Julie's Review: The Summer of Songbirds

Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Series: None
Publication Date:  August 1, 2020
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Pages: 368
Obtained: Purchased
Genre:  Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 5/5
Bottom Line: Sign me up for adult summer camp but only if it's Holly Springs
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Summary: Nearly thirty years ago, in the wake of a personal tragedy, June Moore bought Camp Holly Springs and turned it into a thriving summer haven for girls. But now, June is in danger of losing the place she has sacrificed everything for, and begins to realize how much she has used the camp to avoid facing difficulties in her life. June’s niece, Daphne, met her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, during a fateful summer at camp. They’ve all helped each other through hard things, from heartbreak and loss to substance abuse and unplanned pregnancy, and the three are inseparable even in their thirties. But when attorney Daphne is confronted with a relationship from her past—and a confidential issue at work becomes personal—she is faced with an impossible choice. Lanier, meanwhile, is struggling with tough decisions of her own. After a run-in with an old flame, she is torn between the commitment she made to her fiancé and the one she made to her first love. And when a big secret comes to light, she finds herself at odds with her best friend…and risks losing the person she loves most. But in spite of their personal problems, nothing is more important to these songbirds than Camp Holly Springs. When the women learn their childhood oasis is in danger of closing, they band together to save it, sending them on a journey that promises to open the next chapters in their lives. ~amazon.com 

Review: I did go to summer camp but it was church camp and we didn't have all the freedoms that Camp Holly Spring provided BUT I did have a blast. No long-term friendships but that doesn't mean that I don't remember people fondly. I think what Daphne, Mary Stuart and Lanier find at Camp Holly Springs is rare and extraordinary. To be that close 25+ years later and to count on each other on a daily basis is something I admire. 

I love how they rally around June and figure out a way to try to save Camp Holly Springs. They each have their strengths and count on that to pull of the plans they put in place. This is of course while 2 of them are wrestling with their love lives. They also don't keep secrets from each other so when Daphne's profession causes her to keep something from Lanier, she feels guilty but she does have a child she needs to think of as well.

Much of the book focuses on Daphne and Lanier with Mary Stuart being the secondary character but she is one of the reasons why the trio works. Each of them bring something to their friendship; even if they have their fights. 

I love the way Ms. Harvey writes her female characters, their friendships and sisterhood. She has a knack for making you want to walk into her books to chat and befriend her characters. Plus she always has the most gorgeous settings for her novels. 

If you haven't read her books, then you can start here or go to her backlist. Either way, you won't be disappointed.