The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey – a Review

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Description:
Four women come together to save the summer camp that changed their lives and rediscover themselves in the process in this moving new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil and the Peachtree Bluff series.

Nearly thirty years ago, in the wake of a personal tragedy, June Moore bought Camp Holly Springs and turned it into a thriving summer haven for girls. But now, June is in danger of losing the place she has sacrificed everything for, and begins to realize how much she has used the camp to avoid facing difficulties in her life.

June’s niece, Daphne, met her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, during a fateful summer at camp. They’ve all helped each other through hard things, from heartbreak and loss to substance abuse and unplanned pregnancy, and the three are inseparable even in their thirties. But when attorney Daphne is confronted with a relationship from her past—and a confidential issue at work becomes personal—she is faced with an impossible choice.

Lanier, meanwhile, is struggling with tough decisions of her own. After a run-in with an old flame, she is torn between the commitment she made to her fiancé and the one she made to her first love. And when a big secret comes to light, she finds herself at odds with her best friend…and risks losing the person she loves most.

But in spite of their personal problems, nothing is more important to these songbirds than Camp Holly Springs. When the women learn their childhood oasis is in danger of closing, they band together to save it, sending them on a journey that promises to open the next chapters in their lives.

From an author whose “writing coats your soul with heart” ( E! Online ), The Summer of Songbirds is a lyrical and unforgettable celebration of female friendship, summertime freedom, and enduring sisterhood—and a love letter to the places and people that make us who we are.

Review:

The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey is another one of her wonderful novels.  This story has multiple (3) POV’s, Daphne, Lanier and June, with the third close friend, Mary Stuart. 30 years ago, June, decided to buy Camp Holly Springs, turning it into a successful and thriving summer haven for girls. At that time, June enrolled her 6-year-old niece Daphne to the camp, and there she met Lanier and Mary Stuart, who became inseparable BFF for all those 30 years.  Now in the present time, June realizes her financial situation may force her to close the camp.  When the girls learn that June has financial problems, which will possibly close the camp; together all three gather together to help with fundraisers, projects to find a way to save the camp.

Daphne is a successful attorney, with a 4-year-old adorable son, Henry.  Steven is the Henry’s father, and despite they never married, and not together, they remain close friends, with Steven and Daphne co-parenting.  Daphne has always loved Huf, who is Lanier’s brother, and he has always loved her; but Lanier forced them to break up, because of Daphne’s past issues.  But now, Huf and Daphne are determined to find a way to be together, despite Lanier’s determination to stop them. Will this ruin the friendship between Lanier and Daphne?

Lanier is getting married in a few months, and neither Daphne and Mary Stuart like her fiancée; but they try to support their friend.  Mary Stuart is actually getting married soon, and her friends are always supportive.  When Daphne learns some bad news about Lanier’s fiancée, she wants to tell Lanier the truth, but is threatened to keep quiet or lose her job.  Daphne and Mary Stuart try to tempt an old flame of Lanier’s in hope she will stop her upcoming marriage.  Lanier finds herself torn between her fiancée and the man who was her first love. 

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story about three friends, who were always there for each, through thick and thin.  Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart were great, even in difficult times, their bond was always strong.  I loved Huf and Daphne together, as their love for each other was amazing. Lanier would learn the secrets about her fiancée, and open her heart to her real love.

The Summer of Songbirds was a delightful story, friendship, memories, love, summer camp, and sisterhood.  Kristy Woodson Harvey once again gives us a sensational moving storyline that is not to be missed.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher