Ellie and the Harp Maker

Author: Hazel Prior
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Type: Trade Paperback
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher
Publisher: Viking Books
First Published: August 6, 2019
Opening Lines: A woman came to the barn today. Her hair was the color of walnut wood."

Book Description from GoodReads: 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.

My Rating: 3 stars

My Review: Ellie and the Harp Maker is a light, romantic read that builds slowly as it tells the story of two lost souls who find each other in a unique setting - the barn of a harp maker.

This was a sweet read with lyrical writing that tells the story of Dan and Ellie who, through alternating POVs, tell the story of their budding relationship and features a bit of a mystery. Unfortunately, I was expecting a bit more from this book. I found the plot overly simplistic and didn't buy into the romantic connection between Dan and Ellie. A friendship, I could see but a romance? No. I didn't sense any sexual tension between them. Not one little spark.  

I thought Dan was a sweetie, whose world view, comments, obsession with sandwiches and his pet Phineas were endearing but he was too child-like and naïve for a romantic lead. Ellie, on the other hand kinda got on my nerves. She finds herself stuck in a monotonous and increasingly abusive marriage until one day she rebels by taking secret harp lessons. Yup, harp lessons. For me, she was too gullible, and her reactions and decisions were often frustrating. 

I was hoping to love this book, but I think we're better off as friends. While this was a 'good but not wow' read for me, it would be a good pick for people looking for a sweet, predictable, feel good story kind of story where the pieces fall nicely into place by the end of the book. 

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Viking Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.