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A Song I Wrote for Charlotte
A beautifully written coming-of-age YA romance, perfect for fans of John Green, Alice Oseman, Stephen Chbosky and Jennifer Niven.
Connie Moore has never failed at anything. That is until the Royal Academy of Music decide her piano playing isn’t good enough and she finds herself pursuing her back-up plan: moving into student halls to study English Literature. With her grandmother piling on the pressure and her father’s absence weighing on her, she knows she has to stay focused this year – mediocrity must be avoided at all costs.
Just across the corridor, Music Production student Charlotte Owen has other ideas. Sweet, sociable and not a girl who takes no for an answer, Charlotte drags Connie determinedly into university life. As an unlikely friendship blossoms between them, Connie begins to wonder if there’s something more to the way she feels about Charlotte – and, even more terrifyingly, whether there’s something more to the way Charlotte feels about her.
But Charlotte isn’t the kind of person you can hold on to forever. And Connie might have to consider whether the life that Charlotte has built for her is one that she can sustain alone.
Caitlin Devlin's exquisite eye for detail perfectly captures a particular moment of adolescence, effortlessly moving between hilarious, laugh-out-loud writing on one page to heartbreak and poignancy on the next.
With an irresistible voice and an absolutely one-of-a-kind heroine, you'll fall in love with A Song I Wrote for Charlotte from the very first page – a perfect coming of age debut celebrating difference, self-discovery, and LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent identities.
Connie Moore has never failed at anything. That is until the Royal Academy of Music decide her piano playing isn’t good enough and she finds herself pursuing her back-up plan: moving into student halls to study English Literature. With her grandmother piling on the pressure and her father’s absence weighing on her, she knows she has to stay focused this year – mediocrity must be avoided at all costs.
Just across the corridor, Music Production student Charlotte Owen has other ideas. Sweet, sociable and not a girl who takes no for an answer, Charlotte drags Connie determinedly into university life. As an unlikely friendship blossoms between them, Connie begins to wonder if there’s something more to the way she feels about Charlotte – and, even more terrifyingly, whether there’s something more to the way Charlotte feels about her.
But Charlotte isn’t the kind of person you can hold on to forever. And Connie might have to consider whether the life that Charlotte has built for her is one that she can sustain alone.
Caitlin Devlin's exquisite eye for detail perfectly captures a particular moment of adolescence, effortlessly moving between hilarious, laugh-out-loud writing on one page to heartbreak and poignancy on the next.
With an irresistible voice and an absolutely one-of-a-kind heroine, you'll fall in love with A Song I Wrote for Charlotte from the very first page – a perfect coming of age debut celebrating difference, self-discovery, and LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent identities.
278 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 26, 2026
sad contemporary YA is back, nature really is healing
July 16, 2026
my favourite combo in a book: gay, neurodivergent and tragic
August 24, 2026
I think I knew what was coming but didn’t want to believe it…
This book is funny yet heartbreaking and the writing was so amazing, I feel like it struck the perfect balance between dialogue and prose.
Even in just 275 (? I’m reading the paperback and this is a different page count from the one listed here on goodreads but whatever) pages, every character in the story also stood out to me as being very distinct and well written. Connie really is a heroine the likes seldom seen in teen fiction; she’s a prickly loner that is likeable despite her tendency to be blunt and curt. Charlotte is just a perfect love interest for Connie, because her bubbly personality is so endearing and different from Connie’s coldness. The family dynamics between Connie, Veronica, and Millie were very cute and natural. Not so much her grandma though…she gave me anxiety whenever she was around or on the phone. And of course, the (majority of the) flatmates were adorable (do college-age boys like this actually exist?) and I’m amazed at how much each of their personalities came through without the author having to give too much overt exposition.
There is so much else to compliment in this book but I don’t what to spoil anything…
In any case, I’ll be recommending this one to anyone who will hear it!!
This book is funny yet heartbreaking and the writing was so amazing, I feel like it struck the perfect balance between dialogue and prose.
Even in just 275 (? I’m reading the paperback and this is a different page count from the one listed here on goodreads but whatever) pages, every character in the story also stood out to me as being very distinct and well written. Connie really is a heroine the likes seldom seen in teen fiction; she’s a prickly loner that is likeable despite her tendency to be blunt and curt. Charlotte is just a perfect love interest for Connie, because her bubbly personality is so endearing and different from Connie’s coldness. The family dynamics between Connie, Veronica, and Millie were very cute and natural. Not so much her grandma though…she gave me anxiety whenever she was around or on the phone. And of course, the (majority of the) flatmates were adorable (do college-age boys like this actually exist?) and I’m amazed at how much each of their personalities came through without the author having to give too much overt exposition.
There is so much else to compliment in this book but I don’t what to spoil anything…
In any case, I’ll be recommending this one to anyone who will hear it!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well that has left me wrung out.
Want to Read
April 15, 2026anything caitlin devlin writes, I'm reading it
May 28, 2026
Never reading one of Sharn's recommendations ever again because she's clearly a sadist.
August 2, 2026
beautiful!!! I was hooked from the first page and demolished this in basically one sitting. The story and the characters were beautifully and vividly written - I was so invested in Connie and Charlotte both as individuals and as a love story. It made me feel sooooo nostalgic for uni and first year and all the confusion that comes with that time of your life. The twist and the ending was gut wrenching - there were tears. I also loved how music was interwoven as a character.
A must read!!!!!!
A must read!!!!!!
July 25, 2026
This book made me feel soooo nostalgic about uni, and the friendships made me cry
August 24, 2026
4.25/5
Feel like I’ve been ran over
Feel like I’ve been ran over
April 22, 2026
Ok so I’m gonna need 10 business days to recover from this book, than you very much.
What a rollercoaster omg. I haven’t cried this much while reading a book in a hot minute. This was such a beautiful story and although it did shatter my heart, there were also so many heartwarming moments in it.
A Song I Wrote for Charlotte is a coming of age story that follows Connie, as she moves into uni to study English Lit after not getting into the Royal Academy of Music. She’s focused and determined to work hard but when she meets Charlotte, one of her flatmates, she can’t stay away and is dragged into university life. As their friendship grows and her horizons broaden as she tries new things and meets new people, Connie will have to come to terms with her feelings and what she wants for her future.
I loved Connie and Charlotte so much. Connie, especially, I found really relatable and I think that the fact that I saw so many pieces on myself in her really heightened all my emotions. She did grow a lot throughout the book and I loved seeing her try new things and find her place and her people. Charlotte, though a little less sure of herself perhaps, was such a free spirit and I she played a big role in Connie’s journey. They were so sweet together and I really loved to see their dynamic change throughout the book.
I don’t want to give too much away because I think it’d take some of the beauty of this sorry away but it truly is a beautiful story and I loved reading it.
If a book that covers queerness, neurodivergence, friendship, loss and so much more sounds like something you’d enjoy, I couldn’t recommend this more.
Thanks to Harper Fire and Netgalley for sending me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
What a rollercoaster omg. I haven’t cried this much while reading a book in a hot minute. This was such a beautiful story and although it did shatter my heart, there were also so many heartwarming moments in it.
A Song I Wrote for Charlotte is a coming of age story that follows Connie, as she moves into uni to study English Lit after not getting into the Royal Academy of Music. She’s focused and determined to work hard but when she meets Charlotte, one of her flatmates, she can’t stay away and is dragged into university life. As their friendship grows and her horizons broaden as she tries new things and meets new people, Connie will have to come to terms with her feelings and what she wants for her future.
I loved Connie and Charlotte so much. Connie, especially, I found really relatable and I think that the fact that I saw so many pieces on myself in her really heightened all my emotions. She did grow a lot throughout the book and I loved seeing her try new things and find her place and her people. Charlotte, though a little less sure of herself perhaps, was such a free spirit and I she played a big role in Connie’s journey. They were so sweet together and I really loved to see their dynamic change throughout the book.
I don’t want to give too much away because I think it’d take some of the beauty of this sorry away but it truly is a beautiful story and I loved reading it.
If a book that covers queerness, neurodivergence, friendship, loss and so much more sounds like something you’d enjoy, I couldn’t recommend this more.
Thanks to Harper Fire and Netgalley for sending me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2026
i feel like i was slapped in the face, and then someone lingered holding ice to my cheek. i do think the goodreads description adds a slight hint of warning that the books’ blurb misses out, only because the LGBTQ+ strive for happy endings and positive representation. you don’t get that from this book, but i say the emotions this made me feel throughout, start to finish, really encapsulate how relatable this is at times. although neither of them really acknowledged their sexuality, by the end i think a lot of the internalised contradictions are portrayed so well. you have to remember this is basically a diary, and we only see what connie was wiling to admit to herself. it’s not the happy ending i wanted so badly by the halfway point, but not everyone’s story will be sunshine and overcoming hardships. i think we still need a sprinkle of these devastating beautiful stories because they’re just as real!
this is such an accurate UK university experience at times and it’s riddled me with nostalgia (i didn’t even graduate a year ago yet).
-reposted review because the actual rating didn’t save :(
this is such an accurate UK university experience at times and it’s riddled me with nostalgia (i didn’t even graduate a year ago yet).
-reposted review because the actual rating didn’t save :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
This book is so beyond heart wrenching, yet incredibly humorous. I loved Connie’s inner monologue as she explores university for the first time, navigating a life that was different to what she had originally planned. The character exchanges were hilarious and so accurate to typical British university culture. The feelings expressed were extremely real and refreshing too.
I also loved how this book expresses the importance of understanding mental health and believing in yourself to make important decisions.
Thank you so much Harper Fire for the early copy. I have been been RAVING about this to everyone I see
I also loved how this book expresses the importance of understanding mental health and believing in yourself to make important decisions.
Thank you so much Harper Fire for the early copy. I have been been RAVING about this to everyone I see
August 9, 2026
i need a therapist
September 12, 2026
Beautiful and poetic. I loved the dynamic between Connie en Charlotte. While Connie never really changed in personality, she came to appreciate (social) life more because she had good people surrounding here (partly thanks to Charlotte). I really appreciate the comment near the end that she wanted to find a space created by herself as well, one with people and one where she feels comfortable.
I cherish the fact that the first "I love you" Connie dropped in years was to her mom. It felt right and not rushed at all. This story, and how beautifully it was written, was greatly appreciated! (I really know how to pick my wlw stories this year, I'm on a roll!).
Having said that, this was also one of (if not) the most gutwrenching queer stories of the year, or just have read ever. When Connie & Charlotte both agreed to discuss their situation at a later moment, because they have "all the time in the world," I got Life is Strange flashbacks, in a daunting way. I felt it in my bones that something might go awry, but never would I have expected this sharp left turn of events.
I loved, however, how everyone helped her (sadly, apart from nana, one can just hope that Connie got her make- up wish). The grief never did disappear, and it won't for a long time. The only thing she can do is continue living, but this time for herself.
5/5, absolutely something you should read once.
I cherish the fact that the first "I love you" Connie dropped in years was to her mom. It felt right and not rushed at all. This story, and how beautifully it was written, was greatly appreciated! (I really know how to pick my wlw stories this year, I'm on a roll!).
Having said that, this was also one of (if not) the most gutwrenching queer stories of the year, or just have read ever. When Connie & Charlotte both agreed to discuss their situation at a later moment, because they have "all the time in the world," I got Life is Strange flashbacks, in a daunting way. I felt it in my bones that something might go awry, but never would I have expected this sharp left turn of events.
I loved, however, how everyone helped her (sadly, apart from nana, one can just hope that Connie got her make- up wish). The grief never did disappear, and it won't for a long time. The only thing she can do is continue living, but this time for herself.
5/5, absolutely something you should read once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2026
saw it coming, but that didn’t make it hurt any less
April 23, 2026
Still recovering emotionally. Incredible
November 7, 2025
What a stunning book. One that will stay with me for a long time. A beautiful coming of age story exploring love, friendship, devastating grief, queerness, neurodivergence, all manner of heartbreak. Characters that feel so real you will keep thinking about them long after you put the book down. A story that was only more incredible on second read. I’m so fortunate to have been able to read this one early - I can’t wait for the rest of the world to feel all the feels this masterpiece has to offer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2026
whatever you do, don't listen to honeybee by olivia rodrigo while reading or thinking about this book
April 23, 2026
So this one hurt. Like I am emotionally destroyed and need about 5-10 business days to recover.
It's rare to find a book set in a UK university and this one captures that experience so well - the endless pasta cooking, flyering on campus, moving into a flat with strangers. It reminded me so much of uni which was very nostalgic and also emotional knowing I won't experience that again.
I also really connected to this because I related so much to Connie, who is heavily implied to be neurodivergent. This makes the social aspect of university difficult for her, along with the pressure she puts on herself to excel. Honestly, I wish I could've read this back when I started uni (and wasn't aware of my own neurodivergence) - I would've felt so much less alone in my awkwardness.
It was interesting to see her family dynamic and how that impacted her as well. It helped to understand her character and it warmed my heart to see Connie's character growth as the story progressed.
All the characters were so well written. I loved Charlotte and her persistence in befriending Connie. A literal ray of sunshine character. Her and Connie grow closer and closer, at first to Connie's resistance, as the book progresses and it is very sweet. Loved how they connected over music too!!
The side characters did feel very realistic and I could so easily picture all of them. The laddish boys, the posh girls. I have such a soft spot in my heart for her flatmates Toby, Eli and Imran. There was very much a found family element to the story that made it both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
I don't want to say too much but let's just say I wasn't expecting the ending! I'm maybe never getting over it.
This is such a beautifully written coming-of-age story that deals so authentically with themes of queerness, neurodivergence, friendship and grief.
It's rare to find a book set in a UK university and this one captures that experience so well - the endless pasta cooking, flyering on campus, moving into a flat with strangers. It reminded me so much of uni which was very nostalgic and also emotional knowing I won't experience that again.
I also really connected to this because I related so much to Connie, who is heavily implied to be neurodivergent. This makes the social aspect of university difficult for her, along with the pressure she puts on herself to excel. Honestly, I wish I could've read this back when I started uni (and wasn't aware of my own neurodivergence) - I would've felt so much less alone in my awkwardness.
It was interesting to see her family dynamic and how that impacted her as well. It helped to understand her character and it warmed my heart to see Connie's character growth as the story progressed.
All the characters were so well written. I loved Charlotte and her persistence in befriending Connie. A literal ray of sunshine character. Her and Connie grow closer and closer, at first to Connie's resistance, as the book progresses and it is very sweet. Loved how they connected over music too!!
The side characters did feel very realistic and I could so easily picture all of them. The laddish boys, the posh girls. I have such a soft spot in my heart for her flatmates Toby, Eli and Imran. There was very much a found family element to the story that made it both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
I don't want to say too much but let's just say I wasn't expecting the ending! I'm maybe never getting over it.
This is such a beautifully written coming-of-age story that deals so authentically with themes of queerness, neurodivergence, friendship and grief.
May 16, 2026
4.5⭐️
I absolutely DEVOURED this!!
I was so excited for this ARC from NetGalley and somehow it still exceeded every expectation because I genuinely could not put it down. This book had everything - laughs, tears, BRUTAL emotional damage (seriously, where did that even come from?! 😭), and so many beautiful moments that completely caught me off guard.
Connie’s journey through the chaos of university felt so real, and I loved how it felt like we were experiencing every new step right alongside her. The sapphic love story, the beautiful friendships, and the neurodivergent rep made this feel incredibly special too.
Caitlin Devlin, you absolutely smashed it with this one!! 🥹✨
I absolutely DEVOURED this!!
I was so excited for this ARC from NetGalley and somehow it still exceeded every expectation because I genuinely could not put it down. This book had everything - laughs, tears, BRUTAL emotional damage (seriously, where did that even come from?! 😭), and so many beautiful moments that completely caught me off guard.
