In Harmony

In Harmony 

by Emma Scott 

5/5 

“She had to be cast into darkness

in order to see her own brilliance.”


        Every time I read an Emma Scott book I declare it my new favorite and that there is no way it could get better then what I just read. I AM WRONG EACH TIME! Every Emma Scott book I read is my new favorite, and In Harmony was no exception. I fell so hard for this book. You know those books that you read and you just get so attached and filled with emotions? That is pretty much any Emma Scott book. I say it every time but she is now one of my all time favorite authors! Probably right below Mariana Zapata, so my second all time favorite. In Harmony is so compelling and addicting, and EMOTIONAL. It’s books like these that make me reconsider all other books I have given a five star rating because every time I finish an Emma Scott book I think how can a book be five stars if it doesn’t make me feel the same way that these books do. I haven’t felt this way about all of an authors work since Mariana Zapata. I love everything I have read by Emma Scott completely and I think I’ll continue to be just as in love with the others. So yes, In Harmony is now my current favorite by this amazing author, but who knows?!The goddess herself has blessed this author with the ability to sprinkle magic into her words.

    At seventeen, Willow Holloway’s life was torn apart by something that she may not remember, but her body does. When her father uproots the family from their penthouse in New York to the small town of Harmony, Indiana, Willow becomes more 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 Pearce is from the wrong side of the tracks. That he’s an acting prodigy only adds to his charisma. Isaac completely disappears into his characters, he wants nothing more than to escape and leave Harmony behind for good.
    When the director pairs Willow with Isaac in Hamlet, they clash again and again- neither willing to open their hearts to anyone. But soon Isaac and Willow find Shakespeare’s words mirroring their own lives.
   
       So I had no intentions on picking this up when I did. It’s been on my TBR for a while now, but thanks to me DNF’ing Truth or Beard I ended up giving this a chance just because it’s set in a small town. You see, my Romanceopoly pick was to read a book set in a small town and I had my heart set on reading Truth or Beard. I AM SO GLAD it didn’t work out because I don’t now when I would have picked up In Harmony. The summary of this book throws you off and doesn’t let on how emotional and serious it’s going to be. The acting part of this book may have been what kept me from picking it up. I was a little worried that Isaac’s character was going to be a little dramatic. I was so wrong, shows you not to judge a book by it’s well...summary, but whatever! The funny part is that the acting was one of my favorite parts of this book. Whenever I find a book that has shook me as much as this one did I have a hard time explaining why because my thoughts are just so jumbled and going at high speed. I wish you could look into my mind and see how crazy I am for Willow and Isaac’s story.
     So let’s start with Willow. She goes through something very traumatic and she’s hanging on to a thread and waiting for her until. I felt so emotionally connected to Willow and all I wanted was for her to make it to her Until, and to find some happiness. (If you’re wondering what an UNTIL is, it’s the part of the story where you are finally rising from the darkness... Just read the darn book, you’ll see) Willow doesn’t seem to have anyone on her team. He parents are self absorbed and only interested in the image of family, she has no friends- only her dark thoughts and the X’s she places on her body. When Willow starts to find light in small things- like her new friend Angie- I could have clapped with joy, and let me tell you I was just as SHOOK as Willow when we first really get to see Isaac be well, Isaac. There is no end to the depth of these characters. You become so wrapped up in their lives and story, and Emma Scott just makes it feel like this is what was meant to be for them. You have a semblance of an idea where this story is going, but then it’s throws you through a loop and you’re struggling not to cry tears of confusion and hurt. BUT then the tears soon turn to tears of joy. Like I’ve said a million times, Emma Scott puts you through an emotional rollercoaster.
     Isaac Pearce. Oh Man, y’all. He’s my new book boyfriend. I love him so much. He has been through some SERIOUS shit in his life. From the death of his mother to his shitty alcoholic dad that abuses him. You’d think he would be in a dark place in his life, and yeah he kind of is but this guy also has so much compassion. I related so much to Isaac especially when he dealt with his dad. Yeah the man beat him, but Isaac’s heart wouldn’t let him leave his father to be alone and with nobody to help. Even when Isaac does move out he still has a place in his heart for his father and vows to help him once he makes it big in Hollywood. I think Isaac tries to be the bad guy from the wrong side of the tracks but no matter what he has the passion in his soul that allows him to get up there on the stage and perform the way that he does. Back to the acting part, yes I was a little worried about it at first but Isaac brought so much emotion to it that I feel like this story wouldn’t have been half of what it was without the theater aspect. Gosh I’m soooooooo flustered over Isaac. Him and Willow have a slow build up to their relationship and when they finally do get together it feels so right, especially with what both of them have been through. YET they continue to grow even stronger when they come together. If I didn’t believe in soul mates before this book, you better bet I do now. BECAUSE GIRL, Isaac and Willow are soul mates, no argument. THEY ARE. When you read this you’ll realize just how perfect they are for each other.
      This book is filled with such a wonderful love story, but it’s also so empowering. You learn something from this book, and if that doesn’t tell you right there just how wonderful it is then pick up this dang thing already! Be prepared to fall in love, to find your heart full of sorrow, to want justice, to want comfort and resolution, to find yourself on the edge of heartbreak only to be stitched back together. I feel I should thank Emma Scott for this book because I am so grateful for this being out in the world for people to read. If you didn’t believe in magic before, well then read an Emma Scott book and you will. Magic comes in many forms, and she is gifted with the best kind of magic.

If you have read this book and want a similar one check out The Hard Count by Ginger Scott!