Save a Song for Me

by Delon Nicole Starkey

He was my everything, and then he was gone. I didn’t think I’d survive, let alone learn to love again.
In a single moment, Jude Jennings’ world shattered. Her husband of ten years dies suddenly, leaving her with two young kids and the broken pieces of her former life. Now she must run the family business on her own, despite having no experience.

Enter Jay Whitley… her husband’s estranged half-brother. Gone for ten years, she never expected to see him again, but funerals have a way of bringing people together. Jay has problems of his own, and with his brother gone, he’s determined to reconnect with the family he left behind.

Jude and Jay begin to form a friendship through shared grief, running the local tavern, and their mutual love of music. And slowly, their connection draws them toward something neither of them each other.

Between blossoming feelings and the weight of grief trying to pull them apart, can Jude and Jay find a way to write a love song of their own?

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Charla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely beautiful story about overcoming trauma and learning to accept that it is okay to heal and move on.
I absolutely loved this book it was one that kept me reading and not want it to end.
Jude thought there was only one thing as true love but after a huge tragedy happened she had to learn to love herself and that she can open her heart open again even though it is broken and still being mended.

[Heather C. Rafnel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that will crush you and then build you back up.
This story follows Jude as she experiences a tragic loss and works her way through it.

This book explores her journey through her loss, her grief, and her guilt as she tries to move on without the one person she thought she would always have.

For most of this book, it goes back and forth between two character view points (with the exception of a couple special chapters). It's not generally something I enjoy, but I didn't mind it for this story and felt that it was needed as you navigate through the story.

My only dislike are the many product placements within, but that's just a personal pet peeve of mine as a reader.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has experienced a loss or just needs a reminder that sometimes life is much shorter than we expect to be.

[Betty Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional story built around a woman who is grappling with grief after the sudden death of her husband. It’s also about allowing yourself to live and love after your life journey isn’t on the road you thought it would be. It’s letting people in, like Jude does with Jay. And it’s a complicated feeling when Jay is her late husband’s half brother.
You’ll need tissue and prepare for the tug at your heartstrings. This is so much more than just a romance but more about the grace we should give ourselves to feel happy again after loss. To live the best life you can as a tribute to those who took a piece of your heart with them.
Great story for those of us who love an emotional story beautifully written with loss in mind.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude is trying to navigate life after the death of her husband. Children, a business to run, and trying to find herself without her husband. Then her husbands half brother walks into her life with problems of his own. The two grieve together, both having lost someone they loved.

This book was emotional Ava so well written. Talking two people can come together Ava learn to find love again through the loss and grief.

This book warmed the heart while also tugging on it. Letting the readers navigate through the grief along with Jude and Jay. I thought this was a wonderful book about shedding the fear of moving on and finding love again.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow is all I can say about this amazing book!

I went through all the emotions reading this book. I laughed, I cried, I got mad and then happy how the whole thing came together and ended! This was an amazing read, and everyone should go read this book when they get the chance. And can I just say that Jude and Jay's Playlist was just perfect for them! This couple was absolutely adorable!

Thank you so much Delon Starkey for this amazing book and for giving me the opportunity to read it as an arc!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an heartbreakingly beautiful story about loss, grief, finding love again, and second chances. It made me think about what I would do if I were in Jude's position. My husband and I often talk about this exact same situation and whether we would look for love again. I always say no, that I would never be able to find another love because he is my only love, but you never know what life you bring you when you need it most. The bonus chapter made me absolutely sob. This book was well worth the read!

[Rachelle Whynott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight out of the gate it’s emotional and grabs you by the heart. I’m not typically a person who enjoys crying while reading and was actually thinking maybe I shouldn’t read it right now. However, I couldn’t put it down. This book is a beautiful example of loss, love, and healing.

I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to listen to Hey Jude without bawling though.

I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my honest review

[Katie John · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of meaningful stories with love, loss, emotions, and moving forward after a devastating event, this is the book for you. I enjoyed every word of it. The author has a descriptive writing style and it feels like I've been pulled into the story, experiencing the feelings of the main characters. Definitely one of my favorite reads of this year!!!

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it takes you on a journey through emotions, well written and couldn't put the book down. If your looking at a story to keep you on your toes and ride a rollercoaster THIS is the book for you!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robin Gunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all 3 of Mrs Starkey's books and each one keeps getting better and better. The story of Jay, Jude, and Ben, is heartbreaking and heartwarming both together. Can't wait to read her next book!

[Casey Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was such an emotional roller coaster in the best possible way. It had all the feels. And Jude and Jay’s playlist that goes with the book is such a vibe 🔥

[Crystal Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tugged at my heart and had me bawling in the first few chapters! Great character development. Grief, love after loss, and second chances. Great read!

[Bailey C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. This one had so many highs and lows. I feel like I could relate to the thoughts and feelings of Jude and Jay. Thank you Delon for letting me be part of another of your book journeys!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story of love and loss… two imperfect people trying to figure out life after tragedy. I’m loving all the books I’ve read by this author.

[Lara Belanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in all my feelings! I laughed, cried, got mad, and was so happy during this entire book. This story tugged on my heart as a mother and tugged on my heart as a romance lover. This story was beautiful and I felt her heart break as well as her falling in love all over again.