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The Key to My Heart
A heartwarming novel about hope after loss as a young widow receives mysterious messages of love from the author of Eight Perfect Hours.
Sparkly and charming Natalie Fincher has it all—a handsome new husband, a fixer-upper cottage of her dreams, and the opportunity to tour with the musical she’s spent years writing. But when her husband suddenly dies, all her hopes and dreams instantly disappear.
Two and a half years later, Natalie is still lost. She works, sleeps (well, as much as the sexually frustrated village foxes will allow), and sees friends just often enough to allay their worries, but her life is empty. And she can only bring herself to play music at a London train station’s public piano where she can be anonymous. She’s lost motivation, faith in love, in happiness…in everything.
But when someone begins to mysteriously leave the sheet music for her husband’s favorite songs at the station’s piano, Natalie begins to feel a sense of hope and excitement for the first time. As she investigates just who could be doing this, Natalie finds herself on an unexpected journey toward newfound love for herself, for life, and maybe, for a special someone.
Sparkly and charming Natalie Fincher has it all—a handsome new husband, a fixer-upper cottage of her dreams, and the opportunity to tour with the musical she’s spent years writing. But when her husband suddenly dies, all her hopes and dreams instantly disappear.
Two and a half years later, Natalie is still lost. She works, sleeps (well, as much as the sexually frustrated village foxes will allow), and sees friends just often enough to allay their worries, but her life is empty. And she can only bring herself to play music at a London train station’s public piano where she can be anonymous. She’s lost motivation, faith in love, in happiness…in everything.
But when someone begins to mysteriously leave the sheet music for her husband’s favorite songs at the station’s piano, Natalie begins to feel a sense of hope and excitement for the first time. As she investigates just who could be doing this, Natalie finds herself on an unexpected journey toward newfound love for herself, for life, and maybe, for a special someone.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,126 reviews
December 4, 2022
This is so far my favorite Lia Louis book! It’s even better than Dear Emmie Blue! It’s so sentimental, genuine, heart warming with it’s realistic, lovely characterization, promising plot with honest approach to sensitive subjects. The author just played a magical symphony with the strings of our hearts. She knows how to touch the souls with her powerful words.
I wanted to give hugs to Natalie and tell her everything is gonna be all right at each chapter.
Here’s the recap of the plot;
Natalie Fincher is having a problem to move on with her life, living in a wrecked cottage needs a lot of restorations as the horny foxes outside giving her sleepless nights.
Two and half years ago, her husband had an accident. She kept playing piano in the hospital to connect with him when he was in coma. It worked! He came back. But then…she lost him forever.
Now she’s stuck in a house she’s planned to rebuild with her husband and she cannot sell the place because guilt feelings to say goodbye to a place she bottled up memories are eating her inside.
Her plans to create a musical with her best friend has failed after they fell apart.
One day when she waits for the train at St. Pancras station, she sees a piano. Suddenly she gathers her courage to play it without thinking any further. And it turns into her routine to play the piano on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and heading to coffee shop close to the station to chat with lovely owner Shauna.
One day she finds sheet music left for her next to the piano. That is not regular sheet, that is her husband’s favorite song. As the days go by she finds more sheets related with their marriage and their happy times. Could her husband try to connect with her? Could someone close to the couple be involved in this?
As Natalie conducts her own investigation about the mysterious person who is leaving the sheets, she finds herself bumping into charming photographer Tom she’s met in the bar and befriending the Notebook Guy she’s seen at Shauna’s coffee shop.
She slowly realizes the life is full of surprises but if she wants to embrace them, she has to learn how to let go and give herself time to heal!
I loved the revelation about the big mystery and the romance parts! Especially the last gesture at the end made me cry so hard!
It absolutely deserves my musical, poetic, photographic five stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this incredible digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
I wanted to give hugs to Natalie and tell her everything is gonna be all right at each chapter.
Here’s the recap of the plot;
Natalie Fincher is having a problem to move on with her life, living in a wrecked cottage needs a lot of restorations as the horny foxes outside giving her sleepless nights.
Two and half years ago, her husband had an accident. She kept playing piano in the hospital to connect with him when he was in coma. It worked! He came back. But then…she lost him forever.
Now she’s stuck in a house she’s planned to rebuild with her husband and she cannot sell the place because guilt feelings to say goodbye to a place she bottled up memories are eating her inside.
Her plans to create a musical with her best friend has failed after they fell apart.
One day when she waits for the train at St. Pancras station, she sees a piano. Suddenly she gathers her courage to play it without thinking any further. And it turns into her routine to play the piano on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and heading to coffee shop close to the station to chat with lovely owner Shauna.
One day she finds sheet music left for her next to the piano. That is not regular sheet, that is her husband’s favorite song. As the days go by she finds more sheets related with their marriage and their happy times. Could her husband try to connect with her? Could someone close to the couple be involved in this?
As Natalie conducts her own investigation about the mysterious person who is leaving the sheets, she finds herself bumping into charming photographer Tom she’s met in the bar and befriending the Notebook Guy she’s seen at Shauna’s coffee shop.
She slowly realizes the life is full of surprises but if she wants to embrace them, she has to learn how to let go and give herself time to heal!
I loved the revelation about the big mystery and the romance parts! Especially the last gesture at the end made me cry so hard!
It absolutely deserves my musical, poetic, photographic five stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this incredible digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
December 9, 2022
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria, and Lia Louis for a ARC in exchange for an honest review! Now available as of 12.6!**
“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.” ― Maria Augusta von Trapp
Just when Natalie thought she had everything figured out-perfect husband, perfect new 'make-it-our-own' cottage to share with said husband, and a dream partner and friend to co-write a splashy and magnificent musical---fate intervened. Her husband Russ ends up passing away after a tragic accident. Feeling broken, Natalie struggles to find her way in the life 'after' Russ, and her passion for music encourages her to 'play on'-but in a very specific way. Every day she visits a Tube station stop where a community piano sits and she plays for the people walking by. Aside from a few new friends at the coffee shop in the train station, this is Natalie's only true connection to the outside world.
It's been two years since Russ' passing, but Natalie isn't quite sure how to move on. When she sits down at the piano one day, however, she finds a surprise: someone has left her sheet music...incredibly SPECIFIC sheet music. Music that connects her to her lost love. At first she assumes Russ coordinated this with friends while he was in the hospital, prior to his passing, but she has a sneaking suspicion that someone else is involved. Is there more to the quiet and handsome 'notebook guy' Natalie knows from the coffee shop than meets the eye? Can her handsome new photographer friend Tom help her get to the bottom of the mystery? Or is it truly RUSS at the bottom of this magical mystery?
I've been itching to try a Lia Louis book for a while now, and as a hardcore music fan, I figured this was right up my alley. This had shades of a P.S. I Love You type plot towards the beginning (heck, it's even one of Natalie's first theories) but this story had a much different feel to it. While Louis spends a lot of time exploring grief as a concept through the eyes of Natalie and the friends trying to help her, I don't know as though I connected with the way she presented it overall.
I was glad to see Natalie perk up and get close to Tom and 'notebook guy' (as well as coffee shop owner Shauna, to an extent) but I also felt the narrative dragged on a bit at times. I would have liked a little bit more outright humor to balance the sad subjects, and some of the jokes in this one didn't really land with me. Even the little nicknames characters had for one another just seemed a bit off to me...again, nothing exactly WRONG with them or off-putting, I just didn't find them as charming as I hoped I would.
While I didn't dread picking this up, I never truly looked forward to it either and I'm not sure why. I think in some ways I fell in love with the premise more than the story itself, although there were some lovely moments and I consider myself a Lia Louis fan after reading. I think I was searching for a bit more whimsy to balance out the heavy but also perhaps a bit more of Natalie's inner reflections rather than her processing grief through the others in her life. I thought this would be more of a journey of inner transformation and I think instead it was more a journey of outward connection (which is completely valuable in its own way too and certainly makes sense for romance!)
While this book was a bit of a mixed bag for me, I'd like to look at it as 'that one track I'll probably always skip' from a favorite band's album. And of course THAT means I will still be eagerly snapping up Louis' next onrecord release day! 😉 🎹🎵
3.5 stars, rounded down from 4
“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.” ― Maria Augusta von Trapp
Just when Natalie thought she had everything figured out-perfect husband, perfect new 'make-it-our-own' cottage to share with said husband, and a dream partner and friend to co-write a splashy and magnificent musical---fate intervened. Her husband Russ ends up passing away after a tragic accident. Feeling broken, Natalie struggles to find her way in the life 'after' Russ, and her passion for music encourages her to 'play on'-but in a very specific way. Every day she visits a Tube station stop where a community piano sits and she plays for the people walking by. Aside from a few new friends at the coffee shop in the train station, this is Natalie's only true connection to the outside world.
It's been two years since Russ' passing, but Natalie isn't quite sure how to move on. When she sits down at the piano one day, however, she finds a surprise: someone has left her sheet music...incredibly SPECIFIC sheet music. Music that connects her to her lost love. At first she assumes Russ coordinated this with friends while he was in the hospital, prior to his passing, but she has a sneaking suspicion that someone else is involved. Is there more to the quiet and handsome 'notebook guy' Natalie knows from the coffee shop than meets the eye? Can her handsome new photographer friend Tom help her get to the bottom of the mystery? Or is it truly RUSS at the bottom of this magical mystery?
I've been itching to try a Lia Louis book for a while now, and as a hardcore music fan, I figured this was right up my alley. This had shades of a P.S. I Love You type plot towards the beginning (heck, it's even one of Natalie's first theories) but this story had a much different feel to it. While Louis spends a lot of time exploring grief as a concept through the eyes of Natalie and the friends trying to help her, I don't know as though I connected with the way she presented it overall.
I was glad to see Natalie perk up and get close to Tom and 'notebook guy' (as well as coffee shop owner Shauna, to an extent) but I also felt the narrative dragged on a bit at times. I would have liked a little bit more outright humor to balance the sad subjects, and some of the jokes in this one didn't really land with me. Even the little nicknames characters had for one another just seemed a bit off to me...again, nothing exactly WRONG with them or off-putting, I just didn't find them as charming as I hoped I would.
While I didn't dread picking this up, I never truly looked forward to it either and I'm not sure why. I think in some ways I fell in love with the premise more than the story itself, although there were some lovely moments and I consider myself a Lia Louis fan after reading. I think I was searching for a bit more whimsy to balance out the heavy but also perhaps a bit more of Natalie's inner reflections rather than her processing grief through the others in her life. I thought this would be more of a journey of inner transformation and I think instead it was more a journey of outward connection (which is completely valuable in its own way too and certainly makes sense for romance!)
While this book was a bit of a mixed bag for me, I'd like to look at it as 'that one track I'll probably always skip' from a favorite band's album. And of course THAT means I will still be eagerly snapping up Louis' next on
3.5 stars, rounded down from 4
December 21, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
4.5 Stars
Lia Louis never disappoints, her stories always touch my heart and while they deal with tragic topics they also always leave me feeling hopeful. This one is about a young piano playing widow named Natalie who keeps finding sheet music of her dead husband's favourite songs. Natalie makes it her mission to find out who is leaving her the music and why.
This one really pulled at my heartstrings. It was such a sad tale but the more I read the more optimistic I felt. I am not big on a lot of romantic tropes out there but this was different. I liked that Natalie defended herself and her actions, she finally spoke up about how she was feeling towards her friends. There was very little miscommunication and when it did happen the characters acted like adults and worked it out.
Grief is a huge theme in this story yet I didn't find it depressing. Everyone deals with grief differently and the book handles it very realistically and in a touching way. Women's friendship is a close second in the theme category as Natalie deals with hers trying to help her, fix her and fix her up. But Natalie's best friend is her big sister, Jodie and she was my favourite side character and I loved her family. Everyone deserves a big sister like that and I am blessed to have one.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
4.5 Stars
Lia Louis never disappoints, her stories always touch my heart and while they deal with tragic topics they also always leave me feeling hopeful. This one is about a young piano playing widow named Natalie who keeps finding sheet music of her dead husband's favourite songs. Natalie makes it her mission to find out who is leaving her the music and why.
This one really pulled at my heartstrings. It was such a sad tale but the more I read the more optimistic I felt. I am not big on a lot of romantic tropes out there but this was different. I liked that Natalie defended herself and her actions, she finally spoke up about how she was feeling towards her friends. There was very little miscommunication and when it did happen the characters acted like adults and worked it out.
Grief is a huge theme in this story yet I didn't find it depressing. Everyone deals with grief differently and the book handles it very realistically and in a touching way. Women's friendship is a close second in the theme category as Natalie deals with hers trying to help her, fix her and fix her up. But Natalie's best friend is her big sister, Jodie and she was my favourite side character and I loved her family. Everyone deserves a big sister like that and I am blessed to have one.
December 6, 2022
“ CAN YOU REALLY EVER FIND “THE ONE” AFTER “THE ONE”?
Natalie Fincher was in love with her husband, Russ and in love with their life together and then an accident took him away from her.
Two years later she has fixed up nothing in their “fixer upper” cottage, and her friends haven’t succeeded in fixing her up with any handsome strangers in Pubs, either.
The only thing that brings her any pleasure is playing the piano in the train station and her Tuesday and Thursday coffee chats, with the train station’s coffee shop manager, Shauna.
Then, someone begins leaving sheet music for her under the piano bench, and mysteriously, all of the songs were her husband’s favorites. Is this something that her husband orchestrated before his death?
This is a G rated romance story of hope after loss.
Everyone knows that romance stories are about the journey, and this one was a bit of a bumpy ride for me.
There are SO MANY conversations about loss and grief, AND the humor especially about the noisy, mating foxes, just didn’t hit with me. Of the three Lia Louis books that I have read, this one took the longest to find its WHIMSY!
Would Natalie finally open her heart to “notebook guy”-a guy who frequents the coffee shop and is a member of the same “music therapy” group because he knows grief of his own?
Or, would it be Tom, a photographer who “played along” with her when her friends tried to set her up with him at one of the Pubs, and who ended up becoming a new friend that she could count on?
I was team “Tom”….ooh la la!
This was a 3.5 ⭐️ read that I was going to round down but I ended up rounding up after I attended Tom’s Photography exhibit.
IN FACT… it may have been my FAVORITE romantic gesture- EVER!!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Atria/Emily Bestler Books for inviting me to read an early copy. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Natalie Fincher was in love with her husband, Russ and in love with their life together and then an accident took him away from her.
Two years later she has fixed up nothing in their “fixer upper” cottage, and her friends haven’t succeeded in fixing her up with any handsome strangers in Pubs, either.
The only thing that brings her any pleasure is playing the piano in the train station and her Tuesday and Thursday coffee chats, with the train station’s coffee shop manager, Shauna.
Then, someone begins leaving sheet music for her under the piano bench, and mysteriously, all of the songs were her husband’s favorites. Is this something that her husband orchestrated before his death?
This is a G rated romance story of hope after loss.
Everyone knows that romance stories are about the journey, and this one was a bit of a bumpy ride for me.
There are SO MANY conversations about loss and grief, AND the humor especially about the noisy, mating foxes, just didn’t hit with me. Of the three Lia Louis books that I have read, this one took the longest to find its WHIMSY!
Would Natalie finally open her heart to “notebook guy”-a guy who frequents the coffee shop and is a member of the same “music therapy” group because he knows grief of his own?
Or, would it be Tom, a photographer who “played along” with her when her friends tried to set her up with him at one of the Pubs, and who ended up becoming a new friend that she could count on?
I was team “Tom”….ooh la la!
This was a 3.5 ⭐️ read that I was going to round down but I ended up rounding up after I attended Tom’s Photography exhibit.
IN FACT… it may have been my FAVORITE romantic gesture- EVER!!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Atria/Emily Bestler Books for inviting me to read an early copy. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
November 10, 2022
3.5*
I enjoyed this story and was especially pleased with the unique plot line 🎵💜
Natalie is a young widow who tragically lost her husband over 2 years ago. Everyday she travels through the same Tube station on her way to her favourite coffee shop in London. She's intrigued by an old piano just left on the side of the station. She's an accomplished musician who has lost her way as she is still grieving. She finds sheet music everyday by the piano. Music that was special to her late husband, Russ. She begins to play the piano everyday at the station. Just who is leaving these sheets of music? That plot was very intriguing to me and unique. I enjoyed going through all the emotions with Natalie as she begins to finally get a hold of her life once again.
This story has a lot of heart. It features supportive friends and light romance. Love will prevail! I like Lia Louis's style of writing. This is my second book by her, the first one being, Dear Emmie Blue. While I did like this one a lot, I did not like it as much as that one.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
I enjoyed this story and was especially pleased with the unique plot line 🎵💜
Natalie is a young widow who tragically lost her husband over 2 years ago. Everyday she travels through the same Tube station on her way to her favourite coffee shop in London. She's intrigued by an old piano just left on the side of the station. She's an accomplished musician who has lost her way as she is still grieving. She finds sheet music everyday by the piano. Music that was special to her late husband, Russ. She begins to play the piano everyday at the station. Just who is leaving these sheets of music? That plot was very intriguing to me and unique. I enjoyed going through all the emotions with Natalie as she begins to finally get a hold of her life once again.
This story has a lot of heart. It features supportive friends and light romance. Love will prevail! I like Lia Louis's style of writing. This is my second book by her, the first one being, Dear Emmie Blue. While I did like this one a lot, I did not like it as much as that one.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
October 10, 2022
A story of grief and love.
Natalie Fincher is heartbroken. Her husband passed away two and half years ago and she was left with feelings of guilt and unable to move forward. She used to write music and play the piano but now her only time spent playing the piano happens when she uses the public piano at the London train station.
Her family and friends are worried about her. Her girlfriends are trying to stir her into dating again but she doesn't feel ready. Yet, she still goes out with them although she would prefer to be home. During one of these outings is when she meets a guy named Tom. Is not too long before Tom and Natalie start a friendship. She confides in him about playing the piano at the train station and someone leaving behind music sheets of songs she use to play to her husband while he was in the hospital.
The mystery surrounding the papers left for her is what propels her to start interacting with more people including the owner of the coffee shop, Shauna and Notebook Guy.
The Key to My Heart was engaging, with a plot that moves forward with a natural flow. My favorite part was the last reveal which was pretty great in my opinion.
This is the 3rd book I have read by Lia Louis and I'm a fan.
I want to thank Melissa and Jayme to read it with me. Buddy-reads are the best!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Atria Books, Emily Bestler Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Natalie Fincher is heartbroken. Her husband passed away two and half years ago and she was left with feelings of guilt and unable to move forward. She used to write music and play the piano but now her only time spent playing the piano happens when she uses the public piano at the London train station.
Her family and friends are worried about her. Her girlfriends are trying to stir her into dating again but she doesn't feel ready. Yet, she still goes out with them although she would prefer to be home. During one of these outings is when she meets a guy named Tom. Is not too long before Tom and Natalie start a friendship. She confides in him about playing the piano at the train station and someone leaving behind music sheets of songs she use to play to her husband while he was in the hospital.
The mystery surrounding the papers left for her is what propels her to start interacting with more people including the owner of the coffee shop, Shauna and Notebook Guy.
The Key to My Heart was engaging, with a plot that moves forward with a natural flow. My favorite part was the last reveal which was pretty great in my opinion.
This is the 3rd book I have read by Lia Louis and I'm a fan.
I want to thank Melissa and Jayme to read it with me. Buddy-reads are the best!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Atria Books, Emily Bestler Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
February 16, 2023
This book has been sitting on my shelf for months. For some unknown reason I never felt inspired to pick it up. Strange, since I loved the two previous books by this author.
So when I had the opportunity to try the audio I figured it would give me the push I needed to get started.
I quickly realized why I kept pushing this one off. In one word, I would best describe it as…sad.😔. I understand the author was going for heartwarming, and for many readers I’m sure that’s how it came off. But to me it was so utterly sad and depressing I kept having to stop and shake it off so I didn’t slide down that rabbit hole.
Natalie Fincher has been a widow for two and a half years. Only in her 30’s and of course, never expecting to find herself in this position. But here she is…still grieving for her lost husband, unable to find a way out of her darkness..
When Natalie finds sheet music in the public piano she frequents, she believes it to be a sign from her late husband. It must be true! The music is every song that had meaning to the two of them! So who could be leaving these sheets of music for her? A heavenly message from above? Or maybe someone more local!😉
I think I was just the wrong reader/bad timing for this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books
So when I had the opportunity to try the audio I figured it would give me the push I needed to get started.
I quickly realized why I kept pushing this one off. In one word, I would best describe it as…sad.😔. I understand the author was going for heartwarming, and for many readers I’m sure that’s how it came off. But to me it was so utterly sad and depressing I kept having to stop and shake it off so I didn’t slide down that rabbit hole.
Natalie Fincher has been a widow for two and a half years. Only in her 30’s and of course, never expecting to find herself in this position. But here she is…still grieving for her lost husband, unable to find a way out of her darkness..
When Natalie finds sheet music in the public piano she frequents, she believes it to be a sign from her late husband. It must be true! The music is every song that had meaning to the two of them! So who could be leaving these sheets of music for her? A heavenly message from above? Or maybe someone more local!😉
I think I was just the wrong reader/bad timing for this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books
November 28, 2022
I have really enjoyed the previous books I've read by this author, and this book was no exception. It's filled with heart and emotion and really resonated with me with regards to moving through grief.
Two years ago, Natalie and her husband Russ were living a fairy tale life. They had just moved to a fixer-upper cottage, their jobs were going well, their friendships vibrant. Then it all came crashing down when Russ died after a freak accident. Now everyone in Natalie's life thinks she should be moving on past her grief, but she's stuck. Then someone starts leaving sheet music of songs that mean something to Natalie and Russ, and she wonders--is it Russ sending them from beyond, or did he task someone with the job of leaving them?
And while my friends and family were the ones who got me through the first few months after, very soon I started daydreaming about having a brand-new start, with a brand-new slate of fresh, new people who didn't have anything to measure me against. Nobody who expected me to "get better." How could they, when they had no idea of who I used to be?
I both laughed and cried while reading this book. I could empathize with Natalie and her feelings, and could also see how much her friends and family cared about her and were in her corner, despite some of their misguided ideas. The progression of the romantic relationships felt very natural in their development. I had someone I was rooting for her to connect with from the beginning, and I'm happy to say that it ended up working out my way. I was thrilled when Natalie started to chase happiness for herself and take steps toward learning how to live a life without Russ.
This is a lovely book, and cemented Louis as someone who writes heartwarming, realistic stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Two years ago, Natalie and her husband Russ were living a fairy tale life. They had just moved to a fixer-upper cottage, their jobs were going well, their friendships vibrant. Then it all came crashing down when Russ died after a freak accident. Now everyone in Natalie's life thinks she should be moving on past her grief, but she's stuck. Then someone starts leaving sheet music of songs that mean something to Natalie and Russ, and she wonders--is it Russ sending them from beyond, or did he task someone with the job of leaving them?
And while my friends and family were the ones who got me through the first few months after, very soon I started daydreaming about having a brand-new start, with a brand-new slate of fresh, new people who didn't have anything to measure me against. Nobody who expected me to "get better." How could they, when they had no idea of who I used to be?
I both laughed and cried while reading this book. I could empathize with Natalie and her feelings, and could also see how much her friends and family cared about her and were in her corner, despite some of their misguided ideas. The progression of the romantic relationships felt very natural in their development. I had someone I was rooting for her to connect with from the beginning, and I'm happy to say that it ended up working out my way. I was thrilled when Natalie started to chase happiness for herself and take steps toward learning how to live a life without Russ.
This is a lovely book, and cemented Louis as someone who writes heartwarming, realistic stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
July 29, 2022
So good! I'm not sure what genre it is really--there is a romance, but the main storyline is that 36 year old Nat has been grieving the death of her husband for two years and feels stuck. She's riding the waves of grief and struggling to know how to go on. Changing anything feels like a betrayal, but keeping things the same means she's not living her life anymore.
When Nat meets Tom, she keeps him at a distance and he becomes a supportive friend. She wants to play music again and move back to London where she can write music and be alive rather than living in her lonely cottage, playing piano at the train station. Tom consistently supports her interests and dreams moving forward and helps her see her future in pursuing her goals. It's really well written and has lots of funny parts. No spice or language. A really wonderful book. Thank you to the author and publisher for the early copy!
When Nat meets Tom, she keeps him at a distance and he becomes a supportive friend. She wants to play music again and move back to London where she can write music and be alive rather than living in her lonely cottage, playing piano at the train station. Tom consistently supports her interests and dreams moving forward and helps her see her future in pursuing her goals. It's really well written and has lots of funny parts. No spice or language. A really wonderful book. Thank you to the author and publisher for the early copy!
December 1, 2022
What I really liked:
1. The use of music therapy.
2. A piano in the train station with surprise sheet music that means something to the pianist.
3. The banter between Natalie and Tom aka Fox and Button.
4. The tissue-worthy moments in the last 25%.
Lia Louis is one of my favorite authors, but I don't think this is my favorite title by her. I am still quite partial to Dear Emmie Blue. There were times when this one lost its way. The days spent at festivals and the rock concert scenes seemed to bog down the narrative for me. Will I pick up another Lia Louis book when I have the opportunity. No doubt about it.
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
1. The use of music therapy.
2. A piano in the train station with surprise sheet music that means something to the pianist.
3. The banter between Natalie and Tom aka Fox and Button.
4. The tissue-worthy moments in the last 25%.
Lia Louis is one of my favorite authors, but I don't think this is my favorite title by her. I am still quite partial to Dear Emmie Blue. There were times when this one lost its way. The days spent at festivals and the rock concert scenes seemed to bog down the narrative for me. Will I pick up another Lia Louis book when I have the opportunity. No doubt about it.
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2022
the setup…
Natalie Fincher is a songwriter who isn’t composing these days. It’s been 2 1/2 years since her beloved husband Russ died following complications from a hit and run accident on his bicycle. She’s struggling with her grief, not bouncing back the way her well meaning friends feel she should and is beginning to resent their efforts to get her out in the world. During one evening out with them, she meets Tom at the bar, clearly the man her friends were trying to fix her up with and the two decide to string them along, conspiring together for him to come off as a “bad match” though they later hit it off as friends. Natalie often plays at a train station public piano and when she begins finding sheet music there for songs that were meaningful to her and Russ, she sees it as a possible sign from him in the beyond.
the heart of the story…
I connected with Natalie on so many levels, even though I’ve never experienced her kind of loss. She wanted more for herself but wanted to do it in her own way, in her own time. I loved how her well-intentioned friends reached out to her in the best ways they could offer, even if it was having the opposite affect. Grief has its own timetable and Natalie had to not only deal with the loss of a loved one but also the loss of the hopes and dreams they shared as a committed couple. Her friendship with Tom was absolutely fun and delightful as he seemed to instinctively understand how to listen and respond to Natalie in ways she needed. Her friendship with “notebook guy” from the coffee shop at the train station was also helpful as he led her to a musical therapy group that became a lifeline.
the narration…
I enjoyed the performance as she skillfully managed the British vernacular that was essential to Natalie’s personality that might have eluded me if I’d just read those words and phrases. I also liked her character distinctions and storytelling.
the bottom line…
Natalie’s journey out of her grief shrouded world into something new was one I embraced and felt as deeply as she seemed to experience. There were parts that were lovely, others more painful but all honest and authentic. Louis seems to have a knack for tapping into the heart of a character, displaying those feelings in raw form and baring her or his soul in ways you can’t help but experience vicariously. At least that’s how I connect to her stories and why she’s on my auto read list these day. I adored Natalie and how she was determined to find her way in the midst of pain, loss and sadness. I also loved her friendships and was glad “my team” won out in the long run. The added mystery surrounding the sheet music made it even more engaging and somewhat mystical. This story was special. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Natalie Fincher is a songwriter who isn’t composing these days. It’s been 2 1/2 years since her beloved husband Russ died following complications from a hit and run accident on his bicycle. She’s struggling with her grief, not bouncing back the way her well meaning friends feel she should and is beginning to resent their efforts to get her out in the world. During one evening out with them, she meets Tom at the bar, clearly the man her friends were trying to fix her up with and the two decide to string them along, conspiring together for him to come off as a “bad match” though they later hit it off as friends. Natalie often plays at a train station public piano and when she begins finding sheet music there for songs that were meaningful to her and Russ, she sees it as a possible sign from him in the beyond.
the heart of the story…
I connected with Natalie on so many levels, even though I’ve never experienced her kind of loss. She wanted more for herself but wanted to do it in her own way, in her own time. I loved how her well-intentioned friends reached out to her in the best ways they could offer, even if it was having the opposite affect. Grief has its own timetable and Natalie had to not only deal with the loss of a loved one but also the loss of the hopes and dreams they shared as a committed couple. Her friendship with Tom was absolutely fun and delightful as he seemed to instinctively understand how to listen and respond to Natalie in ways she needed. Her friendship with “notebook guy” from the coffee shop at the train station was also helpful as he led her to a musical therapy group that became a lifeline.
the narration…
I enjoyed the performance as she skillfully managed the British vernacular that was essential to Natalie’s personality that might have eluded me if I’d just read those words and phrases. I also liked her character distinctions and storytelling.
the bottom line…
Natalie’s journey out of her grief shrouded world into something new was one I embraced and felt as deeply as she seemed to experience. There were parts that were lovely, others more painful but all honest and authentic. Louis seems to have a knack for tapping into the heart of a character, displaying those feelings in raw form and baring her or his soul in ways you can’t help but experience vicariously. At least that’s how I connect to her stories and why she’s on my auto read list these day. I adored Natalie and how she was determined to find her way in the midst of pain, loss and sadness. I also loved her friendships and was glad “my team” won out in the long run. The added mystery surrounding the sheet music made it even more engaging and somewhat mystical. This story was special. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
November 3, 2022
I had just finished up an intense nonfiction book when I was presented with the opportunity to read this contemporary romance. I am not a regular romance reader by any stretch, but this one appealed to me, especially since it was written by an author I had read before and enjoyed.
The Key to My Heart is a wonderful story about Natalie who is attempting to recover from a devastating loss that occurred 2 1/2 years previous. Her friends are worried about her and try to get her re-engaged into a happy life, but that is not going well at all. Natalie has no idea how to come to terms with the curveball life has thrown her and is basically just treading water. She is racked with all sorts of mixed emotions, especially guilt, which throw her into a state of ambivalence about her direction in life. The story has an engaging cast, especially Natalie’s coffeehouse boss Shauna, Notebook Guy, and the bar guy. There is a little mystery to think about plus several major decisions facing Natalie that really pulled me in. The writing is very good, the pace is brisk, and the “depthy” plot easily held my interest. I loved the ending though I wished it had been just a bit more drawn out (that’s a personal preference I often have with the books I read).
