Ellie and the Harpmaker

By: Hazel Prior

Narrated by: Katharine Lee McEwan, Philip Battley

A rich, heartwarming and charming debut novel that reminds us that sometimes you find love in the most unexpected places.

Dan Hollis lives a happy, solitary life carving exquisite Celtic harps in his barn in the countryside of the English moors. Here he can be himself, away from social situations that he doesn’t always get right or completely understand.

On the anniversary of her beloved father’s death, Ellie Jacobs takes a walk in the woods and comes across Dan’s barn. She is enchanted by his collection. Dan gives her a harp made of cherrywood to match her cherry socks. He stores it for her, ready for whenever she’d like to take lessons.

Ellie begins visiting Dan almost daily and quickly learns that he isn’t like other people. He makes her sandwiches precisely cut into triangles and repeatedly counts the (seventeen) steps of the wooden staircase to the upstairs practice room. Ellie soon realizes Dan isn’t just different; in many ways, his world is better, and he gives her a fresh perspective on her own life.

Critic reviews

Praise for Ellie and the Harpmaker

“Ellie and the Harpmaker is uplifting escapism….fresh and sweet, rejuvenated by a set of unusual characters, the raw beauty of England and the musicality of Prior’s prose. … Prior’s lyricism feels like a warm song.”—The Washington Post

“How I loved this book! An uncommonly lovely story told with elegance, insight, and so much heart. Hazel Prior’s brilliant debut will delight.”—Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of Good Luck With That

“With the character-driven charm of Liane Moriarty's and Sara Baume's novels…delightfully heartwarming…guaranteed to tug at readers' heartstrings.”—Booklist

“A delightful novel about our inability to see the truth in our own lives, especially when it comes to personal relationships. Though this sort of topic is often fodder for angst-ridden tragedies, this one is a heartwarming beach read.”—The Free Lance-Star

“A lyrical, unexpected book.”—BookRiot

"A beautiful love song of a story, wonderfully told with a warm heart and much hope. Hazel Prior’s writing is a lyrical delight.”—Phaedra Patrick, international bestselling author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

“Wow, what a love story. Ellie and the Harpmaker is uplifting and full of heart, and I couldn’t put it down! Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.”—Jo Thomas, author of Late Summer in the Vineyard

“Prior’s debut resonates with a clear voice, depicting love evolving from a friendship based upon genuine acts of kindness….Ellie and Dan, both delightful, down-to-earth characters, selflessly put each other’s needs ahead of their own, and fans of fast-paced romantic stories will enjoy watching them discover true happiness together."—Publishers Weekly

"A wonderful, genuine, heartwarming, funny, and beautifully written book. If you love Kate Atkinson, Jojo Moyes, or Gail Honeyman, you will fall in love with Ellie and the Harpmaker."—Rebecca Tinnelly, author of Never Go There

"A lyrical, almost fairytale-like novel, as resonant and mysterious as a Celtic harp. The novel shines with all the grace and harmony of a handmade instrument, and shows us what can happen when a woman yearning for meaning meets a solitary man dedicated to his craft...and they both decide to open their hearts to possibility."—Juliet Blackwell, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Carousel of Provence

“A melodious and heartwarming debut about love, friendship, and a secret that could change everything. This one is special.”—Emily Liebert, USA Today bestselling author of Some Women and Pretty Revenge

Nice for St. Patty's

I found the character of Fan to be too similar to the boy in, "Curious Incident of a Dog in Nighttime." I found Ellie to be too sappy and unsurprising. It's a sweet story, and helped bring in the St. Patty's Day spirit, but I'm not in love. The voice characters' accents were appealing.

Delightful read!

I would read this book all over again! Such a delightful read the narration is perfect…!

Lovely Every Which Way

This is a lovely story (...been reading some heavy stuff, including the news...). Well written, lovely metaphors and for myself I sensed the manipulation early on of Clive, having lived through it. Character development is essential to a good story - even a romance - and this is beautifully done. Wish I could live in Exmoor - with the forests and the ponies. (...been there only to visit...)
Enjoy!

Kind, thoughtful, romantic yet realistic

This is by far one of the loveliest novels I have ever read. The development of characters, along side the audio depiction, paired to make this a 5-star winner! Sensitive without being cliche! A worthwhile read!

excellent in every way

I just loved it. Beautiful in every dimension . A true gem of a book.