Love Song at the Music Festival – Reviews
Love Song at the Music Festival is Book 19 in Margaret Amatt's Glenbriar Series, an interconnected collection of cosy contemporary romances set in the Scottish Highlands.
Below you'll find reviews and features from the book's blog tour, including reviews from book bloggers and Instagram reviewers. Click each reviewer's name to read the original review on their website or social media page.

Reviews
BookescapeswithBabsW67
Margaret Amatt is one of only a few authors whose books I will read without any knowledge of the content or context. I just love her writing and have adored each of her books that I have read. This is, I believe, our final visit to Glenbriar as we know it, although I understand that we will return… Each of Margaret’s books can be read as a standalone, so feel free to jump in at any time, although I’m sure you won’t be able to stop at one.
Review
Love Song at the Music Festival is a gorgeous farewell to a series that I have absolutely loved. When Margaret Amatt created the fictional town of Glenbriar, she created a special kind of magic and a destination which I can only dream about. Set in the Perthshire countryside, I am familiar with many of the locally referenced landmarks and have felt instantly at home with each visit.
A regular feature in many of these books has been local Folk-Rock band Tavrach. They have always appeared in a supporting role, but this time, they are literally at centre stage as we learn more about music teacher Mirren Elphinstone and music lecturer Adam Cormac, who is also the band’s frontman. The chemistry between these characters is off the proverbial scale and escalates from the moment they meet.
Mirren has featured previously as a music teacher at the local High School; she has already earned her due respect, but being unkindly jilted has empowered her to step out from the gaslit background where her ex had held her for a few years and show the world what she’s made of. I just loved everything about her. Her story arc is beautiful, and I felt moved as she began to shine.
Adam captured my imagination. He was equal parts Rock God and broken soul. His track record with partners had left him doubting his own self-worth. He was unassuming about his own ability despite being a gifted musician and songwriter. He certainly wasn’t an alpha male, but probably stronger than I would perceive for a beta.
There are many things which I adored about this book, from the gentle mentions of previous characters to the familiar storylines which were revisited. However, the songs Adam and Mirren created had me wishing Tavrach was real.
Romantic, enchanting and a glorious farewell. This is a beautiful book.
***
Jen_loves_reading
Another great addition to the Glenbriar series. Music teacher Mirren was never known as the girlfriend of Benji who used to be lead singer of Tavrach as he very much kept her in the background. He dumps her and she decides that she needs to get her own back. Also he walked out on Tavrach and took all their songs with him for a solo career so they start auditions for a replacement. So Mirren musters all the confidence she can and auditions. They have no idea what her connection to the band is but it’s a risk she is prepared to take. The remaining band members are instantly impressed but it’s not long before her connection to Benji comes to light and his true colours are revealed. The chemistry between Tavrach’s frontman Adam and Mirren soon becomes too difficult to ignore but can it develop into anything more? Both have been hurt before so are wary of taking things further. Plus there is also the issue of Benji hovering in the background………
I just love how these books pull me in and keep me totally hooked. The way the characters interact, how the story develops and all the different emotions, issues and outcomes are so well written. One of the things that Margaret does so well is how she weaves characters from previous books into her stories. It’s got to the point where I feel like Glenbriar is a real place and the characters are real people!!
***
@thelarlbookworm
🔎𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠🔍
🖊 𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛: Margaret Amatt
🛍 𝙰𝚟𝚊𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚗: Paperbackback, KU and eBook
👀 𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚒𝚍 𝙸 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍? eArC
🌙 Yet another I need for my collection 😆 🌙
❤️ 𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤: ❤️
This is Book 19 in Margaret's The Glenbriar Series and... wow!
This story follows Adam (who we have seen pop up in other books of the Series) and Mirren!
Mirren is trying to find herself again after her horrible ex leaves her and Adam is trying to save his band after one of his singers abandons them!
Naturally these two find each other and we see a tentative romance slowly ignite...
I absolutely adore Margaret and her writing style, it is heart-warming and so lovely. Her books are like a warm hug everytime I pick one up!
I loved the rockstar romance element of this book and all the behind the scenes moments with the band coming together.
Having read other books from the series, I have 'seen' Tavrach from afar so it was so much fun to finally meet the members of the band!
