Thirty-five-year-old music teacher Layla is struggling to come to terms with the dissolution of her ten-year marriage. Her early 20’s were spent as a full-time musician, the lead singer for a local rock band. When she married Liam, a successful salesman always reaching for bigger and better, and the band started to stall, Layla quit music and began teaching and giving private lessons. Liam’s drive for status and wealth, and his penchant for living beyond his means, were a constant source of stress in the marriage. Now divorced, Layla is adrift and searching for who she is and what she wants next.

Married right out of high school, Josh spent the next twenty years with a woman who now felt like a stranger. Separated, and sharing custody of his five-year-old daughter, Josh is living alone trying to figure out what this next stage in his life will look like.

Heard it in a Love Song is what I call a Quiet Book. It focuses on character over plot and, while there is the promise of a romantic relationship throughout the novel, it is not a romance. The real story is Layla’s journey back to the woman she once was, only stronger.

Graves created such down to earth characters in Layla and Josh and I loved the slow evolution of their relationship from acquaintances, to friendship, to friendship with potential. These were two people who were battle worn and weary after the breakdown of their marriages. These weren’t two fresh-faced kids rushing headlong into love. They were both gun shy and taking the smallest of steps outside of their comfort zones. They doled out small pieces of themselves at a time, getting to know one another slowly and organically.

Told in both present time and in flashbacks of both Layla’s and Josh’s pasts, Heard it in a Love Song is raw and achingly realistic, told with Graves’s signature depth and warmth. A novel of resilience, second chances, and the healing power of music, this latest release from Graves delivered a vulnerable story with plenty of heart.

So far, I’ve loved everything I’ve read from Tracey, but sadly this one was disappointing. It wasn’t bad, because Tracey’s writing is still good, but it was just meh. Similarly to the dead spouse trope, the divorced/second chance at love trope for me has to be very believable and not have that second best feeling. This book had too many flashbacks of the main characters in relationships with their previous spouses. And while in the case of the heroine, it was obvious that she married a douche, the hero spent 20 years with his wife/High School Sweetheart/mother of his child and in his inner dialogue until about 90% in the book he was still questioning whether he gave up too soon regarding the divorce. Right until the end, his ex obviously wants him back. I’m just not a fan of second best romance or really any book that’s labeled as a romance, yet the leads are clearly hung up on other people. There’s also a lot of telling and not showing in this one. Like I said I’ve loved all the other books of Tracey I’ve read, so hopefully I’ll love the next one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

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Heard It In A Love Song by Tracey Garvis Graves has a beautiful cover…regrettably, it doesn’t have much to do with the story. The lead character, Layla, does sing in a random band, but that’s not the central book premise. Also, I thought this was going to be a romance novel, and it’s more dysfunctional family and female fiction in scope. At it's core, It is two heartbroken souls; Layla (an elementary music teacher/bar singer), meets and is attracted to Josh (a soon-to-be-divorced electrician with a little girl), and their LONG road to finding each other. At times, I felt more like it was more therapy session than love story. These two can drag out the soulful looks and lustful longings ad nauseum. I liked the book and enjoyed it. I would have liked more romance less messy memories of the crappy first spouse’s storyline. But still, it was pretty decent. This meet cute concept is more meet and greet, but, in the end,…good things happen…slowly. #love #loss #divorce #newromance #comingofage #lifepurpose #takingchances #hearditinalovesong
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#reading #books #bookstagram #book #booksofinstagram #booklovers #bookish #lindaleereads2021 #mmdbookclub #idratherbereading #readinglife #fallreading #modernmrsdarcy #november 🦃

Title: Heard It in a Love Song
Author: Tracey Garvis Graves
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Layla Hilding is thirty-five and recently divorced. Struggling to break free from the past—her glory days as the lead singer in a band and a ten-year marriage to a man who never put her first—Layla’s newly found independence feels a lot like loneliness.

Then there’s Josh, the single dad whose daughter attends the elementary school where Layla teaches music. Recently separated, he’s still processing the end of his twenty-year marriage to his high school sweetheart. He chats with Layla every morning at school and finds himself thinking about her more and more.

Equally cautious and confused about dating in a world that favors apps over meeting organically, Layla and Josh decide to be friends with the potential for something more. Sounds sensible and way too simple—but when two people are on the rebound, is it heartbreak or happiness that’s a love song away?

Both Layla and Josh’s stories were compelling and kept me fully invested in this story. I enjoyed seeing the glimpses of their pasts in the flashbacks, as it let me get to know them as individuals, and not just as two people who are potentially interested in each other.

