you.

Jimmy's brother Jack is getting married and he is going on tour to sing his new song that he wrote with his sweetheart Charlotte, but when the song really takes off he has to choose between being what might be his big break or his family, love, and home.

So this book was cute. It's really the best way I can think to describe it. In all honesty, it turns out this book isn't really my thing. Its so lovey-dovey mushyness. I know I made up most of those words but really thats an accurate description. The first half of the book I had to force my way through as it is a slow start. The second half was better with more going on and finally a little conflict to get things interesting. I was torn between 2 or 3 stars so I went with 3 as I always go with the high rating when I'm torn like that. It was very festive though. I would give myself the chance to read another of this authors books as I like to always give it at least 2 books for that, but I'm glad it was short and I doubt I would have read a sequel.

How I choose my rating:
1* Did not finish, or hated it but forced myself to finish.
2** Didn't really like it. Didn't hate it but not sure why I finished it other then for some closure.
3*** I liked it. I had some issues with it, but as a whole it was good. I probably won't reread again ever, but there is a chance I might finish the series. (If part of one) But if not it's not a huge loss.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this again, and I will finish the series. (If part of one) I would recommend to those I know hold interest in this books content.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will definitely be rereading this and probably more than once. I will finish the series and reread it multiple times. (If part of one) I will recommend this book to EVERYONE!!!!

[Mackenzie]

DNF'ed @ pg. 39

I received an ARC of this book through my work, so I'm grateful I didn't spend my own money on this book. It's just not for me!

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was sweet and there was definitely potential for me to completely love but the set up of the story felt a bit off for me. Not having read book one about Jack and Kara, it felt a little abrupt how the characters all interacted without having any backstory to explain certain events that happened previously.

I kind of missed the falling in love part for the MCs. I liked both Jimmy and Charlotte, they were both so supportive, affectionate and in love with each other, I couldn’t help it. But I would have loved to get their whole story. I would have appreciated their love story a lot more if I was there from the beginning. One of the best parts of a romance is how it began but this one started after they’d already fallen in love so you miss all the moments before that built up their relationship.

The Perfect Love Song is about Jimmy and Charlotte, they met and fell in love (prior to this book) and have been seriously dating and in love with each other for a while now. During one of Jimmy’s quick trips home, he and Charlotte put music to one of her poems. It was meant to be a sweet song, just for them but when he shares it in front of a crowd, the song’s popularity throws both Jimmy and Charlotte for a tail spin.

Their love song quickly becomes the perfect Christmas song of the year, pulling Jimmy into instant fame and stardom. Things quickly become chaotic when Jimmy loses sight of what’s important and puts his relationship in jeopardy with his poor decision making.

Overall, this was a cute Christmas romance with likable characters and a redeeming hero who sets out to make amends for his crappy way of handling certain things. It was low on drama and full of forgiveness. It’s a clean, wholesome, Christmas romance.

Memorable Moments:
I’m a sucker for the big gesture/declaration at the end, so Jimmy definitely gets points for straightening out his priorities and coming after his girl.

“You awoke love in me. You awoke the song in me. I am and will always belong to you.”

Would I recommend? The writing style didn’t work for me but the story is sweet and might be more enjoyable after reading book one.

* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : No specific ages were mentioned. To guess, I’d say they are both in their late to early 30s.

Cheating : None.

OM/OW drama : None.

Separation : A week.

Push/Pull : Mild.

Main Pursuer of relationship : It’s not clear who pursued who but I want to say it was mutual.

Possible Triggers : This story felt like it started in the middle of Charlotte and Jimmy’s love story. They already loved each other and were together by when this starts. I felt a little lost because of it. There is also mention of death of a parent (h), alcoholism (off page, H’s dad) and child abuse (off page, H).

HEA/HFN :Ends on a HFN ending, no epilogue.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity of reading this heartwarming, lyrical, and beautiful book years ago and was delighted to find new content and cover for THE PERFECT LOVE SONG, by the talented NYT bestselling author, storyteller, and one of my favorites—Patti Callahan Henry.

"The truth inside the story is what the storyteller aims for."
—Maeve Mahoney to Kara Larson

Can one song save a life?

Meet Jimmy and Jack and Kara and Charlotte. A beautiful journey of music, lost love, myth, and a Christmas miracle or two. An inspiring novel of love, music, hope, and redemption.

Elegantly packaged, the hardcover copy is stunning! My top Holiday book for 2019. 🌲 If you missed this story the first time around, here is your chance to read a moving holiday Christmas story. Who says you cannot experience Christmas in October?

A perfect gift 🧧 for the upcoming holidays. 🎁 Available in e-book, hardcover, audiobook, and audio CD formats.

Bonus Content ❄ Included:
Shortbread Recipe (yum)
Charlotte's Southern Garland (a must)
The Legend of the Claddagh Ring (very intriguing)
The Story Behind the Story (a given for Patti)
Discussion Questions (ideal for book clubs) and
An excerpt from the bestselling novel Becoming Mrs. Lewis (a must-read)

If you have not read Becoming Mrs. Lewis highly recommend. It is beautifully written, meticulously researched, and fascinating. You will enjoy Patti's journey with Joy!

View my Q&A with the Author. Becoming Mrs. Lewis.

There is a lot packed in this small gift and assured to get you in the holiday spirit! 🌲 A gem.

If you love Ireland, Christmas holidays, the Low Country, magical love stories, music, and legends of the past, this one is for you. Patti is a master storyteller and she does not disappoint. There is always a "story behind the story."

THE PERFECT LOVE SONG has all the makings for a Hallmark Christmas series! For fans of the TV series, "Chesapeake Shores" and book series by another favorite author, Sherryl Woods. You will even find the Irish connection (similar to the O'Brien family) and the music (similar to Jesse Metcalfe/Trace Riley). Swoon!

Highly Recommend!

"May stillness be upon your thoughts and silence upon your tongue!
For I tell you a tale that was told at the beginning . . .
the one story worth the telling."
—A Traditional Irish Storyteller's opening

Check out Patti's The Perfect Love Song web page.

If you have not listened to Patti's new "Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis Podcast," you can listen and download the episodes HERE! One of the BEST!

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins and NetGalley for a digital ARC.

#JDCMustReadBooks

[Myrn🩶 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of the season. Enjoyed the plot and characters though it was predictable. Has Hallmark vibe if this is what you like to read.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely adored "Becoming Mrs. Lewis", so was excited to read this holiday novella by Patti Callahan Henry. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. For one thing, I felt like the book began in the middle of a story that I didn't know and I did come to find out that this is a sequel of sorts to "When Light Breaks" which I have not read.

Two of the characters, childhood sweethearts Jack and Kara, are to be married on Christmas Day in a Catholic church in Ireland. Nowhere in the story is there a mention of this couple being Catholic or being religious at all. As a Catholic myself, I know at least one of the persons being married has to be Catholic to be married in a Catholic church and I found it highly unrealistic that this couple was going to be married on Christmas Day at a church in a foreign country. There was no mention of God as being part of the marriage or even being part of Christmas. I just found the whole story rather hokey.

I received an ebook copy of this novella from Netgalley.

[Caitlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having finished this last night, I am now chugging lemon water in an attempt to rid myself of the saccharine taste left by Patti Callahan Henry's attempt at holiday cheer. An homage to the country-western triad of melancholia, self-doubt and a checkered past, the intended themes of true love and divine forgiveness are lost in an underdeveloped plot. Trite archetypes, flat dialogue and a baffling (mostly) third-person narrative do absolutely nothing to help Song's cause. The one bright spot for Henry, however, is that she should consider shopping an adapted screenplay to Hallmark or Lifetime; this is the stuff to which desperate housewives would raise their glasses with gusto.

[Clare · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gawd, I have diabetes now, because this was so sickeningly sweet. I like romance, I like a good story, but this was so cliched and saccharine, it was like the Hallmark Channel hired someone to write a novel. Let me give you an example of the writing style;
"Families had never been a safe place for Jimmy and he believed they never would be, like growing up in a war-torn country and then believing that all lands are the same. But here he was beginning to relax into the rhythm of a new place where Charlotte inhabited not only the Lowcountry, but also his heart."

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe three and a half. At first, I thought the story was just ok, but as I got towards the middle, I changed my mind. It is somewhat like a Hallmark movie and a bit sappy, but nothing wrong with that at Christmas time!

[Lisa Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Love Song, by Patti Callahan Henry, was first released in 2010 and is now rereleased with additional content. This is the story of finding a perfect love represented by the song written spontaneously by Unknown Souls guitarist Jimmy Sullivan and his lady love Charlotte Carrington. When the group performs the song at the Holiday Jingle Jam, the song takes on a new life, propelling jimmy away from his brother Jack and other band members and away from Charlotte. Although Jimmy continues to rationalize that all that he does will ultimately benefit the group, each yes given to the promoter sends him further from his heart’s desire.

In a lovely story laced with Irish folklore, including the legend of the Claddagh ring, the characters find their ways to love and their loved ones, ultimately enjoying the true meaning of Christmas.

This is an endearing story. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it

[Mo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me.

Audiobook
Liz Hill - Narrator
Mitchell Stevenson - Narrator
Duration: 04:31:41

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A southern story that really takes you places and gives you a taste of the reason for the season.

I had trouble with the point of view. It's also very sweet (like southern tea) with lots of Irish and Christmas magic.



Arc Netgalley

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished The Perfect Love Song: A Holiday Story by Patti Callahan Henry. It is different from her usual setting of the Lowcountry and the writing didn't flow for me the way it usually does. However, it was a sweet holiday story.

Jimmy Sullivan and his brother Jack are country singers and trying to make it in the music industry. One night at a concert, Jimmy sings a song that he wrote for Charlotte Carrington, his hometown sweetheart in South Carolina, and it is heard by famous country music couple. Why I had Tim McGraw/Faith Hill or Garth Brooks/Tricia Yearwood in my head, I can't tell you but they were there. Jimmy gets invited as a solo to accompany this couple on a holiday tour where he and his song will have major coverage and a huge shot a stardom. This catch is that he will probably miss his brother's wedding in Ireland.

This was a sweet holiday story. I loved the blending of Christmas with a little bit of Irish traditions thrown in. It reminded me much of my grandmother, Ella Mae Sheridan, and hanging out with her in her home during the holidays.

Go Cards! L1C4!!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Tandem Literary.
Grab a cup of tea and curl up with this love story. If you read the author’s novel When Light Breaks you’ll be pleased to know that characters from that book are in The Perfect Love Song. Brothers Jimmy and Jack Sullivan are musicians on the rise to fame. They also happen to love Charlotte and Kara who are best friends. One Christmas Jimmy’s gift to Charlotte is a song that he wrote. That song eventually attracts attention from a concert producer which changes things for the brothers, their band, and most importantly, Jimmy and Charlotte.

This is a light tale of love and forgiveness and the chance that is taken by being open to both. I enjoyed the magical, almost mythical, tone of the novel. I wasn’t sure who the narrator was until the end but it made sense and made me smile.

If you’re looking for a bit of an escape during the busy holidays, this could be the the right book for you. It was originally published in 2010 and has been brought back with a gorgeous new cover – perfect for gift-giving this season.

[Mitzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I must preface this 'average' rating with: "I adore Patti Callahan Henry." I follow her faithfully on Friends & Fiction. I loved her recent books, Once Upon a Wardrobe and Saving Savannah! I'm also really looking forward to her upcoming book, The Secret of Flora Lea. I'm a lover of a good Christmas story so I thought I would try this earlier book of Patti's, The Perfect Love Song. There were so many interesting things about it (the myth of the Claddagh ring, for example) and the discussion questions really got to the heart of the story. But the story itself, just wasn't enough for me. I would have loved a longer story and gotten to know the characters more deeply, both before and after. In other words, I loved the premise but I wanted more. But don't let my average review on this novella keep you from reading other books by this author. She's an author to follow!

[Margaret Galbraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different kind of Christmas story but I did enjoy it. Two brothers living a nomadic life while in a band. One is committed to the love of his life the other one is not in a relationship until he writes a song with his brothers fiancée’s best friend Charlotte and the rest is history. Jack and Kara decide they love the story of the mystical claddagh ring so decide to get married in Ireland. Many ups and downs after the brother Jimmy makes it big in America with the song he wrote with Kara’s best friend Charlotte. The price of fame almost made them lose out in their love and life together but you’ll have to find out for yourself if they make it. Another feel good cozy read.

I know it’s way past Christmas and I’m late this year with my Christmas reading binge. I think a few people had the same idea so now all my Christmas list books have come from the library at the same time! It’s never too late nor a wrong time to read these books ❤️

[DeAnna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Christmas-related book I’ve read this season and it was a short and sweet dive into my holiday book stack 🎄

If you like Hallmark-style romance you will probably enjoy this one. I appreciated the clean content. The book is fairly short, just over 200 pages, so character development doesn’t go too deep. I did enjoy the story based on an up and coming band from South Carolina trying to manage relationships while on the road.

Overall this is a good holiday book to start the season.

3/5 ⭐️ - I liked it.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.

Things to know about this story: it's a republished story originally from 2010, and it features characters from Henry's book When Light Breaks (I do think that if you haven't read that book, this story won't be as meaningful). I'll echo other reviews that liken this to a Hallmark Christmas movie- it's very sweet and sentimental, and because of that will either really appeal to readers or not.

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is destined to be a Hallmark Christmas movie. The story is a bit predictable but most Christmas stories are. I still enjoyed the characters and the plot.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story but I can’t say I enjoyed it as much as other books I’ve read by this author. Think it was trying a little too hard to be the perfect Christmas book.

[Peggy Binette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A predictable and sweet Christmas story. The third star is for being set in two of my favorite places: South Carolina and Ireland.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet little story, based in Irish myth, about loyalty and love and what is really important.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story about how love is always the most important thing and you can't have love without forgiveness. I really enjoyed the story line and the characters. It was a quick easy listen and lovely little Christmas story. Recommended!

[Heidi Chiavaroli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas love story.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Christmas novella to listen to as I prepare for Christmas. Lovely story and setting, easy to listen to and follow with delightful characters.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would have enjoyed this book more if I had read the prequel.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, easy read....Loved the music theme & especially loved the Irish tie in. Perfect holiday story ( 3.5 stars)

[Jeanna Mattison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely story of love and choosing what is right. I did feel like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop through most of the book... but it was a good holiday tale.