Heartstrings and Harmonies

by Manali Desai

Think of a time when a song made your life easy. Was it when you wanted to confess your love? Was it when you were at a low point in your life, and that song worked as a balm? Was it a song someone dedicated to you, or vice versa? Is there a song you associate to a person or a memory? Do you have a specific song set as a ringtone for the special people in your life, and a story behind doing so?

For music lovers, there would hardly be a day that goes by without listening to their favorite tunes and melodies. They travel, they work, they workout, they cook, and do almost every activity imaginable, with their best friend, music, by their side.

Heartstrings and Harmonies is a book for such souls, written by one such soul. Each tale in this collection is woven around a song. So how many such tales are we talking about? Since it’s a Valentine’s special book, that too released in a leap year (2024), that number is significant as well. Did you guess it yet? Yes, it’s 29.
29 stories, 30 songs.

Dive in for a lyrical journey of love, friendship, hope, revelations and beyond.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2024

Reviews

[Tanvi Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartstrings and Harmonies by Manali Desai is a collection of 29 short stories exploring the themes like love, loss, compassion, optimism, revelations and companionship. Though the stories’ main theme is romance, the author ensured to give them a pinch of thriller, and fiction.

Read full review here: https://inklingsinsight.blogspot.com/...

[DarkFantasyReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book

What sets Heartstrings and Harmonies apart is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. Some stories tug at the heartstrings with their tender portrayal of love and longing, while others uplift the spirit with their messages of resilience and hope. There are moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between, making each story a unique and memorable exploration of the human experience.

[Ranjit Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Music is a world within itself.

A compendium of wonderful 29 short stories is the latest book Heartstrings and Harmonies by Manali Desai is a must read. The anatomy of the book comprises of compositions which we experience in our lives and could directly relate to it. The concepts like romance, loss, positivity, empathy, friendship are so well articulated in the book by the author as the writings are quite crisp and the readers will love it.
The author is huge music buff and so am I and that is why music plays a very vital role in the book as Manali has beautifully written each story in correlation with one particular song each. This conceptualised writing is what I liked the most because it will not only keep you fixated to each story but also keep an other tab open in mind about the next story and the song related to it. The book is a delightful quick read.
I will in-fact highly recommend Heartstrings and Harmonies to the budding readers as it is a quick read and keep the mind grappling to the book. To all the music lovers out there, this book is definitely for you.

[Pratheeba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book

One of the most remarkable aspects of "Heartstrings and Harmonies" is its ability to resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. Whether it's a tender love story set against the backdrop of a romantic ballad or a tale of resilience and hope underscored by an uplifting anthem, each narrative strikes a chord with the reader, evoking a myriad of emotions and inviting introspection.

Moreover, the anthology's release during a leap year, particularly on Valentine's Day, adds an extra layer of significance, symbolizing the leap of faith we often take in matters of the heart. It serves as a poignant reminder that love knows no boundaries and that music has the power to bridge the gaps between us, transcending time and space.

[Anusha Hansaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing collection of short stories 😍 The author has done an amazing job of writing the short stories based on Bollywood songs. Her way of writing these short stories is what actually won my heart. It's crisp and to-the-point without her narrating the obvious outcomes. It's a fun and intriguing read. It has all the genres imbibed in these short stories collection. Highly recommended read👌

[Nisa Parveen Shaikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories centered around the theme of love, with each narrative drawing inspiration from a particular song. Love is explored in various forms within this anthology, ranging from romance and friendship to hope, offering readers a comprehensive spectrum of emotional connections.

Throughout the introduction, preface, and conclusion, reading the book was a delightful experience. The songs paired seamlessly with the stories, enhancing the overall experience.

I enjoyed reading most of the stories in the collection. However, there were a few instances where I felt the endings were abrupt. While I hesitate to single out any specific story as 'bad,' as none truly were, there were some that felt too short. These stories lacked a proper foundation and seemed to conclude before fully engaging me. It's not that they were poorly written, but rather that they left me wanting more depth and development.

As a lover of a collection of short stories, I recommend giving this a chance. With a variety of stories and even a collection of songs included, there's bound to be something that appeals to you. Hence this book has a diverse range of experience for readers to enjoy.

[K B Janaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fundamentally, the collection honors music's ability to speak to everyone and acknowledges its unmatched power to arouse feelings and alter our perceptions of reality. Every one of the 29 stories is closely associated with a certain song, which functions as the story's emotional spurt as well as its thematic center. This innovative method highlights the close bond between music and the human soul while also giving the narrative more depth and richness.

[Swati Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Heartstrings and Harmonies: A Symphony of Emotions" by Manali Desai is a captivating collection of 29 tales intricately woven around beloved Hindi songs, offering readers a poignant journey through the spectrum of human emotions. Each story, expertly crafted by a passionate music enthusiast, resonates deeply with themes of love, hope, resilience, and nostalgia. The diverse characters and their relatable struggles, set against the backdrop of iconic melodies, create a harmonious blend that keeps readers engrossed till the very end. Desai's writing is both light-hearted and heartfelt, making this book a delightful read for anyone who finds solace and joy in the magic of music and storytelling. With its unique concept and masterful execution, "Heartstrings and Harmonies" is sure to strike a chord with literature and music enthusiasts alike.

[Prajwal Shettigar · Rating 5 out of 5]

In conclusion, Heartstrings and Harmonies is a delightful ode to the timeless connection between music and the human soul. With its evocative storytelling, diverse cast of characters, and enchanting soundtrack, it's a book that will linger in your heart long after you've turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a lyrical journey of love, friendship, and the power of music to heal and inspire.

[Tanushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light and heartfelt tales

Most days when I'm free and need some solitude time , I rush for a rom com movie or a light read and this book is a combination of both !A light read with simple yet soulful stories .It was an enjoyable read and the Bollywood music in each story was that added magic that the author created to make you delve into each story.

Must read for all fans of love stories and more ...every story has a message subtle but strong.
Look forward to reading all the other books of the author

[Rajendra Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Heartstrings and Harmonies" by Manali Desai is a collection of 29 heartwarming tales, each woven around a song🎶. The characters in these tales are wonderfully diverse and relatable, each facing their own challenges and triumphs.

Whether it's a protagonist grappling with unrequited love, a friendship tested by distance, or a soul searching for meaning in life, readers will find themselves drawn to the authenticity and depth of the characters' journeys. Overall, this book📘 is a delightful read that showcases the beauty of human emotion and the power of music🎵 to heal, inspire and unite💙

[Neelabh Pratap Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Heartstrings and Harmonies" by Manali Desai is a unique anthology. It's a blend of the magic of music with the theme of love. It comprises 29 short stories, all set to the backdrop of popular Hindi songs.

The collection is divided into three sections, each dedicated to exploring different facets of love: romantic love, love between friends, and the unconditional love between parents and their children.

What makes it different from conventional storytelling format by integrating music into its narrative core. For fans of Hindi music, "Heartstrings and Harmonies" is a treasure trove of nostalgia.

[Harish Kamath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartstrings and Harmonies is a collection of short stories by author Manali Desai that became available for purchase as recently as February 2024. Each story (there are twenty-nine in all) is based on a Hindi song, and was first composed in response to a blogpost that Manali subscribes to. Full disclosure: Manali and I have done an interview session together on Instagram about our books. She asked me questions about my recently released book, ‘A Philadelphia Story’, and I asked her questions about this one.

I will straightaway admit that I had some trouble going through the collection. For a number of reasons. First of all, out of all the songs in her playlist, I only knew ten of them, and out of those ten I had to really jog my memory to remember two. I guess I am too old for the age group this collection is aimed at! The other issue was that there was no link in the Kindle menu to the Table of Contents for each story. So even if I saw a song on her playlist that I did recognise and wanted to go read the related story, the link wasn’t available (Update: There is a Table of Contents with the links available, but for some reason, they are not on the Kindle menu). This could have ordinarily been very frustrating, but it turned out to not be so because almost all of these stories were so short that after a slightly tentative start, I started breezing through them shortly afterwards. From not being sure if I’d be able to finish reading the book in time for the interview, I found myself ready way ahead of schedule.

The stories themselves felt somewhat underdeveloped and abrupt. As a novelist, I tend to warm up to my subject only after I have written a few chapters and have always found short stories to be unworthy of my attention, as both writer and reader, for that very reason. However, I must not make the mistake of assuming that everyone else feels the same way, especially in this digital age, with its ever-present time constraints and short, short attention spans. So I dare say that the very weakness of the book is its greatest strength. The stories are short and each can be completed in less than ten minutes, five if you are a quick reader. The language is simple and the themes are easy to identify with. A strong undercurrent of optimism flows through all the stories. The author is obviously an incorrigible romantic and this too comes across very clearly. “Just keep your hopes alive,” she seems to say, “and good things will happen. Don’t give up!” Which is a message that gels extremely well with the themes of most of the songs in her selection.

My favourite stories were the ones that stood somewhat apart from the rest. There was one with a haunted hotel (‘My Shadow Will Follow You’), and one about how an author gets his start (‘The World’s Slogan, Stay Vigilant’) that resonated with me in particular. Overall, this is a nice little collection of stories, and for the casual reader who doesn’t want to spend weeks or months reading a novel, they could do a lot worse than pick ‘Heartstrings and Harmonies’ on their next visit to the bookstore (do they even exist anymore?!)…or Amazon or Flipkart or wherever!

[Saugata Chakraborty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manali Desai's Heartstrings and Harmonies is more than just a collection of short stories; it's an exploration of human emotions set to the tune of nostalgia. With each tale intricately woven around a Bollywood classic song, Desai creates a unique reading experience that resonates with the reader long after the final page is turned.

The book is divided into five thematic representations of love: Romance, Friendship, Hope, Revelation, Life & beyond. Each story stands alone as a testament to Desai's versatility as a writer, tackling themes of union, loss, compassion, and optimism with a deft touch. From the heartwarming tale of childhood sweethearts reuniting after years to the poignant story of a woman finding hope after tragedy, Desai's characters are relatable and their journeys evoke a range of emotions.

One of the most striking aspects of Heartstrings and Harmonies is the use of music as a narrative device. Each story is paired with a song that acts as a catalyst, a reflection, or a backdrop to the narrative. This innovative approach not only adds a layer of nostalgia but also deepens the emotional impact of the stories. The songs enhanced my own reading experience and brought back fond, and some not so fond memories. I also found it fascinating how the author could connect the songs to the prompts (sometimes a word) to the stories she had to tell.

Desai's writing style is fluid and engaging, drawing readers into the world of her characters with ease. Her prose is infused with a lyrical quality, mirroring the musical theme of the book. I must laud her ability to create vivid imagery and capture the nuances of human relationships.

Heartstrings and Harmonies has left a feeling of positivity, with its heartwarming stories, relatable characters, and innovative use of music. Though I found certain stories to be more impactful than others, which probably is the way any anthology turns out to be, but the overall impression has been Desai has created a collection that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

This book is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy:

Short story collections
Stories with a strong emotional core
Nostalgia for the Bollywood music scene
Books that explore the complexities of human relationships

If you're looking for a collection that will make you laugh, cry, and reminisce about the good old days, then this book is definitely worth picking up.

[Anamika Kundu · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Heartstrings and Harmonies’ is a collection of 29 short stories, with 30 songs woven through them by Manali Desai. The emotions woven through the book are definitely going to impact your heart. With Bolywood movies always running in the background of our lives, through its music or iconic dialogues, it was an interesting touch that Desai has incorporated. It’s a book dedicated to Love and romance, where together the lovers overcome hurdles, which is bound to tug at the readers' heartstrings.

Some stories explored unrequited love while some explored friendships. The stories are short, sometimes extremely so, but it is exactly the reason I found the book delightful.

I fell for the writer’s romantic story telling with the first story ‘The Rain Falls Pitter- Patter’ with the song Rim jhim girey savan sulag sulag jaye man… being the muse for the story. The descriptions of Mumbai during the rain and one driving through it while listening to songs on the radio was perfectly etched. What impressed me was the way the protagonist a thorough gentleman rescues a lady stranded in the downpour. They fall in love predictably but what is interesting is how the short story ends.

The second story, 'In the free sky let my dreams fly like the birds’ is set in a typical matrimonial scene when a prospective groom comes to meet the bride- to- be. The revelation that the ringtone of the man’s cell phone is the same song that is a personal favourite of the lady is indeed what romance is all about.

The prologue, defining love is mushy, yet adorable. Readers are requested to re-read them once they have gone through all the stories, is particularly relevant.
They are intriguing and will define love in new words for each reader. I relived my falling-in-love moments… and thank you for that.
Favourite quote:
It’s love
When they find a way into your life,
When you thought you’d lost them forever or
That you never had them to begin with.
I would definitely recommend it to die hard romantics and lovers of music who enjoy short stories.

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a collection of 29 interesting stories which are divided into 4 sections-Romance, Friendship and Hope and Revelation. Each story has been paired with a song that plays a crucial role in the storytelling. Manali’s writing in the book is quite fast paced and as a reader, you are compelled to keep turning the pages. Another aspect which I loved about the book was that the songs have been memtioned in the text in Hindi and then translated which gives a nice experience as you start humming the songs while reading, adding to the experience. The stories have are quite crisp and yet the message that she wants to send across is duly received, partly because of the audio-visual jugalbandi and partly because of the short yet expressive narrative. There are stories that would make you laugh and there are a few stories that would definitely wet your eyes with emotion. Manali’s twists at the end of each story is something I did not expect in a few of them, and to be honest, were the highlight in some of them.
The characters in the stories are very common people you might encounter in your lives (except for Aman, Anjali and Rahul) and that relatability plays a crucial role in the overall experience of living the stories as Manali tells them. The characters are not detailed out, presumably because of the shorter format, however you don’t feel the need of much descriptions as the plot itself suffices and you visualize someone you know into that story.

My favourite stories from the book are:
• The Rain Falls Pitter Patter
• Don’t Go Just Yet
• Oh, Something Strange is Happening
• O Mates, I’m a Wanderer

Overall, this is a book I would recommend to anyone who is skeptical of reading because of the long form and for aficionados of music and fine storytelling. The book scores a 4.94/5 for me.

[Aparna Salvi Salvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be creative, one has to be a little mad. Crazy to be specific.

I had read this somewhere and today as I turn the last page of Heartstrings and Harmonies, I have the same to say about the author. Before I tell you what the book is about, let me applaud Manali for her fearless creativity with which she breaks the usual pattern of short storytelling. The stories are filled with romance and more romance. Each story talks about how couples meet, fall in love, and then prove that they were indeed made for each other. Initially, I started counting the number of stories this book contained as I had to write a formal review. But then as I flipped pages, I lost track of the number, and I allowed myself to move with the flow. So, while reading these stories, I smiled, chuckled at places, looked out of my window to ponder, and then came back to the heroes and heroines of the stories. What stood out for me is the Bollywood songs and shayris included in the book. Now, you will ask what is so special about it. The inclusion of these songs connects me better with the protagonist's feelings. It helped me connect with the author's writing style, her I care-damn-what-the-world-thinks attitude because one rarely finds Bollywood songs added very frequently in a short story collection. This attitude, this change from routine, is what I look forward to when experimenting with new authors.
That is why I said previously you have to be a little crazy to be exceptionally creative. Go pick this book, if you love love stories, if you love Bollywood, and if Mumbai is your city of dreams. My only complaint would be that the stories got over very soon. I wanted the conversations to go on for a little long. I was dragged out of my romantic reverie too soon. Nevertheless, certain intoxications have to be short. I leave it at that.

[Natasha Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

#natashasharma #HeartstringsandHarmonies

In "Heartstrings and Harmonies: A Symphony of Emotions," Manali Desai presents 29 short stories inspired by popular Hindi songs. Each story explores different facets of love, from romantic relationships to the bonds of friendship and family. Desai's writing style is simple and engaging, making the book an easy and enjoyable read. While some stories may feel brief, the collection as a whole offers a diverse range of emotional experiences. Readers will likely find characters and situations they can relate to, as the stories touch on universal themes of connection, loss, and hope. The inclusion of a prologue poem and the consistent structure of each story add to the book's appeal. Overall, "Heartstrings and Harmonies" is a heartwarming collection that celebrates the power of music and human connection, making it a worthwhile read for those seeking a quick and emotional escape. My favourites were:

Love is romance: Don't go just yet

Love is friendship:The coal is black and raised by the mountain

Love is hope: Our Incomplete story

Love is a revelation: O'Mates, I am a Wanderer

Love is life and beyond: This Intoxicating Evening/This Beautiful night may not come again

[Reshmi Sujesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heartstrings and Harmonies: A Symphony of Emotions" by Manali Desai is a captivating collection of 29 short stories set against the backdrop of urban landscapes. Each tale is intricately woven around themes of love, hope, resilience, and nostalgia, making the book a delightful read for those who cherish emotional narratives.


What sets this book apart is its unique structure. Each story is inspired by a beautiful, popular hindi song, with the titles being translations of lines from these songs. This creative approach not only adds depth to the stories but also makes each story memorable and emotionally resonant.
Manali Desai's stories were originally crafted from writing prompts) Blogchatter's Bloghop ,and Authoropod and Unicorn).

While some stories left me yearning for more, the brevity adds to their charm, leaving a lasting impression. I recommend delving into the snippets in the prologue after completing the stories, as they provide a richer appreciation of the poems.
My personal favorites include "O Mates,I'm a Wanderer," and "These Threads of Love Entwined with Your Fingers." Each of these stories stands out, offering a unique blend of melody and emotion that lingers long after the last page is turned.

[Kamalika Mazumder · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Heartstrings and Harmonies" by Manali Desai is a collection of 29 short stories, each cleverly woven around a familiar Hindi Bollywood song. The idea of incorporating well-known songs into the stories adds a nostalgic and delightful touch, making the book appealing to fans of both music and fiction.

The stories are short, sweet, and primarily focus on themes of love and family ties. While the simplicity of the topics makes for an easy read, the large number of stories revolving around similar themes can feel repetitive. As a result, it becomes a bit of a "read-and-forget" experience when moving from one story to the next.

One of the main drawbacks is the lack of time to connect with the characters. Since the stories are brief, you don’t get the chance to build a deeper relationship with them, which makes it easy to forget their individual arcs. If the book had focused on a single family or combined several stories together, it could have created a stronger emotional impact.

"Heartstrings and Harmonies" is a decent read for anyone looking for short, uncomplicated stories that are easy to enjoy without much emotional investment. It's perfect for a quick and lighthearted literary escape.

[Kalpesh Desai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read in your journey through life

“Heartstrings and Harmonies” by Manali Desai is a beautifully crafted collection of stories that delves deep into the intricacies of human emotions through her lens. Each story stands out on its own and is brilliantly crafted to immerse you in the author’s world.

Do not forget to go back to the poem in the prologue as you progress through the book, and read it once again once you finish, to get the essence of her writing.

I loved the way she began each story with songs that bring out the flavor of the story. She has managed to capture all the facets of life and relationships in her unique storytelling form that is so vivid that you are immersed in the tale. She brings out the essence of romance, friendship and hope. She sprinkles in wisdom in her chapter on revelations, and how love lives on in our memories (my favorite stories being ‘My Shadow Will Follow You’ and ‘This Heart Says, Live A Little),

This is a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories that speaks to the heart. Manali Desai has created a book that is both timeless and contemporary with stories that resonate with anyone on life’s journey.

[Meenal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an entire experience in itself. 

I'm glad I was part of its read-along. It's a short story collection, and we had to read one story a day. This teaches you to appreciate each piece in isolation rather than looking at the book as a whole.

Each story is titled after a Bollywood song, and the lyrics find their way into the narrative. I liked most of the stories because of their Indian setting. Some I didn't like, but that's alright because there are 29 odd tales.

My favourites are The Coal is Black and Raised by Mountains and With Dreams in My Eyes, I've Left From Home.

The author effectively captures a range of emotions within a limited word count. Another likeable factor is that the MCs are from varied age groups, so the collection will appeal to all sections of readers. 

If you like listening to music while reading, this is totally your kind of book. Give it a go!

[Poornima · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎶"Heartstrings and Harmonies" by Manali Desai is a remarkable anthology featuring 29 short stories and 30 cherished Hindi songs. The collection takes readers on an emotional journey, exploring themes such as love, hope, resilience, and nostalgia. ⠀
⠀
🎶One of my favorite stories from the book is "My Shadow will follow you!!" However, each tale delves into the lives of various characters whose experiences are intricately linked with well-known melodies. The blend of these musical elements with compelling narratives ensures readers remain engaged from start to finish. ⠀
⠀
🎶The author's storytelling is both whimsical and sincere, offering a perfect balance for those who appreciate the fusion of music and literature. ⠀
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🎶The book's innovative approach and skillful narration makes "Heartstrings and Harmonies" a must-read for anyone who enjoys the emotional depth of music paired with evocative storytelling.

[Ruchi Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚📚 REVIEW 📚📚

Book : Heartstrings and Harmonies
Author : Manali Desai
Format: Kindle Edition
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beyond its thematic resonance, "Heartstrings and Harmonies" is also a masterclass in storytelling, showcasing the author's impeccable craftsmanship and narrative prowess. Each tale is imbued with vivid imagery, authentic characters, and evocative prose, drawing readers into its world from the very first page and keeping them spellbound until the final crescendo.

In essence, "Heartstrings and Harmonies" is more than just a collection of stories—it's a symphony of emotions, a testament to the enduring power of music, and a celebration of the human spirit. It's a book that speaks to the soul, leaving readers longing for more with each turn of the page, and reminding us of the profound connection between heartstrings and harmonies that binds us all together.

[Nikhila · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heartstrings and Harmonies" stands as a poignant testament to the transformative power of storytelling, transcending mere entertainment to become a profound exploration of the human experience. Through its meticulously crafted narratives, this anthology delves deep into the intricacies of human emotions, weaving a tapestry of life's joys, sorrows, and everything in between.

At its core, the anthology celebrates the universal language of music, recognizing its unparalleled ability to evoke emotions and shape our perceptions of the world. Each of the 29 tales is intricately linked to a specific song, serving as both a thematic anchor and an emotional catalyst for the narrative. This unique approach not only adds depth and richness to the storytelling but also underscores the profound connection between music and the human soul.

[Brijesh Tangi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heartstrings and Harmonies" is the most charming collection of short stories I have ever read. The style is truly original. Each story, while simple, has been masterfully structured to evoke a distinct feeling. Author Manalis explores a range of emotions in each short story, making every read a memorable one. Reading "Heartstrings and Harmonies" is like having a cup of tea while listening to old songs and enjoying a day off from work. The language is subtly beautiful, and the frequent references to old Hindi songs are incredibly original. It's a superb blend of cute, heartfelt, and a few heavier short stories. Each story is crafted with such care that it feels like a personal experience. The book is a delightful escape into a world of nostalgia and genuine emotions. I am excited to read more from this author.

[Booknerd_dragon (TANIA) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The name is very appropriate. And you will feel the same once you pick this book up. I would like to thank readwithus bookclub for suggesting such a fulfilling read.

This book is a collection of short stories. 30 stories to be precise, and I read 1 story each day, which made reading this book very easy and seamless and a beautiful experience as well.
The stories will tug at your heartstrings, and each story has a 90s song reference with it. Which I feel is the best way to read these stories.
Manali Desai did a brilliant job with the stories. Each story is different, so you can read 1 today pick up the book, and read the next story 5 days later, and you will enjoy it much more
Cause after a rush of our busy life, the coziness this book brings is like a welcoming hug.

I would recommend everyone pick this short book up.

[Chaitanya Bathia · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who hasn't read many short story collections, this was the best entry to the genre I could ask for. Magnificent stories that tug at your strings of emotions and move you to the core are filled in this book. I love how simple, comprehensible and yet so well polished and put together these stories are. As someone who was a part of the team that helped Manali pick the cover of the book, I had no idea I was contributing to something so beautiful.
That being said, there were some (maybe just 2 or 3) stories that didn't match my preference. That however in no way means that the stories weren't good. They just weren't for me.

And what do I even say about the beautiful songs associated with each story? They were such a great personalized touch and made each story infinitely more beautiful!

Overall I loved this book so much, it's going to be in my top 10 for a long, long time.

[Jenny Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating compilation of 29 stories, each artfully centered on a song, "Heartstrings and Harmonies: A Symphony of Emotions" takes readers on a tour through the maze of human emotions. Written by an ardent music enthusiast, this book pays homage to the unbreakable connection between life's events and the tunes that accompany them.

Every story in this book strikes a deep chord with the reader, bringing up a wide range of feelings, from happiness and love to heartache and nostalgia. The author's deft storytelling technique comes through as they skillfully blend the storyline with the spirit of each song, resulting in a word symphony that enthralls the reader.

[AYUSH KUMAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartstrings and Harmonies by Manali Desai is a compilation of 29 short tales that whirl around the theme of friendship, love, hope and life. Each story provides you with a broader view of life around us. Each story is paired with a Bollywood song which gives the reader a very unique experience & pairing songs with stories enhances the message that she wants to convey through the book.

I loved the way how she created the stories with unique messages and nail-biting endings. Some stories will make you smile some will break you from within and some will make your eyes wet. Throughout the book, I got synchronized with it.

The major drawback that I felt while reading was the underdevelopment of some characters and story plots. it felt sometimes that there is something missing in the story.

Overall. I liked reading it and it was a great experience with the book if you are looking for heart-soothing books then you can read this one, this will not disappoint you