Phyllis Clark Nichols

This book is one that embodies what the Christmas spirit should be in each of our lives. Love, acceptance, giving, friendship, family, and so, so much more.

Young Julia Russell is full of curiosity, gumption, and questions—lots and lots of questions. The moment she meets Henry Lafferty is one that defines her young life. Everything about this man is interesting and she longs to know more. She’s not deterred by his deafness or the age/generation gap. Henry has a story and Julia wants to learn it.

As Julia and Henry (or H as she thinks of him) form an unlikely friendship that is defined by an ability to communicate with each other beyond mere words. That friendship teaches Julia about herself and life at a young age: Kindness comes from the heart. There is good in everyone and everyone needs a friend. With a little effort, a can’t can be turned into a can.

Phyllis Clark Nichols gives readers a Christmas story to warm hearts and expand minds. It only takes one person to make someone else’s life better—and that often has a ripple effect into other lives. You definitely don’t want to miss this story.

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (meer)

Oh, how I loved this story, it renews your faith in humanity, and make sure you read to the end for the epilogue, it will bring tears to your eyes.
What a treat this story is, I enjoyed it from beginning to end, and wish it could have continued! This book brings a true meaning of Christmas, and the author places you right in the middle, as we walk with the main character, a precocious eleven-year-old Julia and a reclusive deaf man who has a gift of carving.
This book would make a wonderful movie, and I would be sure to watch!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gilead, and was not required to give a positive review.… (meer)

For me today was not a silent day, in fact it was quiet chaotic. Which I say so you know how peaceful it was to dive into this beautiful Christmas read and have a Holy Night.

Phyllis Clark Nichols voice catches me off guard as a writer who effortlessly creates a world that is believably good, where excessive plot and shock value doesn’t need to move the plot along, because it is moved by characters that enchant the mind of the reader. Her writing has such an elegant style which I have difficulty comparing to other writers. Her plots move a little slower, but that doesn’t keep me from being edge-of-my-seat interested. The fact that she can entertain an audience through the story of a young girl, is not a talent most writers can boast. The humanity she shows in her writing is universal, no matter the age of the character being written about.

I particularly love the tidbits of knowledge that she weaves into the story, like a history of the full moon being called a beaver moon and the detailed description of birds that one of the character observes.

Her books are not just to entertain but to be savoured, so we might see the goodness of God left in the world and try our best to honor Him more. I wouldn’t recommend this book for someone in need of a fast-paced read but more for someone who needs a book to feed their soul. Which, let’s face it, is all of us during this very broken time in the world and thankfully it is the perfect season to get into Christmas!

I also am excited that there is a recipe in the back of the book for the ~famous~ Grancie’s pound cake cookies!

Recommended reader: no age restriction due to content. I would recommend as the perfect book for someone looking for a calming read by the fire!… (meer)

3.5 Stars

Stop! Before you read further, go back up to the description of the book and look at the category once again. Yes, there’s a hint of romance in Return of the Song but this book is ALL about Caroline Carlyle and her journey from the haze of mourning.

There is a lot happening in this book. It’s part introduction to the small Georgia town, part romance, part mystery, and part music. Some of the book gets bogged down in details and some of the scenes probably could have been left out but overall, it gives readers a good look into Caroline’s life. The one where she is going through the motions despite the people surrounding her.

Phyllis Clark Nichols touches on the power of music—how one can get lost in it whether listening or playing, how creatives thrive in it. She also offers readers a taste of life in the South—much of it occurring around the table.

This is a long read (400 pages) that sometimes drags through the minutia of everyday life as much of the book takes place over about three months. Sometime the characters come across as a little unbelievable but at the same time, Caroline’s gentle spirit and kindness toward others is something we should all aspire to.

There are unresolved issues at the end of Return of the Song (don’t fret, there’s another book coming next year) but Caroline’s new outlook on her life gives me hope for the things to come.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (meer)