Harp's Song
by Cassie Shine
Publication Date: November 4, 2013
Published by Cassie Shine
Pages: 302
Source: JenHalliganPR
from Goodreads
In just a few months Harp Evans will be officially coming of age and graduating from high school. She will be free from the mother that never wanted her, the house that never felt like home, and the disappointment of the last seventeen years. What she doesn’t know is that her mother has been holding onto a secret that has the potential to derail her dreams and destroy her already faulty sense of self.
A self-proclaimed recluse, Harp spends most of her time practicing the cello, in the hopes of earning a full scholarship that will grant her freedom, but will also send her away from her best friend Connor Williams, who is becoming more than just a friend.
As revelations are made, will Harp still feel the same way about leaving everyone that cares about her behind? Or will she continue to pursue the life she’s been dreaming of, for as long as she can remember?
My Thoughts
Cassie Shine is making her mark with her debut novel Harp's Song. It is both gripping and emotional. Harp's Song tackles some tough topics like abuse, neglect, and intimidation. Her storytelling is engaging and kept me turning page after page until the very end.
The relationship between Harp and her mother was really tough to read. There were just a few moments of direct interaction between them and they were filled with so much pain and fear. It was understandable that Harp avoided her mother and spent a lot of time away from home as possible to avoid the mental and physical abuse.
But Harp was lucky enough to have people around her that cared about her and her well being. She had people to turn when she it got really bad with her mom. There was another adult stepping in to fulfill the caretaker role that Harp's mom never accepted. This was something that I really liked about the story. Harp didn't keep all of her secrets hidden. She opened up to her best friend and his mom and accepted the help that they willingly gave her. She didn't have to figure it all out on her own.
I loved the reading about the friendship between Harp and Connor. Whether their relationship was platonic or romantic, it felt authentic. Their interactions made me smile quite a few times. It was easy to believe that they truly were best friends.
The story does have a resolve and doesn't end with a cliffhanger, but a follow-up book is in the works. I've already added the next to my book to my reading wish list. Cassie Shine and her characters have made an impression on me and I want to see what happens next - between Harp and her mom and between Harp and Connor.
Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from JenHalliganPR as part of the Harp's Song Blog Tour in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
About Cassie Shine
Cassie Shine released her debut young adult novel, Harp's Song in November 2013, finally finishing the short story she started in her college creative writing class … many, many moons ago. She has always been an avid reader and lover of music (yes, she was in the high school marching band). While she has a weak spot for all things teeny bopper, especially boy bands, she also loves classical, country, rock and well, pretty much everything.
After living in St. Louis for more than ten years, she and her husband packed up a U-Haul and headed west. They currently live in Orange County, CA with their furry kids Finnegan and Molly.
Author Links:
Harp's Song explores very important issues and April is the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month as well as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
RAINN: RAPE, ABUSE & INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK and CHILDHELP are organizations that do amazing work to help those who need it most. During the month of April, 10% of sales from Harp's Song will be donated to these organizations.
GIVEAWAY
One winner will receive a signed copy of HARP’S SONG and $25 Amazon or B&N gift card (US/CA only). Three winners will receive an ebook copy (international).
***Any contestant that uses dummy or contest only accounts to enter will be disqualified.***
Thanks for hosting, Joli! I'm so glad you enjoyed HARP'S SONG, and I hope you'll join us when it's time to promote book 2, HARP'S VOICE!
ReplyDelete~ Jen @ JenHalliganPR.com
I really liked it a lot. I'm going to tell my book club about it tonight. I know a few people will be interested in reading it.
DeleteThanks so much! This brought tears to my eyes. <3
ReplyDeleteI didn't know April was National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. How wonderful that a portion of the sales goes to RAINN and CHILDHELP! It sounds like an emotional story, maybe something you have to be prepared to read. Glad you enjoyed it so much and you're looking forward to the next one. I will put this on my TBR!!
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be a very important book about a very important subject. Thanks for a great review. :)
ReplyDelete