Many thanks to my friends at @getredbooks for the #gifted copy of this book.  

 

Nostalgic and heartwarming.

 

How many times have I sang, “Hey There Delilah” on repeat since this book arrived in my mailbox? If you guessed “ad nauseum,” you’d be correct. 

 

There is something about that song.  The connection.  The longing.  The hope. 

 

In Weinstein’s newest, that song becomes a platform for her to explore young love and the power found in music.  

 

I was fully enamored with this premise.  Music and mystery make exceptional partners.  Add to that long-lost love, and I’m sold.  

 

However, the execution left me wanting.  I wanted more complexity: of the writing, of the characterization, and of the themes.  Rather than depth, I found the slow-paced storyline teeming with drama.  

 

The deep dive into music- from song writing to Rolling Stones style reporting- is where the novel shines.   

 

Chapter titles reflect popular songs, and there’s no shortage of famous musician name dropping.  I felt immersed in the music, no doubt.   

 

Like many, I can always find solace in song.  There are certain ones that stop me in my tracks, transporting me to another place and time.  Weinstein tapped into that as she explored the (fictional) roots of this Plain White T’s hit song.  

 

If you’ve ever hoped this song was much more than a tune and lyrics, you’ll find this premise interesting.