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Just Another Love Song
Listening length: 9 hours and 51 minutes
Two high school sweethearts get a second chance at their perfect ending in this charming new romance by Kerry Winfrey, author of Very Sincerely Yours.
Once upon a time, Sandy Macintosh thought she would have her happily ever after with her high school sweetheart, Hank Tillman. Sandy wanted to be an artist, Hank was the only boy in town who seemed destined for bigger things, and they both had dreams to escape town together. But when Sandy’s plans fell through, she stayed in their small town in Ohio while Hank went off to Boston to follow his dreams to be a musician, with the promise to stay together. Only that plan fell through, too.
Fifteen years later, Sandy runs a successful greenhouse while helping her parents with their bed and breakfast. Everything is perfect…until Hank rolls back into town, now a famous alt-country singer with a son in tow. She’s happy with the life she’s built by herself, but seeing Hank makes her think about what might have been. There aren’t enough cliché love songs in the world to convince Sandy to give Hank another chance, but when the two of them get thrown together to help organize the town’s annual street fair, she wonders if there could be a new beginning for them or if what they had is just a tired old song of the past.
Two high school sweethearts get a second chance at their perfect ending in this charming new romance by Kerry Winfrey, author of Very Sincerely Yours.
Once upon a time, Sandy Macintosh thought she would have her happily ever after with her high school sweetheart, Hank Tillman. Sandy wanted to be an artist, Hank was the only boy in town who seemed destined for bigger things, and they both had dreams to escape town together. But when Sandy’s plans fell through, she stayed in their small town in Ohio while Hank went off to Boston to follow his dreams to be a musician, with the promise to stay together. Only that plan fell through, too.
Fifteen years later, Sandy runs a successful greenhouse while helping her parents with their bed and breakfast. Everything is perfect…until Hank rolls back into town, now a famous alt-country singer with a son in tow. She’s happy with the life she’s built by herself, but seeing Hank makes her think about what might have been. There aren’t enough cliché love songs in the world to convince Sandy to give Hank another chance, but when the two of them get thrown together to help organize the town’s annual street fair, she wonders if there could be a new beginning for them or if what they had is just a tired old song of the past.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 2, 2022
110 people are currently reading
14529 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Winfrey
7 books1,889 followersKerry Winfrey is the author of the adult romantic comedies WAITING FOR TOM HANKS, NOT LIKE THE MOVIES, VERY SINCERELY YOURS, and JUST ANOTHER LOVE SONG, as well as the teen romantic comedies LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES and THINGS JOLIE NEEDS TO DO BEFORE SHE BITES IT. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her family. You can find her on Instagram @kerrywinfrey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 834 reviews
August 2, 2022
Sweet, soft, heartwarming stories that embrace you tight, give you so much hope, put a smile on your face are my addiction!
As a devoted romance reader I love second chances, angsty high school sweetheart stories as well! So this book definitely ticks all those boxes with its so much lovable characters.
The story line has resemblances with HeidiMcLaughlin’s “Forever my girl”: the famous country star hero is coming back to his hometown to take his girl back. Only difference is at Forever Girl: MCs’ sharing a child but in this one hero marries with other woman, bringing his son to know his grandparents and his hometown!
I still enjoyed this book so much and I didn’t care about similarities with other books. Because the author’s portraits of characters and their dialogues were so genuine, realistic and entertaining.
I didn’t only like Sandy: our resilient, self torturing, tough, emotional heroine, who couldn’t move on from her first love, I also loved Honey: the best friend a lot. Actually I have to admit, I even loved her more than Hank: our kind hearted hero, great dad, famous country star! Honey is amazing and dreamy friend every woman needs! She’s dependable, loyal, fun, smart, caring!
The other best friend Shelby is also eccentric, straightforward, peculiar.
The other small town characters from Burger, Sean, parents of MCs are also lovable!
I love going back and forth how Hank and Sandy’s love story evolved and how they finally grew up and learned from their past mistakes.
Only thing I didn’t like rushed HEA parts! The book was slow burn but the ending parts seem like too fast and too much things are going on at the same time. The epilogue could be taken place in one year later at least!
And of course I had hesitations about hero’s marriage and having a son from another woman at first. Maybe the other woman’s involvement into this equation made me a little agitated as heroine devotedly lusted for the same man for years.
Because of those reasons I gave four stars! But I have to admit: this is so far best book of the author! She created amazing characters and witty dialogues. The small town theme couldn’t be developed so good! I hope she writes more heartwarming, engaging books like this! I still loved it so much!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
As a devoted romance reader I love second chances, angsty high school sweetheart stories as well! So this book definitely ticks all those boxes with its so much lovable characters.
The story line has resemblances with HeidiMcLaughlin’s “Forever my girl”: the famous country star hero is coming back to his hometown to take his girl back. Only difference is at Forever Girl: MCs’ sharing a child but in this one hero marries with other woman, bringing his son to know his grandparents and his hometown!
I still enjoyed this book so much and I didn’t care about similarities with other books. Because the author’s portraits of characters and their dialogues were so genuine, realistic and entertaining.
I didn’t only like Sandy: our resilient, self torturing, tough, emotional heroine, who couldn’t move on from her first love, I also loved Honey: the best friend a lot. Actually I have to admit, I even loved her more than Hank: our kind hearted hero, great dad, famous country star! Honey is amazing and dreamy friend every woman needs! She’s dependable, loyal, fun, smart, caring!
The other best friend Shelby is also eccentric, straightforward, peculiar.
The other small town characters from Burger, Sean, parents of MCs are also lovable!
I love going back and forth how Hank and Sandy’s love story evolved and how they finally grew up and learned from their past mistakes.
Only thing I didn’t like rushed HEA parts! The book was slow burn but the ending parts seem like too fast and too much things are going on at the same time. The epilogue could be taken place in one year later at least!
And of course I had hesitations about hero’s marriage and having a son from another woman at first. Maybe the other woman’s involvement into this equation made me a little agitated as heroine devotedly lusted for the same man for years.
Because of those reasons I gave four stars! But I have to admit: this is so far best book of the author! She created amazing characters and witty dialogues. The small town theme couldn’t be developed so good! I hope she writes more heartwarming, engaging books like this! I still loved it so much!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
February 2, 2022
After years of trying, I finally wrote a small town romance (based on my own hometown). It's about Sandy, who feels like she got off track when she was a teenager and now, in her thirties, thinks it might be too late to go for what really makes her happy. It's also about Hank, her high school sweetheart and the one who got away. Now he's a successful alt-country musician and a dad. But here's what it's REALLY about: the Maggie Rogers cover of Taylor Swift's "Tim McGraw," blueberry fritters, a very quirky small town street fair, a sexual tension filled dance in a fire station, an Ohio-themed B&B, a pro-zinnia agenda, SUMMER, front porches, the Jason Isbell song "The Life You Chose," community, being brave, "Neon Moon," possibly some haunted dolls, and a character named Hotpants Ed. I hope you love it as much as I do.
June 4, 2022
3.5*
Just another rom-com?!🤷🏻♀️
Sandy and Hank were high school sweethearts growing up in a small town. They also shared dreams that stretched far beyond their tiny city limits. Hank, an aspiring musician and Sandy a very talented artist.
Hank is thrilled he’s been accepted to university, but the celebration is short-lived when they come to the realization that Sandy can’t leave. With a broken heart and no other choice she makes the ultimate sacrifice to just let him go.
Fast forward 15 years. Hank has returned to visit his family and friends. Could there still be a spark between the two? Or has too much time passed?
I loved the trope of a second chance romance. But I just failed to connect with the characters and felt like I was just watching it play out from a distance rather than up close and personal.
I need to “feel” my rom coms… and I just couldn’t get there.🙁
A buddy read with Susanne who enjoyed this one a bit more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing
Just another rom-com?!🤷🏻♀️
Sandy and Hank were high school sweethearts growing up in a small town. They also shared dreams that stretched far beyond their tiny city limits. Hank, an aspiring musician and Sandy a very talented artist.
Hank is thrilled he’s been accepted to university, but the celebration is short-lived when they come to the realization that Sandy can’t leave. With a broken heart and no other choice she makes the ultimate sacrifice to just let him go.
Fast forward 15 years. Hank has returned to visit his family and friends. Could there still be a spark between the two? Or has too much time passed?
I loved the trope of a second chance romance. But I just failed to connect with the characters and felt like I was just watching it play out from a distance rather than up close and personal.
I need to “feel” my rom coms… and I just couldn’t get there.🙁
A buddy read with Susanne who enjoyed this one a bit more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing
October 13, 2022
when i finished this book, i wrote exactly one note:
honestly i don't think i'll remember this book at all, but i also don't have any major complaints, so i'll take it.
this has proven exactly true.
sure, i have nary a single memory of this, even just over a month after reading it, but that's miles better than remembering an entire hateful agenda of complaints and things to despise.
and i can think of plenty of romance novels that meet that standard.
bottom line: sure!
----------------------
currently-reading updates
romance quest (my semi annual attempt to find a romance novel i genuinely like out of either masochism, desperation, or immense sadness) begins NOW
thanks to netgalley for the e-arc
honestly i don't think i'll remember this book at all, but i also don't have any major complaints, so i'll take it.
this has proven exactly true.
sure, i have nary a single memory of this, even just over a month after reading it, but that's miles better than remembering an entire hateful agenda of complaints and things to despise.
and i can think of plenty of romance novels that meet that standard.
bottom line: sure!