I enjoyed my little detour into contemporary romance and rom-com land. So much that I signed up for another ARC in this genre. I recommend The Key to My Heart to anyone looking for a warm, heartfelt, poignant story. As for myself, I will be trying another Lia Louis book sometime soon.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Atria books (Katelyn Phillips), and Ms. Lia Louis for the ARC. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
The Key to My Heart is a wonderful story about Natalie who is attempting to recover from a devastating loss that occurred 2 1/2 years previous. Her friends are worried about her and try to get her re-engaged into a happy life, but that is not going well at all. Natalie has no idea how to come to terms with the curveball life has thrown her and is basically just treading water. She is racked with all sorts of mixed emotions, especially guilt, which throw her into a state of ambivalence about her direction in life. The story has an engaging cast, especially Natalie’s coffeehouse boss Shauna, Notebook Guy, and the bar guy. There is a little mystery to think about plus several major decisions facing Natalie that really pulled me in. The writing is very good, the pace is brisk, and the “depthy” plot easily held my interest. I loved the ending though I wished it had been just a bit more drawn out (that’s a personal preference I often have with the books I read).
I enjoyed my little detour into contemporary romance and rom-com land. So much that I signed up for another ARC in this genre. I recommend The Key to My Heart to anyone looking for a warm, heartfelt, poignant story. As for myself, I will be trying another Lia Louis book sometime soon.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Atria books (Katelyn Phillips), and Ms. Lia Louis for the ARC. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
December 23, 2022
4 stars
Another Lia Louis book that was a win for me! When I’m in the mood for more of a women’s fiction type of book, she is a go to author for me. Though there is a nice romance in this book, it’s not until the very very end. I consider this more a story about a woman coming back out of a haze of grief and learning to live again, finding herself, and yes- falling in love. This was really sweet and I enjoyed the love interest so much!
Another Lia Louis book that was a win for me! When I’m in the mood for more of a women’s fiction type of book, she is a go to author for me. Though there is a nice romance in this book, it’s not until the very very end. I consider this more a story about a woman coming back out of a haze of grief and learning to live again, finding herself, and yes- falling in love. This was really sweet and I enjoyed the love interest so much!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Victoria Fox
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Length: 10h 16m
December 8, 2022
4 music is the key stars *now available
Love is a wonderful thing, but what about when your partner dies too young? That is what is facing Natalie Fincher. A widow in her early 30s, she doesn’t know what to do next with her life. Music used to fill her soul, but now she can only play at a community piano in the train station for strangers.
She’s still living in the fixer-upper cottage she bought with Russ, but it hasn’t had any fixing up as that was her husband’s dream and plans. She’s drifting along through life. She’s made a few new friends at the train station coffee shop, but she has pushed away her other friends.
And now someone is leaving sheet music for Natalie at the community piano. The musical choices seem to be connected to Russ, could it be he arranged it somehow as a gesture before he died?
This is definitely a romance but there is a lot of grief to process first. It’s interesting to think about the healing effects of music. Natalie explores this through a music therapy group. It’s also a story of friendship and family.
I really liked the character of Tom. Natalie first meets him at a local pub, pushed into talking to him by her friends. They keep running into each other and Tom has a lot of clever nicknames for her – I enjoy that sort of banter in my romances! I admit that I rooted for Natalie and Tom to get together. My very favorite part of the book was near the end and a few tears just happened to fall on my Kindle as my heart melted.
My thanks to Emily Bestler Books/Atria for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
Love is a wonderful thing, but what about when your partner dies too young? That is what is facing Natalie Fincher. A widow in her early 30s, she doesn’t know what to do next with her life. Music used to fill her soul, but now she can only play at a community piano in the train station for strangers.
She’s still living in the fixer-upper cottage she bought with Russ, but it hasn’t had any fixing up as that was her husband’s dream and plans. She’s drifting along through life. She’s made a few new friends at the train station coffee shop, but she has pushed away her other friends.
And now someone is leaving sheet music for Natalie at the community piano. The musical choices seem to be connected to Russ, could it be he arranged it somehow as a gesture before he died?
This is definitely a romance but there is a lot of grief to process first. It’s interesting to think about the healing effects of music. Natalie explores this through a music therapy group. It’s also a story of friendship and family.
I really liked the character of Tom. Natalie first meets him at a local pub, pushed into talking to him by her friends. They keep running into each other and Tom has a lot of clever nicknames for her – I enjoy that sort of banter in my romances! I admit that I rooted for Natalie and Tom to get together. My very favorite part of the book was near the end and a few tears just happened to fall on my Kindle as my heart melted.
My thanks to Emily Bestler Books/Atria for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
February 15, 2023
Natalie Fincher lost her husband two and a half years ago. Now it seems all her friends are pushing her to move on, trying to 'fix her', however, Natalie has no idea what it is that she wants in life. Does she want to sell the cottage that was her and Russ' dream project, or does she want to stay there? She can't bring herself to write music or sing any more, the only connection she has left to music is playing at the piano at the train station. However, then someone starts leaving her sheet music, songs that hold a special meaning to her, songs that she played for Russ at the hospital. Who could it be? All Natalie knows is that for the first time in a long time she feels a spark of something and sets out to investigate?
Another winner from Lia Louis, who certainly knows how to write contemporary romance. What I always like about Lia's books though is that there is always so much more to them than just a love story, and that is even more true of The Key to My Heart.
This is a story about someone struggling with grief and slowly learning to come to terms with that loss, and beginning to find a way forward. Natalie goes through so many emotions in the story, takes a step forwards, only to take two steps backwards again, and I think Louis did a great job of capturing someone dealing with bereavement. There were times when Natalie was not always likable, times when she did seem self-absorbed, as even her friends point out to her, however, her feelings were always understandable, and it was wonderful to watch her slowly begin to heal and let people in to help her.
The mystery as to who is leaving her the sheet music is teased throughout the book, and I have to say I didn't exactly get it right, but was close. The story showcases the power of music, and art in general, in helping us to heal and express our emotions and be an outlet, and I enjoyed that aspect.
Parts of the book could be downcast given the subject matter, but there was also plenty of humour that balanced things out. There were a whole host of great characters in the book, such as Shauna, Tom, Joe, Jodie and Priya. I wasn't quite so keen on Natalie's other friends, but I got what Louis was trying to portray, and that friendship dynamics can be messy sometimes.
I enjoyed the central romance, and thought that there was a lot of chemistry between the lead couple, with lots of fun banter, but also loved how they supported each other. I have to say that when it comes to her leading men, Louis does seem to have a certain type of character she leans towards, tall, dark, easy-going. However, she has made it work in each of the three books I have read, with each leading man still feeling unique enough despite the blueprint, and the hero in this story was hard not to love.
Overall, another great read from Louis, though this doesn't top Dear Emmie Blue for me.
Another winner from Lia Louis, who certainly knows how to write contemporary romance. What I always like about Lia's books though is that there is always so much more to them than just a love story, and that is even more true of The Key to My Heart.
This is a story about someone struggling with grief and slowly learning to come to terms with that loss, and beginning to find a way forward. Natalie goes through so many emotions in the story, takes a step forwards, only to take two steps backwards again, and I think Louis did a great job of capturing someone dealing with bereavement. There were times when Natalie was not always likable, times when she did seem self-absorbed, as even her friends point out to her, however, her feelings were always understandable, and it was wonderful to watch her slowly begin to heal and let people in to help her.
The mystery as to who is leaving her the sheet music is teased throughout the book, and I have to say I didn't exactly get it right, but was close. The story showcases the power of music, and art in general, in helping us to heal and express our emotions and be an outlet, and I enjoyed that aspect.
