I really enjoyed this book. Both Layla and Josh are feeling the pain from marriages that didn’t work. . Meeting each other helps them both grow and learn how to build their next chapter.

Two broken hearted, vulnerable characters who have been gathering through hell to hold each other for having their second chance of happiness: this is quiet brief summary of this beautiful, heart breaking story which brings out ugly tears of yours! Don’t forget to stock lots of napkins, paper towels and any kind paper products to clean your running noses and ruined eye makeup ( trust me you don’t like look raccoon. )

There are two things are a little bothering for you:

If you wish to read a heart wrenching, angsty, intense love story, this book is not great choice for you! It’s more like second chances of happiness, self growth, pursuing your dreams, lost opportunities and rekindling hopes story!
Both of the characters were well crafted, genuinely portrayed but their blossoming romance is not the main subject the book is focused on.

That’s also bringing out other thing the readers may be bothered: there are too many time jumps and flashbacks in this book which makes the entire conjuncture a little complicated. In my opinion most of them worked quiet well and gave us enough clues to fix the entire puzzle, learning more about main characters’ past stories. But some of them were thrown into the equation out of nowhere and confused my mind.

But I have to admit this is one of the best books which reflects ugly face of divorce so realistically. It’s impossible not to empathize with the characters and what they’ve been getting through.

Layla hardly gathers her broken pieces, working as a elementary music teacher and after the divorce, she got used to live in her own shelf, staying away from things make her happy, making sacrifices.

Her path crosses with Josh whose kid is a student of her class, dealing with his own ugly divorce. She dog-sits to help them and their blooming friendship naturally turns into romance. The music’s magical tunes help them release their restrained negative feelings they bottled up for years and they learn to trust each other to find their well deserved second chances. The promising tone and realistic story telling of the book were its strengths I truly enjoyed.

Jumping time lines and lack of romance may be disappointing factors affect you enjoy your reading but I truly advise to take a chance on this emotional, well written story. It really shakes you so hard, awakening so many feelings and the music is real magic!

I plan to get this audibook version as soon as it releases. I am so curious about the songs and performances.

Overall: it’s great sentimental, touchy, soul shaking experience with well developed characterization which made me round up my 3.5 stars to 4 musical, divorce wars, self destruction, reborn, deserved happiness stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

I absolutely loved Tracey Garvis Graves' book "The Girl He Used to Know," so I was absolutely ecstatic to be able to read "Heard It In a Love Song!" I absolutely LOVED this book!! Layla has been single for a long time. Her divorce ended badly, and she hasn't been able to do what she truly loves--singing with her band. She's now an elementary school music teacher. Then she meets Josh--a single dad in the middle of a divorce whose daughter is in Layla's music class. What starts out as Layla dog-sitting for Josh and his daughter turns into a sweet romance, as two people try to figure out where their lives are going and if they will be moving forward together. I don't know if it's because I'm close in age to Layla or because I've had failed relationships that turned nasty, but I identified with her so much more than I could have imagined. This book was sweet, emotional, and what I like to call a "real-life" book, meaning it felt like I was reading a real person's life story. I just loved this book so much, and I cannot WAIT for her next book!!

I enjoyed Graves' debut novel, ON THE ISLAND, both for its pacing (strong plot), characters (well developed), and examination of bigger issues (age disparity in romantic relationships), so I was very much anticipating HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG.

However, Graves' latest book falls flat: the plot lacks both action and tension (there is A LOT of self-examination and reflection about past choices); the characters' slowly developing relationship lacks emotional chemistry, and the back-and-forth between characters and time periods is distracting. The constantly shifting narrative is not conducive for an immersive reading experience. For this reviewer, the biggest weakness of the novel is that I didn't care enough Layla or Josh to become invested in their story.

I went through almost every available emotion while reading this book. It was at times, difficult to read about the situations that the characters had in the past, but also joyous to see them moving on to a better future.

I think the author wrote a fantastic story that had my full attention at all times. I cared about the characters she created. Some of the plot revolves around music, bands and the music industry. I found this so interesting since I have never been exposed to this world before. Although I love music, I have never been gifted with playing an instrument. Reading this book, I can understand the special feeling a person gets from performing.

I definitely recommend this engrossing book. I believe this book is more a Women’s fiction than a romance. It contains much more than the meeting of a couple. It is more about a woman attaining her self-worth and confidence.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is done freely as a hobby of mine, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

*I received this copy as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions are all my own.*
After seeing that Tracey Garvis Graves was coming out with a new book, I was really stoked. I have loved a few of her other novels, and was excited to request this one. From the description, I got a very different vibe than what the story was actually about-- which isn't always great. I wasn't entirely expecting there to be as many nonlinear/alternate point of views and timelines, a lot of looking at characters in the past, and the book started to drag on for me a little more than I would've liked. I have read two books by Tracey Garvis Graves before and loved them, so I was excited to read this one. I felt that it was a little overwhelming, and I only got through about 75% before I DNF'd the book. From what I read, I was pretty bored. There just wasn't all that much excitement, and with books like this, you have to have a little bit of conflict/excitement to really understand the essence of the book. Also, books about music can be really cheesy if you don't do them correctly and there were definitely moments where I found myself having to skip through a little bit of it.

The story was well written, and TGG does a really good job of explaining characters and personalities in a really great way. This book missed the mark for me, but I encourage you to read it if you're looking for a book that isn't necessarily a romance, but more of a coming in your own, what it looks like after divorce, how it affects you, and learning to love yourself again. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC! #HeardItInALoveSong #NetGalley

I am SUCH a fan of Tracey Garvis Graves writing. On the Island is still one of my go-to recommendations to fellow readers!

There was definitely a lot to enjoy in Heard It in a Love Song, the fact that I got to see both the past and the present through Layla and Josh's eyes in the aftermath of their respective divorce is one of those things. I enjoyed getting to know the characters both through their actions in the present, and their reflections on the past.

However, the story was a little slow at times, possibly because of the switch between the past and the present - and while the story unfolded over quite a bit of time, the pace was still fairly slow.

The dual points of views worked well for me, because the characters kept a lot of their thoughts to themselves, but the reader is still privy to it all. I also found it interesting to read about the reasons why Josh and Layla's marriages failed - because there was no one single thing that made things go wrong - and that appeared very realistic to me.

I received this book "Heard It in a Love Song" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed reading this book. I found both Layla and Josh to be relatable characters. When she was singing and playing her guitar I would have enjoyed it being an audio book just to hear all the songs.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. I very much appreciate it! All opinions here are my own.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters and their struggles and their sweet love story felt very real and I found myself rooting for them. I would have given this book 5 stars, but I didn't like the structure of the book. It was told from both the heroine and hero points of view, but then also both present day and past tense. Switching between those 4 story lines got a bit annoying to me, but overall, the book was great. The musical references were a lot of fun and the warmth of the characters quickly won me over.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley. What drew me in was the title and cover art. I haven’t read any books by Tracey until Heard It in a Love Song. I was playing the songs in my head when they were mentioned. Magic Man by Heart and her comparison to Ann and Nancy Wilson is realistic. The lives of Layla and Josh are parallel and intersecting. Being true to yourself, becoming a responsible adult, and loved for yourself are important themes. Friendships and families help both of them grow. This story sucked me in! I highly recommend it!

I adored the author's "Girl He Used to Know" so very much, that I just couldn't wait to get my hands on her latest, "Heard It in a Love Song"... sadly, I feel a it let-down. The "friends to lovers" trope is a favorite of mine, and here we have Layla, a music teacher/musician and Josh, a single Dad... interesting characters. But I really did not care for the "dual time-line" that spent so very much time dissecting their details of both their previous marriages - just too much info there that took away from the "romance angle" story. Nonetheless, it was also a refreshing women's fiction" story. Overall, it was worth the time. Think I will try the author's back-listed "On the Island" soon. My thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for this ARC.

Layla’s and Josh’s stories are ones of love, heartache, betrayal, redemption, and learning about oneself. Each has their own set of baggage when they meet each other. Each needs to figure somethings out. I loved the slow burn build up of their relationship. Their banter is adorable. I liked seeing how marriage separations come in different packages. (Personally, I love that I share a name with a character!)
I did struggle with the timeline jumps of the stories. It works well for the story; it’s just difficult for me to keep the timelines straight. I think it took me longer to read this because the times jumps.
Overall, I highly recommend this book! I can’t wait to purchase a hardcover on release day.
Thank you NetGalley, St Martins Press, and Tracey Garvis Graves for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest review.

This was so boring. Nothing happened and I didn't care about any of the characters. Layla and Josh's past relationships could've been the seed of a compelling romance, but I never got invested.

I was taken back to the 1977 song of the same title by the Marshall Tucker Band—
“heard it in a love song can’t be wrong”

Is this love? Rebound? Loneliness? Layla and Josh need to pause and find out, and that’s what they do in this intriguing, uplifting, and romantic story. Often we need to pause in mid-life and find out what it is we really love to do and who it is we really love. Interspersed with references to other love songs and melodies, this lyrical story will make you examine your own love life, work life and figure out where you might need to change direction. A fun read with real meaning.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. This was a sweet story of past mistakes and second chances. I feel it could have tugged a few more emotions, but it also encourages the reader to follow their dreams and be who you want to be.

Tracey Garvis Graves' books always make me smile and Heard It in a Love Song is no exception. Layla and Josh are two lovely, likable people whose first marriages, for very different reasons, went wrong. They're both in the getting it altogether stage and I just rooted for them throughout the book. Layla is a singer and this book is as breezy, creative, and charming as she seems to be as a performer. Josh is an electrician and his work is a metaphor for their relationship...sparking.

5 REALLY BIG STARS!!

There is something so completely satisfying in reading those final words in the final pages of a really REALLY good book. After I close the book and turn it over in my hands, all the scenes from the story flip over in my mind like an old film reel, with particularly well-written scenes jumping out and almost teasing me to go back and read them again. Heard it in a Love Song was allllllll of that for me and more.

At the crux of it, Heard it in a Love Song is a love letter to anyone who has ever married their first love and then realized it wasn’t their endless love. As readers, we experience dual timelines glimpsing the destruction of two separate marriages, and the new love establishing between our main characters, Josh and Layla. Graves does an excellent job with character development and gives us real voices with relatable experiences and challenges.

Josh and Layla are unique and their love story is a slow, gentle, friends-to-lovers journey all while navigating the baggage and insecurities that divorce undoubtedly leaves in its wake. Possibly one of the most refreshing parts for me, was although there was plenty of trepidation between the main characters, there was an absence of unnecessary drama. Yes!

I enjoyed this story and savored it's an unapologetic nod to rock and roll, and navigating new love after a devastating heartbreak.

I had my eye on this book since I loved The Girl He Used to Know, so I was thrilled to win it from Goodreads. I immediately added it to my five-book pile and was excited when it reached the top. And I'm pleased to share that it will be worth your wait when it officially publishes in November.

Heard It in a Love Song was such a sweet and genuine love story with a cozy feel to it. I could practically hear the music being played throughout. I like how Tracey Garvis Graves showed both Layla and Josh's narratives and how she went back and forth between the past and present to paint the full picture. I loved watching Josh and Layla get to know each other, as well as Layla finding herself after her divorce. The music scenes were a lot of fun and I could feel Layla's energy radiating off the stage. I actually wish I could go hear her perform. Sasha seemed like a cute kid and I loved Norton's personality, as well.

All in all, a great story that will keep you warm this winter.

Movie casting ideas (I only cast the present versions of the characters):
Layla: Melissa Benoist
Josh: Dustin Milligan
Liam: John Patrick Amedori
Kimmy: Blake Lively
Brian: Matt Czuchry

Layla used to be in a band until her husband made her quit. Josh married his high school sweetheart soon after high school graduation, but is currently going thru a divorce.

The friends of Layla and Josh want each of them to start dating again, and find someone that makes them happy. What follows is a true and honest romance.

I can’t say enough good things about this book. For me, it is very rare to like ALL of the characters in a book. There’s always that one that just irks me. Not so in this book - I truly loved all of the main characters.

Heard It In A Love Song releases November 2, and you need to bump it up on your wish list.

2.5
This is a great little book about starting over in life.

What I liked:

-I liked Josh and Layla. I thought that they were both sweet and I thought they were a good match.

-I liked that this book really dissected the relationships in the story.

What I didn’t like:

-I normally hate books with flashback timelines and this was no different. I found myself flipping through flashback pages, especially Layla’s.

-It was fade to black. Which is fine, but not my preference.

-I felt like the pacing was a little weird. Some of the scenes with Josh and Layla were long and detailed and then all the sudden big chunks of time or specific events would be glossed over and rushed. I think I just needed MORE. With their relationship.

-The end was very cheesy.