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Waiting for a Love Song
Jodi Burkitt is alone again and telling herself she likes it that way. Her ex took everything with her—the friends, the fun, and the daughter that Jodi had loved like her own. Her heart hammered shut, she’s got plenty to distract her from the empty days and nights, especially her latest home renovation project, which has tied up all her time and most of her money.
When Jodi discovers a hidden jewelry box in the walls of the home she’s renovating, she turns to her ex’s friend, librarian Michele Galveston, to help piece together the mystery inside the box.
Michele Galveston is anything but a quiet librarian—she sings in a local band and has a talent for never following anyone’s rules but her own. Notorious for her dating history more than her voice, Michele has a reputation for rarely staying with a woman for more than a few months and Jodi knows she should steer clear. But the closer they get to solving the mystery in the jewelry box, the closer Jodi and Michele get to each other.
Will Jodi risk her heart again—especially for someone as emotionally unavailable as Michele? And will Michele finally find a way to trust someone enough to share the secret she’s kept hidden for so many years? With Jodi’s wounded heart and Michele’s love ’em and leave ’em history, it’s likely that love songs and life might be two very different things.
When Jodi discovers a hidden jewelry box in the walls of the home she’s renovating, she turns to her ex’s friend, librarian Michele Galveston, to help piece together the mystery inside the box.
Michele Galveston is anything but a quiet librarian—she sings in a local band and has a talent for never following anyone’s rules but her own. Notorious for her dating history more than her voice, Michele has a reputation for rarely staying with a woman for more than a few months and Jodi knows she should steer clear. But the closer they get to solving the mystery in the jewelry box, the closer Jodi and Michele get to each other.
Will Jodi risk her heart again—especially for someone as emotionally unavailable as Michele? And will Michele finally find a way to trust someone enough to share the secret she’s kept hidden for so many years? With Jodi’s wounded heart and Michele’s love ’em and leave ’em history, it’s likely that love songs and life might be two very different things.
248 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2015
11 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Clevenger
38 books340 followersJaime Clevenger lives with family in Colorado. Most days are spent working as a veterinarian. Writing is a side gig but also a true love. Hobbies include swimming, karate, dreaming about beach vacations, and convincing random strangers to share their life story. Bonus points are given if they include a good romance—whether or not there’s a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 25, 2016
Due to some of the other ratings, I'm so pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this. I know some people don't like first person stories, but it really worked well for this book. You get so invested in the main character Jodi, you feel like you are going through everything right along with her. This is not an easy, fluffy book. I cried at least twice, but that's what I liked about this book, it made me feel.
Now, I must admit, when it came to Michelle, Jodi's love interest, I wanted to strangle her on more than one occasion. But this book needed to have some angst, so I'll forgive it.
I have a feeling this is going to be one of those books, that I think about long after it's over. I hope other will give it a chance, I'm sure glad I did.
Now, I must admit, when it came to Michelle, Jodi's love interest, I wanted to strangle her on more than one occasion. But this book needed to have some angst, so I'll forgive it.
I have a feeling this is going to be one of those books, that I think about long after it's over. I hope other will give it a chance, I'm sure glad I did.
November 14, 2022
3.25 stars. I wish I liked this better as I generally enjoy Clevenger’s books a lot. This was well written but I didn’t understand why the mains were so stubborn in their no dating rule, at the start I got it, but near the end it frustrated and annoyed me. I did enjoy the secondary storyline where they find a hidden jewelry box en slowly discover a love story from the past.
September 26, 2015
3.5 stars.
This story asks the question Are you willing to give up a solid friendship for something more? What if your friend is commitment shy or has reasons for not taking your relationship to the next level? Will you lose your best friend forever? Is the reward worth the risk?
The good: I liked everything about Jodi. Her life, her challenges and her doubts felt very real. When others (Michele) flipped and flopped and refused to make commitments, Jodi remained steady. Almost stoic.
I also liked the mystery she uncovers in her house reno. It added depth to an otherwise simple romance.
The fustrating: I didn't care for Michele, much as she is everything to Jodi. If there is a female equivalent to a cock-tease it would be Michele. She throws herself at Jodi but only wants to be friends. Her secretive nature and self confessed inability to make any kind of commitment was frustrating and carried on far longer than I could handle.
It is unfortunate that the questions posed took precedence over the mystery uncovered. That story was fascinating and I wish the author would have provided more back story and less hand wringing surrounding the two main characters.
This story asks the question Are you willing to give up a solid friendship for something more? What if your friend is commitment shy or has reasons for not taking your relationship to the next level? Will you lose your best friend forever? Is the reward worth the risk?
The good: I liked everything about Jodi. Her life, her challenges and her doubts felt very real. When others (Michele) flipped and flopped and refused to make commitments, Jodi remained steady. Almost stoic.
I also liked the mystery she uncovers in her house reno. It added depth to an otherwise simple romance.
The fustrating: I didn't care for Michele, much as she is everything to Jodi. If there is a female equivalent to a cock-tease it would be Michele. She throws herself at Jodi but only wants to be friends. Her secretive nature and self confessed inability to make any kind of commitment was frustrating and carried on far longer than I could handle.
It is unfortunate that the questions posed took precedence over the mystery uncovered. That story was fascinating and I wish the author would have provided more back story and less hand wringing surrounding the two main characters.
November 8, 2022
I adore Jaime Clevenger's writing and really thought I'd end up loving this after the first chapter. Unfortunately, I found this really tough to get through (even with Abby Craden's gorgeous narration!)
For me, this was due to the fact that I couldn't quite understand why Michele and Jodi couldn't be together. We were told at certain points that they wouldn't work, but it made no sense. Also, Michele was so, so difficult as both a friend and a lover. She made me so frustrated and Jodi then felt like a pushover as she still found her attractive.
Oh wow, big thoughts on this one.
Sorry JC - I truly wish I liked this more...
For me, this was due to the fact that I couldn't quite understand why Michele and Jodi couldn't be together. We were told at certain points that they wouldn't work, but it made no sense. Also, Michele was so, so difficult as both a friend and a lover. She made me so frustrated and Jodi then felt like a pushover as she still found her attractive.
Oh wow, big thoughts on this one.
Sorry JC - I truly wish I liked this more...
February 17, 2023
Jaime Clevenger usually writes books that are easy and feel good, with a little, but never too much angst. Waiting for a Love Song falls somewhere in between all of that. I’m on a bit of an Abby Craden binge, so I found the audio version and absolutely adored it.
Told in first person narrative, Jodi is shocked but not heartbroken when her girlfriend leaves her for an ex, but the heartbreak comes at the realization that she never stood a chance as a stepmom Moving into her newest acquisition, a house she will renovate and flip, she struggles to find meaning in the empty void that she is left with.
Michelle, the woman she has been drawn to since first sigh and best friend to her ex, stays in her life in more ways than she ever expected. As they work together to unravel the mystery of a jewellery box full of love letters, their attraction towards each other becomes clearer, but whether it’s smart to act on it, not so much.
Michelle and Jodi have their own strengths and weaknesses, and I like them both because of that. Michelle’s inability to communicate her needs and desires brings realism to the story. Jodi is a bit of a love sceptic but knows what she wants. The mystery women, Alice and KW, are the glue that finally helps put both MCs together.
Waiting on A Love Song is a well-thought-out, beautifully written romance, definitely worth checking out.
Told in first person narrative, Jodi is shocked but not heartbroken when her girlfriend leaves her for an ex, but the heartbreak comes at the realization that she never stood a chance as a stepmom Moving into her newest acquisition, a house she will renovate and flip, she struggles to find meaning in the empty void that she is left with.
Michelle, the woman she has been drawn to since first sigh and best friend to her ex, stays in her life in more ways than she ever expected. As they work together to unravel the mystery of a jewellery box full of love letters, their attraction towards each other becomes clearer, but whether it’s smart to act on it, not so much.
Michelle and Jodi have their own strengths and weaknesses, and I like them both because of that. Michelle’s inability to communicate her needs and desires brings realism to the story. Jodi is a bit of a love sceptic but knows what she wants. The mystery women, Alice and KW, are the glue that finally helps put both MCs together.
Waiting on A Love Song is a well-thought-out, beautifully written romance, definitely worth checking out.
May 13, 2017
Too much bad feels. Bad feels with Jodi's first partner. Bad feels with Katy and Alice. Bad feels for at least 80% of the book between Jodi and Michelle. It's just too much. 80% and DNF. I don't understand why authors write like this.
November 8, 2020
Sometimes you'll just minding your own business, decide to read a book by a new author who, totally unexpectedly, picks you up, throws you across the room having dominated your life and six hours later you are so much richer with a totally reverting and lovely story. Well, this is it. Thank you.
March 20, 2025
DNF at 80%. michele was INFURIATING. i couldn’t listen to her back and forth anymore. the only reason i made it this far was because of the narration by abby craden. i didn’t like one single character. zero chemistry. the jewelry box mystery dragged on and did nothing to the overall story.
