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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
After the unexpected loss of her husband, Natalie’s life has come to a standstill. Understandably, she’s unsure how to move forward. They had recently bought a fixer upper that is now more than she can handle, but she can’t bring herself to leave the cottage that her husband loved so much. She pushes away her friends and loved ones that try to help her and insists that she’s doing okay. While she’s given up on her musical aspirations, she still plays a public piano at train station in London. One day she finds that someone has left her a song to play. But not just any song, a song that has a significant meaning for herself and her husband. As she sets out to figure out who is leaving her the music, will she finally find herself, and possibly love, again?
FRIENDS. THIS BOOK RIGHT HERE. What a great start to my 2023 reading! My heart broke for Natalie and how she struggled to cope with grief. While I’ve never experienced the same type of grief, I felt that the author did a great job presenting Natalie’s story. It felt so raw and real. And can we talk about Tom??? Seriously, I need you to read this one so we can talk about him. I don’t want to say too much about him, but trust me, you will fall in love.
This was such a heartwarming and touching romance. I’ve been really enjoying stories set across the pond lately and this one is at the top of that list so far. It’s really going to stick with me for a while. I know I say this a lot, but I cannot recommend this book enough. You won’t regret reading it!
5 out of 5 amazing stars!!
FRIENDS. THIS BOOK RIGHT HERE. What a great start to my 2023 reading! My heart broke for Natalie and how she struggled to cope with grief. While I’ve never experienced the same type of grief, I felt that the author did a great job presenting Natalie’s story. It felt so raw and real. And can we talk about Tom??? Seriously, I need you to read this one so we can talk about him. I don’t want to say too much about him, but trust me, you will fall in love.
This was such a heartwarming and touching romance. I’ve been really enjoying stories set across the pond lately and this one is at the top of that list so far. It’s really going to stick with me for a while. I know I say this a lot, but I cannot recommend this book enough. You won’t regret reading it!
5 out of 5 amazing stars!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another stellar novel by Lia Louis, A Key to My Heart will for sure make you choke up with emotion because of its beauty. The mystery element to who was leaving the music sheets for the grieving Natalie added a unique aspect to the story and all the characters and love interest were truly so charming. There is a bit of a love triangle element that is not a fave of mine, but once again, I was proven wrong that when done right, it can be a trope that makes the story much more interesting. And basically, the conclusion of this novel will have you sighing with awe and all the feels. I love how you can be sure you’re going to love the story already when you know it’s from Lia Louis.’
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief
Moderate: Cursing, Car accident
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Orion for approving me for an ARC of this book. I have read and adored Lia Louis’s previous books and when I learnt that this one was about piano music I was super excited.
The story follows Natalie who is a widow at the age of 32 and is struggling to come to terms with the death of her husband two years ago. Her friends keep trying to help her ‘move on’ and she feels like she is drowning in the endless questions of what comes next for her. The only thing that seems to help is music so when someone starts leaving her sheet music, that means something to her, at the tube station piano she can’t help but see it as a sign.
From the start I felt like Lia Louis had seen into my soul and beautifully described what it is like to play an instrument. I have played the piano for 24 years and now teach others how to play so could completely relate to Natalie and how healing the piano can be. It’s the thing I turn to when I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed and it is also the thing that can ignite emotion in me but the greatest joy is seeing what it does to other people. Lia Louis captures this to perfection and delivers a powerful message between the pages.
I was so intrigued to see who was leaving the sheet music and felt myself playing detective along the way. I’m pleased to say I never guessed which was a pleasant surprise to me. Seeing how Natalie changed throughout the story and coped with making the big decisions felt not only believable but completely natural. You wanted to see Natalie find her own way and emerge from the cocoon she’d been hiding in and with the help of a few lovely friends she does.
The supporting characters were brilliant too and brought a light heartedness to the story. From Priya with her sleepgasms to Natalie’s adorable sister Jodie there were plenty of characters to remember and treasure. Obviously I loved Joe and Tom and whilst I was team Tom the whole way I liked the friendship she had built with both of them.
All I can say is wow what a book! I seriously can not put into words how much I love this book. It was everything I hoped it would be, emotional, hopeful and full of so much love. It explores grief in it’s many forms and reduced me to tears, especially at the end.
Two words: Sublime. Perfection.
The story follows Natalie who is a widow at the age of 32 and is struggling to come to terms with the death of her husband two years ago. Her friends keep trying to help her ‘move on’ and she feels like she is drowning in the endless questions of what comes next for her. The only thing that seems to help is music so when someone starts leaving her sheet music, that means something to her, at the tube station piano she can’t help but see it as a sign.
From the start I felt like Lia Louis had seen into my soul and beautifully described what it is like to play an instrument. I have played the piano for 24 years and now teach others how to play so could completely relate to Natalie and how healing the piano can be. It’s the thing I turn to when I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed and it is also the thing that can ignite emotion in me but the greatest joy is seeing what it does to other people. Lia Louis captures this to perfection and delivers a powerful message between the pages.
I was so intrigued to see who was leaving the sheet music and felt myself playing detective along the way. I’m pleased to say I never guessed which was a pleasant surprise to me. Seeing how Natalie changed throughout the story and coped with making the big decisions felt not only believable but completely natural. You wanted to see Natalie find her own way and emerge from the cocoon she’d been hiding in and with the help of a few lovely friends she does.
The supporting characters were brilliant too and brought a light heartedness to the story. From Priya with her sleepgasms to Natalie’s adorable sister Jodie there were plenty of characters to remember and treasure. Obviously I loved Joe and Tom and whilst I was team Tom the whole way I liked the friendship she had built with both of them.
All I can say is wow what a book! I seriously can not put into words how much I love this book. It was everything I hoped it would be, emotional, hopeful and full of so much love. It explores grief in it’s many forms and reduced me to tears, especially at the end.
Two words: Sublime. Perfection.
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Based on the cover alone (I know, I know....don't judge a book by it's cover...) I expected this book to be more Christmas-ey or at least more winter-ey. I'm not complaining about the subject of grief in this book, which I think was actually handled really well. It just overall didn't feel like a holiday read.
In terms of plot the book dragged. There were a couple different plot lines going on that all felt like they could have been fleshed out more. I think if the author had picked one or two to really focus on this book would have moved faster and been more engaging. I had a really hard time getting invested in the characters and plot of this book. There wasn't any real growth. The book felt more of a waiting game. Waiting to see who Natalie picked and letting that drive the story rather than any character choices.
I did really like Lia Louis' previous book though, so I'm not going to write this author off complexity yet. If you haven't read Eight Perfect Hours yet I'd highly suggest that one before you pick up Just The Key To My Heart.
In terms of plot the book dragged. There were a couple different plot lines going on that all felt like they could have been fleshed out more. I think if the author had picked one or two to really focus on this book would have moved faster and been more engaging. I had a really hard time getting invested in the characters and plot of this book. There wasn't any real growth. The book felt more of a waiting game. Waiting to see who Natalie picked and letting that drive the story rather than any character choices.
I did really like Lia Louis' previous book though, so I'm not going to write this author off complexity yet. If you haven't read Eight Perfect Hours yet I'd highly suggest that one before you pick up Just The Key To My Heart.
Couldn’t get into it and it was so slow. By 75% I figured I should’ve been reeled in by that point, but I don’t care what happens
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It is so tender. Just makes your heart burst.
Rating: 4.5
Laughing Score: 2
Crying Score: 1
Pub Date: 12/6/22
Lia does it again! I’m still swooning over this story (and let's be honest, my tommy button. Hello new book boyfriend!!)
Lia’s stories are never really *light* and this one was no different, but they are all so amazing. Natalie, a young widower, is trying to find her place again after her husband’s sudden death. She’s trying to find her spark, and along the way she makes new friends and meets new people who help her get there.
This is one of those books where you theorize a bit, because you’re not sure what’s going to happen, and I’ll say, I didn’t figure out the twist, so it’s definitely not a predictable plot line.
I really loved all the characters in this book, I love that she was a regular at a coffee shop, and had names for the other regulars. I love the complexities of her friends and how their dynamics have changed over time, it all felt very realistic.
This is a lovely story about grief, loss, hope, strength and love. I’m so happy I got a chance to read it. Thank you Netgalley and Atria for the advanced copy.
Laughing Score: 2
Crying Score: 1
Pub Date: 12/6/22
Lia does it again! I’m still swooning over this story (and let's be honest, my tommy button. Hello new book boyfriend!!)
Lia’s stories are never really *light* and this one was no different, but they are all so amazing. Natalie, a young widower, is trying to find her place again after her husband’s sudden death. She’s trying to find her spark, and along the way she makes new friends and meets new people who help her get there.
This is one of those books where you theorize a bit, because you’re not sure what’s going to happen, and I’ll say, I didn’t figure out the twist, so it’s definitely not a predictable plot line.
I really loved all the characters in this book, I love that she was a regular at a coffee shop, and had names for the other regulars. I love the complexities of her friends and how their dynamics have changed over time, it all felt very realistic.
This is a lovely story about grief, loss, hope, strength and love. I’m so happy I got a chance to read it. Thank you Netgalley and Atria for the advanced copy.
Rating: 4.5
Laughing Score: 2
Crying Score: 1
Pub Date: 12/6/22
Lia does it again! I’m still swooning over this story (and let's be honest, my tommy button. Hello new book boyfriend!!)
Lia’s stories are never really *light* and this one was no different, but they are all so amazing. Natalie, a young widower, is trying to find her place again after her husband’s sudden death. She’s trying to find her spark, and along the way she makes new friends and meets new people who help her get there.
This is one of those books where you theorize a bit, because you’re not sure what’s going to happen, and I’ll say, I didn’t figure out the twist, so it’s definitely not a predictable plot line.
I really loved all the characters in this book, I love that she was a regular at a coffee shop, and had names for the other regulars. I love the complexities of her friends and how their dynamics have changed over time, it all felt very realistic.
This is a lovely story about grief, loss, hope, strength and love. I’m so happy I got a chance to read it. Thank you Netgalley and Atria for the advanced copy.
Laughing Score: 2
Crying Score: 1
Pub Date: 12/6/22
Lia does it again! I’m still swooning over this story (and let's be honest, my tommy button. Hello new book boyfriend!!)
Lia’s stories are never really *light* and this one was no different, but they are all so amazing. Natalie, a young widower, is trying to find her place again after her husband’s sudden death. She’s trying to find her spark, and along the way she makes new friends and meets new people who help her get there.
This is one of those books where you theorize a bit, because you’re not sure what’s going to happen, and I’ll say, I didn’t figure out the twist, so it’s definitely not a predictable plot line.
I really loved all the characters in this book, I love that she was a regular at a coffee shop, and had names for the other regulars. I love the complexities of her friends and how their dynamics have changed over time, it all felt very realistic.
This is a lovely story about grief, loss, hope, strength and love. I’m so happy I got a chance to read it. Thank you Netgalley and Atria for the advanced copy.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief