I didn’t really connect with story because I hated the relationship between Grace and David. It wasn’t healthy and I couldn’t emotionally connect with them. Grace grew on me later in the story thought because she was strong and motivated. I loved the friendship aspect of this story a lot but the start of it was just rocky for me. I’m sure their will be a ton of people who will love this story but I just never fell in love with it the way I expected.

I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to enjoy this book, but once I started I got sucked in and couldn’t put it down! The story was complex enough to remain interesting but still light enough to devour during a summer day by the pool. It was easy to feel for the main character and there were some unexpected twists and turns to the story that really pulled it all together. I found myself wanting more because I didn’t want to be finished with these characters! Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

Well written story about Grace, a violin and cello maker, involved with a married man, David. Grace was a cellist until she was kicked out by a demanding and unreasonable teacher, impacting her confidence and her approach to life. As circumstances change with David, Grace becomes closer to Nadia, the teen who helps her at the shop, and is also a budding musician. Although David’s character as the suave Parisian was a bit stereotypical, I loved Grace, Nadia and Mr, Williams, and the odd trio they formed. I enjoyed this one, particularly for the infusion of music throughout the book.

This is an easy hand sell for customers who loves Little Paris Bookshop and Me Before You. This one is a great summer read.

I really loved this book. It was very different from other chick-lit books I've read, where the protagonist owns a bakery or a book store. The main character in this book, Grace, repairs string instruments in a quint little shop located in Great Britain. I thought the story had just the right amount of naivety from Grace in the beginning to make her relatable and endearing. Grace is fairly reclusive - except for her long-standing affair with David, a charming, Paris-living Brit, who continuously makes affirmations of undying love to Grace (honestly, I knew he was a creep from the get-go. Whenever a guy cries that much in a book, you know he's got some screws loose). There small, secretive life together is put in jeopardy after David performs a gallant act, landing him in the cross hairs of media outlets worldwide. From there, all kinds of secrets come flying out at Grace, setting her past with David on fire. The reader feels for her - especially after the true nature of her relationship with her former instructor is revealed, a relationship that forced Grace to give up performing- the patriarchy has this girl all tangled up. The reader is right on the cusp of empathy and frustration with Grace and her reaction to David's betrayal(s), but ultimately you're left rooting for her and hoping for the best. Mr. Williamson and Nadia are shining stars and Grace's light in a very dark place. They are her cheerleaders in her attempt to win in a world-renowned violin-making competition and their tough love, delivered with kid gloves, is what gets her through. I loved the modge-podge nature of their tripod. The ending was satisfying as well - Her victory in all things was sweet and happy.. Really great read for summer time relaxation! 4 stars!