Love how this new-to-me author develops so many characters in such a clear and natural way so as not to confuse this reader who usually likes easy escape reading. The characters are distinct, but not caricatures or stereotypes; they're of every generation - and even the older and youngers are relatable.
Especially memorable are William, who after years of doing what his wife wants, finally grows a pair and does the Right Thing; Mattie, who is loving and innocent and fun and young - and so so sincere; and Tim, who moves to the cottage with a heavy burden, and leaves the cottage with someone to share it with.
Though my copy was an ARC, I was a little taken aback by the formatting - especially all of the proper nouns that weren't capitalized, and the majority of sentences that started with lowercase letters. Just threw off the flow for me and made the act of reading a little bit of a chore.
Besides that, I really enjoyed this cast of 10 or so characters, living their lives, figuring out their problems, getting to know each other and themselves. There's not a whole lot of action, but Willett does write a story filled with poetry, deep thoughts, and emotion.
NetGalley provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
https://randombookmuses.com/2019/01/20/review-the-songbird-by-marcia-willett/

Lovely. Heartwarming. Dear.

I loved this sweet "slice of life" story and was completely invested in the lives of the characters. Filled with lovely British euphemisms and descriptions of a scenic and wild part of England called Brockscombe near Devon. (I looked it up and it's a real place!)

Mattie and Tim work together and he's just announced he's going on a sabbatical and is looking for a country cottage to regroup and face an uncertain future. She suggests her family cottage and he is able to move in for a short term. Once installed on this beautiful property he meets a cast of characters that changes his whole outlook. Listen to this description...

“He sees the blue flash of a jay and hears his harsh call; rabbits lollop in and out of the undergrowth, pausing to sit and stare before dashing off with a kick of their hind legs and a scatter of earth. rhododendrons tall as trees are in flower, pink and white and purple, and, deep in the shadows, the delicate silver birch trees are pale and elegant as ghosts.”

The storyline is poignant and emotional at times. I loved Francis' story and how much he cared for Tim and his "little family". Aunt Kat was a hoot and I enjoyed her wicked sense of humor. I'm definitely interested in reading more by this author.

Perfect chick lit! I loved the premise and the characters were well developed! I recommend this for anyone looking for a light and fun read!

This is the second book I have read by Marcia Willett. As with the first, I found the story to be one that felt like real life. It was if I dropped into the middle of the lives of a group of people and could see into their pasts (through their thoughts) and their fears for the future.

The group is brought together in ways that are woven into one by the end of the story. There are moments of cheer and moments of deep sadness. There are times when you wish you could step in to help.

I truly appreciate the type of writing that draws me so deeply into the story that I feel a sense of loss when it comes to the end. That is this type of story and, from my experience of two books, the type of story that this author writes.

I look forward to reading more of Ms. Willett’s books in the future.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

This was a wonderful book. Charming, well written with honest engaging characters. Women's lit at it's finest. This will be a good book club book

The Songbird is a fabulous book. Great plot well developed characters. And a beautiful setting. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review

The Songbird by Marcia Willett is a beautiful novel writtten with love triangles. If you love women’s fiction you will love The Songbird.

I really enjoy this author’s work. She has a beautiful, poetic way of writing. Her words flow in a melodic way, creating magnificent imagery for the reader. It is quite exquisite! Songbird is very reminiscent of her Summer on the River book, where a diverse grouping of people are put together for a period of time and we are given a voyeuristic view of their lives; their secrets, struggles, and joys. This remains true in this story as well. The author tells this story through varying points of view. Giving each of our wonderful and eclectic character’s a voice.
Songbird is about a group of people who are mostly family/friend related living in houses on an old farm outside of Dartmoor. During their time together we see them continue to strengthen their relationships and create a summer filled with very special memories. During their time together, some will face their fears, some will learn to live again, and some will learn that they just can’t change.
The majority of the story’s secrets are implied. The reader is given wisps of implications that are embedded throughout the story. The author also incorporates symbolic imagery throughout, including delightful parallels with summer patterns of song thrush birds.
As much as I liked the varying view points and the opportunity to be behind the thoughts of each character, I didn’t feel a strong connection with any one particular character. Additionally, a lot of the events were stated in such a matter of fact way that the emotional connection wasn’t there for me. The characters themselves were delightful, I just didn’t connect. I do have to say I was very surprised by the ending, but with contemplation, it makes complete sense and it really is as it should be.
Overall, a well told story. Multi-layered tidbits in every portion of the story.

The Songbird
Marcia Willett

Willett’s latest Brit-Lit is simply divine, a study in human nature, a comedy and a tragedy full of secrets, regrets and new beginnings. The Queen’s English is refreshingly proper and although there will be some googling certain terms have no fear US readers you will enjoy it immensely. The wide-range of personalities are fascinating varying from nurturer to narcissist and everyone is an absolute necessary part of the tale. The author does a bang up job of capturing every emotion while cleverly uncovering all the mysteries bringing to life the bucolic English countryside, the inhabitants and their stories. The pseudo family unit that these very different people become is the real stand out in this story.

SUMMARY:
When Tim is diagnosed with a potentially fatal degenerative disease he quits his London publishing job only telling his workmates that he’s decided to take a sabbatical in the country. When his friend and coworker Mattie hears this she knows exactly where he should go and tells him about her family’s Devon country estate called Brockscombe and the empty cottage on the grounds that would suit him perfectly. Plus it would keep him close so she can learn what’s really going on with him.
Little did Tim know that he’d be moving in to his own little group of soap opera players complete with villains, heroes and a prima donna or two but strangely enough it’s home.

I'm a big fan of Marcia Willett - she has such a unique style of writing. The natural world plays a big part in this story. Even though there are recurring characters from previous books, it is not necessary to have read them. When secrets are revealed, life and love blossom.

Lovely story of community and family. Set at Brockscombe in Devon (love the area!), it starts as the story of Tim, who is remaking his life, and Mattie, who has always had a crush on him and invites him to the family house. The tale expands, however, to encompass others, all of whom have a secret- but this isn't a secrets and lies type novel. It's about how individuals can blend together as a group as they heal from psychic and physical injury. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is light, positive reading.

Marcia Willett brings us an excellent novel of modern families set in South Devon, England, featuring four generations of an extended family with steps and halfs and the odd friend of a friend who somehow fits right into the tight weave of life on the family estate of Brockscombe, as the aging patriarch faces death and the pull of the wide world on the descendents make that insular way of life seem to be untenable. I found all of the protagonists sympathetic with the exception of that One, and the descriptions of the countryside and the small towns verging on the Dartmoor National Park make you want pack up and travel.

I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Marcia Willett, and Transworld Digital in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

Willett creates as oasis of beauty and serenity even though the characters might not be feeling it at the time. Her descriptions of the landscape are such that you know where you are exactly where she wants you to be You can hear the birds calling, feel the sun on your face and know all is right with the world. Submerge yourself in a Willett book and you will surrouinded by a sense of peace.

Another lovely soothing book by Marcia Willett. I read this over a cold weekend and it gave me a warm glow.
It is full of charming characters and a gentle storyline that drifts along like a lazy summer's day.

This is an easy to read , charming novel. It's characters have many layers and are very interesting. Tlm, One of the main characters as a secret he just doesn't want to share. So aside from the interesting characters the plot is very well done and held my interest throughout the novel.

There will be no feedback to this novel because I never received it. I reached out to Netgalley for help, as well as the publisher but have yet to receive any. Therefore, I've not been able to read this. Sorry about that, I was looking forward to it.

Whenever I need to find respite from the daily assault of bad news coming out of Washington, I reach for anything by Marcia Willett (I think she may need to write a few hundred more books, like by tomorrow). In her latest, Tim needs a break from his life and he moves into one of friend Mattie’s cottages. He’s not alone, the family cottages house a number of lost and or lonely souls, a navy trying to cope with life while her husband is away, a retired dancer who wants to perform again, among others. This is a lovely, gentle, heart warming story about human connections and the ability to embrace the imperfect in all people