Thank you Netgalley for the free ARC in return for an honest review.

Charming story about the oddball residents of a small condo on a South Carolinian island, each with secrets and ghosts (some literal). I haven't read a Sarah Addison Allen book for some time and this one did not disappoint. Recommend for those wanting a more uplifting story.

An apartment complex called the Dellawisp is the setting for this lovely story of friendship, mothers, love, and ghosts. And unusual birds.
The occupants of this complex are: newly arrived young main character Zoey, secretive henna artist Charlotte, award-winning chef Mac, nosy, unlikeable Lisbeth, her super secretive sister Lucy, and the apartment manager Frasier, all of whom become involved together over a few months.
The story mostly is concerned with Zoey, Charlotte and Mac, and they all have some form of trauma or neglect in their lives and would have probably continued, lonely and solitary, if not for Lisbeth’s sudden death, which is the catalyst for them beginning to open up to each other.

There is a slight feeling of otherworldliness about the Dellawisp, reinforced by the funny little blue birds flitting about the complex, and by the ghost living with Zoey, who resembles a pigeon, and for the ghosts Frasier can see, and for the ghost tied to Mac.

The story is both whimsical, sad, but also oddly heartwarming. And though the story is somewhat slow-paced, but held my attention from its beginning to its satisfying end.

Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Other Birds, by Sarah Addison Allen, tell the story of a young woman named Zoey who moves into her deceased mother’s studio apartment on Mallow Island the summer before she begins college. When one of her new neighbors, Lizbeth Lime, dies under mysterious circumstances, Zoey is hired to clean up the apartment to look for a lost manuscript that has been promised to the writer who made Mallow Island famous. It is through this process that Zoey comes to know her other neighbors (Charlotte, a henna artist, Mac, a chef, and Lucy, sister of the dead neighbor Lizbeth) and their many secrets.

In addition to revolving around images of birds and freedom (Zoey owns an invisible pigeon and the condo complex is populated by native turquoise dellawisps), the novel beautifully explores motherhood and storytelling. The chapters are punctuated by ghost stories told by characters who are not yet able to pass on to the afterlife due to their links to living people. There are several plot twists in the book that will keep readers on their toes, but my favorite part of the book is the investigation of dreams, ghosts, stories, and love, those elements that can’t be seen though they are shape our response to life.

In talking about stories, the text asks “What happens to them? Where do they go? If you never share your stories…does that mean they are not real?” Other Birds is the type of story that you will want to share with the people that you love as it creates an empathetic look at mothering, the necessity of letting go, and the way we can use the art of storytelling to remain connected even when life separates us. A beautiful book! Highly recommend!

This is the first novel I read by the author. I enjoyed reading. But, for me it took awhile to connect with all the characters and how they connected to each other until it came together at the end..

The book was magic and full of beautiful surprises especially toward the end. The birds have a beautiful specific meaning. So pay attention to Zoey, and her magical bird. It was so lovely story. Themes, love, physical, and emotional abuse, friendships, and what is a family?, by blood? Or people you connect with? Would make a wonderful book club book. I will definitely read the author's previous novels.

I can’t get over how good this book was!! It made me better understand some people in my life and why they have made/make the decisions that they do. This book will stay with me for a very very long time!

Sarah Addison Allen has always had a fan in me, and this book did not change that. However, this was not the instant five-star that I was hoping for. SAA has always had the ability to give the magic in her novels its own personality, and I felt it at the very beginning. However, somewhere around the 40% mark, Other Birds started to lose its shine. I loved the insertion of the ghosts and their chapters, but I do have to admit that their entrances were a lot more captivating than most of their exits. Certain character details were dropped at the end of chapters and then never really examined again. I was sad when this story ended, but I didn't end it feeling sad and fulfilled, you know? Overall, if you enjoy books with magic realism and island charm, this book could be the ticket. If you've missed Sarah Addison Allen's books, this book will go a good way to filling that void, even if it wasn't one of my favorites from her.

I'd like to thank the person who started writing magic realism fiction; even the person who coined the phrase deserves kudos. Having found the fantasy genre unreadable as a middle-aged woman, when teenaged/young adult me devoured every book about magic and fantasy possible, I am so grateful for authors like Sarah Addison Allen, who writes in this genre. There's just enough fantasy in it for me.

I loved this book. There was so much to be enchanted by: not only does she create wonderful characters, she created an island, with a great backstory, she created birds. Little magical turquoise blue thieving birds.

I love how she interweaved the lives of the two or three generations, both living and dead and how ghosts filled us in on details we should know. Also, the message that you can't pick your family, but you can pick friends who become your family is obvious throughout.

I loved the little secret at the end. I never expected that, and I'm glad Zoey keeps it.

My one complaint with the book is that it's too short. I want to know what happens to these characters? Are they still happy? What's going on in their lives?

Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are mine, and freely expressed. Thank you, Ms. Allen, for your wonderful books. I will continue to read each new one.

(4.5 stars)
🕊"There are birds, and then there are other birds. Maybe they don’t sing. Maybe they don’t fly. Maybe they don’t fit in. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather be an other bird rather than just the same old thing."

-Magical, enchanting, quirky and heart warming.
The characters in the book are Zoey (who has an imaginary ghost bird named Pigeon), two estranged sisters, a henna artist, a chef, a writer and a few ghosts along with Zoey's quirky and secretive neighbors.
Where they all live at the condo called the Dellawisp in Mallow Island, South Carolina. Well known for it's marshmallow making long ago.

All of the characters have a story to tell and all of them are stuck on the past, unable to move forward. However, they find that if they come together, they can overcome the past and move on together. That friendship and forgiveness can heal all that they've been through.

Absolutely loved the characters and all the turquoise birds that surround the Dellawisp! This was such an amazing read and I would definitely read it again! So heart warming and definitely a book that I needed to read.

A few more of my favorite quotes/sayings:
•"Don’t hold on to old love so hard you forget to live. Old love isn’t the only love you’ll ever have. And I can tell you from this side that it never really goes away, anyway."
•"If the people around you don’t love or accept you just as you are, find new people. They’re out there." ♡

*Special thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press publishing for sending me an early arc ebook copy of this for my honest review. I also just had to get the physical copy too! Love the cover!

This book. It was somehow so light filled and refreshing, even while dealing with darkness. I am SO glad I read it. It will no doubt be one of those books that sticks with me for some time. Light, but dark, whimsical, but literary, entertaining, but serious with characters that were easy to love. A MUST read.

One Sentence Summary: When Zoey takes over her late mother’s apartment on Mallow Island, South Carolina, she sticks herself into a community afraid to gather due to another prickly resident as well as a mystery surrounding the death of that prickly resident.

My thoughts:

I haven’t read a book by Sarah Addison Allen since Garden Spells came out. I remember how beautifully magical I found that one, so was curious about whether and how her writing might have changed. Other Birds felt more like a found family and mystery story rolled up together with just a sprinkle of magic thrown in, so I found myself disappointed that the magic I had loved in Garden Spells wasn’t as strong in Other Birds. But the story of a group of people coming together thanks to an eighteen-year-old was absolutely lovely, even if I was missing Zoey herself a bit too much throughout the story.

The characters in Other Birds really shone. I found them all to be fascinating with their own intriguing stories and secrets. Uncovering all of them felt like just half the fun. The other half was watching them slowly orbit each other before they closed the distances and formed a beautiful little family. Zoey sparkled with her kind, pure heart despite all the pains she’d experienced in her short life. She was a little ball of energy, the perfect catalyst for getting this group together. I just wish there had been more of her in the story. Instead, it felt more like Charlotte’s or Oliver’s story as I felt they had more page time. Oliver I could understand. It’s his mother who died, and he has a complicated history with her and The Dellawisp, the apartment complex they all live in. His journey back home was both a little flimsy and heartwarming, but I really loved the relationship he and Zoey formed. Charlotte almost felt like an outsider to me, keeping herself and her secrets firmly tucked away despite them haunting her every day. I thought she was interesting, but she was so much quieter and, being older, more mature than Zoey, making her not quite as interesting, though her romance with Mac was sweet even if I was expecting it. Mac just felt like such a sweet gentleman the entire book. Sure, he has his secrets, but he’s clearly there for everyone else. While I liked him, he also felt a little too two dimensional, almost as though he were holding me at a distance so I couldn’t get to know him. Frasier was fascinating. The only person of color in this community, I loved the relationships he had with everyone else and I just found him so charming. His own secrets were a lot of fun and really helped flesh out this story for me. Then there’s the reclusive Lucy who has a complicated history. Since she was such a recluse it was impossible to get to know her, but her heart comes out little by little.

