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All Our Yesterdays
An artistic free spirit must grapple with her sense of identity as the music she inspires her boyfriend to make propels him to stardom at the turn of the twenty-first century.
It's the summer of 1999 in rural Minnesota, and eighteen-year-old Marcy Lewis is at a crossroads. Having graduated high school without committing to college, she wonders about the meaning of her life and what she is meant to achieve. On a trip with her sister to New York City, she meets up-and-coming musician Cole Hargrove, and the spark between the two of them is instantaneous. After Cole is inspired to write songs about her, he becomes one of the biggest names in music. As Marcy is thrust into a world of wealth and fame unlike anything she’s ever known, she finds herself torn between her sense of identity and status as one of pop’s greatest muses.
It's the summer of 1999 in rural Minnesota, and eighteen-year-old Marcy Lewis is at a crossroads. Having graduated high school without committing to college, she wonders about the meaning of her life and what she is meant to achieve. On a trip with her sister to New York City, she meets up-and-coming musician Cole Hargrove, and the spark between the two of them is instantaneous. After Cole is inspired to write songs about her, he becomes one of the biggest names in music. As Marcy is thrust into a world of wealth and fame unlike anything she’s ever known, she finds herself torn between her sense of identity and status as one of pop’s greatest muses.
- GenresRomance
356 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2025
About the author
Eleanor Wells
13 books20 followersEleanor Wells is a writer, filmmaker, and actress, born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Emerson College in 2017 with a BA in Media Arts Production and resides in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 22, 2026
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review. 3.75 ⭐️ This was a great find, the romance was definitely angsty and I felt a multitude of emotions while reading this rollercoaster. The story follows a budding young musician Cole, and his girlfriend/muse Marcy’s romance as they work to navigate through Cole’s sudden new found fame and wealth. I loved how it was set in the early 2000’s, giving it a nostalgic feeling. Nonetheless, I’d be lying if I said that I was 100% satisfied with the way the story wrapped up, as I definitely hoped to see more of Marcy growing into her confidence and gaining more independence. However, there’s something to be said for an ending that goes against the grain of the typical HEA of the romance genre.
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May 11, 2026DNF 56%. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC. Good narration for a rather bland book. The FMC Marcy doesn't seem to ever feel emotions and instead seems to tell us what she's thinking. At first I respected how juvenile her POV was as this started when she was 18, but at no point in the 56% I listened to did she start to grow as a person. There was no real plot, which would be fine if the characters were compelling, but unfortunately they were not. I did see a spoiler about how this ends and I do know if I had finished this book and been surprised by that ending I would have given this 1 star. So, out of respect for both myself and the author I am DNFing this before I get too annoyed. This had really great potential and I'd definitely try the author out again, but this was just not for me.
May 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Pumpkin Carriage Press for offering me a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
I always find it difficult to give a low rating to an indie book, because I can only imagine the amount of work, persistence, and care involved in bringing a story to publication. While this particular book did not connect with me in the way I had hoped, I still want to acknowledge the author’s dedication and creative ambition. I wish her every success with future work, and I would not rule out reading something else by her later on.
The strongest part of the experience for me was the audiobook narration. The main narrator, who I believe is Sydney Amanuel, has a very versatile voice, and that helped make the dialogue feel more dynamic, especially in scenes involving several characters at once. I also appreciated the choice to bring in different narrators toward the end, allowing certain characters to speak in their own voices rather than solely through Marcy’s point of view. That was a thoughtful use of the audiobook format, and it reminded me of a video by John Green where he talks about coming to the conclusion that audiobooks can be just as good as physical books. They are simply different experiences, with their own distinct advantages. In this case, the audiobook format really did add something to the story, and the cast did a very strong job.
There were also moments in the narrative itself that I genuinely liked. I was particularly drawn to the scenes dealing with the Hargrove family’s grief after the death of their patriarch. The conversation between Kelcey and Marcy during the Christmas party, as well as the scene between Cole and Marcy at the cemetery, stood out as moments where the book paused to consider loss with more emotional care. Those scenes offered a glimpse into the different ways people within the same family process grief, and into the idea that healing does not look the same for everyone.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book did not work as well for me. My main difficulty was with the characterisation. Since the story is told largely through Marcy’s point of view, I expected to come away with a strong sense of who she was: how she thinks, what she wants, what frustrates her, what makes her distinct from the people around her. Instead, she often felt underdeveloped. We are told that she enjoys painting and acting, but these interests rarely seem to shape her inner life, her choices, or her development in a meaningful way. For much of the story, she seems to move through events rather passively, especially in relation to Cole.
This could have worked if the passivity had been more clearly explored as part of her emotional state, perhaps as a way of showing how lost she had become within a toxic relationship. However, because the story is framed as something Marcy is writing later in life, I expected more reflection, more hindsight, and more emotional complexity. Instead, her narration often presents events in a very direct and matter-of-fact way, without the level of introspection I wanted from someone and looking back on her youth, her choices, and the relationship that shaped so much of her life.
That also connects to a broader issue I had with the writing style. The prose often tells the reader what happened rather than allowing us to experience it through scene, tension, subtext, or interiority. There are many moments that could have carried more emotional weight if they had been given more space to breathe. The premise has the potential for a compelling Bildungsroman: a young woman gradually realising her own worth while living in the shadow of a consuming relationship, trying to understand where she ends and where Cole’s idea of her begins. That is a rich emotional setup, but for me, the book did not explore it with enough depth.
The comparison to Daisy Jones & The Six also made me think about what I was missing here. Although that book was not a personal favourite of mine either, I did feel that Taylor Jenkins Reid gave each character a distinct voice and perspective. Each person seemed to have their own version of events, their own emotional investment, and their own blind spots. Here, I often struggled to feel that same sense of individuality or complexity in the characters. Many of them felt more like pieces moving through the story than fully realised people.
I also found the structure difficult. The book does not have a particularly strong external plot, which is not automatically a problem. Some of my favourite books are quiet, character-driven stories where the real movement happens internally. However, because I did not feel that the characters were developed enough to carry the novel on their own, the lack of plot made the story feel stagnant. Early on, I thought the quick progression of Marcy and Cole’s relationship might be setting up a larger coming-of-age story, but eventually I realised that the relationship itself was the main focus. Unfortunately, I found their dynamic repetitive rather than revealing.
My discomfort with the central relationship also affected my experience. Cole repeatedly behaves in ways that are hurtful, dismissive, and disrespectful toward Marcy, and while the story does acknowledge some of this, I did not feel that it examined the imbalance between them with enough clarity. By the end, his behaviour seemed to be treated as roughly equivalent to Marcy’s jealousy or her willingness to stay, and that did not sit well with me. I would have liked the book to engage more critically with the emotional damage of that relationship, especially given how much of Marcy’s young life is shaped by it.
I was also frustrated by how little Marcy’s own ambitions seemed to matter after the beginning. She initially appears driven and creative, but then spends years in a relationship where her own artistic life becomes strangely inactive. We are told that she paints, but we rarely see that part of her develop into anything substantial. Given her proximity to wealth, influence, and the New York artistic world, I kept wondering why she was not trying to sell her paintings, audition more actively, speak to agents, volunteer, or build some kind of life outside of waiting for Cole. This might have been a powerful depiction of how a toxic relationship can shrink a person’s world, but again, I wanted more reflection from Marcy herself.
Overall, while I appreciated the audiobook performances and a few emotionally thoughtful scenes, the book as a whole did not work for me. The premise had potential, and I can see why other readers might connect with it. For me, however, the characters, prose, and emotional development felt too underexplored to make the story satisfying. This clearly has an audience, but unfortunately, I was not the right reader for it.
I always find it difficult to give a low rating to an indie book, because I can only imagine the amount of work, persistence, and care involved in bringing a story to publication. While this particular book did not connect with me in the way I had hoped, I still want to acknowledge the author’s dedication and creative ambition. I wish her every success with future work, and I would not rule out reading something else by her later on.
The strongest part of the experience for me was the audiobook narration. The main narrator, who I believe is Sydney Amanuel, has a very versatile voice, and that helped make the dialogue feel more dynamic, especially in scenes involving several characters at once. I also appreciated the choice to bring in different narrators toward the end, allowing certain characters to speak in their own voices rather than solely through Marcy’s point of view. That was a thoughtful use of the audiobook format, and it reminded me of a video by John Green where he talks about coming to the conclusion that audiobooks can be just as good as physical books. They are simply different experiences, with their own distinct advantages. In this case, the audiobook format really did add something to the story, and the cast did a very strong job.
There were also moments in the narrative itself that I genuinely liked. I was particularly drawn to the scenes dealing with the Hargrove family’s grief after the death of their patriarch. The conversation between Kelcey and Marcy during the Christmas party, as well as the scene between Cole and Marcy at the cemetery, stood out as moments where the book paused to consider loss with more emotional care. Those scenes offered a glimpse into the different ways people within the same family process grief, and into the idea that healing does not look the same for everyone.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book did not work as well for me. My main difficulty was with the characterisation. Since the story is told largely through Marcy’s point of view, I expected to come away with a strong sense of who she was: how she thinks, what she wants, what frustrates her, what makes her distinct from the people around her. Instead, she often felt underdeveloped. We are told that she enjoys painting and acting, but these interests rarely seem to shape her inner life, her choices, or her development in a meaningful way. For much of the story, she seems to move through events rather passively, especially in relation to Cole.
