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Ellen the Harpist #1
Ellen the Harpist
Ellen the Harpist is the first book in the heartfelt and hilarious chick lit series about music, life, and how love and a sense a humor are the key to survival.
349 pages, ebook
Published June 28, 2016
183 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Diane Michaels
28 books56 followersDiane Michaels is a harpist and author. She balances her fondness for ice cream with her enjoyment of working out and walking through the woods. When she is not spying on the world from behind her harp to collect ideas for her next book, she and her husband make up stories and songs for and about their miniature poodle, Lola.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 28, 2023
This book was quite a little surprise. A harp playing protagonist named Ellen who makes a living playing weddings, recitals and concerts trying to earn a living and make a name for herself in the music world. Along the way, she learns a lot about herself and does a lot of growing up.
I liked Ellen right from the start and her best friends Gwen and Chloe were interesting as well, adding depth, humor and sometimes hard to hear advice whether wanted or not. I also liked Josh, felt for Ellen, and shared her disappointment when it appeared they weren’t going to get together. Reading about the different weddings that Ellen performs at was also very interesting. How much planning and work that goes in behind the scenes and what all can go wrong was enlightening.
The story moved at a good pace and held my attention, keeping me guessing about several outcomes…
• Who will Ellen end up with?
• Will someone drop a giant piano on Monica?
• Is the wedding planner a criminal?
My Final Verdict: Overall, this story touches several emotions dealing with life, love and death. Partly chick-lit and partly women’s fiction, I recommend this book to readers who enjoy relationship driven stories, be they romantic, friend or family. This book is the first book in a trilogy and I recommend starting with this one. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Ellen at Sea to see what Ellen and her friends and family get up to next.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Ellen the Harpist from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Ellen right from the start and her best friends Gwen and Chloe were interesting as well, adding depth, humor and sometimes hard to hear advice whether wanted or not. I also liked Josh, felt for Ellen, and shared her disappointment when it appeared they weren’t going to get together. Reading about the different weddings that Ellen performs at was also very interesting. How much planning and work that goes in behind the scenes and what all can go wrong was enlightening.
The story moved at a good pace and held my attention, keeping me guessing about several outcomes…
• Who will Ellen end up with?
• Will someone drop a giant piano on Monica?
• Is the wedding planner a criminal?
My Final Verdict: Overall, this story touches several emotions dealing with life, love and death. Partly chick-lit and partly women’s fiction, I recommend this book to readers who enjoy relationship driven stories, be they romantic, friend or family. This book is the first book in a trilogy and I recommend starting with this one. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Ellen at Sea to see what Ellen and her friends and family get up to next.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Ellen the Harpist from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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April 27, 2018
I'm like Sybil, of two minds with this.
First, it has appeal if I let my girly-er side take over. Especially, since the protagonist, Ellen, who as the title implies, is a harpist, suffers from many of my (younger me's) insecurities, and the habit of second, triple and quadruple guessing every decision she makes. This mild appeal, combined with easy, accessible prose got me from page one to the end.
My other mind, the old, cynical brain, finds a lot of Ellen's wangsty-angst, especially that expended over men, tiresome. The problem is that Ellen is twenty-seven and getting too old for this shit. For example, there's her meltdown over a guy she called her "boyfriend," even though they'd only dated a few weeks. She literally lies about in bed, moping over this guy. The way she acts, you'd think someone died, rather than her simply finding Mr. Life of the Party snogging another woman. And it was as obvious as a big, oozing zit on a nose, that he was using her, that she was nothing more than a booty call.
Ellen is a professional musician, specializing in the harp, and doomed to play wedding after wedding. (Note to self: Stick with the violin because it's way more versatile.) The story begins with a non-nuptial gig where Ellen is playing with a small orchestra. There she meets Josh, a second violinist, who'd rather be playing viola solos. Alas, he pissed off the orchestra's head honcho, Monica. Monica, a flutist, is your standard nasty woman, given to irrational bouts of jealousy toward other women. Despite Monica's awful personality, Ellen agrees to work with her again (and again, and again), this time doing the wedding thing.
What irritate me was how much shit Ellen took from Monica. I guess because she is young? And desperate to work? Although she has tons of gigs.
Funny thing is that people always claim older people are better workers because they are politer than them young, inconsiderate kids. The opposite is true. The older I get, the less shit I'll put up with. After just one gig with Monica, I'd have told her to shove her flute up her ass.
Ellen the Harpist is, one supposes, the story of Ellen's process of discovering her spine. But the journey is irritating because she's such a wimp, desperate to please, and making excuses for everyone's shitty behavior. Including her friends. It's a realistic neurosis, but one that would be better suited for someone younger.
Anyway, as chick lit goes, Ellen the Harpist is not awful. Not IQ draining, like anything by Sophie Kinsella. For me, it was a moderately entertaining litany of first-world, privileged, white woman problems.
First, it has appeal if I let my girly-er side take over. Especially, since the protagonist, Ellen, who as the title implies, is a harpist, suffers from many of my (younger me's) insecurities, and the habit of second, triple and quadruple guessing every decision she makes. This mild appeal, combined with easy, accessible prose got me from page one to the end.
My other mind, the old, cynical brain, finds a lot of Ellen's wangsty-angst, especially that expended over men, tiresome. The problem is that Ellen is twenty-seven and getting too old for this shit. For example, there's her meltdown over a guy she called her "boyfriend," even though they'd only dated a few weeks. She literally lies about in bed, moping over this guy. The way she acts, you'd think someone died, rather than her simply finding Mr. Life of the Party snogging another woman. And it was as obvious as a big, oozing zit on a nose, that he was using her, that she was nothing more than a booty call.
Ellen is a professional musician, specializing in the harp, and doomed to play wedding after wedding. (Note to self: Stick with the violin because it's way more versatile.) The story begins with a non-nuptial gig where Ellen is playing with a small orchestra. There she meets Josh, a second violinist, who'd rather be playing viola solos. Alas, he pissed off the orchestra's head honcho, Monica. Monica, a flutist, is your standard nasty woman, given to irrational bouts of jealousy toward other women. Despite Monica's awful personality, Ellen agrees to work with her again (and again, and again), this time doing the wedding thing.
What irritate me was how much shit Ellen took from Monica. I guess because she is young? And desperate to work? Although she has tons of gigs.
Funny thing is that people always claim older people are better workers because they are politer than them young, inconsiderate kids. The opposite is true. The older I get, the less shit I'll put up with. After just one gig with Monica, I'd have told her to shove her flute up her ass.
Ellen the Harpist is, one supposes, the story of Ellen's process of discovering her spine. But the journey is irritating because she's such a wimp, desperate to please, and making excuses for everyone's shitty behavior. Including her friends. It's a realistic neurosis, but one that would be better suited for someone younger.
Anyway, as chick lit goes, Ellen the Harpist is not awful. Not IQ draining, like anything by Sophie Kinsella. For me, it was a moderately entertaining litany of first-world, privileged, white woman problems.
October 29, 2017
Enjoyed this coming of age story. They say an author should write what they know. It's clear this author knows her subject! I found myself laughing out loud at the funny, and often self-deprecating thoughts of Ellen, our harpist. Told through first person, it was easy to become invested in her story. Not a story just for the young but young at heart.
October 3, 2020
Incredibly frustrating MC, disappointing ending
It took me ages to get through this book because it was so dull. While the premise is good, it takes way too long to get there. Ellen is really hard to like, and so is basically anyone else in the book. You have all of this build up, only for the climax and resolution to happen in like 10 pages. If the boom was cut in half it would be okay, but there's a bunch in the middle in could do without.
It took me ages to get through this book because it was so dull. While the premise is good, it takes way too long to get there. Ellen is really hard to like, and so is basically anyone else in the book. You have all of this build up, only for the climax and resolution to happen in like 10 pages. If the boom was cut in half it would be okay, but there's a bunch in the middle in could do without.
April 3, 2020
*DNF* Boring, I just didn't want to finish reading the book
July 2, 2017
This was such a sweet read. I loved Ellen, the slightly nerdy heroine of the story, and her journey to maturity. And while she seemed a little clueless at times, I was so glad she rallied where it counted.
This book was full of wit, and really well developed characters. I learnt a lot about the harp world and being a wedding musician, and I very much enjoyed what seemed to be a highly accurate representation of working in the industry.
There were some suitably bitchy antagonists that made me want to step into the book and yell at them on Ellen's behalf, and there was a lovely slow-building romance, where I was dying to read the ending. I even gasped / half-cried in one scene, but I won't share any spoilers.
If you like your chick-lit clever and thoughtful, I highly recommend this book!
This book was full of wit, and really well developed characters. I learnt a lot about the harp world and being a wedding musician, and I very much enjoyed what seemed to be a highly accurate representation of working in the industry.
There were some suitably bitchy antagonists that made me want to step into the book and yell at them on Ellen's behalf, and there was a lovely slow-building romance, where I was dying to read the ending. I even gasped / half-cried in one scene, but I won't share any spoilers.
If you like your chick-lit clever and thoughtful, I highly recommend this book!
January 27, 2021
Cute, Easy Read
Having finished a heavy psychological thriller, I wanted something light and breezy. Ellen the Harpist fit the bill. The book was an easy read. I appreciate Michael's staight forward writing; can't stand writers who use every adjective available. But thinking back I realize that she could have been a wee bit more descriptive in her characters. I could visualize the scenes as I was reading them, but couldn't totally visualize the characters. I could tell the characters apart, but couldn't describe them in detail, not their looks. But, their personalities were fleshed out really well.
The story follows the life of a harpist in her later 20's as she tries to become a grown-up. Her friends are all musicians living from one gig to the next. Ellen hopes that a boyfriend might help her achieve this state of adulthood. It takes something bigger than that.
Having finished a heavy psychological thriller, I wanted something light and breezy. Ellen the Harpist fit the bill. The book was an easy read. I appreciate Michael's staight forward writing; can't stand writers who use every adjective available. But thinking back I realize that she could have been a wee bit more descriptive in her characters. I could visualize the scenes as I was reading them, but couldn't totally visualize the characters. I could tell the characters apart, but couldn't describe them in detail, not their looks. But, their personalities were fleshed out really well.
The story follows the life of a harpist in her later 20's as she tries to become a grown-up. Her friends are all musicians living from one gig to the next. Ellen hopes that a boyfriend might help her achieve this state of adulthood. It takes something bigger than that.
September 26, 2017
It started off a bit slow for me, so if that is the case for you as well, STICK WITH IT! You will not regret it. Ms. Michaels took us on the Ellen's mission to become more of an adult. She's a professional harp player trying to establish her career, fall in love and navigate her relationship with her friends and of course her aging parents. All of these things are happening with this lush musical background, and comical events that occur while she's playing her harp at weddings. The story is conveyed artfully with many funny moments, and there was a very sad moment in which I actually sat up crying as I read through the sad part. Brava, Diane Michaels! Looking forward to what you have coming up next.
February 15, 2019
This was a new to me Author & I was intrigued because of the title of the book! I’ve gotta say that it was an entertaining book filled with great musical dialogue about being a harpist & all the trimmings of the profession! The author also does a great job of portraying what true friendship is like including the ups and downs of it! The book also is a great story of a woman’s journey to discover herself in career and personal romantic situations . Plenty of true to life situations and experiences to make one laugh , smile & cry! What a fun departure from my typical reads . Wonderful!
February 6, 2020
3 stars
I enjoyed the book from about 72%, when she finally took control of her life and her romance actually started to go down the right track instead of being frustrating and confusing. Which I guess is what happens in real life... but isn’t that’s why I read, to escape the real ;)
If you like super slow clean romance, a bit of a crime to solve, lots of music references and a few laughs. Then this is for you.
I enjoyed the book from about 72%, when she finally took control of her life and her romance actually started to go down the right track instead of being frustrating and confusing. Which I guess is what happens in real life... but isn’t that’s why I read, to escape the real ;)
If you like super slow clean romance, a bit of a crime to solve, lots of music references and a few laughs. Then this is for you.
October 31, 2017
Goodness, I loved this story! It was just the right amount of RomCom with characters I could relate to. Barely took me any time at all to finish, because Ms. Michaels pulls you in and you don't want to stop. I enjoyed understanding more about harpists and the whole musician way of life. Would recommend.
June 22, 2019
Ellen the Harpist tells the story of twenty-something Ellen Blum, and her friends Chloe (flutist), and Gwen (pianist). Ellen is a freelance musician who plays at weddings using her car, Minerva, to carry her harp. We learn how Ellen copes with bosses, her family, her friends, and her dating life. It is a fun book, and although it got off to a slow start for me, the story finished strong.
September 16, 2020
I loved this book. I am a harpist and I could relate to her, but even if I was not a musician I would still love it just as much. I found myself laughing, crying at times, getting angry from time to time, and I found the whole book delightful! I have already downloaded the next in the series and look forward to it!
November 16, 2017
Nice little romcom full of love and emotions, and deep family story lines. Ellen wants to leave her immature self behind and find a boyfriend. It was also nice to get an insight into a musician working life, I liked that. I liked this book.
November 3, 2019
Ellen and True to Life
Ellen an extremely real character. Seemingly average, which makes her that much more. True to life. Some very funny moments with some sad. So true to life. Loved this read. A must to add to reading list. Will not disappoint.
Ellen an extremely real character. Seemingly average, which makes her that much more. True to life. Some very funny moments with some sad. So true to life. Loved this read. A must to add to reading list. Will not disappoint.
February 20, 2020
Good humor
I enjoyed Ellen’s humor throughout the book, and it was nice to see the main character grow up in the story. I don’t enjoy sex references or f words, and the story didn’t hook me enough to pull me into the second which is why I went with a 3 star rating.
I enjoyed Ellen’s humor throughout the book, and it was nice to see the main character grow up in the story. I don’t enjoy sex references or f words, and the story didn’t hook me enough to pull me into the second which is why I went with a 3 star rating.
December 15, 2020
As a fellow musician I really enjoyed the settings in the musical world. Excellent story and very enjoyable, I loved it! I cannot wait to see how the adventures of this group will go on, looking forward for the next instalment!
July 10, 2018
A pleasant read and interesting look into the tribulations of "love life" and adventurous "gigs" of young professional musicians !
July 13, 2018
I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at being a freelance musician, and Ellen was a great character who I liked reading about.
February 16, 2020
Single musician navigating the bridge to adulthood. Roommates, family, work, and romance. Drama all around. Realistic and fun. An under the radar read.
May 4, 2021
Fun beach read
Nice rom com style book that I would highly recommend for people who enjoy music and cruise ships. Read it.
Nice rom com style book that I would highly recommend for people who enjoy music and cruise ships. Read it.
January 11, 2017
Ellen has decided it's time to become more mature. She already has her career as a harpist squared away but now it may be time to work on her relationship status, going from single to taken. She thinks she may have found the perfect mate, but he is in a relationship with a woman that Ellen doesn't care for. There's also the relationship with her parents to sort out, which has been hard ever since her father's stroke. Maybe this whole mature thing can wait...
Ms. Michaels has created a great character in Ellen, it's easy to see her struggles and cheer in her triumphs. Though sometimes Ellen is a little too self absorbed, she still cares for her friends and family. It was interesting to read a book about a professional musician that plays a less popular instrument, I never realized playing weddings could be so lucrative. I rated this book 4 out of 5stars and would recommend it to readers interested in romantic comedies, but don't be fooled "Ellen the Harpist" is filled with a lot more than that.
Ms. Michaels has created a great character in Ellen, it's easy to see her struggles and cheer in her triumphs. Though sometimes Ellen is a little too self absorbed, she still cares for her friends and family. It was interesting to read a book about a professional musician that plays a less popular instrument, I never realized playing weddings could be so lucrative. I rated this book 4 out of 5stars and would recommend it to readers interested in romantic comedies, but don't be fooled "Ellen the Harpist" is filled with a lot more than that.
November 14, 2016
This is a "note" worthy book! Ellen is a young professional trying to get her "big girl" life started. She thinks that means establishing her career and finding a boyfriend. Ellen plays the harps and most of her gigs are at weddings. I liked how when she showed up at a venue she always introduced herself, "I am here for the wedding. I am Ellen the Harpist." It turns out that while she is a very good harpist she is so much more. She is a good friend and a good daughter, who is trying to find her way as an independent young woman. Ellen is also a likable character and I enjoyed reading about her transformation. Parts of the book are funny, and there are also thoughtful and reflective parts, too. By the end of the book, Ellen has learned that life is more than just a job and a boyfriend. Read the book to see if she finds her happily ever after boyfriend.
August 28, 2016
This book was a really quick read. It was an adorable romantic comedy with really likable characters. The reader also gets some in depth knowledge of a musician's life, as well as education on a few wedding dos and don'ts! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 8, 2017
I got this solely because the main character plays the harp (as do I) and because she lives in New Jersey and plays gigs there, New York, and other familiar places (I used to live in the Philadelphia area). The story itself was sweet, chick lit, young adult learning to be a grown up, dealing with family, friend/roommates, and dating. But I especially enjoyed the harp aspect (first time I've ever seen in fiction). I play a Celtic lever harp. While Ellen plays a larger pedal harp (I assume since she says it weighs 85 lbs.), I can totally relate to her difficulties getting her harp into her minivan and schlepping it to gigs! I am happy I found this author (who also plays the harp) and pre-ordered the next one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews