The Sailor and the Songbird

by Suzanne Rudd Hamilton

Suzy arrived in New York City in January 1944 with starry-eyed hopes and dreams for stardom. That all changed when she locked glances from her USO stage with a charming red-haired sailor with emerald eyes. From then on her world turned topsy-turvy and back with an enchanting, all-consuming wartime romance to beat the band. With WWII raging, the fifteen-month whirlwind journey pushes and pulls her from boundless romantic glee and excitement to the farthest depths of utter loneliness and tear-jerking sadness. Can heart-warming true love triumph over the tragedy of war to give these soul mates the forever life they long for together?

This is the first book in the Timeless series of American historical romance novels which follows members of the McIntyre family who find love amid the backdrop of pivotal times in American history.

208 pages, Paperback

Published June 8, 2021

About the author

A friend once told me "Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life."

I always wanted a mantra that I could truly believe and live every day. I spent my first career in journalism, public relations, real estate, and marketing, trying to find my bliss. But other than raising my children, I only had bouts of loving my various careers. It never lasted, but you have to make a living.

Now I'm in my second career, the search has ended. I moved from Chicago to the year-round warmth and gentle breezes of Southwest Florida. And I am doing things I have always wanted to do, just for the love of it. I am writing fictional novels, children's books, short stories, and essays that relate and retell everyday life experiences in a fun-filled read. I am writing, directing, and acting in a series of mystery "whodunnit" plays. And I am continuing my first love of singing. Now, I have a mantra. I am happily living my best life, as I know it.

I write what I feel and whatever pops into my head, across many genres, with a singular identity...I like to tell everyday people's stories through fiction with heart, humor, and humanity, and all the flaws, choices, and discovery that come with their individual journey.
I invite you to come along for the ride with me and meet some interesting people you may know or would like to know. It may even be you. I promise to try to make you laugh, love, and feel, and I will try not to bore you. I would be honored to be your guide. Welcome.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better)]

The Sailor and the Songbird is an absolutely fantastic book.

As a military retiree, I experienced my days of being alone and having USO as shows made life easier. Of course, this story differs in time and circumstances but it impacted my heart nonetheless.

It is very well written. Using the "back and forth" letters was a great technique. The pacing seemes perfect to me.

Overall, an outstanding book.

My highest recommendation.

[Suzanne Hamilton]

I wrote this book out of a love for the 1940's era and admiration for all those who can keep a relationship going despite all odds and in spite of the possibility that the one they love will be lost to war. Suzy and Red fall in love at first site and don't let go, even though there is hardship, separation and threat. It's a true testament of the endearing lure of love and romance. I hope you like it too.

[Shirley McAllister]

A warm heartfelt wartime romance

Jackie is helping her grandmother clear out some old boxes in the attic. She finds an old trunk with letters inside. As she reads these letters the story of her Grandmother Suzy’s romance with a sailor named Red during WWII.

The story is told through letters filled in with an unknown narrator it is still a really great romance story.

Suzy, Janie and Kate leave Illinois for New York to be singers. After working as waitresses they land a spot with the USO singing for servicemen. This is where Suzy meets Red. The success of the girls and the sweet romance between Red and Suzy makes for a great story.

I liked how clean and innocent this romance was. The letters were written with love and care. I also liked how the girls stuck by each other and were the best of friends, even after their singing career took off.

I loved reading this adorable story with romance and some humor. I would recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to Suzanne Hamilton and Book Sirens for allowing me to read a copy in return for an honest review.

[Cindy]

Sweet WWII Romance

Overall, I enjoyed the story! The letters were fine, but not my favorite style of writing! I didn't care for the ending, it definitely needs an epilogue to explain it all!
This is my review for the free book I got from Book Sirens.

[Nancy Garbe]

For fans of the World War II era “The Sailor and the Songbird” transports readers back to the 1940s and the world of USO canteens. Beginning in early 1944, the author expertly describes details of the lives of three girls, Suzy, Janie and Kate, seeking careers as singers. They begin at the bottom and work up from a smoky lounge as waitresses to the local USO canteen shows to a tour and more. Suzy meets a sailor named Red and their story becomes the focus through a series of letters.

I received a copy of this book from Book Sirens for my voluntary honest review. The story is steeped in details of life in the 1940s and is wonderfully romantic and realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be watching for the next story in this family saga.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty]

Suzy arrived in New York City in January 1944 with starry-eyed hopes and dreams for stardom. That all changed when she locked glances from her USO stage with a charming red-haired sailor with sapphire eyes. From then on her world turned topsy-turvy and back with an enchanting, all-consuming wartime romance to beat the band. With WWII raging, the fifteen-month whirlwind journey pushes and pulls her from boundless romantic glee and excitement to the farthest depths of utter loneliness and tear-jerking sadness. Can heart-warming true love triumph over the tragedy of war to give these soul mates the forever life they long for together?The United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) is an American nonprofit-charitable corporation that provides live entertainment,social facilities,and other programs to the United States Armed Forces and their families.Back then,many USO clubs had the position of senior hostess.An esteemed woman from the local community, the senior hostess coordinated the junior hostesses and large-scale activities at USO clubs.Junior hostesses catered to and danced with troops, among other upkeep duties.They had fairly strict codes of dress and conduct.Founded in 1941, the USO sought to be the GI's "home away from home" and began a tradition of entertaining the troops and providing social facilities. Involvement in the USO was one of the many ways in which the nation had come together to support the war effort.The organization became particularly known for its live performances, called camp shows, through which the entertainment industry helps boost the morale of servicemen and women. From the start, Hollywood was eager to show its patriotism, and many celebrities joined the ranks of USO entertainers.USS Franklin,nicknamed "Big Ben," was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during WWII for the USN.Commissioned in January 1944, she served in several campaigns in the Pacific War, earning four battle stars. She was badly damaged by a Japanese air attack in March 1945, with the loss of over 800 crew,becoming the most heavily damaged US aircraft carrier to survive the war.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

I love a great story told through letters it’s so I couldn’t resist when reading the summary I knew this author writes really great books and trust me when I say I was not disappointed with this one. Through the highs and lows and all points in between Suzanne and read write letters to each other waiting for the end of the war and years later her granddaughter finds them in an attic. I love this book and as I said I love Suzanne Rudd Hamilton‘s books and she certainly did not disappoint with the sailor and the songbird. A truly great read! I received this book from StoryOrigin and the author but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Donna Griffin]

This is my first time reading this author. I found the story simply delightful. Loved the way it was written. The characters were strong and realistic. The WWII time period is my favorite to read about. The main character shares her letters to her family and fiancee as she travels with the USO. I received an advanced copy and this review is my honest opinion.