My thoughts: Return of the Song is an older book. It is women's fiction. There's a lot of telling and floating body parts. And to me it feels unfinished. I have questions. What happens with Rodney? What happened with Bella? Inquiring minds want to know. I hope the author has written a sequel to this book answering the questions that I had. I did enjoy the story and it's slow pace was perfect for a restful few days when I wasn't feeling good. If you like women's fiction you will want to read this book. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own

A story about grief and opening yourself up to new love.

The first few pages were excellent and set up the story to be really successful but once the story began, it was very slow, very repetitive with very little romance (coming in more towards the end).

I had to skip lots of pages as it just didn’t hold my interest.

I won’t be continuing on with this series.

This cover was what drew me to this book. There was a point where I thought about not finishing it, but then something kept me reading.

I'm glad I did. It was a sweet story about going through the process of grief and getting to a point of letting go and moving on. I'm not sure if I will finish this series. I would like to see what will happen since a lot was left unfinished, but not sure when.

I am now a huge fan of Phyllis Clark Nichols! This book is a moving story that will reach deep into your soul. As a pianist, the story of Caroline Carlyle was inspiring. Such a gift with tragedy and heartbreaking loss but also a story of hope, strength, and self discovery. The characters that are part of Caroline's life are well developed and delightful. You will find yourself laughing and crying.

While there is a little bit of romance, it is not overwhelming and gives you hope that true love exists and there are gentlemen who are really chivalrous.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gilead Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am honored and thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read such an amazing story. I look forward to continuing the adventure with the Rockwater Suite series.

I was not familiar with this particular author. I found the book both captivating and intriguing from the very beginning. The story was brought to a most satisfying conclusion, but I want more! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

This story was a step away from my standard genres. I loved the historical setting. The characters were relatable. I struggled to follow the different viewpoints that kept the story going but it was still enjoyable.

Six years ago Caroline's fiancee was killed in Guatemala just six weeks before their wedding. Since then, she's been surviving, but not necessarily thriving. She has settled in at Moss Point living in the studio of Sam and Angel who take very good care of her. But everyone who loves her is rooting for her to break out of her routine and learn to really experience life again. This book is the first in the series and it gently nudges Caroline out of her routine and she learns to sing again.

She is an amazing pianist and gives lessons to students around Moss Point, but one day, as she is walking to her apartment from the main house, she hears a song being played that no one else knows. She had played it the evening before as she was remembering her fiancee's death, but how could someone else be playing it? And why is the fence broken at the back of the garden? These and other questions need to be untangled to answer the mystery.

And then there's the piano that Caroline used to have, but was sold to pay for college. She goes on a hunt to find it and her hunt leads her out of Moss Point and that's all I am going to say about that.

And when her favorite teapot is dropped and shattered, Caroline learns an important lesson on brokenness. A new friend takes the broken pieces and creates something beautiful out of them and tells Caroline, "Remember that's how God works. He sweeps up all the broken pieces and puts them back together again." And often it can create something even more beautiful than before. I need that reminder in my own life that when life takes an interesting twist I didn't see coming, God is in control and He can create something even more beautiful in my life.

I really enjoyed this book. It's a story of redemption, of grief turning to joy again, of slowly learning to sing and maybe even dance again. There's a man, but the romance, if you can even really call it that, is very subtle, but I think will expand in the second book. It's a decently long book too, 400 pages. It's also the first in the series, but I was unable to find the second book anywhere even though it was listed as being released in spring, 2019. The preview I read of the second book makes me want to pick it up right away.

I received this book from Gilead Publishing through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.

This is a beautiful story. Caroline seems like a real person. Everyone does actually. I feel like I could really go to Moss Point and meet these people. I love how the story unfolds almost as a mystery, but keeps the romance thread running through it. I had a hard time putting it down at night to go to bed. I feel like it ended to abruptly, but since I see that Ms. Nichols is writing a sequel, I'm content if a bit impatient. The one issue I have with the book is the prelude. I don't think it was entirely necessary. I just start liking David and then he dies.

Overall, I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one.

This is a wonderful story about a young woman held to the past by a deceased love and not knowing how to move forward. Her life has become small even though there are opportunities for growth all around her. I found it a little long in some cases and over explained in others.

