A heartwarming and comforting read. The Key to My Heart is a sweet slow-burn romance. It is also a moving story of a young widow learning to love life again.

Natalie’s husband died two and a half years ago and she is still struggling. One thing that seems to cheer her up slightly is playing piano though she only seems able to play the public one near St. Pancras station. Soon, Natalie discovers sheet music at the piano seemingly left for her—ones that have special meaning to her and her husband. This sparks some hope and happiness in her. As she searches for the mystery person leaving music for her she begins to open up, reconnects with her friends, and makes new ones along the way.

This is a beautiful story and features one of the most thoughtful and romantic “grand gestures” I’ve ever read. If you are already a fan of Lia Louis’s work, you will not be disappointed. And if you haven’t read her work yet—what are you waiting for?! I loved Dear Emmie Blue and think The Key to My Heart is her most charming story yet. A must-read if you are a fan of (British) romance novels, slow-burn relationships, and stories of resilience and renewed hope. 4.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Atria Books for the opportunity to read an ARC via NetGalley. This is my voluntary and honest review.

Okay I did like this book, I did, and I would recommend it, but it kinda also fell a bit flat. I still recommend though!

I went into this book expecting a sweet little romance and found myself sobbing more than once as I worked through the main character's grief along with her.

Natalie lost her husband just over two years ago and feels stagnant, a shell of her old self. When she begins to play piano at a London train station as a way to battle her grief and loss, she is surprised when sheet music of her husband's favorite music begin secretly appearing for her.

As she works through the mystery of the sheet music, she comes to face her grief head on with the help of new friends and old.

This book was extremely touching and is something anyone who has experienced a substantial loss will be able to resonate with. A true five star read, Lia Louis has created a dramatic and heartwarming story with The Key To My Heart.

I was approved for this book on Netgalley twice! So my full review will be on the other copy that I received!

This book is a perfect snuggle under a blanket read. There were tears and laughter and I really enjoy the way Lia Louis writes. This is the story of Natalie, who lost her husband two years ago in a tragic accident. Natalie is stuck with her grief and spends time visiting him frequently and stopping to play piano in a train station. Mysteriously, sheet music is being left for her and the songs are important to her relationship with her husband, Russ. Natalie has to figure out how to keep moving in her life and the mystery of the music is a catalyst to her moving forward. I loved her "old" friendships and I adored her new friendship with Tom, right from their first meeting. Louis covers a variety of issues and emotions with this story. An enjoyable read Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Key to My Heart is like a big warm hug on a chilly day. All of Louis's books feel like the perfect winter book to curl up by the fire, watch the snow fall, and cozy up with each page. In my eyes, Lia Louis can do no wrong! Ever since I read the very first page of Dear Emmie Blue I have been a fan work. Her follow up Eight Perfect Hours was amazing and this book definitely follows suit. Louis's books pack a punch with so much heart, emotion, and love. & personally, I love love! The characters always feel realistic, not at all cheesy, and leave you feeling hopeful and happy by the end.

The Key to My Heart introduces us to Natalie Fincher. Natalie experiences extreme loss after her husband is in a tragic accident. She slowly begins to rebuild her life but everything is a reminder of him and she is stalled out and unable to move on. Everyone in her life is worried about her and trying their best to help but music seems to be the only outlet where she is able to find peace. Each Tuesday and Thursday Natalie plays piano at the train station as a form of therapy for herself and truly thinks nobody else is even paying attention. That is until music pages begin showing up in the piano bench. & not just any music, songs that are significant and specific to her deceased husband, Russ. Natalie sets out to find who is leaving the music sheets and why. In doing so opens herself up to the thoughts of a new life, new love, and also the possibly of heartbreak when she finds out the truth.

This story was definitely a slow burn and is not all sunshine and rainbows, but the author is able to write about tough subjects with such hope. I loved all the supporting characters, full of quick wit, sarcasm, and genuine care for Natalie.

Thank you to Atria/ Emily Bestler Books & NetGalley for an ARC of The Key to My Heart in exchange for my honest review. 4.5 stars