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Coda
Some loves never truly fade. They just wait for the right moment.
In college, Parker Thompson poured her heart into an anonymous love letter to Hannah Wells—only to be met with silence. Heartbroken, music became her emotional refuge and she buried herself in building a career as a respected music editor. Now in her forties, Parker is certain those old feelings are long gone. But when a union strike forces her into an unexpected sabbatical, she returns to her alma mater for homecoming… and comes face-to-face with Hannah.
Hannah Wells never expected to see Parker again, let alone feel drawn to her. A dedicated music teacher, Hannah has spent decades helping others find their voice while suppressing her own. Freshly divorced, the last thing she wants is another intense relationship. Parker might not be the lovesick kid she once knew, but Hannah has had more than her share of being overwhelmed by other people’s emotions.
Parker is intriguing, magnetic, impossible to ignore—and completely wrong for Hannah. But sometimes love's melody refuses to end.
In college, Parker Thompson poured her heart into an anonymous love letter to Hannah Wells—only to be met with silence. Heartbroken, music became her emotional refuge and she buried herself in building a career as a respected music editor. Now in her forties, Parker is certain those old feelings are long gone. But when a union strike forces her into an unexpected sabbatical, she returns to her alma mater for homecoming… and comes face-to-face with Hannah.
Hannah Wells never expected to see Parker again, let alone feel drawn to her. A dedicated music teacher, Hannah has spent decades helping others find their voice while suppressing her own. Freshly divorced, the last thing she wants is another intense relationship. Parker might not be the lovesick kid she once knew, but Hannah has had more than her share of being overwhelmed by other people’s emotions.
Parker is intriguing, magnetic, impossible to ignore—and completely wrong for Hannah. But sometimes love's melody refuses to end.
- GenresLGBT
240 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2026
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 22, 2026
I liked the first part of the book: the prequel with Parker getting her heart broken, then the shift when Hannah sees her again with new eyes as a bisexual woman and divorcee. I loved reading that shift. Parker is charismatic and caring, and I liked her relationship with Morgan. It was nice to see a job I didn’t even know existed in the spotlight, and I also learned about synesthesia. Hannah just got out from a toxic relationship, so she takes her time, which is understandable. But I was a bit frustrated that Parker had to "suffer" from Hannah’s rejection in a bit too repetitive way in the book. I wished the situation was more balanced or even with the tables turned after the big heartbreak Parker went through when they were young. I felt like Parker was constantly waiting for Hannah, and it made me like Hannah less. Hannah and Parker constantly analyzing their feelings and getting scared kind of broke the flow for me, making the second part of the book harder to read. Overall, an enjoyable read.
January 20, 2026
This is one of those books that was sort of frustrating to get through. It was frustrating for a few reasons - I even took notes which normally means I was mad or needed to get the irritating thing out of my head before I could move forward.
Okay, here we go! I'm just going to move through various things in a rambling string of consciousness, as I do.
First, there was so much gasping! I have never heard anyone gasp when there wasn't some legit shocking thing happening. But these women may have had some respiratory issues because there were gasps galore. So, so many. The only thing there may have been more than gasps was mentions of their cores doing things or feeling things. No vaginas or mons or anything, just cores and clits. Hold on, let me drag out my notes... Oh yeah! There's also some weird word choices (or just wrong) like "...toned muscle flexing under sinewy skin." If someone's got sinewy skin, they should probably see a doctor.
The story itself was problematic for me. We've got a non-relationship when Parker was a college freshman and Hannah was a senior. Parker had a massive crush on Hannah, left her an anonymous love letter, her "love" was unrequited and that was it. For about 20 years. Nothing. Then we get a sorority reunion and Parker is now suave and expecting nothing from Hannah. Hannah is newly out(ish) as a bisexual and starts putting the moves on Parker. And then backing away. Rinse and repeat. But Hannah's daughter Morgan brings them together where they do the get close/back away thing some more. I never felt a depth of emotion from these two.
The final part was fine. Nothing earth shattering but fine. I didn't care much about these folks and would have quit reading if this wasn't an ARC.
Here's something that did bother me though: Parker seems to be a stand-in for the author. Reading through the about the author felt like reading a character summary of Parker. Same jobs, same cat named Xena, same hobby (boxing), same basic locations where they lived, and it just felt weird. I'm not even sure why this hit me as odd. I know authors put some of themselves in their characters but this seemed like too much. Probably just me but it still feels weird. But the author's pen name also makes me cringe...
Okay, I'm done rambling about Coda.
Thanks to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one.
Okay, here we go! I'm just going to move through various things in a rambling string of consciousness, as I do.
First, there was so much gasping! I have never heard anyone gasp when there wasn't some legit shocking thing happening. But these women may have had some respiratory issues because there were gasps galore. So, so many. The only thing there may have been more than gasps was mentions of their cores doing things or feeling things. No vaginas or mons or anything, just cores and clits. Hold on, let me drag out my notes... Oh yeah! There's also some weird word choices (or just wrong) like "...toned muscle flexing under sinewy skin." If someone's got sinewy skin, they should probably see a doctor.
The story itself was problematic for me. We've got a non-relationship when Parker was a college freshman and Hannah was a senior. Parker had a massive crush on Hannah, left her an anonymous love letter, her "love" was unrequited and that was it. For about 20 years. Nothing. Then we get a sorority reunion and Parker is now suave and expecting nothing from Hannah. Hannah is newly out(ish) as a bisexual and starts putting the moves on Parker. And then backing away. Rinse and repeat. But Hannah's daughter Morgan brings them together where they do the get close/back away thing some more. I never felt a depth of emotion from these two.
The final part was fine. Nothing earth shattering but fine. I didn't care much about these folks and would have quit reading if this wasn't an ARC.
Here's something that did bother me though: Parker seems to be a stand-in for the author. Reading through the about the author felt like reading a character summary of Parker. Same jobs, same cat named Xena, same hobby (boxing), same basic locations where they lived, and it just felt weird. I'm not even sure why this hit me as odd. I know authors put some of themselves in their characters but this seemed like too much. Probably just me but it still feels weird. But the author's pen name also makes me cringe...
Okay, I'm done rambling about Coda.
Thanks to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one.
January 25, 2026
Nearly thirty years ago while at college, Parker leaned into her feelings and sent her older crush Hannah a love letter. She was devastated to get a visit from their mutual friend Stephanie, suggesting to keep her distance because the feeling was not reciprocated. She has kept her distance until now, when a college reunion brings everybody back together.
Hannah married her college boyfriend Mike, but divorced a year ago because of his attitude, bordering on emotional abuse. She has since discovered her bisexuality, but because of her emotional trauma from her marriage she isn’t looking for a relationship. Hannah’s daughter Morgan is trying to decide what she wants to study at college. Because of her synesthesia linking sounds to colours she has inbuilt advantages with music, one reason why she is deciding to follow some musical path.
I read the author’s previous book Coming up Clutch some time ago, and liked it. Coda is also a second chance story, but I think this is lots better. Parker and Hannah are both wonderful characters, as are also Morgan and Stephanie. One of my favourite things about this is the honesty and communication between everybody here. The way Stephanie is often the middlewoman in the romantic dance between Parker and Hannah, and how she is blunt but loving to both of them equally. Also I enjoy how, after initial hesitancy and embarrassment are out the way, Parker and Hannah have frank conversations, helping to keep the lines of communication open. Only at one point does that fail, and it is the main cause for the obligatory breakup.
I also really liked the view we had into music editing, which is both Parker’s and the author’s profession. I will now be looking for YouTube videos about this, as I am really interested in learning more.
An excellent story.
Hannah married her college boyfriend Mike, but divorced a year ago because of his attitude, bordering on emotional abuse. She has since discovered her bisexuality, but because of her emotional trauma from her marriage she isn’t looking for a relationship. Hannah’s daughter Morgan is trying to decide what she wants to study at college. Because of her synesthesia linking sounds to colours she has inbuilt advantages with music, one reason why she is deciding to follow some musical path.
I read the author’s previous book Coming up Clutch some time ago, and liked it. Coda is also a second chance story, but I think this is lots better. Parker and Hannah are both wonderful characters, as are also Morgan and Stephanie. One of my favourite things about this is the honesty and communication between everybody here. The way Stephanie is often the middlewoman in the romantic dance between Parker and Hannah, and how she is blunt but loving to both of them equally. Also I enjoy how, after initial hesitancy and embarrassment are out the way, Parker and Hannah have frank conversations, helping to keep the lines of communication open. Only at one point does that fail, and it is the main cause for the obligatory breakup.
I also really liked the view we had into music editing, which is both Parker’s and the author’s profession. I will now be looking for YouTube videos about this, as I am really interested in learning more.
An excellent story.
January 16, 2026
Coda, is the second novel I have read by Anna Gram. This is a second chance romance set 27 years after Parker who had a huge crush in college on Hannah. The Parker of the past is infatuated in Hannah, she leaves an anonymous love letter for Hannah that is not reciprocated, at the time Hannah is engaged to her college sweetheart Mike and is straight.
We then jump forward, Parker now a successful music editor in LA due to the strikes is persuaded by her college big sister Steph to return for an anniversary homecoming. Parker starts an unlikely mentorship with Morgan who happens to be Hannah’s daughter.
This then sets the build up where Hannah, a recently divorced and now bisexual is instantly attracted to the women who she later realises is Parker, Parker who thought she was over her clearly isn’t the attraction is still there all these years later. The remainder of the novel focus on their growing attraction, supporting Morgan and throw in them aiming to be friends but it’s not going to work.
It is a cute book but I felt it was overly long and at times I just wanted them to figure it out quicker as it felt dragged out. Parker, was great at being so respectful to Hannah but at times it just lacked passion between the two of them in the reality of it, Mike was a dick that was well written as I couldn’t stand him. Good read and do stay with it but would have liked a bit more than two weeks that ended in miscommunication and silence that could have been avoided!
We then jump forward, Parker now a successful music editor in LA due to the strikes is persuaded by her college big sister Steph to return for an anniversary homecoming. Parker starts an unlikely mentorship with Morgan who happens to be Hannah’s daughter.
This then sets the build up where Hannah, a recently divorced and now bisexual is instantly attracted to the women who she later realises is Parker, Parker who thought she was over her clearly isn’t the attraction is still there all these years later. The remainder of the novel focus on their growing attraction, supporting Morgan and throw in them aiming to be friends but it’s not going to work.
It is a cute book but I felt it was overly long and at times I just wanted them to figure it out quicker as it felt dragged out. Parker, was great at being so respectful to Hannah but at times it just lacked passion between the two of them in the reality of it, Mike was a dick that was well written as I couldn’t stand him. Good read and do stay with it but would have liked a bit more than two weeks that ended in miscommunication and silence that could have been avoided!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Parker Thompson and Hannah (née McArthur) Wells went to the same college near Conway, Arkansas. Hannah was a few grades ahead of Parker, but Parker had a deep crush on Hannah even though Hannah was dating Mike Wells. One day Parker gets up the nerve and leaves an anonymous love letter to Hannah. Parker never receives any response to the letter.
Now twenty-seven years later, both women are returning to their alma mater for homecoming. Parker is a successful music editor in Los Angeles and Hannah is a music teacher is her hometown area of central Arkansas. Hannah is freshly divorced from Mike and has a sixteen-year-old daughter, Morgan. Hannah has also recently come out as bisexual. Coda tells the story of the homecoming, in more ways than one; discusses their past; and launches them forward into their present attraction for one another.
Some aspects that I appreciated about the story included Parker admitting to a mutual friend, Steph, that she was over her deep crush on Hannah prior to Parker returning to Arkansas for the homecoming. Parker seemed to have a strong sense of herself and what she wanted out of a possible relationship with Hannah as the story progressed. Meanwhile, Hannah seemed deeply impacted by her almost thirty-year relationship to Mike and voiced that she did not want to make the same mistakes in another relationship. Morgan was also a welcome addition to the story to bring the two women back together via all of their mutual interests in music. For me the last third of the book considerably slowed down the progress of the story when Hannah and Morgan returned to Arkansas and Parker remained in LA. The two women had no communication with one another for weeks and the reader was left hanging and wondering what would happen to break the stalemate. On a smaller note, the use of the abbreviations, UCLA and UCA, at times felt a little confusing with them being so similar. 3.5 stars
Now twenty-seven years later, both women are returning to their alma mater for homecoming. Parker is a successful music editor in Los Angeles and Hannah is a music teacher is her hometown area of central Arkansas. Hannah is freshly divorced from Mike and has a sixteen-year-old daughter, Morgan. Hannah has also recently come out as bisexual. Coda tells the story of the homecoming, in more ways than one; discusses their past; and launches them forward into their present attraction for one another.
Some aspects that I appreciated about the story included Parker admitting to a mutual friend, Steph, that she was over her deep crush on Hannah prior to Parker returning to Arkansas for the homecoming. Parker seemed to have a strong sense of herself and what she wanted out of a possible relationship with Hannah as the story progressed. Meanwhile, Hannah seemed deeply impacted by her almost thirty-year relationship to Mike and voiced that she did not want to make the same mistakes in another relationship. Morgan was also a welcome addition to the story to bring the two women back together via all of their mutual interests in music. For me the last third of the book considerably slowed down the progress of the story when Hannah and Morgan returned to Arkansas and Parker remained in LA. The two women had no communication with one another for weeks and the reader was left hanging and wondering what would happen to break the stalemate. On a smaller note, the use of the abbreviations, UCLA and UCA, at times felt a little confusing with them being so similar. 3.5 stars
February 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and author Anna Gram for this ARC opportunity. I am leaving an honest review.
I was immediately intrigued by the cover of this book. I love music and found the book title to be unique and ultimately quite fitting. This was my first book by author Anna Gram but I will definitely look for more from her. Coda is a sweet and emotionally resonant sapphic love story that is really a lesson in timing. At first I thought it would be a second chance romance but it’s so much more complicated than that. This story is more about overcoming unrequited love but finding the courage to accept it when it finds you. I was moved by this story and found it to be wonderfully romantic and so satisfying to read.
Parker develops strong feelings for her college classmate, Hannah. Parker works up the courage to write her a love letter, albeit anonymously, and puts her whole heart into it. Unfortunately, Hannah does not reciprocate and is in a relationship with Mike who she later marries and has a daughter with. It’s safe to say that Parker was devastated but moved forward and built herself one heck of a life. But to say that it didn't impact her negatively would be a lie. Nevertheless, the story really takes place twenty seven years later when both women are in a totally different place in their lives. Twenty seven years is a pretty big time jump but it works well for this book and this storyline. As I said before, this story really highlights the importance of timing. Now, so many years later, Parker and Hannah have such different lives and are in a totally different place than when they were college students. Parker has a successful career in music and Hannah is divorced from her husband and discovering her sexuality.
I do truly believe that timing is everything. Getting together in college would have led to a successful relationship for Parker and Hannah but now is the right time. I loved this aspect of the story because it is so uplifting and inspirational. I found that hope was a central theme of his story and it held up quite well. Parker and Hannah reconnect at a college reunion and despite Hannah's immediate attraction to Parker the women find a way to build something real over time. Can I just say that I totally loved that Hannah had the hots for Parker right away? I know a little something about unrequited love and seeing Hannah so into Parker made me practically giddy with glee for Parker! Yay! Instant attraction aside, Anna Gram does an excellent job of pacing in this story. Parker realizes over time that her feelings for Hannah are still there and this gives way to the possibility of more between them. Hannah is attracted to Parker but her divorce is fresh and she isn't quite ready for anything serious. I felt the slow burn aspect really added to the story and made it all feel so much more realistic.
I loved the characters and their development so much. Parker is talented and passionate but after her experience with unrequited love and the quiet heartbreak it brings, she is more emotionally restrained throughout her life. I felt this was very moving because our experience truly shapes the people we are and the people we become. Parker is guarded and doesn't trust the idea of loving deeply but has a kind heart and beautiful soul. Hannah is genuine and I don't believe her lack of feelings for Parker when they were in college in any way diminishes her feelings for her when they reconnect. If anything, I believe in their connection and chemistry even more because of it. We don't all follow a linear path and I had a great deal of respect for Hannah to discover the truth about her sexuality and live that truth. It takes courage that not everyone has. I would be remiss without discussing Morgan, Hannah’s daughter, because she is lovely. Not only do I enjoy her as a wonderful supporting character but she is also kind of the glue of the story. It is in an effort to help Morgan that compels Parker and Hannah to continue to be in each other's lives and eventually become so much more.
I found this story to be very sweet and multifaceted. Anna Gram’s writing is precise and intentional. She seems to use restraint in her writing in a way I can appreciate. I very much enjoyed this love story that I feel teaches so much about timing and never giving up. If something is supposed to be then it will be. I appreciated how much of the story developed organically because it truly made me believe in Parker and Hannah so much more. Overall, I definitely recommend this sweet and slow burn sapphic love story. If you enjoy sapphic love with real characters and a swoon worthy storyline then give this a chance!
I was immediately intrigued by the cover of this book. I love music and found the book title to be unique and ultimately quite fitting. This was my first book by author Anna Gram but I will definitely look for more from her. Coda is a sweet and emotionally resonant sapphic love story that is really a lesson in timing. At first I thought it would be a second chance romance but it’s so much more complicated than that. This story is more about overcoming unrequited love but finding the courage to accept it when it finds you. I was moved by this story and found it to be wonderfully romantic and so satisfying to read.
Parker develops strong feelings for her college classmate, Hannah. Parker works up the courage to write her a love letter, albeit anonymously, and puts her whole heart into it. Unfortunately, Hannah does not reciprocate and is in a relationship with Mike who she later marries and has a daughter with. It’s safe to say that Parker was devastated but moved forward and built herself one heck of a life. But to say that it didn't impact her negatively would be a lie. Nevertheless, the story really takes place twenty seven years later when both women are in a totally different place in their lives. Twenty seven years is a pretty big time jump but it works well for this book and this storyline. As I said before, this story really highlights the importance of timing. Now, so many years later, Parker and Hannah have such different lives and are in a totally different place than when they were college students. Parker has a successful career in music and Hannah is divorced from her husband and discovering her sexuality.
I do truly believe that timing is everything. Getting together in college would have led to a successful relationship for Parker and Hannah but now is the right time. I loved this aspect of the story because it is so uplifting and inspirational. I found that hope was a central theme of his story and it held up quite well. Parker and Hannah reconnect at a college reunion and despite Hannah's immediate attraction to Parker the women find a way to build something real over time. Can I just say that I totally loved that Hannah had the hots for Parker right away? I know a little something about unrequited love and seeing Hannah so into Parker made me practically giddy with glee for Parker! Yay! Instant attraction aside, Anna Gram does an excellent job of pacing in this story. Parker realizes over time that her feelings for Hannah are still there and this gives way to the possibility of more between them. Hannah is attracted to Parker but her divorce is fresh and she isn't quite ready for anything serious. I felt the slow burn aspect really added to the story and made it all feel so much more realistic.
I loved the characters and their development so much. Parker is talented and passionate but after her experience with unrequited love and the quiet heartbreak it brings, she is more emotionally restrained throughout her life. I felt this was very moving because our experience truly shapes the people we are and the people we become. Parker is guarded and doesn't trust the idea of loving deeply but has a kind heart and beautiful soul. Hannah is genuine and I don't believe her lack of feelings for Parker when they were in college in any way diminishes her feelings for her when they reconnect. If anything, I believe in their connection and chemistry even more because of it. We don't all follow a linear path and I had a great deal of respect for Hannah to discover the truth about her sexuality and live that truth. It takes courage that not everyone has. I would be remiss without discussing Morgan, Hannah’s daughter, because she is lovely. Not only do I enjoy her as a wonderful supporting character but she is also kind of the glue of the story. It is in an effort to help Morgan that compels Parker and Hannah to continue to be in each other's lives and eventually become so much more.
I found this story to be very sweet and multifaceted. Anna Gram’s writing is precise and intentional. She seems to use restraint in her writing in a way I can appreciate. I very much enjoyed this love story that I feel teaches so much about timing and never giving up. If something is supposed to be then it will be. I appreciated how much of the story developed organically because it truly made me believe in Parker and Hannah so much more. Overall, I definitely recommend this sweet and slow burn sapphic love story. If you enjoy sapphic love with real characters and a swoon worthy storyline then give this a chance!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Parker Thompson fell in love (infatuation) with Hannah when they were in the same sorority at the University of Central Arkansas. Hannah was a couple of years older but that didn’t stop Parker from writing her a love letter asking her to meet. She doesn’t show up and marries her boyfriend shortly after she graduates. Twenty seven years later Parker is a successful music editor for tv and films in California. When actors and writers strikes are occurring she decides to visit an old friend in Arkansas and attend homecoming festivities for her college. She isn’t expecting Hannah to also be there. She is recently divorced, has a sixteen year old daughter, Morgan, and has come out as bisexual.
Hannah feels attraction towards Parker but isn’t in the headspace to start anything. But Morgan wants a career in music and is very interested in the work Parker does. Parker offers to mentor her and show her around if she comes out to her dream school of UCLA. There are a couple of time jumps in the story that work well. It gives Hannah time to recover from divorce and allows for Morgan to prepare for college auditions.
This is Gram’s sophomore book and I enjoyed it as I did her first one. Parker is great. She is a good communicator even though she hasn’t been great at relationships. Hannah has reasons to fear getting lost in a new relationship. It doesn’t help that they live half a continent apart. The connector between the pair is their mutual friend Stephanie. I liked her but was frustrated by her. She was great at encouraging one or the other to take the next step. But she also withheld crucial information that may have helped smooth the path forward. Morgan also adds a lot to the story and she has an ability with music I’ve never heard of before and it was interesting.
A very good second chance at romance (although they really weren’t together the first time). I personally hate that it took 27 years. With Morgan’s age it could have been a third less time apart. Everything gets wrapped up fairly quickly. I wanted to bask in their togetherness a bit more. I also like the name of the book and how it was part of the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Hannah feels attraction towards Parker but isn’t in the headspace to start anything. But Morgan wants a career in music and is very interested in the work Parker does. Parker offers to mentor her and show her around if she comes out to her dream school of UCLA. There are a couple of time jumps in the story that work well. It gives Hannah time to recover from divorce and allows for Morgan to prepare for college auditions.
This is Gram’s sophomore book and I enjoyed it as I did her first one. Parker is great. She is a good communicator even though she hasn’t been great at relationships. Hannah has reasons to fear getting lost in a new relationship. It doesn’t help that they live half a continent apart. The connector between the pair is their mutual friend Stephanie. I liked her but was frustrated by her. She was great at encouraging one or the other to take the next step. But she also withheld crucial information that may have helped smooth the path forward. Morgan also adds a lot to the story and she has an ability with music I’ve never heard of before and it was interesting.
A very good second chance at romance (although they really weren’t together the first time). I personally hate that it took 27 years. With Morgan’s age it could have been a third less time apart. Everything gets wrapped up fairly quickly. I wanted to bask in their togetherness a bit more. I also like the name of the book and how it was part of the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
February 18, 2026
Beautiful
Parker had a crush on Hannah in college, but it left Parker broken hearted. When they meet again at a homecoming after 40 years, Hannah is divorced and her daughter Morgan has big dreams in the industry Parker has built her career in. Hannah didn’t expect to find Parker attractive, but as life brings them together in support of Morgan’s dreams there is something more between them.
Such a lovely story about finding love unexpectedly but finally getting something you always wanted and had learn to live without. I adored the connection Parker and Hannah shared, and Parker’s kindness towards Hannah and her daughter was genuine because she really had dealt with all her feelings from the past and falling in love with the Hannah she was learning all about now, not the one she’d known in college. They’d both had a difficult pasts and were vulnerable and it took some time, understanding, and few kicks from their mutual friend Stephanie for them to work things out, but I was glad they had found each other again and it wasn’t the heart achingly painful reunion Parker thought it might be.
It was easy and laid back, filled with sentiment and heart. There was purpose in every moment and every interaction that was helping them both find a happiness they long deserved. Morgan played a key part in bringing them together. Hannah knew Morgan had a gift for music and Parker appreciated everything Morgan was gifted with in a way that would have anyone in awe. Parker just saw life in a way that was unique, and she had to do a lot of work herself to try and understand that all her intense feelings about being in a relationship and for Hannah were perhaps going to scare her away if she didn’t control them better. Hannah appreciated Parker’s efforts but reassured her she was falling for her just the way she was and not to be so restricted in being herself. They truly understood each other and were destined to be together.
Of course, like every romance it wasn’t without some drama, misunderstandings, and hard decisions, but it was epic and destiny that they would have this wonderful life.
Parker had a crush on Hannah in college, but it left Parker broken hearted. When they meet again at a homecoming after 40 years, Hannah is divorced and her daughter Morgan has big dreams in the industry Parker has built her career in. Hannah didn’t expect to find Parker attractive, but as life brings them together in support of Morgan’s dreams there is something more between them.
Such a lovely story about finding love unexpectedly but finally getting something you always wanted and had learn to live without. I adored the connection Parker and Hannah shared, and Parker’s kindness towards Hannah and her daughter was genuine because she really had dealt with all her feelings from the past and falling in love with the Hannah she was learning all about now, not the one she’d known in college. They’d both had a difficult pasts and were vulnerable and it took some time, understanding, and few kicks from their mutual friend Stephanie for them to work things out, but I was glad they had found each other again and it wasn’t the heart achingly painful reunion Parker thought it might be.
It was easy and laid back, filled with sentiment and heart. There was purpose in every moment and every interaction that was helping them both find a happiness they long deserved. Morgan played a key part in bringing them together. Hannah knew Morgan had a gift for music and Parker appreciated everything Morgan was gifted with in a way that would have anyone in awe. Parker just saw life in a way that was unique, and she had to do a lot of work herself to try and understand that all her intense feelings about being in a relationship and for Hannah were perhaps going to scare her away if she didn’t control them better. Hannah appreciated Parker’s efforts but reassured her she was falling for her just the way she was and not to be so restricted in being herself. They truly understood each other and were destined to be together.
Of course, like every romance it wasn’t without some drama, misunderstandings, and hard decisions, but it was epic and destiny that they would have this wonderful life.
January 14, 2026
A 27-year long waited love story about two girls (now women) who reconnect under some crazy circumstances, will they find what they are missing in life after all this time? Some very real topics are brought up in this one including DV and mental and health, so keep that in mind if picking it up.
The connection through music mattered to me more than the romance in this one. Not as a gimmick or background detail, but as the way the characters move through their lives. Hannah through teaching and her daughter. Parker through editing and composing. Even Morgan, still in high school, trying to work out who she is and where she fits, experiencing the world through sound and colour because of her synesthesia.
Parker was the character I connected with most. Seeing who she was at eighteen compared to who she becomes as an adult felt realistic and well paced. She puts everything into what she loves, work included, and that intensity shows through her actions and through how other characters talk about her. I recognised that way of loving things deeply.
The romance is steady and slow, and it fits the characters and the lives they’ve lived. There’s breathing room for growth, especially in the second half, and the pacing is backed by the pain both Parker and Hannah carry. Nothing feels rushed or artificially heightened.
Morgan’s storyline ended up carrying as much emotional weight for me as the main two. Her synesthesia, her relationship with the adults around her, and her process of figuring out what she wants to do with her life made the world feel fuller. It was refreshing to read a romance where the side story mattered and had depth.
This is a grounded second-chance love story. Bittersweet in places, quieter in others, and very aware that love later in life comes with history attached. From a romance perspective I enjoyed the first half more than the second, but overall it’s a thoughtful, music-threaded, warm sapphic romance that gives its characters space to exist.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.
The connection through music mattered to me more than the romance in this one. Not as a gimmick or background detail, but as the way the characters move through their lives. Hannah through teaching and her daughter. Parker through editing and composing. Even Morgan, still in high school, trying to work out who she is and where she fits, experiencing the world through sound and colour because of her synesthesia.
Parker was the character I connected with most. Seeing who she was at eighteen compared to who she becomes as an adult felt realistic and well paced. She puts everything into what she loves, work included, and that intensity shows through her actions and through how other characters talk about her. I recognised that way of loving things deeply.
The romance is steady and slow, and it fits the characters and the lives they’ve lived. There’s breathing room for growth, especially in the second half, and the pacing is backed by the pain both Parker and Hannah carry. Nothing feels rushed or artificially heightened.
Morgan’s storyline ended up carrying as much emotional weight for me as the main two. Her synesthesia, her relationship with the adults around her, and her process of figuring out what she wants to do with her life made the world feel fuller. It was refreshing to read a romance where the side story mattered and had depth.
This is a grounded second-chance love story. Bittersweet in places, quieter in others, and very aware that love later in life comes with history attached. From a romance perspective I enjoyed the first half more than the second, but overall it’s a thoughtful, music-threaded, warm sapphic romance that gives its characters space to exist.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, Coda by Anna Gram has blown me away. Having grown up with music and being part of many concert bands and orchestras over the years, I absolutely loved the way that the author weaves musical analogies into the story of the journey the two MCs are on. In fact, this would have to be one of those books that I would love to see made into a film, if for no other reason than to see what the composers, musicians, and music editors would create and weave into the story.
Parker and Hannah first met in college when Parker had an unrequited crush on Hannah. After having her heart broken she buried herself in her music and moved on to build her career as a music editor. Meanwhile, Hannah went on to marry her college boyfriend and raise their daughter Morgan. However, when circumstances bring Parker and Hannah back together 27 years later at a college reunion it soon becomes clear that there is still an emotional connection. However, with Hannah afraid of repeating past mistakes and Parker afraid of being rejected again it is going to take something special to help them find their way to each other.
I particularly loved the character of Morgan, Hannah’s teenage daughter and her talent and special gift with music and the central role that this gift helps to keep the two women in each other’s orbits. It was fascinating reading about her gift and I loved the way that Parker helps her to draw on her abilities when considering future college options and potential careers.
This is definitely one of those books that I would happily read over and over again whenever I need to get lost in a world of music, hope and love.
I am very grateful to Anna Gram, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of Coda and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Parker and Hannah first met in college when Parker had an unrequited crush on Hannah. After having her heart broken she buried herself in her music and moved on to build her career as a music editor. Meanwhile, Hannah went on to marry her college boyfriend and raise their daughter Morgan. However, when circumstances bring Parker and Hannah back together 27 years later at a college reunion it soon becomes clear that there is still an emotional connection. However, with Hannah afraid of repeating past mistakes and Parker afraid of being rejected again it is going to take something special to help them find their way to each other.
I particularly loved the character of Morgan, Hannah’s teenage daughter and her talent and special gift with music and the central role that this gift helps to keep the two women in each other’s orbits. It was fascinating reading about her gift and I loved the way that Parker helps her to draw on her abilities when considering future college options and potential careers.
This is definitely one of those books that I would happily read over and over again whenever I need to get lost in a world of music, hope and love.
I am very grateful to Anna Gram, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of Coda and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
my second book by this author and i am a big fan how they write their stories and pull you right in is amazing
parker is going back .... back to her college reunion.... she hasnt really been interested before and lost touch with everyone apart from steph and they now have a great relationship
she really doesnt want to go back either because it was around the time of the most embarrassing time of her life.... when her first crush developed and she wrote a letter hoping that it would bring them together..... it brought steph into her life to help her through the fall out
so going back was going to be hard....
hannah fresh out of her divorce isnt looking for anything apart from her freedom...she attends the reunion with her daughter and is on hand to give steph a hand when she is needed.... what she hadnt expected was her daughter to be sat with parker and that was the first of the many surprises....
she hadnt expected the rush of attraction to parker ...... oh hell no not after coming out of a divorce that stifled her..... she didnt need the headache
a captivating storyline with hints of hollywood music and school ...great storyline
my second book by this author and i am a big fan how they write their stories and pull you right in is amazing
parker is going back .... back to her college reunion.... she hasnt really been interested before and lost touch with everyone apart from steph and they now have a great relationship
she really doesnt want to go back either because it was around the time of the most embarrassing time of her life.... when her first crush developed and she wrote a letter hoping that it would bring them together..... it brought steph into her life to help her through the fall out
so going back was going to be hard....
hannah fresh out of her divorce isnt looking for anything apart from her freedom...she attends the reunion with her daughter and is on hand to give steph a hand when she is needed.... what she hadnt expected was her daughter to be sat with parker and that was the first of the many surprises....
she hadnt expected the rush of attraction to parker ...... oh hell no not after coming out of a divorce that stifled her..... she didnt need the headache
a captivating storyline with hints of hollywood music and school ...great storyline
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Coda: a passage that brings a piece (or a movement) to an end. (Src: Wiki)
Loved the naming of this book! Coda offers a fascinating premise that kept me on the lookout ever since I stumbled on the book description some months back.
I liked how the book provided insights into the world of music editing and film score composition. We also get a glimpse of varied public perception towards Synesthesia.
While Coda was enjoyable, I wished the execution had been different. I was left feeling as though Hannah was blindsided by lust while Stephanie had been orchestrating the plot between two first chairs. The resolution felt kinda meh imo.
I thought that this would have been better if read from a single POV, where Hannah’s struggles and revelations could have been better explored. In this alternative world, the role of music editors would be explained by Morgan, saving us from the glaring switch to a mini speech about the job.
But that’s just my two cents.
Coda was an enjoyable read. If you like a romance with second chances with a first crush that comes with a strong dose of yearning, this should be on your tbr!
Loved the naming of this book! Coda offers a fascinating premise that kept me on the lookout ever since I stumbled on the book description some months back.
I liked how the book provided insights into the world of music editing and film score composition. We also get a glimpse of varied public perception towards Synesthesia.
While Coda was enjoyable, I wished the execution had been different. I was left feeling as though Hannah was blindsided by lust while Stephanie had been orchestrating the plot between two first chairs. The resolution felt kinda meh imo.
I thought that this would have been better if read from a single POV, where Hannah’s struggles and revelations could have been better explored. In this alternative world, the role of music editors would be explained by Morgan, saving us from the glaring switch to a mini speech about the job.
But that’s just my two cents.
Coda was an enjoyable read. If you like a romance with second chances with a first crush that comes with a strong dose of yearning, this should be on your tbr!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have a bit of a crush on Parker. Such a sweet and hot character, whose heart was broken by Hannah when she was just a young woman in college.
Hannah knew Parker had a crush on her, and also about the letter…more in the book ;)
However, I have to admit that I had some difficulties with Hannah.
Until almost the very end when some things were explained. That's when I finally warmed to her.
It actually explains why Hannah is so cautious with her feelings and trust in general. They are, however, made for each other, and young Morgan, Hannah's daughter, is an absolute gem.
Such an interesting character, and not just because of what makes her special.
I loved her from the very first moment.
It's a sweet story, slow-burning and gentle.
There's also a bit of friends-to-lovers and second chance for love in it.
All in all, a warm and romantic story full of wonderful music and about the feelings that music is meant to awaken in us.
I thank the Bold Strokes Book Team, and of course the author, for the ARC via NetGalley!
Hannah knew Parker had a crush on her, and also about the letter…more in the book ;)
However, I have to admit that I had some difficulties with Hannah.
Until almost the very end when some things were explained. That's when I finally warmed to her.
It actually explains why Hannah is so cautious with her feelings and trust in general. They are, however, made for each other, and young Morgan, Hannah's daughter, is an absolute gem.
Such an interesting character, and not just because of what makes her special.
I loved her from the very first moment.
It's a sweet story, slow-burning and gentle.
There's also a bit of friends-to-lovers and second chance for love in it.
All in all, a warm and romantic story full of wonderful music and about the feelings that music is meant to awaken in us.
I thank the Bold Strokes Book Team, and of course the author, for the ARC via NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Parker and Hannah went to the same college, but Hannah was ahead of Parker. Parker had a big crush on Hannah even though Hannah was dating Mike Wells. One day Parker gets up the nerve and leaves an anonymous love letter to Hannah. Parker never receives any response to the letter.
Twenty-seven years later, both are returning to their alma mater for their homecoming. Parker is a successful music editor in Los Angeles and Hannah is a music teacher in her hometown. Hannah is newly divorced from Mike and has a sixteen-year-old daughter, Morgan. Hannah has also recently come out as bisexual. Coda tells the story of the homecoming, in more ways than one; with their past and; and their present attraction for one another.
It dragged out a bit at the end, but wasn't a huge turnoff, but downgraded the rating to 3 stars unfortunately. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty-seven years later, both are returning to their alma mater for their homecoming. Parker is a successful music editor in Los Angeles and Hannah is a music teacher in her hometown. Hannah is newly divorced from Mike and has a sixteen-year-old daughter, Morgan. Hannah has also recently come out as bisexual. Coda tells the story of the homecoming, in more ways than one; with their past and; and their present attraction for one another.
It dragged out a bit at the end, but wasn't a huge turnoff, but downgraded the rating to 3 stars unfortunately. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Parker was crushing (infatuation) on Hannah while being in the same sorority. Hannah is older then Parker has been dating Mike when Parker hears that they broken up she gather the courage to write a letter to Hannah only later to find out Hannah didn’t break up with Mike. Years later Parker is now a successful music editor she gives in when a her friend Stephanie invites her back for homecoming activities she meets Morgan who happens to be Hannah daughter who interest in music and wants career out of it and starts to mentor her. Hannah just recently admits TK herself that she bisexual but isn’t in the space to start anything despite her attraction to Parker. Hannah and Parker get to know each other despite their fears with the help of Stephanie and Morgan . This nice warm cute read about second chances and living for oneself.
Parker was crushing (infatuation) on Hannah while being in the same sorority. Hannah is older then Parker has been dating Mike when Parker hears that they broken up she gather the courage to write a letter to Hannah only later to find out Hannah didn’t break up with Mike. Years later Parker is now a successful music editor she gives in when a her friend Stephanie invites her back for homecoming activities she meets Morgan who happens to be Hannah daughter who interest in music and wants career out of it and starts to mentor her. Hannah just recently admits TK herself that she bisexual but isn’t in the space to start anything despite her attraction to Parker. Hannah and Parker get to know each other despite their fears with the help of Stephanie and Morgan . This nice warm cute read about second chances and living for oneself.
February 18, 2026
Parker was a college freshman when she fell for Hannah, a straight, engaged, older sorority sister. It’s 27 years later when they meet up again, this time Hannah is newly divorced and recently realized she is bisexual.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Young Parker’s infatuation seems to be a bit too intense, considering it was always one sided and there didn’t seem to be too much interaction between the characters in the one overlapping year of their college experiences. Anna Gram did a good job making their attraction and relationship as adults believable. Unlike many sapphic romances, communication was not an ongoing issue between the MCs.
Overall it was an easy read. It was a little slow to start but even then it was still enjoyable, middle was perfect, and the ending felt a bit rushed.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldstrokes for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Young Parker’s infatuation seems to be a bit too intense, considering it was always one sided and there didn’t seem to be too much interaction between the characters in the one overlapping year of their college experiences. Anna Gram did a good job making their attraction and relationship as adults believable. Unlike many sapphic romances, communication was not an ongoing issue between the MCs.
Overall it was an easy read. It was a little slow to start but even then it was still enjoyable, middle was perfect, and the ending felt a bit rushed.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldstrokes for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 19, 2026
Coda is a lovely little book about Parker, a music editor, and her college crush, Hannah. Whilst the book starts off pretty slow, by the 20% mark i was fully hooked and excited to see the relationship between the two characters grow. However, the character that truly steals the show is Morgan, Hannah’s daughter, who i would honestly read a sequel about.
If you’re looking for a (kind of) second chance romance with a lovely little slow burn and lots of music references then this is the book for you. The pacing is perfect, and the book itself is only 209 pages so the story doesn’t feel dragged out or rushed. The characters are endearing and if that doesn’t sell this to you then the two super cute cats will.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
If you’re looking for a (kind of) second chance romance with a lovely little slow burn and lots of music references then this is the book for you. The pacing is perfect, and the book itself is only 209 pages so the story doesn’t feel dragged out or rushed. The characters are endearing and if that doesn’t sell this to you then the two super cute cats will.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a pleasant romance overall, and there were several moments I really enjoyed. The premise was appealing, and the romantic connection had its share of sweet and engaging scenes.
At times, the pacing felt a bit uneven, and I wished there was more emotional depth or development in the relationship. Some moments that should have felt bigger didn’t fully land for me, but the story still had charm.
Overall, this was a decent book and I will definitely read Anna's next book. Fans of sapphic romance will likely find things to enjoy, even if it didn’t completely sweep me away.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for early access to this book, in exchange for an honest review!
At times, the pacing felt a bit uneven, and I wished there was more emotional depth or development in the relationship. Some moments that should have felt bigger didn’t fully land for me, but the story still had charm.
Overall, this was a decent book and I will definitely read Anna's next book. Fans of sapphic romance will likely find things to enjoy, even if it didn’t completely sweep me away.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for early access to this book, in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was possibly the sweetest book I’ve read in a while. Parker is so sweet and endearing that I couldn’t help but fall in love with her myself. Parker’s youthful (and unrequited) crush on Hannah was so relatable and I enjoyed seeing the adult versions of these characters form a new and different relationship, something we can all strive for. The supporting characters were great as well, and I would love to see some of them get their own books. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a sweet and realistic second chance romance story.
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley.
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley.
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