This book engages the reader from the very first page, with most likeable characters. We are drawn right into the story - & then one’s worst nightmare happens.... For a time it seems as if there are two separate books being written, but they do eventually come together. There are deep issues, & lessons to be learnt : the writer has some very discerning insights, which are sometimes given to unexpected characters to voice. As a piano teacher myself, ‘Return of the Song’ has a special resonance & this added considerably to my enjoyment of it. I am glad the story is not rushed for the sake of ending the book – which means I am now looking forward very much to the sequel!

Return of the Song by Phyllis Clark Nichols is a beautiful and inspiring story. This story is about love, loss, devastation, faith, and the lack thereof. It’s about trying to move on when your heart and soul are still broken. Nichols has written a story that dives deep into the emotions of its readers, as they too become invested in the journey of a woman’s aching heart as she strives to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and strives to cope and move forward. It’s about overcoming an excruciating hardship and maybe just maybe bringing music back into her life and also once again finding love. This inspiring story is one that will move and touch the heart of readers throughout the entire story.

Series: Rockwater Suite
Genre: inspirational, romance, Christian, women’s fiction
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
Publication date: September 18, 2018
Number of pages: 400

3.5 Stars

Stop! Before you read further, go back up to the description of the book and look at the category once again. Yes, there’s a hint of romance in Return of the Song but this book is ALL about Caroline Carlyle and her journey from the haze of mourning.

There is a lot happening in this book. It’s part introduction to the small Georgia town, part romance, part mystery, and part music. Some of the book gets bogged down in details and some of the scenes probably could have been left out but overall, it gives readers a good look into Caroline’s life. The one where she is going through the motions despite the people surrounding her.

Phyllis Clark Nichols touches on the power of music—how one can get lost in it whether listening or playing, how creatives thrive in it. She also offers readers a taste of life in the South—much of it occurring around the table.

This is a long read (400 pages) that sometimes drags through the minutia of everyday life as much of the book takes place over about three months. Sometime the characters come across as a little unbelievable but at the same time, Caroline’s gentle spirit and kindness toward others is something we should all aspire to.

There are unresolved issues at the end of Return of the Song (don’t fret, there’s another book coming next year) but Caroline’s new outlook on her life gives me hope for the things to come.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Title: Return of the Song
Author: Phyllis Clark Nichols
Genre: Fiction, Christian
Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Caroline Carlyle lost her fiancé six years ago and lost her music as well, at least the ability to finish the song she was writing for him. Now her days are a pleasant haze of piano lessons, church, and time spent with her neighbors. She doesn’t have the to heart to try anything new.

But change starts when Caroline hears someone playing her song—in her home—one night. The mystery of her stalker starts to stir things up, and soon Caroline is searching for her childhood piano, which leads her to Kentucky and a mysterious, reclusive gentleman. Change is coming—even if she’s not ready for it.

This was a calm, soothing read, with a vividly-realized setting and characters. It’s a quiet book, and one I enjoyed very much. I don’t know a lot about piano music, so some of the nuances were lost on me, but I loved every single page, and I was not expecting the resolution to the mystery of her stalker.

Phyllis Clark Nichols was born in Georgia during a hurricane. Return of the Song is her newest novel.

(Galley provided by Gilead Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)

Return of the Song is a beautiful story of loss and new beginnings. Loved the plot and enjoyed the author’s writing. Will be looking to read more of her books. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

: I was captivated by David is mission trip and how he doesn’t return to his fiancée Caroline. I also felt for Caroline as she faces another anniversary of David’s death. She had been in the middle of writing him a song for their wedding day but never finished it. One day she hears David’s song playing from the piano inside her house. This shocks Caroline because one; an intruder is in her home playing her piano and second, she hadn’t played David’s song for anyone. How did this person know her song? She realizes that this person isn’t out to harm her just wanted to play her piano. She enters her house and the person runs away.

It’s a mystery she shares with no one. Caroline is a piano teacher and a professional musical who did parties, weddings and funerals for a living. She knew no body fin her small town knew how to play David’s song. She had moved to Moss Point after she lost David. She moved to get away and be close to Sam and Angel who were close friends of her parents that treated her as if she was their daughter.

Caroline meets Bella and Gretchen Silva. Gretchen wants to get piano lessons for her special grandchild. Bella who is an autistic mute child who plays the piano by hearing the melody played on the keyboard. It’s a rare unique gift Bella has, and Caroline embraces them both. She wants to help in any way she can. Caroline is amazed at Bella’s talent.

Carolina has felt stuck in a safe rut since David’s passing. She makes three goals to help her “live” again. 1 to finish David’s song 2 to play her childhood piano again 3 find a purpose to her life. Finally, Caroline gets a call from a Roderick Adair who grants her request and welcomes her to Kentucky to play a recital at his house. She gets the green light to go there from family and friends.

