Heartfelt Romance and Community Spirit in ‘Love is For the Birds’ by Diane Owens Prettyman: Book Review #DianeOwensPrettyman @shewritespress

“Love is For the Birds” weaves a touching story of love, loss, and the power of community in the wake of a devastating hurricane.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to She Writes Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

For fans of Mary Alice Monroe’s “The Beach House” comes a heartwarming story by Diane Owens Prettyman about second chances in the aftermath of a hurricane. When Teddy Wainsworth returns to Bird Isle, she finds her mother’s candy store destroyed. Meanwhile, Jack Shaughness, a widowed barbecue restaurant owner, arrives to feed hurricane survivors and meets Teddy, sparking a connection. Together, they find a lost dog and bond over efforts to restore the island’s habitat for the endangered whooping cranes. As they rebuild Bird Isle and grow closer, Jack harbors a secret that could jeopardize everything.

My Thoughts:

“Love is For the Birds” is a heartfelt tale of family, friendship, and romance set against the backdrop of the resilient Bird Isle. This was my first book by Diane Owens Prettyman, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Teddy Wainsworth has endured a series of devastating losses over the past year. The accidental death of her mother, which she feels responsible for, and now the destruction of her mother’s beloved candy store by a hurricane, have left her overwhelmed with grief and guilt. Her return to Bird Isle is fraught with emotions, but she finds an unexpected ally in Jack Shaughness, a widower and barbecue restaurant owner who arrives on the island to help feed hurricane survivors.

The sense of community on Bird Isle is beautifully depicted. Despite the chaos and destruction, the residents come together to support each other, even extending their care to a lost dog found amidst the wreckage. Jack and Teddy’s friendship, forged in the aftermath of the hurricane, grows quickly as they work side by side to rebuild their homes and businesses. While the speed of their developing relationship may stretch realism, it adds a touch of the fantastical charm that makes romance novels so enjoyable.

One of the highlights of the story is the emphasis on bird conservation. The community’s efforts to restore the Aransas Wildlife Refuge for the whooping cranes’ annual migration is both inspiring and educational. The bird count subplot was particularly engaging and added a unique layer to the narrative.

However, Jack’s hidden secret looms over their budding romance, threatening to unravel everything they’ve built together. Teddy, a strong-willed woman determined to face her challenges independently, must navigate this revelation and decide if she can forgive and move forward.

Final Thoughts:

“Love is For the Birds” is a touching story of resilience and love in the face of adversity, wrapped in the warmth of a close-knit community. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and look forward to exploring more works by Diane Owens Prettyman.