Parts of the book could be downcast given the subject matter, but there was also plenty of humour that balanced things out. There were a whole host of great characters in the book, such as Shauna, Tom, Joe, Jodie and Priya. I wasn't quite so keen on Natalie's other friends, but I got what Louis was trying to portray, and that friendship dynamics can be messy sometimes.
I enjoyed the central romance, and thought that there was a lot of chemistry between the lead couple, with lots of fun banter, but also loved how they supported each other. I have to say that when it comes to her leading men, Louis does seem to have a certain type of character she leans towards, tall, dark, easy-going. However, she has made it work in each of the three books I have read, with each leading man still feeling unique enough despite the blueprint, and the hero in this story was hard not to love.
Overall, another great read from Louis, though this doesn't top Dear Emmie Blue for me.
November 17, 2022
4.5 stars
Lia Louis has a knack for writing beautiful love stories. They touch my heart and often get me to cry and smile at the same time. I think what it comes down to is I feel invested in the characters and appreciate how there is a solid foundation for meaningful relationships.
Natalie Fincher's husband died a few years ago and despite her friends encouraging her to get back into the dating game, she isn't feeling the motivation. There's a piano at a train station in London and Natalie will occasionally sit down and play. One day, Natalie spots sheet music at the piano and it happens to be for one of her husband's favorite songs. She finds sheet music again with another song that her husband loved and well, one time can be explained as a coincidence. But two times? It's brought some much needed hope and excitement back in her life and Natalie is determined to solve this little mystery.
It's a great premise with the sheet music randomly appearing and I like how the storyline was carried out. Grief is a subject that isn't new territory in fiction but there still was value in watching Natalie attempt to move forward. While I enjoyed the book from start to finish there is a particular scene that I found absolutely brilliant. I know Hollywood isn't into making rom coms anymore, but this book would be an excellent choice to put on the big screen.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for giving me an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Lia Louis has a knack for writing beautiful love stories. They touch my heart and often get me to cry and smile at the same time. I think what it comes down to is I feel invested in the characters and appreciate how there is a solid foundation for meaningful relationships.
Natalie Fincher's husband died a few years ago and despite her friends encouraging her to get back into the dating game, she isn't feeling the motivation. There's a piano at a train station in London and Natalie will occasionally sit down and play. One day, Natalie spots sheet music at the piano and it happens to be for one of her husband's favorite songs. She finds sheet music again with another song that her husband loved and well, one time can be explained as a coincidence. But two times? It's brought some much needed hope and excitement back in her life and Natalie is determined to solve this little mystery.
It's a great premise with the sheet music randomly appearing and I like how the storyline was carried out. Grief is a subject that isn't new territory in fiction but there still was value in watching Natalie attempt to move forward. While I enjoyed the book from start to finish there is a particular scene that I found absolutely brilliant. I know Hollywood isn't into making rom coms anymore, but this book would be an excellent choice to put on the big screen.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for giving me an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
February 19, 2023
is there such a thing as hope after loss? natalie fincher struggles to think so. two and a half years after the sudden loss of her husband, emptiness weighs beneath her and the only happiness she can find is through playing music at a train station’s public piano where she soon discovers sheet music of songs integral to her and her deceased husband’s life together. bringing excitement back into her life, she lives for the mystery of the music, and along the way finds a second love she was not expecting.
i cannot stress enough how underrated lia louis is within the romance genre. her work continuously takes tropes and plots that have been done before but her characterisation and emotive prose feel brand new. her work is enough to make me feel warm inside and question my cynical side - which, if you know me, should be enough to know she is good.
“three words,' he says, bringing my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles. i love you.' and i love you,' i whisper.
the lights go down. the curtains go up.
the show begins.”
i cannot stress enough how underrated lia louis is within the romance genre. her work continuously takes tropes and plots that have been done before but her characterisation and emotive prose feel brand new. her work is enough to make me feel warm inside and question my cynical side - which, if you know me, should be enough to know she is good.
“three words,' he says, bringing my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles. i love you.' and i love you,' i whisper.
the lights go down. the curtains go up.
the show begins.”
July 15, 2022
4.5 ⭐
Review soon...
Review soon...
December 20, 2023
i don't throw the words worst reading experience around lightly but
probably the worst book i could have picked today. it wasn't happy enough to cure my depression nor was it more sad than i already was so it just left me annoyed.
i also think that every plotline in this was bullshit and blown way out of proportion. also while i cared about no-one in that love triangle the double standards of treatment when both men did the EXACT SAME THING just irked me.
probably the worst book i could have picked today. it wasn't happy enough to cure my depression nor was it more sad than i already was so it just left me annoyed.
i also think that every plotline in this was bullshit and blown way out of proportion. also while i cared about no-one in that love triangle the double standards of treatment when both men did the EXACT SAME THING just irked me.
December 18, 2022
Review coming soon.
September 29, 2022
4.5 stars
Lia Louis is such an incredible writer. She weaves together so many littles details into these beautifully complex stories. Nothing is ever quite what it seems, but everything always comes together so wonderfully in the end. The Key to My Heart is a novel about growth and change. It's a story about grief and all the ways that one processes it (or not). It's a story about family and friendship, as well as loss, forgiveness, and healing. There is also a very sweet/no steam (only kissing) romantic subplot, but the focus of the book is Natalie's journey.
The romance doesn't take center stage, but a highlight of the book for me was obviously Tom. Steadfast, ultra gooey cinnamon roll Tom. The romance was so incredibly sweet and the slow burn friends to lovers was amazing (especially after such an awkward meet cute/disaster). I loved the epistolary elements and their joking and back and forth always brought a smile to my face. It's a bit of a winding road for these two, but it was well worth the wait. The scene at the exhibition brought happy tears to my eyes.
I loved the strong emphasis on sisterhood/female friendships in the novel - the highs and the lows. Priya, Shauna, and Jodie (Jodie's entire family really) were all stars and I loved them so much. The grief and sadness is balanced well in the book thanks to all the hilarious and witty banter. The big mystery wasn't a huge surprise, but I liked the addition of the curveball (for the spark - insert happy tears emoji!) when all was revealed. If you loved Lia Louis' previous novels, you're sure to love this one too!
CW: repeated parental infidelity, death of loved ones, guilt, grief, cheating ex, MC’s date and spend time with OW/OM prior to starting a relationship, strained friendships, FMC's BFF & husband drunkenly slept together in the past (prior to them dating) and they kept it a secret from the FMC, discussions and mentions of: bicycle/hit and run accident, surfing/ocean rescue accident, hospitalization, induced comas, and infections/deteriorating health
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
Lia Louis is such an incredible writer. She weaves together so many littles details into these beautifully complex stories. Nothing is ever quite what it seems, but everything always comes together so wonderfully in the end. The Key to My Heart is a novel about growth and change. It's a story about grief and all the ways that one processes it (or not). It's a story about family and friendship, as well as loss, forgiveness, and healing. There is also a very sweet/no steam (only kissing) romantic subplot, but the focus of the book is Natalie's journey.
The romance doesn't take center stage, but a highlight of the book for me was obviously Tom. Steadfast, ultra gooey cinnamon roll Tom. The romance was so incredibly sweet and the slow burn friends to lovers was amazing (especially after such an awkward meet cute/disaster). I loved the epistolary elements and their joking and back and forth always brought a smile to my face. It's a bit of a winding road for these two, but it was well worth the wait. The scene at the exhibition brought happy tears to my eyes.
I loved the strong emphasis on sisterhood/female friendships in the novel - the highs and the lows. Priya, Shauna, and Jodie (Jodie's entire family really) were all stars and I loved them so much. The grief and sadness is balanced well in the book thanks to all the hilarious and witty banter. The big mystery wasn't a huge surprise, but I liked the addition of the curveball (for the spark - insert happy tears emoji!) when all was revealed. If you loved Lia Louis' previous novels, you're sure to love this one too!
