Author: Diane Michaels
Publisher: MiddleRun Press
Publication Date: June 2016
Genre: Chick-Lit / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN
Description: Single. Inept at flirting. But at least she’s got talent and a sense of humor. The problem is, she's often the punch line. Despite her difficulties, Ellen Blum is proud of the cred she has earned serenading brides down the aisle with her harp. Doesn’t being 27 and paying her rent on time prove she’s a grown-up?
Not so much, according to her personal chorus of critics. As she dodges the barbs and petty crimes of her bosses and copes with a family crisis, she feels more like a child than ever. She has her heart set on silencing her critics and teaching them — and maybe herself — a new tune. But becoming more than the person described on her business card is even trickier than moving her harp.
My Thoughts: This book was quite a little surprise. A harp playing protagonist named Ellen who makes a living playing weddings, recitals and concerts trying to earn a living and make a name for herself in the music world. Along the way, she learns a lot about herself and does a lot of growing up.
I liked Ellen right from the start and her best friends Gwen and Chloe were interesting as well, adding depth, humor and sometimes hard to hear advice whether wanted or not. I also liked Josh, felt for Ellen, and shared her disappointment when it appeared they weren’t going to get together. Reading about the different weddings that Ellen performs at was also very interesting. How much planning and work that goes in behind the scenes and what all can go wrong was enlightening.
The story moved at a good pace and held my attention, keeping me guessing about several outcomes…
• Who will Ellen end up with?
• Will someone drop a giant piano on Monica?
• Is the wedding planner a criminal?
My Final Verdict: Overall, this story touches several emotions dealing with life, love and death. Partly chick-lit and partly women’s fiction, I recommend this book to readers who enjoy relationship driven stories, be they romantic, friend or family. This book is the first book in a trilogy and I recommend starting with this one. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Ellen at Sea to see what Ellen and her friends and family get up to next.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Ellen the Harpist from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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