A Beautiful Harmony of Heartbreak and Hope: Review of Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
I first felt the pull of Sounds Like Love from its title alone—what could be more enchanting than a story that promises to capture the essence of love through melody and emotion? So, when I discovered it was by the beloved Ashley Poston—an author whose words have often danced across my heart—I was practically bouncing in my seat. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey that would leave me weeping and grinning at once.
Set against the backdrop of the quaint beach town of Vienna Shores, North Carolina—a place as vibrant and warm as the characters themselves—this novel explores the intricacies of love, loss, and the art of creation. Our protagonist, Joni Lark, is a thirty-something aspiring songwriter navigating the shadows cast by her mother’s dementia. The raw authenticity of Joni’s struggles resonated deeply within me, especially as she grapples with the daunting task of finding her voice—both in music and life—at a time when words feel so fragile.
Poston masterfully encapsulates the heartache of watching a loved one’s memory fade through poignant passages like, “Grief is just a love song in reverse.” It’s those encapsulating lines that struck a chord in my own experience, and I couldn’t help but reflect on the love songs that have shaped my life. The characters in Sounds Like Love, especially Joni and the mysterious Sasha, represent more than just their struggles; they symbolize the hope that beauty can emerge from pain.
The pacing of the novel—from the eager anticipation during Joni’s interactions with Sasha to the tender exploration of her memories with her mother—was like the ebb and flow of ocean waves, perfectly matched to the narrative’s rhythm. Their burgeoning love story unfolds as Joni pulls Sasha out of her head and into the world, literally and metaphorically giving life to the melodic song stuck in both their minds. The chemistry between them is palpable—so much so that I found myself blushing and rooting for their connection long before they did.
Ashley Poston’s lyrical writing absolutely captivates, creating a cozy atmosphere that cradles you as you read. I chuckled when Joni referred to Sasha as “that voice in my head,” and my heart soared when she reminisced about the simple joys of concerts and sandy summer nights with her best friend, Gigi. Speaking of Gigi, this vibrant character added a delightful pinch of humor and warmth to Joni’s otherwise tumultuous journey while echoing the powerful bond of friendship woven through the narrative.
A moment that particularly resonated with me was when Wyn, Joni’s mother, says, “You should cry as much as you want. It’s not a bad thing. It never is.” This profound insight encapsulates the novel’s essence—it’s okay to grieve, to feel deeply, and to embrace all the layers of love, even the painful ones.
Sounds Like Love isn’t just a tale about finding your voice; it’s a love letter to the complexity of relationships, the yet-to-be-written songs of our lives. It’s the kind of book that reaches into your chest and squeezes your heart, reminding you that while some songs may fade, those we carry within us have the power to transform and heal.
If you find solace in lyrical love stories that explore the bittersweetness of life, or if you’ve ever had a song that encapsulated your emotions, then this book is for you. Thank you, Ashley Poston, for crafting a story that feels like a warm embrace—one I’ll cherish long after the final notes fade.
Grab a cozy blanket and your favorite beverage, and prepare for a heartfelt experience that will resonate with you long after the last page. Trust me, this is one melody you won’t want to miss.