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Songbird #2
Softly and Tenderly
Maybe in the wide-open country she can learn to breathe again.
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.
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.
292 pages, Hardcover
First published November 25, 2010
73 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
About the author
Sara Evans
62 books135 followersSara Evans is an American multi-platinum country music recording artist and songwriter. She was named female vocalist of the year in 2006 by the Academy of Country Music and was once awarded video of the year from the Country Music Association. She and her three children live in Birmingham, Alabama with former pro quarterback-turned-sportscaster Jay Barker, whom she married in 2008.
Librarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 1, 2020
Emotional faith based story—book 2 of 3.
I had to think about this before I actually reviewed it.
I found a cheating husband I dislike more than Phil Hunter, is that possible?? Apparently.
Hubby is keeping secrets... he’s hooked on Percocet after a stint in rehab, he’s had a one night stand with his ex-fiancé during his Vegas bachelor party weekend, this one doesn’t stay in Vegas. Two and half years later, the ex-fiancé is dead and he’s fighting for custody of his 18 month old with her parents. The 18 month old he’s been keeping a secret, supporting financially, but never telling his wife. The wife who he’s pushing to have a baby after 2 miscarriages. Then he decides he needs to go into serious rehab and leaves the baby with his wife right after she’s been through the devastation of losing her mother. He’s a real prince.
This isn’t a romance, lots of peripheral stories going on with lots of baggage to unpack. Book 3 even includes high school football Texas style.
I had to think about this before I actually reviewed it.
I found a cheating husband I dislike more than Phil Hunter, is that possible?? Apparently.
Hubby is keeping secrets... he’s hooked on Percocet after a stint in rehab, he’s had a one night stand with his ex-fiancé during his Vegas bachelor party weekend, this one doesn’t stay in Vegas. Two and half years later, the ex-fiancé is dead and he’s fighting for custody of his 18 month old with her parents. The 18 month old he’s been keeping a secret, supporting financially, but never telling his wife. The wife who he’s pushing to have a baby after 2 miscarriages. Then he decides he needs to go into serious rehab and leaves the baby with his wife right after she’s been through the devastation of losing her mother. He’s a real prince.
This isn’t a romance, lots of peripheral stories going on with lots of baggage to unpack. Book 3 even includes high school football Texas style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2012
The more I think about this book, the sadder I get. I think that it had a lot of potential to show how much strength can be gained by walking with Christ, how some things are morally wrong and that there are consequences to actions.
Everyone in this book was a cheater (Max sleeps with an ex a week before his wedding, but that's no biggie because they weren't married yet.... (Uh, NO! That's not how that works.) Jade's mother-in-law cheated on her husband 9 months before Max was born, and Jade's father-in-law is a serial cheater. Even Jade is caught kissing her ex-husband.
Fine, have that in the book, but then please explain that cheating is wrong in every situation. That everyone is hurt by cheating (both partners). And have genuine repentance for the wrongs.
I wished this book had a statisfying conclusion. Perhaps the 3rd book in the series will provide that. Fingers Crossed!
March 10, 2017
Just when life was starting to look up for Jade Benson, she married lawyer Max and reunited with her mother Beryl. A whole new set of challenges are about to occur, desperate for a baby Jade is heartbroken when her doctor informs her that she cannot carry full-term and her mother is diagnosed with Leukemia. When her husband Max and his mother June start pressuring for a child, Jade is torn between God's way and the worldly options of surrogacy and adoption. When tragedy strikes and Max's ex-girlfriend Rice is found dead, it seems that she left behind something for Max - a son that Max didn't let Jade know he had. With the revelation of Max having a son , it causes Jade to re-evaluate her marriage and whether or not she can live with the knowledge that he had a son elsewhere.Softly and Tenderly ia the sort of novel that when your whole world comes crumbling down, the only thing to help save what you have is good friends and family.
July 9, 2011
Jade has finally gotten everything she has wanted - almost. Having reconciled with the mother who abandoned her as a child and is currently struglling with terminal cancer, she has married the man of her supposed dreams and runs a successful business. The only thing missing is a child in her arms. After numerous miscarriages, her world feels like it is falling apart. When she learns of her husband's illegitimate son, conceived teh night of his bachelro's party, it finally comes crashing down. As she struggles with this new revelation, her husband's drug addiction, her mother's imminent death, and the dissolution of her in-laws' perfect marriage, Jade must decide what it is she is really looking for in life.
The religious aspect of this book wasn't as profound as many others of the genre, which I appreciated. However, I found Jade to be rather lacking as a character. It seemed as though all of her desires were fictional ones based in what she was "supposed" to want. When faced with real life dilemmas, her character floundered. The best part of the book was the strength exhibited by her mother and mother-in-law, as they road tripped to take her mother home to die.
Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
The religious aspect of this book wasn't as profound as many others of the genre, which I appreciated. However, I found Jade to be rather lacking as a character. It seemed as though all of her desires were fictional ones based in what she was "supposed" to want. When faced with real life dilemmas, her character floundered. The best part of the book was the strength exhibited by her mother and mother-in-law, as they road tripped to take her mother home to die.
Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
May 16, 2019
The second collaborative effort between Evans and Hauck is realistic and touching. The characters' motivations and reaction to situations will cause readers to think and examine their own hearts. The ending wraps up a little too quickly, but the stage is set for a third novel to tie the story together.
SUMMARY: Jade Fitzgerald discovers her in-laws struggles with infidelity at the same time her mother takes a turn for the worse and wants to head home to Iowa to die. What's worse is that her husband Max, who has overcome drug addiction and is committed to Jade, confesses that he has a nineteen-month-old son whose mother has recently died. How much more can Jade handle, and who can she turn to for comfort?
SUMMARY: Jade Fitzgerald discovers her in-laws struggles with infidelity at the same time her mother takes a turn for the worse and wants to head home to Iowa to die. What's worse is that her husband Max, who has overcome drug addiction and is committed to Jade, confesses that he has a nineteen-month-old son whose mother has recently died. How much more can Jade handle, and who can she turn to for comfort?
April 12, 2017
This series has me completely engrossed in the lives of these characters. Its not a "fun" read; sometimes its down right difficult to read because of all the hurt and sadness, but somehow, you finish reading with a sense of hope, a desire to strive to have a closer relationship with God, a renewed spirit to be thankful, forgiving, loving and patient with your own trials in life. If you do consider reading this, i would HIGHLY recommend reading all the novels in order.
February 23, 2020
Some over- simplification of tough concepts. In some places, characters are allowed to stretch the storyline by ignoring the obvious issues. A bit frustrating.
June 13, 2024
This was a touching story about love, loss, and over coming. A very quick and easy read.
May 29, 2023
This was a lot better than the first one
January 24, 2012
Sara Evans is also an American country singer. This book was sent to me through BookSneeze and the publishers for review.
Details about the book:
Author: Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck
Title: Softly & Tenderly
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
When I requested for this particular book for review, I was not aware of the fact that this is part of a series, in fact this is the second book in the Songbird series. But that is no cause for concern, as you can very well read this book as an individual novella without any need to refer to any part of a series.
The main protagonist is Jade, a young woman who has been married for quite some time now to her dashing husband Max. Jade is a successful business woman, with two boutiques in the small town where she lives, and a wonderful reputation of being the perfect woman, except that she has still not conceived.
Jade longs to start a family with her husband, though she is unable to bear him a child, and this is one nagging thought that makes her long for a child of her own even more.
Jade's world is suddenly turned upside down as she discovers a secret between her in-laws, a secret to which she unwillingly and unknowingly becomes a witness. Already burdened with the thought of her ailing mother who is spending her fight with cancer, this revelation seems like it is enough drama for now. But is it? Jade has more to witness, as she is confronted with a past from her husband, a husband who she loves with all her heart and who loves her back with as much passion, but whose past is now catching up nonetheless with Jade's present, and threatening to ruin all that she believed in.
Jade decides to run away from all the confusion and heart-break and decides to take her mother back to where she grew up. Thus Jade embarks on a road trip with her mother Beryl and her mother-in-law June.
I will not go into any more details as it would give up a lot on the story.
The book is a very fast read, especially as it is in large fonts and can be finished off in one sitting. The characters are nice and can be related to easily, the story is interesting, and I found it a little too easy a read for me.
However, as I am a non-believer, I found the concepts of 'Faith' and 'His Power' a little too much for my taste. I would rather have this as a regular book than a 'Believe In God' book. But I definitely do not mean that you will not like the book. The story is interestingly built and I actually liked it a bit, just the fact that the references to 'Him' were a little unnecessary for me, that's all. Hope I am not offending anyone here with my (non)belief.
I will give this book two stars: An OK read.
Details about the book:
Author: Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck
Title: Softly & Tenderly
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
When I requested for this particular book for review, I was not aware of the fact that this is part of a series, in fact this is the second book in the Songbird series. But that is no cause for concern, as you can very well read this book as an individual novella without any need to refer to any part of a series.
The main protagonist is Jade, a young woman who has been married for quite some time now to her dashing husband Max. Jade is a successful business woman, with two boutiques in the small town where she lives, and a wonderful reputation of being the perfect woman, except that she has still not conceived.
Jade longs to start a family with her husband, though she is unable to bear him a child, and this is one nagging thought that makes her long for a child of her own even more.
Jade's world is suddenly turned upside down as she discovers a secret between her in-laws, a secret to which she unwillingly and unknowingly becomes a witness. Already burdened with the thought of her ailing mother who is spending her fight with cancer, this revelation seems like it is enough drama for now. But is it? Jade has more to witness, as she is confronted with a past from her husband, a husband who she loves with all her heart and who loves her back with as much passion, but whose past is now catching up nonetheless with Jade's present, and threatening to ruin all that she believed in.
Jade decides to run away from all the confusion and heart-break and decides to take her mother back to where she grew up. Thus Jade embarks on a road trip with her mother Beryl and her mother-in-law June.
I will not go into any more details as it would give up a lot on the story.
The book is a very fast read, especially as it is in large fonts and can be finished off in one sitting. The characters are nice and can be related to easily, the story is interesting, and I found it a little too easy a read for me.
However, as I am a non-believer, I found the concepts of 'Faith' and 'His Power' a little too much for my taste. I would rather have this as a regular book than a 'Believe In God' book. But I definitely do not mean that you will not like the book. The story is interestingly built and I actually liked it a bit, just the fact that the references to 'Him' were a little unnecessary for me, that's all. Hope I am not offending anyone here with my (non)belief.
I will give this book two stars: An OK read.
December 7, 2011
My review: I received Softly and Tenderly from Book Sneeze in exchange for a free review. This has in no way altered view of the novel and all opinions are my own, true and true. SPOILERS!
Jade longs to begin a family with her husband, Max. But after 3 miscarriages, she is beginning to doubt. Maybe God doesn't want her to have a family. Maybe God is still punishing her. She struggles to run her two shops, help her mother-in-law, and care for her mother who is dying from cancer. When she finds out her husband has a son with another woman, she takes her mother home to die in Iowa. Will Jade ever return home?
June has had enough. When she catches her unfaithful husband in bed--in their house--with her best friend--she moves out, and heads to Iowa with Jade. June learns that maybe she doesn't understand her husband, and struggles with her life--and the past.
Reb thinks June lied to him. He loves her, but he's trying to punish her. For the one time she was unfaithful. IS Max Reb's son? He doesn't think so. He meant to hurt her, but he didn't want her to leave. Until she did. Now he has to get her back.
Max never meant to cheat before his wedding. But he did. When the woman he loved dies, he becomes a father again. Only, Jade doesn't know. And the grandparents sue for custody, Max has been dished up a lot to deal with. He must learn how to be a father and a husband. Can he get Jade to be a mother to his son?\
Ultimately, Softly and Tenderly, is about letting go of the past and not letting it define you. It's a unique story about faith, family, death, love, and life. The Bensons have a lot to learn within a year--about themselves--and each other.
Jade longs to begin a family with her husband, Max. But after 3 miscarriages, she is beginning to doubt. Maybe God doesn't want her to have a family. Maybe God is still punishing her. She struggles to run her two shops, help her mother-in-law, and care for her mother who is dying from cancer. When she finds out her husband has a son with another woman, she takes her mother home to die in Iowa. Will Jade ever return home?
June has had enough. When she catches her unfaithful husband in bed--in their house--with her best friend--she moves out, and heads to Iowa with Jade. June learns that maybe she doesn't understand her husband, and struggles with her life--and the past.
Reb thinks June lied to him. He loves her, but he's trying to punish her. For the one time she was unfaithful. IS Max Reb's son? He doesn't think so. He meant to hurt her, but he didn't want her to leave. Until she did. Now he has to get her back.
Max never meant to cheat before his wedding. But he did. When the woman he loved dies, he becomes a father again. Only, Jade doesn't know. And the grandparents sue for custody, Max has been dished up a lot to deal with. He must learn how to be a father and a husband. Can he get Jade to be a mother to his son?\
Ultimately, Softly and Tenderly, is about letting go of the past and not letting it define you. It's a unique story about faith, family, death, love, and life. The Bensons have a lot to learn within a year--about themselves--and each other.
June 16, 2011
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me... So the song goes. One of my favorites. What an awesome read!