This could have worked if the passivity had been more clearly explored as part of her emotional state, perhaps as a way of showing how lost she had become within a toxic relationship. However, because the story is framed as something Marcy is writing later in life, I expected more reflection, more hindsight, and more emotional complexity. Instead, her narration often presents events in a very direct and matter-of-fact way, without the level of introspection I wanted from someone and looking back on her youth, her choices, and the relationship that shaped so much of her life.
That also connects to a broader issue I had with the writing style. The prose often tells the reader what happened rather than allowing us to experience it through scene, tension, subtext, or interiority. There are many moments that could have carried more emotional weight if they had been given more space to breathe. The premise has the potential for a compelling Bildungsroman: a young woman gradually realising her own worth while living in the shadow of a consuming relationship, trying to understand where she ends and where Cole’s idea of her begins. That is a rich emotional setup, but for me, the book did not explore it with enough depth.
The comparison to Daisy Jones & The Six also made me think about what I was missing here. Although that book was not a personal favourite of mine either, I did feel that Taylor Jenkins Reid gave each character a distinct voice and perspective. Each person seemed to have their own version of events, their own emotional investment, and their own blind spots. Here, I often struggled to feel that same sense of individuality or complexity in the characters. Many of them felt more like pieces moving through the story than fully realised people.
I also found the structure difficult. The book does not have a particularly strong external plot, which is not automatically a problem. Some of my favourite books are quiet, character-driven stories where the real movement happens internally. However, because I did not feel that the characters were developed enough to carry the novel on their own, the lack of plot made the story feel stagnant. Early on, I thought the quick progression of Marcy and Cole’s relationship might be setting up a larger coming-of-age story, but eventually I realised that the relationship itself was the main focus. Unfortunately, I found their dynamic repetitive rather than revealing.
My discomfort with the central relationship also affected my experience. Cole repeatedly behaves in ways that are hurtful, dismissive, and disrespectful toward Marcy, and while the story does acknowledge some of this, I did not feel that it examined the imbalance between them with enough clarity. By the end, his behaviour seemed to be treated as roughly equivalent to Marcy’s jealousy or her willingness to stay, and that did not sit well with me. I would have liked the book to engage more critically with the emotional damage of that relationship, especially given how much of Marcy’s young life is shaped by it.
I was also frustrated by how little Marcy’s own ambitions seemed to matter after the beginning. She initially appears driven and creative, but then spends years in a relationship where her own artistic life becomes strangely inactive. We are told that she paints, but we rarely see that part of her develop into anything substantial. Given her proximity to wealth, influence, and the New York artistic world, I kept wondering why she was not trying to sell her paintings, audition more actively, speak to agents, volunteer, or build some kind of life outside of waiting for Cole. This might have been a powerful depiction of how a toxic relationship can shrink a person’s world, but again, I wanted more reflection from Marcy herself.
Overall, while I appreciated the audiobook performances and a few emotionally thoughtful scenes, the book as a whole did not work for me. The premise had potential, and I can see why other readers might connect with it. For me, however, the characters, prose, and emotional development felt too underexplored to make the story satisfying. This clearly has an audience, but unfortunately, I was not the right reader for it.
April 20, 2026
4.5 Stars
Thank you to Eleanor Wells for accepting my request to read All Our Yesterdays from Net Galley in advance.
Cole, the rising musician from New York, I had a hard time liking or trusting throughout the novel. However, despite his issues I believe his attitude and actions are pivotal to the story and the lessons people should learn from it.
I loved the connection of the title to Shakespeare and the deeper meaning within the story.
I think many of us find ourselves in an aspect Marcy's situation at least once in our lives and I think its important that we instill that Marcy strength.
Overall, the author demonstrates creative and skilled writing. The story has something important to say and characters are well developed.
Beautiful read.
Thank you to Eleanor Wells for accepting my request to read All Our Yesterdays from Net Galley in advance.
Cole, the rising musician from New York, I had a hard time liking or trusting throughout the novel. However, despite his issues I believe his attitude and actions are pivotal to the story and the lessons people should learn from it.
I loved the connection of the title to Shakespeare and the deeper meaning within the story.
I think many of us find ourselves in an aspect Marcy's situation at least once in our lives and I think its important that we instill that Marcy strength.
Overall, the author demonstrates creative and skilled writing. The story has something important to say and characters are well developed.
Beautiful read.
May 6, 2024
She helps her boyfriend become a star with the music she has written. She needs to decide where her life will now lead her. How will she deal with his new found fame? Will she stay with him? Will fame pull them apart? See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
May 19, 2026
This one was tough in the best way. It completely pulled me in, but had my stomach in knots for so much of the story. It brought me right back to those early relationship days — falling hard while still learning how to trust, slowly tearing down your walls only to risk getting hurt. The characters felt incredibly real, and I loved watching their relationship blossom in the beginning. I genuinely had secondhand butterflies.
The ending felt a little rushed for me, and I would’ve liked more time with the resolution, but it still gave enough closure to leave me satisfied.
Thank you @NetGalley and @VictoryEditingNetGalleyCoop for providing me with this pre-release audio version of “All Our Yesterdays” in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #AllOurYesterdays
The ending felt a little rushed for me, and I would’ve liked more time with the resolution, but it still gave enough closure to leave me satisfied.
Thank you @NetGalley and @VictoryEditingNetGalleyCoop for providing me with this pre-release audio version of “All Our Yesterdays” in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #AllOurYesterdays
May 17, 2024
i think the main reason why i didn't really feel much about this book was because i didn't really feel connected with any of the characters, and i also was not really feeling the romance
The romance is pretty insta-love, which ig makes sense plotwise. Since Marcy was visiting NY and probably wasn't staying for long on her vacation, had cole and marcy not been attracted to each other right off the bat they'd not have given numbers and wanted to keep in touch and this story would not have existed lol. When they reunited again i wanted more in depth scenes and details between the two that shows their chemistry and shows why these two liked each other. It was a little hard for me to believe that these two liked each other TVT like there were just not enough about them pre-dating (aka the courting stage the flirting stage whatever you call it) And so i didn't feel the feels whenever anything happened whether it be their first kiss or their first fight or stuff
I think the writing style also led to the detachment that i felt towards the story and the characters. There were just not a lot of details when narrating scenes and the sentences just feel pretty passive and detached?
the writing style is pretty bingeable though!
the characters:
ngl Marcy and Cole kinda both pissed me off TVT
the character development that i wished to see seemed to have happened in the time skip at the very end. we never really got to see the journey where Marcy feels more confident in her own skin and less insecure of her own personality and of her relationship she shares, and where she finally feels like herself. and i mean this also makes sense ig so it overall just felt kind of unsatisfactory that we didn't get to see how she healed and grew as a person after the situation at the end (ifykyk)
throughout the book there were mentions of how marcy felt like "as though I was only there to be the sister" and "I’d left my family and everything I’d known for someone who was never around. I had no job, no income of my own, nothing I was involved with, and no sense of who I was as a person outside of Cole. I thought that art would help me find it, but I was destined to come up short." so i was really looking forward to seeing how she starts to build her own relationships and her own identity and yes it was touched upon when she started hanging out with the theatre ppl but it wasn't really fleshed out as much as i wanted
overall i think the themes that this book had are pretty solid themes (i resonated with marcy's fear of becoming an adult it is pretty frightening haha) (and like cherishing the moments because you never know what would happen next) but i wished there were a lot more details and fleshing out of scenes
The romance is pretty insta-love, which ig makes sense plotwise. Since Marcy was visiting NY and probably wasn't staying for long on her vacation, had cole and marcy not been attracted to each other right off the bat they'd not have given numbers and wanted to keep in touch and this story would not have existed lol. When they reunited again i wanted more in depth scenes and details between the two that shows their chemistry and shows why these two liked each other. It was a little hard for me to believe that these two liked each other TVT like there were just not enough about them pre-dating (aka the courting stage the flirting stage whatever you call it) And so i didn't feel the feels whenever anything happened whether it be their first kiss or their first fight or stuff
I think the writing style also led to the detachment that i felt towards the story and the characters. There were just not a lot of details when narrating scenes and the sentences just feel pretty passive and detached?
the writing style is pretty bingeable though!
the characters:
ngl Marcy and Cole kinda both pissed me off TVT
the character development that i wished to see seemed to have happened in the time skip at the very end. we never really got to see the journey where Marcy feels more confident in her own skin and less insecure of her own personality and of her relationship she shares, and where she finally feels like herself. and i mean this also makes sense ig so it overall just felt kind of unsatisfactory that we didn't get to see how she healed and grew as a person after the situation at the end (ifykyk)
throughout the book there were mentions of how marcy felt like "as though I was only there to be the sister" and "I’d left my family and everything I’d known for someone who was never around. I had no job, no income of my own, nothing I was involved with, and no sense of who I was as a person outside of Cole. I thought that art would help me find it, but I was destined to come up short." so i was really looking forward to seeing how she starts to build her own relationships and her own identity and yes it was touched upon when she started hanging out with the theatre ppl but it wasn't really fleshed out as much as i wanted
overall i think the themes that this book had are pretty solid themes (i resonated with marcy's fear of becoming an adult it is pretty frightening haha) (and like cherishing the moments because you never know what would happen next) but i wished there were a lot more details and fleshing out of scenes
September 14, 2024
(Spoilers Ahead)
Fame certainly comes at a price.
This is not a novel concept, and yet, its very premise invites the reader into a timeless discourse that has become increasingly more relevant in the digital age. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s and early 2000s, All Our Yesterdays serves as both a time capsule and a clever meta-commentary on nostalgia, certainly removing the rose-tinted glasses in this memoir-style fictional account of a young woman’s most formative years.
Enter Eleanor Well’s bold take on centering the love interest so often confined to the role of consolation prize for the hero’s grappling journey with fame. Here, we take a closer look into the life of the overlooked partner viewed by the public as an extension of the star and a means to an end. To frame this story as a trope reversal, however, would be a disservice to Wells’s seamless storytelling capturing a lifetime in the span of seven years—a gut-punch reveal that is so blatant and redundant it bears closer examination and reflection. One is forced to confront the author’s choice to depict this tumultuous rollercoaster only to gloss over the “happy years” that are not only longer, but punctuated with the standard “happily ever after.” Beyond the plot’s twists and turns, this framing allows the reader to see past the glitz and glamor and the public personas, for an unapologetic unpacking of the fairytale dream amidst the ever-choking pressures that is fame. It begs the question:
Is fame soul-sucking by nature or does it stand undefeated in unmasking one’s true nature?
Wells has two answers for this: Marcy Lewis, our flawed protagonist whose journey from innocent love to self-actualization is as crushing as it is rewarding; and Cole Hargrove, our even more flawed love interest that calls into question the boundaries we constantly redefine until we cross the line of no return. To watch their story unfold is to unpack a life of constant sacrifice and loss of innocence with little return beyond comfortable complacency, to peek into the validity of the famed Hollywood selling point for romance: “love conquers all.” It is not a morbid affair inasmuch it is a love story that is complicated, beautiful, and most of all, truthful. All Our Yesterdays’ sincere, unexacting depiction rises above sacralization and callous irony for a realistic examination.
The author’s film background shines with the narrative's restrained prose, allowing the characters to breathe between the lines. The consequence of fewer descriptions and dialogue is characters who may not jump off the page in every scene—a point that would normally be detrimental—but are cleverly traded for dreamlike montages of refreshingly cinematic events. This memoir style of pacing only calls attention to itself towards the end when successive plot beats would have benefited from more breathing room.
That being said, the story’s gut-punch ending lends itself to possibilities of deeper exploration in the time capsule Wells has created, and whether or not she chooses to expand this world, the reader is left with a conclusion to Marcy and Cole’s story. As much ire there is to be had for Cole, this reader cannot in good conscience condemn him to narcissism and villainy. As much frustration there is to feel for and towards Marcy, this reader also cannot understate the concussive nature of fame that she does not, and to some degree no one, asks for when thrust into the spotlight—its inescapable nature that follows your entire life, even into death. The most insidious consequence of fame is not running the risk of losing oneself; rather, a glamorous life gained that would disillusion one to believe they matter little without it.
TL;DR: Does love conquer all? Perhaps not, but that does not make our pursuits meaningless. Love of oneself, one’s partner, one’s family, and one’s dreams give meaning to a life worth living. Perhaps love does not define one’s entire life, but serves each chapter to one’s fulfillment, which can certainly be love in the end.
Fame certainly comes at a price.
This is not a novel concept, and yet, its very premise invites the reader into a timeless discourse that has become increasingly more relevant in the digital age. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s and early 2000s, All Our Yesterdays serves as both a time capsule and a clever meta-commentary on nostalgia, certainly removing the rose-tinted glasses in this memoir-style fictional account of a young woman’s most formative years.
Enter Eleanor Well’s bold take on centering the love interest so often confined to the role of consolation prize for the hero’s grappling journey with fame. Here, we take a closer look into the life of the overlooked partner viewed by the public as an extension of the star and a means to an end. To frame this story as a trope reversal, however, would be a disservice to Wells’s seamless storytelling capturing a lifetime in the span of seven years—a gut-punch reveal that is so blatant and redundant it bears closer examination and reflection. One is forced to confront the author’s choice to depict this tumultuous rollercoaster only to gloss over the “happy years” that are not only longer, but punctuated with the standard “happily ever after.” Beyond the plot’s twists and turns, this framing allows the reader to see past the glitz and glamor and the public personas, for an unapologetic unpacking of the fairytale dream amidst the ever-choking pressures that is fame. It begs the question:
Is fame soul-sucking by nature or does it stand undefeated in unmasking one’s true nature?
Wells has two answers for this: Marcy Lewis, our flawed protagonist whose journey from innocent love to self-actualization is as crushing as it is rewarding; and Cole Hargrove, our even more flawed love interest that calls into question the boundaries we constantly redefine until we cross the line of no return. To watch their story unfold is to unpack a life of constant sacrifice and loss of innocence with little return beyond comfortable complacency, to peek into the validity of the famed Hollywood selling point for romance: “love conquers all.” It is not a morbid affair inasmuch it is a love story that is complicated, beautiful, and most of all, truthful. All Our Yesterdays’ sincere, unexacting depiction rises above sacralization and callous irony for a realistic examination.
The author’s film background shines with the narrative's restrained prose, allowing the characters to breathe between the lines. The consequence of fewer descriptions and dialogue is characters who may not jump off the page in every scene—a point that would normally be detrimental—but are cleverly traded for dreamlike montages of refreshingly cinematic events. This memoir style of pacing only calls attention to itself towards the end when successive plot beats would have benefited from more breathing room.
That being said, the story’s gut-punch ending lends itself to possibilities of deeper exploration in the time capsule Wells has created, and whether or not she chooses to expand this world, the reader is left with a conclusion to Marcy and Cole’s story. As much ire there is to be had for Cole, this reader cannot in good conscience condemn him to narcissism and villainy. As much frustration there is to feel for and towards Marcy, this reader also cannot understate the concussive nature of fame that she does not, and to some degree no one, asks for when thrust into the spotlight—its inescapable nature that follows your entire life, even into death. The most insidious consequence of fame is not running the risk of losing oneself; rather, a glamorous life gained that would disillusion one to believe they matter little without it.
TL;DR: Does love conquer all? Perhaps not, but that does not make our pursuits meaningless. Love of oneself, one’s partner, one’s family, and one’s dreams give meaning to a life worth living. Perhaps love does not define one’s entire life, but serves each chapter to one’s fulfillment, which can certainly be love in the end.
May 1, 2026
This was an engaging premise. The plot itself had a lot of potential, and I was drawn to the fact that it was for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. The story follows Marcy, a small-town Minnesotan girl who serendipitously meets Cole, an aspiring songwriter, on a post-grad trip to New York City. The two are instantly attracted to each other, and we follow along on their eight-year love story as Cole becomes a star. Unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations.
The book is told through Marcy’s point of view. In the first few chapters, after Marcy and Cole have met and are going through the will-they-won’t-they stage of their relationship, I found her to be quite trite and annoying. However, I put myself in her shoes and remembered that everything truly is that big of a deal at eighteen. Sadly, she shows little to no emotional growth and continues to be painfully trite and immature for the entirety of their relationship (and the novel).
Throughout the book, Marcy complains about the fact that Cole does not communicate well with her, and yet keeps things from him, such as her acting classes, meeting his ex, plans to see her pregnant sister, how she feels about literally anything, etc. She continually complains and obsesses over the fact that due to Cole’s fame, all his fans hate her because if it weren’t for her they could be with him. She never once acknowledges that if he had been dating someone else, that person would be under just as much scrutiny as she is. I understand the very real fear and discomfort of having irrational fans from a safety perspective, but with respect to her relationship, it is an extremely immature gripe to constantly bring up. I found it repetitive rather than compelling and tedious to trudge through. I do not have a problem with a character having a flaw, but she does not change at all, so I don’t understand the point of her insecurities since they are never meaningfully interrogated or resolved. I really wish the character had worked through these issues at least a little or talked about them in a way that did not seem like she was still in high school. The relationship dynamics and emotional stakes do not feel like those of a real relationship and remain superficial throughout.
There were also a few errors in the timeline of references that took me out of it. I was excited to read a book set in the early 2000s, as this is when I grew up. However, there were multiple continuity errors, such as a reference to the Cars movie in a 2003 scene, when the movie did not come out until 2006. I understand that the story is supposed to be told in hindsight, but the way it is written is as if you are in the present with the characters, so I found it quite distracting.
There was also a really weird moment where Marcy reveals that Taylor, Cole’s ex, is Black. She brings this up in Chapter 22, after never having mentioned it previously.
In Chapter 24, there is a moment where Marcy refers to a window in their house as “my bay window”, as if it has meant a lot to her. However, I don’t remember her ever bringing it up before or making much of it, except maybe once when they first moved in. This bay window should have been a more recurring motif if the author wanted this line to land harder.
Overall, I found this book to be extremely juvenile. I hope this book finds its audience, which I believe skews much younger than me.
The book is told through Marcy’s point of view. In the first few chapters, after Marcy and Cole have met and are going through the will-they-won’t-they stage of their relationship, I found her to be quite trite and annoying. However, I put myself in her shoes and remembered that everything truly is that big of a deal at eighteen. Sadly, she shows little to no emotional growth and continues to be painfully trite and immature for the entirety of their relationship (and the novel).
Throughout the book, Marcy complains about the fact that Cole does not communicate well with her, and yet keeps things from him, such as her acting classes, meeting his ex, plans to see her pregnant sister, how she feels about literally anything, etc. She continually complains and obsesses over the fact that due to Cole’s fame, all his fans hate her because if it weren’t for her they could be with him. She never once acknowledges that if he had been dating someone else, that person would be under just as much scrutiny as she is. I understand the very real fear and discomfort of having irrational fans from a safety perspective, but with respect to her relationship, it is an extremely immature gripe to constantly bring up. I found it repetitive rather than compelling and tedious to trudge through. I do not have a problem with a character having a flaw, but she does not change at all, so I don’t understand the point of her insecurities since they are never meaningfully interrogated or resolved. I really wish the character had worked through these issues at least a little or talked about them in a way that did not seem like she was still in high school. The relationship dynamics and emotional stakes do not feel like those of a real relationship and remain superficial throughout.
There were also a few errors in the timeline of references that took me out of it. I was excited to read a book set in the early 2000s, as this is when I grew up. However, there were multiple continuity errors, such as a reference to the Cars movie in a 2003 scene, when the movie did not come out until 2006. I understand that the story is supposed to be told in hindsight, but the way it is written is as if you are in the present with the characters, so I found it quite distracting.
There was also a really weird moment where Marcy reveals that Taylor, Cole’s ex, is Black. She brings this up in Chapter 22, after never having mentioned it previously.
In Chapter 24, there is a moment where Marcy refers to a window in their house as “my bay window”, as if it has meant a lot to her. However, I don’t remember her ever bringing it up before or making much of it, except maybe once when they first moved in. This bay window should have been a more recurring motif if the author wanted this line to land harder.
Overall, I found this book to be extremely juvenile. I hope this book finds its audience, which I believe skews much younger than me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2026
I want you to imagine you're waiting for a train (you can already guess where I'm heading with this) and you see the train coming into the station. You have a general idea of where you're going from the start, but before you board you see something's not quite right--it's shaking and rattling, and overall fairly ominous. Still though, you get on that train. And eventually, it crashes.
It's a really good metaphor for Cole's and Marcy's relationship, because despite all their arguments and tiffs, you sort of hope things work out despite knowing it won't make it to the end.
Wells's story of All Our Yesterdays is a meditation of identity, and the way relationships haunt someone--how a seven year relationship with a famous musician defines her life. The story doesn't truly begin till near the very end, and the story serves as the buildup for that moment (as most finales typically are). So someone wanting a more conventional plot structure may be a bit disappointed, because there is no central plot thread other than the relationship and observing it from her perspective.
What strengthens and is foundational to Wells's works is her authenticity while writing. Ever since I read Fairytale, I would not have been surprised if these were creative non-fictions that were well researched (her articles she wrote for Fairytale did genuinely have me wondering if Olive Sherman (who does appear in this story!) was a real person. Much like Shakespeare, her naturalistic dialogue and thoughts are rendered perfectly when listening to the audiobook version that is coming up.
The characters of Marcy and Cole are as wonderful as they are frustrating in their genuine feel. Marcy is a rather moody young woman who struggles to connect with others and be friendly, and is often frustrated with her own burgeoning jealousy from a self-ego that was starved from earnest communication and fed by her ardent self-loathing. Cole is a goal-oriented man who wants to fulfill his goals, and is narrow-minded enough to think only of it and neglects Marcy's emotional needs when he feels his financial support is sufficient for her to be what he wants.
Although people are often frustrated by miscommunication within stories to inflate and artificially create conflict, it is the purpose of this story: two stubborn fools who are selfish and unable to fully open to each other. Eleanor Wells's story here is a classic fable in which we are repeatedly shown their failures and the dreaded early end to a story, and a warning for the audience to be beholden to and take from the characters to think of themselves and reconsider their own trajectory.
This story is well worth it, so please give this one a chance.
It's a really good metaphor for Cole's and Marcy's relationship, because despite all their arguments and tiffs, you sort of hope things work out despite knowing it won't make it to the end.
Wells's story of All Our Yesterdays is a meditation of identity, and the way relationships haunt someone--how a seven year relationship with a famous musician defines her life. The story doesn't truly begin till near the very end, and the story serves as the buildup for that moment (as most finales typically are). So someone wanting a more conventional plot structure may be a bit disappointed, because there is no central plot thread other than the relationship and observing it from her perspective.
What strengthens and is foundational to Wells's works is her authenticity while writing. Ever since I read Fairytale, I would not have been surprised if these were creative non-fictions that were well researched (her articles she wrote for Fairytale did genuinely have me wondering if Olive Sherman (who does appear in this story!) was a real person. Much like Shakespeare, her naturalistic dialogue and thoughts are rendered perfectly when listening to the audiobook version that is coming up.
The characters of Marcy and Cole are as wonderful as they are frustrating in their genuine feel. Marcy is a rather moody young woman who struggles to connect with others and be friendly, and is often frustrated with her own burgeoning jealousy from a self-ego that was starved from earnest communication and fed by her ardent self-loathing. Cole is a goal-oriented man who wants to fulfill his goals, and is narrow-minded enough to think only of it and neglects Marcy's emotional needs when he feels his financial support is sufficient for her to be what he wants.
Although people are often frustrated by miscommunication within stories to inflate and artificially create conflict, it is the purpose of this story: two stubborn fools who are selfish and unable to fully open to each other. Eleanor Wells's story here is a classic fable in which we are repeatedly shown their failures and the dreaded early end to a story, and a warning for the audience to be beholden to and take from the characters to think of themselves and reconsider their own trajectory.
This story is well worth it, so please give this one a chance.
March 22, 2026
All Our Yesterdays should resonate with romance readers who crave a little harsh reality, especially if you've been in the throes of showbiz and have seen how easily it can corrupt (Like I have).
Eleanor Wells takes us on a nostalgic journey focusing on Marcy Lewis, a fledgling actress and artist, and Cole Hargrove, the soon-to-be next big hit in the music industry. The narrative follows their romance throughout the years through highs and lows all of which feeling, at least to me, incredibly relatable, especially from young showbiz folks. I do want to acknowledge that if you haven't been around peers who have had "throngs of screaming fans," Cole's actions and attitude as the book progresses might not seem realistic. Unfortunately, he is painfully realistic as he reminds me of an ex-best friend who is still in showbiz who will go unnamed.
Marcy Lewis, the POV character is a shining example of Well's ability to capture realism, and to be clear, that doesn't always mean she's universally relatable. Marcy certainly does some things that if you weren't in her shoes, or couldn't put yourself in her shoes, might feel a bit weird. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who's actually been through dating a super star like Cole, and she's painfully realistic. But that aside, Marcy is a genuine, kind human being where distance is simply a number. I loved how even though years had passed and distance divided, she still stayed close to her high school friends. (I'm the same with some of mine)
Now, for what makes this book special, and know that it will be a spoiler but more a spoiler in essence rather than in what happens, so unless you want to go in completely blind, take a peek:
All Our Yesterdays is a complicated story that appears simple on the surface, and that's hard to pull off. There is passion here that must not go unacknowledged. Take a look. Give it time, it's a slow burn and it's one of those books that just gets better the more you read it, and rewards you for making it to the end, and DO NOT SKIP THE CORRESPONDENTS!
Happy reading!
Eleanor Wells takes us on a nostalgic journey focusing on Marcy Lewis, a fledgling actress and artist, and Cole Hargrove, the soon-to-be next big hit in the music industry. The narrative follows their romance throughout the years through highs and lows all of which feeling, at least to me, incredibly relatable, especially from young showbiz folks. I do want to acknowledge that if you haven't been around peers who have had "throngs of screaming fans," Cole's actions and attitude as the book progresses might not seem realistic. Unfortunately, he is painfully realistic as he reminds me of an ex-best friend who is still in showbiz who will go unnamed.
Marcy Lewis, the POV character is a shining example of Well's ability to capture realism, and to be clear, that doesn't always mean she's universally relatable. Marcy certainly does some things that if you weren't in her shoes, or couldn't put yourself in her shoes, might feel a bit weird. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who's actually been through dating a super star like Cole, and she's painfully realistic. But that aside, Marcy is a genuine, kind human being where distance is simply a number. I loved how even though years had passed and distance divided, she still stayed close to her high school friends. (I'm the same with some of mine)
Now, for what makes this book special, and know that it will be a spoiler but more a spoiler in essence rather than in what happens, so unless you want to go in completely blind, take a peek:
All Our Yesterdays is a complicated story that appears simple on the surface, and that's hard to pull off. There is passion here that must not go unacknowledged. Take a look. Give it time, it's a slow burn and it's one of those books that just gets better the more you read it, and rewards you for making it to the end, and DO NOT SKIP THE CORRESPONDENTS!
Happy reading!
May 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC of All Our Yesterdays in exchange for an honest review.
All Our Yesterdays is not a fast-paced or plot-driven novel. It is a deeply immersive character study about identity, emotional dependency, first love, and the slow, often painful process of becoming yourself.
As someone who graduated high school in 2000, the novel’s late-90s and early-2000s setting carried an immediate emotional familiarity for me. Whenever people ask where I would go if I could travel back in time, my answer is always “pre-9/11 America.” Eleanor Wells captures that atmosphere remarkably well: the uncertainty of early adulthood, the optimism of the approaching millennium, and the emotional intensity of relationships formed before social media and constant digital connection reshaped how people interact.
Marcy frustrated me for a large portion of this novel, but I believe that frustration was intentional. She is deeply insecure, directionless, and emotionally consumed by her relationship with Cole. While Cole is immature, self-centered, and emotionally avoidant in many ways, the novel refuses to flatten either character into a simple hero or villain. Instead, it presents a painfully believable portrait of two young people creating and sustaining an unhealthy dynamic together.
Wells authentically captures the imbalance that can happen when one person builds their entire identity around another before fully becoming themselves. Marcy’s constant need for reassurance, her inability to envision a future outside of Cole, and the cyclical miscommunication between them became emotionally exhausting at times, but also felt deeply realistic.
There were moments in the final stretch where the repetition of those emotional cycles began to wear on me, and I did find parts of the ending emotionally tedious before the novel’s final revelations reframed much of what came before. Ultimately, the novel’s emotional impact lies not in shocking twists, but in its understanding of time, growth, regret, and the lives we slowly build after surviving the relationships that once defined us.
This is a thoughtful, emotionally mature novel that may resonate especially strongly with readers who remember the transition from the late 90s into the early 2000s firsthand.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC of All Our Yesterdays in exchange for an honest review.
All Our Yesterdays is not a fast-paced or plot-driven novel. It is a deeply immersive character study about identity, emotional dependency, first love, and the slow, often painful process of becoming yourself.
As someone who graduated high school in 2000, the novel’s late-90s and early-2000s setting carried an immediate emotional familiarity for me. Whenever people ask where I would go if I could travel back in time, my answer is always “pre-9/11 America.” Eleanor Wells captures that atmosphere remarkably well: the uncertainty of early adulthood, the optimism of the approaching millennium, and the emotional intensity of relationships formed before social media and constant digital connection reshaped how people interact.
Marcy frustrated me for a large portion of this novel, but I believe that frustration was intentional. She is deeply insecure, directionless, and emotionally consumed by her relationship with Cole. While Cole is immature, self-centered, and emotionally avoidant in many ways, the novel refuses to flatten either character into a simple hero or villain. Instead, it presents a painfully believable portrait of two young people creating and sustaining an unhealthy dynamic together.
Wells authentically captures the imbalance that can happen when one person builds their entire identity around another before fully becoming themselves. Marcy’s constant need for reassurance, her inability to envision a future outside of Cole, and the cyclical miscommunication between them became emotionally exhausting at times, but also felt deeply realistic.
There were moments in the final stretch where the repetition of those emotional cycles began to wear on me, and I did find parts of the ending emotionally tedious before the novel’s final revelations reframed much of what came before. Ultimately, the novel’s emotional impact lies not in shocking twists, but in its understanding of time, growth, regret, and the lives we slowly build after surviving the relationships that once defined us.
This is a thoughtful, emotionally mature novel that may resonate especially strongly with readers who remember the transition from the late 90s into the early 2000s firsthand.
April 6, 2024
All Our Yesterdays is a stunning novel about a teenage girl, and her journey to self-discovery, throughout her lifespan. It depicts the story of 18 year old Marcy, who is fresh out of high school. She doesn't know what she wants to do with her life yet, but she's committed to carving a path for herself. At the same time, her sister Eileen is recovering from a bad breakup. Marcy and Eileen decide to take a fun trip to New York. While at The Blue Crane Lounge in New York, Marcy is enthralled by Cole, a performing musician.
Cole connects with Marcy after his performance, and their passion for music and kindred-spirits draw them together. Eventually, they start dating, and you can tell that they care deeply for one other the more their relationship grows. Marcy becomes Cole's musical muse and before long, Cole becomes a well-known musician, which is one of his life-long dreams. Together, this dynamic duo help, support, push and inspire each other.
Essentially, the book chronologies the crucial aspects of Marcy and Cole's relationship—including the high and low points of it. In the end, even though they took separate paths in life, and went on to meet (and eventually marry) different people, Cole played a vital part in helping Marcy to appreciate her talents and herself more. Even though the book has a sad ending, I believe that Marcy lived a full and all-embracing life, and she knew it.
This book is gripping and almost impossible to put down. From the start, Eleanor Wells pulls readers in with her eloquent prose. Readers will get a clear sense of the characters' physical and emotional worlds. The characters all have their own distinct personalities, which adds to the "realness" of Marcy's world. Overall, this is a gorgeous novel that addresses the importance of valuing yourself and knowing what you want (and don't want) out of life. It's about finding yourself and shaping your happiness and not settling for anything mediocre. It's also about making mistakes, embracing those mistakes, learning, growing, and appreciating the ones who are always there for you. I think fans of coming-of-age fiction, and memoir-styled novels will be drawn to this sensational read. It outshines the five stars that I bestow upon it.
Cole connects with Marcy after his performance, and their passion for music and kindred-spirits draw them together. Eventually, they start dating, and you can tell that they care deeply for one other the more their relationship grows. Marcy becomes Cole's musical muse and before long, Cole becomes a well-known musician, which is one of his life-long dreams. Together, this dynamic duo help, support, push and inspire each other.
Essentially, the book chronologies the crucial aspects of Marcy and Cole's relationship—including the high and low points of it. In the end, even though they took separate paths in life, and went on to meet (and eventually marry) different people, Cole played a vital part in helping Marcy to appreciate her talents and herself more. Even though the book has a sad ending, I believe that Marcy lived a full and all-embracing life, and she knew it.
This book is gripping and almost impossible to put down. From the start, Eleanor Wells pulls readers in with her eloquent prose. Readers will get a clear sense of the characters' physical and emotional worlds. The characters all have their own distinct personalities, which adds to the "realness" of Marcy's world. Overall, this is a gorgeous novel that addresses the importance of valuing yourself and knowing what you want (and don't want) out of life. It's about finding yourself and shaping your happiness and not settling for anything mediocre. It's also about making mistakes, embracing those mistakes, learning, growing, and appreciating the ones who are always there for you. I think fans of coming-of-age fiction, and memoir-styled novels will be drawn to this sensational read. It outshines the five stars that I bestow upon it.
June 2, 2026
Bittersweet Romance About What It Takes to Be a Rockstar's Muse
Eleanor Well's All Our Yesterdays, an installment of the Velvet Records Series and starring some of the series central figures, follows in the footsteps of Taylor Reid Jenkins, chronicling the relationship Marcy Lewis from Minnesota forms with Cole Hargrove of New York City. A recent college graduate, Marcy is adrift and unsure what to do with her life, when she meets Cole, a struggling musician. Their connection over music is instantaneous and while they are aware of the distance separating them, they eventually start a relationship that continues while Cole shoots to fame. But will their love be strong enough to endure the trials of stardom? Will Marcy be okay living in Cole's shadow?
Starting in 1999, the audiobook (narrated by a full cast - because of the appendix) tells Marcy's side of the story, through world events like 9/11 and private events like shared Christmas parties and weddings. It was very nostalgic to listen to it, especially since Eleanor Wells really grounds each section in its time and the increase of visibility for Marcy definitely changes drastically with the advance of the internet, forums and social media. It was absolutely fascinating to listen to the impact all of these mediums have on her and on her relationship to Cole. It felt nostalgic to glimpse back into a world that doesn't exist anymore, so I would say that Wells created a very immersive world and did an extraordinary job with both her characters and her settings.
The audiobook clocks in at around 9 hours and is beautifully narrated. It was not always easy listening, due to mentions of drug misuse, world events and verbal abuse, as well as a scene with physical violence and firearms, but I thoroughly recommend this novel if you liked Daisy Jones and the Six or any famous/normie romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
Eleanor Well's All Our Yesterdays, an installment of the Velvet Records Series and starring some of the series central figures, follows in the footsteps of Taylor Reid Jenkins, chronicling the relationship Marcy Lewis from Minnesota forms with Cole Hargrove of New York City. A recent college graduate, Marcy is adrift and unsure what to do with her life, when she meets Cole, a struggling musician. Their connection over music is instantaneous and while they are aware of the distance separating them, they eventually start a relationship that continues while Cole shoots to fame. But will their love be strong enough to endure the trials of stardom? Will Marcy be okay living in Cole's shadow?
Starting in 1999, the audiobook (narrated by a full cast - because of the appendix) tells Marcy's side of the story, through world events like 9/11 and private events like shared Christmas parties and weddings. It was very nostalgic to listen to it, especially since Eleanor Wells really grounds each section in its time and the increase of visibility for Marcy definitely changes drastically with the advance of the internet, forums and social media. It was absolutely fascinating to listen to the impact all of these mediums have on her and on her relationship to Cole. It felt nostalgic to glimpse back into a world that doesn't exist anymore, so I would say that Wells created a very immersive world and did an extraordinary job with both her characters and her settings.
The audiobook clocks in at around 9 hours and is beautifully narrated. It was not always easy listening, due to mentions of drug misuse, world events and verbal abuse, as well as a scene with physical violence and firearms, but I thoroughly recommend this novel if you liked Daisy Jones and the Six or any famous/normie romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
June 19, 2026
Having read Deadheads back in February this year, I instantly recognised the cover of this next book in the Velvet Records series.
When I spotted this was book 1 of the series I worried that I'd read these out of order, but on checking, found that Deadheads is actually the prequel (book 0) and that this does follow on from where I left off.
This is a great series however and although the characters do relate, this book could easily be read on its own, even if you haven't read Deadheads.
