I probably say this every time Kristy Woodson Harvey has a new book published, but I think her latest, The Summer of Songbirds, is my new favorite from her.

The story follows four women who come together to try to save the summer camp that made them into the women they are today. June Moore owns Camp Holly Springs and has been welcoming girls there for over 30 years. While it was a fun summer haven for the girls, over the years it has also become a haven for June to hide away from the world and her troubles. June’s niece Daphne and her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, met at Camp Holly Springs. The bond that formed between these three during their summers at the camp has only strengthened over the years and they are now like sisters to one another. When they learn that the camp is in trouble, it’s all hands on deck and what starts as a mission to save their childhood happy place ends up becoming an adventure that will change their lives forever.

The bond of friendship between Lanier, Daphne and Mary Stuart was the major highlight of this book for me. From the time they were children, these women have been there for each other through thick and thin, and they truly take care of one another. Each of them is going through something throughout the course of the book and while the friendships are mostly beautiful and supportive, there’s also real talk when it’s needed, particularly when it comes to telling someone something they’d rather not hear. I really appreciated how authentically KWH portrays these friendships. It felt like I was reading about my own best friends and I just loved that!

The theme of second chances and forgiveness is also very prominent in The Summer of Songbirds. Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart value their friendship enough that they will always try to do what it takes to repair their friendship if things go wrong between them. Then there’s also the matter of second chances in love. Lanier met her first love through Camp Holly Springs, while Daphne met her first love through Lanier. Being back at the camp and seeing their first loves again makes both women realize that those feelings are still there and wonder if second chances are in the cards for them. I was fully invested in both of these romances as well and really enjoyed watching them reconnect while at the same time, revisiting the memories from their summers together at camp.

I don’t want to say anything else because you really have to experience it yourself, but it really is a beautiful story all around. Filled with nostalgic summer camp vibes, amazing female friendships, and more than one second chance romance, The Summer of Songbirds is the perfect beach read!

I have loved every book I've read by Kristy Woodson Harvey and The Summer of Songbirds was no exception. There were a lot of characters introduced in the beginning that took a few chapters to keep straight and towards the end, some of the chapters went from present to past and back to present that got a little confusing. Even though I never went to summer camp, I was obsessed with the Disney Channel shows about summer camps (anyone else remember these?!) and it was easy to get wrapped up in the memories of Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart. I really enjoyed the childhood to adult friendship these three have (I have had the same best friend since the second grade) and mixed in with with Daphne's story, this book is what summer reading is all about. If it's not on your TBR already, you need to add it!
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Thank you NetGalley, Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Kristy Woodson Harvey secured a place as a fave author a while back when I read a couple of her other books. I love the characters she creates and the way she weaves her stories together. I was very excited to receive an advanced copy of this one to read. Thanks to Uplit reads for sending it my way. It was the perfect summer read and exactly what I was in the mood for! It captivated me in the first few pages and I couldn't put it down.

I love books featuring strong friendships and found family. The three main characters - Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart were all wonderful and relatable. I loved how much they loved each other and stuck by each other no matter what. It really proved that family does not have to be blood, but people who care about you, love you unconditionally and are there for you no matter what. Sometimes those bonds are the strongest.

Besides friendship, there were so many types of relationships explored throughout the story. Relationships between parents and children, relationships between siblings, relationships with past lovers and even explored new relationships. The story had so many layers and at times, dealt with some sensitive subject matter that was handled with care.

I liked that the story was told with multiple points of view, each chapter alternating between the three women and June, owner of the camp where they all originally met. The secondary characters were pretty great too and fit into the story nicely. I also really liked the setting of the camp. It seemed peaceful and serene and the place where lifelong relationships were formed. I never went to a stay away camp as a child, but it felt like a place any kid would like and feel safe.

I love Kristy's writing so much! She always reels me in with her stories and gives me characters that are easy to love and root for. I would definitely add her books to your shelf! I can't wait to read whatever she comes out with in the future. Five big stars!

