"The Last Love Song" by Kalie is a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the pursuit of dreams. Set in the small town of Sunset Cove, Mia Peters grapples with the looming departure of her girlfriend Britt, her struggles with her late mother's legacy, and her own aspirations as a songwriter. Kalie skillfully weaves a tale of self-discovery as Mia embarks on a scavenger hunt through her mother's past, uncovering buried truths and confronting her own fears along the way. With lyrical prose and heartfelt emotion, "The Last Love Song" captures the essence of young adulthood and the complexities of following one's heart. Fans of Taylor Swift's storytelling and soulful narratives will find themselves enraptured by Kalie's debut novel.

The Last Love Song is heartfelt debut from Kalie Holford. Part mystery, part self-discovery we are taken on the journey of Mia Peters as she graduates and goes on a hunt to discover more about her mother, famous singer Tori Rose, who passed away when she was young.

Mia, accompanied by her best friend/sort-of-girlfriend Britt, is led around her small town by letters her mother left her, each giving a clue to a location or person from her past Mia must find. At the same time she is worried about her future, about Britt and her band, which Mia has been song writing for, leaving in seven days to chase their professional music dreams. Mia is unsure if she wants to go with them, unsure who she is.

I liked the way this was told through alternating stories - Mia's present day and glimpses of her moms life in the 80s-90s. I also appreciated the queer rep - Mia is confidently bi and she lives with her sapphic Grandmothers (I would actually love more of their story, they seem so in love and more elder queer rep is needed in all genres).

As I was reading I really wanted to tell Mia - Be confident and go for your dreams!! It will be ok! She eventually figures out who she is and what she wants to be and I'm glad how the story ended up.

Something unique about this writing was the song lyrics added to scenes, storytelling through song is always impactful, I wish we could hear what they are written to sound like.

I see where the Mamma Mia similarities were but also think that this book also had tones of Daisy Jones and the Six with the musical history of Mia's mother. The characters watching Gilmore Girls made me smile (and made me think the character Jess in this book was a reference to Gilmore Girls Jess :) )

This was a good book, I did tear up a little at certain emotional parts, if you're looking for a short summer read about music, love and self-discovery then check this book out.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.

It's been a while since the last time I was wordless in front of a review, and I think it's worth mentioning it if we're discussing the emotional impact of this story.
Which is a lot, btw.

I'm very much conflicted because… well, it's complicated even explaining why I find it difficult to choose the right words.
Kalie Holford’s debut is significantly better than lots of books you'll read this year but, at the same time, I'm held back by so many aspects of this story that not only doesn't sit right with me, but I also can't properly understand.

Starting with the “Mamma Mia” similarities: there are none. I don't understand why the marketing department chose something so different from the truth, but here we are.
Mia only knows her father ran away before she was even one and doesn't know anything about him, but it's not like she really cares. Like, she says a couple of times that she’s never met him and doesn't even know who he could be, but that's it.
She's not interested in him, and the focus of the story is not on him.

This led us to the most obvious aspect of it all: Tori Rose is a slightly different version of Daisy Jones.
Expect the ‘60s vibes of her side of the story - it's supposed to be 1989 but nothing gives that away -, I loved the letters she left to her daughter to tell her what happened according to her but, at the same time, she kinda gives us nothing.
Again, loved it, but it's also very superficial and more of an introduction to characters we didn't know until that moment.

So, Mia grows up without her mother in a town entirely dedicated to her, and she spends the first 18 years of her life knowing absolutely nothing about her. She feels guilty even mentioning her name to her grandmas and doesn't let herself love the music.
Ignoring how big this town seems to be not to know some things, should I be convinced she had never had a phase where she wanted to know more? At least about her father, if she couldn't ask about her mom. How is that even possible?
Worst of all, they just lied to her. Her grandmas lied about how her mother died and she’s so desperate to know more about her and feels hopeless because she can't find her path… she doesn't even get angry? Not with her grandmas, not with her non-existent father, not with her mother’s real love - who knew about her but didn't show up not once in her entire lifetime.
Last but not least, she may not be the most selfless person in the world, but she's having a panic attack about her life and what her mother means to her, and her girlfriend is just sick of her being uncertain and afraid about the future. Girl, wtf?!

