The Perfect Love Song

Written by Patti Callahan Henry

Narrated by Liz Hill and Mitchell Stevenson

Just in time for Christmas, escape with a perfect love song, a perfect love story, and a perfect dose of holiday magic. 

"Patti Callahan Henry is quickly becoming one of my favorites." —Debbie Macomber, New York Times bestselling author 

Can one song change the course of a life?

Brothers Jimmy and Jack Sullivan live a nomadic life doing what they love: touring with their band, The Unknown Souls. But Jack’s recent engagement to Kara has everyone looking forward to a Christmas destination wedding in Ireland.

Unlike his brother, Jimmy never expected to fall in love. But he feels a sense of peace and happiness whenever he’s around Kara’s best friend, Charlotte—which has him wondering what he’s missing. Over Thanksgiving, Jimmy and Charlotte write a song while sitting together on the back porch. When the band sings it at a Christmas concert the next night, Jimmy insists it’s the perfect love song—but a manager for another famous duo is adamant that it’s the perfect Christmas song. Before Jimmy knows what’s happening, he’s on tour with the hottest country band around and suddenly everyone knows his name.

But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Jimmy finds himself far away from those he loves—especially Charlotte. Only a Christmas miracle—or two—will be able to lead Jimmy back to Ireland, to his brother, and to love. 

“I fell in love with both Patti Callahan Henry and her work. The Perfect Love Song is a lyrical and heartwarming tale of love and forgiveness. Patti takes you to those places in the heart you didn’t even know you wanted to go.” —Pat Conroy, New York Times bestselling author of The Prince of Tides and South of Broad 

“Patti Callahan Henry’s The Perfect Love Song is a wonderfully romantic and inspiring novel about love and redemption that sings with emotional truth. An essential read by a master storyteller.” —Cassandra King, New York Times bestselling author of Same Sweet Girls 

“Her characters are so real, you feel as if you’ve known them a very long time.” —Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed 

• Beautiful, jacketed hardcover perfect for gift giving
• Sweet Christmas story of approximately 45,000 words
• Includes:
  • Discussion questions for book clubs
  • Patti’s family shortbread recipe
  • Instructions for Charlotte’s Southern Garland
  • The Legend of the Claddagh Ring

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Oct 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9780785226260

Patti Callahan Henry

Patti Callahan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fifteen novels including the Historical Fiction,  Becoming Mrs. Lewis—The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis and Surviving Savannah.  In addition, she is the recipient of  The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year for 2020 and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for 2019 and The Christy Award—A 2019 Winner "Book of the Year.” The author is also the host of the popular seven-part original "Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis Podcast Series”. Patti is also the Co-creator and co-host of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.  Patti and Dottie met when Patti’s first book was released in 2004 at a SIBA conference where the friendship was instant and long lasting. 

Reviews for The Perfect Love Song

[nyiper · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not one of my favorites from this author but quick to read and a sweet escape.

[mchwest · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Super light hearted Christmas read! Very good.

[arlenadean · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Perfect Love SongAuthor: Patti Callahan HenryPublisher: Thomas NelsonReviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: FourReview:"The Perfect Love Song" by Patti Callahan HenryMy Rationalization: Good Christmas story which extended into a wedding that was held in Ireland and bringing in the story about the 'Claddagh Ring.' I loved how this author was able to bring in lots of the traditions of Ireland in this lyrical tribute to love. It was interesting seeing these two brothers [Jimmy & Jack] who had a band The Unknown Souls who were dating two best friends Charlotte and Kara. What will happen as Jimmy & Charlotte during Thanksgiving together writes a love song called 'Unexpected.' However, when it was sung by his band at a 'Holiday Jingle Jam concert' a Milton Bartholomew [concert promoter] who was listening thought it was more of a Christmas song... and the story will take off. Now to truly understand what all is going on you will have to pick up "The Perfect Love Song" to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader as this heartwarming story will take on 'twists and turns, forgiveness, grace, and unexpected giving?' It will be quite a read as the story will be of love that finally finds its way back to each other in a beautifully told story as one will see this Christmas miracle that will lead a brother to Ireland and even to one that truly loves him. "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

[fredreeca · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jimmy and Jack have a band and travel the country sharing their love of music. When Jimmy and his friend Charlotte write a love song, it rockets Jimmy and Jack to stardom. It also takes him away from his friends and family, including Charlotte. She has come to be more than a friend. This is not something Jimmy ever expected.
Charlotte and Jimmy really click well together. They each have a love of music. Plus, Charlotte loves to write poetry. These two combinations go hand in hand. I loved these two. However, there were places where the author stated the obvious or the conversations were a little stilted. This did not necessarily take away from the story.
This is such a sweet and enjoyable read. I loved the country music references. Plus the characters just made this tale all the better. This would make a fantastic Hallmark Movie!

[judithdcollins · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"Great love story for Christmas holidays! "

[bookfitnessotherstuf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I started reading this book, I was in a reading slump and throughout the first chapter I kept thinking I may not finish the book. Sometimes your mood has more to do with whether you'll like a book, even more so than the plot etc. So I decided to wait a few days and try again. And boy am I glad I did. This was such a good book! I was transfixed by the story and didn't put it down until I had read the last word. I loved reading about Jimmy, Charlotte, Kara and Jack, and found myself feeling a whole range of emotions as the story progressed. I could picture where they were and what they were seeing. I loved how the author described Ireland, I could actually picture it in my mind.After I had finished this book, I found out that these characters were introduced in When Light Breaks, a previous book by the author. Now I can't wait to read it. Patti Callahan Henry is going on my list of favorite authors.I loved that there was a recipe for Emerald Isle Shortbread at the end of the book as well as directions on making Charlotte's Southern Garland. There is also a conversation with the author, a discussion guide and a reading sample of "The Christmas Clock" by Kat Martin.

[marcejewels · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

From my blogI will start with my favourite part of the book. Every chapter started with a quote, all special in there own way, here is one I enjoyed and think represents the book perfectly. Your story, your life, and your journey all involve what came before you and what comes after - all hints of who you are. I found this book to be about an emotional issue but it was to light so I wasn't touched by the overall story. I enjoyed the journey that Jimmy had to go through but it still feels unbelievable to me. You may say well that is the point, it is a Holiday Story, a time for miracles but there was just 1 to many 'consequences'. And overall I didn't feel like it was the Holiday's, specifically Christmas time. I also didn't enjoy the it is The Perfect Love Song vs it is The Perfect Christmas Song, something about this bothered me. For me it was a nice quick read, but I wanted more. BTW - This book is gorgeously packaged, sweet cover.