And then there are the ghosts and the birds. There’s a story of what lies beyond death wrapped in these pages. Souls linger, either because they are unwilling to let go or because someone else is unwilling to let them go. It was a bit of a strange recognition of grief, but also speaks so well to how people live and love. Overall, I didn’t really feel the ghost stories added a whole lot to the story, but they were nice touches. I did really like all the birds, though, especially Zoey’s invisible bird Pigeon. The dellawisps as a whole had an interesting personality and I found myself feeling quite amused by them. I loved how prevalent they were and how the pages were just dotted with them. Pigeon’s antics were fun, but I was sad as Pigeon faded from the story, though it was a fantastic commentary on Zoey’s own character and maturation.

I adored Mallow Island and would move there in a heartbeat. Named for the marshmallows that were once mass produced there, there’s still something sweet in the air and in everything about the island. I liked that it was set far from the rest of the world, but was still easily accessible. It felt like something of a haven wrapped in sweetness. It was delightfully small town without everyone knowing everyone else, probably in large thanks to the tourist population. There were little pockets of non-touristy spots that spoke to different pasts and histories as well as closely guarded secrets not many seemed to actually be privy to. It was a lot of fun to explore the island and everything it had to offer with the characters.

Other Birds is really a very sweet story. It’s about a group of people coming together, though only one of them seems interested in solving the light mystery opened at the beginning of the book. It’s the secrets that keep the story going, and the tenuous relationships the characters start to form. I loved watching them come together with Zoey at their heart, even if I was sorely missing Zoey’s perspective. This story flowed really well, making for a light and easy read that touched on things a shade darker. I was disappointed the magic just seemed to fade as the story went on, but it was nice to see the characters who had so relied on it change and grow, allowing for the magic to fade and the magic of family, love, and friendship to take its place. It was also disappointing how jarring I found the end to be. This isn’t a long book, and I felt it really showed at the end. Things came to a close rather abruptly for me, especially since the writing was so lovely and magical, and then it just kind of ended. Overall, though, this was a light, easy read with a sweet story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been a fan of Sarah Addison Allen since first reading Garden Spells over six years ago. I had little magical realism experience, and her writing prompted my love of the new-to-me genre. I quickly devoured everything I could find written by her. As soon as I found out she was publishing a new book, I knew I had to read it. Boy, the wait was worth it! This story did not disappoint! Other Birds had all of the elements that I love. I was transported to beautiful Mallow Island, a mysterious and magical place filled with curious birds and fascinating yet painfully broken characters. Secrets and stories longed to be told. Throughout the novel, Sarah delicately handles some difficult issues, including hoarding, death, child abuse, family problems, fear of the past, and the inability to move on. Even though there was a certain melancholy feeling, one truth rang through: friends can become family, and that love and friendship can help heal the past's hurts. The author does a phenomenal job creating the Mallow Island world. She seamlessly weaves the tales of Zoey, Mac, Charlotte, Lucy and Lizbeth Lime, Frasier, and Oliver into a beautiful story of growth, acceptance, finding love, and releasing the past. I cannot recommend this charming and magical story enough. It earned 5+ stars from me.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Sarah Addison Allen, for giving me this opportunity.

Zoey Hennessey's mother has passed away sending her on a trip to Mallow Island, South Carolina to retrieve her belongings from her apartment building known as the Dellawisp. Upon arriving Zoey meets her mothers neighbors who.she can see is an unconventional group of people. Her first night in her moms apartment one of the neighbors dies and it looks as if it could have been murder and not natural causes. An intriguing mystery ensues bringing forth incomplete stories.that.beg.for an ending. Zoey wants to help those who have become lost find their way to a happier ending. Can the people of Dellawisp come together and learn to trust? This was an enchanting read that wants you to see that love can be real.

Other Birds is a delightful story about a secret, out of the way apartment building called the Dellawisp, named after the turquoise birds that live there.

Zoey Hennessey is moving into her dead mother’s apartment at the Dellawisp and hopes that some memories are left behind so she can learn more about her mother’s past. As she meets each neighbor, she’s able to draw these quirky individuals together. From Charlotte - a girl on the run, Mac - the burly, red-headed chef, two estranged sisters - Lizabeth and Lucy Lime and a few ghosts, Zoey begins to create a community. After long-time resident Lizabeth Lime is killed by a falling bookshelf, Zoey volunteers to clean out her condo revealing an old secret.