Connie’s journey through the chaos of university felt so real, and I loved how it felt like we were experiencing every new step right alongside her. The sapphic love story, the beautiful friendships, and the neurodivergent rep made this feel incredibly special too.
Caitlin Devlin, you absolutely smashed it with this one!! 🥹✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2026
Caitlin Devlin’s writing continues to go from strength to strength. This has to be my favourite book from her thus far.
An outrageously accurate depiction of the ups and downs of first year university life (with a few extra twists on top). So many relatable moments for so many readers! At times it felt as if I was reliving parts of my own first year experience again - very nostalgic.
The queer and neurodivergent representation is handled with great care and understanding. A truly wonderful YA fiction.
You will laugh, you will cry, you will reminisce - overall an unmissable read.
An outrageously accurate depiction of the ups and downs of first year university life (with a few extra twists on top). So many relatable moments for so many readers! At times it felt as if I was reliving parts of my own first year experience again - very nostalgic.
The queer and neurodivergent representation is handled with great care and understanding. A truly wonderful YA fiction.
You will laugh, you will cry, you will reminisce - overall an unmissable read.
September 29, 2026
I really like honestly didn’t see it coming. How did I not see it coming?
I’m so crushed I literally cannot finish it
I’m so crushed I literally cannot finish it
July 19, 2026
‚Fucking tough break, Connie,‘
September 25, 2026
4/5 stars cute characters, didn't like the twist but the ending wasn't bad.
May 12, 2026
This book was very sweet and a fast read. I loved our main character Connie so much and seeing her find her place somewhere she never thought she’d belong to was my favorite part of it all. The titular Charlotte was a great character as well, and I really liked their dynamic. About 80% in there is a twist I’m not sure I enjoyed, but overall I felt the plot was pretty well executed and I had a great reading experience
Thank you NetGalley for the arc, all thoughts are my own
Thank you NetGalley for the arc, all thoughts are my own
Read
May 16, 2026Saw the giveaway on tiktok and even though I didn’t win still went out to buy it as it intrigued me. Finished it in one night and I really enjoyed it! Made me a bit emotional as was so realistic and made me realise how much I miss uni. The story really reminds me of my own experience with identity at university. Have never had a character I could relate to as much as I do Connie, it’s great to feel somewhat recognised in a book. This book played with my emotions in a way I didn’t anticipate but I definitely believe this has got me out of my reading slump.
June 20, 2026
I feel drained after reading this, in the best possible way. It was incredible, left me emotionally exhausted and I will be thinking about it forever.
April 2, 2026
very honoured to have received an advanced copy ☺️
so this was DEVASTATING. i literally did not see that coming and was ready for charlotte and connie to slip off hand in hand to the sunset….
very beautiful writing and story. as a first year uni student can attest to having annoying flatmates… Would have been avoiding Mason like the plague. The setting was super fun and it made me so nostalgic even tho i have yet to move out of my accom 😭😭
loved loved loved this 1000% recommend ! 🌟
so this was DEVASTATING. i literally did not see that coming and was ready for charlotte and connie to slip off hand in hand to the sunset….
very beautiful writing and story. as a first year uni student can attest to having annoying flatmates… Would have been avoiding Mason like the plague. The setting was super fun and it made me so nostalgic even tho i have yet to move out of my accom 😭😭
loved loved loved this 1000% recommend ! 🌟
May 24, 2026
I read this book in under 4 hours, that is how much I loved it.
It is also the first book to ever make me cry, I was truly devastated at the end.
The character development and relationships in this book were truly beautiful and so real.
The emotion throughout was well written and raw and it was so easy to read and follow.
It genuinely took me back to my time at university, it made me smile, laugh and cry and I never saw that twist coming. Truly beautiful, poignant and moving.
It is also the first book to ever make me cry, I was truly devastated at the end.
The character development and relationships in this book were truly beautiful and so real.
The emotion throughout was well written and raw and it was so easy to read and follow.
It genuinely took me back to my time at university, it made me smile, laugh and cry and I never saw that twist coming. Truly beautiful, poignant and moving.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2026
almost dnfd 2 pages in because she was such an asshole. thank God i did not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews