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Melody of Your Heart: Stories of Love, Loss, and Soulmates
Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?
In this collection of short stories centering around love and loss, Renley and Tiffany attempt to answer the impossible question. Within the many different kinds of love, a single string runs through each story. Love, which, for one reason or another, breaks apart. Yet there are tales that offer redemption in the midst of loss, and through these, the authors thread a skein of meaning and hope through an otherwise bleak canvas.
Because in a world of billions, against all odds, we found each other and knew in a moment that our souls were one.
“Who am I to you?”
“You’re the one who knows the melody of my heart.”
In this collection of short stories centering around love and loss, Renley and Tiffany attempt to answer the impossible question. Within the many different kinds of love, a single string runs through each story. Love, which, for one reason or another, breaks apart. Yet there are tales that offer redemption in the midst of loss, and through these, the authors thread a skein of meaning and hope through an otherwise bleak canvas.
Because in a world of billions, against all odds, we found each other and knew in a moment that our souls were one.
“Who am I to you?”
“You’re the one who knows the melody of my heart.”
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2021
14 people want to read
About the author
Renley N. Chu
5 books10 followersRenley lost both his parents in a fire that permanently damaged his vocal cords and lungs at the age of five, leaving him unable to speak.
On May 18, 2021, he was adopted by Tiffany Chu and her husband, and changed his legal name to Renley Nicolas Chu.
About a week after his eighteenth birthday, Renley suffered a severe attack leading to lung and heart failure; he passed away 3 days before he would have left for the U.S.
Renley’s last wish to come home was fulfilled on June 1, when his ashes were brought to San Diego.
Rest in Peace, Renley Chu (May 2003 - May 2021)
On May 18, 2021, he was adopted by Tiffany Chu and her husband, and changed his legal name to Renley Nicolas Chu.
About a week after his eighteenth birthday, Renley suffered a severe attack leading to lung and heart failure; he passed away 3 days before he would have left for the U.S.
Renley’s last wish to come home was fulfilled on June 1, when his ashes were brought to San Diego.
Rest in Peace, Renley Chu (May 2003 - May 2021)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 5, 2021
Melody of Your Heart hooks you right from the introduction. You can tell from the beginning that it’s a truly heartfelt piece of work, unique from any other. I particularly enjoyed how there were shorter pieces as well as longer ones, and the shorter pieces create an evocative space within themselves— they’re like small snippets of poetic art that shows you just how honest and heartfelt this piece of work is. This is definitely worth the read!
July 28, 2021
The Review
What a compelling and moving short story collection. This group of stories really does an amazing job of weaving together stories of love lost, love found, and the hope we find in the wake of loss. The chemistry between the authors and their writing style is felt in every tale, highlighting their shared experiences while also delving into the bond they built with one another.
One story, in particular, stood out to me right off the bat, and that was Walls. The story of a man sent to prison suddenly and forced to be separated from the person he loves, only to feel her slip away and the world starts to forget him entirely, really did an amazing job of highlighting the walls we often force ourselves into or are forced into when fighting for love. We try so desperately to hold onto what we had, that sometimes we lose sight of who we’ve become until you are the only one left behind in a world that moved on without you long ago. It’s a thought-provoking and mesmerizing tale that touches just the tip of the iceberg in this collection.
The Verdict
An engaging, heartfelt, and thoughtful collection of short stories, authors Renley N. Chu and Tiffany Chu’s “Melody of Your Heart” is a must-read collection. The passion and eloquence with which the authors approached the narratives within these stories really showed the depth and love that the two authors brought from their own lives and into the tales. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
What a compelling and moving short story collection. This group of stories really does an amazing job of weaving together stories of love lost, love found, and the hope we find in the wake of loss. The chemistry between the authors and their writing style is felt in every tale, highlighting their shared experiences while also delving into the bond they built with one another.
One story, in particular, stood out to me right off the bat, and that was Walls. The story of a man sent to prison suddenly and forced to be separated from the person he loves, only to feel her slip away and the world starts to forget him entirely, really did an amazing job of highlighting the walls we often force ourselves into or are forced into when fighting for love. We try so desperately to hold onto what we had, that sometimes we lose sight of who we’ve become until you are the only one left behind in a world that moved on without you long ago. It’s a thought-provoking and mesmerizing tale that touches just the tip of the iceberg in this collection.
The Verdict
An engaging, heartfelt, and thoughtful collection of short stories, authors Renley N. Chu and Tiffany Chu’s “Melody of Your Heart” is a must-read collection. The passion and eloquence with which the authors approached the narratives within these stories really showed the depth and love that the two authors brought from their own lives and into the tales. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
August 16, 2021
For me at least, this isn't the kind of collection you can just blast through in one sitting. I had to read through it a bit at a time, giving myself time to digest and feel. To be honest, this book isn’t my typical fare—but even without the action and adventure I usually go for, I still felt a deep appreciation for the facets of love that are showcased in these stories.
Something this book touches on a lot is the complexity of human emotion. Renley Chu takes on the challenge of putting that complexity into words, and the result is a series of stories that form a potent reminder of just how hard it is to understand ourselves, let alone others. These stories are a wonderful combination of artistically abstract and intimately specific, sketching characters in just enough detail that we can catch a glimpse of their lives and experiences. In some ways, I think the briefness of each story supports another theme of the collection itself—the way time moves forward without asking for anyone’s permission. I would’ve liked to hear more about some of these characters, but upon further thought it seems fitting that there wasn’t more said about them.
Here’s one of my favorite quotes, which I think really illustrates the beautiful prose of this book:
“One day,” he said, “this grief will pass for us both. You will walk beneath the light of the dawn, bringing light wherever you set your feet, even as I set forth my efforts to undo the good. One day we will not weep at the coming of the night. And we will lift our gaze to the distant hills where we whispered of a love we dared not reach for. And the world will shift as we know it will, until the seas have carved away the shores, and the land is no longer the one we once knew.”
Something this book touches on a lot is the complexity of human emotion. Renley Chu takes on the challenge of putting that complexity into words, and the result is a series of stories that form a potent reminder of just how hard it is to understand ourselves, let alone others. These stories are a wonderful combination of artistically abstract and intimately specific, sketching characters in just enough detail that we can catch a glimpse of their lives and experiences. In some ways, I think the briefness of each story supports another theme of the collection itself—the way time moves forward without asking for anyone’s permission. I would’ve liked to hear more about some of these characters, but upon further thought it seems fitting that there wasn’t more said about them.
Here’s one of my favorite quotes, which I think really illustrates the beautiful prose of this book:
“One day,” he said, “this grief will pass for us both. You will walk beneath the light of the dawn, bringing light wherever you set your feet, even as I set forth my efforts to undo the good. One day we will not weep at the coming of the night. And we will lift our gaze to the distant hills where we whispered of a love we dared not reach for. And the world will shift as we know it will, until the seas have carved away the shores, and the land is no longer the one we once knew.”
August 27, 2021
Melody of Your Heart is a collection of beautifully written short stories about love. Every short story touches on slightly different aspect of love and relationship. My favorite is 'Her Name is Beloved'. It perfectly depicts how in a world that's often cruel and unfair, we are all looking for acceptance and unconditional love. Collectively, the stories make you think about what it means to love and what do we do when life takes away our loved ones. Overall, the book is well-written and thought provoking.
February 19, 2023
I’ve sat on writing this review for a little bit, not so much because I didn’t know what I wanted to say, but because I’m afraid I won’t be able to do this book justice.
At its essence, this is an anthology of short stories written between two soulmates and published after Renley’s death. I think it’s important to read the About the Authors section as well as the Editor’s Dedication to get a feel for the why behind this book. The two authors not only both have a gift for lyrical writing, but more importantly, shared a deep soul connection that comes through in every page. A connection like this doesn’t happen often, possibly not at all for some people. I’ve experienced it, and have never attempted to put it into words due to feeling inadequate to that task. Fortunately, this book has done it for me.
It’s a short read with not so much stories as moments in time. Or rather, the emotion of a moment in time. In many stories, that moment is just after a loss or the break in a relationship. Loss is a major theme in this anthology, as is love, grief, and redemption. While I favored some stories over others, all are lyrical and enthralling and my recommendation is not to read this straight through, but to choose a story every few days in order to have time to absorb it before moving on. I’ve come back to the Epilogue several times, lost in the beauty of what appears to be the authors writing to each other. It’s so moving, it’s poetry.
This is possibly my shortest review to date, but there’s not much more I can say. This anthology deserves to be read by anyone who has loved, or lost, or just believes in love that last beyond lifetimes.
At its essence, this is an anthology of short stories written between two soulmates and published after Renley’s death. I think it’s important to read the About the Authors section as well as the Editor’s Dedication to get a feel for the why behind this book. The two authors not only both have a gift for lyrical writing, but more importantly, shared a deep soul connection that comes through in every page. A connection like this doesn’t happen often, possibly not at all for some people. I’ve experienced it, and have never attempted to put it into words due to feeling inadequate to that task. Fortunately, this book has done it for me.
It’s a short read with not so much stories as moments in time. Or rather, the emotion of a moment in time. In many stories, that moment is just after a loss or the break in a relationship. Loss is a major theme in this anthology, as is love, grief, and redemption. While I favored some stories over others, all are lyrical and enthralling and my recommendation is not to read this straight through, but to choose a story every few days in order to have time to absorb it before moving on. I’ve come back to the Epilogue several times, lost in the beauty of what appears to be the authors writing to each other. It’s so moving, it’s poetry.
This is possibly my shortest review to date, but there’s not much more I can say. This anthology deserves to be read by anyone who has loved, or lost, or just believes in love that last beyond lifetimes.
July 1, 2021
The melody of the heart is love, and the author beautifully grasps all aspects of love throughout this book. Love, beauty are the things people stay alive for, and this book does excellently in showing the bonds people can have with one another and how they cling, fight, and hold on to each other.
I'm not considered a reader, and I don't claim to be a lover of books, but I loved every moment of reading this book. The author's talent in drawing the reader into his world is unparalleled by any current author. Every sentence and introduction is meticulously crafted and phrased, beautifully detailed; not for the sake of exposition or narration fodder.
Writing is a very underestimated and underrated talent and skill. It is an emotional and mental journey that requires a person's whole emotional being and all of his/her inner senses. Ren had this talent and skill, and it's a pleasure and privilege to be able to experience his work.
I'm not considered a reader, and I don't claim to be a lover of books, but I loved every moment of reading this book. The author's talent in drawing the reader into his world is unparalleled by any current author. Every sentence and introduction is meticulously crafted and phrased, beautifully detailed; not for the sake of exposition or narration fodder.
Writing is a very underestimated and underrated talent and skill. It is an emotional and mental journey that requires a person's whole emotional being and all of his/her inner senses. Ren had this talent and skill, and it's a pleasure and privilege to be able to experience his work.
August 29, 2021
ARC Review: Melody of Your Heart by Renley N. Chu
This book was a beautifully written rollercoaster of emotions, and each story was so well written, everything weaved together so well, that it kept me thinking about them for hours after.
It took me quite some time to get through-- the stories in it are the kind which you think about days after you read them, the ones which stick with you for long after. The authors narrative voice is so clear in the words, and the portrayal of emotions and metaphors shows such amazingly skilled writing.
I cant pick a favourite story, but the one i find myself going back to most often is the last story in the book, Koi No Yokan. Its simply written, but one of the most, i think, heartfelt.
This book is a collection of short stories: each of them about themes like loss, love-- which are such messy, complicated emotions that it takes a lot of skill to portray them well in writing. But the authors of this book write them beautifully. Without any fancy words or embellishment, they weave in these themes so carefully and so well, that each short story draws you in, makes you root for the characters, and want to know more about them once its over.
Overall, this book was beautiful, and definitely recommended for anyone who likes short stories and prose.
This book was a beautifully written rollercoaster of emotions, and each story was so well written, everything weaved together so well, that it kept me thinking about them for hours after.
It took me quite some time to get through-- the stories in it are the kind which you think about days after you read them, the ones which stick with you for long after. The authors narrative voice is so clear in the words, and the portrayal of emotions and metaphors shows such amazingly skilled writing.
I cant pick a favourite story, but the one i find myself going back to most often is the last story in the book, Koi No Yokan. Its simply written, but one of the most, i think, heartfelt.
This book is a collection of short stories: each of them about themes like loss, love-- which are such messy, complicated emotions that it takes a lot of skill to portray them well in writing. But the authors of this book write them beautifully. Without any fancy words or embellishment, they weave in these themes so carefully and so well, that each short story draws you in, makes you root for the characters, and want to know more about them once its over.
Overall, this book was beautiful, and definitely recommended for anyone who likes short stories and prose.
August 28, 2021
This collaborative collection of short stories by Renley and Tiffany is just pure art. The book grips you from the very beginning. It's amazing how both writers are able to weave together stories that touch your heart and your soul, stories that can be just a few sentences and others that are pages long. Each short story lingers in your memory as you read each character facing their sorrows, regrets, and questions. After reading these stories that grapple with human relationships and are, at many times heartbreaking, perhaps the saying of it's better to have loved and lost than nothing having loved at all holds true.
It took me a while to read through this book, only because each story evoked various emotions and I had to take breaks. It is poignant, riveting, and provocative. You will be challenged to think deeply about love and loss, of triumphs and heartbreaks. You won't regret picking this book up to read.
It took me a while to read through this book, only because each story evoked various emotions and I had to take breaks. It is poignant, riveting, and provocative. You will be challenged to think deeply about love and loss, of triumphs and heartbreaks. You won't regret picking this book up to read.
August 30, 2021
A wonderful collection of short stories that kept my interest from beginning to end. Grief is a funny thing, hard to describe the depth of which you feel it, even harder to capture in words that will evoke an emotional response within a reader, but the author manages to do both. I felt like I knew him even though we had never met. Some pieces felt like personal diary entries that I stumbled upon without the writers' knowledge, and it seemed like I was looking into something that was not meant for my eyes. Everything was so heartfelt and an outpouring of sentiment.
August 25, 2021
A beautiful collection of short stories that explore the intricacies of relationships, togetherness, and loneliness. I found it to be somewhat heavy reading relative to my normal reading fare, but worth the effort.
My favorite was story was "The Coming of Winter", something about the constancy of the seasons, one's season, and the hope for change, resonated with me personally. I think there will be such a story for anyone reading this anthology.
My favorite was story was "The Coming of Winter", something about the constancy of the seasons, one's season, and the hope for change, resonated with me personally. I think there will be such a story for anyone reading this anthology.
August 21, 2021
I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts detailed below are mine alone.
Co-authored by Renley and Tiffany Chu, “Melody of Your Heart” is a collection of short stories dealing with common themes of love, grief, and finding hope in human connection among the bleak facets of this world.
In the spirit of honesty, I must make a confession. Writing this review was the most daunting of tasks, for the simple reason that the works in this book were rendered in such a gentle, doting hand, the depth of emotion stored in those words so great, that to surmise it in a short review seemed nearly impossible. However, I have tried my best.
Having approached this collection with an open mind, I was unprepared for my heart to be moved so thoroughly in the short, yet windingly beautiful journey I was taken along. The works speak of immense grief, the unconquerable feeling of being adrift in a world that moves at a speed too rapid to measure, the common man’s despair at the threat of being lost, hurt, forgotten or destroyed by the fickle nature of mankind.
Yet, you are coaxed, that not all is worst, that if the world is a spider web of deception and pain, that even if there is no escaping the eventual spider, there is grace and joy to be found, that if you glimpse upon dusty sunlight illuminating the dew upon the lines of the web, there is beauty in the refracted light, and thus, hope still.
A particular work that invoked a great something in me was “Deader”. It highlights how those alone are not truly lonely, and no matter how entrenched in melancholy one might be, that a small gesture of kindness, a stranger and an enemy, they are what makes human life human. And perhaps small gestures may not be enough, perhaps the casual intimacy of the workplace is lacking of an old camaraderie of siblings, perhaps the things we imagine might never live up to reality, they still make life sweeter, and we carry them with us till our last breath, that we will call ourselves selfish for daring to think of leaving them behind. It teaches that kindness is carried in many hearts, and if not warm enough to sustain, at least it will never be forgotten, and that alone makes it a worthy act.
The tale reassured me that I was not alone. And it is but one of many. This collection, to me, is a place to find solace, where I might return when I am adrift.
The authors’ skill is clear in the way mere collections of letters bring my breath to a shudder, and their personal works exhibit such chemistry with the others’ that the entire experience is extremely exhilarating. Not only comforting, but also intriguing, engaging and lovely all at once, “Melody of Your Heart” is a book that I would encourage all to peruse immediately.
Co-authored by Renley and Tiffany Chu, “Melody of Your Heart” is a collection of short stories dealing with common themes of love, grief, and finding hope in human connection among the bleak facets of this world.
In the spirit of honesty, I must make a confession. Writing this review was the most daunting of tasks, for the simple reason that the works in this book were rendered in such a gentle, doting hand, the depth of emotion stored in those words so great, that to surmise it in a short review seemed nearly impossible. However, I have tried my best.
Having approached this collection with an open mind, I was unprepared for my heart to be moved so thoroughly in the short, yet windingly beautiful journey I was taken along. The works speak of immense grief, the unconquerable feeling of being adrift in a world that moves at a speed too rapid to measure, the common man’s despair at the threat of being lost, hurt, forgotten or destroyed by the fickle nature of mankind.
Yet, you are coaxed, that not all is worst, that if the world is a spider web of deception and pain, that even if there is no escaping the eventual spider, there is grace and joy to be found, that if you glimpse upon dusty sunlight illuminating the dew upon the lines of the web, there is beauty in the refracted light, and thus, hope still.
A particular work that invoked a great something in me was “Deader”. It highlights how those alone are not truly lonely, and no matter how entrenched in melancholy one might be, that a small gesture of kindness, a stranger and an enemy, they are what makes human life human. And perhaps small gestures may not be enough, perhaps the casual intimacy of the workplace is lacking of an old camaraderie of siblings, perhaps the things we imagine might never live up to reality, they still make life sweeter, and we carry them with us till our last breath, that we will call ourselves selfish for daring to think of leaving them behind. It teaches that kindness is carried in many hearts, and if not warm enough to sustain, at least it will never be forgotten, and that alone makes it a worthy act.
