Pages: 368
Genre: Adult Fiction
Pub. Date: July 11, 2023
Publisher: Gallery
Source: Publisher for review
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads says, "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."
June Moore bought Camp Holly Springs, a summertime oasis for young girls years ago, but is in danger of losing it. Her niece, Daphne, like her other family members, have met their best friends there and have special memories of summers by the lake. Now an adult, Daphne has been through a lot, but can still count on Mary Stuart and Lanier, her camp best friends, when she needs them the most. These women band together to save Camp Holly Springs for future generations and in turn, learn more about themselves and what they want out of life. Kristy Woodson Harvey's The Summer of Songbirds is summer nostalgia at its best.
Daphne is a complex character in The Summer of Songbirds. She had a difficult past as she has dealt with addiction and is a single mother, but is now a successful attorney. However, she is having some issues at work that are spilling into her personal life. Plus, her Aunt June could lose Camp Holly Springs, which is not only a place that she loves, but her best friends, too. Aunt June has used the camp as a way to avoid life after a tragedy and feels she needs it in more ways than one. Then there's Lanier who owns a bookstore (!), which is always fun to read about. She is engaged to be married but is having second thoughts, especially when she realizes her fiance is hiding secrets. The third best friend, Mary Stuart, is getting married and in turn, bringing the "songbirds" together again.
The women work together to save the camp, which holds special memories for each person. First loves blossomed at camp, strong friendships, risks taken, adventures ensued, secrets by the campfire, and so much more. The women don't want to lose the camp; in fact, they want to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
The Summer of Songbirds is filled to the brim with summer memories. While I didn't attend sleepaway camp, I went to a sports camp for the week, it was close enough to appreciate all that a summer camp can offer. The mornings by the lake, the adventures, the close relationships you make with people, the cabins filled with bunk beds, and the nights under the stars all were done well. I enjoyed all the summer memories and nostalgia.
While The Summer of Songbirds wasn't my favorite of Harvey's novels, I still enjoyed all the summer delights captured in this novel. It was truly a cute summer escape filled with strong female friendships.
Have you read The Summer of Songbirds? Are you a fan of Kristy Woodson Harvey? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
I've only read one of her books, but this one caught my eye awhile ago. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteYes! This is a cute summer read. I'd recommend the Peachtree Bluff series - one of my faves! Thanks for dropping by, Angela.
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