✼ We may earn an affiliate commission if you make a purchase through links on our site.
Between the Notes by Sharon Huss Roat is a beautiful contemporary novel that will leave readers with a greater understanding about the world in which we live. It contains a phenomenal message and centres around family. Throw in its musical element and you have the ingredients for a whirlwind of emotions!
Title: Between the NotesAuthor: Sharon Huss Roat
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 16, 2015
Rating:
When Ivy Emerson’s family loses their house—complete with her beloved piano—the fear of what’s to come seizes her like a bad case of stage fright. Only this isn’t one of her single, terrifying performances. It’s her life.
And it isn’t pretty.
Ivy is forced to move with her family out of their affluent neighborhood to Lakeside, also known as “the wrong side of the tracks.” Hiding the truth from her friends—and the cute new guy in school, who may have secrets of his own—seems like a good idea at first. But when a bad boy next door threatens to ruin everything, Ivy’s carefully crafted lies begin to unravel . . . and there is no way to stop them.
As things get to the breaking point, Ivy turns to her music, some unlikely new friends, and the trusting heart of her disabled little brother. She may be surprised that not everyone is who she thought they were . . . including herself.
Debut author Sharon Huss Roat crafts a charming and timely story of what happens when life as you know it flips completely upside down.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Between the Notes by Sharon Huss Roat
❀ An Important Message
Between the Notes is the kind of book that makes you grateful for what you have. Ivy, the main character, has to move from her fancy house in an affluent neighbourhood to what is considered “the slums”. Her family learns to live more simply and be thankful for what they have. I think that this message is so important, because there is so much greed in the world.
❀ Theme of Family
I really enjoyed the main theme of Between the Notes. The importance of family resonates throughout Sharon Huss Roat’s beautiful writing. Ivy’s brother has special needs and requires certain care. Part of the reason why the family lost their house was because they recognize that the importance of paying for this boy’s therapy is a priority. It is so sweet how the whole family tries their best to make sure that he receives the best care.
❀ Music is Therapy
In the book, Ivy uses music as a coping method for her sadness. When she loses her piano room after the move, she is forced to practise at school. The way her piano playing is described is so extraordinary. Ivy really plays her feelings out. As a pianist myself, I really related to this use of music as a form of therapy and love the way it is depicted in the novel.
❀ A Quick Contemporary
Between the Notes by Sharon Huss Roat is a quick contemporary, so I would recommend it to fans of the genre. It is very well-written and truly unforgettable. Be prepared for all sorts of feels with this book!
About Sharon Huss Roat
Sharon Huss Roat grew up in Lancaster County, Pa., and now lives in Delaware with her two children. She is the author of HarperTeen novels BETWEEN THE NOTES (June 2015) and HOW TO DISAPPEAR (August 2017).
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
I’ve really been loving contemporary books at the moment so I’m definitely going to give this one a go! Great review 🙂
Monisah xo
Love your review! Definitely going to read this ♥