Sounds Like Love

Joni’s romantic interest, Sebastian (Sasha) Fell, is one of the novel’s primary characters. He and Joni first meet in Chapter 1 when they kiss onstage at Willa Grey’s concert. Their kiss ignites a mysterious telepathic connection between them and inspires their romantic interest in each other.

Sasha’s parents are Roman Fell and Ami McKellen. Growing up, Sasha never knew who his father was. Ami raised him alone, obscuring his famous rock star father’s identity. Because of his paternal uncertainty, Sasha developed a tight bond with Ami. They were best friends and relied on each other for everything. When Sasha was 13 years old, Ami died in a car accident. He then discovered his father’s identity, inciting Sasha’s lifelong anger toward Roman for financially and emotionally abandoning Ami. In the present, Sasha tells Joni that he often creates music from this place of anger.

Like Joni, Sasha has a deep love for music. He rose to popularity in the industry via his participation in the boy band Renegade. After the band split up, Sasha tried to pursue a solo career but struggled to establish himself. When he meets Joni, he feels inspired to reinvent his musical identity once more.

Sasha is a sympathetic character. Loving, forthcoming, and empathetic, he’s always kind to Joni, treating her with grace and compassion. He invests in her life, honors their unprecedented bond, and contributes to her personal and artistic growth. At the novel’s end, he decides to give up his life in Los Angeles to create a life with Joni in North Carolina.

A secondary character, Gigi fulfills the best friend archetype. She and Joni have known each other since they were girls and share a deep bond. Although they live on opposite sides of the country in the narrative present, they haven’t lost touch. Gigi supports Joni’s career, guides her through relationship challenges, and encourages her when she feels down. She’s Joni’s quintessential sidekick, providing narrative levity and offering perspective on Joni’s character.

Gigi is in a relationship with Joni’s brother, Mitch Lark. Gigi loves Mitch but fears that their life in Vienna Shores has stunted her artistic dreams. After she and Mitch get engaged, she tells Mitch that she’d like to pursue a new life in California. She establishes herself as a singer by the novel’s end—a plot point that offers Gigi’s character some complexity.

In addition, Gigi’s character contributes to Joni’s growth journey. She supports Joni but also challenges her when she thinks Joni is being stubborn or unrealistic. Their difficult conversations help compel Joni to practice self-reflection and to own difficult truths about herself.

A secondary character, Wynona Lark is married to Hank Lark and is Mitch and Joni’s mother. Shortly before the narrative present, Wynona was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. Joni has been reeling ever since learning this news. She fears that she’ll lose access to her mom mentally and emotionally before she passes away. Joni also worries that neither Wynona nor Hank is taking Wynona’s condition seriously. During her time in Vienna Shores, her parents fail to discuss Wynona’s health or share plans for Wynona’s future. Difficult conversations ultimately help the family communicate better about Wynona’s situation.

Wynona is a loving, sacrificial, and authentic character. She deeply loves her family and has prioritized their needs for years. Joni often worries that Wynona gave up on everything she wanted for herself just for her and Mitch. In the present, Wynona assures Joni that a life of traveling and performing wasn’t what she wanted. She shares her experiences with Joni, offering her perspective on the past and helping her understand what it means to conceptualize new dreams for herself.

Wynona acts as Joni’s archetypal guide. Although the mother and daughter aren’t in constant conversation, their dialogues offer Joni direction and insight. Joni trusts her mom’s advice. She’s particularly interested in understanding Wynona’s past so that she might learn from her experiences.

Wynona passes away shortly after Joni settles back in Vienna Shores. While her death overwhelms Joni with grief, she also feels grateful for the time they were able to spend together beforehand. Additionally, Joni’s taking over management of the Rev honors her mother’s memory and legacy.

A minor character, Mitch Lark is Joni’s brother and Hank and Wynona’s son. Mitch is dating Joni’s best friend, Gigi. Joni loves her brother and is glad to reunite when she returns home to Vienna Shores at the novel’s start. However, Joni feels frustrated with Mitch when she discovers that he has no intention of saving the Rev. She blames him for giving up on their family business, for keeping their plans to close the venue from her, and for hiding details about his and Gigi’s relationship. These conflicts challenge the siblings’ childhood bond but also compel Joni to reflect on her impact on others. Gaining insight into her brother’s life reminds her that everyone has distinct dreams.

Another of the novel’s minor characters is Van Erickson. He’s Joni’s ex-boyfriend and is back in town when Joni returns to Vienna Shores. When they run into each other, memories of their time together overcome Joni. They dated through high school and college, convincing Joni that they’d be together forever. However, just before college graduation, Van broke up with Joni, informing her that his plans didn’t include her. Joni was left reeling from a heartbreak she’s unsure she has overcome almost a decade later. Seeing Van again reminds her of all his positive attributes, and she agrees to go out on two dates with him.

Van isn’t a quintessential antagonist, but he does create confusion for Joni. When they’re together, she’s forced to confront her past sorrow and to acknowledge how she has grown. She eventually parts ways with Van for good to pursue a relationship with Sasha.