Heard it in a Love Song by Tracey Garvin Graves is a coming-of-age novel just when you think the doors are closed to transformation. It is a riff on the Marshall Tucker Band song that shares the title of this book. The author references music heavily throughout the pages, and you will find yourself transported back to the time when these same lyrics were the soundtrack to your life. The memories flood back as the evocative power of music elapses the barrier of time.

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The characters, Layla and Josh, lead you through this immersive journey. Both experienced divorces and are in the throes of building a new life for themselves where they can live life on their own terms. The story expands upon the struggles of being single and the accompanying solitude. Layla is a former “rock goddess” with talent and unmet dreams put on hold. She finds joy as an elementary school music teacher, but her desire to shine onstage is still a silent dream. Josh is a self-made independent electrician who works hard and loves his daughter, Sasha. He seeks the courage to navigate his life as a single dad and unmarried man for the first time in 18 years.

Layla and Josh both have a supportive cast of friends and family who add a depth to their lives. But, you obviously hope they can realize their dreams long suppressed. However, as you might expect, their dreams from age18 are a bit different now that they are in their middle thirties. Is love still a possibility? Is commercial success what they want? Can they find happiness with the added responsibilities that come with age? While learning the answers to these questions you cannot help but think about your own path. You will encounter reflections from Graves throughout the story as you fall more and more in love with these characters.

The glimpses into their pasts through the dual timeline shows how the characters work to follow the advice of Fleetwood Mac from the popular song, “Go Your Own Way.”  The poignant lyrics of Rush from their song, Freewill, is a common theme throughout the book. “If you choose not to decide you have still made a choice.”

Music lovers will find their own life scripted in lyrics. Even if you are not a music lover, these characters will stay with you. Their resilience is powerful and inspirational as they push the limits on boundaries that are all too real. This book is the ninth from this wonderful author, and you will fall in love with it music lover or not, or as a previous fan of Graves or not. Highly recommend.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

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