Bird After Bird

The Byrds of Birdseye

by Leslea Tash

"Can you go home again? Maybe not, but you can find home when you stop running from the past."~ Katina F, Amazon reviewer

Finally! An intelligent romance that flips the script on finding real love as a new adult. Wren is no damsel in distress, and Laurie is no mindless hero. Two very real, talented-but-damaged characters discover that growing up doesn't mean being healed by love, but choosing to heal because of love. Readers are saying, "The question of 'will they or won't they' was well-played. I could not put it down and the ending was perfect! Laurie is my new book boyfriend!"

BIRD AFTER BIRD is the story of two survivors:

Dear Birdy, Princess Birdzilla von MuffinStuff, Keeper of Dreams, Lover of our Fine Feathered Friends, queen of my life and light of my world, I hope this letter finds you well. If you are reading this then I am gone, and sweetheart, I am so sorry.

Chi-town professional Wren Riley is 25 and a rising star in the business world. She can eat a man alive and laugh about it to her girlfriends in seconds flat--at least according to her reputation. Behind the power suits and the flashing, flirty eyes, however, Wren has a secret, vulnerable side. Following a devastating loss and the discovery of a bird journal she and her father made together years before, Wren sets out to seek peace, closure, and something she just can't name. Is that something tied to the little paper cranes she keeps finding along the way?

BIRD AFTER BIRD is the story of two warriors:

Laurence Byrd grew up a lanky Hoosier kid with the good/bad fortune of having the same name as the state's perennial basketball legend. With a better affinity for dogs than sports or school, he ends up in the Army instead of the Chicago art school of his dreams. Still, his service to our country is something he can be proud of--until an argument with the girl who means the world to him results in a series of events that blows his life apart. With no one left to understand him, black sheep Laurie pours out his heart into letters and drawings he never intends to send--then he folds them into paper cranes that he leaves behind like messages in little winged bottles. He never dreams someone might be finding them.

God damn it, Sylvia, for a few moments I tricked myself into feeling really alive. I cut it off before anyone got hurt, but just for a moment or two, I really thought I might feel something again--something like trust. Something like love. Not the kind of love we had, but something new. Something like hope.

BIRD AFTER BIRD is a love story. When Wren & Laurie meet, their lives will never be the same.

"A sweet romance in the new adult fiction genre, this book completely delivers. The setting of the story against a backdrop of 'birding' was fascinating, in that it introduced a world to me that I know nothing about, and a unique way of two people finding each other. Pick up a copy!" ~M. Frastley, Amazon reviewer

"I must admit that when I got to the end of this book, I let out a tiny whimper from under my breath. It was over and I didn't want it to be; the style of writing was unique, fun, quirky and witty." ~JC at All Is Read

"Sweet and delightful." ~Yolanda, of Yolanda Has So Many Books And So Little Time

Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Birds

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

As Red Tash, I write mostly cozy fantasy midlife mysteries set in the magical Midwest. Everything else that I decide to fool around with usually gets published as by Leslea Tash, so you'll see a variety of genres on this profile.

I am a former journalist, an avid bird nerd, and a super-proud wife & mom of four. Slightly opinionated.

When I originally wrote this bio, I ended it with "Up to my neck in feathers, leaves, and sloppy kisses. Ask me if I mind." Since then, my kids are 75% grown up! I miss the sloppy kisses.

And we no longer keep chickens, but that was a fun time in our lives, and I get to relive it through Miss Fitz anytime I like.

Reviews

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 2 out of 5]

***2.5 stars***

BIRD AFTER BIRD is a bird lovers delight. Wren Riley and Laurence “Laurie” Byrd both experience the tragedy of losing someone they love. They meet when Wren has returned home a year later after her father's passing. Their friendship blossoms from friends to lovers pretty quickly.

The story opens up with a letter from Wren’s deceased father. The letter and notes her father left for her to discover were my favorite parts of the story. The fatherly advice he bestowed were real gems.

Bird After Bird has some confusing scene transitions and the flow didn’t always happen in the most smoothest way. Sometimes the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. A lot of bird references throughout the narrative. By no means should you judge your decision to read this book off of my review. I know others who gave this story excellent ratings.



Standalone

**Complimentary copy courtesy of Fido Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Kelli C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 to 3.5 Birdy Stars!

Book ARC provided per author for honest review.

This is one of those sweet reads that hooked me from the first few pages, set my hopes high and then became something else entirely. I felt this book was a solid/decent read, but I also felt it could have been Fabulous!

Quick Synopsis: Wren Riley returns home from Chicago after the passing of her father. She was always bright and determined to get out of small town Birdseye. Home dealing with her father's estate puts her back into a world of bird watching, something she loves and basks in. She literally stumbles upon a local good boy who immediately calls to her libido! This sexy sweet man has her comfortable and swooning fast. Wren is no stranger to making the first move!

Lawrence "Laurie" Byrd has had a rough life after experiencing loss during times of war in the army then again in his personal life with the death of his fiancé. Wren and Laurie have a good connection and move fast from friends to lovers but unfortunately they live in two different worlds thus propelling the story as to finding what they truly want as well as what or where they are meant to be.

What I Like: I absolutely thought his author did a brilliant job of developing the characters through the personal letters either written to them or by them. I could feel the love and presence of Wren's dad even in his death. Also, Laurie's origami bird letters to Sylvie then to Wren were so special! Laurie himself in my book was equally as special. This man was genuinely good hearted and sweet. He was a true "good guy" and there was no way not to root for him to "get his wren"!

My issues: I basically had a problem with Wren! I struggled to connect with her after her initial encounter with Laurie. This woman, to me, was quite selfish.

I could understand how people thought she was "too good" for Birdseye. While I appreciate drive and goals, I don't like how she never communicated with Laurie. She basically said she loved him, then never had the actions to back it up! You just put a war vet down by telling him there is more in the city, and you do not just drop an "im moving to NYC" in the middle of a romantic date without even discussing it first!

Also, I thought there was a lack of smooth transition from some scenes...from a fight to being away at a fair in love, random visits with nuns?, Laurie singing? then going to NYC for a talent show, just oddities that didn't quite flow into each section. This is where I wish I could have maybe skimmed to get to the heart of the story...were they gonna ever find each other!!!???

Overall, this was a good debut by Leslea Tash! It was unique in its plot and had likeable characters, for the most part, lol! The angst is minimal, and the heat factor is more slow and simmering versus a true scorcher. I will say it has a lot of great bird facts that can win you some trivia!!!

[Dee Montoya · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 Sweet Stars****
(ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

Wren Riley is a professional and independent woman thriving in the big city; she's grieving the death of her father who was very important to her, they had a very special and close relationship and now that he's gone she feels lost. Back in her home town of Birdseye she was always a star; homecoming queen, student body president and leader of her math club. She grew up and left her town behind, but even after all the success she knows something is missing...

Laurence Byrd is a local artist who spends his days in his log cabin, painting and trying to move on from the devastation he found when he came back from the Army. He writes love letters to the one he loved and lost asking for advise, praying for a way out of his loneliness... Wren and Laurence meet one afternoon and after they spend the day together they both find something they were in desperate need of, hope...

