January 14, 2014

Another Little Piece of My Heart - Tracey Martin

Another Little Piece of My Heart Tracey Martin book cover
Another Little Piece of My Heart by Tracey Martin
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: December 1, 2013
Source/Format: Netgalley (Thank you Harlequin Teen!) || e-galley
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]

At her dying mother’s request, Claire dumps Jared, the only boy she’s ever loved. Left with a broken family and a broken heart, Claire is furious when she discovers that her biggest regret became Jared’s big break. While Jared is catapulted into rock-star status, another piece of Claire’s heart crumbles every time his song plays on the radio.

The summer after her senior year, it’s been months since the big break-up, and Claire is just trying to keep her head down and make it through a tense trip to the beach with her family. But when Jared shows up, and old feelings reignite, can Claire and Jared let go of the past? Or will they be stuck singing the same old refrain? (from Goodreads)

What I enjoyed most about Another Little Piece of My Heart is that it reminded me, in a lot of ways, of the type of fan fiction I used to write when I was in high school. I was am obsessed with boy bands and musicians, so it's not particularly surprising I was eager to read this. Even though I felt like everything was only touched upon lightly (if that makes sense), it was still a pretty fun read.

I adored the fact that this book was set in the summertime! Not just any summer either, mind you, but the summer right after high school graduation for Claire. That summer (and also the summer after you graduate from college) always feels like a clean slate. Everyone gets that chance to start over, start again and try something new. Everyone can reinvent themselves, and that's certainly an opportunity that Claire takes advantage of. From taking on an actual job, to trying to write more music, her summer is certainly a catalyst for change.

I actually didn't know, going in, that this was a book inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion. It makes absolute sense though, if you look at the groundwork of Claire and Jared's romance. They both led very different lives to begin with, and their separation only occurred because of deep sorrow and a misunderstanding. I love the way Martin played with that concept and managed to modernize it, without telling the exact same story.

The best part of this book, by far, is that music has a heavy hand in both Claire and Jared's stories. I love that music was a love affair for them both, and that it helped them cope with all the things that were going on in their lives. Even though it felt like Jared had more polish to his talent (and obviously, that career with the songs inspired by their break-up), Claire also had something raw and real about hers. It was fascinating, honestly, to watch her during the chapters where she tried to work on some music.

If you're looking for a bright, easy read to curl up with during these colder months, I'd definitely recommend Another Little Piece of My Heart. It's got a fun cast of characters, a great summer setting and music woven through its pages. I really enjoyed it, even as the pages flew by!

[I'm sorry, I just cannot avoid singing the Janis Joplin song, hence the link below.]

12 Comments:

  1. There's nothing quite like a summertime read in the winter! I love that this one is so heavily musical, as that's something I'd really like to explore more this year. Wonderful review, Alexa :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved the musical aspect of it! It's also interesting to me to read about songwriters, and these two main characters are basically both that. I hope you wind up enjoying it, Melissa!

      Delete
  2. I really would love to read this one -- gotta get on it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you'd enjoy this one, Anna! Especially if you are in the mood for something light and fluffy :)

      Delete
  3. I didn't know this was inspired by Persuasion either! And I love books set in the summer right after graduation, too! Did you read any of Sarah Dessen's books? A lot of hers are set then. I definitely need to add this one on my list it's one I would like for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I absolutely ADORE Sarah Dessen! I think she's an awesome writer, and I've read all of her books except the latest one. And yes, that whole inspired-by-Persuasion thing came as a surprise, as I only learned of it AFTER I'd read it. Hope you enjoy it when you do read it!

      Delete
  4. This one sounds great! I've got to remember to look for this the next time I'm at the bookstore! This sounds like just what I've been in the mood for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's excellent! I'm glad to hear that this book appeals to you, as I really thought it was cute and fun. I hope you're able to snag a copy!

      Delete
  5. The description of this novel reminds me a little of Robin Benway's Audrey, Wait, apart from the eventual (implied) reconciliation between Claire and Jared. I really enjoyed Benway's book, which leads me to believe this one might be a lot of fun to read, too! I was also really intrigued when you mentioned it was patterned after Persuasion, as that's one of my favourite Jane Austen novels. Oh, Captain Wentworth...

    This sounds like the perfect novel to pick up for my Kindle and save until the summer time when I can enjoy it with a refreshing cocktail by the lake. I had never heard of Another Little Piece Of My Heart prior to your review, so I'm really pleased you brought this novel to my attention. Thanks, Alexa! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well doesn't this just sound adorable! I have it via NetGalley, and I'm hoping to get to it next week. I'm so happy it's a summer book because we've had YUCK weather here, and if I can't BE warm then I want to read about someone who IS. And the romance sounds really cute. I'm super glad you enjoyed it so much, Alexa! I used to be obsessed with boy bands, too (and still AM obsessed with Rascal Flatts) so hopefully I'll love it.

    Molli | Books and Whimsy

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh, I'm glad you liked this one Alexa!! I read it back in November and I also really enjoyed it :D It was light and fun and I really enjoyed the story.

    I love the your new layout :) it's so pretty and a unique layout from other book blogs!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. YAY! I totally have this one and Lauren [who clearly commented above me, hey!] also loved it! It seems fun and easy and just like you said perfect to cuddle up with! SO SOON, I shall!!!

    Glad you loved it!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving a comment! I love seeing what you have to say, and will try to reply (here or on Twitter) as soon as I can :)