Their attraction grew so slowly and so naturally, that it just felt right. Norman was an enjoyable addition to the story, too, as were the bits with Josh’s daughter. This was just a sweet read, full of hope for the future, as two people learn from the mistakes of their pasts.

Tracey Garvis Graves is a bestselling author. Heard It in a Love Song is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.)

3.5 stars rounded up!

One of my most-anticipated books of the year, Heard It in a Love Song is the latest book by author Tracey Garvis Graves. While this story is engaging and sweet, it’s not the romance I expected—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I read this one quickly, never growing bored, but wanting just a little more.

I’ve read two of Graves’ previous books: the book she may be best known for, On the Island, and The Girl He Used to Know, which I enjoyed much more.

Graves is a wonderful storyteller but I find her writing technique lacking at times. Sometimes I feel like she’s telling me things instead of showing me, and each time I read one of her books, I can’t quite put my finger on what exactly is missing. But I’m always engaged in the story and her characters are well-developed.

Heard It in a Love Song is no different. I immediately connected with the two main characters—Layla and Josh. But this is a slow-moving romance. The reader spends a lot of time in their pasts, as well as the present. Graves has written the story by using things in the characters’ present to trigger memories from the past, slowly revealing what caused the dissolution of their previous marriages. And rehashing old relationships may sound off-putting, but I was surprised by how much I didn’t mind.

This novel is much more cerebral than I expected. It’s less of a romance and more about finding closure and peace after the end of a seminal relationship. There is a love story, but it’s not what’s really at the front and center of this book. It’s a nice one to curl up with when you want a book that’s more contemplative.

Heard It in a Love Song is a quirky romance that is very predictable and moves at a comfortable pace and rhythm. Told in varying viewpoints and timelines, Layla and Josh have both recently left relationships - Layla is divorced and Josh is a separated single dad. They are both finding their way in healing, life and love. I normally do not gravitate too much to the chick-lit romance genre, but I am finding that I need a break from the very intense books right now and this was a perfect, light, lovely read for me. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy. Heard It in a Love Song is now available.

Tracy Garvis Graves really knows how to write a story that pulls you in and reads like real life. Layla and Josh are the main characters and are both recently divorced and trying to figure out life after divorce.

This story is a slow burn and I am not sure I would call it a romance, more women's fiction.

This story was very well written and a heart warming single dad, second chance love story! Thank you Netgalley and St, Martins Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review

I always enjoy books by Tracey Garvis Graves- she just has a way with words. When I started Heard It in a Love Song, I was immediately hooked- I loved the way the dual timeline was used. Getting to see the separate pasts of the two main characters was so interesting, and helped me understand how both Layla and Josh approached a new relationship as they embarked on their friends to lovers journey in the present. Low on drama and miscommunication, this was such an enjoyable read. I loved reading about Layla's music career in the flashbacks and as she takes it back up in the present. Now that I've read the book, I'm anxious to listen to the audiobook. It's narrated by Andi Arndt, a personal favorite of mine.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Heard it in a Love Song is a slow burn romance. While that's not really my preference it was still an enjoyable read. My biggest issue is how long it was. I feel like there's so much that could have been left out without messing up the book. For example, we are given the full story of the relationship between Layla and her ex-husband from their meeting to their breakup with all the details. We are also given all the details of Layla's new love interest and his ex-wife. And those are just back stories that have no pull to the main story line. It was all just too much for me and by the time it was over I was just thankful it was done.

I liked Layla as a main character. I think her growth was really good and her personality was very attractive. Certain things about her kind of reminded me of Daisy Jones without the drugs and drama.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy long, slow paced romances that give you all the juicy details. From the meet ups to the break ups there is nothing left for you to wonder about.

As a fan of the author’s previous work, I was disappointed by this story. The biggest thing for me is that it felt like it was trying so hard to fit into the mould or category of a “musical” book. And unfortunately, it just didn’t do it. I was waiting for that sucker punch to really hit me in the feels and that wasn’t achieved either. It was just flat and I truly wished I loved it more. A generous three stars from me.

Heard It in a Love Song by Tracey Garvis Graces is a romance novel about Layla and Josh, both recently divorced. Layla was a lead singer in a band, but ended up giving up that dream during her ten-year marriage. Now that her marriage has ended, she takes up her singing again. When she meets Josh, she doesn't want another relationship, but she soon realizes how important he is becoming to her. Josh is going through a divorce with his highschool sweetheart, and he has a precious daughter as well. He's not interested in another relationship either. So, what do Layla and Josh decide to do? I really enjoyed this book, and I appreciated how mature Layla and Josh were about starting a new relationship. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

This was a intelligent person’s romance novel. I loved that the characters Layla and Josh are both nice and decent people who actually like each other first as close friends. Both are coming out of long marriages and have been damaged in the process. However, each is still open to get to know the other person. There is not any unnecessary drama. It is hard to move on with your life after you have been with one person for so long. So, I really enjoyed each character’s slow process of learning how to live differently. Both have responsibilities, but realize it’s ok to have dreams, too. They were a couple I really routed for. I loved that Layla realizes it’s ok to be passionate about music and Josh completely supports her. Layla supports Josh needing some time to fully leave behind his first love. I thought their attitudes really added to making this a great story.

