Night Songs
About the Book Night Songs
Book: Night Songs
Author: Jennifer Sienes
Genre: Women’s Christian Fiction/ Romance
Release date: April 12, 2022
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?
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts on Night Songs
Night Songs is a great book by an author I’ve come to love for her gritty and real-life novels. Her characters struggle and grow as if real.
I read the first chapter of this book in the back of another and immediately knew I had to read it. But, of course, it wasn’t out yet. I hate when they do that. It makes me so mad. . . not really but it does irk me because I want to read it RIGHT NOW!!!
It was worth the wait. We’ve got Charlie who is just the cutest character. She’s flawed guys. Really flawed but aren’t we all? She chose the wrong man and has to live with that while the right man just happens to now be living next door. Oh and yeah he’s her ex-husband’s brother. Talk about awkward!
You’re going to love this book. It’s one of those you can’t put down because you absolutely have to keep going and see what is going to happen next because you might miss something, amazing.
If you’ve never read one of this author’s books you’re in for a treat. Plus it’s promising that this is the first book in a new series. I always love new series popping up because that means more for me to read. All though it also means I have to wait. Sigh. I’m getting good at waiting.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
About the Author of Night Songs
Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered life experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing—and puts it all together in inspirational contemporary fiction.
Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels.
Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies including several in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.
More from Jennifer
I love everything about the South.
The seasons are more vibrant, the pace is slower, and the hospitality warmer than what I’ve previously experienced. I wasn’t born and raised here, but I’ve always felt an affinity for it. When my husband and I relocated from Northern California to middle Tennessee over three years ago, I was happier than ol’ Blue layin’ on the porch chewin’ on a big ol’ catfish head.
Yes, there are times we need a translator, but we’re quick studies.
The setting is an important element of storytelling, whether it’s fictional or true. I will be the first person to tell you, that I don’t have much imagination. I don’t read or write fantasy or sci-fi because I can’t picture myself in the story. Really, I am in awe of writers who are able to create an alternate world in their minds and then share it in a story.
Me?
I need to see it to write it.
For that reason, I was very excited about how this move from the only place I’ve ever known to one I’d dreamt about most of my life would impact my novels and novellas. We landed here in the middle of July to magnolia trees with waxy leaves as big as my head and sweet-smelling white blossoms I couldn’t enclose in both hands. Mockingbirds chattering all hours of the day (and a lone guy at night), bright red cardinals flitting from tree to tree, and even an armadillo or two lumbering across our yard.
The character of Charlotte Van Cleave (Charlie) was born out of my imagination.
Why I can create fake people but not fake settings is anyone’s guess. Her nana and pawpaw’s dilapidated farmhouse is a real home that had been abandoned outside the city limits of Shelbyville, Tennessee—in Bedford County, which is also the title of the series. I saw the house through a real estate website, and fortunately for me, it was empty. My husband and I snuck around the perimeter looking through broken windows to get a feel for the place.
It didn’t hurt that there were several photos on the website, as well.
The rest of the story came in fits and starts.
I first decided on Charlie’s personality, because if I know that, it’s easier to trip her up with all manner of chaos. If you’re familiar with the enneagram personality indicator, she’s a three—the Achiever.
The other main character, Derek Daniels, is a six—the Loyalist.
Throw in missionary parents, sibling rivalry, and southern culture and a story was born.
While I was working on Night Songs the mockingbirds were particularly active. They’re the Tennessee state bird, so they’re always around, but it’s only during the mating season they are vocal. I was lying awake in the middle of the night, and I heard one of them singing. I’d only ever heard them during the day, so I was surprised. Why would a lone mockingbird be singing at night? What I learned after a little research is that only those who are mate-less will do this. It made me sad to hear the little guy over the next several nights, pouring out his heart. Not unlike Charlie Van Cleave.
Thus, a title was born.
Blog Stops for Night Songs
lakesidelivingsite, May 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17
Daysong Reflections, May 18
Genesis 5020, May 19
Texas Book-aholic, May 20
Inklings and notions, May 21
Susan K. Beatty, Author, May 22 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, May 22
deb’s Book Review, May 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 24
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 25
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 26
Miriam Jacob, May 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 28
Back Porch Reads, May 29
Giveaway for Night Songs
To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1db53/night-songs-celebration-tour-giveaway
Rita+Wray
Sounds great, thank you for sharing.
Erin S.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by!
Tracie Cooper
What inspires your book plots?
Erin S.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by!
Eva Millien
Beautiful cover, Night Songs sounds like a great romance and I am looking forward to reading Charlotte and Derek’s story! Thanks for sharing it with me! Thanks, Erin, for sharing your thoughts! Have a sunshiny day!
Erin S.
You’re going to love it! It’s a really good book.
Debra Pruss
Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Erin S.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by!
Caryl Kane
Erin, Thank you for sharing your wonderful review. Night Songs sounds like a must read.
Erin S.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by!