The Songbird's Call

4.5 STARS!! I have some of Rachael Herron's enjoyable women's fiction and Cypress Hollow books, but this is my first venture into Darling Bay. Now, I'm diving head first into all the series surrounding this fabulous world that Darling Bay offers. The Songbird's Call is the second in the Songbirds of Darling Bay series, but reads beautifully as a stand-alone. Molly is the middle sister and voice of the now defunct Darling Songbirds. After the death of their parents, the trio went their separate ways until one by one each sister is pulled back to the town of Darling Bay. Big sister Adele has found her HEA and is working at renovating the old saloon/hotel in Darling Bay. Molly decides to try her hand at fixing up the old cafe where she spent her youth learning to cook the daily specials. As Molly begins the arduous process of renovating the cafe, she also begins "renovating" her self-identity. In the meantime, Molly has caught the eye of the local Sheriff, Colin McMurtry, who gives her a chance at her own HEA in Darling Bay. I simply adored this book, especially Molly and Colin. It doesn't always happen, but I love it when I really like both the hero and heroine of a story. Both were written with strengths and insecurities that one could relate to and not be annoyed by. Colin was a worthy hero who accepted and loved Molly just as she was while questioning his own worthiness. Their meet-cute in the run-down cafe was one of the comedic highlights. Although billed as a romantic comedy, there is so much more than quirky characters and witty banter. You get real and heartfelt romance, as well as a poignant message regarding domestic violence and self-worth. Everything worked well together and flowed seamlessly. I'm looking forward to the next Songbird's story, as well as the other two series within the town of Darling Bay - The Firefighter's of Darling Bay and The Ballard Brothers of Darling Bay. I was gifted an ARC of The Songbird's Call in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I received this book as a review copy. This book is perfect for taking to the beach or a little light reading after a long day. The plot is light, but the characters are complex and interesting. Molly, the main character is adorable, but comes with baggage. The sheriff she falls for is sexy, but definitely human. They both have their issues to work through. What I like is how the book switches perspective between the two of them, so you get what's really going on and what each person is feeling and reacting to the other. I need to go back and read the first book, though it isn't needed in order to read this one.

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review. I'm a fan of Rachael Herron and was eager to read her latest book. I started reading it and enjoyed it so much that I had to ration myself because I didn't want it to end! I hadn't read the first book in the series (don't know how I missed that - I'm reading that one next). This book can be read as a standalone. I finished reading it yesterday and really enjoyed how the Molly, the middle sister, came into her own. The book touches on a couple of hard subjects - abuse and body shaming. I'm familiar with both. I like the way they were handled in the book. The characters are very likable - even with their flaws. They are not flat but are real to life. The sheriff was abusive in his ways, like his father before him. I won't say anymore about that - you have to read the book! Rachael is getting better and better as a writer, which seems impossible since I adored her Cypress Hollow books so much. I can't wait to read more about Darling Bay. I highly recommend this book. And have to several friends and family. :)