From the Publisher
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Harvey reminds us that sisterhood can take many forms…With a strong dose of nostalgia and multiple narrations from Daphne, Lanier, and June, the book will appeal to Mary Kay Andrews and Katherine Center fans, who will revel in the support the women demonstrate for one another.”—Booklist
“Equal parts moving and nostalgic, Kristy Woodson Harvey’s latest novel is a story of four friends who unite to save a summer camp and find out much more about friendship, love, and their own lives in the process.”—Southern Living
“Anyone in the sleepaway camp mood? Now that our kids’ trunks are in their cabins, it’s the perfect time to dive into this beautiful, heartwarming narrative by New York Times bestselling author and southern sensation Kristy Woodson Harvey. [An] orde to female friendship and the places that shape us into who we are.”—Good Morning America
“For anyone who ever went to and loved a sleepaway camp, Southern bestselling sensation Kristy Woodson Harvey’s latest novel is the one for you.”—Katie Couric Media
“Filled with heartflet emotion and endearing characters…A celebration of summer and sisterhood.”—Woman’s World
“Pack up your sleeping bag and flashlight—you’re going to want to escape to Camp Holly Springs as soon as you read the first page of Kristy Woodson Harvey’s engaging and immersive new novel. I’m already looking for an excuse to go to grown-up sleepaway camp!”—Mary Kay Andrews, BookBub
“An emotional and engaging story of friendships that last a lifetime, with all the drama, love, and painful truths that entails. Truly wonderful. Brace yourself—you’re going to want to be a Songbird, too!”—Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sister Effect
“Your big summer read has arrived! Kristy Woodson Harvey serves up a beautiful, bubbly celebration of everything we love about summer—nostalgia for the sweet days of childhood, the indelible bonds of lifelong friendships, secrets and sorrows, and a shared commitment to rescue a beloved summer icon. A story to savor…and share with a friend.”—Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Sugar and Salt
“The Summer of Songbirds is a champagne toast to friendship, love, and the joys of summer. Read the brilliant first sentence and you’ll be right there at Camp Holly Springs and you’ll never want to leave. This is a wonderful summer read!”—Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author of All the Days of Summer
“A bright and sweet story that captures the beauty and complexity of female friendship as it grows from childhood connection to a bond stronger than family. Filled with strong women with real struggles, a community that supports one another, and love stories that will warm your heart, this is a tight healing hug of a novel.”—Sonali Dev, bestselling author of The Vibrant Years
“I can never resist a good book about the power of female friendships, This was a feel-good read. Witnessing the love among these women—despite their challenges—encouraged me to call my own friends for a summer get-together.”—Patty Bontekoe, First for Women
Colleen Noyes –
I had never heard of this author before, but liked the cover of the book, so decided to give it a try. I originally borrowed it from my library, but enjoyed it so much that I had to buy my own copy. This book was everything I hoped it would be and so much more , it is definitely in my top three books I read this year. The author did a phenomenal job with each and every character, each, and every aspect, and the entire book as a whole. This is a story about three childhood friends, what brought them together, what keeps them together, what comes between them, and how the end of the road may not be where you expected it to go. This is about a wonderful, beautiful journey, that each woman experiences as a woman but also as friends. It makes you wonder how much a journey changes from the start point to the endpoint whether that’s days, weeks, months, or years. When you have true friendship, you realize that no matter what you’ve been through or where you’re going, being surrounded by people who love you is important. The story reminded me that our true family isn’t necessarily always who we are born into, but it is who we choose to create a family with. The bonds that these folks shared left me feeling so full of joy, and full of love. This is a story that reminds you that when you truly love each other, you can get through anything. There may be bumps in the road, there may be secrets, there may may be all kinds of unexpected things, but how you handle those things, how you grow through those things, and what the finished product is, can be one of immense happiness. Each and every character was written beautifully, completely, and so very realistic. While this story has romance in it and has family dynamics, at the heart of it is so much more, and I truly don’t believe you would be disappointed taking a chance on the story.
Mary F. –
The Summer of Songbirds is a story of three young girls who meet at a very young age when they are sent to an overnight camp. They become forever friends, helping each other even into their adult years. When they learn that the camp is failing and the property is at risk of being sold, the girls come together to help save it.The characters are well rounded and the camp setting is beautifully described. It felt good to see old friends unite to help the camp they love remain open. But the girls do not see eye to eye when it comes to romance. This is not a squeaky-clean read for those who prefer that drugs and sex (not a lot, but it is there) are left out of the picture.From my perspective, the story looks back on the camp days through rose-colored glasses. I went to an overnight camp when I was just a few years older than the girls in the story and, while I made some wonderful summer friends, those relationships did not last long. Of course, we did not have the convenience of computers and smartphones to make keeping in touch easy, so my outlook comes from that point of view.This is a sweet story – one that a reader can enjoy sitting in a comfortable chair or while relaxing on the beach.
Mallory Nelson –
If summer was book, it would be this book. I loved the friendship of Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart. It was so raw and real and made my heart swell the whole time I read it. This book also brought me such a sense of nostalgia as well. I adored camp as a kid and it makes me wish I could send my own kids to camp. This was the perfect summer read!
Miss.Read.Alot –
3.5 starsThe Summer of Songbirds, by Kristy Woodson Harvey, is a quintessential friend-based summer story. It’s the story of three friends who met at summer camp when they were six years old and have maintained a friendship and support network into their adult years. When June, the camp manager and aunt of one of the women, finds herself in financial trouble, with Camp Holly Springs’ fate hanging in the balance, the three women show up to do whatever they can to save the camp for June, and future campers.These three women have had ample misfortunes and struggles over time, and their fair share of faults and flaws. But they are doing their best to persevere, overcome, and move forward with their friendship as the foundation. It’s very interesting to see how these women’s lives play out over time and how their friendship responds to various situations. There are some really worthwhile lessons to be gleaned, and the conclusion is sweet and satisfying.I did, however, struggle with one of the main characters, Lanier. I did not like her at all at any point in the story. Her redemption, of sorts, eventually came, but it wasn’t enough and it was far too late for my absolution. And though I liked the other characters, Lanier definitely dimmed my enjoyment of the story.Though I enjoyed this story, I wasn’t captivated by it like others seem to have been. Regardless, it had its very tender, touching moments. The conclusion was the most heart-warming and meaningful part of the story. I love Kristy Woodson Harvey’s stories, and though The Summer of Songbirds wasn’t my favorite, it is filled with nostalgia, found family, friendship and enduring love.
MaryLaura –
Well written, great story line. One volume in a series by this author.
Arlyne E. Russo –
I loved this story. Lanier and Daphne were well developed characters but Mary Stewart was less defined. Their relationship over the years was a relatable journey that I thoroughly enjoyed sharing with them.
Rachel Stone –
What a fun book about life and friendships. The characters are well developed and believable. I want to be a summer songbird!
Kindle Customer –
This is a beautiful story of friendship, life, and life’s struggles. Three women come together to save their favorite summer camp where they grew into their later teen years. Each has a story, though one is not as well developed as the other two, and each believes their lives were shaped by time with June at summer camp. It may well have been just me, but sometimes it was confusing as the story jumped from past to present. But the bond these women forged is a forever bond.
Amazon Customer –
Great Read!
Totally enjoyed this summer read! Brought back lots of summer childhood memories. Kind of sappy at the end but that’s ok!
Lindsay –
Very average
Daphne, Lanier, and Mary all met at summer camp 30 years ago and have been close friends ever since. Now, they learn that their beloved camp is on the verge of shutting down. Plus, they have a lot going on in their personal lives, too – can they manage all of that AND save the camp?If that plot description gives you the impression this book will be very corny, you are right! I don’t mind easy beach reads but this one was just too silly. My eyeballs hurt from all the eye-rolling I did. The cover is so pretty and summery but unfortunately that was my favourite part of the book…
Natalie T –
Everyone should read it
This was an amazing read!! Absolutely loved it