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Songs for a Sunday

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Two sets of sisters, generations apart—can one big sister’s sacrifice teach the other about love and forgiveness?
1963: Twenty-year-old Annie dreams of managing the dance studio where she has trained since childhood and of marrying her high-society boyfriend. But when her younger sister with special needs gets pregnant, Annie is forced to set her dreams aside for the sake of family.
Present Missy Robbins has always lived in her younger sister’s shadow. When given the opportunity, Missy steps out of her comfort zone as stay-at-home mom of four to prove she’s as good a singer as Erica. Missy’s new pursuit puts her on a path to self-discovery and reclaiming her discarded faith. Until she discovers her grandmother has a sixty-year-old secret.
Will Missy conceal Grandma Annie’s deception or will she be forced to reveal the hidden truth.

312 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2023

6 people are currently reading
2416 people want to read

About the author

Heather Norman Smith

7 books111 followers
Heather Norman Smith is an author of inspirational Southern Fiction set in her home state of North Carolina. Her goal is to entertain and encourage readers, and illuminate the redemptive love of God, through stories with charming settings and memorable characters that make you feel right at home. She lives just outside Winston-Salem, NC with her husband, their four children, and several pets. Along with writing novels and spending time with her family, Heather also enjoys writing devotions and singing about Jesus.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Cindy aka "The Book Fairy".
730 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2024
What a wonderful story! Didn't want to put it down so it was another of a bit too late night reading. This was a new to me author (and a fairly newer author as well I think actually) so I was only too glad to check out her book after marvelous reviews and to help support an author besides.

I have to say I was engrossed, quite pleased at this not too long (around 300 pages, ideal length) dual time line story of family secrets yet forgiveness and sacrifices that were made in love between sisters.
It showed how the verse from Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good for those that love God as some situations feel so despairing but the Lord used them regardless and knew best. Yes, it's fiction but realistic and a wonderful, uplifting, enjoyable book!

She is an author I would certainly read another by as often I kind of give a "one chance"...if I wasn't tore up over a book, I probably won't bother to read others by him or her in all honesty as there are galores waiting to be savoured :D
Profile Image for Maggie - Busy Moms Read Too.
278 reviews86 followers
February 10, 2023
This novel is a Christian dual time-line between Missy and Annie, who is Missy's grandmother. We are first introduced to Missy and her chaotic life as a busy mom and wife. Her family looks like most others: sometimes messy but full of love. As we learn more about her life, we also get to know her grandmother Annie. Alternating from present day to 1963, the story slowly weaves together Annie's hidden past with Missy's present. All throughout, Annie shares wisdom for her young granddaughter, who is struggling in a crisis of faith.

Full of faith, wisdom, love, grief, heartache, and hope, this novel is truly touching and emotional. It is a quick read that you can get through within a few days (maybe less!), but it is packed with a lot of topics. The themes of unconditional love, forgiveness, and hope are really big within it. Even through the trials and hard times the characters went through, the joy of the gospel and God's grace is always there. His power is also sufficient to mend together the most broken of relationships. I liked how all these themes were tied into this one book.

Overall, I really appreciated this author's firm stance on the sanctity of life, the power of God, and the love of family. It was a sweet read and I look forward to other books by her.
Profile Image for Shannon Cook.
Author 1 book8 followers
October 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! I seriously couldn’t put it down. I’d read a chapter of Annie’s story in the 60’s, then I’d have to find out what was going on with Melissa in present day. But then I’d have unanswered questions about Annie, so I’d keep going…and you get the picture. I’ve read all of Heather Norman Smith’s books and, like the others, this one doesn’t disappoint. It pulled me in and made me want to move to North Carolina and celebrate Christmas.

Add this to your TBR right now. You’ll love it!
Profile Image for Staci.
2,326 reviews675 followers
January 13, 2024
1960's/Current Day North Carolina

Compelling novel about sisters. The love and the struggle.

In the 1960s thread, young adult Annie mothers her teenage special needs sister. When a life curve forces Annie to choose between the future she has envisioned and a much different one, she understandably goes through emotional turmoil.

In the current day thread, mother and wife Missy is jealous of her younger sister Erica that is pursuing a music career in Nashville.

Enjoyable novel by a new to me author.
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,855 reviews160 followers
February 8, 2023
This is such a touching book! Songs for a Sunday shares the lives of two women, generations apart, who've known the joys of family love but also experienced many troubles and heartache. Annie's story is set in 1963, and her granddaughter Melissa's is present-day; both Annie and Melissa have sisters but oh, what a difference in the two sibling relationships. Annie's sacrificial love for her special needs sister is in stark contrast to the jealousy that exists between Melissa and Erica, but author Heather Norman Smith helps us understand the reasons for the differences. I especially love Annie's unselfish spirit, the decisions that she makes, and their impact on future generations. Melissa's spiritual growth is directly affected by her grandmother's Christian witness!

Smith kept me fully engaged in this beautiful tale of sacrifices, forgiveness, and redemption. I was reminded that God is always there, His plan is always best, and He never fails us. There's also a subtle suggestion that some secrets are best kept hidden. I loved Songs for a Sunday and I dare you to read it without a box of tissues nearby!

I was provided a digital copy of this book. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
29 reviews
February 12, 2023
This book had my attention from the moment I started reading. I love that it is set in two different times. It follows sisters Annie and Rose Claire in the mid-1960s and Missy and Erica in the present day. But these are not just random sisters, Annie is the grandmother of Missy and Erica, so you will get to follow the family life unfold. In my opinion, this also makes the book an absolute page-turner, I would often find it difficult to stop reading because I needed to see how a situation or event turned out.

Annie thought she had her life all planned out until she needed to put her own dreams aside to help her sister Rose Claire. During this time her life turned what seemed to her upside down, her career dream was lost and the man she planned to marry walked away from her. But even in these troubling times, God found a way to show her He had a plan for her life.

Missy is a stay-at-home mom of four, who had her first child at 17. She felt abandoned by friends and those in her church. Over the course of her adulthood, she distanced herself from the church and watched her younger sister succeed in a singing career. Until one day a door opens for Missy, one at first she was not able to see as a blessing but just another thing for her to take care of while her sister lives her dream. Within this story is a family secret that one day Missy finds out. She struggles with keeping the secret hidden and telling.

I absolutely enjoyed this book! Heather Norman Smith wrote a beautiful book about the bond between sisters and family. She makes it easy for you to feel the emotion of the characters and care about them. I would recommend this book to put on a to-read list!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All views and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rebecca Booth.
170 reviews34 followers
February 2, 2023
As I live in North Carolina and have visited Winston Salem, I thoroughly enjoyed reading an ARC of Songs For A Sunday by Heather Norman Smith. Her dual storyline of 1963 and the present sure did entertain me. This novel has a diary of a grandmother's web of secrets, Annie's dreams of owning a dance studio and life with her teenage pregnant sister, Ruth Claire in 1963, Missy's life in the present day with her four children, their accomplishments and disappointments and her pursuit of becoming a singer like her sister, Erica. Their faith abounds which makes this an amazing read. I sure will be reading more of Heather Norman Smith's books!
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,685 reviews
February 3, 2023
Dual time stories are some of my most liked reads and this was a fun one in that genre. I enjoyed that the main character shares my first name-that was a neat connection for me. The two timelines are woven together really well, and they made for a compelling read especially with the bit of mystery within the pages. Liked this story!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Michelle Woods.
48 reviews
January 30, 2023
It took me a little bit (not long) to invest in the characters and when I did, I couldn't put it down! This story reminds us to give grace to everyone and not assume that we know the answers, especially within our own families!
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,628 reviews49 followers
November 6, 2022
Wow! What a fantastic book! A beautiful story of how an unplanned baby changed the lives of a family. A story that celebrates family standing by each other in good and bad times. A story of finding faith again. Parts of it brought tears to my eyes. A definite must read!
Profile Image for Julia.
3,121 reviews100 followers
February 7, 2023
Songs For A Sunday by Heather Norman Smith is a most charming Christian dual timeline that I adored.
The novel is the heartbeat of God for His children. His love for us is palpable, and the love of the characters for each other is vast. We belong to our earthly family and we are children of God.
Life can be hard but we do not do life alone. “You don’t have to figure it out alone… I’m here. And the Lord is too.” God walks beside us every step of the way. We do not need to see the whole staircase as God illuminates one step at a time. We can trust Him.
When life is hard – pray. When life is good – pray. When you are at a crossroads – pray. “Pray and do whatever you think He’s [God] telling you to do.” Listen for God’s voice in your heart. He will not let you down.
We see characters who have walked away from God because they felt judged by other Christians. “He [God] didn’t turn His back on you… You can’t let the mistakes of some church folks steal your joy in Him.” Sometimes we make the mistake of placing human characteristics on God. God is not human. God is God and His character is love.
The novel is set in two time periods – 1963 and present day. There are two sisters in both time periods. We see unconditional protective love in 1963 but in present day there is friction as jealousy has driven an emotional wedge.
We all have different dreams and talents. Within the novel we see dreams encouraged, dreams sacrificed and dreams on hold. It is very beautiful when we see dreams finally come true.
In 1963 there is a character with special needs. This is not named but I believe it is autism. Little was known in the 1960’s about autism but the character has a very special and unique gift for communicating with animals. There is a beautiful bond between her and her sister too.
I adored Songs For A Sunday. It filled my heart with joy and love, and is simply beautiful as we see God’s amazing grace.
I would like to leave you with the blessing from Numbers that we hear in the book. It is very beautiful.
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6; 24-26.
I received a free copy via Just Read Tours for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Charity.
626 reviews82 followers
February 4, 2023
"She drew a deep breath to force out the words. 'I want to be seen.'"