Why even bother, then? Well, even if Mia grew up without her mom, this is the least dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship you can find.
It's simply amazing getting to know Tori and her story at the same time as Mia does, the bond she develops with a mother she looks and sounds so much alike but doesn't know.
It's just one of those stories that make you cry so much that your only thought is to call your mom when you've finished it.

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

first, thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC! this book is so sweet and heartfelt! The Last Love Song by Kalie Holford is advertised as Mama Mia! meets Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes, but I thought it was also lowkey giving The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (I said lowkey). I really enjoyed the pacing; it was a quick read, but it fit the urgency that Mia was feeling to finish the hunt before the end of the week. it gave the angsty and insecure teen without being super cringe about it, which can be hard to accomplish. I loved how there were parallels between Mia and her mom, Tori, but the point was clear that they each had their own story and relationship to music. the relationship with Britt was cute, but I don’t really care for a HS romance since they rarely should last. other than that, the relationships portrayed were realistic and not always clean and positive, which is sooo important I think. overall, I think this was a great and emotional read!

I thought this book was okay. This was a story about a girl who is learning more about her mother. But I found this story pretty boring.

Pitched as a queer Mammamia, this book is for everyone who lay on their stomach on their bed, feet in the air, writing down and poring over song lyrics, looking for secret messages. Preferably with a best friend.

In like a love song, a girl whose late mother was a famous singer searches her town, her mother's song lyrics, and some cryptic messages left behind for clues about her mom, and about who her dad might be.

There was a fun scavenger hunt element to this book, and a romance as well.

Yes, there were things in this book that made me go "huh?" But there was also a sort of magic here in the story and I did enjoy it!

This book is such a fun queer Mamma Mia story! The writing style was nice. We follow the story in past with her mother and present with Mia, her daughter.

Thank you so much to author Kalie Holford and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I am a sobbing wreck right now. This is one of the most beautiful stories I ever got to read and I’ll hold it close to my heart forever.

I love the POVs in this so much. It’s a mother and daughter’s story as well as a love story and it was a great change to have their POVs rather than two love interests for a change. It just made me feel more connected to the story and wish Tori Rose was a real artist.

I fell in love with this story and the characters. Mia’s journey to find out about her mother also led her to find out about herself which was beautifully portrayed. I could feel her struggles and yearning. It’s such a beautiful character portrayal to see her being an extension of her mother while also being her own person besides that. As someone who’s quite attached to her mother, as well as the daughter of an immigrant, I could relate to her on the aspect of wanting a separate identity from the mother while being proud of to be hers.

It’s just a beautiful book, one I’ll hold dear to my heart. It leaves a permanent mark in your soul with its emotional impact and beautiful writing. (Also I need those songs to be real, thanks)

✨ YA - Coming of age
✨ Queer Rep
✨ Scavenger Hunt
✨ Mother/Daughter story
✨ Past/Present POV

When Mia graduated high school, she faces a summer of goodbyes, including one to her best friend, Britt, who is leaving Sunset Cove to go follow her dreams of being a music star in Nashville. Can Mia find it in herself to go too? Agonizing over her decision, while being haunted by the loss of her mother who left everything she knew to be a star, she embarks on a "follow the clues" hunt to find out what her mother always hoped she would know.

This book was delightful. I cried multiple times, just aching for Mia to understand she is so so loved and everyone wants her to follow her dreams, even if she isn't sure yet. Britt is the kind of friend/partner that I used to dream of having, and the way her mother was loved, and loved her, it's just heart wrenching. I highly recommend this book, thank you to Blackstone and Netgalley for letting me read it early!

This debut novel is a lyrical and heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the melodies that shape our lives. Set against the backdrop of Sunset Cove, “The Last Love Song” by Kalie Holford is a queer YA romance that brings together music, mystery, and the bittersweet ache of growing up.

Meet Mia Peters. After high school graduation, she faces a summer of farewells. Songwriting becomes her refuge as everyone she knows moves on, leaving her behind in the small town of Sunset Cove. Her biggest supporter (and kind-of-sort-of girlfriend) pushes her to dream bigger, but Mia clings to the familiar. She refuses to follow in the footsteps of her late mother, a country music star who abandoned her family to chase her dreams.

Desperate for a sign of what lies ahead, Mia discovers a mysterious letter from the past, written in her mother's hand. It's the first of many, leading her on a scavenger hunt through a hidden Sunset Cove. Each discovery brings Mia closer to her mother, but time is running out. Mia must decide if she can face the present, confront her feelings, and forge her own destiny.

Holford's prose is like a haunting melody, evoking the raw emotions of youth. Mia's struggle to find her voice as a songwriter and as a young woman, is beautifully portrayed. The author captures the ache of longing, the sweetness of first love, and the pain of letting go. The small-town setting feels authentic, and the supporting characters add depth to the narrative.

The heart of the novel lies in its exploration of grief. Maternal absence looms large, and Mia grapples with the legacy of a mother who chose fame over family. The scavenger hunt through Sunset Cove becomes a journey of self-discovery, as Mia unravels the layers of her mother's past. The book's emotional core is its portrayal of love in all its forms.

The main relationship is tenderly rendered. Their banter, shared dreams, and stolen moments create a palpable chemistry. Witness encouragement push Mia beyond her comfort zone, urging her to embrace life beyond Sunset Cove. Their love story is both sweet and achingly real, capturing the uncertainty of youth and the courage it takes to leap into the unknown.

The mystery of the letters adds intrigue, and Holford skillfully balances the past and present. As Mia uncovers her mother’s secrets, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional landscape. The pacing is steady, with revelations unfolding at just the right moments. The book's climax is poignant, leaving a lingering ache that resonates long after the final page.

This book is a celebration of music, memory, and the power of finding one's own voice. If you've ever tried to decode the clues in the lead-up to a new Taylor Swift album, this book will strike a chord. Holford's soulful debut invites readers to listen closely; to the notes of love, loss, and the last song that echoes in our hearts. It is a moving portrait of love, wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia and the promise of new beginnings. Holford's talent shines through, and I eagerly await her next composition.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This heartwarming book follows Mia, a recent high school graduate, on a scavenger hunt left by her late mother, Tori Rose. Both Mia and her mother grew up with music in their blood. Despite sharing roots and music, Mia knows very little about her mother.
The book contains two timelines, showing the lives of both Mia and Tori.
It's an incredible debut novel. I’m excited to see what Kalie Holford creates next. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and highly recommend it to music lovers, those navigating mother-daughter relationships, and to anyone who want a queer story with beautiful writing.

Almost forgot my favorite detail- There was two grandmothers/mothers and I loved them so much!

An absolutely delightful story about family, following your dreams, regrets and love. The story told in two is amazing for showing the differences between the daughter and her mum while also showing both their passion for music.

The romance was adorable! absolutely love the two main girls. Though the love interest seemed a little disconnected to the story with minimal justification for why she was so set on leaving (with or without the main character).

Only main issue with the story was the excessive song lyrics. While interesting to read, they didn’t feel very connected to the story itself and it made it feel boring.

Definitely a worthwhile story to read!

This book is perfect is you loved Mama Mia but wished that it had more queer representation. I loved the concept of it and found myself wondering what Mia would find out next. Also loved her relationship with Britt.

Overall I would give this three stars!

The Last Love Song is one of my favorite books of all time. No doubt about it. It is a purely magical and spectacular debut that redefines what a literary masterpiece means.

From the heart-achingly beautiful original song lyrics, to the most captivating and on-the-edge-of-my-seat love stories (stories!! plural!!), to the most lovable and authentic characters, to absolutely stellar prose, this book is excellence in every single way possible. It has beautifully written queer representation, ride-or-die friendships (bonus points for childhood best friends to lovers!!), and soul-stirring character interiority. Every single page leaves me in awe of Kalie’s limitless talent.

The Last Love Song heartwarmingly shows how characters find strength in themselves, realize their self worth, and have the courage to follow their dreams. Tori and Mia’s mother/daughter relationship prove how the power of love transcends time. The way that this book handles grief is so moving and pulls at your heartstrings—grief is such a hard subject to tackle, and it is executed flawlessly. Safe to say, the lessons I learned while reading this book will stick with me forever.

I cannot recommend this book enough; it is truly unlike anything you will ever read. I hope you love it as much as I do <3

Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"The Last Love Song" by Kalie Holford is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery that brings together the past and present as well as music and memories in a captivating story that will resonate with readers. If you are a fan of “Mamma Mia” and music through a new lense, then you will definitely love this book.

The story follows Mia Peters, the daughter of the late country star Tori Rose, as she grapples with the aftermath of her mother's mysterious death. As Mia embarks on a scavenger hunt left behind by her mother, she uncovers secrets and revelations that challenge her perceptions of her family and herself.

Holford's debut novel is a wonderfully well-written book that focuses on coming-of-age and reconciliation, blending elements of mystery, romance, and music into a rich tapestry of emotions. Through alternating timelines and perspectives, you are drawn into Mia's journey of self-discovery as she navigates the complexities of family relationships and confronts her fears and insecurities. I really enjoyed the unique twist on the classic "Mamma Mia" trope while also having the focus on music. I feel like musical books are a bit lacking in YA literature, so I really enjoyed reading this book. The inclusion of the "who's my dad" plotline felt a bit forced though and detracts from the main narrative, almost like the author wasn’t able to fully commit to the “Mamma Mia” plot.

Despite these shortcomings, "The Last Love Song" shines in its portrayal of Mia's emotional journey and the bonds she forms with her friends and loved ones. Holford's writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the raw emotions of grief, longing, and hope with sensitivity and grace. Additionally, the book's exploration of themes such as identity, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams adds depth and complexity to the story. I really enjoyed Mia’s character and her growth throughout the book. Her quest to uncover the truth about her mother's past becomes a metaphor for her own search for meaning and belonging, making for a compelling and engaging read.

Overall, "The Last Love Song" is a beautifully written debut that explores the complexities of love and loss with depth and sincerity.

Teenage romance isn’t one of my favorite genres, but I do enjoy reading them from time to time — especially if the romance in question is LGBTQIA+ (and especially if it is sapphic). Even though I understand that, because of the limitations of my taste for books, I will not always be able to love this type of story, I still expect books from this genre to bring an interesting story, with lovable characters and an engaging plot. Sadly, I don’t think I was able to find those things in “The Last Love Song”: although the premise seems fun, the execution wasn’t appealing to me — in my opinion, the plot and the characters were superficial; and even though the writing was really good in some parts, it felt a bit out of place. Unfortunately, I can’t say I recommend this book. But I do believe I am a part of a minority since the rating for “The Last Love Song” is so high. So, if the synopsis seems interesting to you, maybe it’s worth the read.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Kalie Holford, and NetGalley for an ARC of The Last Love Song.
The Last Love Song follows Mia, who faces a string of goodbyes after graduating high school. Everyone she knows is moving on, including biggest support/best friend/situationship, Britt. Britt pushes Mia to go bigger, do better and follow in the footsteps of her late mother, but Mia can’t imagine a life beyond Sunset Cove. When Mia receives a mysterious letter addressed to her from her late mother, she is led on a scavenger hunt throughout her hometown, searching for answers concerning her mother's life and death. Mia must decide if she is ready to face the present and create the future she truly desires. The Last Love Song is “perfect for anyone who’s ever tried to decode the clues in the lead-up to a new Taylor Swift album.”

The highlight of The Last Love Song for me was the queer content and aspect of the novel. While swooning at Mia and Britt’s interactions, I didn’t particularly feel a deep connection with either main character. The novel's premise, while very intriguing, didn’t feel believable, which created barriers to being able to relate to the characters. The novel ended abruptly, leaving the reader with more questions than answers.

The Last Love Song is sweet and wholesome and is recommended to those looking for a pallet cleanser via a light, queer love story.

Mediocre, didn’t pull me in. Was enjoyable enough, but didn’t have enough substance to keep me interested. It had a sweet plot line but was inconsistent at times, and all in all a fun read but probably not something i’d pick up again.

I really did not want this book to finish! It was beautifully written and the story just had me captivated.
Mia Peters is on a hunt to find out who her mother was, and what happened to her. For graduation her mother left her a treasure hunt so she can figure out just who Tori Rose was, and what secrets the superstar left behind for her. A beautifully woven story about love, and finding yourself.
I cannot wait to sell this book at work! Thanks to netgalley and blackstone publishing for the arc. I cannot wait to read more by this author!!!

Whelp, this was underwhelming.

The Last Love Song follows Mia Peters, daughter of the late sensation Tori Rose, as she prepares for a summer of endings. Her best friend is leaving their small town of Sunset Cove to pursue her dream of music, and Mia is absolutely certain she can't join — no matter how much she wants to — because she doesn't want to end up like her mom. Dead, a mystery no one can solve, and a person no one really knows. But then Mia receives the graduation present her mom made her right before she died. There she finds a scavenger hunt: the promise of answers.

First off, I don't think this book is accurately described by how it's pitched (i.e. bisexual Mamma Mia). The whole "who's my dad" plotline felt ineloquently thrown in there, and didn't have any real bearing on the plot. It's more giving I Kissed Shara Wheeler, but make it friends-to-lovers and centered around stardom, with a touch of the movie The Half of It.

I felt for Mia, and I really did like seeing her start to understand herself and her mother. I also really liked the way music was used in this book. The lyrics of all the songs embedded tell vivid stories. They're powerful and beautiful and I could almost hear them off the page. I also loved the alternating timelines. Rather than describe Mia reading her mom's letters, we saw the world from Tori Rose's perspective. It was immersive and really made the mother's story shine.

However, my biggest problems stem from the writing. Not only was it written so simply that each point seemed to depend on a cliche, it also just did not make sense. In one sentence*, Mia notes that the "coldness has faded from her [best friend's] eyes" and the next sentence claims that her face is "completely unreadable"? Or in another, Tori Rose describes the stage lights glinting off a tattoo on her collarbone — and WHAT? Is she giving herself a double chin staring at her COLLARBONE right before she performs in front of a massive audience?

In both these instances (and many others), I see the intended impact. But the contradictions in the language indicate that these moments were not clearly thought out beyond the drama. And that's frustrating as a reader! I want to feel these things, but you have to earn the impact — not with flowery words, but by painting a powerful story that works in the world you have created. *just a disclaimer that these quotes are from a review copy and may not be the final version.

I also found the scavenger hunt Mia's mother leaves her very random. For me, I felt like the foundations of the clues were not established enough to make it a fun mystery. Especially as the clues got more creative and complex, there was no way Mia could have figured them out. And yet, even though the hunt was random, the plot itself was predictable. I guessed the big reveal a couple chapters in.

Mia's thought cycles were also endlessly frustrating. She just kept repeating the same thoughts (and actions!) throughout. There's only so much self-degradation and self-pity I can read in place of a real plot (I'm telling you, nothing substantial really happens between 5% and 40%).

I did like the Tori Rose romance timeline. I enjoyed how messy and honest it felt. Even if I am not and will never be a music star like her, I connected to the feelings of having to decide which sacrifice would be worth it. Mia's romance, on the other hand, felt strangely forced? I just didn't get the sense that she really wanted it to turn out well. It felt less nuanced than her mother's narrative.

ALSO: Why does no one in this book ever have to warm up?? Not once does Mia or literally any other character mention warming up, or practicing, or being anything less than perfect at music. It just felt really odd.

This book would make a good Netflix movie, honestly, but I struggle to recommend it. It is a short read, but I don't feel it really adds anything new or exceptionally executed to the genre of queer YA.

Trigger Warnings: terminal illness, death of parent (off page, central to the plot), absentee father