The root of all madness is an unbearable truth… In Harmony by Emma Scott #YANovels #BookReview @EmmaS_Writes

 

 

“I am irrevocably in love with IN HARMONY.” —Katy Regnery, New York Times Bestselling Author

The root of all madness is an unbearable truth…

At seventeen, Willow Holloway’s life was torn apart. The happy, driven girl is gone, and she is left wracked by post-traumatic stress her body remembers even if she does not. When her father suddenly uproots the family from their posh penthouse in New York City to the tiny town of Harmony, Indiana, Willow becomes more untethered and lost under the weight of her secret. On a whim, she auditions for a part in the community theater’s production of Hamlet and unexpectedly wins the role of Ophelia—the girl who is undone by madness, and her love of Hamlet…

Isaac Pierce is from the ‘wrong side of the tracks.’ The town bad boy. Girls pine for his attention and guys are in awe of him. That he’s an acting prodigy only adds to his charisma. Isaac utterly disappears into his characters; the stage is the only place he feels safe from his own traumatic home life. He wants nothing more than to escape to Broadway or Hollywood, and leave Harmony behind for good.

No one can play Hamlet but Isaac, and when the director pairs him with Willow in acting class, they clash again and again—neither willing to open their hearts to anyone. But clashing leads to breaking, breaking leads to the spilling of terrible secrets, and soon Isaac and Willow find Shakespeare’s words mirroring their lives. When they are cruelly torn apart, neither know how this play will end—with madness and heartache? Or healing, love, and the discovery of who they are truly meant to be.

In Harmony is a standalone NEW ADULT love story, and is intended for readers 18 and up. PLEASE NOTE, this book contains sensitive material such as physical abuse, and the aftermath of sexual assault (off the page). Reader discretion is advised.

 

 

Biography

 

My Review

Emma Scott is my new go-to author!

Sixteen year old Willow Holloway survived a sexual assault but a year later is not coping well. She’s shut down, cut herself away from friends and family, and sleeps on the floor. When her father is transferred from New York to a small mid-west town she hopes to finally find some peace from her demons.

Isaac Pierce knows all about monsters. After his mother’s death as a child, Isaac’s dad turned to alcohol for escape and used his fists for the anger. Isaac withdraws. The only thing that gives him comfort is acting, a way to release his emotions without fear of reprisal.

When the new girl in town (Willow) tries out for the play he’s in, a connection is made. Two wounded souls seek comfort, then something more over months of practicing Shakespeare’s famous Hamlet.

Young love is tested by secrets, worthiness, and misunderstandings. The author touches on the subject of domestic and sexual abuse with poignancy and a clarity that draws empathy and anger from this reader.

Unfortunately, this scenario happens all too often in real life. It has to stop, an I for one, am glad authors like Emma Scott is working to show those affected they aren’t alone.

Here’s to change- it’s time!

I give In Harmony 5+ lovely kisses- This is a Much Read!