----------------------
currently-reading updates
romance quest (my semi annual attempt to find a romance novel i genuinely like out of either masochism, desperation, or immense sadness) begins NOW
thanks to netgalley for the e-arc
August 4, 2022
A small town, second-chance romance where the love interest is a single dad who also happens to be a country superstar???????? This book had pretty much every romance trope under the sun and I ATE. IT. UP. Kerry Winfrey has very quickly become an auto-read author for me because she just has *such* a knack for creating the world of her stories. Of course I loved the relationship between Sandy and Hank at the center of it all, but this book truly shone in the dynamics of the side characters and the small town vibes and my heart is just very full! My only real issue with that one was the dreaded third-act conflict, but I can't even really fault it much for that because the epilogue was absolutely adorable. Anyway this was precious and I cannot wait to read anything and everything that Kerry Winfrey puts out next! Definitely recommend if you're looking for a fun new romance to dive into.
CW: divorce
CW: divorce
November 8, 2022
You had me at Hotpants Ed. This is not just another romcom. Visit the town of Baileyville and get to know Sandy Macintosh and watch her world turn upside down when old flame Hank swaggers back into her life. His little boy Henry has some Opie Taylor vibes. Sandy has a bowl made out of a Billy Joel album (you've seem them at flea markets, right?) and she names it her Joel Bowl. There are other delightfully quirky characters like Burger (yep, he does end up flipping some actual burgers in the book) from high school, best friend Hone, and her high school sweetheart husband Brian. The pages are just overflowing with hometown heart. And don't forget the many talents of Hotpants Ed! After three books from Winfrey, I can tell that her sense of humor hits me just right. One of my favorite reads this summer! Be sure to check out other Winfrey titles like Waiting for Tom Hanks and Very Sincerely Yours.
Thank you to Berkley and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Berkley and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2022
A small town, first love and the one who got away. What more could you want than this sweet, funny romance by Kerry Winfrey? Her dialogue is sparkling, the town is filled with believable, wonderful people, and the kid is ridiculously adorable. Sandy and Hank have spent fifteen years apart while he pursued his music dreams and she foundered, a little lost and hapless. But she finds meaning in the business she inherited and enjoys a close circle of friends. When Hank comes back, all that yearning and angst rear up again in a most delicious way. Can they reconfigure their high school love to something that works now? Of course they can, and every page of the story leads to that wonderful conclusion. Light-hearted but with emotional depth, this book is a real treat.
June 12, 2022
Call it Love! Just Another Love Song made me smile for days thereafter.
Also, a rom-com I liked more than Kaceey? How is that even possible?!?! Baawaaahhaaaa!
High School Sweethearts Sandy & Hank always thought they'd end up together. Then they didn't. You know the story. Hank went off to University, and Sandy stayed home, then Hank went and married someone else.
Years later, Hank winds up back in their old hometown and runs straight into Sandy. Their old chemistry is still there, yet Sandy is the one holding back.
What seemed obvious here, is in order to find happiness with someone else, you have to be happy with yourself first.
Perhaps that is why I loved this rom-com so much!
Full of love, laughter, friendship, and tears, this also had lots of great witty banter.
This was my second favorite novel from Kerry Winfrey. If you like her books, I think you'll like this!
Another fab buddy read with Ms. Kaceey.
Huge thanks to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley for the arc.
Also, a rom-com I liked more than Kaceey? How is that even possible?!?! Baawaaahhaaaa!
High School Sweethearts Sandy & Hank always thought they'd end up together. Then they didn't. You know the story. Hank went off to University, and Sandy stayed home, then Hank went and married someone else.
Years later, Hank winds up back in their old hometown and runs straight into Sandy. Their old chemistry is still there, yet Sandy is the one holding back.
What seemed obvious here, is in order to find happiness with someone else, you have to be happy with yourself first.
Perhaps that is why I loved this rom-com so much!
Full of love, laughter, friendship, and tears, this also had lots of great witty banter.
This was my second favorite novel from Kerry Winfrey. If you like her books, I think you'll like this!
Another fab buddy read with Ms. Kaceey.
Huge thanks to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley for the arc.
July 3, 2022
This was a super cute second chance romance. I really enjoyed reading Sandy & Hank's story and watching their love story unfold. I do wish we got see or hear more of Hank's musical career, that was def. on the back burner in this book. I enjoy all of Kerry Winfrey's books because they are lighthearted, funny and just so cute.
September 24, 2022
I picked this book for two reasons:
🔸I really liked Kerry Winfrey’s previous book, Very Sincerely Yours.
🔸Based on the blurb and the cover, it seemed this book had fall vibes.
This is a romance story of the second chance trope, and I really enjoyed the storyline. As it turns out, the story doesn’t take place during fall, but it takes place in late summer. The ambience and end of summer events give the story some fall vibes 🍂.
Fans of the Gilmore Girls show, will recognize a lot of similarities in this story.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
🔸I really liked Kerry Winfrey’s previous book, Very Sincerely Yours.
🔸Based on the blurb and the cover, it seemed this book had fall vibes.
This is a romance story of the second chance trope, and I really enjoyed the storyline. As it turns out, the story doesn’t take place during fall, but it takes place in late summer. The ambience and end of summer events give the story some fall vibes 🍂.
Fans of the Gilmore Girls show, will recognize a lot of similarities in this story.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
September 26, 2024
Reading this for my girl Bella (thank you! you might have cured my slump).
Light, cute, fun, read it super fast.
It was a strong 4 at the start, and then the last 15% happened, and that stupid (in my opinion) 3rd act conflict = 3.5 ⭐
“Isn’t it weird that, ultimately, we’re all kinda crushing it, and yet we all feel like we’re not good enough? Really reminds you that social media is a highlight reel, not real life, you know?”
Small town
Second chance romance
Country musician
Single dad
OW
Dyslexia *mention* (it was like 3 lines)
Closed-door romance/no smut
Light, cute, fun, read it super fast.
It was a strong 4 at the start, and then the last 15% happened, and that stupid (in my opinion) 3rd act conflict = 3.5 ⭐
“Isn’t it weird that, ultimately, we’re all kinda crushing it, and yet we all feel like we’re not good enough? Really reminds you that social media is a highlight reel, not real life, you know?”
Small town
Second chance romance
Country musician
Single dad
OW
Dyslexia *mention* (it was like 3 lines)
Closed-door romance/no smut
August 18, 2022
Sweet for the moment. I finished it yesterday and can barely remember it.
August 4, 2022
Review coming soon.
March 15, 2022
I had a lot of problems with this.
*Thank you so much to Netgalley for granting me access to this title for an honest review*
I want to preface this with I have never liked the second chance romance trope. Whenever I read a book where this is featured it is always just okay and I very rarely feel that spark I so love while reading. However, Kerry Winfrey is one of my favorite romance authors and I was dying to get my hands on this book, literally stalking Netgalley until I saw it pop up, but even Kerry Winfrey couldn't make me love this trope. In fact, this was the least enjoyable second chance romance that I have ever read.
Despite my dislike for the premise and main character, Kerry Winfrey is still a master of her craft. I love her dialogue and how she portrays friendship and I really loved her small town. I read this was based on her own small town experiences and as someone who has never lived in one, it was really enjoyable and I could picture myself going to the fair.
So if you like second chance romances, small town vibes, and even country singers then I recommend picking this one up when it releases in August, but I unfortunately, will not be purchasing a copy for my shelves.
*Thank you so much to Netgalley for granting me access to this title for an honest review*
I want to preface this with I have never liked the second chance romance trope. Whenever I read a book where this is featured it is always just okay and I very rarely feel that spark I so love while reading. However, Kerry Winfrey is one of my favorite romance authors and I was dying to get my hands on this book, literally stalking Netgalley until I saw it pop up, but even Kerry Winfrey couldn't make me love this trope. In fact, this was the least enjoyable second chance romance that I have ever read.
Despite my dislike for the premise and main character, Kerry Winfrey is still a master of her craft. I love her dialogue and how she portrays friendship and I really loved her small town. I read this was based on her own small town experiences and as someone who has never lived in one, it was really enjoyable and I could picture myself going to the fair.
So if you like second chance romances, small town vibes, and even country singers then I recommend picking this one up when it releases in August, but I unfortunately, will not be purchasing a copy for my shelves.
August 2, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
Baileyville’s star quilter, Hotpants Ed (so named because if it’s above sixty-five degrees, he wears the shortest shorts you’ve ever seen everywhere he goes— and he’s a six-foot-tall man with a ponytail and a gray beard, so it’s a striking look).
How am I supposed to live vicariously through you if you won’t even share any details? I’ve already read all the Amish romance novels at the library, Sandy. I need drama.
I want to protest, but there are no words in my mind right now, just random bursts of punctuation. My entire body is an exclamation point.
I’d make a great mom. Sure, my kids wouldn’t know what vegetables are, and they’d probably get scurvy, but at least they’d be happy.
I know I’m always talking about how desperate I am for a man’s touch, but I’m not that desperate. I know what that man’s touch feels like, and unless he’s improved his technique in the past fifteen years, it mainly involves boob honks.
My Review:
This was a fun and lively tale that sparkled with clever wit and snarky banter that kept me smirking and giggle-snorting with glee. I fell right into the breezy and crisp storylines populated with an entire community of authentic yet recognizable small-town quirks and complications. I adored this from beginning to end and hit this talented wordsmith’s listing to see what else I could score as I definitely need more of this in my life.