Laurence once loved with his whole heart, and now he's ready to heal and move on and Wren is the one he wants, so he doesn't play around letting her know, he doesn't want to waste one more second without her. Wren is always used to playing by her own rules, and Laurence and the feelings she has for him scare her; so will Wren surrender to love for the fist time in her life? and will Laurence be able to give his whole heart to Wren, breaking from the shadow of his old heartache?



I thought this story was very sweet story and I was able to relate to Wren and her love for her father, even though he was gone, she was always talking to him, remembering and honoring everything he taught her. I felt like not only Wren was very guarded but also jaded and she needed someone simple and genuine like Laurie, he was just the sweetest guy ever. I must be honest and say that the plot didn't always flowed smoothly, I would be reading a scene and then it would switched leaving me confused about where I was, in more than one occasion I had to read the same scene several times to try to understand. Another issue I had was that I felt like the bird references were used a little too much, I get and appreciate that the birds are a very important part of this book but I personally would have toned it down a bit. Regardless of this small issues I really enjoyed reading the story, made me cry, daydream and discover a world of beautiful things that sometimes we take for granted. This book had a lot of heart and a ton of great music so it was right up my alley, I loved Wren and Laurie's tender story and I would have loved an epilogue.

My Bird After Bird Playlist:
* BlackBird by The Beatles
*January Wedding by The Avett Brothers
*I Would Be Sad by The Avett Brothers
*Let Her Go by Passenger
*Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 No Egrets, Sparrow to Sparrow, Homage Stars * * * *

As children we have a sense of where we stand in our family… and that can mean many things. Sometimes you bond with a parent more than the other for any number of reasons. Sometimes the bonding can alternate … depending on times and ages … but what happens most during these bonding periods are the memories created… special moments which can live on forever and bring such closeness to those who may be gone now.

I was not what you would totally call a Daddy’s girl but we did have very special times together. My dad loved golf. He would take me out to the course… taught me to caddie for him. It was a time when you would drag the clubs on a little three wheel cart specific for the bag… I remember doing this with him when I was 10 or 11 years old… playing, shooting a “bucket of balls” off the driving range and long dusk hours on the putting green. He was proud to take his kid… show her the ropes… instill the patience needed to putt; something, by the way, which made me crazy…. But during those times, we would talk and he would share with me his ideas… and translate how to handle tough times in school or with a brother and sister… or even mom… it was our very special time together.

I share these memories because Bird After Bird by Leslea Tash artfully uses the bond and memories of Wren Riley with her father as the basis of this book. We are there in the bank when she opens the safety deposit box holding a letter with the bird journal. Her father had died a year ago from lung cancer and this journal had huge significance. She had just learned of this box through the attorney; her father purposely made it available only after a year of his death. The letter was as if he was right there talking, telling her about how he knew things were happening in her life and how she needed to step back, understand……take a moment.

He talked about his extraordinary love of her mother and even though he lost her to cancer early in the marriage, his love for her and their life sustained him; never felt the desire for a new life partner… she was it. He wants this for Wren… he wants her to find the love of her life and follow her gut; not be so closed to the possibility of something off the path…

Wren has experienced deep loss… first, when her mother passed away from lung cancer when she was a preteen. Her father helped her through it… yet she compartmentalized it. She became focused on all sorts of school projects, clubs and other things. She became that kid who did well in school and others were either jealous or happy for her… no in-between. Her accomplishments became gossip and by going to Northwestern for college, she became one of the few to leave. Her success in Chicago was known, so being back home, selling the house was difficult.

Hours away from Chicago, Birdeye was a treasure trove of natural beauty. Trees, lakes and birds… all types to be appreciated learned of and watched; the love of Birding was what helped the both of them grieve. The journey taken together to work through their loss was monumental; she and her father went all over working through their list and while doing it, they experienced so much more than the sighting of the birds.

With these memories overwhelming Wren, she stops at the Beer & Bait to use the facilities. Unfortunately, what shouldn’t have been a problem was…. And she gets out of there barely able to breathe. A fella takes pity on her and explains there is another place to go… down by the peer…

Wren… is just wanting to get herself together… finding the journal, the letter … it has been just too much… she really doesn’t want to deal with seeing anyone she knows from her past life…

This Fella is Laurie... a war vet; a man raised here in Birdeye, a few years younger than Wren. He has a gentleness in his manner and Wren is willing to take his offer of going to his house to get herself together, etc. There she is treated to the visions of his paintings... beautiful nature... birds and a sense of ease takes them both together. There is a feeling; a want between them... something sweet yet powerful.... because in their pain of loss; they both feel it.

We learn about Laurie's loss of his fiancee and all that meant to him; his loss of her family... the only real family he felt cared for him... his safe haven... It has been some time since the loss of his Sylvia, and Laurie has been working through it by writing letters to her folded into origami cranes... and placing them in all the places where he trained his service dog. These letters are conversations of his want for her... of his working through this time without her... and ultimately... how he feels about letting go and moving on...

Because Wren is back in the area... she is traveling over places she spent birding with her father; taking moments to relive these precious memories... trying to ground herself and find her center. She finds the swans... and with these cranes saved first just for their beauty... then later opened and read... we as readers see the writing on the wall as to the connection between the characters.

These characters were fleshed out and felt very real... yet there were times where I had some very important concerns... Laurie was a combination of sweet, caring and loving. Flat out...it was so lovely. Yet, although he was old beyond his years of 22... due to life and war... there was still something young to him... he had a mother who was a shrew, a passive dad and one sister who took after the mother. His other sister was a saving grace and supported him. He hated confrontation and that caused some of his behaviors....which again made him feel young to me.

All of this sweetness was there for Wren... flat out there....she and Laurie had this bonding experience...they were working out how to be together... yet not really... because Wren is not communicating with Laurie... she doesn't share her life and troubles with him... give him a chance to hear her and her concerns... so there is a disconnect for them...and for me a frustration with Wren...

We root for these two... we want them to be together and it is a journey. The secondary players have humor and pathos, especially a bit player in a neighbor... he made such an important impact of how much Wren was loved by family and friends.

There is much to this story to like, however, and I am very pleased and glad I read it. I learned a lot about birding... and how it can be so encompassing... and most of all it brought me wonderful memories of a loved one and for that I will always be grateful.

A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Fran P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The first time I read the blurb, I thought it sounded different from all the current New Adult books I've been reading. It also reminded me a little bit of Message in a Bottle because of the letters, so I got really excited about it. Of course, when the author, Leslea Tash, emailed me afterwards about doing an ARC review, I got way pumped up about it even more.

Bird After Bird is one of those sweet reads that can warm your heart. It is about a 25-year-old career woman, Wren Riley, who comes home from Chicago to small town Birdseye after her father's death. There she finds a bird journal she and her father made together years before, which leads her to rediscover her love for birds and her vulnerable side. She then meets hometown boy Laurence "Laurie" Byrd, who at only 22, has had one too many heartbreaking deaths in his life.

The two quickly move from friends to lovers, but living in different worlds get them both questioning themselves about what they want in life and who they are meant to be. Will their obvious connection be enough to see them through?

"This Byrd wants a Wren."

So, here's the thing, I really liked the first chapter of the book because it was a good, solid start, and it was quite heartwarming. However, to be honest, it took me a bit longer to get totally into the story as there were some issues that prevented me to do so.

Laurie seemed to be the kind of guy who can make anyone swoon. An Army vet, an artist, and a mechanic, and he's also the sensitive type. But maybe because I've become spoiled and too used to reading about Alpha males, he's not one I would personally consider an ideal book boyfriend. Also, there were times when, in my head, he sounded like a girl. I know he's supposed to be more in tuned with his emotions than most, but it unfortunately made it a little bit obvious to me that the book was written by a female author.

I have to say though that I loved his letters, and I couldn't help but be reminded of Garret Blake from Message in a Bottle (yes, I'm obviously a fan).

Wren, on the other hand, I wasn't totally convinced that she's supposed to be a man-eater. People around her kept describing her as a big bad bitch at work and with men, but I couldn't really see it. I wish there would have been more showing than just telling, you know? I think I needed more proof of that part of her character for it to be a hundred percent believable to me.

I did like how mature she was, and I was really impressed by how the author portrayed her in that aspect. I mean, Wren could have easily acted immature and younger than Laurie, like with many other books. Also, I was able to feel how lost she was. In a way, I could relate to her as it's basically like going through a quarter-life crisis of some sort. I'm not defending her stupid way of dealing with her relationship with someone she supposedly loves, but I can see how she would have reacted the way she did.

Both Wren and Laurie's past histories, personal beliefs, and their shortcomings all came into play, so I was able to accept the circumstances, and not be frustrated or annoyed by it. Of course, the resolution between them in the end was so sweet and worth the wait.

“For a moment, I felt like myself again. Not the new me, not the old me, just the real me.”

Now, on to my other issue, the story didn't flow as smoothly as it should have. The transition from some scenes to the next made me a little confused, and left me hanging at times. Perhaps it was because the pacing was sometimes too fast and then sometimes got a bit slow. Also, I felt like some of the subplots that were thrown in seemed too random. Suddenly there was a nun, then Laurie was singing, and then filming a talent show. I just think that if maybe the plot development and transitions were much better, this would have easily been a 5-star read.

The book definitely had its moments, and my favorite part was the entire Chapter 36. The exchange between Laurie and Wren simply tugged at my heartstrings. It was intense and beautiful. I honestly think it was perfectly done. Period.

“If he would see me again, I would die happy. In the meantime, I was merely dying.”

Overall, I liked how the story felt refreshing. I may not have thought much about birds in general but this book certainly provided me with interesting tidbits. If you're looking for a cute, sweet, and touching read, you may want to check out Leslea Tash's debut novel.

 

*ARC provided by the author

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the death of her father, Wren returns to her childhood home in Indiana. Her plan is to sell the family home as quickly as possible so she can return to her life in Chicago. But when she discovers a journal her father left her, a journal which calls into question the path she has chosen for herself, she is forced to make some choices.

Laurie, a returned serviceman, is carrying the guilt over two deaths. His fiancée, a dog handler who died while on a search and rescue, and a friend who was killed by a road side bomb. When he meets Wren he finds a chance for redemption, a chance to move forward with his life. But Wren has her own issues and finds herself pushing him away even while she knows he is exactly what she wants.



Bird After Bird is something of an odd bird. It doesn't quite fit into the contemporary romance genre and it isn't quite women's fiction. It's written with a measured pace from alternating points of view and honestly for the first 20% or so of the book I struggled. But that initial effort paid off and by the half way mark I was well and truly sucked in.
I just want to say, Laurie is a returned serviceman. Contemporary Romance would demand that he be a Navy SEAL. Thank you Ms Tash for making your hero a motor mechanic!!! I bang my head against the metaphorical wall every time I read a romance hero is a SEAL. That's just one refreshing thing in a book which somehow manages to be whimsical while still showing very real human emotions.

DISCLOSURE: I am a friend of the author on both Facebook and Goodreads.

Many thanks to Leslea Tash for providing me with this ARC.

[Lauren (Northern Plunder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was first posted on Northern Plunder, if you want to see more reviews please click here.

When Leslea contacted me about possibly reviewing Bird After Bird I didn't have to think twice. It's a romance which is not the kind of genre I'd usually fall head over heels for but this wouldn't be the first time I read one from authors whose other work I admire. This will in no way alter my opinion on the book.

I read most of Bird After Bird on release day because I let packing and travelling home get in the way of reading yet again, but what I'd read previously meant I knew I'd be okay sitting reading it on and off in one day any way.

Wren and Laurie are cute and enjoyable characters.

From first meeting it's easy to see how they click and work well together.

And they both have their own baggage they're dealing with.

Wren is still dealing with the grief from the loss of her father a year ago and Laurie has something similar to deal with the loss of his fiancée, Sylvia, and their dog.

But how they both start to come to terms with their losses is one of the things I loved the most, she read a letter and book from her dad and he leaves letters to Sylvia.

Another great thing is that this wasn't insta-love, their relationship developed over months, it faced every day problems such as distance and job promotions and what I liked even more is that it wasn't clear what state they'd end up in, it wasn't predictable.

"This is yours now. Do you feel it beat for you?"

There is no doubt in my mind that Laurie and Wren are made for each other and I really enjoyed the two figuring that out, the happiness and pain the two went through made them seem so real.

If I have nothing bad to say then why not five stars? and that is simply because whilst I enjoyed reading every moment of it, I still felt like something was missing.

But to add that something would mean venturing out of the contemporary romance and into the fantasy or supernatural haha!

I can't wait to take my next dive into this genre and see what journey I'm taken on next time.

I think one of the main reasons I enjoyed this so much is because no matter how unrelatable or different the characters are to my boyfriend and I, I still see us in the story through the small acts and feelings.

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bird After Bird is beautifully written. It is a tender and sweet tale about two bird lovers finding themselves and each other.

"You know all those birding trips we took, where we got out of town and bumped up our life list? You remember those times when we ended up lost, took a wrong turn, and still ended up where we were meant to be? Kid, that's where you are, I think. I think you're trying, but..."

Wren Riley spent one incredible summer with her dad, searching for birds and making new memories following the death of her mom. She then spent ten years doing all she could to make her dad proud - at least on paper. Following another devastating loss, she's back home to deal with some things and one of those 'things' is the journal she and her dad made that one summer. Wren then embarks on a soul-searching journey as she tries to follow her dad's advice and find the real Wren. And along the way, she finds Laurie Byrd.

Laurence 'Laurie' Byrd has more than a few demons. Having been raised by a mother who was never happy with who he was, he has a few issues. He's also an Army vet who saw and lost things in war on both sides - the home front and the battlefield. Laurie has been ghosting through life since his return. When he meets Wren, he feels something - like being alive again. So he sets out on a journey of his own.

Wren is a heroine I could identify with in that she worked very hard but wasn't following her passion. She was trying so hard to be enough but she wasn't happy doing it. Laurie's character resonated with me because of his feelings of not measuring up. It was such a joy to see these two help one another realize that neither one of them should be wasting time chasing paper birds. That's a lesson that resonated with me as well.

I adore this story. It's told in dual POV and having a front row seat to both Wren's and Laurie's journeys was fascinating. Ms. Tash clearly loves these characters and shares their story with such emotion and tenderness, it made me love them all the more. The fact that Wren and Laurie both have 'bird' names that correlate to the title was clever. There are many references to this throughout the story and Ms. Tash tied it all together with the birds brilliantly.

[Brandi {BusyBwith3} · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am going to start with an apology. I don't like giving bad reviews but I am, also, honest to a fault. I can't say I hated this book but I didn't love it either? I think it has to be hard to write down your thoughts/story to have others not like it hence the apology because my review will not be flattering.

The book could have been improved in a few ways. While I appreciate everyone has their own likes/ hobbies. I did not need so much detail about bird watching?

I can see the author was on to something with the clever name choices, Wren, Lark, and Byrd. That is were clever ends. The characters needed to be fleshed out. There were so many loose ends that could have tied back in, which would have enhanced the book. Examples: the death of Sylvia and it's impact on Laurie (not loving his name), the painting he hid (why), and the photo of them as a children (what did that mean or add)?

The story spent far too much time on bird watching, bird information etc. when it could have speed up on this topic, it really needed to slow down on the love building aspect. Let the reader feel what they feel. Give us something that drew Laurie & Wren together. One minute they are strangers the next in love and he is over loosing his fiancé... BAM book done?

It had things that worked and could of built a much more interesting plot. The Dads letters/ notes were great!

I feel with a little more twists or turns, some building emotion between H/h( aka, steam)less side non-sense( singing, mean mom, bird activism?) the story could have focused on the characters being more developed and a thicker plot? Just get it down to a couple things and go for it.The cranes in the park was good, giving us the notes in them with more meaning...better. The photo of them as children could have been a twist... See where I'm going with this?

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing a copy of Bird After Bird.

[C.D. Reiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This.
Looks.
Amazing.

[Debra]

**ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review**

[Lily Althea · Rating 5 out of 5]

> French Review <
> English Review <

To be quite honest I don’t know anything about ornithology. I don’t know how to tell most birds apart and as a good city girl, I’ve never been birding. That being said, I was scared that this aspect of the book was not going to get to me… I was wrong. Birding is what created links between Wren and her father and, as someone who was raised by her dad, I could totally relate. Also the aspect of the book that evolves around birds is really well handled by the author. You find yourself getting into it as much as you’re getting into the characters and their story.

First of all, I really liked Wren. At first I was scared that she was going to be a bit snobby, especially after she mentioned that she never felt like she belonged in her small hometown. But even though she never felt like she belonged, she also never felt superior. She genuinely felt bigger than Birdseye but as she gets to know Laurie, she’ll also get to know herself and where she truly belongs to. She rethinks lots of her choices throughout the book and I think she did end up asking herself the good questions. It was really interesting to see her change and find herself during the book. I really liked her personal journey, on top of the fact that she is a really lovable character.

You know what else I liked? The fact that Laurie was also a well developed and defined character. He is someone who went through a lot of complicated moments, whether it was when he was on duty or when he lost his fiancée. After his girl’s death, and the death of one of his army pal, he settled with a good amount of guilt on top of his grief. Of course all of these hard times made him a mature and rational man but it’s amazing to see how he slowly starts to let go of all after he met Wren. The struggle of moving on he is living will probably resonate with anyone who ever lost a loved one.

The romance between Laurie and Wren is also very moving. I particularly liked the way the author decided to play it out. Loss, grief, and guilt, are sensible themes and I was really moved by how well Leslea Tash handled them in her story. There was a lot of truth and realness in this book and that’s part of why I enjoyed it so much. Plus, it’s always nice when the storyline stays clear of the usual clichés like crazy jealousy fits, unbelievable misunderstandings, and all that jazz.

The symbolism around birds that rhythms the story also adds a nice romantic and poetic aspect. Between Wren’s love for birds, Laurie whose last name is Byrd, and the paper cranes where he writes letters to his dead fiancée, everything falls into place perfectly. As I said before, all of this is intelligently inserted in the storyline and it has the prospect to move everyone, whether or not you’re into birding end up being irrelevant.

Bird After Bird is a fresh and charming romance that will capture you from the first chapter until the very last. I had an amazing time following Laurie and Wren, and I’ll happily read any future contemporary book by Leslea Tash!

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

*DNF*

1 Kisses

Well…I haven’t had this happen to me in a while but…I can’t force reading. It either flows or it doesn’t and as much as pieces of this book are working for me, overall…I’m just wasn’t into this one. And you have no idea how much that upsets me. *sigh*…

Okay – so the first chapter…the entire first 3% I was bawling - like horrible ugly cry…it hit very close to home and emotionally I was totally with Wren. I was hooked – that was it for me, I thought I was going to be over the moon in love with this book. Well…after that it fizzled. I liked Wren…I liked Laurie (that’s short for Laurence…like in Little Women – which I loved more than anything…very unique)…but I wasn’t connecting to them. It was really choppy and while there were aspects about the writing that I liked, it just wasn’t flowing well. There were parts I had to go back and re-read and for whatever reason, there was just a huge disconnect and I wasn’t engaged.

I loved the birding aspect and all the little nicknames…I loved the little surprise that Wren’s old teacher/her dad’s friend dropped when they had their chat…there were a lot of little things that I liked, but not enough to keep me invested. I think it might have been that after the whole ugly cry in the beginning, it seemed very…emotion-less. Maybe it was just because I connected so strongly to that first chapter, I expected that level or close to it for the rest of the book and it just didn’t happen for me. Another relatively minor detail that bugged me…the chapters…they were short. Super short. Enough to make me go look at the table of contents and see there are like 70-something chapters. Why? It didn’t make sense when we weren’t changing POV’s and what really needed to be there was maybe a scene break, not a new chapter. I think that might have been another thing that broke the flow.

I’m sad that this one didn’t work out because I was super excited for it – it had a lot of potential and it felt like something different which I was craving. I know I can’t love every book but I am allowed to be sad when I can’t. :-(

[FMABookReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Thank you Fido Publishing and NetGalley for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.***

I was hooked from the beginning with the endearing letter from Wren's father to her. It was such a lovely gift. We should all be so lucky to have a parent, or someone that we love, care so much as to leave letters upon their dying for us to find. It was evident the love he had for her. How much he understood her. How he knew what she needed.

"Find your center, your peace, your home."

My favorite parts of the book were the letters and the memories recounted from the journal they made together while birding. The fact that he not only took the time to keep up with the journal but to make special notes about the special moments they both shared was sweet.

This was really two love stories within one book. A heartwarming story of a father's love and the love between Wren and Laurie. It was also about hope, self-discovery, grief and redemption.

Wren was still reeling from the death of her father when she met Laurie. He was still reeling from losses of his own. Their attraction for one another quickly turned into love. Clearly not their time, things happened which kept them apart, allowing them each the time they needed for healing and self-discovery.

"I know what I want. Do you?"

This was told in dual POV and I had difficulty connecting with Laurie's character. He appeared weak and timid. His speech was not strong or self-assured. I felt it effeminate at times,

"Well, big whoopee-doo, Miss Ladypants."

This was said during an argument. He was the opposite of her character which was so strong and seemingly aggressive at times when she was around him. Almost a role reversal. He even says,

"Oh, but I am. I'm totally upside down, very backward. But I'm okay with that."

He just wasn't the type of character I usually enjoy. However, he was sweet and romantic.

There was obviously a lot of research done in preparation for this book. The knowledge the author has on birds is incredible. This brought back great memories of watching birds with my parents when I was younger.

[JC82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review

So I must admit that when I got to the end of this book, I let out a tiny whimper from under my breath. It was over and I didn’t want it to be *insert whiney voice here*

I truly enjoyed this story; the style of writing was unique, fun, quirky and witty. I love how the plot was infused with bird references and fun facts, I mean it only makes sense since Wren is a bird lover and for the most part so is Laurie. Wren and Laurie are definitely birds of a feather. They are both suffering from loss with very few outlets.

Wren after losing both her parents has closed herself off from feeling much for anyone and is focused on success in her career and money; living the life that her small town parents didn’t. She is a runner, hiding from her emotions and running from them instead of confronting them. Laurie is the opposite he is a dweller, consumed by guilt he is facing his sorrow head on but lacking a way to move past it. The two of them together spark something in each other that they both thought were lost to them and it unleashes this beautiful relationship that takes flight.

Of course, though like every good story, relationships are never easy and Wren and Laurie both have to decide who and what they really want. There is an amazing gesture of love in this book that will literally have your heart melting but I don’t want to give it away, let’s just say it has something to do with Cranes. But it was such a magical touch and very well done by Tash.



There were moments in this book where I laughed; moments where my heart ached and moments where I wanted to smack some sense into the characters, and I won’t admit that I may have yelled at my Kindle… okay well maybe only once or twice when I got really frustrated with the Wren’s behavior. Of course this was frustration in a good way, because her actions and the development of the relationship between her and Laurie were very realistic. This isn’t a fluffy romance; it’s a solid romance with ups and downs and two characters just trying to find themselves in finding each other.



I also want to give much kudos to Tash on the flow of the story, the changing POV’s were flawless and the transitions were smooth. I loved the letters placed perfectly throughout the storyline and Wren’s dad, what a great way to show the impact of a person even after they are gone. I loved Wren’s father his character was nothing short of inspirational; his wisdom and love for Wren were immense. I kept imagining how awesome it would be to have a heart to heart with Wren’s dad, all the possibilities to learn from someone like him. He saw life so unfiltered.

I was very happy to get a chance to read this book and look forward to reading more work by Leslea Tash.

[Karin Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading the ARC of this last night at 12:30 am. I usually start my reading that late, and read for half an hour to get me into "sleep" mode. Well, that trick failed last night, because I could NOT STOP reading. It was close to three in the morning before I decided I better take a break.

There's no insta-love here, just great multi-faceted characters with more than a little in common, who you just KNOW are meant to be together. I could just hear the dialogue in my head and SEE these people, even from halfway around the globe and having never been to Indiana (maybe rednecks and sexy-shy birders don't change all that much around the world, but I'm guessing it is more that Tash is just excellent at defining them). I'll keep updating, but what I have read so far (about 50% in) has been Fantastic - with a capital F.

LOVED THIS BOOK. Here is my review at 100% through:

In real life, romances (brief and hurtful infatuations aside) rarely spring from insta-love or from physical attraction alone, which is why I found Leslea Tash's Bird After Bird such a breath of fresh air in this genre. Wren and Laurie's love affair still has that "kismet" feel to it, but it is based on so much more—deep, well-crafted characters that have their own inner lives, desires, and gritty pasts to overcome, and a small town in rural Indiana that will leave you feeling like you've been there. The writing is smooth and effortless, carrying readers between Chicago and Birdseye, Indiana, with ease, and fluently switching between Wren's point of view and Laurie's. (And what lover of Little Women wouldn't swoon over this Laurie, too? He's a hot, heart-broken soldier with a sensitive, artistic side. Yum.)

For me, Bird After Bird was not just a romance but a subtle exploration of what it means to be an adult, especially in the absence of parents, partners, friends or family. Wren's relationship with her adorable, dearly departed father (whose letters made me cry right out of the gate), and Laurie's relationship with Sylvia are also very engaging, and bring a real poignancy to the tale as well as letting the reader learn more of the hero and heroine's pasts. It's a story about coming home, too, in many ways, and about the fight or flight impulses we all need to quell to make relationships work. Wren and Laurie's story reminds us that we must sometimes decide where the soul "fits": amid the rush and bustle of a busy, city career, or in the slow, comforting caress of a place we know well, and that, ultimately, knows us better than we think it does.

Throughout, the birds tie it all together, sometimes humorously, which adds another layer of intelligence and interest to the novel. Even if you're not a birder or a regular romance junkie (which I'm not either), I'm sure Wren and Laurie's love will captivate you just as much as it did me.

[Arianne The Bookworm on the Loose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was bawling like crazy from the very start of this book. I know I earned curious looks from my kids while I was reading Bird After Bird but I really couldn't help it. It was a touching story.

Bird After Bird follows Wren Riley who was still mourning the loss of his father. She returned to Indiana to sell her father's house a year after he died. She was reading a letter from his father which told her of his undying love to his Princess Birdzilla and left her a book that both of them had created when Wren's mom passed away. Dad and daughter tandem were actually bird enthusiasts and had spent most of their time together going to places and watching/studying birds. The letter was so heartfelt and full of emotions that I found myself crying and sniffing too.

We also meet Laurence Byrd, (he preferred to be called Laurie ), a mechanic, dog trainer, a former Army and an artist. A man of so many talents, a man of the world, if I may say so. He, too, was healing a wounded heart when his fiancee died while he was away in Iraq. Then his soldier bestfriend died a couple of feet away from him while they were at war. To abide his time, he taught other locals how to paint, wrote love letters to his dead fiance and left paper cranes in various parts of his hometown.

Soon, Wren and Laurie met. Two broken souls, finally learning to move on and move forward. But the question really is, would they be able to move in together in Chicago or Indiana or probably in New York where she got a new job?

Bird After Bird tugged at my heartstrings. Truth is, my own father is battling cancer right now and I know how it is to feel like the light of your life is fading. This novel made me appreciate my father more and more. I also think one of this book's strong points is the relationship between Laurie and his sister Louisa, who had kept up with him through thick and thin. Reminds me of my own brothers and sisters who had been my pillars of strength during our family crisis. This had been a truly wonderful read, one of the books that I really appreciated. A book that once you've picked it up, it's hard to put it back down again.

[BookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this story. I couldn’t put it down.

The story didn’t go in the way I had first anticipated. Based on the way it had started, out, with one meeting and then near misses as each one worked through their grief, I thought it was going to be a “Sleepless In Seattle” type of romance. I was very excited when they, very early on, finally met up and started moving forward together.

Some of my favourite characters were the background characters. The way Donna and Lew comforted and loved Laurie warmed my heart. And Billy made me laugh out loud in most of the scenes he was in.

I really liked both the hero and heroine, which is rare for most books now a days. I typically find myself rolling my eyes at the ridiculous obstacles placed in front of couples in most books. While Wren frustrated me, I could understand where she was coming from. (All the while rooting for Laurie to get his happy ending)

So happy I got to check this story out. If you are looking for a sweet romance with a HEA, this is a great one to check out. Top quality writing that draws you in and makes you feel like you are along for the ride. I always know it is a well written book when I no longer feel like I am reading and instead feel like I am watching a movie, completely involved and devouring every word.

Some of my favourite quotes from the book:

Maybe I should have duct-taped you to the seat just in case.

What should I call you? Silly Ass Dog? What’re those initials? ‘SAD’? Forget that.

Draw me like one of your French girls.

My phone which serves no purpose when we’re together.

[KathyAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Life is too short for Egrets!" :)

Lots and lots of bird references in this story. Yes, all you bird watchers and bird lovers... this is a romance written just for you! If you're not a fan of birds maybe not so much. I liked it... definitely something different to offer than your traditional romance and I'm always on board for something fresh and new.
Wren comes home to Birdseye from Chicago to settle her father's estate after he died. He left her a letter inside their old bird journal they made together on a bird watching journey. I found her father's words very touching. Her close connection to her dad and his love for her was very clear. My favorite part of the story I think because I know what it feels like to have lost a parent.
She meets Laurence and suddenly finds a new reason to re-connect with her childhood home. Laurence is just a sweet, good ole' boy... and you can't help but like this guy. He was also dealing with a loss of his own. So, I guess you could say, "Birds of a feather flock together"... sorry, can't help it. My mind is now full of birdisms... :)
I would recommend this to fans of slow moving sweet romances who like a nice HEA. I thought it was a nicely written debut novel for this author.

ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

www.ktbookreviews.com

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book featured some of the best character development that I have ever read in any novel. The backstory of both Wren and Laurie made their actions clear to the reader, even if their motivations for certain behaviors were not spelled out. This was not likely written to be a psychological study, but it reads well for those who are curious about human behavior motivates people. The only downside of the way that unravels in this book is that I wish it had been longer, so we could have seen even more character development. Some of the secondary characters are not as well-developed simply because the lion's share (and more) of the focus is on the two main characters.

One complaint: one of the two threads of Laurie's backstory is never completely fleshed out. I would have liked to know what happened there, but perhaps that history did not move the present story forward.

One of the excellent aspects of this book is that not everything immediately fell into place by magic or miracles. Connections were missed. Negative consequences were unanticipated, but still occurred. All of this made the story feel very real. I genuinely cared about what happened to these characters.

Even though I received a free copy of this book for review from Netgalley, I can already think of several friends who would enjoy it and who may receive a gift copy from me.

[John Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stepped out of my comfort zone to read this book. I’m a fan of this author’s work in other genres, and I was ready to give Bird After Bird a quick four stars after only the first few pages. Then, something happened. I was riding the bus, and I looked up from my kindle to realize I’d ridden several miles past my stop. I’d been drawn into the world of these two characters as I’d rarely been before.
There’s not that much unique in the story. It’s a romance, after all. It’s a sweet tale about loss, closure, and the healing power of love. Although formulaic, it’s a good formula. The danger with this kind of thing is that it can end up sappy and syrupy if not handled with care. But, that’s not a problem with this author.
Under whatever pen name she uses, Leslea Tash is a good writer. Whether she weaves her plot around trolls and fairies, crotchety old wizards, or Midwestern hometown boys and girls, her characters are real enough and likeable enough to care about and to root for.
So, if you’re ready to be swept up into a sweet story, and you’re willing to wipe an occasional tear from the corner of your eye, you should read Bird After Bird. I’m glad I did. I give it a resounding five stars.

[Stacey Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Christen]

Ooh! This looks good!

[Guia · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Ebook provded by the author in exchange for an honest review*

If you’re looking for a light, fun read that is sure to tug at your heartstrings, then you should definitely read Leslea Tash’s Bird After Bird. After reading the blurb, I just knew right away that this is not like most other NA novels out there. I was definitely intrigued. So, imagine my excitement when I was given the opportunity to review the book for the blog tour. Needless to say, I signed up faster than a hound out of hell.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Bird After Bird is a delicious cocktail of feelings. It’s just the right mix of quirkiness and lightheartedness with a dash of drama and tragedy to pack an emotional punch. It was such a treat to read, especially if you’re a fan of the New Adult genre.

Bird After Bird tells the story of Wren Riley, a hotshot economist from Chicago who comes back to her hometown of Birdseye to settle her late father’s estate one year after his passing. It was emotional for Wren to be back in Birdseye especially since her father instructed his lawyer to give Wren the key to a safety deposit box he left for her. Wren finds in the safety deposit box the journal she and her father brought with them to document their birding adventures.

This was one thing that initially hooked me into reading Bird After Bird. I’ve heard about bird-watching as a hobby but I know next to nothing about it. So it was really interesting to read about Wren, a serious birder. Ever since her birding escapades with her father when she was a little girl, birds have always held a special place in Wren’s heart.

Wren decides to retrace her and her father’s adventures using the journal by visiting their old birding spots. It was just odd because she always finds a paper crane in these places. When she opens the cranes, she finds heart-wrenching letters to a girl named Sylvia from someone named Birdy, a nickname her father also called her when she was little. Wren feels an unexplainable connection to whoever this Birdy was.

“Birdy” isn’t the only one with whom Wren felt an inexplicable connection. On her first night back in Birdseye, Wren meets Lawrence “Laurie” Byrd and there was no denying the attraction between them. But there’s more to this stranger from Birdseye that meets the eye.

Bird After Bird is told in dual POVs: Wren’s and Laurie’s.

Laurie Byrd is the prime example of a hot brooding artist. His stint in the army left him with scars he has never fully recovered from. And we’re not just talking about the horrible things he witnessed in Iraq. What made Laurie the broken man he has become was what he left behind and lost in Birdseye while he was in the army. Laurie never did figure out how to move past that tragedy. Until he meets Wren, that is.

Just like Wren, Laurie feels the undeniable attraction between him and Wren. He never thought he’d ever feel that way again but Wren turns his world upside down. She makes him want, no, NEED something more than the solitude he has been living in after the tragedy that broke him. For the first time in a long time, Laurie feels something more than the heartbreak and the soul-deep ache that he has held on to for so long.

I instantly fell in love with Wren and Laurie from the very first moment they met. There was definitely a spark when they first met but what I love most about them is that every encounter is filled with fireworks. Their chemistry is palpable, there’s no doubt about that and I enjoyed every moment spent with Wren and Laurie. It’s simply beautiful how much they helped each other get over the pain and loss they’ve both lived through. They survived those tragedies but that was never enough. Wren and Laurie pulled each other out of the dark holes they've been living in and back into the light of friendship, family, and an all-consuming love that healed them better than time ever did.

Bird After Bird is truly an amazing book to read. It’s written in such a way that readers can easily become immersed in Wren and Laurie’s world. Those are the kind of books I love the most, the ones in which I fall completely into the story and feel as if I’m living every page right there with the characters. It really tugs on the heartstrings and leaves readers with that radiant feeling of a love story done so beautifully right.

Kudos to Leslea Tash! Bird After Bird is a beautifully written story. The story flows and ebbs creating an exquisite tale of love and loss, pain and redemption, family and friendships. You can’t help but fall in love with Wren and Laurie. I know I couldn’t.


***************

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[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

"When you meet the right one, Wren, even after they’re gone you don’t feel lonely the way other people do."

Wren is going to break Laurie’s heart. I just knew it, and I was feeling helpless watching him fall in love with this amazing, intelligent, sad girl whose heart is encased in a huge, thick citadel since the moment she had lost her mom at a young age.

She was the office man-eater. She was good at what she does, and she knows it. She was on her way on becoming a partner at a young age. But despite all of these – it was all a façade, because beneath is tough exterior lies a vulnerable side of her no one has ever known. After graduating high school in a small town, she studied at Northwestern and never looked back, until her father died and she needed to sell the house. Then, she got a hold of a bird journal she and her father made when she was young, and a letter from her father. Not only that, she keeps on finding those paper cranes along the way. The one whom is written by someone who seemed to share the same pain as she does.

"Follow your instincts, sweetheart. Find your center, your peace, your home. Fly after your heart and be happy, sweet daughter of mine."

Did you fell in love with this young man as well? Because I did. He might not possess all those alpha male qualities most male characters has now, but he has depth, and sensitivity I greatly admire. Although I would have wished he would stood up to his mother who is becoming more and more annoying every time I see her on the pages. He is perfect! He wasn’t only good looking, but he has brains as well, not to mention he can sing and he can paint too! But instead of going to an art school, he ended up enlisting. This was something he knew he can be proud of – until an argument with his girlfriend sparks an unfortunate series of events that blows his life out of proportion. With no one seemed to understand what he was feeling, he started to vent himself through his paintings and letters he never intends to send – he makes this into paper cranes and leaves them behind in various places. He had no intention of someone finding them or reading them.

They have met in the most unexpected circumstances, the chemistry was already present, and there was already the attraction, but none of them made the moved. She was living in Chicago, her life was there, and he was here – how can that possibly work out? But it did! The long-distance relationship work for a while, until he decided to upped his game, and it scared her. There were problems at work, job offer elsewhere, and they were starting to grow apart. Wren decided they were too different from each other. Which had really saddened me. I think my heart broke when she decided to accept the job offer and leave him. He was perfect, he never really minded going to and fro in Chicago, I wished she’d informed him of her plans. He was really into her, and he assumed they were on the same page. So imagine my surprise, HIS surprise when she decided to turn around.

Thank goodness for his sister, Janice, and a nun who made them see that they were really for each other. It had taken a while and I thought I was in for a cliff-hanger or a not-so-happy ever after. I was nearing the end page, and they haven’t figured it out yet. After his viral performance that was all over the internet, not to mention his grand gesture over central park, Laurie hasn’t found Wren yet. Wren hasn’t made up her mind as well. She didn’t really wanted to be like her dad who gave up his full potential and became a math teacher when he could be something else. She wanted to be someone – but the question is – would that make her happy? Because clearly, when she’s not at work she’s miserable. Until when can she finally decide what is right for her? Until when will they finally realize that they were meant to be together?

I read this hoping it would be as good and beautiful as the cover – and I wasn’t disappointed. With interesting, complex characters, well-written letters that can shatter hearts and make you cry – Leslea Tash had written a novel that will have her readers unable to tear their eyes from the pages. Not just that I had a crash course lessons about the birds (literally), but I was in for an emotional ride with both characters in their journey into finding themselves, and along the way, finding love and healing.

"Maybe I’d been chasing birds on paper too long. Maybe it was time to chase a Byrd, instead."

✪Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.✪

[Frankie Ness · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOTE: As per the request of the tour organizer, positive reviews are encouraged, for which I understand since a book tour is basically a publicity tour. As I'm unsure of how my review is going to be perceived, I just decided to post it here instead of on the blog. - Braine

BIRD AFTER BIRD is Leslea Tash's new novel and it's her first contemporary romance. For those of you unfamiliar with her work, LTash also goes by the name Red Tash and she penned the riotous party on wheels fantasy novel, <>Troll or Derby, and the head f*ck, This Brilliant Darkness. I loved both novels so I was naturally excited for her new venture.

Here's why I'm hesitant about my review. I don't know if I read a romance novel with birds serving as analogies for different things or if I read a bird textbook of sorts. Let me explain this statement further. There so many individual things about BIRD AFTER BIRD that I loved and appreciated, my thing is how all the ingredients were merged.

See I love birds, I wake up every morning to a family of birds chirping on the tree outside my window. But I's ignorant to its different classes and kinds so I enjoyed the stream trivia the heroine, Wren, shared on this novel so much so that I looked up almost each bird she mentioned because it piqued my curiosity so much. By extension, LTash did a good job in terms of research and creating a very unique backdrop for her novel.

What didn't work for me was I feel the bird parts got in the way of the romantic plot and tension. Inasmuch as it was fascinating to know a bunch of stuff about Whooping Cranes and Juvenile Bald Eagles, for a reader who doesn't share the same appreciation for the world of fowl, my eyes were glazing over those parts midway BIRD AFTER BIRD. It slowed down the pace for me.

Now the MC's and their romance I love so much which is why I wish the birds remained on the background instead. The first chapter where Wren Riley was reading her deceased father's letters already had me teary and sniffling. You can tell that theirs is a special relationship which made Wren's grief even more outstanding. Laurence Byrd or Laurie (his mom named him and their siblings after Little Women characters) is equally endearing. A veteran who lost his fiance too soon, Laurie is also mourning but he's on a different stage of grief compared to Wren. He is a lot like Nicolas Sparks' heroes in that he is manly, grounded and very much connected with his feelings. Gotta love a dude who's not afraid to cry a bit.

I love where these two are in their lives, they're vulnerable enough to let someone else in while at the same time guarded because of their loses yet eager to love and be loved. I love these two! Their romance is quiet but intense and passionate. Laurie's storyline in particular touched me the hardest and really resonated with me.

In summary, I love LTash's writing voice, if this is her "brand" of romance, I wish she'd write more of it. As for the novel, I still encourage you to read this despite my feedback about the birds. I guess I prefer wolves than fowl and just because BIRD AFTER BIRD didn't work for me it doesn't mean that it won't work for you.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

Wren is at a crossroads in her life. An only child, she’s in her late 20s and has lost both of her parents to cancer. Her personal life leaves a lot to be desired, considering her “boyfriend” is a co-worker (and son of one of the partners in the firm they both work) and a bit of an ass, but her professional life is one to be envied. Working as an economist, she’s good at what she does and can see herself on Forbes’ list of 30 under 30. But when she is passed over for a promotion in which she was obviously more qualified for, she has to reevaluate her entire life, both professionally and personally.

Lawrence, or Laurie for short, is a mechanic. He lives in the small town of Birdseye where Wren grew up. He is also an artist, primarily painting wildlife, birds in particular. He’s happy with his life the way it is, with the exception of dealing with the guilt of losing his fiancée in an accident, and his best friend to a roadside attack in Afghanistan. When Laurie meets Wren as she is in town settling her father’s estate, they both seem to find what is missing in their lives with each other. The problem is, Wren needs to analyze her priorities, because Birdseye is a long ways from Chicago where she currently lives and works.

During her trip to Birdseye when she is tying up the loose ends of her father’s estate, she finds a journal that she and her father had kept while birding for a summer after the loss of her mother. In an effort to find herself, she decides to recreate some of the trips they took. The journal includes photos, as well as life advice from her father, which Wren takes to heart. On these trips, she finds several origami cranes with letters written by and to a stranger and she is immediately intrigued, adding them to the journal she keeps during her journey.

Bird After Bird was a quick, cute, sweet, read. I was immediately drawn into the story as it was well written and the characters were charming and likeable. My biggest issue with the book though was the use of the bird theme throughout the book. I applaud Ms. Tash for being able to use the theme to the extent that she did and she obviously is incredibly creative and did a ton of research, but unfortunately, after a while, it began to become a bit campy. I think some of the sweeter and more poignant moments may have been overshadowed by some groan-worthy puns or double entendre. For this reason, Bird After Bird was a four star read. Ms. Tash definitely knows how to write a story that keeps the reader engaged, but we don’t need to be constantly hit over the head with the theme, it’s quite evident it’s there. This is my first book by Ms. Tash, and definitely won’t be my last.

[El · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review and so much more on So Bookalicious

Bird After Bird sounded like a perfect sweet read. And in some ways it was but in others it wasn’t. There were certain things that annoyed the hell out of me while reading but in some way I wasn’t able to book the book down either.

Lawrence Byrd is a sweet young men who couldn’t imagine living anywhere else than in Birdseye. He has had a rough life, he was sent to a warzone, his mother doesn’t support him in anything he does and he has lost is fiancé in a tragic accident. Wren has had a rough life too, she has lost both her parents to cancer. But unlike Lawrence she escaped Birdseye a long time ago, living in such a small town is not for her. There worlds seem miles apart but somehow they collide. And when they do fireworks explode.

I loved how the author developed the characters, she did so through a unique way. Laurie wrote letters to his fiancé to find some peace of mind and fold them into origami birds. Wren finds peace with her father’s death through their bird book. Even when he was not around anymore he opened Wren’s eyes and made her see what’s important to her. Laurie himself was a huge positive aspect in this book. He was good hearted and so sweet, maybe too sweet for his own good. He was willing to make some sacrifices in his life in order to be with Wren. And he never failed to help out his friends when they needed him.

What annoyed me in this book was Wren. She was so selfish at times that I still can’t believe it. I get that she is ambitious and that she wants a good comfortable life, but she never even tried to let people in. And when she finally let Laurie in she doesn’t communicate with him when she makes a big decision that will influence both their lives. All she could do was think about herself and think about all the opportunities she would get. But she failed to look how all her decisions would influence Laurie. Thank god she finally got some sense at the end of the book. Don’t get me wrong, Wren could be a sweet girl too, she stood up for Laurie at times and she was quiet admirable at times. But for a boy like Laurie she has to be so much better.

Overall a good debut book by Leslea Tish. It was more than enjoyable and some very unique aspect could be find in this book. Bonus point all the bird facts I now know by reading this book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received an ARC for a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.*

Originally posted on All in a Book. Visit the page to enter a giveaway!

Bird After Bird is a real take on romance—Wren and Laurie are recovering from tragedies in their past, when they meet and find the encouragement to move on in each other.

Wren is the kind of character we all understand at some point—she's driven to a fault and determined to move away from her start in life. But a letter from her recently-deceased father serves to change all that. Suddenly her priorities aren't so clear-cut and she finds herself reliving the past. Which is how she comes across Laurie.

Laurie is a little bit like the puppies he raises in the best way. He's so kind, honest, and loving that you can't help but swoon. Bad boys are great and all, but Laurie is really and truly the kind of guy that's going to be a rock—constant, upfront, and ever-considerate.

Really, the best word to describe the whole story is sweet. These are two characters who are good people and overall good to each other (with the exception of a period of running-scared-ness). While angst and tension are nice, there's definitely something to be said for two people who are up-front about how they feel about each other and not constantly fighting what they want. Sure, Wren was a little misguided and unwilling to compromise at times, but it was never in the context of her lack of feelings for Laurie. And I really loved that.

Wren's story also really made me want to call my dad, but I'm a sap like that. The glimpse into her relationship with her late father is so heartfelt, honest, and beautiful that it rivaled Wren and Laurie's relationship in terms of my investment in it. The passages from their "bird book" served to ground the story and give it solid continuity throughout, which really helped keep the location changes smooth. And they also seriously brought the daddy/daughter feels.

Bird After Bird is an enjoyable, sweet romance with likable characters that will keep you interested from start to finish!

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always nice to check out new authors, and I am glad I checked out “Bird After Bird” by Leslea Tash. It is not every day you come across a heroine and hero who make a connection over birds and what they represent in each others life. I thought this book was insightful, sweet and romantic.

Laurie, is a great guy. He is an artist with a sensitive soul that you can’t help but fall in love with. His connection with Wren is instantaneous. Both characters are trying to overcome losses in their lives and find in each other kindred spirits. Wren, is a free spirit. What I really like about the her character was that you really could feel where she was coming from. Her reasoning for the decision she made was logical, and seeing her emotional journey throughout the book was really nice. The use of bird metaphors, and the importance of birds in general stream throughout the entire book. If you hate birds, this might not be the book for you, however, I thought the bird theme played nicely throughout the book.

On a side note about birds; I have never really given them much thought, but because of “Bird After Bird” by Leslea Tash I might give bird watching a try. This book takes place in Indiana, as a fellow Hoosier I found of the setting descriptions delightful. It is always fun to read about places that you know about or that you have been.

I thought this book was sweet and delightful. I thought Leslea Tash told a really nice story. There were some parts that I wished she would have delved into more, however by the end you felt like a complete story had been told. I thought this book was a nice change of pace from the typical romance/new adult books that are currently out there being written.