Cover Image: Songs in Ursa Major

Songs in Ursa Major

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Member Reviews

Jane Quinn and her band are called upon to stand in for an injured Jesse Read at a folk festival. Set in the late 60’s and 70’s.
Jane and her band get to know Jesse and we travel on a journey of Discovery. With her relationship with Jesse and her rise to fame. Also her journey through the music industry good and bad.
Personally it wasn’t for me but a readable book.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC

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I found this book really difficult possibly because although born in the early 60s l found the story difficult to identify with plus I am not a huge fan of the music scene from that era. I daresay it depicts the music scene well for that time and definitely shows the strength of a very matriarchal household this shines through in the novel. Not one for me this time sorry but thanks to Katy and Harper Collins for the chance to read

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Have you ever wanted to forget everything you just read so you could enjoy it all over again for the first time? I just want to devour this book over and over again.

If you’re looking to be swept off your feet and transported back to the music scene of the 70’s then this is the book for you!

There’s just something about the rock and roll lifestyle of bands and singers in the 70’s that I seem to adore reading about. This pulled in me in from the very first page and what started off as just your average story suddenly transformed into this musical delight.

Throughout the story you are treated to snippets of song lyrics that Jane and her band the Breakers come up with and I felt like I was right there with them.

Jane was a formidable woman and I was fully invested in her story. Her story with Jesse was just wonderful, even if it was full of heartbreak. The story follows Jane and her rise to fame as her band go on tour with Jesse and I loved how the author managed to bring all this to life so vividly on the pages. Not only did we get to experience the usual after parties and drug taking but the book also touches on the inner workings of music labels and the sexism that Jane has to experience.

As mentioned though Jane is such a strong character who does what she wants and I adored her for that – she stood up to these powerful men in the best way she knows how….through her music. Whilst music is at the heart of the book, I also loved how it explored mental health issues and I liked how this was worked into the story with a little mini twist that linked back to some of the lyrics.

Overall I completely fell in love with this story and the characters. It was beautifully written and even though layered with heartbreak it was still so much fun to read – I will 100% be reading this again as I already miss it. If like me you loved Daisy Jones and the Six then I guarantee you will love this!

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Absolutely loved this book and everything it offered!! I was hooked in each page and so invested in Jane and her journey.

Only thing that let it down was that I couldn't hear the music as so wanted to listen to every moment!!

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I was so invested in the story, I loved Jane’s character and her development. She had to fight her own battles and discover who she is all under the harsh light of fame and the media. I wanted to see what would become of her and her career, and if/how she would overcome her demons and setbacks. We see her fight for her own artistry in a time where music labels literally controlled what to release and what songs to sing, and Jane was not taking shit from anyone. Some may think that was really naïve and reckless of her, some may think it was very courageous and strong-willed. Either way you couldn’t deny her determination and resilience. She went through some bad choices, mistakes, conflicts, etc but she managed to hold to her own and come out the other side stronger.
I loved the family relationships and their challenges; the Quinn family had been holding on to a secret which caused complications and strains on each of their lives. Seeing Jane’s Aunts practically raise her with her cousin and grandmother was so lovely, especially the bond between Grace and Jane. The relationship between Jane and Jesse was quite interesting to witness, what started off as a whirlwind romance then became a will-they-won’t-they throughout the rest of the book. Their relationship was heavily influenced by the plans of the record label, hoping a blossoming romance would help boost sales, and when Jane did not want that (and wanted to be known for her music, instead of Jesse’s girlfriend) they literally replaced her with another upcoming female artist which was clearly for publicity’s sake. I didn’t know it was loosely based on the rumoured affair between James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, and I only looked further into it once I finished the book as I didn’t want anything to potentially spoil me.
We see how all of this takes its toll on Jesse, as we clearly see how he is a troubled, flawed character with loads of personal issues that he hadn’t been able to handle. On top of that he has to deal with the stress of stardom and the feeling of being trapped in the system, literally being told what to do. Of course, with a lot of artists struggling under fames pressure, Jesse ended up developing a drug addiction which was also a catalyst for the breakdown of his relationships with Jane and with Morgan. Seeing the mental illness of addiction right there was really terrifying when he was found after overdosing, and thus seeing Grace save his life so quickly and urgently. I guess most would’ve found that scene too disturbing, but it’s a reality for me and I thought it was done really well, and I thought it was interesting to also describe the gruelling procedure of stomach pumping – which we hear about a lot and never really consider what it actually involves. We also see how an addiction could also affect their loved ones, when Morgan claims to be exhausted and terrified, of being aware of the looming destruction yet unable to deal with the inevitable.
There was also a lot of discussion around music labels and the politics that still goes on today this really reminded me of the issues surrounding Taylor Swift and her masters recently. Straight from the beginning we see a music mogul stereotype Jane and her band, The Breakers, however she held her ground against him. I was so interested in the production side of making an album and seeing the lyrics throughout the book. I just wish it were a real album so I could listen to it! Music production was really fascinating to me, which I hadn’t realised until now. Strategic and unforgiving industry which tears the passion from some upcoming artists, and the difficulties of trying to climb the hierarchy and balancing a desire for success but also the burdens of fame and stardom, especially as a woman in a male dominated industry. Jane has to battle with this and decide whether it is worth it in the end, whether success was what she really wanted and whether the sacrifices are worth it.
For a debut novel, this tackled a lot of issues and many things inside an industry we actually don’t really know about, especially during the 70’s. She managed to blend two of my favourite books, Daisy Jones and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. It was clear that Emma Brodie has a passion for the music industry, and she portrayed everything so well and woven a beautiful story of two artists in the 70’s. I very much look forward to her other works and what else she has in store.

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I would like to extend my gratitude to the author, publisher and NetGalley for sending me this advanced reader’s copy in return for a fair, frank, and honest review.

It was hard to get into this book for me. I kept going as I love music of all genres and times and thought that it would carry it through form me, but sadly it did not. It was dual timeline and I found that difficult to follow. It reminded me of a similar book that was released last yet but that one had plot and good characters and sadly, this one did not.

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Based in the music business in LA in the late 60's early 70's. Jane Quinn cover a top spot at a festival when the headliner hasn't turned up.
The narrative and dialogue did not sit well for me, so was hard to read. Although well observed, and knowledgeable in the industry of that time, I did not find it believable or want to be involved with the characters.
Disappointing for me as I had great hopes!
Thank you for the opportunity to read early NetGalley

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Jane Quinn is a singer of the unsigned folk rock band The Breakers. When they receive their big break, filling in for injured up and coming musician Jesse Reid at Bayleen Island Folk Festival in the summer of 69, life drastically changes. Jane and Jessie are drawn together as he recovers from his accident and form a friendship based on their similar traumatic pasts and their love of music, but is this something that can survive fame and all of the pressures that come with it.

There are obvious comparisons that could be drawn between Songs in Irsa Major and Daisy Jones and the Six due to the type of music and the era in which this is set but that is really where it ends. This book touches on sexism in the music industry (are you one of the groupies? 🙄), addiction, and mental health. Although some of the lyrics are really cringy, this is a great summer read.

With many thanks to Harpercollins UK, Harper Fiction for their invite to view an early copy of this book on Netgalley. #SONGSINURSAMAJOR #NetGalley

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An interesting debut, based on the music scene of the 60s and 70s. The ending was a bit choppy I thought.

This will appeal more I think to people who are interested in music and the pop culture of that era.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

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I love music and I love books about music, and the past couple of years have seen a rise in books about the glorious 70s and 80s in the music industry. Songs in Ursa Major grabbed my attention thanks to its really nice cover and intriguing story - I can’t lie, it reminded me of Daisy Jones & the Six, one of my favourite books of all time.

To be completely honest, I’m very torn about Songs in Ursa Major. I liked some parts (especially Jane standing up for herself and her band) but some others left me on the edge of bored. The plot is intriguing and definitely gives you the vibe the 70s music scene had, but there was a little something missing for me to truly enjoy it. It is still an enjoyable read, especially perfect for the summer (read it on a beach if you can! I wish I could have).

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This book is amazing!
It made me care what happened to the characters and I was behind them all the way wanting their success and happy ending.. After racing through the book I felt a loss at the end; I wanted more.
Rising folk/rock star Jesse Reid is forced to abandon his slot at the Bayern Island festival due to a motor accident. Jane Quinn and the Breakers are are rushed from the amateur stage to the main stage to fill the spot., which leads to a record contract and affair between Jesse and Jane. What happens next is success, but at what price?
This novel explores many issues from the late sixties and early seventies. Itdoes not shy away from the consequences of drug abuse, mental health, sexism and social standing.
It was not until I had finished the book that I read that the story had connections to James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. As a great fan of James Taylor and knowing some of his background I should have guessed the connection.
I cannot recommend this book enough.....the absolute best of the year so far.
Watch out for the film!

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This is a lovely, touching piercing story of the folk and rock music scenes of the 1960s and 70s, with all the trials and tribulations of fame. The book is very evocative of the times it is set in, and Jane Quinn and her family are such strong characters at the heart of the book. There is much about fame, it's reality seen from the inside and out, and much about family honour and secrets.

The whole book is written with a gentle touch and an understanding eye, a wonderful book to get lost in on a summer evening, the characters linger on when you finish reading - love it.

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I have really enjoyed spending time with Janie Q in Songs for Ursa Major.
Jane Quinn is a singer with her band The Breakers when they receive their big break, filling in for the damaged Jesse Reid at their local festival in the summer of 69. This leads to the band being signed and taken on tour alongside Jesse and his band. Jane and Jesse’s lives become intertwined along with their deepest secrets, which they carefully keep hidden away from the other.
I loved Jane’s story and how it played out. A great summer read.

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Songs in Ursa Major is a wonderful book - set in the same era as Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones and the Six, and with a very similar vibe, it’s equally as captivating yet totally different. The story begins in 1969 and focuses on Jane Quinn - a little-known singer with a band who gets catapulted into the limelight - and Jesse Reid, an established artist already on the circuit. Jane’s matriarchal family and her band are equally important to the narrative and I loved the depth of the characters and their relationship with each other. The author revisits them all in 2022 at the end of the book which brings satisfying closure to the storyline, yet not in entirely the way you might expect. This debut novel is well worth a read and I look forward to more of Emma Brodie’s books in the future,
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

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Songs in Ursa Major focuses on the folk-rock scene of the '60s and '70s where we meet Jane Quinn who falls for Jessie Reid. This book is perfect for those who love music from this era. This is a story about reality versus what we think our dreams will be like, as well as romance and the sacrifices people are prepared to make. It's an enjoyable read which reminded me of Daisy Jones and the Six which I loved.

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book is perfect for those that love the music from the late 60s and 70s. As well as rock stars of Laurel Canyon, Newport Folk Festival.

This story which is inspired by Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, portrays that quite often it’s the most damaged people who are able to make the most beautiful art these people find their voices.

Enjoyed it.

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A star is born when Jane has to stand in at the last minute at the Bayleen Island Folk Festival. The artist who she replaced ends up helping her launch her career. Predictably more than friendship develops but the story is not just about romance. Reality versus dreams. What are you prepared to sacrifice to realize your dreams. Thoroughly enjoyable.

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The premise for the book, Songs In Ursa Major, intrigued me and it made for an interesting read.
The story follows the meeting of Jane, lead singer in a local band, and Jesse, up and coming popular musician, who ends up needing medical care after an accident.
Jane and Jesse's relationship is very complex, but you can feel.the strength of their bond, and I was taken on an emotional roller coaster as their relationships journey progressed.
Filled with music, and the relaxed atmosphere of the 60s, coupled with more serious issues, dealing with drug culture, and loss, as well as the male-dominant industry that the music business was, at that time it was a compelling read.
My only disappointment was that the ending felt very displaced and abrupt, jumping from then, to the present, with not a lot to explain what had happened in the half century between where we were, and where the story actually ends.
An interresting debut.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

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Songs In Ursa Major is a beautiful debut with music and love at its heart, which I just didn’t want to end!

I loved the American setting and time period this story spanned, from the late 1960’s through to the early 1970’s and the opening chapter had me immediately hooked. 19 year old Jane Quinn and her band members stepped out on to the main stage at the Island Folk Festival to a crowd who were restless and unhappy after they were told the main headline act Jesse Reid would no longer be performing. Jane soon had the crowd on her side though and little did she know in that moment, just what opportunities would follow The Breakers’ memorable and unexpected performance.

I really enjoyed learning how Jane got to know Jesse Reid following the night of the festival through her aunt Grace’s job and all of the moments they got to share together. It was brilliant seeing The Breakers be given the opportunity to record their debut album and then go out on the road with Jesse Reid and his band on an incredible tour. The touring and atmosphere of the crowd felt so real! Throughout the whole book I felt like I was reading about two real life music icons! It was so intriguing to see everything that unfolded after this tour for Jane and Jesse too and the impact their decisions had on each other and those around them.

I would love nothing more than to be able to listen to Jane and Jesse’s music. The beautiful song lyrics and the stories behind them were amazing and some of my favourite moments in the book were when Jane was recording music in New York. I could really feel the songs coming alive through all of the incredible descriptions and see the album covers in my mind. I wish I could see a picture of Jesse’s tour bus which was painted to match his second album cover too. It sounded so cool! I also really liked the later relevance of one particular song lyric Jane had written and thought it was very clever how this led to a big secret being revealed. This was a great surprise and one I didn’t see coming at all.

The male dominated music industry, in particular the executives at the record labels at this time, was very cleverly explored too. It was interesting to see just how much this impacted on Jane and the things she hoped for in her music career. However, I did really like how much one A&R man fought for Jane, seeing how talented she was and recognising how the higher up people were treating her so unfairly!

There was also a real sense of community on the Island where Jane and her family lived and I really liked how close the Quinn family were. Jane had some incredible and strong women supporting her and all of the choices she made. I also thought the final chapter was really clever, even though it made me wish I could look up even more things online about these characters (if only they were real)!

I absolutely loved being immersed in Jane and Jesse’s world and am so excited to see what Emma Brodie writes in the future!

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This is such a good book to pick up on a sunny day. Let yourself be transported back to the heady atmosphere of the 1970s music scene. This is the story of the enigmatic Jane Quinn, her rise to fame and her relationship with fellow musician Jesse Reid.

I enjoyed Songs in Ursa Major as it was so easy to read - although almost a little plot by numbers in places for me - and while I could see where the plot was going, it was still nice to lose myself for a few hours in Jane's world.

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