Margaret has once again created another amazing story for this series and just when I think I have a favourite couple... Margaret introduces me to another pair and suddenly my Top 3 changes 😆 🤣 !
This is such a warm, feel-good story and series overall that I adore recommend to all whenever I can!
***
Mrsljgibbs
Love Song at the Music Festival is book number 19 from The Glenbriar series and is available now in ebook and paperback and if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription then it can be borrowed for free 🎃
The Glenbriar Series is a heartwarming collection of cosy contemporary small-town romances set in the fictional Highland town of Glenbriar, Scotland. Filled with community spirit, friendship, family, humour, and a sprinkle of spice, each book follows a different couple while familiar faces return throughout the series. Every story can be enjoyed as a standalone, but together they create an uplifting romance world readers love to revisit. Ideal for readers who love binge-reading interconnected romance series… 🎃
I absolutely loved this book, it was such a warm and cosy story and i thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. Right from the very beginning this story pulled me into its pages and kept me there until i had turned every last page and devoured it all up….. 🎃
Kirstyreviewsbooks
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dck7My2DmQ0/
Love Song at the Music Festival is a great addition to a delightful series. Love Song at the Music Festival is the 19th book in The Glenbriar series but it can be read as a standalone. From the opening pages I was hooked and I found it really difficult to put the book down. With some lovely characters this is another novel by Margaret Amatt that I would highly recommend.
Rating 5/5
***
Books, Life and Everything
I love returning to the beautiful Scottish Highlands for Margaret Amatt's nineteenth in her Glenbriar Series: Love Song at the Music Festival.
My Thoughts
This is one of my favourite Glenbriar stories. The two central characters are so different and yet their relationship is quite believable. Mirren is getting over a break-up from her ex who it turns out was quite an unpleasant and controlling sort of man. He has betrayed his bandmates by stealing a bunch of their new material and his treatment of Mirren is needlessly cruel. Adam on the other hand might look like a rock god to his fans, but actually he is a responsible and loving father to his two sons who he has been the full time parent for after both their mothers opted out of the domestic life. This has left him with trust issues and a fear of getting involved again.
Music draws them together and is a way fort them both to communicate and express their emotions. When Mirren auditions to be a new member of Tavroch, Adam's band, he is astounded at her talent and musicality. The other band members can also see the undeniable chemistry between the two. This is a fast paced story which shows you happy and warm families as well as firm friendships. You are willing things to work out for both Mirren and Adam throughout . If you love the Glenbriar series, you will not be disappointed.
In short: hitting the right note
***
Splashes Into Books
Fantastic read! – Love Song at the Music Festival by Margaret Amatt
My Review:
So happy to visit Glenbriar once more
In this addition to the series which I adore!
This time Mirren is the leading lady who
Decides now is the time to make her dreams come true!
A story of betrayal, revenge and romance
Where music brings more than one second chance.
A heartwarming story with discord and secrets, too
Can they learn to trust and harmonise their way through?
A gorgeous read in which time to spend
With characters who quickly feel like friends
A lovely story with twists galore
And a series that’s delightful- I can’t wait for more!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
***
@bookishllly
This was a pleasant addition to the ongoing series and follows the story of music teacher Mirren and band leader, Adam.
I enjoyed this and loved the way the story flowed with all of the events and circumstances moving chronologically. I particularly loved the chemistry between the main characters. It was tender and well thought out.
This book will make you feel all the emotions and you won’t want to put it down.
All of the books in the series can be read as a standalone.
***
Novel Kicks
Adam is not one to trust lightly especially when a trusted member of his band leaves, taking songs that don’t belong to him.
Mirren knows that Benji leaving is for the best. She also knows that auditioning to take his place in the band he’s just abandoned will be the perfect revenge. Will Adam and the other band members see it that way?
When there was another chance to be part of a blog tour for this author, I jumped at the chance and couldn’t wait to get started.
This wasn’t my first visit to Glenbriar and it felt so good to be back. There were even some familiar faces. If this book will be your introduction to Margaret Amatt’s wonderful series, it can be read as a standalone.
Told from a dual point of view, I loved the characters in this book. Mirren and Adam are a wonderful focus, and I didn’t find myself favouring one story over the other.
Despite what Benji has done to her, Mirren holds her head high and has a graceful spirit. She immediately goes to get what she wants; the things she’s allowed herself to be denied.
Adam. Oh, you beautiful man. He’s an example of a man who is a man. Does that make sense? His first focus are his children, and he does this whilst doing things that keep his mind calm and happy.
The supporting characters are ace. I thought Ailsa and Fergus were cool. Benji… meh, not so much. Haha.
The story unfolds so well and at a good pace. I couldn’t stop reading and, to be honest, was sad when it ended. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters. The music element added nicely to the plot, and I have found myself wanting a Tavrach album. 🙂
If you’re not new to Novel Kicks, you’ll know that I won’t want to give too much more away.
Love Song at the Music Festival is full of emotion, passion, love, friendship and togetherness. It’s a reminder that an ending can simply be the door that leads to a beginning.
Another wonderful novel, Margaret. Thank you for a beautiful story.
***
Helen's Book Hoard
Review: I really liked this book - Mirren is such a lovely character, very representative of an abuse victim, and Adam is a walking green flag!
I was glad that Mirren's subterfuge was quickly dealt with. Adam's anger at Benji (Mirren's ex) was understandable, but I was surprised with how fast he and his band mates moved on. I think I little annoyance at her, while getting why she'd lied, might have made those scenes more realistic.
Adam's relationships with his sons were just lovely. He's such a good dad! He extends that protective sweetness to the rest of his band, which is so nice to read about. The overall feel is ever so cosy.
However, the settings needed work. It's supposed to be set in Scotland, but other than the mention of a loch, there's nothing in the prose that cements the novel's location. Add in some Americanisms (from Adam's sons, who probably get them online) and... I didn't get the feel of Scotland.
That said, Love Song at the Music Festival remains a delightful story with a gentle romance that has some mildly spicy scenes, and I'd like to read more from Margaret Amatt.
***
Bookmadjo
Every time another standalone novel is published in the Glenbriar series by Margaret Amatt, it instantly becomes my favourite and this was no exception. In ‘Love Song at the Music Festival’ the focus is Tavrach, a local band in Glenbriar who have made frequent appearances in some of the other books, but as I have said, it is a standalone so you do not need to have read any of the others, even though I really think you should!
The love story is between Mirren, a music teacher at the local high school and Adam, a single dad who is a music lecturer by day and the frontman in Tavrach by night! They were such a perfect fit for one another. Both calm and caring, and both finding kinship in the fact they had both been betrayed by Benji, the former member of Tavrach and Mirren’s ex.
Benji was an unpleasant character, narcissistic and so full of his own importance. Having stolen a drive containing songs written by Adam, and breaking up with Mirren having spent their two years together denying her existence to anyone who asked. Although both Mirren and Adam were keen to get their own back, they ultimately reached a conclusion about the best way to handle Benji.
I loved the different events of the music festival, especially the concert in the forest which sounded ethereal. The connection that Adam and Mirren made inspired both of them to write new songs, separately and together. I really wished the songs existed in real life because they were so beautiful and heartfelt.
I adored the way that Adam’s sons welcomed Mirren into their lives so effortlessly. The other members of Tavrach also accepted Mirren when they realised just how talented she was.
Love Song at the Music Festival was a beautiful grumpy sunshine romance, with a little revenge thrown in for good measure!
***
Captured on Film
This is the 19th book in the Glenbriar series - and I love them. Mainly because they are all set in in Scotland.
A great addition to the series - some characters from previous books along with some new ones. Loved the main characters of Mirren and Adam. Both have been through the mill somewhat - but have found each other. I enjoyed reading about the blossoming romance - and I was willing things to work out between them.
Was it just me - but the cover was giving my Autumnal even Halloweeny feels. Must have been the orange.
***
My Books and Crafts
Review
I absolutely loved this story. Mirren and Adam’s chemistry is wonderful from the start, and the way their connection grows through music, trust and a little well-earned defiance makes the romance feel both uplifting and genuinely satisfying. Mirren is easy to root for — warm, talented and stronger than she first realises — while Adam brings just the right mix of guarded vulnerability and quiet intensity.
The band setting gives the book a fresh, lively energy, and the emotional stakes kept me turning the pages. It has heartbreak, humour, second chances and plenty of romantic tension without giving too much away. A beautifully written, feel-good read with characters I cared about and an ending that left me smiling. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with heart, music and a memorable couple at its centre.