As a stay at home mom, I just want to be SEEN sometimes. I feel so often that I'm in the background, just shuffling kids around to where they need to go. I felt every. single. one. of Missy's emotions and feelings in this story, even to the singing part.

Except for the doubting, this story could have been about me. I really don't know what else I can write about this book.

Thank you, Heather Norman Smith. I feel seen now.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,820 reviews49 followers
February 6, 2023
I really enjoy Christian Fiction books and I truly enjoy Spilt Time genre. Songs for a Sunday by Heather Norman Smith is both of these in one book! I was very excited to read this book recently.

The year is 1963 and Annie finds out that she will need to take care of her Special Needs sister who is pregnant. She sets her Dreams aside and puts family first. Annie is only 20 and has a few dreams including marrying her "high society" boyfriend, but her sister needs her now. We are now in the present day and Missy Robbins decides she does have something to prove to everyone. Missy has been a Stay at Home Mom for many years and decides to show those around her she can also sing just as well as her Sister, Erica. She suddenly discovers she does have an identity outside of being a Stay at Home Mom and she is coming back to her faith. Life takes a turn when she discovers her Grandma Annie has a family secret she has been hiding for 60yrs. Will Annie ever have the chance to achieve her Life Dreams? Will Missy reveal Grandma Annie's secret?

WOW, I really enjoyed this book from the very first chapter. I was so intrigued by the storyline that I kept reading and finished the book in about 3hrs. Annie was a very unselfish person, putting others before herself. Missy, who is Annie's granddaughter, has that same type of personality and takes care of her family before herself. I really enjoyed seeing Missy coming out of her zone and doing more for herself. The discovery by Missy about Grandma Annie was a GREAT part of the story. The book is one of Faith and Family. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction and also Dual Time Spilt. FANTASTIC BOOK!
Profile Image for Lori Hooten.
361 reviews8 followers
February 7, 2023
This novel is set in multiple times and explores the lives of two sets of sisters. The sisters influence each other, for good and otherwise, though that influence is not always seen until later. Annie's life is changed suddenly when her mentally challenged sisters has a major need, her job disappears, and her fiance drops her. Where does she go from there? In another time, her granddaughter Missy is struggling with her self-image as the "average" stay-at-home mom of 4. She feels she doesn't live up to expectations. Can she step up and bring about the change she wants to see? But what about when she finds out more about Grandma Annie's past? What now?

This is a beautiful story that shows the power of love and goodwill. When a family member steps up in a moment of need, you cannot help but find hope in that love, especially when it is nothing like the dream that existed in that space before. Dreams change and grow and morph into something even more beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed this process through the story because it is so easy, in our world, to just let go of a dream when things go awry. Throughout this story, the characters sought their own growth and that of those around them. Taking on dreams of another that you love can grow that dream and bring strength in the midst of heartache.

How beautifully this story shows these themes and ideas. Family is more than what we initially imagine and dreams grow in the midst of it all. As we follow the family trying to grow and change amidst shocking secrets and dreams gone awry, we fall in love with the love they have for each other. This is one to add to your must read list.

Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this story from the author for the purpose of reviews. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lois Kennis.
22 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2023
After enjoying a couple of heart-felt novels by this author, I looked forward to reading Songs for a Sunday. I was truly satisfied with both the story and the characters. They pulled at my heartstrings, beginning with the prologue, which paints a vivid, unusual, and unforgettable scene between sisters. I stayed interested all the way through, wanting to know what the sisters, their husbands, their mothers, and their grandmothers would say and do next.

This is an emotional, stirring, but comforting story that reveals piercing insights into complicated and challenging relationships. Emotional moments that separate, or bring people together. Sometimes, it is the difficult decisions that lead to unforeseen, precious outcomes that are more valuable than gold. This is a book to recommend and share with others.
34 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2023
“Songs for a Sunday” is an excellent novel. The book examines the themes of faith, family and generational secrets.

The author seamlessly weaves a beautiful message of renewed faith into a story filled with sibling rivalry and old secrets.

I also appreciated the details about Winston Salem, NC. She made the story so realistic with naming places in Winston Salem and mentioning the strong Moravian influence.

The 1960’s timeline mentions the Beatles, Elvis and the Kennedy assassination. Even a shout out to an old department store in the South…..Thalhemers.

This is a thoughtful, entertaining book with substance.
Profile Image for Karin.
Author 8 books162 followers
April 14, 2024
Props to Norman Smith for writing a dual timeline novel that I didn't hate. :) I'm not a huge fan, but Annie's and Missy's stories were both intriguing enough to capture my attention.

As someone with two sisters, it's always fun to read other people's interpretations of sisterhood. I can't say that my sisters and I got along as well as Annie and R.C. when they were kids, but that was also a different time and a truly special circumstance.

Full of heart and conflict, this story touches on all the highs and lows of sisterhood and family secrets. An emotional, hopeful story.

If you enjoy Katie Powner books, I think you'll like this story.

Rated PG.
Profile Image for Katherine Pasour.
24 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2023
Songs for a Sunday is a poignant and riveting story of family, faith, and love. Heather Norman Smith skillfully shares stories of two generations, grandmother and granddaughter, one life guided by faith, the other paralyzed by fear and shame. With careful attention to historical detail and strong, yet vulnerable characters, Smith immerses the reader into the lives of Annie and Missy. The two generations merge in present day circumstances as love and grace triumph over fear. Smith’s novel is delightful.
7 reviews
February 4, 2023
Songs for a Sunday is a wonderfully written story of family, faith and sanctity of life across generations. Dual time period stories are a favorite of mine. This book shows how sometimes we need to share our most sacred stories with others but not always with everyone. The faith conversations in the book are so well written and flow naturally. I've often read faith-based books that seem cheesy and unreal when speaking about God and Jesus. Songs for a Sunday faith is real. I recommend you add this to your TBR list this year along with a box of tissues.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books48 followers
February 26, 2023
I couldn't put this book down, it had my emotions all over the place. A beautiful story of love, God, and family. Wonderful characters that you can't help but fall in love with. The most important things in life that we can often take for granted and how God‘s plans for our lives are so much better than our own were woven into this heartfelt story. So much to love about this book, grab some kleenex, your going to need them!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jessica Brodie.
Author 20 books31 followers
May 8, 2023
This is one of the best books I've read in ages. Not only is Heather Norman Smith a phenomenally gifted writer, but she created characters who came to life and felt like authentic people. I plan to read every single one of the books she's written now! What I especially loved about this story was how she addressed the foundational love between sisters, as well as the difficult decisions we make and how they can impact generations. You will be blessed by reading this book... I promise!
Profile Image for Jessica Turbiville.
84 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2023
This was an amazing read! Heather Norman Smith has written a beautiful book full of truth, family, sacrifice, heartache, redemption, and love. I cried so many times, as I could see myself in the pages. I loved following Annie and Missy's stories.

I highly recommend this book!

I received an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shannon.
100 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2023
Wow! What a powerful story of love, grace and redemption. Annie’s life of sacrifice for her little boy was so touching. Missy’s struggles with motherhood and feeling like she doesn’t measure up are so true of many mothers. But by God’s grace she sees what she’s been missing.
Profile Image for Lauri Gentry.
872 reviews25 followers
January 30, 2024
Dual time line. Lovely story about family, love and sacrifice. The story gets the reader to ponder whether a secret should be kept or let the truth be known. I liked how the MC is drawn back to faith through song after losing faith when she is hurt from someone in the church.
Profile Image for Sarah Hanks.
Author 52 books172 followers
March 23, 2024
Phenomenal! This is one of the best books I've read this year. It might ever go into my most loved ever list. Excellent writing (Here’s an example of the benefits of deep pov), compelling storylines in both past and present, well-rounded characters. Bravo!
Profile Image for Jennie Atkins.
Author 2 books
April 16, 2024
Songs for a Sunday is a beautiful story of love, sacrifice, and the bond between sisters. Heather Norman Smith wove a beautiful tale of two families and God's amazing grace flowing through them.

I'd highly recommend this book.

This opinion is my own. I was given a copy.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 12 books156 followers
May 7, 2024
I enjoyed my escape into this wonderful novel. It goes back and forth between now and the 1960s so smoothly. The characters were very well drawn and so believable. The story captured great emotions too. Best of all, it's a faith-based story with a happy ending.
69 reviews
February 12, 2023
Wonderful story

I really enjoyed this book. Southern families filled with God's love. Even through tough times. This book was like breath of fresh airr
Profile Image for Simone.
725 reviews35 followers
December 14, 2024
Sweet!

Puh, Missy reminds me a lot of myself! Uncomfortable feeling, but in a positive way! Just like He did with Missy, He’s been opening my eyes and making me grateful!
Profile Image for Jarm Boccio.
Author 1 book33 followers
February 8, 2023
A heartwarming story with relatable characters you will remember long after you’ve finished the book. It’s a great winter’s read accompanied by a hot drink and a cozy blanket, even though the setting is in a temperate zone. Life is honored in this dual timeline story, which comes together beautifully at the end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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