This book is so dark, so poignant, so raw and emotional. The characters are complex, human, and flawed - though those may just be synonyms. There were so many relatable moments in this engaging story. A lot of heavy topics are handled, but with care so it doesn't seem artificial and romanticized. The only thing I didn't like was how slow it progressed -- but it's understandable due to all the serious themes.

A story filled with the raw, emotional, and dark of the struggles with grief and addiction. The characters throughout are complex and relatable even in their darkest moments. At times I did feel this was a read that just kept going and I started to get bogged down by it but I'm writing that off as a me issue considering the heavy topics that are serious themes throughout.

While a lot of grief and hard choices are made throughout, there's something hopeful and inspiring that keeps a glimmer going for the readers.

Thank you for the ARC!

I enjoyed reading this book. I would warn you to read the TW before starting this book. It carries heavy topics which may trigger you. It is very well written and it is much more than a love story. I enjoyed the multiple POV but I would like to say it was not an easy read. Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

This was a very middle-of-the-road book for me. But I do know people I can recommend this book to that will love and enjoy it.

The Music We Make is a debut book written by Michelle Renee DeBellis.

Santiago DeAngelo survived a horrible accident where he tragically lost his mother. Having severe injuries from the accident and requiring multiple surgeries, Santiago soon relies on pills to ease his pain. His family becomes fractured from the loss, and his father blames him for her death while his sister Lucy tries to hold the family together. Grief and guilt haunt him, causing him to spiral and self-destruct. This really hit home with me because someone close to me struggles to remain sober.

Hearing music that he believes is being sent from his mother, Santiago is inspired to create the thing he loves. The book also brings relationship dynamics into the mix and an interesting love triangle. Thankfully, this does not take away from the heart of the book. Hearing Kitty’s perspective and her own struggles adds more emotion to the storyline.

I enjoyed the book; at times, it may have been a bit slow for me but - no biggie. I love a book about survival, hope, resilience, and overcoming struggles that risk everything.

📚BOOK REVIEW 📚

The Music We Make @michellerenedebellis

This book was a lovely surprise by an author that was new to me. This book is a heartbreaking story of one man's grief, trauma and addiction and how he struggles to overcome these issues. The book also tackles the complications of relationships and communication.

I enjoyed this complex story. I felt Santiago's grief leap of the page and I was rooting for him to pull through and conquer his demons.

It was a well written and engaging read and I'm glad I got the chance to read it. I felt the difficult subjects in this book where handled with care. I don't want to say too much more for fear of giving spoilers. But it was an enjoyable read.

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TW: tragic death of a parent, drug abuse, suicidal thoughts

When Santiago loses his mother tragically and has 4 surgeries in a year, he has to learn how to deal with the emotional and physical pain. He finds relief at the bottom of a pill bottle.

His dad has plans for him, but Santiago wants to follow his dream. He knows he can make it in the music industry.

Will his addiction fuel his rise to fame or cost him everything?

This book covers a lot of tough subjects like addiction, tragic death, recovery, suicide.

There's a love triangle with a third act break up. The story is so much more than just a love story. It's a story of hope and survival.

Wow, what a touching tale of loss, addiction, fame and trauma. This book is heartbreaking! I really got sucked into this book and really felt for Santiago!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful and well written story of one man’s struggle to overcome addiction and the trauma of the past as well as his actions and relationships to go along with that.

The book is filled with beautiful writing and passages that suck you in.

It’s a well crafted narrative that is heart wrenching and heart warming all in one. A journey of the highs and lows in music and life that has you glued to the pages wanting to know what’s next for Santiago.

Thank you for letting me read this great book!