My Rating 5⭐️
***
Eatwell2015
Ecstasy:
Bliss:
Rapture:
Euphoria:
Elation:
So many choices of word, but can one little word truly convey my feelings of complete and utter joy at being gifted a copy of the latest book in the Glenbriar series. I am so looking forward to catching up on the latest goings on in Glenbriar (I love those carefully planted Easter Eggs), while I gently chastise myself for still not having got hold of the first 5 books in the series!
Mirren is a total delight, and I felt so sad for the situation she finds herself in. Equally Adam and the other band members prove themselves a total delight, as friends, colleagues and simply as people. Benji however, doesn’t appear to have a single redeeming feature. The juxtaposition when comparing Adam and Benji was quite simply off the page. Both Adam and Mirren have bee. Hurt by previous partners – but has either of them been burned just one time too many?
it would be an understatement to say that I read and enjoyed this book. It would be more accurate to say that I scoffed it greedily, like a dieter eating their first post restriction meal. I devoured this book, only coming up for air when absolutely necessary, unable to let bodily functions like sleep disrupt my reading. I found myself so committed to our heroes outcomes, that I simply couldn’t sleep. Tiredness did unfortunately get the better of me however, when I inadvertently managed to delete my first review somehow! There must be a lesson for my sleepy self there! Anyhow, the point is that I thoroughly enjoyed my catchup with the folk of Glenbriar and I’m sure you will love it too. Again, if you are new to this series, I urge you to read some other books from Margaret Amatt’s Glenbriar camp. Disappointment is not an option; a great read is practically guaranteed, in my opinion!
***
One More Chapter
I may have said this before but i absolutely love this series by @margaret_amatt_author and each time we get a new book i get to learn about a new member of the village that's just been, until then, a wonderful side character in someone else's story. And Mirren has been popping up often in the last few and i love that I've finally gotten to know her properly in this one.
Honestly ive loved getting to know her and Adam, they make such a lovely pairing and the way their duets are described made me able to beautifully picture them in my head. @margaret_amatt_author writes in such a brilliant way and i always get lost in her books so easily, I know I've probably said that for each of the Glenbrair series but honestly if you love getting swept away in a book and stepping away from real life for a while her books are perfect for that.
For me this was the best book to end summer with and get me ready for autumn, and im so envious of some of Mirren's outfits i need to get some boho pieces for my wardrobe this autumn!
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources @margaret_amatt_author and @leannan_press_studio for having me on this tour and for sending me a copy of the book. As always click right and check out the amazing reviewers that im on this tour with.
***
Country Mamas With Kids
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:
Grumpy Sunshine
Revenge
Band Mates
Age Gap
Single Dad
Teacher
Love Song at the Music Festival by Margaret Amatt is a romance from the Greenbriar series by the author, book 19 in fact. However you can read this one as a standalone book. This book is about Mirren who is a high school teacher who decides to get revenge on her boyfriend who has just dumped her. So she decides to audition for Tavrach, a local band to her community. She auditions and is amazing! However she has a secret, she is the ex of a former band member who stole songs from them, specifically Adam Cormac the front man. Adam knows the band needs a new singer, but at first thinks Mirren is not rock and roll material, but she changes his mind after she opens her mouth. Adam is a single dad to his two boys who he loves more than his rock and roll career, he has been a great single dad since the boys mom left them. I love the chemistry between Adam and Mirren in this one! These two characters are relatable and make you root for them through the entire book to end up together! I recommend this ones to fans of rock romances and love a great read!
CM rating: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 hearts
***
Vegan Book Blogger
I’m wondering how I’ve never heard of this author before I read this book. I will now need to catch up on the series she has because I really enjoyed this book.
I loved the couple featured in this book. They had true chemistry.
She is a music teacher, and her former boyfriend never treated her right or introduced her to anyone, always thinking he was better than her and bossing her around. He never even introduced her to the members of the band her was in. Then he ditched the band as well.
Sad and lonely and quickly running out of money she auditions for the band he used to be in and shocking herself she makes it as a singer. She’s thrilled. Shortly after the sparks begin to fly between her and the band’s guitar player, Adam.
I just loved the chemistry they have singing and playing together. It’s truly a singing love song that becomes the real thing.
