Her Memory of Music

by Katherine Scott Jones

Life has taught Ally Brennan to stay on her guard--even in quiet Langley-by-the-Sea. A resourceful single mom, she's content to play her beloved viola for an audience of one, fiercely protective of the stable life she's created for her young son. She gives no hint of secret fears, a musical career abandoned, or the man she once loved who shadows their happiness. When a burglary threatens Ally's peaceful existence, it thrusts her into an unlikely friendship with her neighbor Rees Davies. As their families' lives entwine, Ally and Rees resist the attraction between them, believing a future together could not possibly work. Then a terrible accident draws her back to the hometown she fled, forcing confrontations with those left behind. If she hopes to reclaim the life she dreams of, Ally must make peace with what she's sacrificed--and entrust dangerous secrets to those she's come to love. Lyrical and layered, Her Memory of Music explores the burden of love and the high stakes of vulnerability.

Genres: Fiction

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2020

About the author

Katherine Scott Jones grew up in cities on every U.S. coast and overseas as her family moved with her father’s Navy career. Seattle became home when she married her husband twenty-eight years ago. After graduating from Whitworth University with a degree in communications, she established herself as a freelance writer before turning her hand to fiction. She blogs about books that celebrate beauty at www.katherinescottjones.com. Katherine and her husband have two teenage children. She is the author of SHADOW SISTER and HER MEMORY OF MUSIC.

Reviews

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving story that probes many deeper themes such as infertility, sex slavery, and rape, but never with a heavy hand. The title weaves like a subtle thread through the novel, working its way to a meaningful ending. I appreciated that the scenes set in Mumbai always felt genuine, as if the author is familiar with the culture/customs there. For those searching for Christian fiction that brings spiritual themes to the table, but that shows characters wrestling with real-life issues in realistic ways (instead of portraying them as knowing it all, right off the bat), this is definitely the novel to read. Unusual, satisfying, standout read.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slipping into the Pacific northwestern world of Katherine Scott Jones' debut novel was effortless. From their first moments on the page, Ally and her son Jack begin to breathe and live, and they lose no time trading the normal trials of a single-parent family for something much more sinister.

I hesitate to echo what others have already said, that Her Memory of Music grapples with tough issues, but only because this is a story about characters, not issues. Owing to the author's deft hand, the story moves at a nimble pace, with the just-right mix of suspense, romance, and emotional complexity. The spiritual element is strong--this is not the kind of Christian fiction that makes a passing reference to prayer and calls it a day. Jones writes characters who remain tender to their need for Jesus, who talk to and about God, and who struggle to make Spirit-led decisions.

Bottom line: Her Memory of Music is a great story, full of authentic relationships and beautiful writing. Highly recommended for fans of Lisa Wingate, Sarah Loudin Thomas, and Elizabeth Musser.

[Paula Hemphill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. It's honest and raw and so hopeful. Katherine Scott Jones writes with compassionate authority about very difficult real-life issues facing the world today. The book was brilliant and fun and a beautiful journey-- as all good stories are. 10/10 highly recommend. Once you start you won't want to stop.

[Emma Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, Katherine Scott Jones gripped my attention with her lyrical writing and soft tone. Being the first book I got to read for fun in a long time, I was captivated by the storyline. My eyes felt glued to the page every time I picked it up! I found myself connected to the characters, gasping as the plot line thickened, and smiling as I witnessed relationships form and deepen, step by step. I loved reading this book, a majority of it read on the plane to and from home (which made the time fly by!). I have read both of Jones’ books and would definitely read whatever she writes next; it is just too easy to get lost in her words!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't stop thinking about these characters while I was going about my day, and eagerly anticipated my next opportunity to keep reading. That, to me, is the mark of a well-written novel. Katherine Scott Jones skillfully weaves a complex plot with a powerful redemptive message. The pacing, character development, and suspense elements send the reader on quite a journey as the sinister antagonist strives to carry out his dangerous plans. Really enjoyed this, and I look forward to more from this gifted author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim Galgano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike my non-fiction propensity, this fiction is the perfect combination of mystery, romance, and sensitive intricacies over difficult, real-life issues. Where my writing might require a journal and the difficult task of goal setting (which, let's face it, feels tiring), Her Memory of Music propels you toward a cozy blanket on a slow-paced afternoon (because you won't want to put the book down). Having said that, what Her Memory of Music, and The Chance to Choose have in common is our universal struggle toward Spirit-led decision making.

Katherine Scott Jones has so skillfully developed characters who remind each of us that our conversation with God about our struggle with choice is paramount to our destined future. But this is not your typical Christian fiction which habitually over-simplifies life decisions. She deftly crafts the tension, labor, and complexity behind human story.

Three hundred and forty-one thrilling pages into Her Memory with Music, main character Rees asks, "What choice do I have? Her mind is made up, and I'm leaving for Mumbai in the morning." This sentence encapsulates the book for me. Jones does not shy away from desperate doubt, and impossibility on the complex subject of choice, especially within the context of relationship, yet on the final page I am fueled by that eternal hope I cling to in the moments I choose to remember that God holds the ultimate plan and his promises are sure.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Scott Jones' Her Memory of Music is like a perfect recipe.

The plotline includes a burned out human trafficking investigator, an equally harried single mom on the run from an abusive relationship, and a married couple made up of a spouse on the verge of a career change while both are dealing with the pain of infertility.

Wow! It's a lot to juggle but Jones does it very well. Especially considering this is her first novel.

The fact that all of the action takes place within a faith-based framework solidly anchors the story.

Just like that perfect recipe, Katherine Scott Jones' writing leaves you hungry for more!

[Paula Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel is beautifully writtten and takes the reader on an important journey of both heart and mind. Ally is a determined single mom learning to trust God as her past and future collide in a series of events that rock her world and endanger her young son. Part mystery, part romance, with stunning social issues exposed and deftly explored, this novel is a real page-turner. Sleek and lyrical, yet expertly layered, Katherine Scott Jones weaves a compelling, fast-paced story you won't soon forget.

[John Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, intrigue, suspense, romance - this book has it all! It captured my attention from the first few pages and held it to the end. Many layers intertwine, and hard issues are addressed in a compelling and satisfying way. You don’t want to miss reading this book.

[Kirsetin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Memory of Music is a beautifully written, compelling story that drew me in from the start. With unexpected plot twists, a bit of mystery, a beautiful love story, and a solid undergirding of faith, Her Memory of Music kept me turning pages late into the night. I highly recommend it!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a page turner! Enjoyed the characters and the story.

[Sendie Trahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this one

This was an amazing book must read for anyone!!!
I love this kind of book would love to read it again!!!

[Denise Gann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the character development! Such a refreshing find.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Scott Jones writes a captivating story that pulls you in emotionally and keeps you turning the pages. Her characters are deep and intriguing, making you care about them and how their story will turn out. She doesn't pull any punches or lighten the brokenness of the characters. They are real and raw and make you root for them to make it through. Miss Jones is now one of my FAVORITE authors! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look for more from this amazing writer!