February 5, 2017
Jodi is reeling after her gf leaves her for her ex, and throws all her time and energy into rehabbing a house that holds secrets--specifically, a 1950s love affair between Alice and KW--with the help of her ex's best friend Michele. Romance ensues. First, hurrah for a librarian character (Michele) who doesn't hit any stereotypes. (Well, except liking quiet libraries, but she ended up in an academic library, so she's probably closer than I am.) I really loved the mystery of the letters Jodi found, and how that played out. I liked her friendship with Michele, too, as they struggled to figure out what kind of relationship they wanted. But it was way too long--everything dragged, plot stood still for awhile, and the wrap-up of Michele's secret went too quickly. Pacing was off, and it made me doubt the couple. But there was a lot I really enjoyed about it.
October 29, 2015
Based on the reviews and rating I wasn't sure what to expect but I actually really enjoyed the read. I liked the store line about investigating the history of Alice and Katy. I really liked Jodi she was definitely a likable character. Michele was more so frustrating but as I was reading I could understand why she was hesitant. I did like her character just wish she didn’t stuff Jodi around so much.
I would have loved more to the ending (but that normally is always my preference). I just felt there was a bit about the love song and then at the end all that was said was that it was amazing. I think the author could have had the readers feeling how good the song was like the characters in the book felt. Not just by saying it was great.
I would have loved more to the ending (but that normally is always my preference). I just felt there was a bit about the love song and then at the end all that was said was that it was amazing. I think the author could have had the readers feeling how good the song was like the characters in the book felt. Not just by saying it was great.
February 15, 2022
An incredibly interesting true love story.
January 11, 2023
Jodi is going through a breakup after her girlfriend of two years decides she and her daughter are going to move to follow her ex-wife, giving their family another chance, and leaving Jodi behind.
While she wasn't exactly heartbroken about the relationship ending, she was hurt about it losing the connection with Lynn’s daughter and throws herself into her newest project, remodeling a very old and rundown home that is way out of her price range but called to her regardless.
Michele has been hiding part of herself for such a long time that she doesn't even know how to begin coming clean, especially with Jodi, the woman she has not so secretly been crushing on for the better part of two years, the feeling is absolutely mutual.
After her best friend, Lynn moves away she decides she is going to try keeping her friendship with Jodi, despite knowing they both want more.
One night while tearing down the kitchen cupboards Jodi finds a jewelry box hidden inside the wall and with the help of Michele, this is where the fantastic and kinda heartbreaking adventure begins and where more than one love story unfolds.
Argh! I want to talk so much about the contents of the jewelry box, but spoilers suck so I won’t do that.
I am not going to lie, I didn’t love the start of this one, Lynn is such a …. I could have done without her and I don’t think she really brought anything to the story besides annoyance (IMO). Anyway, I am so glad I stuck with this, even though this one had me reaching for the tissues more than once.
You need to know that yes, this is Jodi and Michele’s story, but this is also equally Alice and KW’s. I would really have loved to have seen Jaime give them their full story, no matter how it ended. Or even a little novella of all the …. Contents of the jewelry box.
*sigh* This is one I will rave about for a long time, especially about Alice and KW, they stole the show for sure.
While she wasn't exactly heartbroken about the relationship ending, she was hurt about it losing the connection with Lynn’s daughter and throws herself into her newest project, remodeling a very old and rundown home that is way out of her price range but called to her regardless.
Michele has been hiding part of herself for such a long time that she doesn't even know how to begin coming clean, especially with Jodi, the woman she has not so secretly been crushing on for the better part of two years, the feeling is absolutely mutual.
After her best friend, Lynn moves away she decides she is going to try keeping her friendship with Jodi, despite knowing they both want more.
One night while tearing down the kitchen cupboards Jodi finds a jewelry box hidden inside the wall and with the help of Michele, this is where the fantastic and kinda heartbreaking adventure begins and where more than one love story unfolds.
Argh! I want to talk so much about the contents of the jewelry box, but spoilers suck so I won’t do that.
I am not going to lie, I didn’t love the start of this one, Lynn is such a …. I could have done without her and I don’t think she really brought anything to the story besides annoyance (IMO). Anyway, I am so glad I stuck with this, even though this one had me reaching for the tissues more than once.
You need to know that yes, this is Jodi and Michele’s story, but this is also equally Alice and KW’s. I would really have loved to have seen Jaime give them their full story, no matter how it ended. Or even a little novella of all the …. Contents of the jewelry box.
*sigh* This is one I will rave about for a long time, especially about Alice and KW, they stole the show for sure.
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October 23, 2024
One thing I love about Clevenger's books is her writing style. The energy that exudes out of the words she uses to describe, define, explain, provoke, philosophize, represent makes the story and character development, the dialogue, the internal monologue, personable and relatable. So far, it holds true for all her books I've read. Including this one.
To be honest, I've had this book for a while but didn't feel inspired to read it because of the cover - I assumed it was about a singer, contemporary music, which is usually bar, country, pub, environment, which isn't really my cuppa. Music, for me, has to be either the business side of it, or classical music. Anyway, I suddenly was compelled to read this now. Lo and behold, my assumption was dashed. It was NOT about that at all! Rather, something that I totally didn't see it coming, did not expect it and a subject matter that had to do with why I was compelled to read it at this point in my life! Blimey! Everything happens for a reason, no doubt.
Once again, Clevenger's style of weaving her words and expressions together made the dialogue, the interaction between the MCs feel authentic because they touched on the mental, the emotional. The psychology of the human condition when faced with secrets, hidden emotions (in this case, love), denial, fear, anger, jealousy...the whole gamut of human emotions. Clevenger truly excels in writing internalised mindset. It could become convoluted if overdone but so far, Clevenger navigates between the thin line between giving her characters and story a sense of realism and relatability, and overbearing convolution. That's what makes her stories compelling to read and discover. At least that's how I feel. So, even if the story weren't as strong, Clevenger's personable and relatable interactions between characters and their internal monologues more than makes up for it.
The secret that was revealed in the 3rd act actually surprised me. I didn't see that coming. So I was delighted! Nothing gives me more thrills than being thrown a curveball by the author just when I least expect it! I see what you did there, Ms. Clevenger! Well done!
If you enjoy Clevenger's style of storytelling, you should read this. PLUS, listen to the audiobook! Abby Craden, my fav voice performer (narrator), has once again breathed life ever-so effortlessly into Clevenger's emotionally complex characters, elevating the story to another level of relevance and relatability! I do hope that she keeps lending her immaculate voice to Clevenger's characters and stories! Nothing better than having one of your fav authors' stories brought to life by your fav vocal performer, eh? YES!
Worth noting: From 4 to 5 stars (generally speaking) simply because of the empathetically affecting portrayals of the MCs and the supporting cast of characters, effectively turning fictional characters into real-life people whom we may or may not have come across in our daily lives because at the end of the day, Clevenger writes about the human condition, warts and all.
To be honest, I've had this book for a while but didn't feel inspired to read it because of the cover - I assumed it was about a singer, contemporary music, which is usually bar, country, pub, environment, which isn't really my cuppa. Music, for me, has to be either the business side of it, or classical music. Anyway, I suddenly was compelled to read this now. Lo and behold, my assumption was dashed. It was NOT about that at all! Rather, something that I totally didn't see it coming, did not expect it and a subject matter that had to do with why I was compelled to read it at this point in my life! Blimey! Everything happens for a reason, no doubt.
Once again, Clevenger's style of weaving her words and expressions together made the dialogue, the interaction between the MCs feel authentic because they touched on the mental, the emotional. The psychology of the human condition when faced with secrets, hidden emotions (in this case, love), denial, fear, anger, jealousy...the whole gamut of human emotions. Clevenger truly excels in writing internalised mindset. It could become convoluted if overdone but so far, Clevenger navigates between the thin line between giving her characters and story a sense of realism and relatability, and overbearing convolution. That's what makes her stories compelling to read and discover. At least that's how I feel. So, even if the story weren't as strong, Clevenger's personable and relatable interactions between characters and their internal monologues more than makes up for it.
The secret that was revealed in the 3rd act actually surprised me. I didn't see that coming. So I was delighted! Nothing gives me more thrills than being thrown a curveball by the author just when I least expect it! I see what you did there, Ms. Clevenger! Well done!
If you enjoy Clevenger's style of storytelling, you should read this. PLUS, listen to the audiobook! Abby Craden, my fav voice performer (narrator), has once again breathed life ever-so effortlessly into Clevenger's emotionally complex characters, elevating the story to another level of relevance and relatability! I do hope that she keeps lending her immaculate voice to Clevenger's characters and stories! Nothing better than having one of your fav authors' stories brought to life by your fav vocal performer, eh? YES!
Worth noting: From 4 to 5 stars (generally speaking) simply because of the empathetically affecting portrayals of the MCs and the supporting cast of characters, effectively turning fictional characters into real-life people whom we may or may not have come across in our daily lives because at the end of the day, Clevenger writes about the human condition, warts and all.
March 4, 2018
Wow this was a slog to get through. I struggled to care enough to keep reading.
Here's the problem with this book; when you spend the entire thing, giving reasons why the main couple can't be together, congrats, you've talked me out of caring whether said couple ends up together!
And for god's sake, this is why I make fun of the ""it's complicated"" option on facebook. Because really? What's so complicated about the relationship presented here? There's literally no reason why they can't be together, except for one character holding herself back for stupid reasons.
By the time that the aforementioned "secret" from the synopsis was revealed, I'd forgotten that there even was a secret. It's supremely underwhelming, by the way, and
So yeah, lots of "will they or won't they" in here, and by the end of it, I was hoping they wouldn't, because geez. Just get over her and move on already.
Still, well written, and the background love story is waaaaay more interesting and compelling than the one between the protagonist and her love interest.
Here's the problem with this book; when you spend the entire thing, giving reasons why the main couple can't be together, congrats, you've talked me out of caring whether said couple ends up together!
And for god's sake, this is why I make fun of the ""it's complicated"" option on facebook. Because really? What's so complicated about the relationship presented here? There's literally no reason why they can't be together, except for one character holding herself back for stupid reasons.
By the time that the aforementioned "secret" from the synopsis was revealed, I'd forgotten that there even was a secret. It's supremely underwhelming, by the way, and
So yeah, lots of "will they or won't they" in here, and by the end of it, I was hoping they wouldn't, because geez. Just get over her and move on already.
Still, well written, and the background love story is waaaaay more interesting and compelling than the one between the protagonist and her love interest.
February 12, 2025
Jodi and Michele are ... complicated. How they know each other, how they feel about each other, how they communicate with each other - very complicated. They are both attracted to each other but continue to talk themselves out of being together. So, throughout the story, it's a long, drawn-out "will they, won't they" romance that's full of sexual tension and longing. All this along with a mystery about a jewelry box and its contents that lead the pair on a search for another love story lost in the past.
This kept me locked in just to see how everything played out.
This kept me locked in just to see how everything played out.
July 20, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I think I preferred Jodi (surprisingly for me as I prefer the femme characters) and I’m guessing had it not been for Abby Craden’s voice as Michelle (listened on audible) I probably would have found her more annoying.
For me the best part of the story was how Jodi and Michelle uncovered the story of Alice and KW.
I think I preferred Jodi (surprisingly for me as I prefer the femme characters) and I’m guessing had it not been for Abby Craden’s voice as Michelle (listened on audible) I probably would have found her more annoying.
For me the best part of the story was how Jodi and Michelle uncovered the story of Alice and KW.
October 7, 2024
I guess I wanted a better ending, not that there was anything wrong with this one, it just felt incomplete. I still wanted more closer, more resolution to their relationship and those of their loved ones as a whole family, I guess?
January 9, 2025
It was a good quick read. Overall I enjoyed it. However, it felt like the characters had a good storyline to follow but it abruptly ended. The characters could have more chemistry with interactions in the past demonstrated throughout the story.
January 31, 2025
Very cute story with hidden secret and tragic love stories from the past when being gay meant being arrested or worse. Letters were found whilst doing a house reno whilst going through her own relationship issues so there was lots of different aspects to the overall story. Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2020
Wow....
April 11, 2023
It was alright but I was a bit disappointed. Abby Craden once again hits it out of the park.
July 18, 2024
I'm appreciating the complexities of bringing a past story into the present. Jaime Clevenger does this really well. The mixture of loving a friend and falling in love are well managed
September 1, 2024
😳🤯👀🔥🔥🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 8, 2025
Michelle reminds me of someone
November 8, 2015
Great story!
I really enjoyed this book. My heart broke for Jodi every time her heart was broken. The lovely story of the letters reminds us all how lucky we are to be open in our relationships.
I really enjoyed this book. My heart broke for Jodi every time her heart was broken. The lovely story of the letters reminds us all how lucky we are to be open in our relationships.
December 15, 2015
Wow!
This was a story that keep you rivets from the very start! The love story from the past and the love story from present. It was sweet, very compelling.well done!!
This was a story that keep you rivets from the very start! The love story from the past and the love story from present. It was sweet, very compelling.well done!!
July 2, 2023
I enjoyed this one. Good balance in the story.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews