Sounds Like Love Summary, Characters and Themes
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston is a story of self-discovery, love, and reconciling with one’s past. It follows Joni Lark, a successful yet emotionally detached songwriter who returns to her childhood home in Vienna Shores, a small coastal town in North Carolina.
Joni grapples with feelings of burnout, the looming closure of her family’s music venue, and the complexities of her relationships with her family and her past. Along the way, she unexpectedly reconnects with Sebastian Fell, a former boy band member, and embarks on a journey of emotional healing, love, and rediscovery.
Summary
The novel Sounds Like Love centers around Joni Lark, a talented songwriter in her thirties who has achieved significant success in Los Angeles, writing hits for pop stars. Despite her professional accomplishments, Joni feels emotionally lost and disconnected from her music, questioning the choices she has made in her life.
When her parents decide to close the Revelry, the music venue where Joni grew up in the coastal town of Vienna Shores, she returns home to deal with her family’s legacy and the changes threatening her personal and professional life.
Joni’s return to Vienna Shores is bittersweet, filled with nostalgia and unresolved emotions. Her parents, who own the Revelry, are moving toward retirement, and the closing of the venue symbolizes the end of an era for Joni.
The Revelry, once a hub of music and memories, now stands as a fading reminder of the past. Joni’s mother, who was once a part of a famous band, is struggling with early-onset dementia, which only adds to the emotional weight Joni carries.
The looming closure of the venue and her mother’s deteriorating health create a sense of urgency within Joni, forcing her to confront her past and what the future holds.
Joni’s journey is further complicated when she unexpectedly encounters Sebastian Fell, the son of Roman Fell, a famous rock star from an earlier generation. Sebastian, once a member of a popular boy band, has retreated from the public eye, choosing a quieter, reclusive lifestyle.
Joni and Sebastian share an awkward yet electric moment during a concert when they are forced into a staged kiss by the event’s “kiss cam.” This seemingly insignificant moment leaves a lasting impact on both of them, and their brief interaction sparks a complicated connection that neither of them fully understands at first.
As Joni struggles to come to terms with the changes in her life, she finds herself torn between her life in LA and her ties to Vienna Shores. She is also forced to reckon with the emotional tension between her family, especially with her mother, whose health is rapidly declining.
Joni’s sense of duty to her family and the Revelry weighs heavily on her, as does the realization that her mother’s past as a musician is intertwined with Joni’s own journey. As the family business nears its end, Joni faces the painful reality that she might lose not only her childhood home but also the connections that defined her.
Joni’s personal turmoil deepens as she navigates her relationship with Sebastian. Despite their differing lifestyles—Joni being a successful songwriter in LA and Sebastian being a reclusive figure—the two find themselves drawn to each other.
Their emotional connection grows stronger over time, and their creative collaboration brings them closer. They bond over their shared experience of growing up in the shadow of fame and the struggle to reconcile their public personas with their private selves.
The chemistry between Joni and Sebastian is undeniable, but both of them are reluctant to fully embrace it, unsure of what their feelings mean for their future.
The story takes an unexpected turn when Joni learns that the mysterious voice she has been hearing in her head, which she initially believes to be a figment of her imagination, actually belongs to Sebastian. The telepathic connection between them, which begins as a source of confusion and frustration for Joni, becomes a catalyst for deeper emotional exploration.
Sebastian admits that he has been aware of Joni’s thoughts for longer than she realizes, and this revelation forces Joni to confront her unresolved feelings and the complicated dynamics between them.
In the midst of these personal revelations, Joni is faced with the possibility of losing the Revelry and the town that shaped her. The emotional weight of these changes brings Joni closer to the realization that the path she has been following in LA, filled with professional success but personal emptiness, is no longer fulfilling.
She begins to understand that true happiness lies not in fame or recognition, but in the connections she shares with the people she loves and the place she calls home.
The narrative reaches its emotional peak when Joni and Sebastian finally confront their feelings for each other, acknowledging the deep connection they share. Sebastian’s return to Vienna Shores marks the beginning of a new chapter in both their lives, as Joni learns to let go of her fears and embrace the possibility of love and reconciliation.
As she reconciles with her past and her family’s legacy, Joni realizes that the future she once feared may be the one that offers her the most fulfillment.
The closure of the Revelry serves as a metaphor for Joni’s personal transformation. It symbolizes the end of an era but also the beginning of something new.
Joni chooses to stay in Vienna Shores, taking over the Revelry and embracing a life that is more grounded and authentic. Through her journey of self-discovery, Joni learns that love and belonging are found not in fame or success, but in the relationships that truly matter.
In the end, Sounds Like Love is a story about navigating the complexities of love, family, and self-identity. It explores the importance of embracing one’s roots, finding peace with the past, and learning to let go of the things that no longer serve you.
Through Joni’s journey, the novel highlights the transformative power of music, memories, and human connection in shaping a meaningful life.
Characters
Joni Lark
Joni Lark is the protagonist of Sounds Like Love, a talented yet emotionally conflicted songwriter who has experienced significant success in her career but remains disconnected from her personal life and the music that once brought her joy. She returns to Vienna Shores, the small beach town where she grew up, and finds herself struggling with feelings of homesickness, burnout, and a sense of being lost.
Joni’s deep internal conflict is heightened by her complex relationship with her family, particularly her mother, who is grappling with early-onset dementia. The closing of the family’s cherished music venue, the Revelry, becomes a symbol of the changes she faces in both her personal and professional life.
Throughout the story, Joni is torn between her life in Los Angeles, where she has achieved fame, and the pull of home, where she feels an undeniable connection to her past and her family’s legacy. Her journey is one of self-discovery as she learns to reconcile her past mistakes with her present reality, ultimately finding clarity in her relationships, her music, and her place in the world.
Sebastian Fell
Sebastian Fell, a former boy band member turned reclusive figure, plays a significant role in Joni’s journey of self-discovery. He is the son of Roman Fell, a rock star from a previous generation, and his complicated relationship with his father adds depth to his character.
Sebastian initially appears to be a mysterious and somewhat aloof figure, but as the story progresses, his vulnerability becomes apparent, especially in his interactions with Joni. They share a deep, emotional connection through their music, and the chemistry between them intensifies as they collaborate.
The telepathic bond they form further complicates their relationship, as it forces both of them to confront unresolved emotions and past trauma. Sebastian’s character evolves from a distant, enigmatic figure to someone who is equally searching for meaning, connection, and healing, mirroring Joni’s own struggles.
His presence in Joni’s life brings both turbulence and solace, and their shared creative process allows them to break free from their emotional barriers, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and each other.
Joni’s Mother
Joni’s mother, a former musician who once had a successful career, is another central character in Sounds Like Love. She serves as both a source of nostalgia for Joni and a symbol of the complexities of aging and memory.
Her battle with early-onset dementia creates a profound emotional rift between mother and daughter, as Joni tries to understand and connect with a person who is gradually slipping away. Her attachment to the past, particularly her time performing with Roman Fell and the Boulevard, represents the nostalgia that pervades Joni’s journey.
Despite Joni’s efforts to engage her in conversations about her past, her mother remains evasive, unable or unwilling to confront the emotions tied to her former life. The deterioration of her memory and her reluctance to discuss the past deepen Joni’s frustration and feelings of abandonment.
In the end, Joni’s relationship with her mother highlights the inevitable passage of time and the challenges of reconciling with the parts of our lives that we can no longer fully grasp or hold onto.
Gigi
Gigi, Joni’s best friend, offers much-needed support and stability throughout the emotional chaos that envelops Joni’s life. As a grounding figure, Gigi helps Joni navigate the complex dynamics between her career, her family, and her personal relationships.
Gigi’s loyalty and understanding provide a source of comfort for Joni, particularly as she grapples with the closure of the Revelry and the uncertainty about her future. While Gigi’s role may seem more peripheral compared to Joni or Sebastian, her friendship is vital in keeping Joni grounded.
She represents the enduring nature of true friendship, one that provides emotional support without judgment, and her presence helps Joni regain the strength to face her fears and make difficult decisions.
Mitch
Mitch, Joni’s brother, plays a more subtle yet significant role in the narrative. His involvement in the story largely revolves around his perspectives on the future of the Revelry, the family’s cherished venue, and the decisions that Joni’s parents make without consulting him or her.
Mitch is less directly involved in Joni’s emotional journey than other characters, but his presence underscores the theme of family dynamics and the impact of decisions made without collective input. Mitch’s role adds complexity to Joni’s sense of loss, as the changes within their family are not just personal but affect the entire family unit, leaving Joni to grapple with feelings of being left out and unsure of her role in the family’s legacy.
Van
Van, Joni’s ex-boyfriend from college, reappears in Vienna Shores, rekindling old feelings and presenting Joni with a potential opportunity to revisit her past relationship. Their interactions stir up unresolved emotions, especially as Joni navigates her feelings for him alongside her growing connection with Sebastian.
Van’s presence is a reminder of Joni’s past, particularly her choices in relationships, and serves as a catalyst for her deeper reflection on what she truly wants in her personal life. His role in the story emphasizes the themes of love, regret, and the difficulty of moving forward from past relationships while trying to embrace new possibilities.
Sasha (Sebastian)
Sasha, whose true identity is revealed as Sebastian Fell, is the character who represents the intersection of Joni’s present and past. Initially, Sasha’s voice in Joni’s head is a source of confusion and discomfort for her, but as the story progresses, she begins to realize that their telepathic connection is much more profound than she initially believed.
The reveal of Sasha’s true identity as Sebastian adds another layer of complexity to their relationship. He is not just the voice in her head but also a figure from her past, and his presence forces Joni to confront unresolved feelings about her career, her relationships, and her own identity.
As Sasha and Joni’s connection deepens, their shared experiences in the music world bring them closer, yet the tension between their past and present remains palpable. Sasha, as both a person and a voice, serves as a mirror to Joni’s own struggles with fame, love, and self-discovery, offering her the opportunity to heal and move forward from her past mistakes.
Themes
Nostalgia and the Passage of Time
The theme of nostalgia is prominent throughout Sounds Like Love as characters, particularly Joni, reflect on their pasts. This theme manifests through both personal memories and physical spaces, such as the Revelry music hall, which acts as a reminder of Joni’s childhood and her family’s legacy.
As Joni returns to Vienna Shores, she is confronted with her own disconnection from her past, symbolized by her career in Los Angeles and the subsequent distance she has put between herself and her roots. The music hall, which was once a space of joy and community, now faces closure, which only deepens Joni’s sense of loss.
The sense of nostalgia is also reinforced through her mother, whose memory is fading due to dementia, and her attachment to the past as a musician. As Joni helps her mother sift through old photographs and mementos, she realizes that her own struggles with identity and burnout are intertwined with a deeper sense of regret for not fully embracing her history.
Through these reflections, the novel explores how the passage of time not only changes individuals but also the places and people they hold dear. The sense of nostalgia is bittersweet, emphasizing both the comfort and the sorrow that come with memories, highlighting the difficulty in accepting the inevitability of change and loss.
This theme of nostalgia is crucial in understanding Joni’s emotional journey, as it pushes her to reconcile her past with her present life.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Joni’s personal journey is deeply rooted in the theme of identity and self-discovery. The novel explores her internal struggle as she navigates her successful yet unfulfilling career in Los Angeles and her return to her small hometown.
As she grapples with burnout and creative block, Joni’s sense of self is questioned, particularly in relation to her role as a songwriter. While she is externally successful, she feels disconnected from her own music and struggles to find joy in her craft.
Her relationship with Sebastian, a figure from her past, also forces her to confront her evolving sense of identity. The tension between the person Joni was when she left Vienna Shores and the woman she has become is a central aspect of her character arc.
Her return to the Revelry symbolizes a return to her roots, but it also highlights the complexity of reconciling her past self with the woman she aspires to be. Throughout the story, Joni’s relationships with those around her, including her family and friends, serve as a catalyst for her growth.
Her struggle to balance personal dreams with familial obligations challenges her understanding of what it means to be true to herself. By the end of the novel, Joni’s journey is one of acceptance, as she learns that self-discovery is not a linear path, but one that requires embracing both the past and present.
Family and Legacy
The theme of family and legacy is woven throughout the novel, especially in Joni’s relationship with her parents and her connection to the Revelry. The family-run venue is not just a business but a symbol of Joni’s roots, representing both the history and the dreams of her family.
Joni’s return home forces her to confront the complexities of her relationship with her parents, particularly her mother, whose health is deteriorating. The closure of the Revelry is a significant emotional turning point for Joni, as it represents the end of an era.
The tension surrounding her family’s decisions, particularly the lack of consultation with Joni and her brother, underscores the theme of generational change and the shifting dynamics within families. Joni is also faced with the emotional weight of her mother’s past as a musician, which has shaped Joni’s own relationship with music.
The legacy of both her mother’s career and the Revelry itself weighs heavily on Joni, who must decide how to honor that legacy while forging her own path. The closure of the Revelry forces Joni to reflect on what she values most, and the ultimate resolution of her journey—taking over the Revelry—signifies her acceptance of her family’s legacy and her willingness to integrate it into her future.
This theme highlights the tension between personal ambition and familial duty, showing that sometimes the most fulfilling path is not the one that promises individual success, but the one that honors the connections and histories that shape us.
Love and Relationships
Love and relationships are explored in various forms throughout Sounds Like Love, from Joni’s complicated bond with her parents to the emerging connection with Sebastian. Joni’s personal relationships are deeply affected by her sense of isolation and detachment from both her family and her music.
Her relationship with her mother, complicated by the latter’s declining health and unspoken emotions, reflects the difficulties of maintaining closeness when faced with distance and change. Similarly, Joni’s evolving connection with Sebastian reflects her struggle to reconcile intimacy with independence.
The novel also explores the tension between romantic love and self-love, as Joni must learn to prioritize her own emotional well-being before she can fully engage in a healthy relationship. Her relationship with Sebastian is complicated by their shared past and the secrets they both hold.
The telepathic connection between Jo and Sasha further deepens the exploration of love in the novel, presenting a unique way in which emotional connections can transcend physical boundaries. In the end, the theme of love is portrayed not as an idealized concept but as something that requires vulnerability, understanding, and the willingness to confront both the beauty and the challenges of human connection.
Through her relationships, Joni learns that love is not just about finding someone to be with, but about embracing the people and experiences that shape who we are.
The Power of Music
Music serves as both a personal and a symbolic force in Sounds Like Love, acting as a thread that connects the characters to their pasts, their emotions, and each other. For Joni, music is at once a source of fulfillment and frustration.
As a successful songwriter, she once found joy in creating, but the commercialization of her music and her emotional burnout have left her feeling disconnected from the art that once brought her joy. The novel explores how music can be a means of self-expression, healing, and connection.
The Revelry, as a musical venue, represents a space where music transcends the individual and becomes a communal experience. Through Joni’s interactions with her family and Sebastian, music becomes a way of processing complex emotions, whether it’s working through the pain of personal loss, reuniting with estranged family members, or discovering new emotional depths.
The story highlights how music, especially when shared with others, can evoke memories and emotions, serving as a powerful tool for self-discovery. As Joni reconnects with her roots and confronts her disillusionment with her career, music becomes a way for her to reconnect with herself and others.
The novel suggests that the power of music lies not in fame or success but in its ability to heal and connect us to the people and moments that matter most.