Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber, Narrated by Stephanie Willis, Bethany Lind, and Nicholas Techosky

Published July 16th 2019 by Macmillan Audio, Forge Books

5 Stars: 

After reading several wonderful reviews, I grabbed the audiobook of this one and enjoyed every minute of it. This is a beautifully written book that hooked me right from the first page and help myi interest until I finished this wonderful story. I loved all the characters from Anna Kate to the customers at the Blackbird Café. Natalie and Ollie were wonderful. As Anna Kate and Natalie get closer, Ollie seems to cement their relationship as well as work her child magic on others. Then add in the birders that flock to Wicklow to see the blackbirds amass each evening behind the café and hear them sing. All these characters meld together to bring life to the small town, as well as to bring back the songs of the blackbirds.

This was a story with magic and small town warmth. The setting of the small town of Wicklow Alabama, specifically the Blackbird Café, were absolutely charming. As Anna Kate tries to find her place in the world, determine what she will do next as well as follow the wishes of her deceased grandma Zee, she has many decisions to make. This is Anna Kate’s journey as she comes to terms with the past, and discover what path she should take for her future. Along the way, she has hopes for a little magical help from the blackbirds, and possibly to find out the truth about her father’s death. There are family dynamics, some family angst, health problems, romance, monetary issues, friendship, secrets, grief and second chances all woven into this well written story. I definitely recommend this book as heartily as those who recommended it to me.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stephanie Willis, Bethany Lind, and Nicholas Techosky. I enjoyed the narration a lot, especially with the group of narrators who were able to give individual voices to the many characters. I was able to recognize who was speaking, as well as feel like I was right there seeing what was happening. This was a wonderful performance of a wonderful book. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

41556079About the Book: Heather Webber’s Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town Southern charm.

Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café.

It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about.

As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly.