NEW Novella in the Milford-Haven Saga
Miranda’s Wildlife Painting Adventure #4
“Miranda Jones, a respected wildlife artist, has been commissioned by the state of Oregon to paint the state bird, the Western Meadowlark. The prestigious assignment takes her on a journey to Oregon’s lush landscapes, where she immerses herself in the bird’s habitat, capturing its essence through observation, photography, hiking and plein air painting. Miranda’s adventure is not just about art; it’s a deep exploration of her connection to nature and her own aspirations. Her fascination with birds and their communication becomes a central theme, as she learns from a bird expert about the intricate social systems and vocalizations of avian species. When Miranda finds herself in a dramatic rescue situation on the Columbia River, her attentiveness to bird calls leads her to save a fellow traveller from drowning. The narrative is enriched by vivid descriptions of Oregon’s landscapes, the river’s power, and the delicate beauty of the meadowlark. Purl’s writing is lyrical and evocative, seamlessly weaving together themes of art, nature, and human relationships. The novella stands alone as a complete story but also fits into the larger tapestry of the Milford-Haven saga. When Birds Sing by author Mara Purl is a beautifully crafted novella that celebrates the harmony between humans and nature, the power of art, and the courage to embrace life’s challenges. Purl’s ability to blend fiction with environmental and emotional themes makes this a compelling read for fans of small-town fiction, nature enthusiasts, and those who appreciate stories of personal growth.”
— Readers’ Choice Book Awards
“What a vivid, exciting adventure! Made me feel I was actually IN the woods, paddling IN the water … and the idea of the birds actually communicating to US, as well as one another is SO cool! Plus the spiritual concept that ‘birds fly to make the universe happy.’ Your readers can count on you to elevate their thoughts as well as their hearts. I think the line that caught my fancy most is regarding the concept of getting to finally ‘hear what we’ve been waiting to hear.’ I think that’s a universal thing; that everyone harbors a secret longing for affirmation of their deepest desires to be loved, accepted and understood. If that comes from other people, fine – if it comes from inside ourselves and/or Mother Nature, even better! Thanks so much for sharing BIRDS. Between this, OTTERS, WHALES and HUMMERS, I’m enjoying visiting the animal kingdom through the lens of MILFORD HAVEN.”
— Marilyn Harris, Musician & Songwriter
Author Mara Purl brings a nice twist to her “heart” series. Artist Miranda Jones as a mainstay in the Milford Haven series is back … this time she is away from her Central Coast of California–a nice change–and in Oregon to do research on a new painting that’s been commissioned. In the outdoors, she’s surrounded by the magical and musical calls of the birds and their songs as she explores the outdoors. Kayaking on the beautiful Columbia River, she’s entranced, wondering what the birds are saying … singing. Hearing an unusual sound, she’s intrigued … it wasn’t a bird song … it was a human cry for help! When Birds Sing flows ebbs and flows as a river does, delivering a surprising twist to the series that reveals Miranda’s depth. It’s a good add to When Hummers Dream and When Otters Play. If you can listen on the audio version, you are in for a treat.
— Dr. Judith Briles, Author
Lots of bird information. A river raft incident, a daring rescue. Strong characters. Good story well written. Fast read. My first by this author.
— Sharon Coleman
Awards:
Finalist (Silver) – Best Book Awards
5-stars – Readers Choice Awards
Do birds sing for joy? Or do they have something to say?
Artist Miranda Jones, doing research for a commissioned painting, is delighted by their songs and increasingly intrigued to understand what they seem to be saying. She’s excited to learn more both when she hikes with an expert and when she kayaks on the Columbia River in Oregon.
Though an experienced kayaker, this is first time to navigate on a river, and with the constant movement downstream, she has to look fast and mind obstacles and rapids. Her adventure is going “swimmingly.”
But imagine her surprise when she hears what she thinks is a bird call but turns out to be a woman screaming! A woman has fallen overboard off a river raft. Can Miranda help without putting herself in danger? Or have the avians fooled her . . . When Birds Sing?
Though the book stands alone, it also is a midquel for Book 3of the Milford-Haven Novels, the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning, multi-generational saga. Based on Purl’s BBC Radio drama Milford-Haven U.S.A.
Don’t miss the adventure that happens chronologically, right in the middle of Why Hearts Keep Secrets!
Order your copy!
When Birds Sing (unsigned copies)
Order from Amazon (available April 29, 2025)