The book has so much heartfelt emotion you can really feel it coming off the pages. This author is now on my radar and I can assure you I’ll be reading more of her books.
***
Storied Conversation
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8901390129?book_show_action=false
I’ve read several books in the Glenbriar series now, and one of the things Margaret Amatt does so well is make returning to this town feel familiar without making every story feel the same. Love Song at the Music Festival brings music into the center of things, and I really enjoyed what that added to Mirren and Adam’s story.
Mirren is a music teacher who has spent far too long being kept in the background by her boyfriend, Benji. He’s the lead singer of Tavrach, but you’d never know Mirren was an important part of his life from the way he treated her. Then he dumps her, leaves the band, and takes their songs with him while he heads off to pursue a solo career.
I was already firmly on Mirren’s side.
When Tavrach starts auditioning for a replacement singer, Mirren decides she’s done hiding. She works up the courage to audition without telling the remaining band members about her history with Benji. It’s risky, but I loved seeing her finally do something completely for herself. She’s talented, the band recognizes it immediately, and suddenly Mirren isn’t standing quietly behind Benji anymore.
Of course, secrets involving ex-boyfriends have a habit of coming out.
I liked the way the story handled Mirren’s connection to Benji once everyone learned the truth. We get to see more of who he really is, and let’s just say his behavior didn’t leave me wishing Mirren would reconsider that breakup.
Adam, on the other hand, was very easy to root for. The chemistry between him and Mirren grows as they work together, but neither one rushes into anything. They’ve both been hurt before, so there is a little caution mixed in with all that attraction. I appreciated that because Mirren especially needed room to figure out what she wanted after spending so much time with someone who was happy to keep her hidden.
The music itself is woven throughout the story rather than simply being used as a backdrop. Margaret Amatt even wrote lyrics for the songs, which made Tavrach feel more like an actual band preparing for a festival instead of a fictional group we were simply told could perform. The rehearsals, performances, and music gave Adam and Mirren another way to connect that wasn’t limited to romantic attraction.
There were plenty of familiar faces along the way too. That’s something I’ve come to expect from Glenbriar. Characters from previous books don’t disappear once their happily ever after is finished. They have families, friendships, and lives that continue around the new couple, which makes the town feel connected. Robbie deserves his own mention because he was absolutely adorable.
I laughed quite a few times, had some emotional moments, and thoroughly enjoyed watching Mirren go from the woman Benji kept out of sight to someone willing to step onto a stage and let people see exactly what she could do.
After several trips to Glenbriar, I think that’s why I keep coming back. I may pick up each book for the new romance, but I’m also checking in on a town full of people I’ve gotten to know along the way.
***
TBHonest
Love Song at the Music Festival is a book I knew I was going to enjoy as I’d enjoyed other books in the Glenbriar series and the fact if a story is about a band or a singer it ticks boxes for me.
This did not disappoint. It was a fun story, sweet and I loved both Mirren and Adam, it was lovely to see their relationship change and become more as they had real chemistry. And you could tell Mirrens ex was a real nasty piece of work.
If you love stories with heart, chemistry and lovely settings then this a must read!
***
Tizi’s Book Review
My review
Mirren Elphinstone is a young music teacher in Glenbriar, who just got her heart broken. Not only was Benji rather entitles, but during their whole relationship, he made Mirren feel small and insignificant. He even never let her met his band mates of the famous local band Travach. So when the band is looking for a new lead singer, she sees this as an opportunity to settle a score. But the frontman of Travach, Adam Cormac, even if desperate to find a new singer, is wary. Yes, Mirren has the voice of an angel, but also looks like one. And the last thing Adam needs, is to be distracted by a woman, as he has been burnt by love not once but twice. However, Mirren finds herself being the latest recruit of Travach. And sparks fly around between Mirren and Adam, even if they do their best to keep things professional. And then there is the thing that nobody of Travach knows that Mirren is Benji’s ex…
There isn’t a place that makes me happier to return than Glenbriar does! Having read every book of this wonderful series, I just could not wait to read this next chapter!
Travach isn’t an unknown band in the series, and in my mind, for sure they sound just awesome! 😊 And haven’t we all read news in real life how one band member leaves, just means the end of the complete band.
So I was happy to read that Travach just doesn’t give up, but are trying to find a worthy singer to replace Benji.