CW: repeated parental infidelity, death of loved ones, guilt, grief, cheating ex, MC’s date and spend time with OW/OM prior to starting a relationship, strained friendships, FMC's BFF & husband drunkenly slept together in the past (prior to them dating) and they kept it a secret from the FMC, discussions and mentions of: bicycle/hit and run accident, surfing/ocean rescue accident, hospitalization, induced comas, and infections/deteriorating health
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
November 28, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Key to My Heart by Lia Louis is a heartwarming story about one woman’s journey to deal with her grief. I loved this book that followed her journey.
Story Recap:
Natalie Fincher has it all until she doesn’t anymore. When her husband suddenly dies, all her hopes and dreams die with him. After two years, she’s still struggling with his death and barely finding time to visit with her friends. Now, the only music in her life is when she occasionally plays the piano in a London train station on her way home.
When she starts to find pieces of sheet music on the piano in the train station, she is immediately heartened as the music is all pieces that remind her of her husband and he is the only person who knows how special the music was to them. She begins to play with more enthusiasm as she starts to see light at the end of her dark tunnel. But who can be leaving the music for her? And why?
My Thoughts:
I’m a huge fan of Lia Louis and her latest book did not disappoint. I was quickly immersed in the story and I couldn’t wait to find out who left the music on the piano. Natalie has been stuck in her grief for a couple of years, and nothing seems to help her change until she finds the sheet music on the piano. There were a couple of suspects and I like how Natalie not only tried to find the person leaving the music, but also grew and began to understand that those around her were there to help.
This is a heartwarming story that tells a story of grief and friendship and taking a chance. Natalie has a wonderful group of friends who love her, but she has walls built around her to keep them out, and it isn’t until she can let them in and help her heal that she can live a full life.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Key to My Heart to anyone who enjoys heartwarming fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Key to My Heart by Lia Louis is a heartwarming story about one woman’s journey to deal with her grief. I loved this book that followed her journey.
Story Recap:
Natalie Fincher has it all until she doesn’t anymore. When her husband suddenly dies, all her hopes and dreams die with him. After two years, she’s still struggling with his death and barely finding time to visit with her friends. Now, the only music in her life is when she occasionally plays the piano in a London train station on her way home.
When she starts to find pieces of sheet music on the piano in the train station, she is immediately heartened as the music is all pieces that remind her of her husband and he is the only person who knows how special the music was to them. She begins to play with more enthusiasm as she starts to see light at the end of her dark tunnel. But who can be leaving the music for her? And why?
My Thoughts:
I’m a huge fan of Lia Louis and her latest book did not disappoint. I was quickly immersed in the story and I couldn’t wait to find out who left the music on the piano. Natalie has been stuck in her grief for a couple of years, and nothing seems to help her change until she finds the sheet music on the piano. There were a couple of suspects and I like how Natalie not only tried to find the person leaving the music, but also grew and began to understand that those around her were there to help.
This is a heartwarming story that tells a story of grief and friendship and taking a chance. Natalie has a wonderful group of friends who love her, but she has walls built around her to keep them out, and it isn’t until she can let them in and help her heal that she can live a full life.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Key to My Heart to anyone who enjoys heartwarming fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 19, 2022
Natalie Fincher has spent the last two and a half years in a daze. And for perfectly good reason--she unexpectedly lost her husband, leaving her in a pool of grief. She remains behind in their fixer-upper cottage, her career in shambles, and her sister and friends constantly encouraging her to "get out there." Her one bit of joy comes with occasionally playing piano music at a London tube station and getting coffee nearby after. But when someone begins to leave sheet music at the station--music that seems so connected to her late husband--Natalie cannot help but feel hopeful for the first time in ages. Is this music a message from Russ?
I loved this book so much I finished it with only one eye thanks to an unfortunate incident with my dog and a garage door-frame. I am becoming quite the fan of Lia Louis and her lovely books. This was a sadder and quieter tale than I expected. It's a book about grief and getting over (or perhaps through) a loss. Still, it is also a romance with fun banter and hope. Louis writes romantic and friendly chatter so well.
In HEART we actually have two romantic prospects for Natalie--Joe, a man she meets at a grief music support class, and Tom, who is the son of Shauna, who runs the coffee shop where Natalie hangs out. Honestly, it stressed me out a little wondering who might win her heart--if at all--because I had a clear favorite.
Natalie is not a perfect heroine and that's quite nice and refreshing. She's learning to get out in the world again and she misses her husband. She's frustrated with her friends sometimes for pushing too hard, yet recognizes that maybe she may need that push. HEART handles grief very honestly and realistically. I enjoyed Natalie's kind, fashionable sister, and the wonderful strong character of Shauna, who is a tough cookie, even if she couldn't always acknowledge it. She has her own well-deserved subplot.
Overall, this is a sometimes serious but quite enjoyable read. While it touches on sad subject matter, it's often very funny. Louis writes with a such a great voice that she truly brings these characters to life. 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Atria Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
I loved this book so much I finished it with only one eye thanks to an unfortunate incident with my dog and a garage door-frame. I am becoming quite the fan of Lia Louis and her lovely books. This was a sadder and quieter tale than I expected. It's a book about grief and getting over (or perhaps through) a loss. Still, it is also a romance with fun banter and hope. Louis writes romantic and friendly chatter so well.
In HEART we actually have two romantic prospects for Natalie--Joe, a man she meets at a grief music support class, and Tom, who is the son of Shauna, who runs the coffee shop where Natalie hangs out. Honestly, it stressed me out a little wondering who might win her heart--if at all--because I had a clear favorite.
Natalie is not a perfect heroine and that's quite nice and refreshing. She's learning to get out in the world again and she misses her husband. She's frustrated with her friends sometimes for pushing too hard, yet recognizes that maybe she may need that push. HEART handles grief very honestly and realistically. I enjoyed Natalie's kind, fashionable sister, and the wonderful strong character of Shauna, who is a tough cookie, even if she couldn't always acknowledge it. She has her own well-deserved subplot.
Overall, this is a sometimes serious but quite enjoyable read. While it touches on sad subject matter, it's often very funny. Louis writes with a such a great voice that she truly brings these characters to life. 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Atria Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
August 14, 2022
Such a beautiful read! So many emotions.
November 29, 2022
A big thanks to Altria and Netgalley for the early copy of this book. All opinions to follow are my own.
Brief Summary: Natalie lost her husband 2+ years ago. She is struggling to "move on' as others expect her to. She begins playing piano in a trainstation and starts finding sheet music left for her anonymously. Each piece of music is in some way connected to her life with her husband and she is desperate to know who is leaving this music.
Don't let the cutesy cover fool you. This lovely book was not a romcom. Instead we have a very emotional look at the way grief affects a few of our main characters. From loss of a husband, death of a brother, unfaithfulness of a husband and father, to walking with friends after extreme loss. This book dives deep into some emotional stuff.
I really appreciated the family and friendships that were represented in this story. They all felt very realistic to me and not shown to be perfect in any way. They were messy at times, but the love for each other was so strong. It was beautifully done.
The thread of music in the story was a delight. Our main character is a pianist and song writer and is struggling to find her passion for it after the death of her husband. She eventually begins to play at a piano in a London train station and that is a jump off point for a lot of her healing. I loved the influence of music as part of her therapy and connection to others.
There is a bit of romance in here as well and I absolutely loved that it started with a friendship. Their banter was perfection! As was the romantic gesture at the end. Holy moly! The way this book ended melted my heart. Lots of tears and smiles.
Brief Summary: Natalie lost her husband 2+ years ago. She is struggling to "move on' as others expect her to. She begins playing piano in a trainstation and starts finding sheet music left for her anonymously. Each piece of music is in some way connected to her life with her husband and she is desperate to know who is leaving this music.
Don't let the cutesy cover fool you. This lovely book was not a romcom. Instead we have a very emotional look at the way grief affects a few of our main characters. From loss of a husband, death of a brother, unfaithfulness of a husband and father, to walking with friends after extreme loss. This book dives deep into some emotional stuff.
I really appreciated the family and friendships that were represented in this story. They all felt very realistic to me and not shown to be perfect in any way. They were messy at times, but the love for each other was so strong. It was beautifully done.
The thread of music in the story was a delight. Our main character is a pianist and song writer and is struggling to find her passion for it after the death of her husband. She eventually begins to play at a piano in a London train station and that is a jump off point for a lot of her healing. I loved the influence of music as part of her therapy and connection to others.
There is a bit of romance in here as well and I absolutely loved that it started with a friendship. Their banter was perfection! As was the romantic gesture at the end. Holy moly! The way this book ended melted my heart. Lots of tears and smiles.
August 7, 2022
‘Happiness is something you wear, you know. Lights up every part of you. Inside and out.’
What a book! We absolutely loved it! Lia Louis has quickly become one of our favourite authors. Her ability to deal with the most painful of human experiences, with warmth, humour, sweetness, and love that never fails to leave us emotionally invested in her wonderful stories and characters. We find ourselves smiling one minute, in tears the next. We adore everything about her stories. If you’re a fan of Colleen Hoover you will LOVE this author, so be sure to add her to your TBR’s.
Lia Louis possesses a natural talent for scratching beneath the surface of human vulnerabilities with beauty and honesty. Her humour is spot on – effortless and so funny. Her skill for knowing exactly when to lift the mood is second to none. If you read this synopsis and think ‘I can’t read a book about grief’ think again. This book isn’t a downer, in fact, just the opposite, it’s uplifting.
“You’ll be surprised what you can see when you look. It’s always in the eyes.”
In The Key to My Heart, we meet 32-year-old Natalie Fincher, a young woman who has lost her way in her grief losing her husband Russ nearly three years earlier. Finding very little fulfilment in her life, Natalie is caught in a cycle of emptiness. She’s walking and breathing but she’s not living.
Natalie and Russ were blissfully happy. Living in their dream home, deeply in love and looking forward to their future together, and then it all ended. Natalie’s friends think she should have moved on by now. They want the ‘old ‘Natalie back. The fun, outgoing Natalie, not the sad grieving Natalie, and constantly try pry her out of her house for nights on the town, but Natalie isn’t ready.
‘This is what happens every single time I try to move forward. It’s like treacle. Like vines, wrapping around my ankles dragging me back.’
The highlight of Natalie’s week is playing an old piano at a London train station, gabbing with the vendors at the station, and it is here that a spark is awakened in her when someone starts mysteriously leaving sheet music at the piano. Music is a huge part of Natalie’s life, and the music all relates to important moments for her.
And so, the hunt begins to find out who is leaving the music. Along the way, Natalie meets some wonderful people, who, in their own ways, all take a part in filling her empty heart. Whilst each character plays their part, it was Tom who stole our hearts. THIS MAN! He was funny, sweet, handsome and everything we knew Natalie needed. In Natalie’s words ‘You look positively dashing. Very Mr Darcy. Or maybe – Mr Darcy’s rough and rugged young brother.‘ Oh yummy!
The ending of this story was perfection! Talk about leaving you on a high! Lia Louis has once again delivered a winner. In a story about loss, grief, and self-discovery, she brought us hope and love, reminding us to never take a day, a minute, or a moment for granted. Life is too short. Live it and love freely! We will now (im)patiently await her next book with eager hearts.
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December 19, 2022
I love Lia Louis books. They are a perfect blend of women's fiction/romance that blend friendship and family and have endings worth waiting for. She always creates this cozy settings that feel so easy to step into. They have a slow build and a beautifully done crescendo at the finish.
The key to my heart isn't a holiday or Christmas read but does overlap at some point during this time of year. It is about the powerful ache of loss and the willingness and struggle to finally let things go.
Natalie is still a wreck 2 years after the loss of her husband. And while her friends are ready to help her move on, she just can't quite stop feeling stuck. Throw in a choice encounter with a handsome stranger, musical therapy and some found family elements and you've got yourself a story worth reading.
I appreciated seeing Natalies struggle...that one step forward two steps back kind of growth but growth none the less. The love interest is pure gold. I fell in love with him on first sight and laughed at his dry wit and humor. His ability to light up a room is magnetic and he really pushes her to start LIVING again.
So while there is a romance that isn't the focus. Natalie's journey is sweet and bitter and all the little things in between. Grief is fickle how it can effect us all in different ways and throw us out on the other side not the same as before.
"What I often forget is that we can't really expect other people to know what we want without saying it out loud. People are barely tuned in to what they want for themselves, let alone what other people want."
Lia will be an author I automatically read with every new release. I found this to be fresh, funny and full of heart. If you aren't floored by the epic gesture at the end then I don't know what to tell you. Perfection.
4.5 stars for me
The key to my heart isn't a holiday or Christmas read but does overlap at some point during this time of year. It is about the powerful ache of loss and the willingness and struggle to finally let things go.
Natalie is still a wreck 2 years after the loss of her husband. And while her friends are ready to help her move on, she just can't quite stop feeling stuck. Throw in a choice encounter with a handsome stranger, musical therapy and some found family elements and you've got yourself a story worth reading.
I appreciated seeing Natalies struggle...that one step forward two steps back kind of growth but growth none the less. The love interest is pure gold. I fell in love with him on first sight and laughed at his dry wit and humor. His ability to light up a room is magnetic and he really pushes her to start LIVING again.
So while there is a romance that isn't the focus. Natalie's journey is sweet and bitter and all the little things in between. Grief is fickle how it can effect us all in different ways and throw us out on the other side not the same as before.
"What I often forget is that we can't really expect other people to know what we want without saying it out loud. People are barely tuned in to what they want for themselves, let alone what other people want."
Lia will be an author I automatically read with every new release. I found this to be fresh, funny and full of heart. If you aren't floored by the epic gesture at the end then I don't know what to tell you. Perfection.
4.5 stars for me
December 16, 2022
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The first thing I did when I saw Lia Louis had a new book out, The Key to My Heart, was put the book I was reading aside and get it. Louis is a must buy - immediately read author for me and she never disappoints. I loved this book! It’s a heartwarming and uplifting story about loss, grief and finding a way to move forward from a life at standstill. The characters are charming and funny with the signature Louis poignancy and heart. On top of being simply a lovely contemporary romance this book added a sweet mystery to the story and I loved how it played out. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a feel good read with a lot of heart, (clean) romance and fun.
The first thing I did when I saw Lia Louis had a new book out, The Key to My Heart, was put the book I was reading aside and get it. Louis is a must buy - immediately read author for me and she never disappoints. I loved this book! It’s a heartwarming and uplifting story about loss, grief and finding a way to move forward from a life at standstill. The characters are charming and funny with the signature Louis poignancy and heart. On top of being simply a lovely contemporary romance this book added a sweet mystery to the story and I loved how it played out. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a feel good read with a lot of heart, (clean) romance and fun.
February 2, 2023
THE KEY TO MY HEART
BY: Lia Louis
Lia Louis stole my heart in this sweet and heartwarming novel about grief, and a widow finding love again. In a magical story of how music helps with grief and healing, this novel was so well done that I really enjoyed the mental health representation and the lovely story that is both sad and also hopeful.
BY: Lia Louis
Lia Louis stole my heart in this sweet and heartwarming novel about grief, and a widow finding love again. In a magical story of how music helps with grief and healing, this novel was so well done that I really enjoyed the mental health representation and the lovely story that is both sad and also hopeful.
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