Thank you NetGalley, Tracey Garvis Graves, and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book.

Heard It in a Love Song by Tracey Garvis Graves was a charming read about second chances as Josh and Layla navigate through their new normal. They meet and find a connection they want to explore but are still trying to move forward from their past. What I truly liked about this story was the slow burn romance where Josh and Layla share their stories and become friends first.

Happy reading!

✨𝐑 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐄 𝐖✨

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬

I was so excited to receive this early copy of @traceygarvisgraves newest book. This is my 3rd book by her & I’ve enjoyed each one so far ☺️📖

Overall, this was such a sweet, slow-burn romance/ journey of self-discovery for Layla and Josh who are both recently divorced. I loved how realistic & mature the relationship was and how naturally the story flowed alternating perspectives between Layla & Josh as they’re growing as individuals and finding themselves/their passions again. This story felt so calm and peaceful while the characters deal with the tough reality of starting over, finding yourself & your happiness again✨

Thanks to @netgalley @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio for both the e-ARC/ALC. I definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a slow-burn romance full of hope for second chances ❤️

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tracey Garvis Graves really knows how to write a character. Heard It In A Love Song is a second chance romance with some tie ins to a dual time line that involves music/rock & roll. The story line was a cute one, and I did enjoy reading about Layla and Josh. They are both flawed but raw and real characters that I did like reading about. I think perhaps the dual time line could have been done a little bit more seamlessly and found myself wishing for more burn in the slow burn of the romance department. Overall it is a cute story but I found myself wanting a little bit more. I am still looking forward to reading all of Tracey Garvis Graves other titles.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.

Unique and complex story of the many aspects of love.
This is my first read by this author and it certainly won’t be my last.
This is Layla and Josh’s story who meet under a terrible time in their own personal lives. They decide to take it slow until their personal affairs are settled and hence what follows is an interesting and intriguing read.
Told in dual POV past and present I have to admit I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t be able to finish this book because I couldn’t connect with the characters or their story. However, I’m glad I stuck with it. The pace of the story picks up and how the characters developed and evolved started to make more sense to me. I discovered that this read was more than a contemporary romance and more a story of self discovery and second chances in life. Layla and Josh were well developed complex and complicated characters who as individuals are each faced with uncertainty and conflict in their own personal lives. They decide to take it slow as they struggle to figure out the next chapter in their life. Theirs was so slow burn it became a little too slow for my taste but there was a reason, and I admire the compelling direction the author took in plotting her story.

Very enjoyable book about several different topics. Recovering from a marriage breakup, giving up dreams, seeking them again, finding happiness after finding yourself.

The characters were likable, the topics were treated fairly with no one partner bearing too much blame and with characters willing to do some alone time to get comfortable with the idea of making the self happy. Layla is a teacher, but that is not her first desire; music and performing make her light up. clean house when it's not his half a week with his daughter. The other teachers want Layla to be happy as much as she wants to be happy, but she first has to figure out what it is that makes her happy before she can seek it.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was looking forward to this story, especially after seeing the beautiful cover and reading the blurb.

Two people who are working on new life experiences and changes after a divorce.

I felt the story was written well but there was just too much of everything and not enough of Josh & Layla and them developing a true love story and a relationship. Lots of back n forth between past and not enough present time for the couple to develop their relationship.

This was an interesting story, but not a great romance book. I would actually put this more into Women’s fiction because the storyline was good. I enjoyed getting to know Layla who is recovering from her divorce, and only uses her music as a teacher. Throughout the book she manages to get back into playing music the way she loved. Josh is a single dad with a young daughter and throughout the book you see both these injured hearts connect, first as friends, and then finally as a couple. There was a lot of going back and forth in history of each person, and sometimes that was distracting for me. Overall a nice read.

Unfortunately, this book was not for me.

Here's why:
- the writing felt stiff
- the chemistry between Layla and Josh was practically nonexistent. I could not root for them as a couple because I didn't believe in their love story
- the flashbacks + switching POVs actually took me OUT of the story more than I expected and I couldn't find myself caring about either of the MCs.

Based on the subject matter (finding love after divorce), I think there is a specific targeted audience for this book. That audience was just not me.