Now, I have to admit, that while I love Mirren’s character, I wasn’t so sure that auditioning for Travach is the brightest idea she ever had. There is heartbreak, there is revenge in a way, but joining the band of your ex, sounds wrong.
That is of course I knew that Mirren has actually a great voice, and would be a real asset for the band. And that is before I knew how Benji treated Mirren… (I don’t want to waste a lot of words, as Benji doesn’t deserve that, but he shows his true, ugly colours more than in just one occasion, and I truly despise that guy!).
And seeing how Mirren became just a shadow of herself, because of that idiot, not only saddened me, but angered me! First of all, not only because nobody deserves to be treated that way, but because Mirren is a sweet, gentle, kind and generous person. And we see how falling in love with the wrong kind of person, can change you…
But despite her past, we see Mirren reemerging, growing strong again, believing in herself again. And that all the while she never loses faith in her pupils, and inspires them, makes them believe in themselves. The kind of person that Mirren at heart is, is the kind of people we need more of in the world.
And we can label Adam in the same category. He has been burnt and hurt by people in the past and even recent present. He has been betrayed in an awful way by Benji. Yet he always is the kind of person that will help you out when you are in need. Even if people has betrayed him, he is always ready to give people a chance in life. And even if love has hurt him before, he doesn’t regret it, as now he has two wonderful sons he is raising.
Two sons who, especially the youngest, Robbie, are just as welcoming, accepting and full of heart as their father. And my heart melted reading about Robbie, his innocence, his playfulness and his character in this book. And yes, reading the bits where he and Mirren are spending some time together truly made me ‘aaaaw’ 😊.
Both Mirren and Adam show a lot of courage in this story. Mirren by auditioning for Travach, by stepping literally in the spotlight and finding her voice. Adam shows courage by just remaining himself, even if it would be so easy to become a harder, more reserved person because of everything that has happened to him.
I loved reading how well Mirren matches not only with Adam, but with everyone in the band. For me, it shows that even if you are different in character, music is something that can unite people. Music doesn’t care who you are, what you look like, or what you do in life. If you feel music in your bones, in your veins, music can open doors and also hearts.
It was wonderful reading how Mirren is finding her voice in this band, how to make the band members proud of her, and make them not regret choosing her.
And it was just sweet to read how Adam sees Mirren and *sees* her. Even if they don’t know each other that long, Adam can read Mirren, and senses in a way when there is something up with her. sounds very enigmatic, but you’ll understand me when you get to that bit in the book 😊.
Right from the start, sparks are flying around between Adam and Mirren. But I appreciated the slow – burn, as it made it not only more realistic, but also more touching. These are two people hurt by love in the past, and they have learned their lessons. But love also comes when you least expect it, in a way you least expect it.
Of course we know that somewhere in this book, truths will come out and even reappearances will be happening. And it was wit curiosity, or rather trepidation that I was waiting for those bits. How bad would things turn out to be? And would Adam and Mirren find their ways (back) to each other?
But it is also a fact that perhaps you have to go through a rough bit, to have a clear view and understanding of what your heart is telling you.
In this wonderful next instalment of a wonderful series, we see how you can find solace in music. But also how music finds you, and it gives you that little nudge to be brave in life. Because who knows who will cross your paths, thanks to music…
***
Littlemissbooklover87
Margaret Amatt is a fantastic author and one who can do no wrong. In fact, she just gets better and better with every book. I loved this one. It’s possibly my new favourite.
Mirren and Adam are fantastic characters. Mirren has a douchebag ex who has very high opinions of himself. Only, he has also wronged Adam… I have been so here for how this was going to unfold.
Everything Amatt writes is superb. I always know I’m in for a treat and going to love every moment that I’m between the pages. This book is no different. I have devoured this in just one sitting.
Amatt has given me all the feels with this one. Everything about this has been brilliant from beginning to end. The characters are developed perfectly and you really become pulled in to the pages of this one.
I always love a return to Glenbriar. It’s definitely a place of comfort and I love revisiting. This is just another masterpiece from Amatt and I’ve been here for this. I already cannot wait to see what comes next.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
***
Staceywh_17
Love Song at the Music Festival is the nineteenth and final (?) book in Amatt's Glenbriar series. It was the perfect seasonal transitional read as we head into the autumn months.