I actually loved that this followed on and that I'd got to know Tom and Patti first so that some of the elements of this read hit much better.
This story follows Cole Hargrove (son of famous musician Tom) and his love and muse, Marcy Lewis.
The setting is a few decades on from the first book and so this one felt just as nostalgic for me having moved home and had my own children during the late 90's / early 2000's - lots of the music references took me back to what I was doing whilst listening and of course thoughts lead back to the twin towers devastation too.
I enjoyed getting to know that early relationship between Cole and Marcy and that deep sense of them being soul mates - but I just had this feeling that things might not go smoothly for them and as the story unfolds and the years pass by, this proves to be another heartwrencher.
Under different circumstances, I wonder if things might have turned out better for the pair, but of course, this allows us to ponder these what ifs whilst we watch Marcy navigate a life that really didn't allow her to be herself.
I actually felt terribly sad for both parties in the end and although I could never condone all of Cole's behaviour, I do think he also suffered for his art.
This was another beautifully nostalgic read and although it really pulls at your heartstrings throughout, I really enjoyed hearing their story.
Having met Olive quite a bit in this book, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and getting to hear much more about her life too.
When I spotted this was book 1 of the series I worried that I'd read these out of order, but on checking, found that Deadheads is actually the prequel (book 0) and that this does follow on from where I left off.
This is a great series however and although the characters do relate, this book could easily be read on its own, even if you haven't read Deadheads.
I actually loved that this followed on and that I'd got to know Tom and Patti first so that some of the elements of this read hit much better.
This story follows Cole Hargrove (son of famous musician Tom) and his love and muse, Marcy Lewis.
The setting is a few decades on from the first book and so this one felt just as nostalgic for me having moved home and had my own children during the late 90's / early 2000's - lots of the music references took me back to what I was doing whilst listening and of course thoughts lead back to the twin towers devastation too.
I enjoyed getting to know that early relationship between Cole and Marcy and that deep sense of them being soul mates - but I just had this feeling that things might not go smoothly for them and as the story unfolds and the years pass by, this proves to be another heartwrencher.
Under different circumstances, I wonder if things might have turned out better for the pair, but of course, this allows us to ponder these what ifs whilst we watch Marcy navigate a life that really didn't allow her to be herself.
I actually felt terribly sad for both parties in the end and although I could never condone all of Cole's behaviour, I do think he also suffered for his art.
This was another beautifully nostalgic read and although it really pulls at your heartstrings throughout, I really enjoyed hearing their story.
Having met Olive quite a bit in this book, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and getting to hear much more about her life too.
April 5, 2024
"All Our Yesterdays" by Eleanor Wells, is a heartwarming novel that expertly incorporates well-crafted drama and romance in a way that appeals to the imagination and emotions of readers. The novel tells the tale of Marcy Lewis; a carefree, nonchalant eighteen year old who is still finding her way in life. It elegantly concludes Marcy's story at the age of forty, after she has experienced a life well-lived and well-loved. "All Our Yesterdays" portrays the significant encounters and exploits that Marcy shares with the significant people in her life.
The most significant relationship in her young adult years is with Cole Hargrove. Cole is an up-and-coming musician who Marcy falls in love with. She originally inspires most of his record breaking music. Marcy's relationship with Cole teaches her the value of love, but it also teaches her the value of finding her self-identity. Throughout the book, Marcy is always searching for her "sense of self", and she finds it in her later adult years, but occasionally reflects on her time spent with Cole because their relationship serves as a pivotal point of her coming-of-age experience. The book is about deep introspection, finding love, breakups, moving forward, forgiveness, new beginnings, self-identity and coming-of-age.
On the whole, the novel is extraordinarily written, and it will tug at your heartstrings from the very first chapter. It's a slow read. I think this was deliberately done so that readers can become fully emerged into Marcy's storyline. It's helps! The slow pace made it easier for me to understand Marcy's existential struggles even more. Overall, the novel is a thoroughly enjoyable, character-led drama, occupied by a protagonist determined to find herself and her place in life. It is a beautifully told story, written by an author who knows how to tell a moving tale. I recommend this read to fans of immersive literary fiction--especially one with lots of deep, character-based drama.
The most significant relationship in her young adult years is with Cole Hargrove. Cole is an up-and-coming musician who Marcy falls in love with. She originally inspires most of his record breaking music. Marcy's relationship with Cole teaches her the value of love, but it also teaches her the value of finding her self-identity. Throughout the book, Marcy is always searching for her "sense of self", and she finds it in her later adult years, but occasionally reflects on her time spent with Cole because their relationship serves as a pivotal point of her coming-of-age experience. The book is about deep introspection, finding love, breakups, moving forward, forgiveness, new beginnings, self-identity and coming-of-age.
On the whole, the novel is extraordinarily written, and it will tug at your heartstrings from the very first chapter. It's a slow read. I think this was deliberately done so that readers can become fully emerged into Marcy's storyline. It's helps! The slow pace made it easier for me to understand Marcy's existential struggles even more. Overall, the novel is a thoroughly enjoyable, character-led drama, occupied by a protagonist determined to find herself and her place in life. It is a beautifully told story, written by an author who knows how to tell a moving tale. I recommend this read to fans of immersive literary fiction--especially one with lots of deep, character-based drama.
June 26, 2024
Eleanor Wells- All Our Yesterdays
Genre: F/Literary/Women
5 Stars
Eleanor Wells writes a magnificent tale with All Our Yesterdays
In All Our Yesterdays, the reader is introduced to Marcy Lewis. She's 18 and coming of age, and trying to figure out her purpose in life, and the direction she wants to go in. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look forward to this author writing more books, as this is her debut novel. And what a story it is. Marcy is young, and impressionable, and having grew up in Minnesota, she isn't sure what is out in the world for her, so she goes to New York City, with her sister. Her life changes, and the experience of the bright lights and big city, and falling for a musician. I loved this story, and remember being Marcy's age, with the world at her fingertips, but uncertain about who she is and where she wants to go, and who she wants to be. Marcy grows throughout the story, through a process of self discovery, and if she wants to just be a muse for a musician, or something more. A reader can get lost in the story. This story is amazing and outstanding. I really liked Marcy, and was a bit leery of Cole, and the end of the story just leaves you surprised, and satisfied. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. This journey was very unpredictable. All Our Yesterdays is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
Genre: F/Literary/Women
5 Stars
Eleanor Wells writes a magnificent tale with All Our Yesterdays
In All Our Yesterdays, the reader is introduced to Marcy Lewis. She's 18 and coming of age, and trying to figure out her purpose in life, and the direction she wants to go in. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look forward to this author writing more books, as this is her debut novel. And what a story it is. Marcy is young, and impressionable, and having grew up in Minnesota, she isn't sure what is out in the world for her, so she goes to New York City, with her sister. Her life changes, and the experience of the bright lights and big city, and falling for a musician. I loved this story, and remember being Marcy's age, with the world at her fingertips, but uncertain about who she is and where she wants to go, and who she wants to be. Marcy grows throughout the story, through a process of self discovery, and if she wants to just be a muse for a musician, or something more. A reader can get lost in the story. This story is amazing and outstanding. I really liked Marcy, and was a bit leery of Cole, and the end of the story just leaves you surprised, and satisfied. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. This journey was very unpredictable. All Our Yesterdays is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
April 27, 2026
All Our Yesterday’s by Eleanore Wells is genuinely refreshing in both concept and execution. It’s rare to come across a story that balances originality with emotional depth so seamlessly, but Wells manages to do exactly that. The novel thoughtfully explores themes of memory, consequence, and how the past continues to echo into the present, all while maintaining a compelling and immersive narrative.
The story unfolds with a quiet intensity, gradually revealing the connections between characters and the weight of their shared histories. At its heart is a deeply human exploration of choices, what we regret, what we try to hold onto, and what we would change if given the chance.
The dynamic between the central characters, Marcy and Cole, adds a strong emotional core that keeps the story grounded. Their relationship feels authentic and layered, building naturally as the story progresses and adding real emotional stakes to every turning point.
Wells’ writing is polished and engaging, striking a perfect balance between introspection and forward momentum. The pacing allows the story to breathe without ever losing tension, and the emotional beats land in a way that feels both impactful and sincere.
The narrator captures the tone beautifully and enhances the overall experience. That said, having a male narrator voice Cole’s perspective could have elevated it even further by adding more distinction and depth to the character dynamics. Still, this is a minor point in what is otherwise an excellent performance.
Overall, All Our Yesterday’s is a standout novel. I found it original, emotionally resonant, and beautifully written. It’s an easy five stars.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story unfolds with a quiet intensity, gradually revealing the connections between characters and the weight of their shared histories. At its heart is a deeply human exploration of choices, what we regret, what we try to hold onto, and what we would change if given the chance.
The dynamic between the central characters, Marcy and Cole, adds a strong emotional core that keeps the story grounded. Their relationship feels authentic and layered, building naturally as the story progresses and adding real emotional stakes to every turning point.
Wells’ writing is polished and engaging, striking a perfect balance between introspection and forward momentum. The pacing allows the story to breathe without ever losing tension, and the emotional beats land in a way that feels both impactful and sincere.
The narrator captures the tone beautifully and enhances the overall experience. That said, having a male narrator voice Cole’s perspective could have elevated it even further by adding more distinction and depth to the character dynamics. Still, this is a minor point in what is otherwise an excellent performance.
Overall, All Our Yesterday’s is a standout novel. I found it original, emotionally resonant, and beautifully written. It’s an easy five stars.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2025
Perfect for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six and La La Land!
Wells' world is a beautiful vignette of the late 90s and early 2000s. The pop culture references feel natural and seamless with the author's writing style. The fast-paced plot really incorporates the feel of a whirlwind romance, and as a reader, I was easily swept away into the world of power, money, and fame.
Marcy and Cole are real people to me. They lived and breathed; they jumped off of the page and into my heart. I will carry them with me forever. Marcy's feelings of inadequacy and her harsh judgement of herself was heartbreaking, but extremely relevant, and her mental health and relationship with Cole provide one of the strongest guiding lights that hooked me in. I think this book will be very relatable to a lot of people who struggle with these same personal issues, and for that alone, the book stands out among its peers. I also liked that Cole was humanised to such a degree that I, like Marcy, couldn't bring myself to hate him (even when he did things that were... questionable). Every character is exquisitely human: flawed, fierce, and fantastic.
I loved the bittersweet nature of the writing style, with the ending revelation of what the book actually is; it is a simply excellent piece of work, and I'm so thrilled to have read this at this time. As a creator, as someone around Marcy's age (especially in the first half-ish of the book), and as a young woman navigating the world around me, I really appreciate this book and hold it close to my heart.
Wells' world is a beautiful vignette of the late 90s and early 2000s. The pop culture references feel natural and seamless with the author's writing style. The fast-paced plot really incorporates the feel of a whirlwind romance, and as a reader, I was easily swept away into the world of power, money, and fame.
Marcy and Cole are real people to me. They lived and breathed; they jumped off of the page and into my heart. I will carry them with me forever. Marcy's feelings of inadequacy and her harsh judgement of herself was heartbreaking, but extremely relevant, and her mental health and relationship with Cole provide one of the strongest guiding lights that hooked me in. I think this book will be very relatable to a lot of people who struggle with these same personal issues, and for that alone, the book stands out among its peers. I also liked that Cole was humanised to such a degree that I, like Marcy, couldn't bring myself to hate him (even when he did things that were... questionable). Every character is exquisitely human: flawed, fierce, and fantastic.
I loved the bittersweet nature of the writing style, with the ending revelation of what the book actually is; it is a simply excellent piece of work, and I'm so thrilled to have read this at this time. As a creator, as someone around Marcy's age (especially in the first half-ish of the book), and as a young woman navigating the world around me, I really appreciate this book and hold it close to my heart.
June 24, 2026
All Our Yesterdays is, on the surface, a story about love, music, and the sudden dislocation of fame. Beneath that, it is a far more precise examination of identity—specifically, what happens when one person becomes the source material for another’s success.
Marcy’s position as a muse is not romanticized here. It is quietly interrogated. The novel understands that to be immortalized in someone else’s art is not the same as being known, and often comes at the cost of being reduced, simplified, or misinterpreted. As Cole’s career ascends, the imbalance between creation and subject becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.
What gives the book its weight is its restraint. It does not rely on spectacle or melodrama to communicate the pressures of fame. Instead, it focuses on the subtler erosion of self—the gradual realization that the version of you the world celebrates may not be the one you recognize.
The late-1990s and early-2000s setting is used effectively, not as nostalgia, but as context for a cultural moment when visibility and celebrity began to reshape personal identity in new ways. That backdrop deepens the novel’s central question: who owns a story once it enters the public sphere?
For readers drawn to character-driven fiction that explores love, ambition, and the complexities of being seen, All Our Yesterdays offers something more enduring than a conventional romance. It is a thoughtful and quietly unsettling reflection on the cost of becoming unforgettable.
Marcy’s position as a muse is not romanticized here. It is quietly interrogated. The novel understands that to be immortalized in someone else’s art is not the same as being known, and often comes at the cost of being reduced, simplified, or misinterpreted. As Cole’s career ascends, the imbalance between creation and subject becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.
What gives the book its weight is its restraint. It does not rely on spectacle or melodrama to communicate the pressures of fame. Instead, it focuses on the subtler erosion of self—the gradual realization that the version of you the world celebrates may not be the one you recognize.
The late-1990s and early-2000s setting is used effectively, not as nostalgia, but as context for a cultural moment when visibility and celebrity began to reshape personal identity in new ways. That backdrop deepens the novel’s central question: who owns a story once it enters the public sphere?
For readers drawn to character-driven fiction that explores love, ambition, and the complexities of being seen, All Our Yesterdays offers something more enduring than a conventional romance. It is a thoughtful and quietly unsettling reflection on the cost of becoming unforgettable.
May 21, 2024
This book opens with Marcy Lewis in Minnesota in 1999, trying to grapple with life in the countryside. Her initial dream career dwindles as her boyfriend’s music career also rises. Her preoccupation with graduation, the new millennium, and the issues of growing up frame her new discoveries concerning herself.
Marcy’s sister Eileen and her friend Maura contribute to the development of the plot. Their scenes with Marcy contribute to developing her as a character and showing more of what she deals with. A touching scene is when Eileen shares her pregnancy news with Marcy: "It took me a moment to register what she’d said. 'Eileen!' She explained that she was having twins and was due at the end of August. 'I miss you,' she said. I felt tears welling in my eyes. 'I miss you, too.'"
The author successfully describes a small town in the late ‘90s in a way that captures the memories and makes the readers emotional and reflective. Marcy’s story will easily be connected to the people who are struggling to become adults. The story manages to remain relevant as it is about becoming oneself and navigating change.
I actually had a great time with "All Our Yesterdays." It is a good book to read if you like your books to be thought-provoking and evocative. It suits fans of books about adult youth and adults who are looking for answers to questions about identity and memories as well.
Marcy’s sister Eileen and her friend Maura contribute to the development of the plot. Their scenes with Marcy contribute to developing her as a character and showing more of what she deals with. A touching scene is when Eileen shares her pregnancy news with Marcy: "It took me a moment to register what she’d said. 'Eileen!' She explained that she was having twins and was due at the end of August. 'I miss you,' she said. I felt tears welling in my eyes. 'I miss you, too.'"
The author successfully describes a small town in the late ‘90s in a way that captures the memories and makes the readers emotional and reflective. Marcy’s story will easily be connected to the people who are struggling to become adults. The story manages to remain relevant as it is about becoming oneself and navigating change.
I actually had a great time with "All Our Yesterdays." It is a good book to read if you like your books to be thought-provoking and evocative. It suits fans of books about adult youth and adults who are looking for answers to questions about identity and memories as well.
July 9, 2024
Eleanor Wells' debut novel, "All Our Yesterdays", is an incredibly resonant and nostalgic look at a romance locked in time, set against the backdrop of burgeoning fame and the music industry. The character writing is compelling, and the pacing is quick and well-maintained. I found myself engrossed in the stories of Marcy and Cole, especially as they spiral into and around each other's lives. Wells managed to weave together a story of love, art, loss, and legacy over the span of her novel, producing a work that is deeply nostalgic and yet refreshingly modern.
Marcy's journey over the course of the novel is presented in an intriguing fashion, and the pages kept turning, at least throughout my read. If you enjoy music, as a hobby or otherwise, the backdrop of the book will present a thrilling and intriguing journey - the meteoric rise of young artists, and those in their orbit.
I found the story to be full of relatable, interesting, and carefully wrought characters, and I was eager to learn more about every step of their journeys. Wells' does a very solid job at crafting the intricate web of relationships between the characters, and presenting the events of their tumultuous lives almost as carefully crafted vignettes, giving us just enough to know the characters deeply while not allowing the prose to overstay its welcome.
All in all, I can heartily recommend this book.
Marcy's journey over the course of the novel is presented in an intriguing fashion, and the pages kept turning, at least throughout my read. If you enjoy music, as a hobby or otherwise, the backdrop of the book will present a thrilling and intriguing journey - the meteoric rise of young artists, and those in their orbit.
I found the story to be full of relatable, interesting, and carefully wrought characters, and I was eager to learn more about every step of their journeys. Wells' does a very solid job at crafting the intricate web of relationships between the characters, and presenting the events of their tumultuous lives almost as carefully crafted vignettes, giving us just enough to know the characters deeply while not allowing the prose to overstay its welcome.
All in all, I can heartily recommend this book.
April 13, 2024
The book does a great job of showing the ups and downs of growing up and the importance of friendship. The writing is clear and descriptive, making it easy to picture the late '90s setting and more. Whether it is the excitement of graduation or the sadness of loss, the story pulls you in.
The Columbine High School shooting was such a cool event. It adds depth to the story and makes you think about bigger issues.
The argument between Marcy and Cole is actually a standout to me. Marcy gets upset and tells Cole to go be with someone else. The tension between them got me engaged, and their conversation shows the problems they are facing in their relationship as well.
Characters like the family and classmates make the story richer. Also, Marcy and her best friend Maura's friendship is at the heart of the story, and it's easy to care about what happens to them.
Recommended for anyone who likes heartfelt stories about friendship and growing up. From what I have read, it is actually a well-written story that captures the challenges and joys of growing up. It is a book that stays with you even after you have finished reading it. And I think it is best for readers 16 and older due to some mature themes.
The Columbine High School shooting was such a cool event. It adds depth to the story and makes you think about bigger issues.
