“Love is For the Birds” is a heartfelt tale of family, friendship, and romance set against the backdrop of the resilient Bird Isle. This was my first book by Diane Owens Prettyman, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Teddy Wainsworth has endured a series of devastating losses over the past year. The accidental death of her mother, which she feels responsible for, and now the destruction of her mother’s beloved candy store by a hurricane, have left her overwhelmed with grief and guilt. Her return to Bird Isle is fraught with emotions, but she finds an unexpected ally in Jack Shaughness, a widower and barbecue restaurant owner who arrives on the island to help feed hurricane survivors.

The sense of community on Bird Isle is beautifully depicted. Despite the chaos and destruction, the residents come together to support each other, even extending their care to a lost dog found amidst the wreckage. Jack and Teddy’s friendship, forged in the aftermath of the hurricane, grows quickly as they work side by side to rebuild their homes and businesses. While the speed of their developing relationship may stretch realism, it adds a touch of the fantastical charm that makes romance novels so enjoyable.

One of the highlights of the story is the emphasis on bird conservation. The community’s efforts to restore the Aransas Wildlife Refuge for the whooping cranes’ annual migration is both inspiring and educational. The bird count subplot was particularly engaging and added a unique layer to the narrative.

However, Jack’s hidden secret looms over their budding romance, threatening to unravel everything they’ve built together. Teddy, a strong-willed woman determined to face her challenges independently, must navigate this revelation and decide if she can forgive and move forward.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a super sweet story! I like the theme of second chances. The plot moves nicely. and the author did a good job with creating likable characters. My two minor complaints are that the characters do seem slightly one-dimensional or almost too good to be true, and the dialogue at times comes across as forced. However, Bird Island is a wonderful setting, and I was cheering for the characters. The ending is very satisfying. This is a fun and enjoyable read perfect for fans of frothy, light women's fiction / romance.

Thank you NetGalley and SheWrites Press for the advance e-galley; all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Teddy returns to Bird Isle to view the destruction from a hurricane. Her mother’s candy shop has been destroyed. Brokenhearted she meets Jack, a widower serving barbecue to the island residents. They find a lost dog, he stays to help rebuild . The rest makes for a great summer read!

I loved the way this author drew me to Bird Island! They way she described it made me feel like I was there.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters!
Jack was a quirky guy that instantly made me like him very much. I love how he took no for an answer.
We need real life people like him and the Jimmy BBQ sandwiches that he made. Absolutely made my mouth water yummy.
This was a fun read that I couldn't put down. I didn't wasn't it to end at all!

This book was extra sweet! i absolutely loved the main characters, and the sweet setting. It was beautifully written. I highly suggest.

Love Is for the Birds was a great women’s fiction book . Fans of Mary Alice Monroe and Ellen Hilderbrand will like this book. It was a great story about finding second chances in the mist of turmoil.