Omg this story is soo wholesome!! YA Queer mama mia? Sign me up! The characters were adorable and the plot read really easy and was enjoyable. I wouldn’t say the story was something ‘super unique’ in a way that might made me want to give it a 5 star, but it was a very pleasant book to read. So definitely 4 stars from me!

this book was SO CUTE- the whole mystery aspect with mia’s mom and the love story between the two girls was just so cute!! this was the most perfect AND quick little read! i <3 sapphic romances 🥺🥺

"The Last Love Song" by Kalie Holford is a delightful 4-star read that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book offers a unique storytelling experience by alternating between timelines, allowing readers to follow Mia's journey as she unravels the mysteries of her mother's past and her own path in life.

The novel beautifully captures the essence of small-town life, filled with painful goodbyes and the desire for something more. Mia's passion for songwriting provides a poignant backdrop as she grapples with her feelings about her late mother, country music star Tori Rose, who left behind a complicated legacy.

Holford skillfully weaves a captivating narrative as Mia embarks on a scavenger hunt through her hometown, unearthing clues that shed light on her mother's life. The quest to discover the real Tori Rose is both heartwarming and engaging.

As the summer winds down and Mia's girlfriend, Britt, prepares to leave, Mia is faced with important decisions about her future. The book skillfully navigates themes of family, love, and self-discovery, making it a compelling and soulful debut.

Thank you for the e-arc, this was such a fun and heartwarming book to read. It felt like a movie was playing through my head while reading, so an tv show or movie adaptation would be awesome.

Omg this was incredible

A mamma Mia inspired sapphic romance it was truly perfect
The writing was lovely and the storytelling flowed smoothly

A book perfect for swifties, musicals lovers and just music fantatics in general

Such a lovely gem of a book

(Thank you to Kalie Holford, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC copy)

Oh my goodness was this a captivating and quick read. In other words the author did an amazing job with mixing both the past and present of two different people and also keeping both the main character of the story and us readers on edge.

Of course it follows Mia who follows her late mom’s little scavenger hunt after her graduation day. But I think the story’s focus is mostly on the adventure on the way (sounds kinda cliche but it is very much the right adjective to this book) and we get to know both a love interest for Mia and two love interests for Tori and along the way get to meet people that Tori also counted as family as well as her awesome moms (and Mia’s awesome grandmothers) who I adored but also got a little mad at for (spoiler alert) <spoiler>not letting Mia know a whole lot about her mom or even her dad! </spoiler>

I of course fell in love with the story along the way and the little adventure that Tori had left for Mia and the many puzzle pieces of who could possibly be Mia’s father and what Tori’s message could be for her too. And my heart broke a little bit every time Mia also got a bit stuck during the adventure with the clues as well as how Tori had to say goodbye to a lot of people and get hurt or accidentally hurt someone else (same with Mia).

On top of that the romance had me fully giggling at some points and even making me feel heartbroken for both of the girls when a fight happened etc and I was more or less yelling at the characters to go apologise.

However my only complain is that some parts of the storyline felt a bit too rushed or not really explained at some points in the book. And the ending being a tiny bit predictable but otherwise I highly recommend this book , both for the story, the characters and the cute queer representations that are in the book (and of course the indirect found family of some of the characters with the main characters).

I really liked this book. The pacing was good, the writing was so so so beautiful, the story was so heartwarming and really touching. What I loved the most were the characters, they were easy to love and charming

In The Last Love Song by Kalie Holford, readers are introduced to Mia Peters, a young woman who finds solace in songwriting as she faces the bittersweet summer after high school graduation. As everyone around her prepares to move on, including her supportive yet challenging girlfriend, Britt, Mia grapples with the idea of leaving her small town, Sunset Cove. Scarred by her mother's abandonment and determined not to follow in her footsteps, Mia's world is turned upside down when she discovers a series of letters from her late mother, Tori Rose, written in her own hand. Holford skillfully weaves a captivating tale as Mia embarks on a thrilling scavenger hunt through a Sunset Cove she never truly knew, enveloped in the frozen memory of her mother. Each new revelation brings Mia closer to understanding the enigmatic Tori Rose, but with Britt's imminent departure, time is of the essence. The author adeptly captures the palpable sense of urgency as the summer winds down and Mia confronts her emotions and the choices that lie before her. The Last Love Song is a remarkable debut novel that resonates with soulfulness and authenticity. Holford's writing style effortlessly combines heartfelt emotions with engaging storytelling, drawing readers into Mia's journey of self-discovery. As Mia unravels the secrets of her mother's past, there is a sense of longing and determination that is palpable throughout the narrative. The exploration of Mia's struggles with her identity and the legacy of her mother's choices adds depth to the story, making it relatable to readers who have grappled with similar themes of self-acceptance and forging their own path. Holford's portrayal of Mia's musical passion and her connection to Taylor Swift's music further enhances the narrative, evoking a sense of familiarity for those who have ever attempted to decipher the hidden meanings behind their favorite artist's work. Overall, The Last Love Song is a captivating and poignant coming-of-age tale that will tug at the heartstrings of readers. It beautifully captures the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of one's own destiny. Whether you are a fan of Taylor Swift or simply appreciate a heartfelt story with a touch of mystery, this book is a must-read. Kalie Holford's debut novel is a promising start to her writing career, leaving readers eager to see what she has in store for them next.

I loved this book! I devoured it in only a few sittings and wish there was more to read. The story line was paced very well and the characters were easy to love!

The Last Love Song is marketed as a queer Mamma Mia. I am thrilled to report that this description does not disappoint.

The split POV is so much fun.
When Mia goes on a scavenger hunt searching for her mother's diary, I love that she doesn't simply read the pages she finds. Instead, we get to experience everything through Tori Rose's perspective. Having a dual POV makes the story come to life.

When it comes to the romance, I've said it before, and I'll say it again: friends to lovers is superior to all other tropes. Mia and Britt are so sweet together. (Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.)

The one thing I don't understand is all the secrecy.
If Tori Rose was so well-known and this town is essentially a shrine to her, how does nobody know anything about her final days? It seems highly unlikely that a tourist town filled with famous people and their families has no press attention. Celebrities wish they could keep their lives as private as Tori Rose did.

If I post every quote that touched my heart, I would be caught illegally distributing this book. Take that as your sign to read The Last Love Song for yourself.

Bottom line: Andante, andante, this did not let me down.

“I don’t know what comes after the moment you’ve waited your entire life for, but right now, it just feels like what comes next is my life, truly there for me to live.”

If Mamma Mia and Daisy Jones and the Six had a baby dumped in rainbow and glitter, The Last Love Song would be it.

Love Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Journey, and other bands/artists that will make you feel every single emotion there is? This book is for you!

Honestly, what first drew me to this book was the beautiful cover. I had absolutely no idea how much fun I’d have reading this book. Or how emotional it would make me.
From the beginning, I was hooked. The chapters are laid out like tracks/songs on an album, which is something I really loved. WITH A DUAL TIMELINE AND POV. <-Gosh I’m a sucker for both! Mia Peters is our FMC. She’s the daughter of country superstar Tori Rose “Peters”. Tori passed away, which led to Mia’s grandmothers (Tori’s moms) raising her. Mia finds mysterious letters from her mom and goes on a scavenger hunt with her childhood best friend to lover (twice) Britt to find the clues to unlock her mom’s past. Mia is a songwriter and Britt is a singer. Their love for music and each is simply beautiful! Being able to experience lives through a mother and daughter was really special, especially with the ending. 😭 I cried so hard!

Queer representation:
-2 mothers/2 grandmothers
-Britt and Mia (bi FMC)
-bi author

What a stunning debut novel! It was adorable, heartbreaking, inspiring, and emotional! Kalie’s writing is smooth and easy to follow. It didn’t feel rushed or overdone. Her attention to detail is superb. She has a way of allowing you to put yourself in her character’s shoes. I can’t recommend The Last Love Song enough! I will be screaming at everyone to read it.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, Kalie Holford, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.7 rounded up to 5/5

"The Last Love Song" by Kalie Holford is a captivating and emotional journey that beautifully weaves together themes of self-discovery, family, and the pursuit of dreams.

Set against the backdrop of Sunset Cove, Mia Peters faces a pivotal summer filled with farewells and uncertainties. Songwriting becomes her solace, and her journey unfolds as she grapples with the impending departures of those closest to her. The narrative skillfully explores Mia's reluctance to venture beyond her small town, haunted by the legacy of her mother, country music star Tori Rose, who left Mia and her grandmothers behind to pursue her dreams.

The mysterious letters from Mia's mother serve as a poignant and intriguing plot device, guiding Mia through a scavenger hunt that unravels the hidden layers of Sunset Cove and the true story of Tori Rose. The novel seamlessly blends the past and the present, keeping readers engaged and invested in Mia's quest for self-discovery.

The comparison to "Mamma Mia" and "Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes" provides an apt reference point, capturing the essence of the book's exploration of family secrets and the impact of a parent's choices on the protagonist's life.

The cover, featuring a split image of Mia and her mother at the same age, is visually striking and reflective of the dual timelines explored in the narrative.

While some elements may stretch believability, such as the lack of information about Tori Rose's death despite her fame, the novel excels in delivering a compelling and emotionally resonant story.

"The Last Love Song" is a quick read that lingers in the mind long after the last page. It's a tale that explores the complexities of relationships, the consequences of choices, and the pursuit of one's true destiny. Kalie Holford's storytelling prowess and the memorable characters make this novel a worthwhile and thought-provoking read.

Mamma mia here we go again! This was hands down one of my favourite reads of the year! I had to pause reading half way through to cry… yep it’s one of those.
The world building made you feel like you were really in the story and the characters and relationships were beautiful… the romance in this book I am still thinking about. The words were almost lyrical in the way they were written and the book had an amazing rhythm to it.
I could not recommend this more and this is a must read for YA it is pure magic!

The Last Love Song by Kalie Holford is an emotional and atmospheric novel about Mia Peters, the daughter of a famous Country star who is trying to find herself, her mom, and her dream after her late mom leaves her a graduate present with her story in it. Tori lives in a small town where everyone knows her and her mom, but nobody talks about her mom- at least, not as a person, but as a star.

I really loved this book and did not expect to cry towards the end but I very much did. This story speaks quite a lot about grieving someone you never really got to know and loving someone who is more legend and memory than real in your life. I think Holford writes that aspect of the story beautifully. I also fell in love with Mia and her best friend Britt, flaws and all. The small town it was set in also felt very alive, and I loved the side characters that we got to meet. I do wish we had seen even more of them, but I loved what we saw!

If you're a fan of Mama Mia and T Swift this book is for you.

I am very on the fence about this book. I both love it and somehow don't at the same time (Ironically enough I love Mama Mia and ehh about T Swift).

The book started very slow but eventually it was hard to put the book down. It is rare for me not to dislike any characters in a book, and it was refreshing to read a book like this.

The book is also beautifully written, I will definitely want to read more of Kalie Holford's work.

I give it 4 stars.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I devoured this book, desperate to uncover its secrets, and found myself sobbing halfway through. The writing is thought-provoking and will linger in your mind long after you finish. However, there are moments where you'll need to suspend your disbelief. The story revolves around a girl with a famous mother who died under mysterious circumstances. Despite her fame, there's a surprising lack of information about her life and death online. Nevertheless, it's a charming and bittersweet tale. While the beginning felt introductory, it quickly became light and I raced through the pages. It's hard to explain the mixed emotions I experienced while reading this book; it made me cry, yet that's what I loved most about it. I'm impressed that this is the author's debut as the timing feels perfect, and I enjoyed the narrative style of the story.

This is the queer YA story I wish I’d been able to read as a queer teen growing up in a small town.
Kalie has written a beautiful and emotive story about grief, love, growing up, and figuring out who you are. I was so moved by this story, I cried at last three times! I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. If you have ever experienced grief, or love, or struggled to figure out who you really are then you will find a part of yourself in the pages of this book. On top of the beautifully moving story Kalies writing is incredible, I could not believe that she was a debut author! The pacing is perfect, I was hooked by the end of the first page and I could not stop reading. I finished it in less than 24 hours. I cannot wait to see what she does next!

This was such a sweet debut! Would recommend for fans of YA sapphic romance, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Mamma Mia. And Swifties, for sure, lol. I thought the writing style was unique, and found myself getting quite emotional towards the end as well. I can understand the criticisms I'm seeing about the mystery requiring suspension of belief—however, this book didn't feel like it was meant to be about the mystery, in my opinion, but the MC's journey and the things she discovered about herself along the way. And ultimately, it was a very successful, well-done coming-of-age narrative that's bound to sweep teen dreamers off of their feet.

— 2 ⭑
„You’re the first person I want to cheer with.“

i‘m so sad but this was not for me. i had to force myself soo much to finish this because i didn’t wanna accept the fact that i do not like this.

💌- thank you netgalley & kalie holford for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒖𝒑.”

It all starts when Mia finds her mother's diary that gives way to the hunt that she herself did for her daughter. Now mine will be seen in return in the discoveries of this newspaper because it is one of the few things that are left of her. His mother was a country star, and all this hunt is surrounded by songs that will be the tracks of mia in this story.

At first, it was a bit introductory, but after a good time reading it became super light and I finished the book very quickly so as not to be one of my main readings.

People will never understand the mixed feelings I had while reading this book because somehow this hunt made me cry, and I think it was one of the things I love the most about reading this book.

Somehow or another I am impressed that this is the author's debut because in my opinion this book arrived at the right time and I liked the narrative of this story.

I received this ARC from Blackstone Publishing (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.