cover image The Key to My Heart

The Key to My Heart

Lia Louis. Atria, $17.99 trade paper (352p) ISBN 978-1-66800-126-4

A young widow discovers new love in this moving contemporary romance from Louis (Eight Perfect Hours). Songwriter Natalie Fincher stopped composing after the death of her husband, Russ, over two years before the start of the book. She’s abandoned her craft and now barely makes an effort in her work at her parents’ London shop. Her friends pressure her into chatting up a stranger, Tom, while out at a bar one night—and she’s surprised to run into him again later at a train station where she occasionally still plays the communal piano. When Natalie discovers sheet music to Russ’s favorite song in the piano bench, it feels like a sign, leaving her determined to track down whoever left it. This quest unexpectedly leads her back to Tom—and to the possibility of finding love again. But to make their relationship work, Natalie must navigate an emotional minefield of grief and guilt. The authenticity of Natalie’s relationships buoys the dramatic story as her supportive friend group sticks by her through all the ups and downs. Fast-paced and intensely emotional, this tale of loss and love delivers the goods. (Dec.)