Novels About Musicians
Kirsten and I love music, so novels about musicians are right up our alley. These are my favorite fiction and romance novels about musicians.
What started out as a small list of novels about music quickly became three separate lists of books. I also have a list of novels about bands if you are looking for that. These novels about musicians are not only romance books. There are fiction books, YA books, and holiday books!
The Best Novels About Musicians
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fiction Novel About Musicians
Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns- Jump to Section
The Best Romance Novel About Musicians
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld- Jump to Section
The Best YA Novel About Musicians
Darkening Song by Delphine Seddon- Jump to Section
The Best Holiday Novel About Musicians
All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Novels About Musicians
Wait for Me
Author: Amy Jo Burns
Year: 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: March 2026 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Elle Harlow is a folk singer who reached the height of her fame in 1973. After a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, she disappears. Two decades later, when a meteor strikes her small town, Marijohn Shaw, also a folk singer, uncovers information linking her to Elle. Suddenly, Marijohn questions everything she thought she knew about herself.
Told in three parts, Elle and Marijohn each get their own narratives before their stories dovetail for the final portion of the book. From Nashville to Appalachia, this immersive story is filled with tales of the music industry in the 1970s and early 1990s. It’s a story of loss and redemption, and the fight within us all to be seen for who we truly are.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was captivated by Marijohn and Elle’s individual stories, but when they merged, I was swept into their world. You must listen to this story as an audiobook because all the original songs peppered throughout the book are sung with a musical accompaniment. I felt as if I were a fly on the wall watching two extraordinary artists come into their own.
I think this will be the runaway hit of the summer, because it’s a perfect balance of thought-provoking themes and imaginative storytelling. I’d also like to respectfully request an adaptation of this story! #gifted by Macmillan Audio and Celadon.
Find this book in: Read with Jenna Book Club List 2026 / Wait for Me Book Club Questions / Summary of Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns / Books Set in the 70s / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Best Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump / Books like Daisy Jones and The Six / The Best Audiobooks of All Time / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2026/ Novels About Musicians
The Ingenue
Author: Rachel Kapalke-Dale
Year: 2022
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Rachel Kapelke Dale does it again with her newest novel, The Ingenue, featuring a musical prodigy who has fallen from grace.
Back home to deal with the recent death of her mother, Saskia is expecting to inherit the famed Elf House that she grew up in. But when her mother’s will stipulates Saskia’s former lover is the recipient, Saskia goes in search of answers – unlocking the trauma of her past in the process.
Trigger Warnings
Pedophilia, Sexual assault
Why Kirsten loves it
Sprinkled throughout with vignettes of feminist retellings of fairytales, this searing story explores the mother-daughter relationship and examines the dark truth behind sexual predators. I was transfixed by her writing and rooting for Saskia to slay her demons like a true fairytale heroine. This heart-thumping book about music was a best book of 2022 pick for me.
Find this book in: Family Inheritance Novels / Novels About Musicians
Start at the End
Author: Emma Grey
Year: 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This Sliding Doors-esque story is about Audrey and Fraser, their love, and it’s subsequent end. Audrey is a musician teaching divorcee Fraser’s daughter, their connection grows into love but just before their wedding day, catastrophe strikes.
At this point in the book, the story splits. One timeline imagines that Fraser died, the other imagines that Audrey didn’t survive. The remaing 70% of the story flips between the two as they attempt to handle or avoid their grief.
Trigger Warnings
Grief, Alcoholism, Self-Harm
Why Kirsten loves it
WOW. This story profoundly moved me. The sliding doors premise is why I picked it up, but I could feel the author processing her own grief while writing this book. The gut-wrenching scene that split the narrative broke my heart, but the story’s events eventually stitched it back together. Way to stick the landing, Emma Grey! #gifted by Zibby Publishing
Find this book in: Novels about Grief / Best Fiction Books of 2026 / Novels About Musicians
The Key to My Heart
Author: Lia Louis
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Natalie Fincher was living a life she loved until her new husband died in an accident, leaving her with a fixer-upper of his dreams. Two and a half years later, Natalie is still feeling lost and depressed. She spends her free time playing piano in the tube.
When she finds music in the piano bench meant for her, Natalie starts to feel a spark. Her inner musician comes alive for the first time since her husband’s death. Who is leaving her husband’s favorite music?
Trigger Warnings
Death of a husband
Why Jackie loves it
Of all the novels about music, the main character in this one had the most emotional journey.
Find this book in: Novels About Musicians
Every Note Ever Played
Author: Lisa Genova
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Richard is a concert pianist who lives to hear the standing ovations from his audiences and thrives on being perfect. When he loses control of his pinky finger, and slowly the muscles in his hands and body, his life comes crashing down.
Now, Richard has ALS and nobody to turn to except his ex-wife.
Trigger Warnings
ALS
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a powerful novel that will have you questioning life, forgiveness, and what it means to find peace.
Find this book in: Novels About Musicians
Romance Novels About Musicians
Romantic Comedy
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Year: 2023
Genre:
More info: April 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sally Milz is a sketch writer for a late-night comedy show. She begins to write a sketch called the Danny Horst Rule, which makes fun of average-looking men dating gorgeous women, but the reverse rarely happens. Being set on a comedy show makes this the perfect setting for a funny romance!
When a pop music icon signs on as the musical guest and host for the show for the week, sparks begin to fly, but Sally doesn’t know if it is just in her head. After all, he is a gorgeous star!
Trigger Warnings
Pandemic
Why Jackie loves it
We love Curtis Sittenfeld and could not wait to read this book. This is a slow-burn romance that I loved. Part of the book takes place over email correspondence during the COVID lockdown and I could not get enough. This is one of my favorite summer reads for 2023 and true to its name is one of the best romantic comedy books of all time.
Find this book in: Celebrity Romance / Rom-Com Books / Epistolary Novels/ Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2023 / Novels About Musicians
Wild Love
Author: Elsie Silver
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: Rose Hill #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ford Grant has been named the world’s hottest billionaire, and he’s not thrilled with the title. All he wants to do is open his recording studio and mentor talented musicians in peace. So he’s headed home to convert his old barn into the studio of his dreams -but then 12-year-old Cora shows up, and suddenly he needs to act like dad.
So he hires Rosie, his best friend’s sister and the one woman immune to his charms, to be his business manager. She needs a job, has a great head for business, and Cora seems to like her; she’s perfect for the job as long as Ford can resist keeping his hands to himself.
Why Kirsten loves it
Rosie is a spitfire, and Ford is the perfect swoony male lead. Their chemistry crackled off the page, their banter was funny, and they really make the perfect support team for Cora’s struggles. I can’t wait to see this adaptation on Amazon Prime!!
Adaptation information
Amazon Prime has announced it will be producing Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill series and has just given the green light for a series order. The series will star Jake Weary as West Belmont, Sean O’Pry as Ford Grant, Hannah Galway as Roseie Belmont, and Sadie Dickerson as Skylar Stone.
Find this book in: Billionaire Romance Books / Novels About Musicians / Single Parent Romance Novels / Books Becoming Movies or TV Series
Till There Was You
Author: Lindsay Hameroff
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Lexi is still a student when she meets Jake Taylor and they have a one-night stand that turns into a weekend – and then never see each other again. A year later, Lexi is working in a kitchen and Jake is an overnight musical success with a hit single based on Lexi and her pancakes.
When Jake needs to disappear for a while to find inspiration and work on his new album, he asks Lexi if he can stay at her house. Can she be is friend or will feelings get in the way?
Why Kirsten loves it
This was such a charming romance – if only I could hear the blueberry pancake song on the radio!
Find this book in: Novels About Musicians
Plot
Jack has been reliving the same day for months and believes the only way out of this circle is to get Gemma Peters to fall in love with him. The Problem? Gemma has a feeling of deja vu, but she cannot remember Jack and has made a vow not to date musicians again (after her last boyfriend used her.)
Why Jackie loves it
I had high hopes for this time travel romance and it did not let me down. Do not be worried that you will have to read the same things over and over. This book has a refreshing spin that was utterly enjoyable. Thank you for my gifted copy of this book.
Find this book in: Time Loop Books / Time Travel Romance / Amnesia Books / Novels About Musicians
Just Another Love Song
Author: Kerry Winfrey
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sandy Macintosh thought that she would be with her high school sweetheart, Hank Tillman, forever. But, Hank was always meant for great things, and Sandy stayed in her small hometown. Sandy was heartbroken went Hank left.
Now, 15 years later, Hank is a very successful musician and he has come home. His presence is disrupting Sandy’s stable, existence as a store owner and she begins to question if she is actually as happy as she has been pretending to be.
Why Jackie loves it
This one is on our list of novels about music and I could not put it down. It was just such a sweet story.
Find this book in: Celebrity Romances / Novels About Musicians
The Breakup Tour
Author: Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Pop superstar, Riley Wynn is going on tour for her latest album and bringing along her first love as her pianist for the hit song inspired by their romance. As they tour across the states, they reflect on why their relationship ended so long ago and feel the tugs of an invisible string pulling them back together 😉.
Why Kirsten loves it
It was such a fun read during my winter vacation. I was rooting for Riley and Max the entire time (while imagining that Travis Kelce was a pianist and not a football star.) It’s Taylor Swift fanfic and just plain fun! *Gifted by Berkley Publishing
Find this book in: Celebrity Romance Books /Books About Road Trips / Novels About Musicians
YA Novels About Musicians
Darkening Song
Author: Delphine Seddon
Release Date: March 10, 2026
Genre: YA fiction
More info: Debut Novel
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
Eighteen-year-old Eva is interning at a record label when she discovers Alora online. She tried to get one of the executives to listen to her, but they are not interested in what an intern has to say. Eva knows that Alora is going to be a huge star, even though she is just 16-years-old, and offers to be her manager.
When a video goes viral, Alora becomes a superstar, and the two women bond as found family. When Alora’s dark past begins to affect her life, Eva is caught up in ambition rather than in her friend’s needs. This is a story of friendship and betrayal, found family, ambition, and finding yourself.
Trigger Warnings
Attempted Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
This debut is being adapted as a TV series, and it is going to be amazing. The audiobook has music in it- and it’s fantastic. This book was emotional and surprsing. I loved it. #gifted by Macmillan audio
Find this book in: Novels About Musicians
On the Come Up
Author: Angie Thomas
Year: 2019
Genre: YA
More info: #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Bri is 16 and wants to become a rapper. Her father was an up-and-coming, underground hip hop legend who was killed before he made it to the mainstream. Bri is already labeled a hoodlum in school and is dealing with hunger since her mother lost her job. Bri finds herself in the middle of a controversy, but has no choice other than to lean into the publicity. Her family is facing eviction, and they need a way out.
Trigger Warnings
Poverty
Why Jackie loves it
Angie Thomas has done it again with this book. Unlike the book, The Hate U Give, when I completely understood Starr and her motivations, Bri was different for me.Â
In this case, I questioned her actions and related more to her mother than I did to her. I wanted to reach through the book and talk some sense into her. It felt like I was sitting by while someone made bad decisions, and there was nothing I could do about it.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty and Its Impact / Books About Musicians
The Beauty That Remains
Author: Ashley Woodfolk
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Fiction
More info:
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Logan, Shay, and Autumn are all dealing with loss differently and Woodfolk does a wonderful job of telling their stories. The stories seem so genuine- not neglecting the role of friends, parents, and siblings when dealing with loss.
Despite being about a difficult topic, this book is so readable and relatable. Teens, young adults, and adults alike will be able to read this book and relate.
Trigger Warnings
Loss of a loved one
Why Jackie loves it
What a fantastic debut novel! Ashley Woodfolk is an author to look for in the future. Each teen in this story is learning how to cope with life in the aftermath of intolerable loss. Woodfolk tells each of their stories with such emotion and understanding and integrates them seamlessly.
Find this book in: Novels About Musicians/ The 20 Best Books of 2018
Holiday Books About Musicians
All I Want for Christmas
Author: Maggie Knox
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sadie and Max are competing in a Country music reality TV show (think American Idol or The Voice). Their chemistry is off the charts on stage, so the execs ask them to team up for their performance.
As they learn to get along off-stage as well as they do on it, a passionate romance ignites. Until the machinations of the music industry drive a wedge between them. Can they reconcile before Christmas?
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t with this charming Christmas romance book about musicians by Maggie Knox. It’s like reading a Hallmark Christmas movie but with a lot of steamy bits put in!
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Reality TV Novels / Novels About Musicians
The Rewind
Author: Allison Winn Scotch
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: A Good Morning America Buzz Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Frankie and Ezra were inseparable during college and it all ended in an epic breakup a decade ago. Now, they are seeing each other for the first time since at their friends’ New Year’s Eve of Y2K wedding.
When they wake up in bed together with wedding rings on their fingers and NO memory of what happened, they find themselves searching for answers. And all this has to happen before Ezra’s girlfriend shows up at the wedding because Ezra is planning on proposing.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a hilarious glimpse into the past and an adorable romance. I was swept into the story as I rooted for Ezra and Frankie to find their happy ending.
Find this book in: Best Holiday Books / New Year’s Eve Books / Novels About Musicians
Expert Tip
There are so many fantastic novels about music, musicians, and bands that I decided to divide them into separate posts. This is a post specifically about musicians. Kirsten and I have read all the books on this list, so I have a few tips to help you choose a book you will love.
- There are a few different genres on this list. Pick a book from your favorite genre.
- Have a look at the descriptions, “Why I liked it”, and trigger warnings. These will all give you great insight into the books before you start reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Novels About Musicians?
Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns is our favorite novel about musicians on this list. We love the way that she crafts a story. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld is a fantastic romance about musicians, and All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox is a very fun holiday book about musicians.
Related Content
Epilogue
Which novel about musicians made it onto your to-read list?