The Summer of Songbirds follows three women, Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart, who grew up going to Camp Holly Springs together. Going to camp changed each of their lives in different ways, and when the camp director, Daphne's aunt June confides in them that this may be the last summer the camp can sustain, they resolve to save their sacred place. Along the way we learn about their pasts, secrets they are hiding, and how they discover that friendship and family is the most important thing in life.

This book is a near-perfect summer read. It has just the right amount of romance, nostalgia, and drama to keep the reader hooked--I read it in two days! The characters were well developed, but I wish we had learned more about Mary Stuart (the book focuses on Lanier and Daphne more). The descriptions of Camp Holly Springs are vibrant and made me feel like I was transported to the woods of North Carolina.

I loved the emphasis on female friendship and how important having good friends was. It's a really sweet book that I think a lot of people will like.

I loved this book from start to finish!! Every character was woven together so perfectly that you couldn’t help but fall in love with everyone (except for one)! I don’t even like the outdoors but all of a sudden found myself wishing I had a camp to go to or send me kids to like this! The whole story felt like it could be real and I did not want it to end. I truly hope this one becomes a movie!!!

Perfect summer read filled with stories from summer camp. While I never attended summer camp myself, I felt lost in the story of these women who developed their friendships and made memories together. This story touches on how complicated relationships truly are. I enjoyed how this story explored the effort it takes to sustain and grow friendships throughout the years as we all grow and our lives change. Sweet read.

Master Southern storyteller Kristy Woodson Harvey (a favorite) returns following The Wedding Veil and the Peachtree Bluff series with her latest summer sizzler, THE SUMMER OF SONGBIRDS —a perfect beach read! Four women come together to save a much-loved and memorable summer camp.

June Moore has some difficult decisions to make. She is about to lose Camp Holly Springs. The camp has been her life for over thirty years. She sacrificed for the camp—her business, and her home.

Her niece Daphne loved the camp where she met her best friends Lanier and Mary Stuart. She spent every summer here with her aunt. The girls (The Songbirds) are now women in their thirties. She must tell them the news and knows they will be devastated.

When they were six, Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart met on the first day of Camp Holly Springs. Their friendship continued over the years, and later worked as counselors.

Daphne is a single mom of four-year-old Henry. Steven is a large part of their lives, a great dad and friends, but never married. Huff is the love of her life, but they are keeping it a secret for now.

When Daphne learns of her aunt June's financial situation and possibly the loss of the much-loved camp, she is ready to help. Her aunt June was there for her when he mom was not. The camp meant so much that she rallied her friends for assistance.

Lanier is to be married, but her fiancé is not the man she thought, and then an old flame surfaces, her first love, and she is torn. Then a secret comes out, which causes problems with her best friend.

Mary Stuart is getting married, and they plan a bachelorette party at the camp. This brings back a lot of memories and first loves.

The three women decide they will use their skills to raise money to help save the camp for Aunt June and hold a special camp weekend for all the families and friends of those who attended camp over the years.

Daphne is reconnecting with Huff, the love of her life. Huff is Lanier's brother, and the two friends are upset that Lanier is about to marry the wrong man. Hopefully, at the bachelorette camp, they will convince her otherwise.

No matter their problems, nothing is more critical to the songbirds than Camp Holly Springs!

Kristy Woodson Harvey dazzled us with her debut and every single book since. A huge fan, she again pens a beautiful, compelling, nostalgic, charming summer read of friendship, love, loss, romance, sisterhood, family, self-discovery, healing, and second chances.

THE SUMMER OF SONGBIRDS is essential for your summer reading. Rich in setting, place, and character with loads of charm, heart, and essential takeaways. If you ever attended summer camp (or your kids), you will adore revisiting those memorable lazy summer days when things were simpler —nature, first loves, friendships, and good times.

A summer delight and an ideal book club pick! For fans of Jennifer Weiner's Golden Hills.

As I mentioned years ago, the author is a mix of Emily Giffin and Dorothea Benton Frank and is well-deserving of the title with her signature voice as the top Southern author of today. Every book is 5 STARS! Do not miss this one.

