Review: Oh, So Good!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 11, 2013
In Harmony is the second book in Helena Newbury's Fenbrook series but it can absolutely be read as standalone. I never felt like I didn't know what was going on despite not having read Dance for Me, the first book in the series. However, I adored In Harmony so much I will be picking up Dance for Me, as soon as I possibly can.In Harmony was reminiscent of Pride & Prejudice, for me, in that the two main characters have formed opinions of one another prior to really knowing one another. But as Karen and Connor get to know each other, they realize there is so much more to the other than what meets the eye...than their perception of the other.Both Karen and Connor have definite ideas about what the other is all about. Karen thinks Connor is a loser, playboy, what with his rarely attending class and his long list of broken hearts. Connor thinks Karen is an uptight, goody-two shoes as shown by her perfect performances, obsessive practicing, and straight A's. But when an accident leaves Karen without a recital partner, she has to overlook those opinions because Connor is her only hope to graduate.Karen is an extremely talented cellist, and an extremely driven young woman. It's been her dream (and her father's) to play for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra since she was 6 years old. Her obsessiveness towards perfection has kept her from experiencing...life, really. And she has just a few insecurities.Connor is an uber-talented guitarist brought to Fenbrook on scholarship...from Ireland. (just one of the reasons to swoon over him) His devil-may-care attitude, partying ways make him seem less than serious about music or his degree. But beneath his casual air, he's hiding a few insecurities of his own.I gotta say I loved, loved this book. Yes, the plot was somewhat predictable in certain spots, but it was compelling nonetheless. I was literally tense and gripping my ereader in spots just waiting of the other shoe to drop. But In Harmony was a lot of fun, too. I really enjoyed seeing the emotional growth of Karen and Connor. They both were really insecure, vulnerable young people, hiding behind facades. Once we learn the reasons behind Connor's cockiness, I had a new appreciation for him. We know all the reasons behind Karen's self-doubt but seeing her bloom under the confidence she gains with Connor was fascinating.Then there's the music. I have to admit to this being one of my favorite parts. Music was such an integral part of this story. That Karen and Connor were able to blend their instruments, cello and guitar, together was amazing. I think this translates outside of music as well...keep an open mind. Things that at first glance might seem impossibly ill-suited can meld together magnificently. It was a pleasure to witness their composition for the recital - watching how it unfolded and that it was so personal for them both. I could almost hear the music, Ms. Newbury did such a fine job with it's description.The story as a whole flowed well and the prose was just as musical as the story. They side characters were equally as well developed as Karen and Connor and I truly look forward to continuing the series. As I said, the plot was predictable in a few instances but it certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. And the ending, while tidy, was completely gratifying.I received a copy of this book, as part of a blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. I loved it, and bought a copy of my own. :)