REUNITED PLAYLIST

Creating the playlist for my books is always one of my very favorite parts of the process, a process I thought I had down pat after three books. But, it seems that in all aspects of its life, Reunited wanted to make sure that it was different, unique, and stood out from the crowd. It did this by being one of the most complicated stories I have ever written. Up to this point, that is 😉

I had a much more difficult time nailing down songs that really expressed Ryan and Gracie’s feelings. However, as with the book itself, I am more in love with the playlist than I think I could have ever been, in part because of all of the effort that went into it. I think I really got it, and since I know the characters best, I believe I have the authority to say that.

So, if you’re interested in delving deeper into the characters I love with my whole heart, or if you’d like to put music to their thoughts and musings, here is your chance. Spoilers ahead!

“Lucky” - Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat

This playlist, more than any other, carried songs that didn’t have a specific place in the book, but rather supported the overarching theme. And this song is the song of all of the theme songs. This is Gracie and Ryan’s song. It just is, I don’t know what else to say about it. It perfectly captures what it means to fall for your best friend. 

“I Think We’re Alone Now” - Tommy James and The Shondells

From the moment I first heard this tune, it has always encompassed the feeling of young love to me. It just has an innocent quality to it, making one long for a time when life was a little more childlike and wonderfilled. This song covers Gracie and Ryan as kids and teenagers, transitioning from best friends to sweethearts. 

Also, I’m sorry. I know I’m the children of 80’s lovers, but I prefer this version to the Tiffany one! 

“Why Did It Have To Be Me?” - ABBA

If you’ve been around for a minute, you know the drill. One band tends to rise to the top each time I’m creating a book, taking over the playlist and making sure no one can share the spotlight. Of course, this time, it had to be Gracie’s favorite band (and one of mine), ABBA.

This one sits at Gracie and Ryan’s last night together before the mission. 

“All My Lovin’” - The Beatles

I am a huge, huge Beatles fan, and I am honestly stunned that this is the first time one of their songs has appeared on a playlist. 

My favorite Beatles’ songs come from their early stuff, again, because it has more of that innocent, first love kind of feel to it. Perfect for Racie. And, perfect for the mission letters. Although we know Ryan was totally dedicated to the work, we also know he was for sure thinking about Gracie. And vice versa. 

“Don’t Speak” - No Doubt 

I knew pretty early on that this was going to be the breakup song. I mean, could lyrics better depict how Gracie is feeling in that moment?

Her best friend is breaking up with her. Does anyone want to hear those words? No. She is, of course, willing to support him in whatever he needs, but that doesn’t mean she wants the explanation behind it. 

“Chiquitita” - ABBA

Sweet, sweet Chet. He is always there to help Gracie, and in my opinion, he picked the right song with which to do it. This song really does a good job of reminding you that one day, life will be good again. 

“Since U Been Gone” - Kelly Clarkson

This one was just bound and determined to make it in this series. It bounced from Reframed to Reunited, and I’m really glad it has found its forever home. Poor Savannah. She never stood a chance. 

“It Must Have Been Love” - Roxette

This song came late to the game, which is sad because, Roxette? I mean, does it get better? Doubtful. 

However, I feel like this one does a really great job of straddling both of Gracie’s feelings as she works through this difficult transition. She is constantly stuck in the past, reliving what was, but also, she’s determined to stand in reality. To trust the Lord with all of it, and keep moving forward, despite how much it breaks her. She has to let it go, even though that is the last thing she wants to do. 

“In My Room” - The Beach Boys

Missing Door. Enough said. But also, after just having said yes to Gia, Ryan really, really could have used his sacred space. 

“Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her” - George Strait

Though she doesn’t express it at Thanksgiving Dinner, this is how Grandma Helen feels about Ryan. In case you were wondering. And don’t worry, she doesn’t leave you wondering, long. 

It also has a little Ryan vibe to it, doesn’t it? Maybe Grandma Helen was singing it to him as he slept. 

“I’ll Think of A Reason Later” - Lee Ann Womack

Before I even started writing Reunited, I had this song on the playlist for the moment Gracie became informed of Ryan’s new relationship. It seemed funny, and fit with Gracie’s Texas roots. 

However, as I came to know Gracie better, I knew this couldn’t be her song for this moment. It just is not how she would feel, or how she would react to meeting Gia.

Lily, is another case altogether. Although she enjoys Gia, this is Lily’s song, through and through. 

“Take Good Care Of My Baby” - Bobby Vee

One thing with my playlists, you will always get quite an eclectic taste. Music from this era, even the sad songs, seem to have a feel-good thing about them, don’t they? And if anyone could use a little more feel-good in their life, it’s this negative girl. 

This, is how Gracie feels after meeting Gia. It has the perfect mix of hoping things will work out, wanting Ryan to be happy, but also, harboring just the smallest wish that maybe, maybe he’ll come back to her. 

“What If I Never Get Over You” - Lady A

Remember what I said about the theme songs? If Ryan had a theme song, this one might be it. It fits throughout the entirety of the book, as that sweet, sweet boy tries to fight his feelings for the love of his life. But on the date where Gia reveals she has met Gracie? Yeah, he’s really overthinking things then. 

 Plus, all the questions? The “what ifs?”? The worries? I mean, all of the lyrics are basically just a peek inside of Ryan’s head.

“I Have A Dream” - ABBA

Told ya! All of the ABBA. I feel like this one is Gracie’s theme song throughout, as she continues to look for the good and choose hope.

“Dancing Queen” - ABBA

I mean, I couldn’t, right? I couldn’t make a playlist full of ABBA songs and not include “Dancing Queen”. I think I might have been struck by lightning. But, I digress. Unlike Mari, Gracie’s dancing song had a different sort of feel to it, but it fits her perfectly. 

“Whatever It Takes” - Lifehouse 

Originally, I thought this song was going to be a representation of Ryan trying to win Gracie back. However, as the story progressed, it clearly fit better with Ryan’s attempts to win Gia back. In my defense, I didn’t realize he was going to have to do it with two women. 

The desperate feel, the admissions of guilt, the realization that he has to show his full self to Gia, her response to it, his pleas for her to stay, but understanding why she wouldn’t? All of it, just all of it, perfectly summarizes the craziness of those scenes.

“If You’re Not the One” - Boyce Avenue

Amidst everything that is going on with Gia, Ryan has this underlying question that has been haunting him since he broke up with Gracie. If it’s not her, why does it feel like it should be? 

“SOS” - ABBA 

I have vivid memories of second-grade Ellie, laying on the floor in her bedroom, headphones connected to her giant boom box, jamming to this song. I guess I’ve always had a flair for the dramatics. 

This song felt perfect for Ryan’s call out to Gracie. It expresses his feelings completely, not just his frantic need at the moment, but the deep ones that he still is unsure what to do with. 

I also feel like it does a great job representing Gracie’s response. Of course, she would immediately come to his SOS. 

ABBA, you’ve done it again. Shocker.

“Waterloo” - ABBA

Again, this feels like a Gracie and Ryan theme song. They were always meant for each other. There was no point in fighting it, which they didn’t for most of their lives. Happily, they will surrender to each other. 

“Does Your Mother Know” - ABBA

I have to agree with Ryan on this one, I can’t listen to this song without picturing the scene from the movie, Mamma Mia. The sun reflecting off of the water, how you can almost feel the heat of the sand, the dancing in the swimsuits. This song really does exude warmth to me. It might not be for you, but guess what? My playlist 😉

“Lay All Your Love On Me” - ABBA

Another one of my ABBA favorites. I couldn’t let the list go by without sticking it in there. I also like the line it has about emotion. Ryan often feels his emotions keep him from properly loving Gracie, but she knows it is the opposite. His struggle with his emotions are a deep testament of his love.

“You” - Collective Soul 

Somewhere, somehow, at some place, I decided that a Collective Soul song was a requirement for each and every book I crafted. They are just so, so good, you know? How could you not?

I feel like, again, this song could apply to much of the book, but I feel like it sticks best in the moment when Ryan is making his choice, and realizing what his choice has always been.

“It’s Always Been You” - Phil Wickham

Ok, I have two songs that really work for the scene where Ryan is making his final decision, but again, it’s my playlist. I can do whatever I want, which is probably why I picked this profession. (Except, that’s a lie, because the characters are really the ones who get to do whatever they want. I am just along for the ride)

This song is not only a double for the moment in the book, it has double meaning. When I first heard it, despite the fact that I believe it is a worship song, for me it encompassed what Gracie does for Ryan, so, so much. This is Gracie in Ryan’s eyes. 

However, as I dug deep into the problems that Ryan was facing, I found that to him, it is also the worship song it was meant to be. Christ has always been there for him, had always been helping him, has always loved him, but he didn’t believe it. Now he does, and I hope that we all do, too, as we go through Ryan’s journey with him. 

“That’s When” - Taylor Swift and Keith Urban 

This part in the book is the one that has terrified me the most to share with the world. Because, I didn’t know if anyone would understand. I feared that people would undercut Gracie for forgiving Ryan so easily, for wanting to get past it as fast as possible, not just for him, but for her. I was concerned that people would think that wasn’t practical or realistic. 

But you know what? I know someone like Gracie, and she had a giant impact on Gracie’s character: My mom. My mom is this person. My mom is an incredible example of Christlike forgiveness. Not wanting anyone to suffer more than necessary, including herself, she moves on with love and grace almost immediately. One day, as always, I hope to be more like her. Gracie is already there. 

“Mamma Mia” - ABBA

Final Credits roll, people! 

That’s it! I hope you love Reunited! It was worth all of the extra love tha went into it!