A review by liamliayaum
The Key to My Heart by Lia Louis

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 CW: Anxiety, car accident, cheating, depression, death 

Natalie Fincher is a young widow, struggling from the loss of her husband over two years ago. She is caught between living her and Russ' dream or moving forward. She find solace playing piano in a Tube station and a nearby coffee shop. Will she be able to move forward? 

This was a cute and wholesome love story that wasn't a love story. It was a sentimental discovery of grief, loss, and what happens after loss. Music was interwoven in the book and wonderful. Music is powerful and has been used through the ages to express emotions. The conversation about the manifestation of grief, and how's different for everyone, was much appreciated. 

The supporting characters of Tom, "Notebook Guy", and Shauna were each special in their own right. Natalie found solace in "Notebook Guy" as he was also dealing with his own grief. It was such a special relationship where both were on their own journey through grief. Tom provided a lot of comedic relief through some more heavier topics. Shauna was the supportive mother that everyone wished they had. 

If you're looking for a feel good happy book with some bits that might make you tear up, than this is the book for you!