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Songbirds of Sedona
In the heart of Arizona, nestled among the red rocks and lush orchards, two vastly different worlds collide.
When Lori Hawthorne trades her high-powered city life for the unexpected inheritance of her late aunt's neglected fruit farm in Sedona, Arizona, she soon realizes that mending a broken orchard is only half the battle. Seeking a chance to rewrite her story, she’s determined to breathe new life into both the farm and her own existence.
Gemma Walker, newly released from prison, is searching for a fresh start and a chance to rebuild her life. When a unique rehabilitation program brings her to Rosefield Farm, she finds solace in the nurturing routine of farm life and the unexpected kindness of her new employer.
As Gemma grapples with her past and Lori unearths family secrets, an unlikely love blossoms and they’re reminded that even in the harshest landscapes, hope can take root and flourish.
When Lori Hawthorne trades her high-powered city life for the unexpected inheritance of her late aunt's neglected fruit farm in Sedona, Arizona, she soon realizes that mending a broken orchard is only half the battle. Seeking a chance to rewrite her story, she’s determined to breathe new life into both the farm and her own existence.
Gemma Walker, newly released from prison, is searching for a fresh start and a chance to rebuild her life. When a unique rehabilitation program brings her to Rosefield Farm, she finds solace in the nurturing routine of farm life and the unexpected kindness of her new employer.
As Gemma grapples with her past and Lori unearths family secrets, an unlikely love blossoms and they’re reminded that even in the harshest landscapes, hope can take root and flourish.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2024
148 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Lise Gold
51 books689 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 26, 2025
4.5
Going into this, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect based on the description, but I ended up really enjoying my first Lise Gold book! It’s a beautifully sweet story about forgiveness, grief, and moving forward from past trauma.
Gemma and Lori were both fantastic main characters—fully developed, relatable, and easy to root for, both individually and as a couple. Their romance felt natural and heartfelt. The supporting characters, like Tom, Charlotte, Miranda, and Betty, added so much warmth and depth to the story, making it even more enjoyable.
Overall, a lovely read!
Going into this, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect based on the description, but I ended up really enjoying my first Lise Gold book! It’s a beautifully sweet story about forgiveness, grief, and moving forward from past trauma.
Gemma and Lori were both fantastic main characters—fully developed, relatable, and easy to root for, both individually and as a couple. Their romance felt natural and heartfelt. The supporting characters, like Tom, Charlotte, Miranda, and Betty, added so much warmth and depth to the story, making it even more enjoyable.
Overall, a lovely read!
June 27, 2024
A beautiful story about two flawed characters embarking on a fresh start in their lives. Lori, who left a high-powered career and a toxic relationship, decides to settle in a fruit farm she inherited from her aunt. Gemma, recently released from prison for manslaughter, is also seeking a new beginning. As they both seek peace and healing, they find solace in each other's company while uncovering family secrets and repairing relationships with their loved ones.
A very close 5 ⭐️ read
A very close 5 ⭐️ read
July 15, 2025
Sometimes a story doesn't need angst just character growth and development.This is a story of love, acceptance and starting over which is true for almost all the characters.
June 2, 2024
True gold from Lise Gold….. She knows how to write a cracking story: read in one day. Loved it. Thank you.
March 19, 2025
Such a sweet and heartwarming book.
Small town romance always takes my breath away and a farm romance a big cherry on top.
Lori and Gemma relationship wow, full of green flags;
Gemma is so sweet and Lori so protective.
Story was so compelling and at the heart of their relationship a decades old family tragedy with lies and a irrevocable betrayal.
This book also tackles some major society prejudices about ex-cons and second chances in life.
Small town romance always takes my breath away and a farm romance a big cherry on top.
Lori and Gemma relationship wow, full of green flags;
Gemma is so sweet and Lori so protective.
Story was so compelling and at the heart of their relationship a decades old family tragedy with lies and a irrevocable betrayal.
This book also tackles some major society prejudices about ex-cons and second chances in life.
March 6, 2025
Super sweet and incredibly low angst story of redemption and healing. This was a really easy read with a little bit of instalove thrown in there. No third act breakup and a small bit of tension. I wish it was spicier and I wanted a little bit more character growth in the form of the characters really digging into why they kept repeating patterns from the past.
April 13, 2025
Another classic Lisa Gold story, two women both with their flaws. One an ex-con who is moving forward with her life and the other a former lawyer who gives it all up for her families fruit farm. The story is gentle with Gemma’s tale of being incarcerated for 7 years for something she admits she is not proud of. A budding romance between Gemma and Lori is a seeming slow burn of will they won’t they with a messy complication of Lori being her support in her new life. Very different story from previous Lisa Gold tales but generally enjoyable:
September 22, 2025
3.5 stars for story - 4.25 stars narration
July 3, 2024
Nice story
A nice story with some difficult moments but with so much reality. Well described characters, realistic dialogues and so many emotions and feelings for second chances.
A nice story with some difficult moments but with so much reality. Well described characters, realistic dialogues and so many emotions and feelings for second chances.
June 2, 2024
Story of redemption
This is an excellent story of new beginnings and forgiveness. A new twist of female prisoners attempting to intricate back into society. Met with suspicion and judgement this must be incredibly difficult. Fortunately there are decent people and programs for people to successfully succeed. Lisa needs help and is assigned Gemma who wants to simply work and be normal. Of course there's a sweet romance between the main characters and lovely locals add to the feeling of redemption. It had interest backgrounds of their lives. On the whole a great involving read, a worthy addition to this authors many great books.
This is an excellent story of new beginnings and forgiveness. A new twist of female prisoners attempting to intricate back into society. Met with suspicion and judgement this must be incredibly difficult. Fortunately there are decent people and programs for people to successfully succeed. Lisa needs help and is assigned Gemma who wants to simply work and be normal. Of course there's a sweet romance between the main characters and lovely locals add to the feeling of redemption. It had interest backgrounds of their lives. On the whole a great involving read, a worthy addition to this authors many great books.
July 9, 2024
I LOVED this book. I read a lot of sapphic romance, and this didn’t ascribe to the typical format in the best way. Yes, this was a love story, but it was about not just the romantic love you’d expect. It was about the love of work, freedom, community, family.
I cannot recommend enough.
I cannot recommend enough.
June 9, 2025
Could have been so much better with some editing and proofreading.
July 7, 2024
Family secrets and Redemption
Gemma and Lori meet when Gemma is hired on at Lori's farm through a probation rehabilitation program. The two women grow closer while working to rebuild Lori's family farm. This story had so many interesting twist that keep you wondering what will happen next. This book covers so many sensitive topics in an way that keeps the story engaging without coming across preachy.
Gemma and Lori meet when Gemma is hired on at Lori's farm through a probation rehabilitation program. The two women grow closer while working to rebuild Lori's family farm. This story had so many interesting twist that keep you wondering what will happen next. This book covers so many sensitive topics in an way that keeps the story engaging without coming across preachy.
May 28, 2025
4.5⭐
Really sweet with lots of cute moments and quotes.
I really liked both main characters but I definitely preferred Gemma - she has my heart.
I liked most of the side characters, which isn't the case most of the time.
I did prefer the first half to the second.
At first I got 5 star feelings from this, but I found myself getting bored a few times throughout the second half.
There were just a few things that could have been cut out, but at the same time I feel like every chapter and scene was necessary.
I've read two other books by the author, which I also really enjoyed.
Definitely will be picking up more by her in the future!
Really sweet with lots of cute moments and quotes.
I really liked both main characters but I definitely preferred Gemma - she has my heart.
I liked most of the side characters, which isn't the case most of the time.
I did prefer the first half to the second.
At first I got 5 star feelings from this, but I found myself getting bored a few times throughout the second half.
There were just a few things that could have been cut out, but at the same time I feel like every chapter and scene was necessary.
I've read two other books by the author, which I also really enjoyed.
Definitely will be picking up more by her in the future!
July 25, 2024
Right from the start, this book had such a great flow and the chemistry between Gemma and Lori was palpable. I adored the backdrop of the fruit orchard and it was like the relationship between the two women ripened right along with the harvest. It was a very easy read and the perfect companion for a nice warm afternoon outside.
May 31, 2024
highly recommend!
This was a really cute story, and well written too. It’s a creative plot, one I’ve not read before and the characters were great!
This was a really cute story, and well written too. It’s a creative plot, one I’ve not read before and the characters were great!
August 8, 2024
a warm and fuzzy read
It’s been a minute since I’ve read one of Lise Gold’s books but I think this is the best one I’ve read. There are some angsty moments but generally speaking it’s a well written romance with a HEA. Exactly what I’m looking for in my minimal spare time reading.
It’s been a minute since I’ve read one of Lise Gold’s books but I think this is the best one I’ve read. There are some angsty moments but generally speaking it’s a well written romance with a HEA. Exactly what I’m looking for in my minimal spare time reading.
January 22, 2026
Da jeg tog fat i denne roman, var jeg ikke klar over, at de to hovedpersoner var lesbiske. Jeg plejer ellers at undgå romaner med den type indhold. Det interessere mig ikke at læse om - overhovedet. Men nu havde jeg sat gang i den, og så fortsatte jeg.
Når jeg ser bort fra de meget beskrivende sex scener, som jeg godt kunne have undværet, så er det faktisk en interessant roman.
Vi følger to kvinder, der hver især har fået ar på sjælen.
Lori har arvet mosterens frugtplantage. Da hendes arbejdsliv og kærlighedsliv har lidt skibbrud, kommer arven helt tilpas. Hun flytter ind på gården og begynder sit nye liv. Hun finder dog hurtigt ud af, at hun ikke selv kan overkomme alt arbejdet. En veninde foreslår at hun skal tage en løsladt kriminel ind til at hjælpe. Det er billig arbejdskraft og kan hjælpe hende igang med den nye tilværelse.
Gemma har været i fængsel i 7 år, og skal nu sluses ud i den virkelige verden igen. Hendes tidligere liv, er helt væk og hun skal begynde forfra. Da hun får tilbud om at komme ud på frugtplantagen, bliver hun meget begejstret. Det er lige det hun har drømt om ville ske.
Vi følger de to kvinders op- og nedture. Og naturligvis det kærlighedsforhold der udvikler sig mellem dem.
Når jeg ser bort fra de meget beskrivende sex scener, som jeg godt kunne have undværet, så er det faktisk en interessant roman.
Vi følger to kvinder, der hver især har fået ar på sjælen.
Lori har arvet mosterens frugtplantage. Da hendes arbejdsliv og kærlighedsliv har lidt skibbrud, kommer arven helt tilpas. Hun flytter ind på gården og begynder sit nye liv. Hun finder dog hurtigt ud af, at hun ikke selv kan overkomme alt arbejdet. En veninde foreslår at hun skal tage en løsladt kriminel ind til at hjælpe. Det er billig arbejdskraft og kan hjælpe hende igang med den nye tilværelse.
Gemma har været i fængsel i 7 år, og skal nu sluses ud i den virkelige verden igen. Hendes tidligere liv, er helt væk og hun skal begynde forfra. Da hun får tilbud om at komme ud på frugtplantagen, bliver hun meget begejstret. Det er lige det hun har drømt om ville ske.
Vi følger de to kvinders op- og nedture. Og naturligvis det kærlighedsforhold der udvikler sig mellem dem.
July 8, 2024
An Awaken Reality Check!
Lise Gold has a way with words that have you questioning “What would you do?”.
She has taken a story about a convicted felon and has brought it to the forefront.
Lori has inherited her Aunt and Uncle’s fruit farm. The timing has worked out as her life is in shambles. Her relationship with her ex ended and so to the control she had over her. Since her ex was also her boss, leaving the law office where she was an attorney was the best thing since both were dragging her down. Starting a new life on a farm was a big undertaking. When her best friend suggest getting help with a rehab program for convicts who are getting out and who come highly recommended to be a good fit. When Gemma shows up with her parole officer, life for both of them is going to change. Gemma is appreciative to Lori for this great opportunity. The kindness this women is showing has her ready to prove to Lori, her parole officer and herself that she is going to make this work. But what happens between these two women causes concern from not only Gemma’s parole officer but from themselves. This is great storytelling at its best.
Lise Gold has a way with words that have you questioning “What would you do?”.
She has taken a story about a convicted felon and has brought it to the forefront.
Lori has inherited her Aunt and Uncle’s fruit farm. The timing has worked out as her life is in shambles. Her relationship with her ex ended and so to the control she had over her. Since her ex was also her boss, leaving the law office where she was an attorney was the best thing since both were dragging her down. Starting a new life on a farm was a big undertaking. When her best friend suggest getting help with a rehab program for convicts who are getting out and who come highly recommended to be a good fit. When Gemma shows up with her parole officer, life for both of them is going to change. Gemma is appreciative to Lori for this great opportunity. The kindness this women is showing has her ready to prove to Lori, her parole officer and herself that she is going to make this work. But what happens between these two women causes concern from not only Gemma’s parole officer but from themselves. This is great storytelling at its best.
July 28, 2025
Songsbirds of Sedona is a beautiful tale about new beginnings, healing, and embracing oneself. Lori and Gemma are genuinely wonderful characters who cross paths just when each is seeking a fresh chapter in life. Their kindness, empathy, and warmth made me truly adore them both. I especially valued the thoughtful attention given to Gemma’s past and the sense of liberation she discovers. Their romance unfolds effortlessly, making it a delight to witness such a sweet and genuine connection grow.
Tessa Stavers and Abby Craden’s narration truly brought Lori and Gemma to life, their distinct voices making the characters feel vivid and authentic. The emotional depth in their performances drew me closer to the story, while their impeccable pacing and tone kept me engaged from start to finish. The natural chemistry between the narrators added a warm, heartfelt layer to the romance, and their skillful balance of tenderness and tension enhanced the story’s emotional impact. Overall, their narration transformed the entire experience into something truly unforgettable.
Tessa Stavers and Abby Craden’s narration truly brought Lori and Gemma to life, their distinct voices making the characters feel vivid and authentic. The emotional depth in their performances drew me closer to the story, while their impeccable pacing and tone kept me engaged from start to finish. The natural chemistry between the narrators added a warm, heartfelt layer to the romance, and their skillful balance of tenderness and tension enhanced the story’s emotional impact. Overall, their narration transformed the entire experience into something truly unforgettable.
August 17, 2024
My overwhelming feeling reading this was that it was ‘nice’. I was perhaps expecting the type of hard hitting drama of Blayne Cooper’s ‘Hard Times’ or Kimberly Cooper Griffin’s ‘Life in High Def’ and this wasn’t that, but it had its own appeal. Once Gemma leaves prison, her life doesn’t just get better, it improves in leaps and bounds. I certainly had my doubts that ex-lawyer Lori would get intimately involved with an ex-con without even knowing what she’d done; surely the average person would be minded to search the Internet?! But at least it wasn’t left to someone else to eventually tell Lori about Gemma’s past (when I learned about Lori’s evil ex, I feared that might happen). But, nevertheless, the evil ex does try to spoil things for the happy loving couple. Things all work out as they should by the end and the angst was low level, which I appreciated. There also (thankfully) wasn’t a ‘break up before the make up’ which is my pet bug bear about some romance novels! So, nice enough without being exceptional…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2024
Super sweet story about two people who both need a fresh start. Despite being wonderful, both Lori and Gemma have lousy exes, family problems, and secrets in their lives. But coming together by accident leads them to find what they’ve been missing in each other, and… they were doing quite well by halfway through the book and I was suddenly scared for the other shoe to drop! I mean, with that much story left, there’s got to be some bombshell, right?
The lovely thing about this story was that the drama wasn’t in the relationship. There’s plenty in the situation, and with their families and exes, and in other hands that could have caused second thoughts and a breakup or whatever, but not here. Lori and Gemma are just wonderful with and for each other, each supporting the other through everything that happens. The end result is that while there’s drama in the story, the love at the heart of it makes it a pleasure to read.
Side note: I hadn’t paid much attention to the blurb, so when I sat down to read this, I was like wait a minute, we’re starting with the main character in prison?!? 😂
Anyway, my very favorite stories are usually the really angsty ones, but this kind is a close second — where there’s enough tension to carry you through, but in the situation not the relationship. And this one was just really well done, with multiple emotional moments along the way. I’ll definitely be back for more.
Discussion with Maria: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDRquhSOy0U/
The lovely thing about this story was that the drama wasn’t in the relationship. There’s plenty in the situation, and with their families and exes, and in other hands that could have caused second thoughts and a breakup or whatever, but not here. Lori and Gemma are just wonderful with and for each other, each supporting the other through everything that happens. The end result is that while there’s drama in the story, the love at the heart of it makes it a pleasure to read.
Side note: I hadn’t paid much attention to the blurb, so when I sat down to read this, I was like wait a minute, we’re starting with the main character in prison?!? 😂
Anyway, my very favorite stories are usually the really angsty ones, but this kind is a close second — where there’s enough tension to carry you through, but in the situation not the relationship. And this one was just really well done, with multiple emotional moments along the way. I’ll definitely be back for more.
Discussion with Maria: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDRquhSOy0U/
May 31, 2025
It’s not every day that you get to read a sapphic book with an ex-convict as one of its MCs. That was interesting, that’s for sure!
The way Gemma’s story was depicted is beautiful. We get to see how she was affected mentally by the crime she committed, but also by the time she spent in jail. I was a bit anxious thinking about Lori’s reaction to Gemma’s past, but she was a gem.
Lori has her issues and secrets to deal with, but she was very kind and understanding. Their relationship is well-balanced, and I love how they become each other’s support.
The relationship between them and the secondary characters was charming, especially the one between Gemma and Tonya.
Songbirds of Sedona is a refreshing story with low angst, which highlights the importance of rehabilitation for ex-convicts, the stigma they have to face and their journey in overcoming a difficult past.
The way Gemma’s story was depicted is beautiful. We get to see how she was affected mentally by the crime she committed, but also by the time she spent in jail. I was a bit anxious thinking about Lori’s reaction to Gemma’s past, but she was a gem.
Lori has her issues and secrets to deal with, but she was very kind and understanding. Their relationship is well-balanced, and I love how they become each other’s support.
The relationship between them and the secondary characters was charming, especially the one between Gemma and Tonya.
Songbirds of Sedona is a refreshing story with low angst, which highlights the importance of rehabilitation for ex-convicts, the stigma they have to face and their journey in overcoming a difficult past.
June 3, 2024
I love how Lise always has both viewpoints of her characters in every other chapter. It’s always nice to see the story evolving and getting an idea what both people know and don’t know. It’s very much a slow burn and the topic of having a ex-convict is quite different than what you usually see in romance novels, but very intriguing. I really was curious how she’d be built up and what insecurities she’d have, and it was different than I thought! It was actually really great. I expected more hesitation of the attraction from Lori, but enjoyed how the story flowed and their emotions throughout.
July 25, 2024
Wow! This is such a wonderful book and heartwarming story. I greatly appreciate the care the author took with writing the story of incarcerated people and reintegration. I really loved the central themes of healing, forgiveness, and unconditional love that are the heart of this story. Incredible writing and chemistry between the main characters. Further, the supporting characters all felt well rounded in their own rights. Cannot recommend this book enough and I am so grateful that I got to read it.
February 16, 2025
Songbirds of Sedona
Lise Gold writes such beautiful stories.
Lori and Gemma come together at a turning point in their lives... where they're both looking for a fresh start. They easily form a bond that quickly develops into something more.
This story is not just about romance, but also about healing. Each woman has a past to contend with and is there for each other as they try to accept and move on in order to create a brighter future.
Oh, and there's a cute little puppy named Lemon.
Lise Gold writes such beautiful stories.
Lori and Gemma come together at a turning point in their lives... where they're both looking for a fresh start. They easily form a bond that quickly develops into something more.
This story is not just about romance, but also about healing. Each woman has a past to contend with and is there for each other as they try to accept and move on in order to create a brighter future.
Oh, and there's a cute little puppy named Lemon.
August 12, 2024
I've already read 5 books by Lisa Gold and really enjoyed them, but not this one. I had a bad feeling reading this book.
I got through the last 80 pages just to find out how it was going to end.
Things were too predictable, there wasn't really anything to worry about.
Incidentally, chapter 55, 7 MONTHS LATERr and chapter 56, EPILOGUE are the same. More proofreading is needed to avoid this kind of mistake - I bought this book on 2 July 2024
I got through the last 80 pages just to find out how it was going to end.
Things were too predictable, there wasn't really anything to worry about.
Incidentally, chapter 55, 7 MONTHS LATERr and chapter 56, EPILOGUE are the same. More proofreading is needed to avoid this kind of mistake - I bought this book on 2 July 2024
June 7, 2024
When I read the synopsis I didn't know if I was gonna like this one. Maybe because one of the MC's was a prisoner, convicted for murder none the less. God, was I prejudiced. 🙈 Gemma is soooo nice. And I should've know Lise Gold would make the best of it. Because she always does and surely did again this time! Loved it!
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
June 30, 2024
Starting again & finding love
A sweet story of new beginnings for the main characters. Gemma is fresh from prison and starting a job at a fruit farm. Lori left her job and toxic relationship behind to run the fruit farm she inherited. They both find new beginnings together in this sweet romance.
A sweet story of new beginnings for the main characters. Gemma is fresh from prison and starting a job at a fruit farm. Lori left her job and toxic relationship behind to run the fruit farm she inherited. They both find new beginnings together in this sweet romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews