Harp’s Song explores very important issues and April is the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month as well as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
http://www.rainn.org/
http://www.childhelp.org/
Synopsis
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 the Author
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.
Connect with Cassie: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | Goodreads
Interview with Harp Evans star of Harp’s Song
Why do you like playing the cello?
My 5th grade music teacher brought a violin, cello and bass to class for a week. We all got to try them out and there was something about the sound of the cello that I found really soothing. So, when we were able to pick an instrument that’s what I picked. The sound of the cello is still one of my favorite things about it, but I like playing it because it gives me an outlet for all my feelings. And, it keeps me from having to talk to people, which is great because I’m really shy.
What drew you to be friends with Connor?
I didn’t really want to be friends with Connor, but he wouldn’t go away. His locker was next to mine when we were in 6th grade. He kept talking to me as I got my books out for class. When he asked me what homeroom I was in, I felt obligated to tell him. He got excited when he realized we had the same teacher and from then on he just kept walking to class with me. I guess our friendship grew from there because he invited me over to his house one day after school and kept inviting me over. He’s really nice and patient … and cute.
What’s it like to have a guy for a best friend?
Connor is my first friend-ever. I think it’s great. The girls at my school seem really superficial, so I can’t really imagine relating to them since I don’t care about clothes or anything like that. Connor’s really laid back, which is good for me because my life is sort of complicated. Plus, he carries my cello for me which is awesome.
What’s your favorite subject in high school?
I love all of my music classes-orchestra and music theory, but other than that, I’d have to say English.
Tell us your favorite memory of you and Connor.
Oh-that’s easy … when we went to Florida. We played on the beach all day with his little brother, Patrick. The three of us had a great time swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and the pool.
What is your favorite book?
I just finished reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and I loved it. It was really sad, but also uplifting. It’s kind of hard to explain, but it reminded me that everyone is going through something and that you’re not alone.
Do you know what your major is going to be next year when you go to the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music?
Yes. I’m going to declare a Performance Major. I’ve always dreamed of performing with a professional symphony.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
That life gets better after high school. That’s why I keep a countdown until graduation-I can’t wait. I just want to go to college and make new friends-a new life.
What are your current top five songs?
- Try by Pink
- Dvorak Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104
- Brave by Sara Bareilles
- I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift
- Story of My Life by One Direction
Do you have a hidden talent?
I don’t know if it’s a hidden talent, but I love to bake. I think it’s soothing and rewarding … and delicious. I usually share whatever I bake with Connor since he’s always doing nice things for me, like driving me to and from school. I think I’m pretty good at it since he always eats everything I make. Sometimes he even asks me for specific things, but his favorite thing that I make are chocolate chip cookies. He asks me for those at least once a month.
Giveaway
One winner will receive a signed copy of HARP’S SONG and $25 Amazon or B&N gift card (US/CAN only). Three winners will receive an ebook copy (international).
***Any contestant that uses dummy or contest only accounts to enter will be disqualified.***
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