Disclosure: I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

How would you react if your world suddenly changed?  As I read Harp’s Song, I felt my loyalties careening toward the characters I didn’t like in the beginning of the book.  Young Harp has always wished for a mom who loved and cared for her the way a mother should, but it’s almost as if the reality of her mother’s behavior is worse than the abuse she faced before she knew “the secret.”   

Several of the books I’ve recently read have faulty adult characters that make me want to scream.  In many of these books, the characters are parents who somehow fail their children.  It’s heartbreaking to admit the reality that some people just don’t deserve their children. In this book, it’s hard not to despise Harp’s mother. But when I read what she had been through, it broke my heart for both of them.  It also reminded me that it’s important not to judge someone when I haven’t walked in her shoes.  

Harp’s Song explores very important issues. Since April is the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month as well as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, it’s a good time to bring these issues to light.  I loved Harp’s closest friends in this book, Connor and his mother Catherine, for being Harp’s support system.  Harp’s character had so many wonderful talents including her musical ability and her determination to follow her dreams.  I’d love to find out how Harp’s story continues.  

RAINN: RAPE, ABUSE & INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK​ and CHILDHELP are organizations that do amazing work to help those who need it most. During the month of April, 10% of sales from Harp’s Song will be donated to these organizations.

One winner will receive a signed copy of HARP’S SONG and $25 Amazon or B&N gift card (US/CA only). Three winners will receive an ebook copy (international).

***Any contestant that uses dummy or contest only accounts to enter will be disqualified.***
a Rafflecopter giveaway

HARP’S SONG

In just a few months Harp Evans will be officially coming of age and graduating from high school. She will be free from the mother that never wanted her, the house that never felt like home, and the disappointment of the last seventeen years. What she doesn’t know is that her mother has been holding onto a secret that has the potential to derail her dreams and destroy her already faulty sense of self.

A self-proclaimed recluse, Harp spends most of her time practicing the cello, in the hopes of earning a full scholarship that will grant her freedom, but will also send her away from her best friend Connor Williams, who is becoming more than just a friend.

As revelations are made, will Harp still feel the same way about leaving everyone that cares about her behind? Or will she continue to pursue the life she’s been dreaming of for as long as she can remember?

Harp’s Song: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Cassie Shine
Cassie Shine released her debut young adult novel, Harp’s Song in November 2013, finally finishing the short story she started in her college creative writing class … many, many moons ago. She has always been an avid reader and lover of music (yes, she was in the high school marching band). While she has a weak spot for all things teeny bopper, especially boy bands, she also loves classical, country, rock and well, pretty much everything.

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.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | Goodreads