Special thanks to the author and Gallery books for the beautiful print copy, and truly honored to be included with her long list of supporters and the beautiful swag - I love the KWH fanny pack put to good use. Also, thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC.

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Pub Date: July 11, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars +
July 2023 Must-Read Books

The Summer of Songbirds just might be my new favorite summer read.

The story follows 3 best friends from their time at Camp Holly Springs to their adult lives now. They each face a challenge that will either bring them together or tear them apart for good.

Kristy gives us a set of characters that are so thought out and realistic that while you are reading you will swear you know someone like that. The writing is descriptive and the story flows so easily, no moments of lagging or unnecessary fluff.
Don’t forget the moments of added laughter, heartbreak and swoon worthy romance. And a new book boyfriend named Huff. If you’ve read the book you know. 😍

Y’all talk about feeling nostalgic while reading this book! It brought back so many memories of my time as a young girl at summer camp. From having your first crush to finding your best friend. Even if you didn’t attend summer camp you will be swept away into the story.

The Summer of Songbirds definitely is a must read this summer season. Grab yourself a copy and escape to Camp Holly Springs.

Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary ebook.

Absorbing, nostalgic, and sweet!

The Summer of Songbirds is an uplifting, compelling tale that takes you into the life of three childhood friends, Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart who, after discovering that the place they met and holds such a special place in their hearts, Camp Holly Springs, is about to be lost join together to do whatever they can to raise the money Aunt June needs to keep this summer sanctuary for girls open for generations to come.

The prose is rich and vivid. The characters are creative, reliable, and loyal. And the plot is a heartfelt, delightful mix of friendship, family, heartbreak, introspection, support, forgiveness, tragedy, loss, drama, community, new beginnings, tender moments, and love.

Overall, The Summer of Songbirds is a sophisticated, sensitive, romantic tale by Harvey that once again highlights her innate ability to delve into all the psychological and emotional dynamics that exist between friends and reminds us just how meaningful, important, and powerful female friendships can truly be.

The Summer of Songbirds tells the story of four women trying to save a summer camp from closing. I always enjoy Kristi Woodson Harvey’s books, and this one is fantastic! The story is told from multiple viewpoints, and the women’s backstories are well-developed. A camp, a lake, long-time friends, and some romance make this a perfect summer read! Thank you, Net Galley and Gallery Books, for the ARC of this five-star book!

I loved this Multiple POV second chance romance. The theme of friendship is beautiful. The group saving their beloved childhood summer camp adds such a rich addition to an already interesting plot.

Almost thirty years ago, June Moore bought Camp Holly Springs and turned it into a thriving summer camp for girls. Currently, June is in jeopardy of losing the camp and she’s struggling to find a solution. June’s niece, Daphne had met her two best friends at Camp Holly Springs. Like many girls, this camp meant so much to them and molded them into tbr women they are today. Daphne and her two friends each have their own struggles they are trying to navigate through. However, they all come together to try to save the camp.
Another amazing novel from Kristy Woodson Harvey. I enjoyed how each woman had her own voice and subplot. A beautiful story about friendship, love and loss and navigating through life’s curveballs.

Kristy Woodson Harvey gives exactly what you want from her books. They are full of nostalgia and family/friend connections while at the same time having a beautiful backdrop. The Summer of Songbirds is a perfect summer read. This beautiful story about three friends getting a second chance. Lifelong best friends coming back to their summer camp while all dealing with their own personal struggles, yet being there for each other. As someone with really strong, lifelong summer best friends who have become the core of my adult friendships I really connected to the story. Honestly, Harvey is a must read for me!

Thank you #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.

The nostalgia of summer camp, young love and friendship all wrapped in a beautiful mutli POV story. I really liked this one and just how dang adorable it was. Daphne was such a good character that showed a healthy single women doing what is best for her family. I had a lot so strong feelings for Lanier and at times couldn’t believe these two were friends. Overall the perfect summer read!

Harvey’s latest had me all over the place! I was happy, sad, anxious, disdainful, mad, and then relieved reading the wonderful story.
Framed again the backdrop of a summer camp, Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart are not only friends but extensions of each other.
I fell for Huff hook line and sinker, he was a complete sweetie and his proclamations made me weak in the knees.
Daphne had many crosses to bear and I admittedly screeched at her when she almost made the same mistake twice.
Mary Stuart was a bit of an enigma, not fully fleshed out as the other two friends, and her story was mostly left untold.
I spent most of the book wanting to push sanctimonious Lanier into the lake. I hated the way she treated The man who pined and waited for her.
KWH’s books are one of the delights I look forward to every year. I wasn’t chosen for a promotional campaign for the book, but she is the most generous and kind author because she gave all of us early access anyway. Thank you!!

Summer of Songbirds
Author Kristin Woodson Harvey introduces us to three six-year old girls who meet in summer camp.
This book spans the decades of their growth from childhood to teen years to adulthood as their ties to the summer camp and to each other continue to grow and intertwine. Life’s challenges, whether with other people or the world in general rarely have easy answers. Choices concerning love, careers and family ties provide some of the challenges each of these characters will face as Kristy weaves the threads of their stories into another artistic portrayal of lives and friendships whose paths intersect along life’s journey.
A question that many readers have faced in their own lives just as these characters do in the book will keep readers wanting to turn the pages: What does it take for friendship to stand the test of time? Reading Summer of Songbirds presents some interesting answers. Read it to find out!
Pre-order for release on July 11,2023.

This is a book to add to your summer reading list. You will enjoy it! I could not put it down.

The Summer of Songbirds is about so many things: Lifetime friendships, the nostalgia of attending summer overnight camp, family drama, romance, unconditional love and forgiveness.

Kristy Woodson Harvey has written a truly great book. The story is warm and moving and the characters are believable.

I could not help but remember my own summers as a child and attending camp,

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you NetGalley the opportunity to read and review this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Gallery Books for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of the latest book by Kristy Woodson Harvey - 5 stars!

Thirty years ago, reeling after the death of her sister, June bought Camp Holly Springs and turned it into a thriving summer camp for girls. Her niece, Daphne, met her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, when they were all Songbirds, the youngest girls at the camp. They've been each other's support, doing the hard things for each other, ever since. Now, the camp is failing and June is contemplating a developer's offer. But the Songbirds can't let that happen.

This was a wonderful book, full of childhood nostalgia, best friends, first loves, and doing the right things. While this book tackles some tough subjects, it's full of light, laughter, family, and friendship. I loved the second chance relationships, where forgiveness is key and communication paramount. How amazing would it be to have such close friends that you could email them your hard list and they would do those things without question? Such strong women characters and friendship are at the heart of this book. It feels like slipping into a big summer hug - it must be in your beach bag this summer!

Look no further for a book to stick in your vacation tote; The Summer of Songbirds is summer reading perfection! Told from the multiple perspectives of Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart, lifelong best friends who met at summer camp, and June, Daphne's aunt who owns/runs the camp, this is the story of the girls' friendship, their camp crushes and life challenges, and the role beloved places have in our lives. The girls rally around June, who is in danger of losing the camp to massive debt, and they mount a campaign to save the camp. With flashbacks that tell the story of their friendship and loves, their strong feelings toward each other and their devotion to the camp that forged their bonds become clear.

I loved every minute of this book! The characters are written so well, and my heart broke for both the little girls and the adults they became multiple times. This is so much more than just a summer romance, it speaks to the power of female friendships and family, both biological and found. Wonderful read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery books for the digital ARC of The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey. The opinions in this review are my own.

I was super thrilled to read this book. It follows three women and an aunt on the rollercoaster of life and how all of their troubles seem to disappear when they meet up at a summer camp.

Glad forward a few years and the camp they all love and adore is facing hardships and leaning towards permanent closure.

I loved the descriptive writing of all of the characters, how each of them is connected both in and outside of the yearly adventures of summer camp.

If you need a good summer read that will tug at your heartstrings, this is it.