How is the first quarter of the year almost over already? We’ve flown through so many amazing books and audiobooks that have become our new favorites. (And we hope you’ve also found some of your faves, too!)
If you’ve been following the book team for a while, you’ll remember Jenna Voris’ debut novel, Made of Stars. Well, we’re reviewing her sophomore novel, Every Time You Hear That Song, a story about country music, queer love, and finding space for yourself.
So buckle in for the ultimate road trip scavenger hunt, and we’ll tell you three reasons to read Jenna Voris’ Every Time You Hear That Song!
Book Overview
Content Warnings: death
Summary: Seventeen-year-old aspiring journalist Darren Purchase has been a lifelong fan of country music legend Decklee Cassel, who’s as famous for her classic hits as she is for her partnership with songwriter Mickenlee Hooper. The same Mickenlee who mysteriously backed out of the limelight at the height of their careers, never to be heard from again. Now, Decklee’s televised funeral marks the unveiling of her long-awaited time capsule. But when it’s revealed to be empty, a long trail of scavenger hunt clues unfolds, leading to a whopping cash prize for whoever finds the real capsule. Darren knows there’s a story there—and she’s going to be the one to break it. Even if it means a spontaneous road trip with her coworker, Kendall.
Flashback to 1963, where a young, runaway Decklee has her sights set on fame and glory. As she claws her way to the top over the years that follow, it’s Mickenlee’s lyrics that help rocket her to stardom. But as their relationship evolves beyond the professional, it threatens everything Decklee has worked for. What else will she sacrifice to hold on to her dreams?
Told in alternating perspectives, Every Time You Hear That Song is a queer coming-of-age story celebrating country music, complicated women, and living authentically. There’s more to Decklee’s story than Darren ever could have guessed, but the real story she has to tell is her own.
The Scavenger Hunt Clues
The hunt for Decklee Cassel’s time capsule in Every Time You Hear That Song has to be one of our favorite things about the book! We follow Darren and Kendall as they travel from Arkansas to Tennessee to Mississippi looking for four crucial clues. And even though Darren does all the heavy thinking, we couldn’t help but feel proud every time she finds a new clue! Other fan speculations have nothing on Darren’s knowledge of Decklee’s life and discography. It makes us wonder if we could figure out a scavenger hunt by our faves…
Everything Is Deeper Than It Seems
Decklee’s rise to country music stardom had a rocky start, and we’re so glad to have alternating points of view in Every Time You Hear That Song. When her partnership with Mickenlee Hooper becomes romantic (and very public), Decklee must decide on her priorities. The consequences of her actions decades ago are still relevant in the present. And when Darren later discovers the biggest secret in town (aside from Decklee’s time capsule), she must also decide what’s important to her.
The Road Trip Romance
Finally, we’re obsessed with the present-day romance between Darren and her co-worker Kendall in Every Time You Hear That Song. Because who else would drop everything at a moment’s notice to chase a scavenger hunt in another state? Kendall’s Southern charm and Darren’s budding feelings for him have us giggling and whisper-screaming a lot. Even though they have different feelings about their hometown, the ending makes the most sense for our characters.
We find ourselves emotionally invested in Jenna Voris’ new novel, Every Time You Hear That Song, not just because of the rich and inviting music but because the characters show us how to keep fighting for what we want most.
Sneak Peek Of Chapter One
We’ve got great news! For the first time in THP history, we have an exclusive excerpt to share with you. You can read a first chapter excerpt of Every Time You Hear That Song right here:
Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris is available April 2nd, and you can preorder a copy of it here!
What do you think of Jenna Voris’ new novel, Every Time You Hear That Song? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JENNA VORIS:
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