Baileyville’s star quilter, Hotpants Ed (so named because if it’s above sixty-five degrees, he wears the shortest shorts you’ve ever seen everywhere he goes— and he’s a six-foot-tall man with a ponytail and a gray beard, so it’s a striking look).
How am I supposed to live vicariously through you if you won’t even share any details? I’ve already read all the Amish romance novels at the library, Sandy. I need drama.
I want to protest, but there are no words in my mind right now, just random bursts of punctuation. My entire body is an exclamation point.
I’d make a great mom. Sure, my kids wouldn’t know what vegetables are, and they’d probably get scurvy, but at least they’d be happy.
I know I’m always talking about how desperate I am for a man’s touch, but I’m not that desperate. I know what that man’s touch feels like, and unless he’s improved his technique in the past fifteen years, it mainly involves boob honks.
My Review:
This was a fun and lively tale that sparkled with clever wit and snarky banter that kept me smirking and giggle-snorting with glee. I fell right into the breezy and crisp storylines populated with an entire community of authentic yet recognizable small-town quirks and complications. I adored this from beginning to end and hit this talented wordsmith’s listing to see what else I could score as I definitely need more of this in my life.
June 11, 2023
3.5 stars. I just think the main heroine has super low esteem and super fickle with what she wants. It was frustrating. Our hero deserved better.
August 17, 2022
I mean, this simply had everything I love! Set within the charming town of Baileyville, it's a second chance romance complete with dual timelines and the sweetest country musician hero.
Hello, Hank Tillman. Pure warmth and kindness, this single dad will surely make you swoon. Both he and Sandy had dreams of leaving Baileyville as teens, but unfortunately only Hank succeeded. The sweet, aching angst, barn kisses, Pride and Prejudice readings, and nod to She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy gave me the cheesiest of grins while reading.
As Sandy and Hank cross paths in present day, I loved their ease into friendship as they pair together to help with the town's annual street fair. And the chemistry was definitely still alive!
Feeling cemented to her small town, I really enjoyed seeing Sandy overcome her hesitations of following the wrong path ... eventually leading to the sweetest happily ever after! This one gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings I crave while reading a romance!
Hello, Hank Tillman. Pure warmth and kindness, this single dad will surely make you swoon. Both he and Sandy had dreams of leaving Baileyville as teens, but unfortunately only Hank succeeded. The sweet, aching angst, barn kisses, Pride and Prejudice readings, and nod to She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy gave me the cheesiest of grins while reading.
As Sandy and Hank cross paths in present day, I loved their ease into friendship as they pair together to help with the town's annual street fair. And the chemistry was definitely still alive!
Feeling cemented to her small town, I really enjoyed seeing Sandy overcome her hesitations of following the wrong path ... eventually leading to the sweetest happily ever after! This one gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings I crave while reading a romance!
August 23, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ rounded down
I love second chance romances and was so excited for this! I also LOVE that it’s also a small town & close proximity. But, I rounded down because I didn’t really like sandy, the fmc… she got on my nerves 🙃
I love second chance romances and was so excited for this! I also LOVE that it’s also a small town & close proximity. But, I rounded down because I didn’t really like sandy, the fmc… she got on my nerves 🙃
August 10, 2022
If you like a good second chance romance with a dash of celebrity then you found the right book! It's sweet with a high school first-love story, it's funny with great main & side characters, and it hits the mark with a balance of emotion and entertainment. Recommend!
August 6, 2022
There’s potential for this second chance romance to be much more -- but it fell short and was just another average rom-com. I found it a bit mundane and unimaginative with shallow depth and certainly missing those priceless “real” feels. Too much time spent on the past and not enough forging forward.
High school sweethearts separated for fifteen years when he goes off to college in Boston and then on to Nashville for a successful singing career. And, of course, no surprise that she’s left behind. Present day and in their early thirties, he has returned to their small hometown, a singing star, divorced with a young son in tow – rinse, repeat – how many times have readers gone down this path! And they both act like they’re still teenagers. It got old very quickly.
Sandy MacIntosh is the sad-sack female lead who’s a real mess – a pitiful Pearl-type who is her own worst enemy. Hank Tillman, the long-lost boyfriend has some edge and personality – thank goodness for small favors! I just couldn’t identify or find much interest in either of them.
The small town provided some entertainment with a cast of zany characters. Everybody knows everybody and everyone has an opinion. There’s a yearly festival/carnival and a high school reunion that promotes some good times and an unexpected visitor.
All in all – just a quick read that left me moving on quickly to my next reading challenge.
August 5, 2022
4.5 Stars
I don't think I'll ever say no to a new Kerry Winfrey. I adore all of the puns, all of the swoon, and the great cast of characters. It's absolutely a feel-good read.
Sandy and Hank are high school sweethearts, both desperately looking forward to escaping their small town life and making it big as an artist and musician, respectively. But when life throws Sandy lemons, she doesn't handle it well. Fast forward fifteen years when they cross paths again, Sandy wants to avoid, avoid, avoid.
In pure Kerry style, Just Another Love Song is delightful and funny. The "big misunderstanding" was typically expected. Otherwise, the second chance and back and forth between past and present was beautifully done. Side Note: can I have a Honey in my life and, if it's not too much to ask, a swoony song dedication??
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I don't think I'll ever say no to a new Kerry Winfrey. I adore all of the puns, all of the swoon, and the great cast of characters. It's absolutely a feel-good read.
Sandy and Hank are high school sweethearts, both desperately looking forward to escaping their small town life and making it big as an artist and musician, respectively. But when life throws Sandy lemons, she doesn't handle it well. Fast forward fifteen years when they cross paths again, Sandy wants to avoid, avoid, avoid.
In pure Kerry style, Just Another Love Song is delightful and funny. The "big misunderstanding" was typically expected. Otherwise, the second chance and back and forth between past and present was beautifully done. Side Note: can I have a Honey in my life and, if it's not too much to ask, a swoony song dedication??
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
May 31, 2022
I pre-ordered a finished copy of JUST ANOTHER LOVE SONG back in January. (PUB DATE 08.02) But thanks to @berkleyromance and @netgalley I didn't have to wait to enjoy Sandy Macintosh and Hank Tillman's small town second chance romance.
I’m a big fan of Kerry Winfrey. I've read all her books and this is easily my new FAVORITE! I finished it earlier this week and keep going back to it. Whenever I start a @kerrywinfrey book I know there will be a charming story, witty dialogue and a sweet romance. Her books make me happy- like goofy-grin-on-my-face happy. They make me feel like I do when I put on my favorite comfy pants and press ‘play’ on my favorite rom-com.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- This is both a love letter to the unique characteristics of small town life and the big complicated feelings of first-love.
- Big Doc Hollywood vibes which is one of my favorite comfort movies. Baileyville's Street Fair = Grady's Squash Festival.
- The supporting townspeople characters are quirky and relatable. I have my own local Hotpants Ed called Too Tan Two Liter.
- Full of humor. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
- Compulsively readable. I wanted to blow off adult responsibilities and keep reading. In fact- I kept sneaking in a couple of pages on the Kindle app on my phone.
- Closed door romance that is still absolutely swoonworthy.
- If you're looking for a perfect weekend read- add this to your TBR or pre-order now.
I’m a big fan of Kerry Winfrey. I've read all her books and this is easily my new FAVORITE! I finished it earlier this week and keep going back to it. Whenever I start a @kerrywinfrey book I know there will be a charming story, witty dialogue and a sweet romance. Her books make me happy- like goofy-grin-on-my-face happy. They make me feel like I do when I put on my favorite comfy pants and press ‘play’ on my favorite rom-com.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- This is both a love letter to the unique characteristics of small town life and the big complicated feelings of first-love.
- Big Doc Hollywood vibes which is one of my favorite comfort movies. Baileyville's Street Fair = Grady's Squash Festival.
- The supporting townspeople characters are quirky and relatable. I have my own local Hotpants Ed called Too Tan Two Liter.
- Full of humor. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
- Compulsively readable. I wanted to blow off adult responsibilities and keep reading. In fact- I kept sneaking in a couple of pages on the Kindle app on my phone.
- Closed door romance that is still absolutely swoonworthy.
- If you're looking for a perfect weekend read- add this to your TBR or pre-order now.
August 5, 2022
4.5 Stars
If small town romance is your thing, pick this one up. If it isn’t you thing (like me…it’s not my fav) STILL PICK IT UP!
This is a second chance romance full of humor and small town shenanigans that will leave you with the absolute biggest smile.
Sandy broke up with her one true love and high school boyfriend, Hank Tillman, when she realized she would have to stay behind in their hometown as he went off to college and to peruse his dream of becoming a musician. This shattered them both, forcing their lives onto paths they didn’t ever plan for. Fifteen years later, Sandy has made a comfortable life in Baileyville and Hank is back in town ready to upend it all. Oh, and this all coincides with their town’s biggest festival, forcing those two together to make the festival a success.
You know what this book gave me? Basically a season of Gilmore Girls where we only got the best parts of Lorelai Gilmore’s romances, the best of Lorelai and Sookie’s friendship, and the best of Taylor Doosey/Town Troubadour/Babette/Kirk. It was everything we LOVED about that show without all the crap we hated. The exact feeling I have when I would watch Lorelai walk through the town square to the calming “dah da dah da da das” of the soundtrack were the EXACT same calming feelings of nostalgia I had while reading this book. And the laughs? The banter? The whit? THE SWOONING?! Gosh it’s almost too perfect.
I absolutely loved this one and highly recommend it!
I’ll leave y’all with the following Gilmore Girl gifs that had moments that directly correspond with this book:
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*thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free eARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
If small town romance is your thing, pick this one up. If it isn’t you thing (like me…it’s not my fav) STILL PICK IT UP!
This is a second chance romance full of humor and small town shenanigans that will leave you with the absolute biggest smile.
Sandy broke up with her one true love and high school boyfriend, Hank Tillman, when she realized she would have to stay behind in their hometown as he went off to college and to peruse his dream of becoming a musician. This shattered them both, forcing their lives onto paths they didn’t ever plan for. Fifteen years later, Sandy has made a comfortable life in Baileyville and Hank is back in town ready to upend it all. Oh, and this all coincides with their town’s biggest festival, forcing those two together to make the festival a success.
You know what this book gave me? Basically a season of Gilmore Girls where we only got the best parts of Lorelai Gilmore’s romances, the best of Lorelai and Sookie’s friendship, and the best of Taylor Doosey/Town Troubadour/Babette/Kirk. It was everything we LOVED about that show without all the crap we hated. The exact feeling I have when I would watch Lorelai walk through the town square to the calming “dah da dah da da das” of the soundtrack were the EXACT same calming feelings of nostalgia I had while reading this book. And the laughs? The banter? The whit? THE SWOONING?! Gosh it’s almost too perfect.
I absolutely loved this one and highly recommend it!
I’ll leave y’all with the following Gilmore Girl gifs that had moments that directly correspond with this book:
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*thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free eARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
July 10, 2022
If you’re looking for a totally charming and sweet romance to add to your TBR I’ve got you, because this was adorable. It’s a second chance romance with a single dad and a small town setting, gimme all the tropes please! I would say this is a slower burn as far as the romance goes, Sandy and Hank both have to work through some stuff before they’re ready to give each other another chance and I enjoyed their path back to each other wholeheartedly. Secondary to the romance is the small town setting but man was it cute. The residents were quirky, meddling and hilarious and added so much charm to an already charming story. There are also big summer vibes and lots of nostalgia as Sandy spends time thinking about her and Hank’s high school relationship. I loved the towns annual street fair too and the strong sense of community among the members of this little Ohio town. Overall a great summer read if you want light and breezy.
February 8, 2022
I was privileged to read an advance copy of this charming, funny homage to small towns and first loves and what happens when we leave them behind. (Or don’t.) Kerry Winfrey's writing is as warm as a hug, and Hank Tillman is my new book boyfriend.
August 1, 2022
I’m a huge fan of Kerry Winfrey’s books anyway, but when I saw that her latest novel, Just Another Love Song, is a second chance romance set in a small town, I couldn’t get my hands on a copy fast enough. I’m happy to report that this romance was everything I hoped it would be and more.
Fifteen years ago, Sandy Macintosh and Hank Tillman were high school sweethearts. They were in love and had big dreams – Sandy was a gifted artist, and Hank a talented musician, and they wanted to leave their small town in Ohio, go off to college together, and then start building their future. When Sandy’s scholarship falls through, her dreams of college and leaving home are shattered. Hank goes off to college anyway, and even though they promise they’ll stay together no matter what, after a while Sandy feels like she’s holding Hank back from pursuing a career in music, so she breaks up with him. When the story opens, they have just run into each other for the first time since that break up.
I can’t even express how much I loved Sandy and Hank. I was especially enamored with Sandy, who in spite of having her dreams crushed so long ago, has managed to make a pretty good life for herself. She’s now a successful businesswoman with a thriving greenhouse business and she is very active in the community. She definitely made the best of a bad situation, and I admired her resilience. I also adored Hank. He’s of course sexy as heck, but he also clearly has a good heart and when he returns to his hometown, he immediately pitches in and helps anyone in need, even though he’s now a successful musician. There’s no egotism there at all. When Sandy and Hank reunite for the first time, it’s of course super awkward, but you can tell the old attraction is still there. My absolute favorite part of Just Another Love Song are the flashbacks Winfrey gives us to when Sandy and Hank first fell in love. Those scenes were just so adorable and magical, and they had me all the more invested in them taking another chance on one another and revisiting what they had as teens in love.
The small town setting was also a big hit for me. I loved everything about this community and its fun and quirky characters. It kind of reminded me a bit of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls and I enjoyed all of the humorous moments the various townspeople provided and they also provided a nice balance to some of the more emotional scenes between Sandy and Hank.
With its beautiful second chance romance and its charming small town setting, Just Another Love Song is sure to please anyone who is looking for a heartwarming, engaging read.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Fifteen years ago, Sandy Macintosh and Hank Tillman were high school sweethearts. They were in love and had big dreams – Sandy was a gifted artist, and Hank a talented musician, and they wanted to leave their small town in Ohio, go off to college together, and then start building their future. When Sandy’s scholarship falls through, her dreams of college and leaving home are shattered. Hank goes off to college anyway, and even though they promise they’ll stay together no matter what, after a while Sandy feels like she’s holding Hank back from pursuing a career in music, so she breaks up with him. When the story opens, they have just run into each other for the first time since that break up.
I can’t even express how much I loved Sandy and Hank. I was especially enamored with Sandy, who in spite of having her dreams crushed so long ago, has managed to make a pretty good life for herself. She’s now a successful businesswoman with a thriving greenhouse business and she is very active in the community. She definitely made the best of a bad situation, and I admired her resilience. I also adored Hank. He’s of course sexy as heck, but he also clearly has a good heart and when he returns to his hometown, he immediately pitches in and helps anyone in need, even though he’s now a successful musician. There’s no egotism there at all. When Sandy and Hank reunite for the first time, it’s of course super awkward, but you can tell the old attraction is still there. My absolute favorite part of Just Another Love Song are the flashbacks Winfrey gives us to when Sandy and Hank first fell in love. Those scenes were just so adorable and magical, and they had me all the more invested in them taking another chance on one another and revisiting what they had as teens in love.
The small town setting was also a big hit for me. I loved everything about this community and its fun and quirky characters. It kind of reminded me a bit of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls and I enjoyed all of the humorous moments the various townspeople provided and they also provided a nice balance to some of the more emotional scenes between Sandy and Hank.
With its beautiful second chance romance and its charming small town setting, Just Another Love Song is sure to please anyone who is looking for a heartwarming, engaging read.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
Кънтри музика, есенен фестивал в провинцията и сложната битка между несбъдналите се мечти и създаването на нов живот от онова, което ни е предоставено. Септември и пъстрите багри, украсяващи природата носят fall mood в Just Another Love Song. Това е прекрасен фон на случващото се в Belleville. И на емоционалната бъркатия в ума на героинята. А с угризения и съжаления като нейните живеят много хора в реалния ни живот. Имаше една нишка в сюжета, която аз оцених високо. А именно благородната постъпка на Санди да се откаже от любовта си към Ханк, за да не поглежда той назад и да продължи с любимата си музика и да направи кариера .Такива благородни жестове се заплащат много скъпо. С неудовлетворение и самота. Благородството е неблагодарно занимание!
Пропускаме толкова много възможности за щастие от невнимание, заради гордост или от състрадание - самосъжаление. От дистанцията на годините и от ъгъла на опита си по - късно виждаме, че след това сме се опитвали да симулираме удовлетворение и задоволство от онова, в което сме превърнали живота си. Но щастие не успяваме да симулираме. То е в очите и в биенето на сърцето ни. Ако не го изпитваме, не можем да излъжем света.И сентенция, че когато губим едно нещо, печелим друго, не винаги влиза в реалността ни. Повечето пъти си е само умна мисъл, която си казваме, за да си дадем кураж. Но... всъщност... онова , което сме пропуснали или загубили, си остава загуба за нас!
* " Някои от нас порастват и разбират, че нашите детски мечти са точно това – мечти. "
/ Just Another Love Song
Пропускаме толкова много възможности за щастие от невнимание, заради гордост или от състрадание - самосъжаление. От дистанцията на годините и от ъгъла на опита си по - късно виждаме, че след това сме се опитвали да симулираме удовлетворение и задоволство от онова, в което сме превърнали живота си. Но щастие не успяваме да симулираме. То е в очите и в биенето на сърцето ни. Ако не го изпитваме, не можем да излъжем света.И сентенция, че когато губим едно нещо, печелим друго, не винаги влиза в реалността ни. Повечето пъти си е само умна мисъл, която си казваме, за да си дадем кураж. Но... всъщност... онова , което сме пропуснали или загубили, си остава загуба за нас!
* " Някои от нас порастват и разбират, че нашите детски мечти са точно това – мечти. "
/ Just Another Love Song
August 7, 2022
I absolutely loved this rom com. Kerry is an auto buy author.
This is a small town romance that is all about second chances. Hank and Sandy were high school sweethearts but life pulled them apart after graduation. It’s 15 years later and they’ve reconnected in the small town where they grew up and fell in love. But they’ve each build complete lives that don’t involve the other.
Add in some 90s and 2000s music references, small town charm and humor and you have a perfect love story!
This is a small town romance that is all about second chances. Hank and Sandy were high school sweethearts but life pulled them apart after graduation. It’s 15 years later and they’ve reconnected in the small town where they grew up and fell in love. But they’ve each build complete lives that don’t involve the other.
Add in some 90s and 2000s music references, small town charm and humor and you have a perfect love story!
October 6, 2024
4.25 ✨
Finished in one day, SO, SO CUTE 🥺🫶🏻
Finished in one day, SO, SO CUTE 🥺🫶🏻
May 21, 2023
hank can only be imagined as kyle. sandy's victimization of herself was.... something.
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