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Book Reviewed by:A rich, heartwarming and charming debut novel that reminds us that sometimes you find love in the most unexpected places.
Dan Hollis lives a happy, solitary life carving exquisite Celtic harps in his barn in the countryside of the English moors. Here he can be himself, away from social situations that he doesn't always get right or completely understand.
On the anniversary of her beloved father's death, Ellie Jacobs takes a walk in the woods and comes across Dan's barn. She is enchanted by his collection. Dan gives her a harp made of cherrywood to match her cherry socks. He stores it for her, ready for whenever she'd like to take lessons.
Ellie begins visiting Dan almost daily and quickly learns that he isn't like other people. He makes her sandwiches precisely cut into triangles and repeatedly counts the (seventeen) steps of the wooden staircase to the upstairs practice room. Ellie soon realizes Dan isn't just different; in many ways, his world is better, and he gives her a fresh perspective on her own life.
I would recommend this one for those who like unconventional characters, music, and a bit of romance (Laurie W). It should also appeal to anyone who appreciates the art of writing (Beth P). I would definitely recommend this book to book clubs. In fact, I will do so to mine! (Mary C). If you liked A Man Called Ove, then Ellie and the Harpmaker is for you (Dorinne D)...continued
Full Review
(753 words)
(Reviewed by First Impressions Reviewers).
Exmoor, England is the setting for Hazel Prior's debut novel, Ellie and the Harpmaker. Designated a national park in 1954, the 267-square-mile area is divided 70/30 between Somerset and Devon counties in the southwestern corner of the country and is home to about 10,600 people. The area's landscape is incredibly varied; its rugged headlands to the north are divided by narrow, forested valleys (called "coombs"), which rise to an inland plateau of heather moors about 1000' above sea level. Many consider it to have one of the most remote shorelines in England due to its exceptionally wooded coastline and steep sea cliffs (the highest on the British mainland). The forests contain the largest stretch of woodland in the country, and over 200 ...
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