***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
A Goodreads Most Anticipated Romance
A heartwarming novel about hope after loss as a young widow receives mysterious messages of love from the “must-buy author” (Jodi Picoult) 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.
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.
About Lia Louis
Lia Louis lives in the United Kingdom with her partner and three young children. Before raising a family, she worked as a freelance copywriter and proofreader. She was the 2015 winner of Elle magazine’s annual writing competition and has been a contributor for Bloomsbury’s Writers and Artist’s blog for aspiring writers. She is the author of Somewhere Close to Happy and Dear Emmie Blue.
I just finished this book last night and absolutely loved it! I love how grief was presented as well. It is so hard to explain to some people why you are still grieving even 6 years later. This was such a hopeful, uplifting story. Wonderful review, Wendy.
I like the US cover much better this time. This sounds a great story and one very relatable as well in terms of wanting to stay with and within oneself. Glad this turned out so good. Lovely review, Wendy 🙂🙂
The part about the foxes had me laughing. Every few years we have foxes move in around us and they are LOUD and it’s a startling noise. This sounds like a great read.
I just finished reading a review about a thriller so someone leaving the music seems a little creepy, but clearly it wasn’t based on the nice things you had to say!
I just finished this book last night and absolutely loved it! I love how grief was presented as well. It is so hard to explain to some people why you are still grieving even 6 years later. This was such a hopeful, uplifting story. Wonderful review, Wendy.
This one sounds nice and I wonder who was leaving her the music!
Excellent review! This sounds so heartwarming.
Love the cover, and while it does sound like a good read, it’s not really my type, so I probably won’t get to it. Great review!
This sounds heartwarming. Great review Wendy!
Thank you, Kimberly
I haven’t heard of this one before. It sounds great.
It is a good one!
I like the US cover much better this time. This sounds a great story and one very relatable as well in terms of wanting to stay with and within oneself. Glad this turned out so good. Lovely review, Wendy 🙂🙂
Thank you, Mallika!
Wonderful review! You’ve convinced me I need to give this author another chance.
I’ve loved everything she’s written, I hope you enjoy her writing when you get to one of her books.
I’ve been waiting for this review and it looks amazing, brilliant review 💕
Thank you, Jenny!
Excellent review, Wendy! I think I like the US cover better, but they are both cute!
They are both cute! Thanks, Jolene!
The part about the foxes had me laughing. Every few years we have foxes move in around us and they are LOUD and it’s a startling noise. This sounds like a great read.
I never realized they could be loud!
Lovely review, Wendy! It sounds wonderful!!!
Thank you, Cindy
I just finished reading a review about a thriller so someone leaving the music seems a little creepy, but clearly it wasn’t based on the nice things you had to say!
It was a bit creepy at first, but it was all music that meant something to her, so that made it a bit less creepy.
Everyone is loving on this book! I’m glad you loved it, too! I guess I need to read it. Great review!
I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
I like the US cover too. Happy to see you loved this story, because I’m planning to read this book next month.
I hope you enjoy it too, Lucy!
I will be listening to the audiobook very soon ! I love this author and look forward to all of her books.
I hope you enjoy it, Jodie. (I think you will 🙂
Oh wow, wonderful review Wendy! I think I need to read this author!!📚🤗🎄💜
She’s one of my favorite authors, she always writes a wonderful book.
This sounds so authentic and moving. Excellent review, Wendy!
Thank you, Tessa
Great review, Wendy! The premise of this book just fills my heart. It sounds like a wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you, Stephanie!