Nostalgia for camp rules the day in NC author's romance novel 'The Summer of Songbirds'

Ben Steelman
·2 min read

Coastal North Carolina author Kirsty Woodson Harvey has turned in a near-perfect beach read. Or, perhaps more accurately, a camp read.

Harvey's "The Summer of Songbirds" follows the adventures of Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart. They've been best friends since they were 6 years old, lodged in the Songbird Cabin at Camp Holly Springs. Now, the three women help each other with life's little problems.

Sometimes, it's hard. Lanier, for example, is about to get married to Bryce, a handsome millionaire contractor from a prominent family.

Trouble is, Daphne, who's a lawyer, has just discovered that Bryce is a no-good jerk. He's fiddled the books with his construction company and is now in over his head. If he declares bankruptcy, dozens of clients, including Mary Stuart, could lose their homes.

Trouble is, Daphne can't tell Lanier, because Bryce is a client. If she reveals his peccadillos, she'd violate attorney-client privilege and could lose her license. Then, how would she support her 4-year-old son, Henry?

Another complication: Daphne's ex-husband, Huff — a drop-dead gorgeous surgeon — has stepped back into her life. They broke up bitterly a decade ago, but it's clear to both of them that emotions are still smoldering. Trouble is, Huff is Lanier's brother, and she doesn't want Daphne to hurt Huff again.

North Carolina author Kirsty Woodson Harvey is the author of the novel "The Summer of Songbirds."
North Carolina author Kirsty Woodson Harvey is the author of the novel "The Summer of Songbirds."

But that's just for starters. The three friends decide to throw a bachelorette party back at Camp Holly Springs. There, they discover the camp is about to go bust, and Daphne's Aunt June, the owner, may be forced to sell it to developers. The trio unite to save Camp Holly Springs, one way or another.

Harvey, who wrote the "Peachtree Bluff" novels, tells a brisk story, with plenty of romance and a dash of PG-13-rated sex. It's not a spoiler to report there's a happy ending.

Book review

'THE SUMMER OF SONGBIRDS'

By Kristy Woodson Harvey

Gallery Books, $27.99

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: The Summer of Songbirds, a romance novel by Kirsty Woodson Harvey