This was a short story. I always find they leave me wanting more. I think the story could have been developed further. For example, some residents claimed to see a monster flying and promised to find and kill it. This would have created an interesting plot point. The book centres mainly on their sexual relationship to the point it was difficult to read sometimes due to Aurear's naive knowledge of human sex and how Callum was inexperienced and in some pain during and after their encounters.
I loved the epilogue, it was an emotional journey between two lonely people. The cover is gorgeous, and it was a wholesome read overall. It may be a personal issue I have with short stories and novellas - I always want deeper, longer stories.

The story had an interesting premise and a unique setting that immediately grabbed my interest, but, unfortunately, it didn't work out for me.

The plot revolves around Callum, a lonely man living by himself in a secluded cabin deep in the woods. He used to live with his mother, and before she passed away, she made a friend with a sparrow whom she named Aurear. In her final moments, she asked Aurear to stay by Callum’s side, so he wouldn't be lonely. One day, while going about his usual daily tasks, Callum finds an injured sparrow and brings it back into his cabin to take care of it. He briefly leaves the cabin to find food for the sparrow, and upon his return, he discovers that the sparrow has magically transformed into a man.

I guess what bothered me the most is that Aurear is not a shapeshifter; he is an actual bird that somehow gets transformed into a man. I was initially drawn to the book because of its gorgeous cover. I was promised a beautiful winged man shown on the cover, but instead got a bird-turned-man with black beady eyes and giant wings (not just wings).

I don’t mind a bit of smut, but in this case, it really doesn’t blend well with Aurear’s almost childlike innocence. The stark contrast between the gentle, heartfelt moments in the story and explicit scenes was something else that bothered me. There was no transition between the two. The story was quick and easy to read and had the potential to explore themes of loneliness, love, and self-discovery, but the execution fell flat for me.

Thank you, NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and author Eve Healy for the ARC copy! I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

came for the cover. It was pretty. The story was pretty short and i finish it in one sitting. Some scene were too graphic for me. Guess it was not for me.

I didn’t finish this not my type of book but I’m sure people who like this genre would like it. It just wasn’t for me

I just reviewed The Mourning Dove and His Snow Sparrow by Eve Healy. #TheMourningDoveandHisSnowSparrow #NetGalley
A beautiful, spicy and cosey read. It's one of those books that you want to read when you're feeling sad and need to read something sweet.
Eve Healy just became one of my favorite authors of 2023

This sweet romance was very cozy! It almost felt like a cozy fantasy book - that was filled with cute romance. I did really like the sort of melancholic setting in the woods and the romance was very sweet.

Interesting story and background information on the chartered, but in need of an editor. Made it hard to read.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this! I gave it 3⭐️
I’m not gonna lie, I was drawn in by the stunning cover. Gorgeous.
The story as a while fell a little flat for me. I felt about 60% through that I could predict what the characters were going to do and say. And that’s okay. Maybe that’s me understanding the characters better than I expected. Overall, it was a good quick read. Wasn’t too heavy.

In Eve Healy's "The Mourning Dove and His Snow Sparrow," I was treated to a captivating journey of love and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a chilly winter's night, this novella introduces us to two enchanting avian characters - the introspective Mourning Dove and the vivacious Snow Sparrow.

Healy's writing is a melodic blend of poetry and prose, crafting a tale that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary. The chemistry between the Mourning Dove and the Snow Sparrow is palpable, their dialogues a symphony of wit and warmth. Through their interactions, Healy artfully explores the intricacies of human relationships, leaving readers with a heartwarming appreciation for the fragile yet resilient nature of love.

What sets "The Mourning Dove and His Snow Sparrow" apart is Healy's ability to create a world both surreal and deeply relatable. In just a few pages, she masterfully unveils the layers of her characters, evoking a whirlwind of emotions. Moments of laughter, contemplation, and even a touch of melancholy are beautifully woven together, giving readers a taste of the bittersweet essence of life itself.

Though brief, the novella lingers in the mind, inviting readers to reflect on the transformative power of love and the importance of cherishing connections, no matter how fleeting they may seem. Healy's prose, like the flight of her avian protagonists, soars effortlessly, carrying us through a narrative that feels both ethereal and grounded.

"The Mourning Dove and His Snow Sparrow" is a delightful gem, a reminder that even the smallest encounters can leave an indelible mark on our hearts. With her gift for brevity, Healy's storytelling proves that a well-crafted tale need not be long to be impactful. This poignant and witty work is a testament to the enduring beauty of love, a tale that will leave readers enchanted and yearning for more of Eve Healy's literary magic.

The author skillfully crafts a story that explores themes of loss, companionship, and the beauty of finding solace in unexpected places.

Pros:
1. The characters are endearing and well-developed, making it easy for readers to connect with their emotions and experiences.
2. The writing style is evocative, creating vivid imagery of the natural surroundings and enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

Cons:
1. The pacing of the plot sometimes feels uneven, with certain sections dragging on while others could have been expanded for a more immersive experience.

Overall, "The Mourning Dove and his Snow Sparrow" is a touching story that will resonate with readers who appreciate heartfelt tales of friendship and healing. Eve Healy's writing style and the emotional depth of the characters make it a worthwhile read for those seeking a gentle and touching story of unlikely companionship in the natural world.

Oh. My. GOSH! The cover alone was enough to make me feel things, but reading the book...oh yes please! This story has the perfect blend between sweet and spicy and I want more!

I really enjoyed reading ‘the mourning dove and his sparrow would definitely recommend 😊
Rating: 4 stars
Love the look of the cover art

The Mourning Dove and His Snow Sparrow is a novella about a man named Callum finding love in his lonely world.

Callum has lived most of his life in the secluded forests of the North, where his only company was his sickly mother and the animals in the area. As he grew up, he tended to his mother until the day she passed and left him completely alone. After his mother's death, Callum is simply going through the motions, until one day, when he finds an injured fox sparrow in the snow. Desperate to save the creature, he takes it back to his cabin. Upon doing so, he finds that the little bird can turn into a winged man named Aurear. Having spent so long alone, Callum can’t help but be drawn to Aurear’s warmth. But Aurear’s existence is an anomaly, and with this new creature flying around, it’s not long before Callum’s quiet home in the forest is threatened. Though he couldn’t save his mother, Callum is willing to risk everything to protect the warmth Aurear has given him.

This story took me back and forth between being melancholy and hopeful. But in a good way, In the beginning, you are excited for Callum to have someone and not be lonely anymore when he discovers this bird turned man in his bed. But sometimes you are sad thinking about how hard it must be to be for Aurear to adjust to a human life. The obvious obstacles are there, but this truly is a story of love overcoming all.
Aurear is a sweet character. I liked watching him learn how to be human and falling in love. I liked Callum so much it was nice to see him get some happiness of his own after so long of being isolated and sad.
The physical relationship can be a little confusing at times but I feel like it's still really sweet and sexy. I also loved the tearjerker ending. It was sad but in a good way.
Overall, I would recommend this cozy love story with soft characters and low drama. Just don't get too hung up on the specifies of the "magic".
3.5 Stars

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2PZBR9O85F43U/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I’m a fan. I love the mysterious ending and the life they lived. Emotional from the beginning was not something I expected.
A quick read and a whole journey experienced.

A lovely book and quick read!
I really enjoy this type of story and was so happy to get approved. I think the pacing moves quick enough to keep the reader's attention without losing focus on the plot. The romance and spice were just the right level for me and overall its an excellent quick read for fans of queer books! Definitely recommend this one

This novella was a quick read, but enjoyable. The spice was really good and I loved how the story was letting me immerse myself. Not a lot of novellas are able to do that! I recommend this short novella for anyone looking for a queer quick novella.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc! The story between callum and Aurears was very sweet. Callums grief journey and Aurears grief as well was a poignant read. I feel like the spicy scenes kinda came out of nowhere but I’m admittedly not the biggest fan of spicy scenes. I had wished a bit for more of a slow burn between them but also perhaps that wouldn’t be as realistic for Aurear. All that to say, was a sweet story!

I don't know that anything could have prepared me for The Mourning Dove and his Snow Sparrow by Eve Healy. It was a sweet and fast paced story of love and self-discovery. Not all of it is fun and games though. This novella does include near-death experiences. The ending, in particular, left me tearing up and questioning how much time my life has left. Due to the heavy nature of the end, I strongly recommend reading the bonus story. (It's about Aurear's first Christmas.)

Everyone's saying it's sweet and spicy. Get on board, BECAUSE IT IS.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the author for this ARC!!

This book was... something I kinda was not expecting. As a Archive of Our Own (ao3) reader, I've very much read weird things before, but this surpasses every fanfic I've ever finished. The plot is quite simple, we have Callum who lost his mom and is found alone in his very well hidden home in the forest. One day, Callum encounters an injured fox sparrow and tries to take care of the bird, until he transforms into a human boy with bird-like anatomy and habits (wings, eating bugs from hand (yes that is something that actually happens)). These two start interacting more, and feelings start to arise until an unexpected danger threatens their safety, and Callum would do anything to not lose another loved one again.

I just think this book was not for me. I couldn't relate to the characters, some scenes between Callum and Aurear were quite uncomfortable to read and I wasn't left with wanting to read more. However, I do have to give it to the author, the portrayal of how griefing can switch off your liveliness and leave a trauma that can lead to being absolutely afraid of losing people again is very well done.

Even though this was not for me, it may be for you so please give it a try if you are curious about it! :)