She can hardly believe her eyes amazed about how she feels playing the piano again. The time with Rodenick Adair was like being Cindierella spending a night at the ball. But all good things come to an end. She accomplished her goal but couldn’t help but feel there was something more she wanted with Mr. Adair.

Caroline knows getting help for Bella will change lives forever. Near the end a male Dr. friend seeks a relationship with Caroline that goes beyond helping Bella. This surprises her and the reader!

I enjoyed the quirky characters Fred and Ned and Caroline’s neighbors Sam and Angel. The author did a great job of having the reader enjoy both location settings Moss Point and Roderick Adair’s mansion nestled in the woods of Kentucky. I wouldn’t mind hanging out in either place. I loved experiencing Caroline and Bella’s passion for music too.

Nothing is resolved at the end. Everything is left up in the air. I wish I would have known this book had a major cliffhanger. I would have waited to read this book until book two was released which is in 2019. The next book is titled Freedom of Song. That’s the only thing bad I can tell you about this book. Beautifully written, wholesome book fun read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher/NetGalley.. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-issues-book-fun-mag

I was aware this was a Christian novel going in and I was pleasantly delighted. I love that God, His plan, personal belief and prayer was a part of the story but I wasn’t being quoted scripture every other page! It was a very involved story with quite a cast of characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will sing praises of this story except for one thing: there is no way on God’s green earth that anyone speaks as nicely and as politely as everyone in this book. Perhaps one person in a group of friends and acquaintances but not every single person. It was inconceivable to have every character so mindful of their thoughts, words and deeds and apologize the second something they said was incorrect or rude. It was as if everyone was a choirboy! It’s not realistic and I noticed it every single page which drove me nuts. I’d rather the characters have been realistic.

Also note that while it does not end on a cliffhanger, it does not wrap up all the loose ends either.

ARC provided free by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! As a music lover, I was captivated by the synopsis first. I can truthfully say this book is better than I hadhoped ot would be. The writing is creative, the characters are well developed and likable. I think this book is a winner. Thank you to netgalley who gifted me an arc of this story. The review is my honest opjnion.

Return of the Song
by Phyllis Clark Nichols
Gilead Publishing
Christian , Women's Fiction
Pub Date 18 Sep 2018
I am reviewing a copy of Return of the Song through Gilead Publishing and Netgalley:
Caroline not only looses her true love but she also looses her music.


Caroline Carlyle's hopes and dreams die after she looses her fiancé David just six weeks before they were to be married.

Caroline's life is once again turned upside when a mysterious stranger enters her life and she is given a new purpose. Inspired by her new acquaintance she decided to track down the rare and beloved piano she played on as a You girl. She finds the piano in Rock-Water at the estate of a wealthy man, it is here that Caroline finds her heart may be composing a surprising new song.


I give Return to the Song five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A sweet story of love, loss and faith. Readers will come to love the characters in this quaint little town in Georgia where everyone knows everyone's business. After Caroline's fiance is killed just weeks before the wedding, Caroline struggles with moving on with her life. She fills her time giving piano lessons, playing for church, weddings and funerals. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she locates her childhood piano that was sold so she could pay for college. Very moving story that is hard to put down. It will be hard to wait for the next book in this series. Highly recommended!

What an amazing, lovely story! Be prepared. I’m going to gush a little over this book.

I have to admit that I began this book with the idea that this would be an enjoyable, but “normal” Christian fiction romance. But this book is SO much more than that. The more I read, the more involved I became with the characters and the intriguing storyline that kept unfolding.

We view most of this story through Caroline’s eyes. She’s still grieving the death of her fiancé, and for the last six years, has been going through the motions of life. Her musical talent is a major part of this storyline. This talent leads her to intersect with Bella, who has a hidden musical gift, and from that point on, this story took over my heart.

This is a book that you’ll laugh and cry through. There’s some heavy things happening in this storyline: accidental death; spouse and child abuse; recovery from a heart attack. But there’s also moments of sweetness and humor to offset the more sorrowful emotions.

Don’t miss this book. You’ll fall in love with Caroline, Angel, Sam, Bella, and Gretchen. There’s friendship, faith, hope, and love in this story. Phyllis Clark Nichols has the beginning of a wonderful series here. A clean book with no foul language or embarrassing scenes. Fans of Jan Karon will love these characters and their town.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.