I haven't read the first book, but I think from my experience that the books can stand alone as well. We meet Jade, who is married to Max. They are having troubles with having children. But when Max's ex-wife dies and Jade finds out that they slept together a week before Jade and Max's wedding and have a son, will Jade be able to forgive Max and keep Asa as her own even though she can't have any?
Jade's mother in law and Jade walk in on her father-in-law and June's friend having an affair. So maybe Max takes after his father Rebel and will cheat all his life too.
With all of this going and Jade's mother, Beryl, having leukemia and dying, can Jade take any more? Is her place with Max or somewhere else, perhaps with her ex-husband Dustin? All these questions will be answered in this fantastic, easy to read book!
I haven't read the first book, but I think from my experience that the books can stand alone as well. We meet Jade, who is married to Max. They are having troubles with having children. But when Max's ex-wife dies and Jade finds out that they slept together a week before Jade and Max's wedding and have a son, will Jade be able to forgive Max and keep Asa as her own even though she can't have any?
Jade's mother in law and Jade walk in on her father-in-law and June's friend having an affair. So maybe Max takes after his father Rebel and will cheat all his life too.
With all of this going and Jade's mother, Beryl, having leukemia and dying, can Jade take any more? Is her place with Max or somewhere else, perhaps with her ex-husband Dustin? All these questions will be answered in this fantastic, easy to read book!
November 17, 2017
In this second installment of the Evans/Hauck collaboration, Jade’s troubles increase. Now she must deal with a dying mother, hurting mother-in-law, unfaithful husband, and temptation in the form of an old love from her past. This book was a page-turner. However, I would’ve liked to see a more joyful outcome, but I’m not ready to give up on Jade yet! I know I’ll be checking out whatever comes next in her world. I just can’t help but want healing and happiness for her!
July 29, 2016
I'm not entirely sure how to rate this book. While the characters were very believable, there was so much drama that this book almost felt like a soap opera. Despite that, I was constantly wondering how I would react if I were in Jade or June's situation and I felt like I was making decisions right along with the characters. 7/10
May 5, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Songbird series, The Sweet By and By, a heartwarming tale of love and redemption. This second novel takes up a couple of years after that sweet ending. At first, it looks like Jade's life is pretty wonderful in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee except for the fact that she and her husband Max have still been unable to have a baby. Then a series of events exposes the many cracks in Jade's world - her husband's substance abuse, her father-in-law's cheating ways and the motive behind them, and, most of all, her husband's betrayal just before their wedding and a life-changing secret that's like a knife to Jade's already wounded heart. On top of all of this heartbreak, Jade's Freebird of a mother, Beryl, is losing her battle with leukemia and wants to die at home in Iowa.
Grieving for the mother she's not ready to let go of, Jade, along with her mother-in-law, June, take the opportunity of granting Beryl's wish as a way to get away from the various sources of heartache and do a little soul searching. Enter Jade's ex-husband, her father-in-law's bid for state judge back in Tennessee, and a rolling hill of memories, Jade struggles to deal with everything.
Because it's a lot. I felt that there were too many problems facing Jade and June at once - substance abuse, infidelity, betrayal, grief, old feelings, an accident at Jade's business, and more. I mean, sure, that's how life can be but for the sake of the story, there were just too many things vying for the reader's attention. There is not a lot of joy to be found in this second story about Jade's search for redemption but there is a lot of wisdom. And several questions left at the end that are hopefully answered in the final book.
Grieving for the mother she's not ready to let go of, Jade, along with her mother-in-law, June, take the opportunity of granting Beryl's wish as a way to get away from the various sources of heartache and do a little soul searching. Enter Jade's ex-husband, her father-in-law's bid for state judge back in Tennessee, and a rolling hill of memories, Jade struggles to deal with everything.
Because it's a lot. I felt that there were too many problems facing Jade and June at once - substance abuse, infidelity, betrayal, grief, old feelings, an accident at Jade's business, and more. I mean, sure, that's how life can be but for the sake of the story, there were just too many things vying for the reader's attention. There is not a lot of joy to be found in this second story about Jade's search for redemption but there is a lot of wisdom. And several questions left at the end that are hopefully answered in the final book.
April 21, 2021
being a Christian doesn't always have cut and dry decisions about how we should behave. if my husband continually has affairs, should i continue to forgive and go back for more emotional abuse? Christ asks us to forgive 70 times 7...unlimited, but is the right choice always to forgive and go back? what about the husband who sleeps with his ex fiance a week before he said his vows to you? if he confesses, what do you do?
lessons: there are unexpected joys that God has in store that we can not fathom.
The hard times we are currently going through don't last forever; there is a beautiful sunset just around the corner,e ven in the most stressful of times.
cherish family while you have them; we're not guaranteed another day.
be careful to not let your heart be led astray emotionally -- physical will likely follow.
be wise sexually; things go slippery downhill fast.
people's "perfect" lives are not usually what they appear; we all have our own joys and our sorrows.
lessons: there are unexpected joys that God has in store that we can not fathom.
The hard times we are currently going through don't last forever; there is a beautiful sunset just around the corner,e ven in the most stressful of times.
cherish family while you have them; we're not guaranteed another day.
be careful to not let your heart be led astray emotionally -- physical will likely follow.
be wise sexually; things go slippery downhill fast.
people's "perfect" lives are not usually what they appear; we all have our own joys and our sorrows.
June 29, 2018
Alright, I’m going to try to be fair and admit that I accidentally jumped into the middle of this trilogy without reading the first book. So, the cumulative drama of both books may have just pushed it too far for me, but I only made it about halfway through before giving up on this story.
I’m a sucker for clean/ Christian themed romances. I’m usually pretty lenient with the genre. My main problem with this story line is that it falls into the worldly trap of normalizing extramarital affairs. While not condoning immorality, Sara Evans makes sure that so many characters are stepping out on their spouses, that it adds to the already overwhelming flood of sludge coming from “typical” books.
The overarching theme of forgiveness is commendable, however, it could be effectively communicated without every dang character being an adulterer.
I’m a sucker for clean/ Christian themed romances. I’m usually pretty lenient with the genre. My main problem with this story line is that it falls into the worldly trap of normalizing extramarital affairs. While not condoning immorality, Sara Evans makes sure that so many characters are stepping out on their spouses, that it adds to the already overwhelming flood of sludge coming from “typical” books.
The overarching theme of forgiveness is commendable, however, it could be effectively communicated without every dang character being an adulterer.
June 10, 2018
Finding Myself
Jade's life had not been easy and she guarded her heart very closely. Max had done all the right things and she trusted him so this marriage may just be the answer to her prayers. Things seemed to be going her way for a change, two antique stores, new marriage, husband that loves her, a relationship with her Mother, and then it happens. Read this book and see how Jade turns her life over to Jesus and his He walks her through the toughest time of her life.
Jade's life had not been easy and she guarded her heart very closely. Max had done all the right things and she trusted him so this marriage may just be the answer to her prayers. Things seemed to be going her way for a change, two antique stores, new marriage, husband that loves her, a relationship with her Mother, and then it happens. Read this book and see how Jade turns her life over to Jesus and his He walks her through the toughest time of her life.
June 15, 2018
Meh. Didn’t hate it but I just felt like so many problems were introduced in this one that took away some of the sweetness of the first book. I do love that the mother/daughter relationship was improved. The ending felt incredibly rushed.
September 25, 2019
I liked the first in the series, but absolutely loved this sequel. I feel the mother daughter dynamic in this one was so well written and Jade’s struggling marriage was very realistic. Can’t wait to start the final book.
February 23, 2020
Started out slow but then it turned out wonderful. There in one more book in this series and I look forward to finishing it. This has been so good. I love Christian Fiction. I can only wish Sara Evans would have written more fiction.
February 8, 2021
Had I known that this was the second book in a series, I would have read the first one before this one. Several unanswered questions so guess I’ll have to buy the first one. Well, maybe not. Didn’t like it enough to spend the money.
May 25, 2021
Reads a bit like a Christian soap opera! Things seem to go from bad to worse. But some times life is that. Sometimes I wonder if the characters are learning anything But a fun and easy read. That made me cry. I will probably read the final book
November 20, 2021
This book tells the rich story of what happens after the "happily ever after" that most books end with. We continue the story of Jade, Max and their parents. I loved the truth of this book and the challenges that the characters faced.
March 7, 2018
Second book in this Christian trilogy, (see an overall review of the trilogy at book one).
Even better than the first book. I’m excited to start reading book three!
Even better than the first book. I’m excited to start reading book three!
June 13, 2019
Very good. Not as good as the first, but still really good.
August 31, 2020
This was a nice surprise! Second in the series.
September 5, 2020
This is a wonderful story of love and forgiveness and finding family where we don’t expect it out of something bitter comes something sweet.
Read
November 30, 2020I didn’t get very far. Not my style but well-written from what I can tell. Kudos to the writing duo of Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck!
February 5, 2021
3.5 stars
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