Ebook: 288 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Fiction
Publisher: Bantam Press May 2019
Source: My Kindle Library
First Sentences: A woman came to the barn today. Her hair was the colour of walnut wood. Her eyes were the colour of bracken in October.
Setting: Exmoor NationalPark, England.
Review Quote: "Prior's debut resonates with a clear voice, depicting love evolving from a friendship based upon genuine acts of kindness....Ellie and Dan, both delightful, down-to-earth characters, selflessly put each other's needs ahead of their own, and fans of fast-paced romantic stories will enjoy watching them discover true happiness together.Publishers Weekly
My Opinion:
Having enjoyed Hazel Prior's two recent novels about Veronica McCreedy and the Penguins I loaded her debut on My Kindle for my recent travels.
With the unusual subject of harps being a major part of the storyline I was interested to learn more and was quickly drawn into this captivating novel. At times the delightful descriptions are almost poetic. The protagonists Ellie and Dan are perfectly portrayed by the author. Ellie is feeling happy enough with her marriage and her life in general, until to her surprise she finds herself drawn to Dan a Harp Maker. Whilst Dan who due to his autism likes to live an ordered exsistence, suddenly finds his perspectives altered somewhat after meeting Ellie.
Charmingly quirky and well written this tender love story is recommended for anyone that wants to lose themselves for awhile. Which is after all one of the pleasures of reading.
My Previous Reviews: Call of the Penguins. Away with the Penguins
Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:
In the rolling hills of beautiful Exmoor, there’s a barn. And in that barn, you’ll find Dan. He’s a maker of exquisite harps - but not a great maker of conversation. He’s content in his own company, quietly working and away from social situations that he doesn’t always get right.
But one day, a cherry-socked woman stumbles across his barn and the conversation flows a little more easily than usual. She says her name’s Ellie, a housewife, alone, out on her daily walk and, though she doesn’t say this, she looks sad. He wants to make her feel better, so he gives her one of his harps, made of cherry wood.
And before they know it, this simple act of kindness puts them on the path to friendship, big secrets, pet pheasants and, most importantly, true love.
Author Profile:
Courtesy of Goodreads
Hazel Prior lives on Exmoor with her husband and a huge ginger cat. As well as writing, she works as a freelance harpist. Hazel is the author of three published novels and a fourth 'Life and Otter Miracles' due out May 2023.
You can also read a lovely autobiography by Hazel Prior on her website
Photographs, Trailer and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:
Amazon - Hazel Prior Books. Hazel Prior - Website. Twitter Profile. Instagram - Hazel Prior
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