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Lark Song
They want to move on—but one terrible truth could shatter it all. As a widowed mother of three, new love seems impossible for Freya—until she meets Duncan, and suddenly she feels alive again. But there are secrets afflicting Freya’s family, some more sinister than others, that could destroy their relationship before it has a chance to flourish. While Freya’s older children are less than welcoming, six-year-old Sophie helps Duncan find his place in the family—but even Sophie harbours fears that threaten to overshadow any chance of a new start. The past is hard to leave behind when pictures of Freya’s idolised late husband hang in every room, and the more Duncan tries to find the source of Sophie’s anxiety, the more he is convinced that Reuben was not the perfect husband and father Freya remembers. Tormented by concern and his own insecurity, Duncan begins an obsessive investigation into the dead man’s past. But when his good intentions lead him in too deep, he risks destroying everything he has built with Freya—and the whole family’s second chance at happiness.
350 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2018
172 people are currently reading
1163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 10, 2018
Freya a widow with 3 children meets Duncan when a passing car drives through a puddle and drenches her, he acts like a gentleman and offers to take her to a cafe to dry out before she picks her children up from school. They start dating.
Loved it when Duncan gave Sophie a toy crocodile and she runs away crying as her dad was killed by a crocodile, that is classic and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud!!
This is beautifully written, funny and sad, about the children’s grief after losing their dad and trying to accept the fact that their mother is dating again. Mother in law Sylvia has a tongue on her that is sharper than a knife and twice as painful!!
Poor Duncan he seems like the perfect gentleman, kind, generous and really caring towards Freya’s children, but it’s hard when Reuben, Freya’s husband is made out to be some sort of modern day saint with his charity work. Duncan investigates and slowly reveals he may not be the saint they remember him as but as the saying goes “Don’t shoot the messenger”. This could ruin his chances of a happy ending with Freya.
Thoroughly loved this book and was totally absorbed with this lovely family and hoping they all have a happy ending!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Loved it when Duncan gave Sophie a toy crocodile and she runs away crying as her dad was killed by a crocodile, that is classic and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud!!
This is beautifully written, funny and sad, about the children’s grief after losing their dad and trying to accept the fact that their mother is dating again. Mother in law Sylvia has a tongue on her that is sharper than a knife and twice as painful!!
Poor Duncan he seems like the perfect gentleman, kind, generous and really caring towards Freya’s children, but it’s hard when Reuben, Freya’s husband is made out to be some sort of modern day saint with his charity work. Duncan investigates and slowly reveals he may not be the saint they remember him as but as the saying goes “Don’t shoot the messenger”. This could ruin his chances of a happy ending with Freya.
Thoroughly loved this book and was totally absorbed with this lovely family and hoping they all have a happy ending!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
July 29, 2018
Loved this.
The characters are believable, the writing is simply lovely and after a sort of shaky start (the changes of pov caught me unawares) I found myself desperate to find out how it ends.
The 'twist' (if that is what is is called) is pretty obvious, but for once its believable. I fell in love with Duncan - He comes over as a thoroughly decent guy who is trying almost too hard. Will and Jake and Sophie are lovely and the developing relationship between them and Duncan is beautiful.
My only niggle is that the ending is a little too ... 'floaty' for me.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because this is a book I will read again.
(gosh, after a slew of really - REALLY- dire romances this was a breath of fresh air and I am going to search for more by this author)
The characters are believable, the writing is simply lovely and after a sort of shaky start (the changes of pov caught me unawares) I found myself desperate to find out how it ends.
The 'twist' (if that is what is is called) is pretty obvious, but for once its believable. I fell in love with Duncan - He comes over as a thoroughly decent guy who is trying almost too hard. Will and Jake and Sophie are lovely and the developing relationship between them and Duncan is beautiful.
My only niggle is that the ending is a little too ... 'floaty' for me.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because this is a book I will read again.
(gosh, after a slew of really - REALLY- dire romances this was a breath of fresh air and I am going to search for more by this author)
August 17, 2018
I won this book on Goodreads giveaway and glad I did! This book is kinda a love story but not bc I hate any love story usually so it’s more like a story about family and how they learn to love another through difficult times and how a death in the family can really change a family’s structure. This book has some definite twists to it too even though I predicted these from the beginning bc I’m pretty good at spoiling an ending when it comes to any sort of fictional mystery but doesn’t mean it is obvious or whatnot and really enjoyed how the author was so detailed and gave some amazing alliteration to bring to life each character and even the scenery was so intricate that you can almost imagine being in England with these characters. I normally get confused when narratives are constantly changing but not with this book bc it was clear who exactly is narrating at each point so there wasn’t any confusion and like how we got every character’s perspective on what transpired and how each of them felt when it occurred. Found this book endearing and even tho I had to look up quite a few of the British slang used I really enjoyed this book. It is filled with real life scenarios and family as they go through tragedy and turmoil as well as love and welcoming a new person into their family slowly but with ease by the end Definitely a chick book though lol and could totally see this being made into a movie! Loved it!!!
June 8, 2018
An affecting, beguiling, emotional and captivating read, Lark Song is an enthralling family drama that will get under your skin and keep you riveted from beginning to end.
Life as a widowed mother of three is anything but easy and nobody knows this better than Freya. Juggling the demands of three children with the daily challenges that life has to offer is no walk in the park and the last thing Freya is expecting is to find herself falling in love. But that looks set to change when she meets Duncan, the first man she has met in a long time who has made her feel alive again. However, moving on and leaving the past behind is not going to be so straightforward, especially when there are secrets, lies and deceptions cluttering up the family vault that threaten to destroy any chance they might have of their relationship flourishing…
Another major stumbling block for Freya and Duncan’s relationship is the disapproval and disdain their children are showing their fledgling romance. Their only cheerleader is six year old Sophie who helps Duncan to find a place in the family home and does not make him feel like a pariah. With memories and pictures of Freya’s husband and the children’s father dotted all around the house, getting everyone to accept the new man in Freya’s life starts to get harder and harder with each passing day. And if that wasn’t enough to contend with, young Sophie begins to harbour fears and anxieties that begin to trouble Freya and Duncan. Why is this little girl so worried and gripped by panic? What has happened to make her worry so much? Will Freya and Duncan manage to get to the bottom of what is troubling Sophie?
As Duncan begins to dip deeper into the mysteries of the family he hopes to be part of, he starts wondering whether Reuben was really the perfect husband and father everyone makes him out to be. As his investigation into this man’s life takes an obsessive turn, will Duncan end up jeopardising not just everything he has built up with Freya, but the family’s second chance at happiness?
Jane Bailey is a phenomenal talent who plumbs the depths of the human heart and soul with sensitivity, flair and compassion. Lark Song is cleverly written, densely plotted and wonderfully told and it is not only a perceptive exploration of the ties that bind, family secrets and the bonds that break, but an intriguing and gripping domestic mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Lark Song is a terrific novel full of wonderfully rendered characters, believable drama, searing emotion and nail-biting intrigue you will not be able to stop reading. With this book, Jane Bailey continue to affirm her position as one of the most gifted and talented writers writing today and I cannot wait to see what else this master storyteller has in store for us in the not too distant future.
Life as a widowed mother of three is anything but easy and nobody knows this better than Freya. Juggling the demands of three children with the daily challenges that life has to offer is no walk in the park and the last thing Freya is expecting is to find herself falling in love. But that looks set to change when she meets Duncan, the first man she has met in a long time who has made her feel alive again. However, moving on and leaving the past behind is not going to be so straightforward, especially when there are secrets, lies and deceptions cluttering up the family vault that threaten to destroy any chance they might have of their relationship flourishing…
Another major stumbling block for Freya and Duncan’s relationship is the disapproval and disdain their children are showing their fledgling romance. Their only cheerleader is six year old Sophie who helps Duncan to find a place in the family home and does not make him feel like a pariah. With memories and pictures of Freya’s husband and the children’s father dotted all around the house, getting everyone to accept the new man in Freya’s life starts to get harder and harder with each passing day. And if that wasn’t enough to contend with, young Sophie begins to harbour fears and anxieties that begin to trouble Freya and Duncan. Why is this little girl so worried and gripped by panic? What has happened to make her worry so much? Will Freya and Duncan manage to get to the bottom of what is troubling Sophie?
As Duncan begins to dip deeper into the mysteries of the family he hopes to be part of, he starts wondering whether Reuben was really the perfect husband and father everyone makes him out to be. As his investigation into this man’s life takes an obsessive turn, will Duncan end up jeopardising not just everything he has built up with Freya, but the family’s second chance at happiness?
Jane Bailey is a phenomenal talent who plumbs the depths of the human heart and soul with sensitivity, flair and compassion. Lark Song is cleverly written, densely plotted and wonderfully told and it is not only a perceptive exploration of the ties that bind, family secrets and the bonds that break, but an intriguing and gripping domestic mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Lark Song is a terrific novel full of wonderfully rendered characters, believable drama, searing emotion and nail-biting intrigue you will not be able to stop reading. With this book, Jane Bailey continue to affirm her position as one of the most gifted and talented writers writing today and I cannot wait to see what else this master storyteller has in store for us in the not too distant future.
June 10, 2018
Lark Song is an emotional read about a family trying to move on after the death of its head. In comes Duncan, Freya’s first love interest after the death of her husband. But it’s not smooth sailing for the lovebirds, what with hostile children, a rude mother-in-law who thinks poorly of Duncan, and sharp reminders of the dead husband, Reuben, in every room of the house.
The book is very slow in the first few pages and it took a long time for Duncan to grow on me. After the first 30%, the story picks up. There are a lot of hurdles for Freya and Duncan to cross. With ever hurdle, I was losing more respect for Duncan. The dude stays, no matter what opposition he faces from the family or what he discovers about Reuben.
I know, I know. It’s supposed to show strength of character. But if I were him, I would’ve hightailed it out of Freya’s life faster than you can say “weak.”
The plot thickens and gets more compelling as the story moves forward. It was kind of easy to guess what was coming, though, so it ruined the surprise for me. This could be just me, though. So if you like family drama with a little bit of suspense thrown in, do check out this book.
The book is very slow in the first few pages and it took a long time for Duncan to grow on me. After the first 30%, the story picks up. There are a lot of hurdles for Freya and Duncan to cross. With ever hurdle, I was losing more respect for Duncan. The dude stays, no matter what opposition he faces from the family or what he discovers about Reuben.
I know, I know. It’s supposed to show strength of character. But if I were him, I would’ve hightailed it out of Freya’s life faster than you can say “weak.”
The plot thickens and gets more compelling as the story moves forward. It was kind of easy to guess what was coming, though, so it ruined the surprise for me. This could be just me, though. So if you like family drama with a little bit of suspense thrown in, do check out this book.
June 19, 2018
Enjoyable and interesting
Jane Bailey has a special way of developing characters : some are so very lovable and others are down right despicable. It all comes together to provide a good and dramatic story.
Jane Bailey has a special way of developing characters : some are so very lovable and others are down right despicable. It all comes together to provide a good and dramatic story.
June 12, 2018
An absolutely beautiful story that kept me wanting to turn those pages until I had finished it. Devoured it in one sitting. Would highly recommend this author's works.
June 18, 2018
Lark Song entails an emotional journey for a family as they struggle through many challenges. I liked following their journey through their many obstacles.
January 5, 2020
Loved it. Humorous and moving, Jane Bailey captures the emotion fo her characters beautifully. Oh, and there is a rather nice twist to the story.
January 29, 2022
Loved this! First book I’ve read by this author, will definitely check out more by her.
June 17, 2018
Each character has a story to tell
This book lead you into a website of lie. emotion of loss and finally resolutions. I enjoyed reading this book.
This book lead you into a website of lie. emotion of loss and finally resolutions. I enjoyed reading this book.
June 13, 2018
An emotive and heartfelt story that, ultimately, well narrated. I really enjoyed it.
June 11, 2018
Haven't read anything by this author before and found this an enjoyable of predictable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.
June 8, 2018
Larks are inspirational and their behavior deserving of human replication
This book is my favorite of more than 200 books I’ve read this year. The characters are genuine and the plot is gripping.
This book is my favorite of more than 200 books I’ve read this year. The characters are genuine and the plot is gripping.
August 5, 2018
All of these characters were sensitively but realistically drawn, even Sylvia with her nasty need to be the centre of attention and ridicule, extending even to outright disbelieving everyone else's opinions. Jack's stash of comfort food, Will's self-protection, Freya's clinging to her excessively sentimental and sometimes just plain fictional memories of Reuben, all of these ring true. As a slow and gentle love story of a family healing, this is wonderful. The introduction of discord, first with the misguided but necessary investigation of Duncan, and then the greater plot device in Rome, are topped by the last trauma. I found myself wondering if the end would be cruel. I would have been truly upset. But no - a happy ending, thank goodness
July 30, 2018
When I first started reading this I felt like it was moving very slowly but about 1/3 of the way in I realized that this was a love story that needed to be told slowly. You'll come to love the characters, especially Duncan.. Anyone who has lost a spouse knows how difficult it is to move on and anyone who falls in love with that person knows how difficult it is to compete with a ghost. Freya wants to live again but her heart is holding her back. Duncan loves her and her children and want to move forward with them. When helping her clean the attic Duncan stumbles across something shocking! Freya's dead husband may not be what she believed he was. Should Duncan tell her? Will it destroy their relationship if he does? Will it hurt the children? About 1/3 of the way in, the book that I felt was moving so slowly, suddenly became "unputdownable" ! I think the ending sets it up for a sequel! I hope there is a book 2 that allows us to share the culmination of this complex relationship. I recommend this to lovers of adult romance with a little bit of mystery thrown in. 4 stars #Larksong #Netgalley
January 12, 2022
A lovely story
This was a lovely story that I found to be sweet and endearing. I found myself truly caring about the characters and their outcomes. The ending was solid as well, and left me feeling satisfied. I identified with the characters in the story on a personal level as some of the life events they are dealing with are similar to my own current situation. Overall, a great read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet romance/drama with a happy ending.
This was a lovely story that I found to be sweet and endearing. I found myself truly caring about the characters and their outcomes. The ending was solid as well, and left me feeling satisfied. I identified with the characters in the story on a personal level as some of the life events they are dealing with are similar to my own current situation. Overall, a great read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet romance/drama with a happy ending.
September 1, 2018
Five Stars well deserved!!
Wonderful read, it was like being carried along on the crest of a wave! Entertaining, exhilarating, very funny, but also extremely credible. Loved all the characters with a couple of exceptions. If you love reading with a passion put this novel on your list, no spoilers... you'll love it!!
Wonderful read, it was like being carried along on the crest of a wave! Entertaining, exhilarating, very funny, but also extremely credible. Loved all the characters with a couple of exceptions. If you love reading with a passion put this novel on your list, no spoilers... you'll love it!!
October 21, 2024
I don't like going back over the plot when I do reviews. This book hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters. I was surprised by some directions it went, in a pleasing way. I had a hard time putting this down. The writing was pretty easy, with not too much physical description, which I like.
June 27, 2018
Lark Song
The emotions, thoughts and anxieties leaped off the pages and twisted my heart. Each joy, revelation and triumph reflected in the flight and song of the lark, the seasons, the memories and visions of the future. The sensitive Duncan was heroic. Gratyread.
The emotions, thoughts and anxieties leaped off the pages and twisted my heart. Each joy, revelation and triumph reflected in the flight and song of the lark, the seasons, the memories and visions of the future. The sensitive Duncan was heroic. Gratyread.
June 24, 2018
Nice read. I loved the characters. I was a bit disappointed with the end. Wanted more for them, Duncan & Freya.
July 16, 2018
Great read
I was instantly taken into the lives of these characters. The storyline flowed well as it bounced from character to character. I recommend it.
