“Grief is just a love song in reverse.” ― Ashley Poston, Sounds Like Love

Ashley Poston, a writer of magical realism, has found her sweet spot in her newest romance, Sounds Like Love. Joni Lark knew she wanted to leave her hometown of Vienna Shores, North Carolina when she was in high school to pursue a career in songwriting. Now Joni is working as a songwriter in Los Angeles, where her songs are highly sought after by musicians. Her agent is anxious for Jodi to write her next hit, but sadly Joni is empty of ideas and can’t write. When her dad calls her back to the Outer Banks to share one last good summer with her mom, Joni hopes that she will find inspiration amongst the sand, the surf, and music at The Revelry.

When she finally gets home, Joni is shocked to see that everything has changed. Her mother’s dementia is getting worse, her best friend is hiding something, and her family’s business, The Revelry, isn’t doing well financially. Joni’s hopes of inspiration quickly shrivel, except for this one pesky melody that has been stuck in her head since the night before she left Los Angeles. It’s not just the melody though – there’s a man’s voice also in her head. While this completely freaks her out at the start, Joni slowly grows to enjoy his company. Who is this mystery man and why are they connected? When he shows up in Vienna Springs with a plan, Joni is on board. He wants them to finish the melody that’s stuck in both of their heads in order to sever their connection. Could that be as easy as he says? They’ll have to rely on each other in order to find out.

Sounds Like Love was a trippy read. The idea that the two main characters could hear each other’s thoughts was difficult to comprehend at first, but the rules that the author built into their gifts helped me to believe it *could* have happened. If you are able, I recommend you listen to this book in audio as the narrator sings! The small town beach setting was believable, while I also enjoyed the explorations into the music industry and the different musical elements. While the author does include a character with dementia in this book, she handles this topic with sensitivity. The relationships, both family and friends, were major plot points and helped to carry the story. Solid 4 star read.

This title is also available in large print.

“How do I forgive my past self for all the futures I didn’t become? I don’t know.” ― Ashley Poston, Sounds Like Love