The atmosphere in this novel takes you away to a magical, Southern world where love, and a little of the unexplained, creates a connection between the past and the present. An endearing cast of characters, intriguing details and a touch of magic all adds up to a heartwarming and moving read.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title before its release.

Beautifully written story that is filled with magic and heart. This story centers around Zoey a new resident at the Dellawisp on Mallow Island. . This is the home of the namesake, Dellawisp birds along withMac, Lucy and Lizbeth Lime, Frazier and Charlotte. These unique characters each have stories that are heartwarming and fragile. As the characters interact we get to know the characters and their paths lead them to find something in each other that they have been missing.
I have been looking forward to this book for a long time. I love Sarah Addison Allen’s stories and this one did not disappoint. She has a gift of writing magical stories that make you feel what the characters are going through and are truly heartwarming.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest reveiw

4.5 ⭐️

#NetGalley #OtherBirds #sarahaddisonallen

I adore Sarah Addison Allen, and couldn't wait to read Other Birds. The description of the beautiful Mallow Island off the coast of South Carolina leaves the reader feeling as if they are right in the middle of it, surrounded by a beautiful old apartment and tiny turquoise birds. I loved the characters and their backstories, and the magical touches left on every page. This book is a delight.

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen was everything I was looking for in a book. I just fell in love with Mallow Island, South Carolina, The Dellawisp and Zoey Hennessey. I loved all of the magical realism that took place in this story and loved how Zoey brought everyone together. While there were times this story was a little slow I still enjoyed the story. I feel like I have to read more from Sarah Addison Allen now that I have experienced Other Birds.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. I enjoyed the charming, whimsical story that got better as it went along. It somewhat reminded me of the House on the Cerulean Sea. A delightful read.

First ever Sarah Addison Allen reader here - and this book was just wow! I finished it a couple weeks ago and it's still with me. I have been left with the most wonderful book hangover - complete with the feeling of falling in love and being wrapped up in the warmth and comfort of a wonderous moment. I thoroughly appreciate the notion “Not everything has to be real to be true.”

I was under Allen's spell immediately after reading the book synopsis: When Zoey comes to claim her deceased mother’s apartment at the Dellawisp she meets her quirky and secretive neighbors, including a young woman with a past, two estranged middle-aged sisters, and a lonely chef, and three ghosts. The sudden death of one of Zoey's new neighbors sets off a search that leads to the island's famous author and to a long-estranged relative of the sisters. Each of them has a story, and each story has an ending which hasn't yet been written.

We meet so many wonderful characters in Other Birds each struggling with the past and searching to find themselves. Zoey and her invisible pigeon entering college years and desperately looking for roots. Charlotte with a love for henna art and a life on the road. Mac and his fears of letting go to the woman that loved and supported him. Frasier’s love of the dellawisp and his mysterious connection to Lizbeth. Lucy, more shadow than person and lastly Oliver, Lizbeth’s son.

This is a heartwarming story about found families. It's filled with quirky characters, magical realism and the uniquely added ghost point of view. I enjoyed learning about each one and the gentle teasing apart of tangled mysteries. And there's a warm thread throughout - being different is ok.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and Sarah Addison Allen for sharing a wonderful novel full of hope and friendship and new beginnings.

I've been a fan of Sarah Addison Allen's work ever since I read The Peach Keeper. I knew she'd taken some time away from writing novels to care for a loved one, so I was thrilled when Other Birds was released. This is a poignant deep dive that examines what it means to be loved, and what happens when we take the bold risk to love someone knowing they might not love us back.
Allen is a master at writing magical realism. Her ability to examine the unseen things of this world then weave them into a story is truly remarkable. As always, the characters she brings to life on the page are outstanding. How she skillfully weaves all the plot threads together into such a beautiful story is beyond me. No spoilers of course but the plot twist is truly next-level.
Above all, I was so moved by her ability to study and examine heartache then transform it into something so beautiful and infused with hope.
I did receive an ARC which I'm super grateful for and I also purchased a gorgeous copy via Book of the Month. Other Birds is a novel that will stay with me for a long time. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

I enjoyed this book as much as I did her previous ones. This book made me wish I had a ghost looking out for me. I loved that everyone at the Dellawisp was trying to get away from their past, but also trying to be better people. The death of resident was all that was needed to start a chain of events that would ultimately start everyone on a path of forgiveness and give them the ability to move on with their lives.