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The Songs #2

The Songs That Brought Me Back

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Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end.

Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves.

Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past.

Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew.

They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together.

Always together.

Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2018

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About the author

Mylissa Demeyere

7 books336 followers
Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn't working, she's writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast.
The Songs of You and Me is her debut novel, with a sequel already in the works.


Connect with Mylissa Demeyere online:

http://www.mylissademeyere.com
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https://twitter.com/MylissaDemeyere
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,124 reviews267 followers
December 14, 2018
Everyone has a story and sometimes there is more to a person than what is seen at first glance. Ainsley was not my favorite character in The Songs of You and Me, but discovering her hidden demons and trials was a refreshing reminder not to judge others and there actions, for there is almost always a reason.

This is a hard topic to swallow, and I was slightly intimidated by the content, but Demeyere was able to deliver it in a very tasteful, informative, heartfelt, and hopeful way, which quickly dispelled my hesitations.

Beautifully raw and emotional, and full of exquisitely swoony moments, this story hooked me from beginning to end (I read it in one sitting). I couldn't put it down! The characters are rock solid, imperfectly perfect (especially Ethan), and the magnetic chemistry was mesmerizing.

I loved the cozy home in Boston, as well as the love-filled house in Belgium. It was a treat to not only go back and forth between these two settings, but to have the book clearly laid out in alternating points-of-view. Of course, I loved the song choices for each chapter and had to go download them all.

Hope, love, and second chances are what this one is all about and I can't wait for more.

Content: mild-moderate romance (swoony, passionate kissing; living together without intimacy, vague talk of an affair); mild-moderate violence (suicide, suicide attempt); mild language

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,544 reviews195 followers
December 30, 2018
Have you ever read the blurb for a book and wondered if it would be the book for you? Where you had previously read a book by the same author and absolutely loved it. The emotions and connection to the characters was amazing. Then you see the next book of that same author coming out. You read the sneak peek for it and at first think, this book is going to be such an emotional read. You think, do I have it in me? Will I be happy with the outcome or will I be wishing my time back?

Honestly, that was me with this book. I loved the first book, The Songs of You and Me, and adored it. It was full of emotions. It was definitely an emotional journey. But then I read the sneak peek for this book at the end of the first book. I just wasn't sure. I wanted to read it, but I was hesitant. I ended up requesting a review copy and watched as other friends started reading and reviewing it. I loved seeing my same hesitations in their reviews. And yet, they loved it. I took a deep breath and decided that I was ready for a truly deep and emotionally connecting read.

I did not want to put this book down. Right from the beginning, the raw emotions and the vulnerability of Ainsley and Ethan drew me to them. I wanted to know more about their stories. I wanted to see why the sacrifices. Why the pain. Why the love and friendship. So many questions that I wanted answered.

I'm not going to lie and sugar coat this. It was sad. It was raw. It was emotional. And it was beautiful and moving. It added understanding to my mind. This book talks about suicide. I will say that I loved the author's note. Her personal story and connection made me love the book even more. Having felt many of the emotions that these main characters were suffering and experiencing, and navigating. She wrote them in such a touching and insightful way.

We never know fully what each other is going through. On the surface we see one thing, the person we allow others to see. But what are we each going through inside? The pain and heartache, the joys and successes. The fear and anxiety. So many different life experiences and emotions that we cannot understand fully another person's experiences. Those things which shape and mould us all. The most important thing we can see and do is to see another human and offer understanding, friendship, love, help. Anything to truly show we care and that we understand pain, we all experience it. Somehow we must step outside of our comfort zones and show others they are worth everything, they are amazing and wonderful, even in their sorrows and pain. Be the difference someone else is needing. You can be that light, I can be that light, that is needed by another.

I don't want to spoil anything because this is a story to be experienced by each individual reader. I will say that I adored Ethan. He was wonderful. I didn't really care for Ainsley in the first book. But seeing so much more to her in this book brought understanding. I ached for her and her sorrows. I really love her character. If you have read the first book and felt the same way about Ainsley's character, let me tell you that you will read this and probably think 100% differently.

I loved the beginning of the chapter and seeing what songs the author chose to highlight different moments of Ainsley and Ethan's story. Some I had heard before, others were new to me.

Content: This book is about a character who tries to commit suicide, is found and her journey of healing. As well as the story of others affected by a family member who did commit suicide and their healing from the utter sorrow and grief. I would recommend for more mature readers. The book doesn't go into a lot of details, it isn't graphic in nature but it is a sensitive subject and the emotions are very real. There are several kissing scenes and mild innuendos. Talk about an affair, death of a baby. Not graphic but the reader knows what happened and feels the emotions of those experiences.

I received a copy from ebooks. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Taylor Dean.
Author 17 books732 followers
September 20, 2019
Such a beautiful story about a sensitive topic. The second book in The Songs Series is wonderfully and thoughtfully written. I loved it.

This book is a heartfelt romance with a powerful message about the sanctity of human life. If you've ever simply needed a friend, The Songs that Brought Me Back will resonate--and leave you thankful for the people in your life.

Bonus: The book takes us to the author's hometown in Belgium, which is fascinating.

Profile Image for Aimee (Getting Your Read On).
3,028 reviews271 followers
December 19, 2018
Wow, what an emotionally gripping story and honestly one that is a bit difficult to read sometimes. I'm imagining that most of us are connected in some way to the events of suicide. It's a subject that is tender and painful for those left behind. This story delves into suicide in a very personal way. I feel like the author did a good job of balancing the hard things with positive things in a realistic and believable way. I never felt so weighed down in the hard stuff that I couldn't feel the hope and light.

Ethan is a spectacular person. His compassion and patience with Ainsley is amazing. His history brought him to this place which is what tragedy does to people. It molds us and helps us know how to help each other when we struggle.

I was really invested in this story- the people, the circumstances and most definitely in the outcome. The journey was a worthwhile one because love is the biggest proponent for change. There was a lot of love found in the pages of this book.

Content: Suicide (attempted, discussed, and one case that ends in death), kissing, some innuendo, a couple talks about waiting for intimate relations until marriage, mention of an affair.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Charissa.
Author 12 books75 followers
September 18, 2018
This poignant redemption story about second chances and forgiveness yanked my emotions all over the place. I cried, I yearned, I hoped. It’s a beautiful story about what true love is and does, with great characters that I fell in love with, a theme about suicide and also loving and forgiving oneself that touched me deep in my core. This is the second book in this series, but each book can be read stand-alone. But Ainsley has a connection to the hero in book 1, and her issues stem from circumstances in that first book. So it’s much more enjoyable and powerful to have already read The Songs of Me and You before you read this one (at least in my opinion). Overall, a great read. ***I received an early copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,233 reviews45 followers
December 19, 2018
I loved author Mylissa Demeyere's first novel, The Songs of You and Me. I loved this second novel just as much. It is amazing to me how she creates stories as delicately and bright as an artist paints strokes of color on a canvas. The words jump off the page and you're surrounded by this collection of thoughts and feelings that wrap you up in the character's lives.

The story starts with a very tough subject of the main characters attempted suicide. It is done in a way that is heart wrenching, not gratuitous but it's also real. Ainsley is hurting from so many things that happened in the past. The fabulous character of Ethan comes along like a knight in shining armor to help save her. Ethan is also struggling with things from his past but despite that, he and Ainsley are drawn to each other. Through their mutual support of one another their lives can continue on. This story is one of showcasing redemption and forgiveness of others and self and ultimately healing. When we finally read why Ethan was so affected by Ainsley's attempted suicide the reader then understands so much more.

This is a hard subject for some to read and may not be for all people, but I feel this whole story is presented in such a good way that it is a must read novel. It's not a totally squeaky clean read as there is a lot of kissing and some intimate moments without anything too steamy. One of my favorite parts of this novel is when the story shifts to Belgium. How wonderful to get insight into somewhere I've never been.

Kudos to this author for being brave enough to write about this topic as her own father lost his life to suicide. There must have been some healing for her being able to write this story. I also loved that the characters were flawed but became so beloved.This story deals with depression, loss, attempted suicide and finding your way back from the depths of despair. I'm glad that we were able to get a second look at Ainsley who appeared in the first book in not a good light. Second chances are a powerful thing and in this novel we see how redemption and starting over can bring light back into ones soul. This book is recommended reading for adults and maybe older teens at a parents discretion. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

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November 19, 2018
The Songs That Brought Me Back is another remarkable read by Mylissa Demeyere. Ethan and Ainsley had me laughing and crying as they faced their own demons and fall in love while doing it. This book adds even more depth as it confronts suicide head on. Suicide has become an epidemic that some are afraid to address. Demyere brings it to light from both the victims and the survivors, giving us insight on the struggles of so many. It does not disappoint and I, again, am excited to see what comes next from this talented writer.
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 9 books140 followers
February 24, 2019
For anyone who read The Songs of You and Me by Mylissa Demeyer, chances are good you have an opinion of Ainsley. Chances are even better that opinion is none to favorable.

I will start with this: I am so glad Demeyere wrote this book, which picks up after Ainsley’s encounter with Jackson in the previous book.

Here’s the deal. Everybody has their own story to tell. Everyone makes mistakes. None of us know the entire story or has the right to judge a person without knowing the whole of that story.

Ainsley has allowed her mistakes to define her, lie to her, and tell her she is worthless. Her story (as well as Ethan’s) is gut-wrenchingly emotional, dealing with the very real but difficult topic of suicide. And honestly, after I read the note from the author at the beginning of the book, I’m convinced she was the right person to write about the pain, hurt, and hope from the place of her heart.

In the telling, she gives readers the tools for dealing with the hardships, depression, and emotions we don’t know what to do with. She gives us both sides of the tragedy of suicide through Ainsley and Ethan as they fight long and hard for the tiniest glimmer of hope of healing and living.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
49 reviews
December 5, 2018
Oh my heart! As someone who suffers from severe depression and anxiety, I can say that this story deeply touched my heart and gave me hope to continue moving forward. Ethan and Ainsley have both been through a lot, and because of that I loved reading their story and seeing them heal little by little. Sometimes when we've been bruised and broken we feel like we have to fight to try and become the person we were before that happened. This beautiful story of hope shows us that we don't necessarily need to become the same person we were before, but that we can heal from our wounds, learn from them, and become a new, better person, scars and all. Whether you are one who suffers from depression or anxiety, or you know someone who does, or if you are just looking for an inspirational story, then this story is for you. This story is a great example of what can happen when someone chooses to push through the dark times. I loved this story. I look forward to buying it in paperback. I'm certain that it will touch your heart, just as it did mine. This is actually the first book I've read from this author, and I'm hooked! I can't wait to read more!
2,883 reviews9 followers
December 21, 2018
Ainsley as the cheating wife of Jackson was cast as a not so nice person in The Songs of You and Me. But there are two sides to every story. Ainsley’s parents were awful putting her down and making her not feel worthy of love, so her marriage to Jackson was troubled and they drifted apart. In her pain over miscarrying her daughter, cheating on and losing Jackson and never feeling worthy enough, she tries to commit suicide and her neighbor Ethan finds her and gets her help in time. His sister killed herself and he won’t lose another person he cares about that way. He becomes her rock as she tries to rebuilt her life and discover her self-worth. Ethan was great, funny, sweet, romantic and compassionate. I loved his parents and reading about all the wonderful places to visit in Ghent. This book touched on how suicide doesn’t just hurt the person who commits it, but everyone who cares about them. It was a tough emotional topic that the author dove deeply into.
4 reviews
November 29, 2018
I’ll be honest here. I am not the romantic-book-reader-type. And This book has full blast romance everywhere in it. So people who love Reading romantic stuff will LOVE it.
It also contains a much deeper content. It speaks about depression and How to deal with that. And it speaks about How people are dealing with a friend or family member attempting suicide.
The characters are great. After Reading the book they seem real to me.
It’s one of those books that makes you think and feel things.
Great read!
Well done Mylissa!
1 review
December 19, 2018
I really, really loved reading this book. I shed some tears, which most of the times I hardly do with books. I felt somehow so close/connected to Ainsley while reading this book. I wanna thank the author for bringing so much reality into this fictional character. I love how she brought the reality of “it is okay to be on the dark side but it is also certainly right to accept help and let people be there for you” .
Profile Image for Brienna.
66 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2019
I stayed up half the night finishing this book. I loved it and couldn't put it down. I'm so glad I was able to read Ainsley's perspective. Of course I judged her at first, but it's so important to hear both sides of a story. It was neat to learn about Ethan and I loved the Belgian history and food references. Once again, Melissa writes an engaging, sweet, heartbreaking, uplifting and clean novel.
Profile Image for Nari.
1,070 reviews9 followers
December 13, 2018
This is a powerful story. I could not put it down once I started. There is so much depth and feeling in this book. I did not like Ainsley when I meet her in the first book. After reading this book, I understand her so much better and my opinion of her has completely changed. Ethan is amazing from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for DelSheree.
Author 47 books454 followers
December 5, 2018
There's always two sides to every story, and this is the other side of book one. Mylissa does a great job tackling difficult subjects and helping readers connect with a character that wasn't easy to like in the first book. In fact, I really didn't like Ainsley at all in the first book and I was hesitant to start book two, knowing I'd probably end up understanding her a lot better! Sometimes you just don't want to like a character. But our mistakes shouldn't define us and I was glad I gave Ainsley and chance in this book. This book is a bit darker than book 1 and is definitely an emotional read, but it was very well done!
Profile Image for Cheri.
1,868 reviews65 followers
April 19, 2019
Choices that you make can sometimes leave you in a place, that you never want to find yourself in. A hard subject mater, but well written. Ainsley is broken and having a hard time. Ethan has his secrets that he keeps buried. Can they each find a way to help each other? I loved both books in this series
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,214 reviews44 followers
December 18, 2018
The Songs That Brought Me Back is the first book I've read that has a major focus on suicide. The author's note about why she wrote the book (see below) was the first thing I read, and since her father committed suicide it is a very important topic for her. I think knowing her feelings on it added to the impact it had on me as I read it.

It's hard to know where to start with my feelings on the novel-it really created a lot of emotions that were all over the place. The characters were well developed. For a good portion of the story we are left guessing about why Ethan's reaction to finding Ainsley was so much deeper than it would be for the average person. When that is revealed it was quite heartbreaking.

While I thought Ethan and Ainsley were good together, there was a lot of dependency that made me question if their relationship was healthy at times.

I liked the overall story and that it addressed suicide. Parts seemed to go on a bit long, and I did find myself skimming at times.

This is a sequel to The Songs of You and Me which I haven't read. I was confused about the song part in the title when there isn't any mention in the story about music. Each chapter has a song listed at the beginning, but apparently that is just the song that gave the inspiration to the author for the chapter.

Many people would categorize this as clean because the characters don't have pre-martial sex. For those that prefer a squeaky clean read, note that there's quite a bit of descriptive French kissing, want for more that doesn't happen before marriage, and a few swearwords.

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Aubrey.
2 reviews
December 4, 2018
A beautiful sequel to The Songs of You and Me that cleverly illustrates that there are always two sides to every story and that it is never too late for love to overcome any challenge.
This may look like just another cute romance novel, and while it is cute and romantic it is NOT just another romance novel. It is a deep and moving story of hurt, mourning, forgiveness, redemption, and healing. I loved the way Mylissa took on difficult topics in a relatable and sensitive way, while still keeping the light and lovey aspect that we value in a good romance. Some of the topics involved in Ainsley and Ethan's stories can be hard or awkward to discuss and I appreciate how Mylissa crafted these pieces into the story in a respectful way that brings them into the light and makes them easier to talk about. We can all use a reminder to open our eyes to the needs of others and take the time to love, understand, and care for those around us and this book provides a great awakening to do just that. If you loved The Songs of You and Me then you will love jumping deeper into the lives of the characters, and if you have not read it then you should get started now because you will not want to miss these deep and captivating stories from this amazing new author!
2 reviews
December 2, 2018
After Mylissa's first amazing book that was more than just a love story, i was really looking forward to this one. And again I loved it so much. My hart was full of love, feeling all the emotions that were going on..... Ainsley and Ethan were brought together in such a difficult situation, but love had a chance to grow. We all have that Ainsley person in our lives, and i loved all the respect and sympathy Ethan is so good in.
Thanks for this wonderfull story, i could not stop reading, it held my thoughts even when i was not reading and was a little bit sad when the book came to an end.
Profile Image for Laura.
500 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2020
I really didn’t want to read this book, but after the teaser in book 1, it helped to preface the context of the book and why second chances are so important for everyone. We are all deserving of forgiveness and Ainsley’s story and journey gives hope to those struggling with mental illness, loss of a child, infidelity, and learning to love yourself despite the imperfections and mistakes that we make. And more importantly, this book is a good reminder to please stay in your body! You are loved and you matter!
Profile Image for Shauna.
1,137 reviews13 followers
December 19, 2018
Though the subject is a hard one to talk about or read, this author did a beautiful job unfolding a love story between two broken people. I loved Ethan and Ainsley. I could feel their pain and heartache and ached with them on their roads to recovery. For an older audience. A thoughtful story that puts you on both sides of suicide. Read the author's note. I want to go to Belgium.
73 reviews
February 24, 2021
For Those Left Behind

When life becomes so unbearable that suicide seems the only choice, what becomes of the survivors? In this touching story of what it takes to survive, the struggle between hanging on and letting go is real and the value of unconditional love is beyond measure. Love that it comes with a soundtrack!
Profile Image for Wendy.
2 reviews
January 11, 2019
The Songs That Brought Me Back truely is an amazing novel. Reading the sneak peek to this book I immediately felt this story was going to be intense. I couldn’t wait to start reading it.
As from the very first pages I teared up, filled with emotions. I was deeply touched by the story.
Even after many years the heartache remains vividly present.

Mylissa has truly written another gem. I recognized a part of myself in both Ainsley as well as Ethan. Wonderful to see how caring the characters are to one another.
I also enjoyed their warm personality and the warmth of their home here in Belgium.

Their travels from Boston to Belgium, the details on Ghent made me laugh over and over again.
The novel was a real eye-opener to me.
About forgiving and second chances in life. Making the most of whatever comes on your life path.

Thank you for sharing what’s important in life in such an lovely way. Inspirational 💗
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