Ellie Jacobs takes a walk near her home in the Exmoor countryside one day. While her husband, Clive, is a domineering lout, Ellie tries to create a peaceful life for herself by writing poetry and walking in the woods. On this day, however, Ellie comes across a barn that has been converted into a harpmaker’s studio. Dan Hollis, the harpmaker, isn’t like anyone she has ever met. He’s a quiet loner, spectacularly awkward yet incredibly handsome. When Dan impulsively gives Ellie one of his harps, Clive demands that Ellie return it. Dan takes it back but suggests that Ellie could visit her harp whenever she wants. Dan then introduces Ellie to his erstwhile girlfriend, Rhonda, a professional harpist, who agrees to give her lessons. When Ellie discovers a secret about Rhonda, that revelation changes Dan’s quiet world forever. You will find yourself yearning for this odd pair’s happiness.
–Carol, Annie Bloom’s Books, Portland, OR
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