Great for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. Very relatable characters. great insight to the music industry.

This book was not for me. They're are many characters and you get little background on them so it's hard to invest in them. There isn't a whole lot that happens and it became uninteresting to read.

My many thanks go out to Knopf Doubleday and Netgalley for letting me read this book early. Songs in Ursa Major publishes on June 22.

I’m a sucker for a book about musicians and this one being set in the 70s makes it all the better. Jane and her band, The Breakers are playing a music festival and when the headliner can’t go on they take his place. They wow the crowd and attract attention from a record label. This story follows Jane’s stardom and there’s a lot of hints that this is loosely inspired by Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. Jane slowly climbs the ladder and tries her hardest to be true to herself. She goes on tour, falls in love and ends up finding her voice to write about it all.

This book has so much potential but it inevitably lost me. There’s some “romance” in this one but to me it just felt like bam all of a sudden there’s random bits of passion thrown in with little to no build up. But don’t let those things stand in your way, this story is good and its written fine but it’s just not going to knock your socks off. If you’re into this time period and fictional musicians then you should pick this one up! It’s a great beach read and I honestly think it would make an even better movie. My favorite part was the song lyrics that are in this book, they really make it come to life and I wish that they were real and I could listen to them!

These books about bands from the 60s and 70s are my sweet spot! This is my era and it's fun taking a trip back to a time I remember fondly. Songs in Ursa Major is the story of an emerging rock band and all you'd expect about that--drug use, sexual tension, and cutthroat record executives. It's the story of staying true to yourself, even if that means missed opportunities. Somewhat predictable, somewhat not, I had a hard time putting the book down.

I found it to be mostly enjoyable. I don't think the storyline about Jane's mother worked. That these strong women would deal with it in the manner in which they did didn't ring true for me. Also, I kept forgetting that the story took place in 1969/70 because some of the situations and dialog was too modern and didn't belong back then.

Songs in Ursa Major is one of those books you never want to end.

Jane Quinn is a protagonist you can't help but love and cheer for. Jane and her band, The Breakers, are tapped to cover for the famous Jesse Reid when he is badly injured on the way to a music festival. Jane has beauty and talent; soon she and Jesse Reid are involved in a passionate, but secret, love affair that changes the trajectory of both their lives.

Emma Brodie has given us a protagonist every child of the 70s and 80s will love: from the fashion to the locations, the names and the stars, we become completely immersed in Jane's world. Jesse was a bit underdeveloped to me; I felt like so much more could have been done with his character, but it wasn't really his story, after all.

Jane's family was quirky, and I enjoyed many of the peripheral characters.

I do not compare this to Daisy Jones and the Six, or to any real life people it may be based on; as a novel, this book holds its own and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Jane Quinn is a local in 1969 at the Bayleen Island Folk Fest when the headliner, Jesse Reid, doesn't show up. Luckily, she's there with her band and they take the stage in his place. From there, Jane and her band are thrust into the spotlight and the roller coaster that is the music industry. Trying to remain true to herself, as well as keep her family secrets, puts her at odds with the 60s and 70s music bigwigs.

I had seen this book compared to Daisy Jones and the Six, which was a great read for me. I'd say if you liked Daisy Jones, you'll like Ursa Major. I found Jane extremely likeable and sympathetic. Jane's family is a fun mix of characters and Jane's interactions with her band rang true to me. The story read fast, with shorter chapters that kept me reading, as well as just an overall compelling story. I definitely recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance free copy of this book. On sale June 22, 2021.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday for the ARC. Loved this book. This book was amazing! The characters were phenomenal. Some have compared this book to another and I have to say this book is so much better (I did enjoy the other but loved this one). Really looking forward to see how the audio version will be done. I loved how the author told the story of each character. Character development was superb. Highly recommend this book.

The Bayleen Island Folk Fest of 1969 is set to welcome headlining folk artist Jesse Reid until he crashes his motorcycle on the way to the show.
Now, it’s up to local band The Breakers, fronted by the equally beautiful and talented Jane Quinn, to step on the main stage and deliver a performance grand enough to make fans forget their disappointment over the missing headliner.
The fateful performance lands The Breakers a record deal and an unexpected friendship between Jane and Jesse that grows into a passionate affair on the road. Jane is enamored by her lover, captivated by the media circus, and caught up in the magic of touring. Unfortunately, Jane and Jesse both have secrets that threaten their careers and their relationship.
Eventually Jane finds herself at rock bottom and records her heartache on what will become an iconic album.

Loosely based on the love affair of James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, Songs in Ursa Major holds so much promise but didn’t deliver for me. We are introduced to characters but never get to the heart of their relationships or forge any true development, the writing is lovely but becomes too flowery at times (especially the dialogue - seriously, no one talks like that), and there is a whole lot of telling rather than showing. I love a good Behind the Music story but this one was frustrating because I saw the author’s intent but also the struggle to pack the punch in delivery. The doomed romance of Jane and Jesse was bland and the “secrets” that tore them apart felt paper thin, Jane was all over the place running away from everything that didn’t go her way but I never understood her reasoning/intentions or cared enough to try, and I wasn’t swept up in the atmosphere that I expected of the 1970s touring rock stars.

It’s all a bit too contrived for me but it will be a perfectly acceptable beach read this summer.

Thanks to Knopf and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Songs in Ursa Major is scheduled for release on June 22, 2021.

Thank you NetGalley and Knopf Publishing Group for the free copy!
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

TW: drug use, overdose.

The book is a wonderful coming of age story set in the late 1960s and early 1970s music industry.

Jesse Reid is the headlining act for the Island Fold Fest but sadly the fans are disappointed when Jane Quinn and her band The Breakers take the stage instead. They amaze the crowd with their amazing performance and the rest is history.

I loved the determination Jane had throughout this book. She didn’t take anyone’s crap and she thought for her solo career. Throughout the story, we see how music helps her through the hardships in her life and starts her path towards healing.

The author did a very great job shining a light on mental health in this book which I enjoyed.

If you loved Daisy Jones and the Six then you’ll most likely love this! I believe Songs in Usra Major is gonna be summer must read. Emma Brodie is a very talented author and I’m excited to read more from her in the future!

Book releases on June 22nd so make sure you pick up a copy!

I was invested in Jane and Jesse’s story and how it affected their music careers. The book mostly deals with Jane’s budding career and how she makes her way in the industry. The way the events were described seemed realistic. What I found most compelling were the song lyrics. I wish I could have been listening to them as I read.

First Daisy and The Six, then Mary Jane, the Songs in Ursa Major... The music scene of 70s with its drug fueled atmosphere started to grow on me more and more. Music didn’t appear to be what it is today; lyrics had meaning; songs had stories. It wasn’t like let’s twerk; it doesn’t matter if the lyrics don’t even make sense. I’m salty much as you can tell.

Jane was part of a band that tried to make big. They got an amazing opportunity when star of the time, Jesse, got in an accident and Jane’s band was asked to cover his spot at a local fest. Jane stepped on the stage and the rest was history... A new star was born. But the story wasn’t about Jane’s path to stardom but about her personal life, intimate bits her past. Jane and Jesse were your typical rock and roll love story, until it became more than that. And that ‘more’ is what makes this story different

I especially loved the strong women played significant roles in this story. Jane was raised by strong women that taught her to be independent. It made her stand her ground when dudes tried to take what was rightfully hers. But just like all the women came before her, one guy changed everything for her. If you are into strong female lead and 70s music scene, you’ll like this book!

For fans of Almost Famous, Daisy Jones and the Six, and Mary Jane.

When young, talented local Jane is asked to step in with her band to the Bayleen Island Folk Fest - she has no idea that it will change her life forever. With undeniable talent and a soft-spoken allure, Jane is ushered into the music industry quickly, scooped up to go on tour and record albums - but it's the early 70s, and being a woman in the music industry can be, well, troubling. When a dark secret comes to light, Jane has to decide who she can trust, and whether or not making it in the industry is worth all that it'll take.

An excellent read, loved the time period, loved the vibes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for advance access to this title!

Thank you Emma Brodie for a thoroughly enjoyable journey through the 1960’s and 70’s music scene.
When folk singing troubadour Jesse Reid is injured in a motorcycle crash and fails to show at the Island Folk Festival a replacement is found in local Jane Quinn and her band the Breakers. Taking the stage, they captivate an audience filled with Jesse’s fans and give a life changing performance.
As Jesse recovers, a friendship with Jane develops and leads into a love affair (reminiscent of the one shared between James Taylor and Joni Mitchell). He becomes her advocate helping with the production of her first record and guiding her through the pluses, minuses, sexism, addiction and mental health issues that surround her as she faces the task of being a star. Here, Emma Brodie shines with her adept writing skill. She understands the industry and her well developed and familiar characters. She sprinkles lyrics throughout which enhance the story and entertain the reader making for an unforgettable story.
My thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of this highly recommended read.

I adored this book. Emma Brodie brings to life a time that parallels my experience as a 70s teenager who adored CSNY, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, The Dead, Led Zep, The Beatles — I could go on and on. There is incredible musicality woven throughout the novel. The tales of what it’s like as an artist with a big record company, the rampant misogyny mixed with glitter and glam, rang with authenticity. The love story felt so true. I highly recommend this one! Could not put it down!! Thank you once again, Netgalley, for proving me with an advanced reader copy for review. This book could not have been more delightful and will make a perfect summer hit.

Songs in Ursa Major was an interesting read. Every time I thought I knew what this book was, it morphed into something different. Was it a family saga? A romance? A quest to find one's true self? A story of the ins and outs of the music business? Yes and no. While it contains elements of all of those things, the book itself cannot be neatly placed into one genre. The main character, Jane Quinn is sometimes likeable but more often comes off (at least to me) as whiny and ungrateful. Her stubbornness has it's place at times, but most of the time is off putting. Thankfully Jane is only one of the characters we meet. Greg and Kyle are written beautifully. Though they are bit players in the story, they are the character actors that make the show. Grace and Elsie are strong, level headed women who we can cheer for and love. Jesse is the prerequisite tortured soul who draws us in, even when we know we should pull away and Willy is the one who ties it all together.

This book meanders all over the place. Just as one storyline is wrapping up, another appears. It was very episodic which was not at all a bad thing, just a different flow and vibe. Overall the story was enjoyable and much less predictable than you would think.

If bad language puts you off, be aware that it is sprinkled liberally throughout the book. There are also a few R rated love scenes that seem to be more gratuitous in their descriptions than is necessary.

I really enjoyed this book, based off of records produced in the 60’s and 70’s, it’s a very clear ode to the likes of Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. Fans of Daisy Jones & the Six or the era in general would enjoy the storyline. I found the pace to be great, moving swiftly from one era to another, and felt like a fast read that I couldn’t put down until I had finished it.

Some constructive criticism - some of the multiple POV’s didn’t make a ton of sense to me because they didn’t seem to add much value to the overall story. Adam, Simon, and Morgan’s particularly didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know, and weren’t that interesting. It more distracted from the general story and was a confusing add-on.

I could have also used some more background building in the beginning of the book. At first, the family structure was really confusing (I thought Grace was her mom and Maggie her biological sister for awhile until I sorted it out after going back and re-reading some passages). I also thought the tension between Maggie and Jane was never really addressed or explained enough to match the extent at which it was mentioned.

There was a lot of creative focus on the process of lyricism and the creation of the albums themselves, which is well done compared to other books that haphazardly write about songwriters without understanding the process. However, I wish the same allotment of time in the book had been dedicated to some of the major plot twists/changes that at times felt very sudden.

Overall, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to a friend. I would also look for more by this author in the future.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

"The year is 1969, and the Bayleen Island Folk Fest is abuzz with one name: Jesse Reid. Tall and soft-spoken, with eyes blue as stone-washed denim, Jesse Reid’s intricate guitar riffs and supple baritone are poised to tip from fame to legend with this one headlining performance. That is, until his motorcycle crashes on the way to the show.

Jane Quinn is a Bayleen Island local whose music flows as naturally as her long blond hair. When she and her bandmates are asked to play in Jesse Reid’s place at the festival, it almost doesn’t seem real. But Jane plants her bare feet on the Main Stage and delivers the performance of a lifetime, stopping Jesse’s disappointed fans in their tracks: A star is born.

Jesse stays on the island to recover from his near-fatal accident and he strikes up a friendship with Jane, coaching her through the production of her first record. As Jane contends with the music industry’s sexism, Jesse becomes her advocate, and what starts as a shared calling soon becomes a passionate love affair. On tour with Jesse, Jane is so captivated by the giant stadiums, the late nights, the wild parties, and the media attention, that she is blind-sided when she stumbles on the dark secret beneath Jesse’s music. With nowhere to turn, Jane must reckon with the shadows of her own past; what follows is the birth of one of most iconic albums of all time.

Shot through with the lyrics, the icons, the lore, the adrenaline of the early 70s music scene, Songs in Ursa Major pulses with romantic longing and asks the question so many female artists must face: What are we willing to sacrifice for our dreams?"

This summer's Daisy Jones and the Six?

This is a debut book by this author and I can’t wait to read more of her creations!!
This book is set in the music scene of the last 1960’s and 1970’s and if you live that time period ( I do !) this book will not disappoint!

I really wanted to love this book.

I was expecting Daisy Jones and the Six, or maybe The Happy Ever After Playlist, or even A Star is Born. This book has high aspirations, but it's none of those things. It's barely coherent.

Jesse Reid and Jane Quinn are supposedly based on James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. I hope Sweet Baby James and Joni don't read this -- they'll be shocked to find that they're so boring. This book has no plot -- it's just a long string of "this happened, then this happened, then this happened." There's also very little character development. In the end, I still hadn't learned the difference in Grace and Elsie and Maggie, because there was nothing about any of them that made them different from each other. Jane and Jesse don't have much personality either -- I kept wondering why anyone would be interested in either of them.

I figured out toward the end that Charlie and her condition were supposedly some big secret, and that Jane's refusal to talk to Jesse about it was what split them up (that, and a heroin addiction). But that's extremely unclear. We keep hearing about how Jane shouldn't tell Jesse too much -- um, okay. About what? I had no idea what was happening. It's so poorly written and poorly plotted.

I have so many questions about how this book made it past an editor. Rock stars aren't created overnight from one lucky performance. Where do we see Jesse and Jane falling in love? Suddenly they just ARE. Has the author ever experienced drug addiction or mental illness in her family? They don't work at all the way she describes them. We're supposed to believe there were no signs of Jesse's addiction until one day Jane just catches him with a needle in his arm? That's not how that works. Naloxone was not a thing in the early 70s -- no way some random nurse on an island was carrying it around in her kit and saving the lives of rock stars with it. Charlie's condition is a secret? Why? Are you ashamed of her? Jane takes off to Greece and has a breakdown of some sort, but it's never clear what brought that on. As near as I could tell, nothing was so awful as to cause that. And the things that WERE awful were of Jane's own making, and within her power to fix. The dialogue is atrocious. We keep switching points of view from Jesse to Jane to Morgan to Willy and sometimes to obscure characters that don't even matter. What little climax there is to the story is completely manufactured and comes out of nowhere, and it's all wrapped up in a sappy epilogue that will satisfy exactly no one. It's all just so stupid.

I really wanted to love this book the way I've loved other books based on musicians and the history of rock and roll. But it's just so bad.