In the romance novel, the central love affair often serves as a vehicle of self-growth and healing for characters who otherwise believe they are not ready for an all-consuming love. In a romance with two leads, both protagonists change as a result of falling in love, and their choices to commit to the other person and cement their relationship repair other aspects of their life.

At the beginning of the novel, Hannah believes that she is a supporting actress in her own life, a consequence of being overshadowed by her celebutante sister. Her experience with music is the only time Hannah feels like the lead in her own movie. Her wish to be assertive, recognized, and admired develops alongside her deepening friendship with Fox; her wish to reconnect with him is part of why she suggests setting the movie in Westport. Fox believes she already is leading-lady material and tells her so their first night in his apartment. His focus on, interest in, and attention to her help Hannah gather the confidence to approach Brinley, the music coordinator, with her ideas. When Fox sings one of Henry’s sea shanties to her, he offers a direct way for Hannah to connect to memories of her father.