Songs for a Sunday ~ a book review

Songs for a Sunday JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Songs for a Sunday by Heather Norman Smith, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

About the Book

Title: Songs for a Sunday

Author: Heather Norman Smith

Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction

Release Date: February 7, 2023

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction/Southern Fiction/Split Time

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 Day: 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?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub
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Songs for a Sunday

My Summary and Thoughts:

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 sister 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.

About the Author

Heather Norman Smith

Heather Norman Smith is a Christian fiction and devotions author. Her goal is to use the written word to entertain and encourage while illuminating the redemptive love of God. She also enjoys singing about Jesus. Heather is a proud life-long North Carolinian and aims to present the beauty of the Tar Heel State in her fiction. Her home is just outside Winston-Salem, N.C., where she lives with her husband and their four children, and several pets.

Connect with Heather by visiting heathernormansmith.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Songs for a Sunday JustRead Blog Tour

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 6, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 13, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

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8 thoughts on “Songs for a Sunday ~ a book review

  1. Shelly Peterson February 8, 2023 at 11:12 am Reply

    Sounds like a wonderful read.

  2. johnhutchens1 February 8, 2023 at 11:29 am Reply

    this sounds like a really good book

  3. andreadrake1 February 8, 2023 at 8:43 pm Reply

    This sounds like a great book I love the blurb!

  4. @justreadtours February 8, 2023 at 8:59 pm Reply

    thanks for sharing your review! 🙂

  5. […] 8 At Home: where life happens Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic The Adventures of a Travelers […]

  6. Nova S February 9, 2023 at 12:02 pm Reply

    love using the dual timeline idea to highlight these themes

  7. Nancy February 10, 2023 at 11:39 am Reply

    I think it is interesting that this book is set in Winston-Salem, NC!

  8. Annette Vellenga (@athomepets) February 15, 2023 at 4:02 pm Reply

    oh, this sounds like one I might enjoy!

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