As always it was great to be back in Glenbriar, catching up with those familiar faces, and showing appreciation for the splendor of the Scottish Highlands.
It was a heartwarming read with a slow burn romance at it's heart.
Throughout the series the recurring characters have become familiar, with emotional bonds being formed, making them easily investible and plausible.
Definitely a firm favourite of the series.
Can you believe I've only been to one festival this year and it was a fictitious one at that!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Interviews
B for bookreview
Q&A
What inspired you to write this story?
This story started as a tiny fragment of an idea years ago when I wrote the first book in the Glenbriar Series. In that book, there was a music festival called the Autumn Gold Festival, and I thought it would be fun to write a story about one of the singers or a band performing at the festival.
Then, in a later book, one of the characters does some voluntary work for the Autumn Gold Festival, and I introduced the local band Tavrach. That was when the idea for this story really took off.
I loved the idea of a frontman who looked like a rock star and sang like a rock star, but underneath it all was just a normal guy with real-life issues – all of which are invisible when he’s on stage.
I also liked the idea of the band being betrayed and losing one of their members, which left an opening for someone new – and that’s where Mirren, the female lead character, comes in!
Which character was the most fun—or the most challenging—to write?
Both of the lead characters, Adam and Mirren, were absolutely awesome to write.
I loved Adam’s frontman energy, which is all a front. Underneath, he’s a caring single dad with lots of real-life stress. He looks ‘cool’, but he’s actually a bit of a nerd. As his eldest son says in the story: ‘All those years of my friends thinking you were the coolest dad in town, when you’re actually the biggest nerd around.’
Mirren is sunshine personified. She’s lovely, kind, and sweet to everyone, but that goodness has been abused by a narcissistic ex, and she’s ready for a bit of revenge!
That contrast in her personality was amazing to write, especially when she soon realises revenge isn’t really what she wants. She just wants to be seen for who she really is and for what she can do:
‘Maybe making a fool of herself was better than not trying at all. It didn’t matter what Benji had done to her. She was going to do this for herself.’
Did the story change while you were writing it?
Actually no! This story is pretty much exactly as I first wrote it. I had a very clear idea of the direction I wanted for it, and I stuck to it.
What themes or emotions were most important for you to explore?
This story explores the idea that what you see on the surface, or in public, isn’t always a true reflection of the person inside.
It’s also about how the perceptions of others – both positive and negative – can influence how people feel about themselves and their relationships.
Can you describe your writing routine?
As a full-time author, I tend to write on weekdays during the day. I often dedicate either mornings or afternoons to writing a particular book, then use the rest of the time for admin, editing, or all the other things that come with being an author!
Sometimes I write in the evenings and at weekends if the mood takes me – and because I genuinely enjoy writing and find it a lot of fun, it doesn’t really feel like work to me!
If your book were adapted for film or TV, who would you imagine in the lead roles?
Oh gosh, I always find this question sooo difficult!
I’m going to go with:
Amelia Kenworthy for Mirren and Iwan Rheon for Adam (they’re about the right age, and I believe Iwan is a good musician so he could sing too…)
What do you hope readers will feel or take away after finishing the book?
More than anything, I hope readers finish the book with a sense of fulfilment, satisfaction, and joy.
I want this story to leave readers with that warm, happy feeling you get when you’ve spent time with characters you’ve grown to care about, watching them overcome their struggles and find their own version of happiness. If readers close the book feeling uplifted, entertained, and like they’ve had a little escape to Glenbriar, then I’ve done my job!
Was there a scene you particularly loved writing?
There were a lot of scenes I loved writing in this book, but a particular favourite is when Mirren first auditions, and Adam is so gobsmacked that he forgets to play the music.
I also love the banter in this one with the band members and the extended families – especially Robbie, Adam’s youngest son, who was full of nonsense but a lot of fun!
What’s one thing about your writing process that would surprise readers?
I often write at a standing desk while walking on a treadmill!
Did you have to research anything unusual for this book?
Yes – I had to find out about vintage guitars, sound systems, and specific music terminology!
Thank you
Want to discover more Glenbriar romances?
Love Song at the Music Festival is Book 19 in the Glenbriar Series. Every novel is a standalone romance, so you can start anywhere, or begin at the beginning with Stolen Kisses at the Loch View Hotel.
