Release Date: June 24, 2014
Single-minded to the point of near seclusion, Harp Evans’ only goal was to move away from her abusive mother, and start a new life at college. Now a freshman at a prestigious university, Harp continues to struggle letting people in, including her ex-boyfriend—Connor Williams—who has always stood by her, especially after her mother exposed a devastating secret about Harp’s origin.
While Harp figures out how to navigate her relationships, especially with her mom, Anne, she will have to exorcize her own demons and face challenges with uncompromising courage, including reuniting her broken family—the family that was shattered by the acts of one man.
After almost twenty years, is it possible for people to change their minds and open their hearts? More importantly, is Harp strong enough to pull them all back together?
I also liked the characters and their interactions with one another. It’s not just Harp’s relationship with her mother that needs improvement but also how Harp deals with her other relationships. Her abuse has shaped so many different things in her life. I like how the characters help her realize things she needs to let go. Of course Connor is also a steady and stable support for her too. There are also new characters that are very important to Harp and her mother’s life and it’s something that they have to navigate both separately and together.
The book moves fast and I realize that’s because there is a lot of dialogue. That is mostly how the book is written. Which for some books that works and some it doesn’t. For this Harp’s Voice it did. Especially when we are in the counseling sessions. I liked seeing the exchange between Harp her counselor and then sometimes her mom in the mix. It makes you feel more connected to the characters.
So it’s kind of funny when you are reading a book and you see your city pop up. I live in a suburb of Chicago but it’s not usually one you see in books so it made me laugh.
Overall I really liked this story and enjoyed Harp’s Voice. I thought that the way everything was dealt with is done well. It was so great to see Harp’s healing process instead of just leaving off when it starts.
Oh brother … well, I wrote Harp’s Voice in June 2013 and sat on it for a while. When I was ready, I sent it to my editor and beta readers, but before they even got their notes back to me I had opened it and started rewriting. When I did get their notes, it only confirmed what I thought-that my first draft wasn’t good enough. I spent a week of 14-hour days in my writing room re-writing Harp’s Voice-leaving only about 40% of the original plot in the current version.
How do you outline? (paper, post-its, google docs)
I start with an old school notebook and pencil-always a pencil! I have a notebook for each book so I can keep everything separate. I create my characters first-their names, what they look like and their personalities. After that, I type an outline and then use that as my guide for each chapter. I do sometimes deviate from the outline … ok, so I deviate a lot as the story flows, but the outline gives me purpose and focus.
If you could have any talent/job in the world besides writing. what would it be?
GAH … this is a hard question! I abandoned my musical roots about halfway through college and wish I hadn’t. I still listen to music all the time-I just don’t play anymore. So, I think my answer would be a musician. I do love music so much and how it can impact with you with the notes, melody, and lyrics. It’s so incredibly powerful and I love it.
How do you read? Audiobook, Ereader, Phsyical Book?
I mainly read on my Kindle but I also still love the feel and smell of a physical book.
What are you currently reading?
How I Fall by Anne Elliot
Describe your book in 5 words.
Triumphant, Courageous, Heartbreaking, Romantic, Healing
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.
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