The tale reassured me that I was not alone. And it is but one of many. This collection, to me, is a place to find solace, where I might return when I am adrift.
The authors’ skill is clear in the way mere collections of letters bring my breath to a shudder, and their personal works exhibit such chemistry with the others’ that the entire experience is extremely exhilarating. Not only comforting, but also intriguing, engaging and lovely all at once, “Melody of Your Heart” is a book that I would encourage all to peruse immediately.
January 1, 2022
[I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
If I had to describe this book in two words, they would be 'achingly beautiful'.
The stories in this anthology have moved me deeply and I am so thankful to have been given a chance to read it.
If I had to describe this book in two words, they would be 'achingly beautiful'.
The stories in this anthology have moved me deeply and I am so thankful to have been given a chance to read it.
August 30, 2021
I don't read fiction. I also don't enjoy books for their beauty in prose - I enjoy them for the plot, and for what ideas can inspire me. But after reading this book from a friend's recommendation, I think this book is an exception.
I've read the entirety of Melody of Your Heart and I was moved by two stories, Deader, and Canticle of the Turning to tears. The first was remarkably powerful given how short it was, and I felt like I was reading a diary entry instead of a short story, and every word had weight behind it, with the biggest punch at the end.
The Canticle of the Turning I initially skimmed for the plot, because the plot alone was riveting, but it is the story I came back to the most because of its elegant prose. The extended descriptions of all of the emotions felt rich instead of redundant, and just to admire the beauty of the prose, I must have read them at least 3 or 4 times and loved it more each time.
I found this book really well written, and can't wait to read their other works.
I've read the entirety of Melody of Your Heart and I was moved by two stories, Deader, and Canticle of the Turning to tears. The first was remarkably powerful given how short it was, and I felt like I was reading a diary entry instead of a short story, and every word had weight behind it, with the biggest punch at the end.
The Canticle of the Turning I initially skimmed for the plot, because the plot alone was riveting, but it is the story I came back to the most because of its elegant prose. The extended descriptions of all of the emotions felt rich instead of redundant, and just to admire the beauty of the prose, I must have read them at least 3 or 4 times and loved it more each time.
I found this book really well written, and can't wait to read their other works.
August 22, 2021
Melody of your heart is genuinely about Stories of Love, Loss, and Soulmates. It is an anthology meant to be used as a channel to share our experiences with love and loss. The collection of tales covers redemption as well and the meaning of hope.
The literature begins lyrical and then continues to be a story like. It is thought-provoking and enjoyable to read. I appreciated the concept of finding someone against all the odds and finding that connection between each other. The formation of two souls being one was insightful.
The cover design suited the work inside, and it was apparent that much care was given for the content. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read short stories and generally likes feel-good books.
The literature begins lyrical and then continues to be a story like. It is thought-provoking and enjoyable to read. I appreciated the concept of finding someone against all the odds and finding that connection between each other. The formation of two souls being one was insightful.
The cover design suited the work inside, and it was apparent that much care was given for the content. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read short stories and generally likes feel-good books.
October 28, 2021
Melody of your heart is truly one of the most brilliant work I've ever read by any author and I'm so proud of my friends for accomplishing this.
After months of effort, dedication and hardwork, it's finally out and i couldn't be more ecstatic and happy.
The weight and gravity each of these stories hold is simply so elegant and unique that instantly you feel the connection, the meaning it holds. How through all the strands of suffering, loss, longing and passion, it joins into a simple thread of love.
And i think this book is a shining example of it.
I genuinely felt myself getting goosebumps reading through the poetic art and i am so happy that this out their in the world for everyone to read. Be sure to get a copy, you'll be really glad you did.
After months of effort, dedication and hardwork, it's finally out and i couldn't be more ecstatic and happy.
The weight and gravity each of these stories hold is simply so elegant and unique that instantly you feel the connection, the meaning it holds. How through all the strands of suffering, loss, longing and passion, it joins into a simple thread of love.
And i think this book is a shining example of it.
I genuinely felt myself getting goosebumps reading through the poetic art and i am so happy that this out their in the world for everyone to read. Be sure to get a copy, you'll be really glad you did.
November 29, 2021
These beautifully woven tales speak of heartache, longing, love, and loss. Every story evokes powerful emotions. For anyone who has ever lost a loved one, this book is a poignant reminder of the joy that comes from bonding with another person and the light that remains in the memory of that soul. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews