Member Reviews

I usually don't read these types of romance books, but I enjoy this author so I thought I'd give it a chance. It is a perfect holiday or anytime of the year uplifting read. It reads like a country song and ties up all the loose ends at the end of the book.
Easy to read, you quickly get into the characters lives. The book lets you believe again and miracles do happen. But Patti connects everyone in a believable way.
It was an enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

A Christmas holiday miracle story. Despite the good things Jimmy has going in his life, unexpected fame causes him to lose sight of what is important. 5he song he wrote with and for Charlotte almost causes him to lose her. It takes a Christmas miracle to help him him find his way back to his family and her. The story tells an Irish tale about a ring which is a symbol of trust and love.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

I love this author she always has way of giving such life to her characters. As always I love the locations she describes with such depth. You go from the South Carolina Low country to New York to Ireland. This is the perfect book if you are looking for book with a heartwarming Christmas theme that really could happen any time of the year. It was great how the old Irish story was woven into the current story. You will love this story and storyteller.

Was this review helpful?

The Perfect Love Song is a beautifully written inspirational romance. Loved the plot, characters and the Irish setting. I believe this is my first book by this author but it will definitely not be my last. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

I love a good, sweet Christmas romance story so when I read this very Hallmark movie sounding book description and saw that it was not only a holiday story, but one with connections to Ireland, I was excited to check it out! Despite my initial enthusiasm, I must admit it took me a little bit to get into this story. First of all, the point of view was different than any I had read in the past--- it read much like a narrator telling the story whom already knew the outcome, especially very early on. This wasn't bad by any means, but did take me some getting used to. Aside from that, it also felt like I was picking up in the middle of the story. As it turns out, we are. While it certainly is fine as a stand alone, the initial romance between Kara and Jack begins in the novel When Light Breaks. This book did give a good amount of background to catch us up, but I certainly feel that I would have been more invested in the romance had I read that book first.

Like I said, it took me a bit to get there, but once I was caught up, I really enjoyed the story. Much as I had suspected upon reading the description, it did give off that Hallmark Christmas movie type of vibe. While that may not be for everyone, I enjoy these sweet holiday romances myself. I do wish that it perhaps went into a little more depth... as a novella it was rather short and I would have enjoyed longer to really explore the story more... Still, I enjoyed it as it was anyway.

The Perfect Love Song was actually first published back in 2010, but has be republished this year with added content. While I do not have the previous version to compare, I assume this may be the shortbread recipe and garland craft instructions we find at the end. I love books that include recipes featured within the story, and I actually had found myself thinking as they mentioned the shortbread within the stories that I wished I had the recipe, so that was a really nice touch. Especially being a holiday book, as baking is such a huge part of the holiday season for so many of us.

Overall, this was a quick holiday read that those who enjoy overly sweet Christmas romances will enjoy.


**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is a Netgalley ARC review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I feel like this book was written more like a Hallmark movie script. A movie that I would watch. But I'm not loving this book. I had such high hopes for a book about Christmas and Country music. With the main couples, Jimmy/Charlotte and Jack/Kara I would have liked to have seen more development. These characters seem very flat. "The Unknown Souls" does not make me think of a Country music group. The best parts of this book are the descriptions of the lowcountry and Ireland. I enjoyed the ending. The retelling of the Claddagh story was sweet. I think the shortbread recipe and instructions on how to make the garland enhances the Christmas book.

As a side note, unrelated to the content of the writing, there were formatting issues with this ARC. The publisher chose to put their name and logo, rather largely, up to three times on one page. This made for a very choppy and distracting read. Also, there were random characters in the book. There will be a "j" in between passages. Some paragraphs are indented and some aren't. I switched fonts and sizes on my kindle in hopes of finding some rhyme or reason and was unsuccessful.

Was this review helpful?

This is only my second book I've read by this author. I really enjoy her writer's voice and the characters become so real. The Perfect Love Song is a magical Christmas tale sharing a message of beauty and love and has me yearning for the holidays. I love everything Christmas, and can read a good Christmas centered story any time of the year. This is a wonderful, feel-good book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to post a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

The Perfect Love Song is about following your heart. It tells the story of finding the one person you want to walk through life with. All the ups and downs. It was co-written by Charlotte and Jimmy. When people heard the song, they wanted to change the name and make it something it really wasn't. In the process, Jimmy was loosing sight of what was really important. It wasn't until the past came rushing in, that he knew he had to act or all would be lost. That means getting to Ireland for his brothers wedding and hopefully gaining forgiveness from Charlotte. It is Christmas Day and miracles have been known to happen.

Was this review helpful?

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
A really good Christmas Story. We all find out that what we think we wish for and what will make us happy are not always the same. Love over money almost always. Enjoy this book!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great holiday story for someone that enjoys romance & magic during the holiday season. It is like a Hallmark movie & I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend reading this book.

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

A lovely novella, well written and entertaining. I liked the cast of characters, the setting and the plot.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Was this review helpful?

This book did not connect with me. The plot was too long and contrived. I am sad to say that mid-way through the book, I could make my self read it anymore and skimmed to the end.

Was this review helpful?

Great, fast read. The Perfect Love Story tells the story of 2 musician brothers and their girlfriends, who are also best friends. As the brothers work their music magic on-stage, their girlfriends back home learn to adjust to the sporadic appearance of their boyfriends. When one of the brothers co-writes a love song that immediately takes off in popularity, he will have to decide his priorities - & the value of family and friends over instant stardom. Clean, contemporary romance that will keep you swooning until the very last page.

Was this review helpful?

A nicely written love story between love and success. Which do you choose..why ..and what happens when you you choose one over the other. Patti Callahan Henry describes her characters excellent. You can see them in your mind. This is a good book for as the saying goes...”a good beach read”

Was this review helpful?

This book reads like a Hallmark Christmas movie. It was well written, sweet and I absolutely loved the ending. This was a quick read and I very much enjoyed it; even though it's only September, it did put me in the Christmas spirit and left me with warm-fuzzies!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book was filled with such beauty - beauty in the words, beauty in the story, and beauty in the characters. I could hear the music of the words. It was so uplifting with it's story of love, redemption and all that Christmas means. I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone who want to go around with a warm-hearted glow after reading it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

“The Perfect Love Song” by Patti Callahan Henry
I clean contemporary story of love and life and finding one’s way. I do get caught up in the emotions of a story and this one grabbed me and would not let go. Yes, I shed my share of tears, and enjoyed some laughter too. I requested an ARC of this story via NetGalley and the publisher granted that wish. So, read the description and then grab your copy of this story.. because I am sure you will love this story as much as I did. Happy Reading ! !

Was this review helpful?