“Fans of Karen Kingsbury’s tender family stories will love this southern-flavored tale of triumph and grace.” —Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of Tending Roses and Larkspur Cove
The second book in the Songbird series from country music star Sara Evans and New York Times bestseller Rachel Hauck!
Happily married and owner of two successful boutiques, Jade longs to begin a family with her husband, Max. But when she discovers that Max has an illegitimate son—who he wants her to help raise—Jade’s life is turned upside down.
She flees to her childhood home, a rambling Iowa farmhouse, with enough room to breathe. There—while her mother’s health grows fragile, and the tug of her first love grows stronger—Jade begins to question everything she thought she knew about family, love, and motherhood. In the wide-open landscape, Jade begins to see a future that doesn’t rest on the power of her past, but in the goodness of God's tender mercies.
"Hang on for an emotional ride as a woman who 'married into a Southern soap opera' learns to forgive and trust again." —Booklist
"Enter the magic of Whisper Hollow and open your heart. Like Sara Evan's bittersweet songs, the notes and melody of Jade Fitzgerald's past sing a new future. In a world of wounded souls, forgiveness and redemption are the lyrics of this enchanting story." —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author
“Exquisitely written, an achingly beautiful story about lost and found relationships that made me ponder my own. This story is not to be missed.”—Susan May Warren, RITA award-winning, bestselling author of Nightingale
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"I loved this book! When I asked to read & review Softly & Tenderly, I didn't realize that it was the second in the Songbird series. But like any great book, it can stand alone. Jade's story touched me. She's happily married to Max, a lawyer who has (she thinks) overcome a drug addiction, together they have suffered through the loss of miscarriages, her mother living with them while fighting leukemia and refusing another round of chemo & radiation. She finds that her in-laws are keeping secrets, and those secrets have the potential to destroy Jade's world. But Jade's ability to forgive and her faith help her through some of the toughest times. I will definitely buy the first book, The Sweet By And By and read it soon!"
— Susie (4 out of 5 stars)
" Pretty good. Liked the first one better but I'm still looking forward to reading the 3rd one! "
— Anita, 12/25/2013" This book is number two in a series titled "Songbird." If you like reading contemporary Christian fiction, then you will love this book as well as the first book. In the book you find redemption, forgiveness, Christ like love, travel, and so much more. Once you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down. "
— Tera, 12/19/2013" An interesting book! "
— Jessica, 12/13/2013" There are 3 books in this series.I enjoyed them all.Sweet easy reads. "
— Penny, 11/24/2013" Eh. I'll put full review up on blog. "
— Sarah, 5/8/2013" The second of the series- I love the story line and how they flow from one book to the other. Last night as I finished this one "Love lLifted Me" was there waiting to pick up the pieces. Jade, Max, June, Reb, and Asa have all become members of my life. "
— Wanda, 6/25/2012" If you are a fan of Karen Kingsbury, you will enjoy this book. "
— Diane, 2/16/2012" Dramatic, soapy, but satisfying book about sin and forgiveness. "
— Linda, 2/16/2012" too religious - "
— Kathyg, 10/29/2011" This was a sequel to a book I had previously read (though I didn't realize it when I checked it out of the library). Interesting story line... well written... but full of hardship with not much redemption in the end. "
— Betsy, 8/13/2011" Even better than the first book in this series! I also love that we are seeing Jade completely exposed with all her flaws & mistakes totally put out there. I also love the dynamic of two men fighting for her affection & love. Can't wait to see who she chooses! "
— Brandy, 6/5/2011" Read because I love the voice.......enjoyed "
— Cindy, 4/12/2011" I enjoyed the story and I like the meaning and thought behind it but it was missing details. It wasn't as discriptive as I would have liked. The character's could have used more depth to make them more life-like. I'm not sure if I will read another book by this author. "
— Alicia, 2/15/2011" Eh. I'll put full review up on blog. "
— Sarah, 1/18/2011Rachel Hauck, a Rita Award finalist and Carol Award winner, graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in journalism. She has written dozens of novels, including the acclaimed Songbird novels with multiplatinum country singer Sara Evans, and serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in central Florida with her husband and writes from her ivory tower. (Her office really is in a tower, and it’s painted ivory.)