Night Songs

Written by Jennifer Sienes

Narrated by Christa DelSorbo

What’s a girl to do when her life sounds ripped from the lyrics of a country music song?

Charlotte Van Cleave’s hissy-fit reaction to her husband’s infidelity sours her world like a pot of boiled chitlins. She’s left with no husband, no job, and no home—well, besides the dilapidated farmhouse inherited from her nana.

 But Charlie learned early that southern girls dig deep when things go sideways. She’d climbed out of the mire when her missionary parents were killed in Congo, endured two late-term miscarriages, and survived the death of her nana and papaw. Too poor to paint and too proud to whitewash, Charlie follows a new path with her interior design skills.

 Derek Daniels spent his life serving his country until a helicopter accident ended his military career. Now back home on the family farm, he’s stuck between his philandering brother, Nicky, and the only girl he’s ever loved—sweet Charlie Van Cleave. Unwilling to cross a line, he vows to keep his feelings to himself. Easier said than done when Charlie discovers a mystery surrounding her parents’ death and asks him to help investigate.

What’ll Charlie and Derek have to do to turn those lyrics into a country hit?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing
• Release date: Aug 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781951839680

Reviews for Night Songs

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the wake of realizing her husband's infidelity—and losing her job, as a result—Charlotte Van Cleave has little hope for her future, but she determines to figure it out. At the same time, Derek Daniels returns home from his life in the military in need of a new career path. There seems to be drama at every turn as they sort through their choices, but perhaps what God has in store for them is better than they could have planned.Night Songs by Jennifer Sienes makes for an interesting listen. These characters have quite a few challenges set before them, and at times, I felt frustrated how long they took to come to certain conclusions—but their journeys proved fruitful for their development. It is an uplifting read.I will say that I am not a huge fan of Southern accents in audiobooks, so while that influenced some of my enjoyment, this audiobook is still well-done. It makes for a solid option for readers who want to enjoy Night Songs in an alternative way.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not having read any books by Jennifer Sienes, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I enjoyed Night Songs, the first book in The Bedford County Series and am looking forward to other books in the series. Southern charm, a damsel in distress (big time distress--country music type distress!), a hero challenged by circumstances but wanting to help, and a long-time mystery waiting to be solved--what more could a reader who likes contemporary romance stories ask for? The author created realistic and relatable characters--characters who are normal everyday folk with struggles and dilemmas that need to be solved. I like how faith in God is brought out in a personal way, recognizing that He is there in the struggles and the joys of life. I listened to an audio version of the book and Christa DelSorbo did a great job narrating Charlie's journey to trusting God to fix her brokenness. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook through Celebrate Lit and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful story that reflects the power of forgiveness and new beginnings. Charlie’s career is over because she just couldn’t help telling a customer what she though. It may not have been the best choice but here she is in a farmhouse left to her by her sweet nana and pawpaw. The farmhouse is not exactly in great shape but maybe Charlie can use her skills to bring life back in to it. I loved that she is where so many good memories are and a feeling of comfort surrounds her on her first night. Perhaps there were a few moments when noises may have kept her up but this is her new home so she will have to adjust. I really liked getting to know more about Charlie’s past and how Derek and Nicky became so important in her life. Their time together when they were younger was carefree and filled with family time. I think Charlie might have spent more time at the boys house than hers. We learn about the tragic lose she endured and how she was taken in by her grandparents. That bond grew stronger over the years which I think has helped her get reacquainted with her new environment. Two brothers both like her but did she make the wrong choice? I liked Derek and how patient he has always been with Charlie. He tries to guide her to Jesus but she will have to let go of her anger and guilt first. Coming back home is bittersweet for him as Charlie is nearby. His feelings have never faded but now he is caught in the middle with Charlie and her husband. What do you do when you know a family member has done wrong? Can Derek be neutral when he deals with Charlie and his brother? I have to say it was hard for me to decide if she should give Nicky another chance. We all sin and sometimes need a second chance. It is hard to put into words all the emotional feelings I felt as I read this book. All these years Charlie has blamed herself for something she had no control over. She has believed that God has punished her and I cried when she realized how wrong she had been. Clarity seemed to finally break through for Charlie and the realization that God had a purpose for her life overwhelmed her. Who does Charlie end up with? Does Nicky change to save his marriage? Will Derek find his way to God’s plan for his life? Grab a copy of this story and find out the answers as you take a journey of discovering forgiveness, letting go of the past and finding that God has a plan for each of us. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.