The argument between Marcy and Cole is actually a standout to me. Marcy gets upset and tells Cole to go be with someone else. The tension between them got me engaged, and their conversation shows the problems they are facing in their relationship as well.
Characters like the family and classmates make the story richer. Also, Marcy and her best friend Maura's friendship is at the heart of the story, and it's easy to care about what happens to them.
Recommended for anyone who likes heartfelt stories about friendship and growing up. From what I have read, it is actually a well-written story that captures the challenges and joys of growing up. It is a book that stays with you even after you have finished reading it. And I think it is best for readers 16 and older due to some mature themes.
June 22, 2024
The book "All Our Yesterdays" by Eleanor Wells chronicles the journey of Marcy Lewis, an 18-year-old who has just graduated from high school. The setting of this book is in rural Minnesota in the summer of 1999. After graduation,Marcy travels to New York City with her sister. There, she meets the gifted musician Cole Hargrove, and the two of them immediately click and start working together on creative projects. As Cole’s fame grows, Marcy finds herself in a world of wealth and fame, very different from her humble beginnings and as their relationship deepens, Marcy grapples with questions about her purpose in life and the impact of fame on their love. Eleanor Wells's writing is like a soft breeze, drawing readers into the world of Marcy Lewis. The book looks at creativity, identity, and the decisions we make as it shows Marcy's battle to strike a balance between her love of art and the demands of everyday life. At the end, as the spotlight overwhelms her face, and the music swells around her, she finds herself in a charged atmosphere, where she must decide her fate and choose what’s best for her.
I will rate this book a 4 for its excellent writing and it tells a story of fame and its consequences, and the relationship between art and muse.
I will rate this book a 4 for its excellent writing and it tells a story of fame and its consequences, and the relationship between art and muse.
May 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley, Eleanor Wells & Pumpkin Carriage Press for allowing me access to this advanced copy audiobook.
"An artistic free spirit must grapple with her sense of identity as the music she inspires her boyfriend to make propels him to stardom at the turn of the twenty-first century."
Writing: The writing was good, it's definitely written like a young adult book but was still enjoyable. I liked that the POV was written from someone who was watching someone they love become a star.
Characters: I really didn't like Marcy. I found her to be quite childish and naive. Yes she was 18 but even still she had no growth during the whole book. I liked Cole at first but that didn't last long.
Story: It was an interesting story, even if the characters weren't likable. I always find it interesting how the "ordinary" people cope with being on the sidelines of fame. It didn't end how I thought it would and I feel the ending was a little flat.
Who Would I Recommend This To: This is definitely a book for a younger audience.
Audio Book Notes: It was narrated very well.
Overall: I enjoyed it enough to finish it but it really isn't my thing. I think I may be too old and critical now.
"An artistic free spirit must grapple with her sense of identity as the music she inspires her boyfriend to make propels him to stardom at the turn of the twenty-first century."
Writing: The writing was good, it's definitely written like a young adult book but was still enjoyable. I liked that the POV was written from someone who was watching someone they love become a star.
Characters: I really didn't like Marcy. I found her to be quite childish and naive. Yes she was 18 but even still she had no growth during the whole book. I liked Cole at first but that didn't last long.
Story: It was an interesting story, even if the characters weren't likable. I always find it interesting how the "ordinary" people cope with being on the sidelines of fame. It didn't end how I thought it would and I feel the ending was a little flat.
Who Would I Recommend This To: This is definitely a book for a younger audience.
Audio Book Notes: It was narrated very well.
Overall: I enjoyed it enough to finish it but it really isn't my thing. I think I may be too old and critical now.
June 13, 2024
A coming-of-age story exploring romantic and family relationships and friendship.
"All our yesterdays" by "Eleanor Wells" is a coming-of-age story that explores the evolving relationships between Marcy and Cole, as well as their relationships with family and friends. While the themes are realistic and believable, I found myself yearning for a deeper connection with the characters.
The narrative is easy to read, which makes it accessible, but I was often frustrated by the lack of insight into the chemistry between Marcy and Cole. I found myself looking for more in their ‘why’ and insights on why they were drawn to each other and why they stayed together. The characters' behaviour sometimes lacked depth, leaving me wanting more understanding of their motivations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story could have benefitted from an earlier resolution, allowing for a more detailed exploration of the aftermath.
Overall, while "This Book" has solid themes and a relatable premise, it fell a little short for me in delivering the depth and character development I was looking for.
"All our yesterdays" by "Eleanor Wells" is a coming-of-age story that explores the evolving relationships between Marcy and Cole, as well as their relationships with family and friends. While the themes are realistic and believable, I found myself yearning for a deeper connection with the characters.
The narrative is easy to read, which makes it accessible, but I was often frustrated by the lack of insight into the chemistry between Marcy and Cole. I found myself looking for more in their ‘why’ and insights on why they were drawn to each other and why they stayed together. The characters' behaviour sometimes lacked depth, leaving me wanting more understanding of their motivations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story could have benefitted from an earlier resolution, allowing for a more detailed exploration of the aftermath.
Overall, while "This Book" has solid themes and a relatable premise, it fell a little short for me in delivering the depth and character development I was looking for.
May 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
I gave this a 3.5 star rating and enjoyed the love story between Cole and Marcy.
Cole and Marcy met in 1999 and immediately felt something magical between them.
The story then follows their coming of age, growing up together and navigating first love and all its complexities. Cole suddenly shoots to fame as a musician gaining lots of attention from female fans. Marcy is happy for Cole and is in fact his muse.
Marcy, however, slowly begins to lose herself in the world of the rich and famous and adoring fans. There are elements of early social media abuse aimed at Marcy which is a great topic right now as the world of social media is ever more prevalent.
I would have loved to have seen more of Marcy building her own life instead of the end that I didn’t particularly like. But then we can’t always have the happy ending we want. I distrusted Cole and on occasion found it frustrating that Marcy had so much faith in him despite all the red flags.
A good read and would recommend to people who appreciate this genre.
May 15, 2026
I received this audiobook after its publication from NetGalley and Victory Editing and enjoyed the well narrated story. I learned that it was the first in the Velvet Records series, a series proposing to look realistically at romance, art and the pressures of stardom.
This is a coming-of-age story about the meaning of love and the importance of communication. Marcie Lewis meets Cole Hargrove in 1999 as his music career is on the threshold of stardom. They fall in love spend the next seven years weathering personal strains, innuendos and threats to their feelings. Marcie worries that Cole might be killed by a crazy fan as John Lennon was as well as Cole’s possible infidelity. She also has thoughts about her independence as she’s pretty much sacrificed herself to Cole’s life. When the moment of truth arrives, Marcie makes a decision that impacts their lives.
I initially didn’t like Marcie very much. She came across as a shrew while Cole seemed more level headed. But as the story unfolded it became apparent this contrast was a clever way the author had to show things are not always what they seem.
This is a very poignant story. I enjoyed the listen.
This is a coming-of-age story about the meaning of love and the importance of communication. Marcie Lewis meets Cole Hargrove in 1999 as his music career is on the threshold of stardom. They fall in love spend the next seven years weathering personal strains, innuendos and threats to their feelings. Marcie worries that Cole might be killed by a crazy fan as John Lennon was as well as Cole’s possible infidelity. She also has thoughts about her independence as she’s pretty much sacrificed herself to Cole’s life. When the moment of truth arrives, Marcie makes a decision that impacts their lives.
I initially didn’t like Marcie very much. She came across as a shrew while Cole seemed more level headed. But as the story unfolded it became apparent this contrast was a clever way the author had to show things are not always what they seem.
This is a very poignant story. I enjoyed the listen.
August 20, 2024
This an interesting story of how fame can impact a relationship but also how infatuation needs something more to grow into true love. Marcy and Cole's love story is the kind that starts as a roaring flame that gets tempered and whittled to nothing by the world around them, Marcy's inexperience and Cole's bad/selfish decisions. At its core, it's about how people misguidedly anchor themselves/their identity to their partner and fail to develop as stand-alone entities. This is pretty much what Marcy goes through as an insecure young adult who thinks she has found true love in Cole, while Cole finds his muse in her. They are both misguided in their own way and we get to watch them stumble through their relationship until it reaches its breaking point. The takeaway in my opinion is that she needed space to grow and discover herself outside of her relationship with Cole and I'm only sorry that evolution happened off page for her. I think I'd have given it 5 stars if there was more time dedicated to Marcy's life post-Cole and this could have been her posthumous message to her daughter.
May 11, 2026
This is a story of young love, music and stardom and where it leads for our two main characters Marcy and Cole. Ahh... young love, of course it's going to be beautiful, difficult and messy and that is half the fun of Marcy and Coles journey. I don't know much about the music industry but the way the author described their journey as it unfolded seems completely believable to me. Sudden stardom does certain things to people and can change them in ways they would never expect, which was the case for Cole and his music. Marcy, his muse is unintentionally left behind in Coles rapid rise to stardom and struggles to find her place in their new world. She must find herself in order to survive the shark tank mentality of the music industry. This book was part coming of age and part love story and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters were believable, likable and relatable. A very good read. Recommended. 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to net galley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Pumpkin Carriage Press for a chance to listen/read an ARC version of this audio book. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to net galley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Pumpkin Carriage Press for a chance to listen/read an ARC version of this audio book. All opinions are my own.
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