I was instantly taken into the lives of these characters. The storyline flowed well as it bounced from character to character. I recommend it.
January 27, 2019
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I really loved this story. The way it was written was really beautiful.
The characters were deeply developed. I especially loved the chapters written from the children’s perspective. Freya was my least favorite character. My favorites were Will and Jack.
The plot was good, but I also wasn’t surprised at all. I felt like I knew what was going to happen early on, so there were no surprises. That isn’t a bad thing for this book though, since it was so character driven and I cared more about the feelings of each person and how they connected to each other.
I really loved this story. The way it was written was really beautiful.
The characters were deeply developed. I especially loved the chapters written from the children’s perspective. Freya was my least favorite character. My favorites were Will and Jack.
The plot was good, but I also wasn’t surprised at all. I felt like I knew what was going to happen early on, so there were no surprises. That isn’t a bad thing for this book though, since it was so character driven and I cared more about the feelings of each person and how they connected to each other.
October 5, 2018
Two and a half stars.
It is rare for me to take so long to finish a book, but there are reasons, the main one being there is no compelling reason to settle down to read it - other things seemed more important. This was the case with Lark Song. It was a nice enough story but predictable. The characters were classic examples of ‘the torn wife and mother’, ‘the patient good guy’, ‘the bitchy mother in law’, etc etc.
Pleased it is finished so I can now move on to something a bit more stimulating.
It is rare for me to take so long to finish a book, but there are reasons, the main one being there is no compelling reason to settle down to read it - other things seemed more important. This was the case with Lark Song. It was a nice enough story but predictable. The characters were classic examples of ‘the torn wife and mother’, ‘the patient good guy’, ‘the bitchy mother in law’, etc etc.
Pleased it is finished so I can now move on to something a bit more stimulating.
August 25, 2018
Almost four stars because I really enjoyed it. Started well then was a bit 'soft' and chick litty but, as Duncan developed as a character, and the three children took more centre stage, I became fully involved. The dreadful Sylvia is indeed a memorable character and there are a number of other well drawn cameos. It is a genuinely good read, perfect when you want to relax and the story unravels in an intriguing way.
June 30, 2018
Female angst
It was difficult to Sussex out whether the era. The main character being a homemaker ducted by her devious husband. Yet dating and texting to meet a new man. Her small town with quaint ways and an overbearing mother in law turned out cliche. Could have been a tragedy with all the waxing sad thoughts from all characters.
It was difficult to Sussex out whether the era. The main character being a homemaker ducted by her devious husband. Yet dating and texting to meet a new man. Her small town with quaint ways and an overbearing mother in law turned out cliche. Could have been a tragedy with all the waxing sad thoughts from all characters.
July 28, 2018
Lark Song
An excellent read. It is a story of a shy under confident man who meets a widow on a rainy day. He learns she is a widow with three children. He grows to love the three dysfunctional children while helping them grow in confidence. Both main characters have to deal with their past while falling in love.
An excellent read. It is a story of a shy under confident man who meets a widow on a rainy day. He learns she is a widow with three children. He grows to love the three dysfunctional children while helping them grow in confidence. Both main characters have to deal with their past while falling in love.
August 7, 2020
This was very engaging, I read it in a day. The only downside is I found the main character, Freya, too chaotic and a bit annoying, I can't see that Duncan (he was lovely) would really let a woman treat him like that. But I suppose if a woman is super attractive he may do. Lots of great moments in there though. Recommended!
September 28, 2018
A rewarding read
a well written, sensitive and engaging read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author writes perceptively about human emotion and complicated dilemmas (including from the viewpoints of a teenager and a six year old
a well written, sensitive and engaging read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author writes perceptively about human emotion and complicated dilemmas (including from the viewpoints of a teenager and a six year old
April 6, 2019
Great read!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are easy to relate to and are very believable. This is the first book I have read by Jane Bailey but will definitely not be my last.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are easy to relate to and are very believable. This is the first book I have read by Jane Bailey but will definitely not be my last.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews