Music symbolizes connection in both Bellinger Sisters books. Hannah Bellinger’s love of music is a defining trait and a means for her to establish rapport with other characters. In It Happened One Summer, Fox Thornton and Hannah first connect when he shows her the record shop in Westport, giving Piper and Brendan some time alone. Later, Fox goes with Hannah to a record expo in Seattle. The Fleetwood Mac album that Fox buys for her signals his interest and paves the way for their own romance in Hook, Line, and Sinker.

In their initial text messages, Fox engages with Hannah by asking her for music recommendations and listening to songs together. He buys a record player and then records after Hannah says her ideal guy would have such things. He hides them from Hannah when she visits, showing he’s not ready to reveal his vulnerability or attachment to her just yet. They connect over music when Fox sings one of Henry Cross’s sea shanties for her, the closest Hannah will get to hearing her father’s voice. He chooses the Sound Garden to visit in Seattle because he knows it will hold meaning for her.