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A review by thebookishnarwhal
The Last Love Song by Kalie Holford
5.0
This debut novel is a lyrical and heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the melodies that shape our lives. Set against the backdrop of Sunset Cove, “The Last Love Song” by Kalie Holford is a queer YA romance that brings together music, mystery, and the bittersweet ache of growing up.
Meet Mia Peters. After high school graduation, she faces a summer of farewells. Songwriting becomes her refuge as everyone she knows moves on, leaving her behind in the small town of Sunset Cove. Her biggest supporter (and kind-of-sort-of girlfriend) pushes her to dream bigger, but Mia clings to the familiar. She refuses to follow in the footsteps of her late mother, a country music star who abandoned her family to chase her dreams.
Desperate for a sign of what lies ahead, Mia discovers a mysterious letter from the past, written in her mother's hand. It's the first of many, leading her on a scavenger hunt through a hidden Sunset Cove. Each discovery brings Mia closer to her mother, but time is running out. Mia must decide if she can face the present, confront her feelings, and forge her own destiny.
Holford's prose is like a haunting melody, evoking the raw emotions of youth. Mia's struggle to find her voice as a songwriter and as a young woman, is beautifully portrayed. The author captures the ache of longing, the sweetness of first love, and the pain of letting go. The small-town setting feels authentic, and the supporting characters add depth to the narrative.
The heart of the novel lies in its exploration of grief. Maternal absence looms large, and Mia grapples with the legacy of a mother who chose fame over family. The scavenger hunt through Sunset Cove becomes a journey of self-discovery, as Mia unravels the layers of her mother's past. The book's emotional core is its portrayal of love in all its forms.
The main relationship is tenderly rendered. Their banter, shared dreams, and stolen moments create a palpable chemistry. Witness encouragement push Mia beyond her comfort zone, urging her to embrace life beyond Sunset Cove. Their love story is both sweet and achingly real, capturing the uncertainty of youth and the courage it takes to leap into the unknown.
The mystery of the letters adds intrigue, and Holford skillfully balances the past and present. As Mia uncovers her mother’s secrets, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional landscape. The pacing is steady, with revelations unfolding at just the right moments. The book's climax is poignant, leaving a lingering ache that resonates long after the final page.
This book is a celebration of music, memory, and the power of finding one's own voice. If you've ever tried to decode the clues in the lead-up to a new Taylor Swift album, this book will strike a chord. Holford's soulful debut invites readers to listen closely; to the notes of love, loss, and the last song that echoes in our hearts. It is a moving portrait of love, wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia and the promise of new beginnings. Holford's talent shines through, and I eagerly await her next composition.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Mia Peters. After high school graduation, she faces a summer of farewells. Songwriting becomes her refuge as everyone she knows moves on, leaving her behind in the small town of Sunset Cove. Her biggest supporter (and kind-of-sort-of girlfriend) pushes her to dream bigger, but Mia clings to the familiar. She refuses to follow in the footsteps of her late mother, a country music star who abandoned her family to chase her dreams.
Desperate for a sign of what lies ahead, Mia discovers a mysterious letter from the past, written in her mother's hand. It's the first of many, leading her on a scavenger hunt through a hidden Sunset Cove. Each discovery brings Mia closer to her mother, but time is running out. Mia must decide if she can face the present, confront her feelings, and forge her own destiny.
Holford's prose is like a haunting melody, evoking the raw emotions of youth. Mia's struggle to find her voice as a songwriter and as a young woman, is beautifully portrayed. The author captures the ache of longing, the sweetness of first love, and the pain of letting go. The small-town setting feels authentic, and the supporting characters add depth to the narrative.
The heart of the novel lies in its exploration of grief. Maternal absence looms large, and Mia grapples with the legacy of a mother who chose fame over family. The scavenger hunt through Sunset Cove becomes a journey of self-discovery, as Mia unravels the layers of her mother's past. The book's emotional core is its portrayal of love in all its forms.
The main relationship is tenderly rendered. Their banter, shared dreams, and stolen moments create a palpable chemistry. Witness encouragement push Mia beyond her comfort zone, urging her to embrace life beyond Sunset Cove. Their love story is both sweet and achingly real, capturing the uncertainty of youth and the courage it takes to leap into the unknown.
The mystery of the letters adds intrigue, and Holford skillfully balances the past and present. As Mia uncovers her mother’s secrets, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional landscape. The pacing is steady, with revelations unfolding at just the right moments. The book's climax is poignant, leaving a lingering ache that resonates long after the final page.
This book is a celebration of music, memory, and the power of finding one's own voice. If you've ever tried to decode the clues in the lead-up to a new Taylor Swift album, this book will strike a chord. Holford's soulful debut invites readers to listen closely; to the notes of love, loss, and the last song that echoes in our hearts. It is a moving portrait of love, wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia and the promise of new beginnings. Holford's talent shines through, and I eagerly await her next composition.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.