Ellie and the Harpmaker by Hazel Prior

☆☆☆☆
Kindle Edition, 336 pages
Published August 6th 2019 by Penguin Random House Canada
About the Book:
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.

It’s not helpful pondering what might have been, because you can’t change that.
You can only change what will be.
I really loved this book. I laughed, cried, and gained a much needed new mantra for my life. This is one of those books where you're sad when you reach the last page because you don't want the story to end. The story line is addictive and a page turner, it’s a feel good book. This is the kind of book to read when you need a reminder that life is indeed magical & meant to be lived to the fullest. This is a great book full of wonderful characters you will love.

I was truly surprised and delighted by Ellie and the Harpmaker. I selected it on a whim and honestly it sat on my e-bookshelf for months. It was a delightful surprise. The prose is strong and descriptive; the characters are vivid and people you can love; and the novel’s premise focuses on themes such as belief in oneself; the value of love, caring, honesty, and extended family; interacting with compassion; and ways to heal ourselves, friends, and neighbors.

A delightful book with great character development, where they become your friends and you don’t want it to end. Highly recommended will look for other books by this author.

Thank you NetGalley, Hazel Prior and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.

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