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Songs for Libby
Libby watched fame destroy him. Now that she’s the one facing the darkness, will Sean's love be able to save her?
Libby and Sean have been best friends for years. Libby was there to help him climb the ladder of success, but now that Sean has made it big in the music industry, he’s fallen into the cliché bad habits of stardom, and Libby is constantly having to pull her delinquent best friend out of trouble. The emotional toll is wearing her down, but she’s afraid that putting herself first will mean leaving Sean to self-destruct.
Eventually, Sean's recklessness lands him in serious trouble, and Libby is forced to make a heart-breaking decision. Rather than becoming collateral damage to Sean's fame and addiction, she chooses to save herself...by walking away.
Years later, Libby has lived a lot of life, and instead of being the one to pull Sean out of the darkness, she finds herself in need of rescuing. Can she trust Sean to be there for her, or will allowing him back into her life put her broken heart in greater danger?
Full of heart-wrenching decisions and a friendship with the potential to be so much more, Songs for Libby takes a hard look at what it means to truly love someone, what it takes to restore trust after it’s been all used up, and the joy that comes from fighting the battles that need to be won.
Libby and Sean have been best friends for years. Libby was there to help him climb the ladder of success, but now that Sean has made it big in the music industry, he’s fallen into the cliché bad habits of stardom, and Libby is constantly having to pull her delinquent best friend out of trouble. The emotional toll is wearing her down, but she’s afraid that putting herself first will mean leaving Sean to self-destruct.
Eventually, Sean's recklessness lands him in serious trouble, and Libby is forced to make a heart-breaking decision. Rather than becoming collateral damage to Sean's fame and addiction, she chooses to save herself...by walking away.
Years later, Libby has lived a lot of life, and instead of being the one to pull Sean out of the darkness, she finds herself in need of rescuing. Can she trust Sean to be there for her, or will allowing him back into her life put her broken heart in greater danger?
Full of heart-wrenching decisions and a friendship with the potential to be so much more, Songs for Libby takes a hard look at what it means to truly love someone, what it takes to restore trust after it’s been all used up, and the joy that comes from fighting the battles that need to be won.
303 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
41 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Annette K. Larsen
20 books540 followersI love words. I always have. In songs, in poems, in books, in movies—words move me. In my younger years, I dabbled in writing as a therapy and an escape, but I never expected it to become more than that. While deep in the depths of mommying several small children, I took seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel through a whole lot of trial and error. Not the most time-efficient method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me. I wrote for me. I wrote from my heart space, and I think that’s the reason that Just Ella has found room in so many of my readers’ heart spaces.
I write clean romance because I love it. I love the discovery of new love. I love the relationship building that’s done with looks, words, brushing fingers, and tentative kisses. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that being true to yourself and clinging to your convictions will be hard, but it will bring you more genuine happiness than giving up on yourself ever can.
I am an extraordinarily happy wife, and a mother of five kids. I’ve lived in Utah, Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, but my heart is now firmly ensconced in Idaho where we’ve built a home and a community.
I love chocolate, waterfalls, pretty teacups, the sight and sound of ocean waves, and most especially my husband and my five littles. I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment, and I aspire to write stories that do the same for my readers.
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteklar...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen
Contact Me: http://www.annetteklarsen.com/contact...
I write clean romance because I love it. I love the discovery of new love. I love the relationship building that’s done with looks, words, brushing fingers, and tentative kisses. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that being true to yourself and clinging to your convictions will be hard, but it will bring you more genuine happiness than giving up on yourself ever can.
I am an extraordinarily happy wife, and a mother of five kids. I’ve lived in Utah, Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, but my heart is now firmly ensconced in Idaho where we’ve built a home and a community.
I love chocolate, waterfalls, pretty teacups, the sight and sound of ocean waves, and most especially my husband and my five littles. I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment, and I aspire to write stories that do the same for my readers.
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteklar...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen
Contact Me: http://www.annetteklarsen.com/contact...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 16, 2022
Lekkie i przyjemne.
November 28, 2020
Highly Charged, Heavy Subjects
This book was filled with highly charged, dramatic situations and tackles some heavy subjects. There aren't many light moments in the struggles until the end but there was always a glimmer of hope. I love a good second chance story and I think the author did a good job of making the characters believable and relevant. I was invested in them, their story and the outcome.
This book was filled with highly charged, dramatic situations and tackles some heavy subjects. There aren't many light moments in the struggles until the end but there was always a glimmer of hope. I love a good second chance story and I think the author did a good job of making the characters believable and relevant. I was invested in them, their story and the outcome.
September 27, 2020
I finished this book several days ago and it has not left my mind. I am not sure how to write a review for this story without giving spoilers and truly express how good it is.
This story takes place over several years. The author takes us on a journey through Libby’s life. The character Libby is written so well at times I found myself cheering for her or sobbing for her.
It is a story of friendship, romance, redemption and personal growth. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down, wondering what came next. Wondering about Libby or Sean.
Libby and Sean have been best friends since teenagers. When Sean gets a recording contract they remain friends. Their friendship goes through many ups and downs. It is truly an emotional journey.
I loved the musical aspect in the book and the way the author wrote about Sean’s fame and the struggles he went through. Although the book is written only through Libby’s point of view the author did a phenomenal job of writing Sean so we as readers could feel his pain and struggles also.
I was given an ARC of this book for my honest review, but I have also purchased a copy and will be reading it again. I highly recommend reading it, you will not be disappointed!
This story takes place over several years. The author takes us on a journey through Libby’s life. The character Libby is written so well at times I found myself cheering for her or sobbing for her.
It is a story of friendship, romance, redemption and personal growth. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down, wondering what came next. Wondering about Libby or Sean.
Libby and Sean have been best friends since teenagers. When Sean gets a recording contract they remain friends. Their friendship goes through many ups and downs. It is truly an emotional journey.
I loved the musical aspect in the book and the way the author wrote about Sean’s fame and the struggles he went through. Although the book is written only through Libby’s point of view the author did a phenomenal job of writing Sean so we as readers could feel his pain and struggles also.
I was given an ARC of this book for my honest review, but I have also purchased a copy and will be reading it again. I highly recommend reading it, you will not be disappointed!
September 17, 2020
So that was a journey! Geezzz. I had a hard time doing anything else today, I just wanted to devore this book. It was so good!! I felt for Libby and then cheered for Libby and then cried for her and then begged Annette to give this girl everything she needed. This was well done and so heart pulling!! I especially loved that nod to energy work, give me alternative healing any day over western medicine. I love that that was in here:}Halfway through I was thinking what is coming! This is a story that will surprise you and hopefully help you walk through the truth of what love really is. I was so happy at the end! I had to just sit with it and sigh.....now I have to wait till her next book comes out!
September 16, 2020
Can I just say that this book has ALL the ups and downs in it? I've read so many romance novels, and it seems like it's usually the same typical pattern. Girl meets boy, they get together, they get torn apart by some conflict, they get back together, the end. Change out location, time period, what the conflict is, the characters' personalities, and you've described most romance novels out there.
This is not that story.
Songs for Libby is an emotional roller coaster. I cried, over and over again. The pain and the joy are both so well written that I felt the emotions instead of just observing them. The loss, the grief, but also the hope- nothing one dimensional about it. I'm not a highlighter, and for the first time I actually marked a couple of lines that struck me so deeply, including one very impactful line that made me suck in my breath and go "Girl, you in danger!" (in danger of being thoroughly kissed, that is!).
Annette's characters have so much depth to them. They are people, who think and talk and act like people I know. People who get hurt, who make mistakes (lots of them), who fall in love when the timing is wrong, and who push themselves and others to be better.
Libby has so much thrown at her in life, and she comes through it all with her head up, expecting to be treated with respect, and refusing to beg for love- but unwilling to let it slip away either if there is something she can do to save it. I admired her tremendously and was, as usual with Annette's novels, deliciously satisfied with how it played out but also sad when there was nothing more to read. Until the next book!
This is not that story.
Songs for Libby is an emotional roller coaster. I cried, over and over again. The pain and the joy are both so well written that I felt the emotions instead of just observing them. The loss, the grief, but also the hope- nothing one dimensional about it. I'm not a highlighter, and for the first time I actually marked a couple of lines that struck me so deeply, including one very impactful line that made me suck in my breath and go "Girl, you in danger!" (in danger of being thoroughly kissed, that is!).
Annette's characters have so much depth to them. They are people, who think and talk and act like people I know. People who get hurt, who make mistakes (lots of them), who fall in love when the timing is wrong, and who push themselves and others to be better.
Libby has so much thrown at her in life, and she comes through it all with her head up, expecting to be treated with respect, and refusing to beg for love- but unwilling to let it slip away either if there is something she can do to save it. I admired her tremendously and was, as usual with Annette's novels, deliciously satisfied with how it played out but also sad when there was nothing more to read. Until the next book!
September 17, 2020
I just finished reading this a few hours ago and I am truly missing the characters because within the first few chapters, they already felt like family! I LOVED THIS STORY! It touched me deeply. Every character was real- full of flaws as well as courage and plenty of deep love and willingness to forgive. My favorite kind of book, regardless of the genre, is the kind where the writing is so authentic, the characters so developed, and the plot line so unexpected, that I forget that it isn't actually happening. The kind of book that makes me wake up in the night and ponder on what might happen next and how the characters must be feeling about it all. This is that kind of book. I know I'm going to have to go back again to savor all the emotions Annette Larsen brings to this beautiful story. P.S. I also loved the ending- finally a book that doesn't rush through the satisfying conclusion!!
October 6, 2020
I've tried to put together a review for a while now because this book is just difficult to review. Partly because it is unique and partly because it's so dang hard to talk about many aspects of the book without spoilers. But I'm giving it my best shot.
Many of the romances I read are on the fluffier side. Sure, some of the characters have to go through some growth and work through some issues. But they're usually straightforward (often cliche) and all fixed and tied up in a bow within a few months and now everyone can be happy and in love and move on with their lives.
Not this one. This one dealt with hard stuff. It got gritty and real. And I loved that. Because growth doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to heal wounds and bridge gaps. It takes time to grow up and learn and live. And the narrative of Songs for Libby takes its time with that.
But the flip side of that is when a book spans a long time, the pacing naturally has to get funky. You can't spend the same amount of time on the every day life that happens in between as you can on the intense parts where all the action is happening. Unless you want a 5,000 page book which we don't. But it does make for some interesting jumps in time when all of a sudden four years has to pass for the next thing.
And that's why it was tough for me to rate this book. The part I didn't like had to happen for the narrative. There just isn't a good way around that and I understand. But it was the difference for me between loving it and really liking it, which is why I rated it 4 instead of 5 stars (which pains me because I truly love the author, but I do want to honest).
Other things I really liked about the book--a variety of relationship dynamics. Romantic, friendship, family. It really does hit on a lot of different things and I really enjoyed that.
Overall, I do recommend the book and enjoyed the read a lot (and stayed up way too late reading it a few times). It just wasn't quite love.
Many of the romances I read are on the fluffier side. Sure, some of the characters have to go through some growth and work through some issues. But they're usually straightforward (often cliche) and all fixed and tied up in a bow within a few months and now everyone can be happy and in love and move on with their lives.
Not this one. This one dealt with hard stuff. It got gritty and real. And I loved that. Because growth doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to heal wounds and bridge gaps. It takes time to grow up and learn and live. And the narrative of Songs for Libby takes its time with that.
But the flip side of that is when a book spans a long time, the pacing naturally has to get funky. You can't spend the same amount of time on the every day life that happens in between as you can on the intense parts where all the action is happening. Unless you want a 5,000 page book which we don't. But it does make for some interesting jumps in time when all of a sudden four years has to pass for the next thing.
And that's why it was tough for me to rate this book. The part I didn't like had to happen for the narrative. There just isn't a good way around that and I understand. But it was the difference for me between loving it and really liking it, which is why I rated it 4 instead of 5 stars (which pains me because I truly love the author, but I do want to honest).
Other things I really liked about the book--a variety of relationship dynamics. Romantic, friendship, family. It really does hit on a lot of different things and I really enjoyed that.
Overall, I do recommend the book and enjoyed the read a lot (and stayed up way too late reading it a few times). It just wasn't quite love.
October 13, 2020
This book - wow! I was so excited for another modern romance novel by Larson, but this book blew all my excitement and anticipation out of the water. It was so much more than I expected! Larson draws the reader in by presenting a seemingly simple problem, yet having her characters suddenly become more entangled and caught up in a roller coaster of emotions, conflicts, and internal struggles than they would have ever expected. Isn’t this so true to our own lives? We become enthralled in this journey; not just eager to know what happens to Libby and Sean, but desperate; we desire to reach the end of the book, because we can’t imagine living without knowing. The story is told mostly from Libby’s point of view, but Larson is able to beautifully and masterly weave Sean’s whole life story in through glimpses, character development, and “page seeping” emotion, no matter what part of the book we’re in. We’re able to know, experience, and fully discover Sean’s character, seeing him in his rawest form, next to Libby’s exposed self as well. This honestly makes me believe that this story has two main characters, rather than just one. And that’s what makes this story so beautiful, so rich, and so so RELATABLE.
As someone who has experienced a similar relationship to this character couple, I know there's more than one side to this kind of unique story; and to be able to give the readers a chance to feel, think, and truly be in different part of a relationship like this, is something that really expresses my favorite part of Larson’s writing style; her truthfulness, passion, rawness, and soulful/emotional connection to her readers.
I’ve been a fan of Larson’s for many years. I feel so blessed and lucky to have found her books! I’m hungerily waiting for more of her content and novels. Until then, I think I’ll be going back and rereading “Songs for Libby”.
As someone who has experienced a similar relationship to this character couple, I know there's more than one side to this kind of unique story; and to be able to give the readers a chance to feel, think, and truly be in different part of a relationship like this, is something that really expresses my favorite part of Larson’s writing style; her truthfulness, passion, rawness, and soulful/emotional connection to her readers.
I’ve been a fan of Larson’s for many years. I feel so blessed and lucky to have found her books! I’m hungerily waiting for more of her content and novels. Until then, I think I’ll be going back and rereading “Songs for Libby”.
October 13, 2020
I started reading Songs for Libby and had a hard time taking breaks to do the basics, like feeding my family. I was engrossed in Libby's story and her journey to a healthier relationship with her best friend. I appreciated the truths of overcome toxic behaviors and learning to be honest with yourself and the people you love. It was a great read, insightful, but not weighed down with the heavy material. Annette K. Larsen has delivered another fabulous read!
November 5, 2020
Couldn't put it down
Another captivating novel by Annette Larsen. I love how she writes. She transforms you into her novels and you can't put them down! I loved all the unexpected twists and turns. Clean romance. Recommend
Another captivating novel by Annette Larsen. I love how she writes. She transforms you into her novels and you can't put them down! I loved all the unexpected twists and turns. Clean romance. Recommend
October 20, 2020
Another wonderful read from Annette K. Larsen!!
4.6 I rounded up. :) Each of her books bring a different element while staying true to strong, real, and believable characters. My only sadness is I think I needed more Jonas, but then I'm worried that if there was more, I would be even more upset about his character. I also loved that the characters worked on themselves first. The book was another wonderful read from Annette K. Larsen. Highly recommend.
4.6 I rounded up. :) Each of her books bring a different element while staying true to strong, real, and believable characters. My only sadness is I think I needed more Jonas, but then I'm worried that if there was more, I would be even more upset about his character. I also loved that the characters worked on themselves first. The book was another wonderful read from Annette K. Larsen. Highly recommend.
October 15, 2020
“Songs for Libby” is another bullseye from Annette K. Larsen. From Sean to Libby to Jonas to the major and minor supporting cast, we find realistic, belovedly flawed characters that rise to life and that we feel deeply invested in. She masterfully creates memorable scenes both bitter and tender, with superb dialogue and heart-pounding tension. Annette never insults her readers’ intelligence, and gives us everything we long for amidst heartache and redemption. And the songs....oh, the songs! It’s like Annette chipped off little pieces of my life and heart and whipped them into a beautiful legacy of truth and hope. This book is clean, fresh, and personal-collection worthy. I will definitely dive into it again and savor the nuances and insights woven into this story in natural and oh so memorable ways.
October 26, 2020
This book was hard for me to rate because I associate different ratings with different sections of the book. That being said I did still give it an overall 5, here is why.
I was surprised by the depth this book was willing to explore. There are different kinds of heartbreak in the book. Like real life... life goes on, whether or not we want it to and we all deal with it the best we can. There are hard choices we have to make in life, but we have the choice. I loved the silver lining aspect and that is what ultimately brought me to the 5-star rating. I don't say this for many books... make sure you have kleenexes ready. The rollercoaster ride and thunderstorm of emotions are real!
I thank the author for this work of art! It's beautiful. Please, keep writing!
I was surprised by the depth this book was willing to explore. There are different kinds of heartbreak in the book. Like real life... life goes on, whether or not we want it to and we all deal with it the best we can. There are hard choices we have to make in life, but we have the choice. I loved the silver lining aspect and that is what ultimately brought me to the 5-star rating. I don't say this for many books... make sure you have kleenexes ready. The rollercoaster ride and thunderstorm of emotions are real!
I thank the author for this work of art! It's beautiful. Please, keep writing!
April 27, 2021
Oh my WOW.
Wow. Just wow. There are so many things I want to say about this book, but none of them feel adequate. Annette K Larsen does such a stupendous job of reeling you in with the story, grabbing you by the heartstrings, and then taking you a long for the ride. It was emotional, it was heartbreaking, it was so incredibly sweet and had all the swoon-worthy moments too. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet and compelling romance, just don't forget to stock up on some tissues.
Wow. Just wow. There are so many things I want to say about this book, but none of them feel adequate. Annette K Larsen does such a stupendous job of reeling you in with the story, grabbing you by the heartstrings, and then taking you a long for the ride. It was emotional, it was heartbreaking, it was so incredibly sweet and had all the swoon-worthy moments too. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet and compelling romance, just don't forget to stock up on some tissues.
October 21, 2020
LOVE!
Loved this book! It made me feel ALL the emotions, in the best way possible. The characters and emotions will stick with me. I loved the musical touches and how the author wasn't afraid to delve into the realities of addiction and substance abuse, but did it in a tactful way.This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate PG-13 for the aforementioned addiction and substance abuse and kissing.
Loved this book! It made me feel ALL the emotions, in the best way possible. The characters and emotions will stick with me. I loved the musical touches and how the author wasn't afraid to delve into the realities of addiction and substance abuse, but did it in a tactful way.This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate PG-13 for the aforementioned addiction and substance abuse and kissing.
October 16, 2022
Rating: 3.75 Stars
POV(s): Single—First Person (FMC)
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance b>
It’s been a long journey, but I finally finished this book which I originally started back in December 2020—I had to repeatedly put it down in order to give my poor heart—and tear ducts—some much needed breaks. Whilst my memories of specific plot points somewhat faded over said breaks, the emotions the story invoked never did—which is to Larsen’s credit as an author. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work in the future, (although I’ll be doing so with a healthy dose of apprehension).
Title: “Songs for Libby” by Annette K. Larsen
Interconnected Series: No
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Triggers: Yes
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Former-Best-Friends
➢ Friends-to-Lovers
➢ Pregnant-Widowed-FMC
➢ Rockstar-MMC
➢ Second-Chance
POV(s): Single—First Person (FMC)
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance b>
“There’s nothing worse than resenting someone because you loved them too much to let them fail.”
It’s been a long journey, but I finally finished this book which I originally started back in December 2020—I had to repeatedly put it down in order to give my poor heart—and tear ducts—some much needed breaks. Whilst my memories of specific plot points somewhat faded over said breaks, the emotions the story invoked never did—which is to Larsen’s credit as an author. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work in the future, (although I’ll be doing so with a healthy dose of apprehension).
Title: “Songs for Libby” by Annette K. Larsen
Interconnected Series: No
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Triggers: Yes
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Former-Best-Friends
➢ Friends-to-Lovers
➢ Pregnant-Widowed-FMC
➢ Rockstar-MMC
➢ Second-Chance
January 19, 2026
I absolutely adored this book. I’m pretty generous with five stars when I genuinely love a story, but honestly? I wish I could give this one six. It was that good.
This wasn’t an easy, fluffy “oh we’ve always loved each other” friends-to-lovers story. This was pain, sacrifice, heartbreak, and choosing love in spite of everything life threw at them. The story spans years, jumping from high school to later in life, and we get to walk through all the mess and loss and longing the MMC and FMC endure along the way.
Told entirely from the FMC’s perspective, you could feel every ounce of her pain, her love, her hope, and her sacrifice. I cried more than once reading this, and every tear was worth it. These two kept running from each other and back to each other, giving things up, making impossible choices… and when they finally decided to choose each other? It was so beautiful and so earned.
This book broke my heart and stitched it back together in the best way. I wouldn’t change a single thing about the journey, and I loved the ending more than I can even put into words. Highly, highly recommend.
This wasn’t an easy, fluffy “oh we’ve always loved each other” friends-to-lovers story. This was pain, sacrifice, heartbreak, and choosing love in spite of everything life threw at them. The story spans years, jumping from high school to later in life, and we get to walk through all the mess and loss and longing the MMC and FMC endure along the way.
Told entirely from the FMC’s perspective, you could feel every ounce of her pain, her love, her hope, and her sacrifice. I cried more than once reading this, and every tear was worth it. These two kept running from each other and back to each other, giving things up, making impossible choices… and when they finally decided to choose each other? It was so beautiful and so earned.
This book broke my heart and stitched it back together in the best way. I wouldn’t change a single thing about the journey, and I loved the ending more than I can even put into words. Highly, highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason I am giving it a 4 star review is because I wanted a little more character development. Especially for the family members and in-laws that played smaller rolls in the book, but huge rolls in Libby’s life. There aren’t many people in her life, and I wanted to love them and mourn them with her, instead of mourning for her. I also wanted to see a little more growth in her self confidence and resilience by the end. Just a personal preference. That being said, I still REALLY loved this book and am excited to read it again. As always with Annette’s stories, the plot was intricate and often unexpected. I loved the premise, and twists and turns. It keep me on my toes and was hard to put down.
October 6, 2020
I’ve never regretted buying or spending my time reading Annette’s books! This book is another unique, well told story, that is two love stories in one.
As for myself, I would have liked it better if she had done 2 separate books, one for each love story, or found another way to tell both. I felt like both stories were great, but I wanted to hear more, especially about specific experiences from the fun and good parts of their high school friendship and more about the time with the best friend’s twin.
Overall another great book worth a read!
As for myself, I would have liked it better if she had done 2 separate books, one for each love story, or found another way to tell both. I felt like both stories were great, but I wanted to hear more, especially about specific experiences from the fun and good parts of their high school friendship and more about the time with the best friend’s twin.
Overall another great book worth a read!
November 26, 2020
That was a rocky road!! I feel like this author is getting better and better at writing her books but maybe it was because this one had so much depth and trial to it it felt so real to life. Which is hard for me to love at times. I read to get away from sorrow and real life and this book is not light and fluffy. That being said it was good. I really didn’t know how things were going to turn out even in the last 30 pages it was rough! A person can change and I love that about this story! A lot of feelings going on that I don’t even know for sure what to write!
January 12, 2021
This was a sweet story with a unique take on the friends-to-lovers trope; however, there was way too much telling and not enough showing. As a result, I didn't identify with Libby, the heroine, or feel a connection between her and Sean. I also didn't feel the love between her and Jonas and as a result, didn't mourn the loss of their relationship. Again, I loved the idea of addiction tearing apart their friendship and years later their friendship being healed and built into something more, but I didn't feel the emotions because in the execution of the story.
January 25, 2021
Kisses only.
I liked so many things about this book. I liked that Libby didn’t pine for Sean her whole life. Her friendship was genuine and so was her guilt. I liked that even though this is clearly Libby and Sean’s story and we know Jonas will get out of the way somehow we don’t root for him to die. He and Libby had a sweet love story and her grief over his loss is real. I liked that she and Sean took their time, she’s a grieving widow after all. I thought the progression and emotions were very natural too.
I liked so many things about this book. I liked that Libby didn’t pine for Sean her whole life. Her friendship was genuine and so was her guilt. I liked that even though this is clearly Libby and Sean’s story and we know Jonas will get out of the way somehow we don’t root for him to die. He and Libby had a sweet love story and her grief over his loss is real. I liked that she and Sean took their time, she’s a grieving widow after all. I thought the progression and emotions were very natural too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2021
I really didn’t think this was going to be a five star book in the early chapters. In fact, I was pretty frustrated with Sean and Libby in the beginning. And halfway through I had to stop because I was too emotional and it brought up too much of my recent personal grief. But when I picked it back up a week later, I soon found myself unable to put it down. This was very well written. There were so many difficult moments that just made the joyful parts that much more satisfying. It was real and raw. I cried numerous times. A very well rounded story.
September 13, 2021
Holy cow! Her books just keep getting better and better! She is an author who doesn't do cliché stories. Sometimes that means they are a little more emotionally charged. This one was a lot emotionally charged. But, they are great exercises in empathy/sympathy. I do like that she still has a good dose of the lovey dovey stuff in there. But, it's realistic and messy just like real life can be.
Thanks for another great story Annette Larsen! Now that I finished reading this book, I can get back to my life...I couldn't put this one down.
Thanks for another great story Annette Larsen! Now that I finished reading this book, I can get back to my life...I couldn't put this one down.
April 20, 2023
lyrical
I've read a lot of Annette K. Larsen's books, I think all of her Dalthia series, and greatly enjoyed them. This is not like those books in that it's firmly set in the modern world. So beautifully emotional, I was absorbed into this story! Libby and Sean felt like real people trying and sometimes failing at life, but still trying. I loved how his songs were part of the story as it progressed, I could imagine I was hearing them as they introduced the chapters. I love Ms Larsen's fairytale stories and now I love her contemporary stories as well.
I've read a lot of Annette K. Larsen's books, I think all of her Dalthia series, and greatly enjoyed them. This is not like those books in that it's firmly set in the modern world. So beautifully emotional, I was absorbed into this story! Libby and Sean felt like real people trying and sometimes failing at life, but still trying. I loved how his songs were part of the story as it progressed, I could imagine I was hearing them as they introduced the chapters. I love Ms Larsen's fairytale stories and now I love her contemporary stories as well.
April 22, 2024
Beautiful
It's always nice to read a romance story with an actual story in it. I need to get back to clean romance stories that are swoon worthy. It's refreshing to fall in love with the journey it takes to fall in love, instead of quickly Insta love and pages of sex with no real story. I loved this, I cried, I cheered Them on and their effort to make things right. I loved the healing that had to take place in both of their lives. Full novel, no cliffhanger and a happily ever after.
It's always nice to read a romance story with an actual story in it. I need to get back to clean romance stories that are swoon worthy. It's refreshing to fall in love with the journey it takes to fall in love, instead of quickly Insta love and pages of sex with no real story. I loved this, I cried, I cheered Them on and their effort to make things right. I loved the healing that had to take place in both of their lives. Full novel, no cliffhanger and a happily ever after.
October 20, 2020
4.6 I rounded up. :) Each of her books bring a different element while staying true to strong, real, and believable characters. My only sadness is I think I needed more Jonas, but then I'm worried that if there was more, I would be even more upset about his character. I also loved that the characters worked on themselves first. The book was another wonderful read from Annette K. Larsen. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2020
This book made me laugh and it made me cry. I was in awe of how Annette managed to write a story full of depth and growth without being dark and depressing. The book as a whole spoke of hope and courage. I loved it. Now I need to go read Keeping Kinley. Why is it every time I read a new one of her books I have to go re-read all the others. Probably because I'm reminded of how phenomenal her writing is and I just need more of it.
November 23, 2020
There Were Tears...
Songs for Libby takes the path of every great love song. It opens with a plucky flourish that makes you grin, grinds through guttural pains, then plucks at your heart strings until there are tears you never thought you would cry entertwined with emotions you believed long buried. Finally, it closes with a hush of joy that feels like a cherished memory as it trails away.
Songs for Libby takes the path of every great love song. It opens with a plucky flourish that makes you grin, grinds through guttural pains, then plucks at your heart strings until there are tears you never thought you would cry entertwined with emotions you believed long buried. Finally, it closes with a hush of joy that feels like a cherished memory as it trails away.
January 9, 2024
I'm really liking Annette K. Larsen's contemporary books!
The main female character, Libby, isn't a typical girl character I normally read. She gets MAD, and she lets others hear it! Haha! I enjoyed the music aspect in this book as well. And Sean, man that guy is patient.
Also this book took a turn I didn't expect early- ish on when she doesn't get the guy and Jonas is her man. That was a fun little twist and I wasn't sure how it would play out.
The main female character, Libby, isn't a typical girl character I normally read. She gets MAD, and she lets others hear it! Haha! I enjoyed the music aspect in this book as well. And Sean, man that guy is patient.
Also this book took a turn I didn't expect early- ish on when she doesn't get the guy and Jonas is her man. That was a fun little twist and I wasn't sure how it would play out.
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