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Heart of Keys: A Post WWI Novella
The cries and yells, booms and blasts intertwining with the music gliding from the ivory keys.
David Leyton returned from WWI a broken man, haunted by what he saw and what he did. The war stole his soul and his voice. To cope, he drums out his emotions on the piano, wondering why God allowed him to live while his best friend died.
Imrie Ashton has only ever loved one man, Davie Leyton. Now, he needs her more than ever, even though all he does is push her away. She's not willing to give up on him because she knows there's a reason God spared him, and maybe she can be the light that helps pull him from the darkness.
David Leyton returned from WWI a broken man, haunted by what he saw and what he did. The war stole his soul and his voice. To cope, he drums out his emotions on the piano, wondering why God allowed him to live while his best friend died.
Imrie Ashton has only ever loved one man, Davie Leyton. Now, he needs her more than ever, even though all he does is push her away. She's not willing to give up on him because she knows there's a reason God spared him, and maybe she can be the light that helps pull him from the darkness.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
About the author
Kaytlin Phillips
19 books265 followersKaytlin Phillips is a homeschool grad who spends her days praising her Savior, reading, writing, blogging, and annoying her sisters with random thoughts. She is the fifth child out of seven and resides in the Southern Appalachian foothills of Western North Carolina.
She believes in the power of stories and their ability to change lives. And when not writing stories of hope, purpose, and redemption, you can find Kayti (as everyone calls her) reading, hiking, or taking random pictures.
Connect with Kayti at www.sisters-three.com
or on Instagram @sisters_three_press
She believes in the power of stories and their ability to change lives. And when not writing stories of hope, purpose, and redemption, you can find Kayti (as everyone calls her) reading, hiking, or taking random pictures.
Connect with Kayti at www.sisters-three.com
or on Instagram @sisters_three_press
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 9, 2025
Today is release day! December 9th, 2025...wow! This novella started out as a short story and I never expected it to grow quite as much as it did...
Yet, I'm glad it did and I can't wait for all of you to read the story of healing found between it's pages!
You can find it here - https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Keys-Pos...
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Clean, just some hand touching, hugs, and a kiss - this is a second-chance romance, but more in the respects that Davie has pushed Imrie away because he feels unworthy of her and she is reaching out to him to show him that she loves him despite what he has been through. Very sweet.
Violence/Gore:
There are some flashbacks of war, but the descriptions are mainly in words that leave it up to you to decide what exactly it all looked like. I wasn't going for a shock factor, but rather opening your eyes to the horrors a soldier would have seen.
Other Warnings:
This book does deal with mental health, including PTSD (or as it was known in the 1920's, Shell Shock). Davie is suicidal when the book starts and makes an attempt...again, none of what I wrote was for shock, but to open up to what it's like to be locked inside with horrible memories. Not everyone is mute, like Davie, but to have PTSD and then not be able to talk about what you've seen, or have any way to express yourself verbally can take a huge toll on your mental health.
Davie is not in a great place, but that's the point...because over the course of the story he realizes that nothing that he's done, nothing that's happened, it outside of God's control. For more on the heart behind the story, you can check out the author's note at the end of the book. I honestly didn't want to write the book the way it is, but God kept gently leading me to the issues discussed in the book and here we are. How can you argue when the Lord's leading?
Yet, I'm glad it did and I can't wait for all of you to read the story of healing found between it's pages!
You can find it here - https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Keys-Pos...
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Clean, just some hand touching, hugs, and a kiss - this is a second-chance romance, but more in the respects that Davie has pushed Imrie away because he feels unworthy of her and she is reaching out to him to show him that she loves him despite what he has been through. Very sweet.
Violence/Gore:
There are some flashbacks of war, but the descriptions are mainly in words that leave it up to you to decide what exactly it all looked like. I wasn't going for a shock factor, but rather opening your eyes to the horrors a soldier would have seen.
Other Warnings:
This book does deal with mental health, including PTSD (or as it was known in the 1920's, Shell Shock). Davie is suicidal when the book starts and makes an attempt...again, none of what I wrote was for shock, but to open up to what it's like to be locked inside with horrible memories. Not everyone is mute, like Davie, but to have PTSD and then not be able to talk about what you've seen, or have any way to express yourself verbally can take a huge toll on your mental health.
Davie is not in a great place, but that's the point...because over the course of the story he realizes that nothing that he's done, nothing that's happened, it outside of God's control. For more on the heart behind the story, you can check out the author's note at the end of the book. I honestly didn't want to write the book the way it is, but God kept gently leading me to the issues discussed in the book and here we are. How can you argue when the Lord's leading?
November 22, 2025
5 stars. It's not often that you find a story about WWI instead of WWII, and even rarer that the story covers the aftermath of WWI, specifically the PTSD and war-caused disabilities. This story just touched my heart. David I related heavily to, having gone through my own period of extreme depression and suicidal thoughts. His music-centred mentality was beautiful and so well expressed. As for Imrie, she was so sweet! I loved Patrick, too, and all of David's family was precious. <3 The message of this story was absolutely amazing and overall I don't really know what to say—this was so good. <3
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
January 21, 2026
Rtc!
Heart of Keys is kind of a unique novella because it’s set post WW1 (I haven’t seen a lot of historical fiction set there), so that was fun. It definitely has some heavier themes, dealing with PTSD, depression, and survivor’s guilt. The romance is very, very light, (one might even say it’s not there at all, you can just see it coming down the road XD), as Imrie is definitely more focused on helping David out of his own mind.
I could definitely feel David’s frustration at his condition. That was very real. But what I also liked was the theme that we cannot heal another person. That is up to God. We can be His instruments, but it’s not us who can fix someone. As well as the corresponding theme that no one is too far gone for His grace.
Overall, I enjoyed this short historical fiction read!
Heart of Keys is kind of a unique novella because it’s set post WW1 (I haven’t seen a lot of historical fiction set there), so that was fun. It definitely has some heavier themes, dealing with PTSD, depression, and survivor’s guilt. The romance is very, very light, (one might even say it’s not there at all, you can just see it coming down the road XD), as Imrie is definitely more focused on helping David out of his own mind.
I could definitely feel David’s frustration at his condition. That was very real. But what I also liked was the theme that we cannot heal another person. That is up to God. We can be His instruments, but it’s not us who can fix someone. As well as the corresponding theme that no one is too far gone for His grace.
Overall, I enjoyed this short historical fiction read!
December 9, 2025
A beautiful little story full of hope and redemption. 💗 This book hit me in personal places, and it's a good reminder of those things we know in our head, but our hearts refuse to realize. And my word, the romance!!! I could die. 😫🥰🥹 Wonderful job, Kaytlin! 🤗💕
CWs: (mild spoilers) failed su!cide attempt, brief and non-graphic. Several mild kissing descriptions. 🫶🏼
(Thank you to the author for the arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💗)
CWs: (mild spoilers) failed su!cide attempt, brief and non-graphic. Several mild kissing descriptions. 🫶🏼
(Thank you to the author for the arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💗)
December 18, 2025
Wow. 😭 That was such an emotional rollercoaster. Heart of Keys is not for the faint of heart; it plunges you right into the dark and weary world of WWI veteran David Leyton. Kaytlin Phillips does a masterful job of making David's emotions and past feel real and tangible. I definitely couldn't get through this healing, heartwrenching tale without crying. ❤️🩹
Each character plays a vital role in the story (bless dear Patrick). Imrie's and David's families are both so supportive and uplifting. Imrie is so sweet and compassionate, with enough steel to support Davie and push through her own heartbreak. And ahhh I LOVED each scene of her taking piano lessons under David! Their love story was so heartmelting.
Speaking of piano, that was the cherry on the top of the story of me! I could feel all the thunder of each note being played as David pours his heart onto the keys. Kaytlin also brought the London setting to life in vivid color. Every little detail was a delight to my historical-fiction-loving heart. So beautifully done. Heart of Keys is dark, yes. But light streams through the cracks and no matter your experience in life, knits a broken piece of you together. The gospel is woven into the seams of this story. It's not overbearing or sermony, but you can't miss it.
I recommend this novella to anyone who loves WWI era London, piano music, and stories that are honest about the dark realities of life, but also the hope that is found in Christ.
"Raindrops hung from every eave and lamppost, puddles glimmered on the cobble streets, and clouds overhead were gradually giving way to hues of the sunset trying to break through.
"Beauty and light attempted to emerge in the wake of roiling darkness.
"May the sun rise in Davie's soul, Lord. Help him see that You have always been there for him and that You care for him more than he will ever know."
Each character plays a vital role in the story (bless dear Patrick). Imrie's and David's families are both so supportive and uplifting. Imrie is so sweet and compassionate, with enough steel to support Davie and push through her own heartbreak. And ahhh I LOVED each scene of her taking piano lessons under David! Their love story was so heartmelting.
Speaking of piano, that was the cherry on the top of the story of me! I could feel all the thunder of each note being played as David pours his heart onto the keys. Kaytlin also brought the London setting to life in vivid color. Every little detail was a delight to my historical-fiction-loving heart. So beautifully done. Heart of Keys is dark, yes. But light streams through the cracks and no matter your experience in life, knits a broken piece of you together. The gospel is woven into the seams of this story. It's not overbearing or sermony, but you can't miss it.
I recommend this novella to anyone who loves WWI era London, piano music, and stories that are honest about the dark realities of life, but also the hope that is found in Christ.
"Raindrops hung from every eave and lamppost, puddles glimmered on the cobble streets, and clouds overhead were gradually giving way to hues of the sunset trying to break through.
"Beauty and light attempted to emerge in the wake of roiling darkness.
"May the sun rise in Davie's soul, Lord. Help him see that You have always been there for him and that You care for him more than he will ever know."
November 17, 2025
5+ ★ // 7❤︎ – Really Loved It!
Wow. Where do I even start? First of all, I just want to say how incredibly grateful I am to be a part of the ARC team for this book <33 Okay on to the review and let's see if I can make it coherent:
BOOKISH YAYS:
*the cover. Y'all shouldn't even blink at this point. You know I love good book covers! This one is so lovely and fits the vibes of the book perfectly. Shoutout to Jaidie for her work on this one! 😭💖
*Davie. Oh Davie...my poor traumatized boy. I wanted to give him a hug so many times during this story. I cannot even begin to fathom the memories and experiences a soldier would go through. Reading this point of view broke my heart so many times. You can feel the raw, real emotion on the pages. Honestly, I'm glad I got a digital ARC copy because if it was a physical book, there would be tear stains on the pages. I am not giving any spoilers even in tags in case some of y'all are nosy and click it. But his journey *chef's kiss* It's been a long time since I cried actual tears while reading. Man. Man oh man. Oh, and he can't talk. I've actually never read book with a character like that, but it was well-done and the way he used music to spill out his thoughts instead of words was powerful.
*Imrie was a gem. Her faith isn't perfect, but it is the light Davie needs. Oh my stars, I loved them together. (Side note, but I also love love love alternating POVs between two main characters. I feel that that was a perfect choice for this book as you get inside the two main character's heads and see them grow with each other)
*Pat!!! His friendship with Davie and the way he never walked away even when Davie said he didn't want to talk to Pat...ahhh. I am all for brotherly friendships! Also the journal scene. My lips are sealed but that scene was a gut punch. In like a good way??
*The way music was portrayed. Now I don't play any instruments, but I appreciate their beauty. The way Davie used his piano playing as a way first to cope and later to connect again with Imrie....I loved it. Teared up a bit but loved it.
*The strong faith themes, the hymns, the prayers - it was encouraging to read that in a novel <3
BOOKISH OKAYS & NAYS:
*none! :)
CONTENT:
Note for sensitive readers:
Davie does struggle with major PTSD ("shell-shock" as they called it then) and has symptoms of severe depression, fear, and nightmares (dealing with men being killed, battles, bullets, sounds, etc) There is a point in the book (mentioned but not shown on page) where he attempts to throw himself into a river. These are all real, hard things that many people can struggle with to different degrees. HOWEVER, the author treats these topics in a respectful manner - not glossing it over, but also presenting the other side of the equation. There is a light even when we think our world is nothing but dark. There is a strong theme of hope and the truth of God's love in this book, and it sends a powerful message. But you know yourself - if you think maybe these topics could be something you struggle to handle, that's fine. We are all at different stages in our life & our faith journey <3
QUOTES:
"Hi, Davie." The music stopped abruptly, and he lifted his gaze to connect with mine. The fear, pain, and confusion behind his eyes about undid me. He was drowning again. Lord, let me be a light to lead him to shore.
Help? What was that supposed to mean? Pat was an army surgeon, and as far as I knew, there was no way to fix an icy heart, broken mind, or give a man back his soul.
The broken cries of my heart turned to beauty upon the mahogany piano, as the music took something ugly and turned it into something beautiful. Piecing back together the broken fragments of an equally broken soldier.
May the sun rise in Davie's soul, Lord. Help him see that You have always been there for him and that You care more for him than he will ever know.
**I received an early copy of this book for promotional purposes and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own**
Wow. Where do I even start? First of all, I just want to say how incredibly grateful I am to be a part of the ARC team for this book <33 Okay on to the review and let's see if I can make it coherent:
BOOKISH YAYS:
*the cover. Y'all shouldn't even blink at this point. You know I love good book covers! This one is so lovely and fits the vibes of the book perfectly. Shoutout to Jaidie for her work on this one! 😭💖
*Davie. Oh Davie...my poor traumatized boy. I wanted to give him a hug so many times during this story. I cannot even begin to fathom the memories and experiences a soldier would go through. Reading this point of view broke my heart so many times. You can feel the raw, real emotion on the pages. Honestly, I'm glad I got a digital ARC copy because if it was a physical book, there would be tear stains on the pages. I am not giving any spoilers even in tags in case some of y'all are nosy and click it. But his journey *chef's kiss* It's been a long time since I cried actual tears while reading. Man. Man oh man. Oh, and he can't talk. I've actually never read book with a character like that, but it was well-done and the way he used music to spill out his thoughts instead of words was powerful.
*Imrie was a gem. Her faith isn't perfect, but it is the light Davie needs. Oh my stars, I loved them together. (Side note, but I also love love love alternating POVs between two main characters. I feel that that was a perfect choice for this book as you get inside the two main character's heads and see them grow with each other)
*Pat!!! His friendship with Davie and the way he never walked away even when Davie said he didn't want to talk to Pat...ahhh. I am all for brotherly friendships! Also the journal scene. My lips are sealed but that scene was a gut punch. In like a good way??
*The way music was portrayed. Now I don't play any instruments, but I appreciate their beauty. The way Davie used his piano playing as a way first to cope and later to connect again with Imrie....I loved it. Teared up a bit but loved it.
*The strong faith themes, the hymns, the prayers - it was encouraging to read that in a novel <3
BOOKISH OKAYS & NAYS:
*none! :)
CONTENT:
Note for sensitive readers:
Davie does struggle with major PTSD ("shell-shock" as they called it then) and has symptoms of severe depression, fear, and nightmares (dealing with men being killed, battles, bullets, sounds, etc) There is a point in the book (mentioned but not shown on page) where he attempts to throw himself into a river. These are all real, hard things that many people can struggle with to different degrees. HOWEVER, the author treats these topics in a respectful manner - not glossing it over, but also presenting the other side of the equation. There is a light even when we think our world is nothing but dark. There is a strong theme of hope and the truth of God's love in this book, and it sends a powerful message. But you know yourself - if you think maybe these topics could be something you struggle to handle, that's fine. We are all at different stages in our life & our faith journey <3
QUOTES:
"Hi, Davie." The music stopped abruptly, and he lifted his gaze to connect with mine. The fear, pain, and confusion behind his eyes about undid me. He was drowning again. Lord, let me be a light to lead him to shore.
Help? What was that supposed to mean? Pat was an army surgeon, and as far as I knew, there was no way to fix an icy heart, broken mind, or give a man back his soul.
The broken cries of my heart turned to beauty upon the mahogany piano, as the music took something ugly and turned it into something beautiful. Piecing back together the broken fragments of an equally broken soldier.
May the sun rise in Davie's soul, Lord. Help him see that You have always been there for him and that You care more for him than he will ever know.
**I received an early copy of this book for promotional purposes and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own**
December 11, 2025
Content Rating: 4/5
Content Notes: The whole book is about seeking God in the darkness of PTSD. It deals with suicide and a suicide attempt and the blackness and trauma from WW1 and watching friends die. But all the darkness serves only to make the light shine all the brighter.
Theme Rating: 5/5
Age Rating: 14+
I adored this sweet novella! It may have dealt with darkness, but it only served to point towards the light. I haven't read that many WW1 historical fictions I actually enjoyed, but this one was absolutely amazing and now I want to read more. XD Highly recommend!!
Content Notes: The whole book is about seeking God in the darkness of PTSD. It deals with suicide and a suicide attempt and the blackness and trauma from WW1 and watching friends die. But all the darkness serves only to make the light shine all the brighter.
Theme Rating: 5/5
Age Rating: 14+
I adored this sweet novella! It may have dealt with darkness, but it only served to point towards the light. I haven't read that many WW1 historical fictions I actually enjoyed, but this one was absolutely amazing and now I want to read more. XD Highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews