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Harmonie & Cairo #1
Pray For Me: Struggles of a Broken Heart
Harmonie's life seems picture-perfect, except for one major her overbearing parents . Despite her impeccable grades and well-behaved nature, they suffocate her with their rules. Just when she reaches her breaking point, fate steps in, revealing the mesmerizing gaze of Cairo - a boy like no other.
Cairo , seeking solace from a troubled past, arrives in town with aspirations of a brighter future. Yet, life's trials weigh heavily on him, making it a challenge to stay on the right path. He yearns for redemption, but it's far from easy. Then, like a guiding light, Harmonie enters his world, and suddenly, his problems lose their grip. However, there's a forbidden element that threatens to tear them Harmonie's parents say they can’t see each other.
Determined not to let their love be crushed by oppressive rules, Harmonie decides to venture into the unknown, risking everything for a chance at happiness. Everything should go well… as long as they don’t get caught.
Cairo , seeking solace from a troubled past, arrives in town with aspirations of a brighter future. Yet, life's trials weigh heavily on him, making it a challenge to stay on the right path. He yearns for redemption, but it's far from easy. Then, like a guiding light, Harmonie enters his world, and suddenly, his problems lose their grip. However, there's a forbidden element that threatens to tear them Harmonie's parents say they can’t see each other.
Determined not to let their love be crushed by oppressive rules, Harmonie decides to venture into the unknown, risking everything for a chance at happiness. Everything should go well… as long as they don’t get caught.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2023
About the author
Neesh Santiago
24 books36 followersNeesh Santiago is an author, rapper, spoken word artist, Bible teacher, and faith-based entrepreneur. She was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. Neesh has been rapping and writing since her early teens and has participated in numerous open mics, competitions, and more, including winning the first place prize at her Alma Mater, American International College's talent show in 2008. Her debut album, Forever Changed, was released in 2022 with much more to come. Her debut novel series, "Better Late Than Never" is the first, but certainly not the last story that will demonstrate Neesh's mission of "Penning Truth To Power" through Christian fiction and nonfiction books.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 14, 2023
this is too good not to read twice
This book is so good not to read twice. I felt every emotion the harmony experience throughout the book. I was convicted and self-inflicted all myself I want to. I wonder if I ever treated someone the same way harmony was treated to somebody else
This book is so good not to read twice. I felt every emotion the harmony experience throughout the book. I was convicted and self-inflicted all myself I want to. I wonder if I ever treated someone the same way harmony was treated to somebody else
July 17, 2026
Good read!
This is my first read from the author. It’s written simple but is very engaging and I can appreciate Harmonie and her perspective in so many ways. Looking forward to the next book!
This is my first read from the author. It’s written simple but is very engaging and I can appreciate Harmonie and her perspective in so many ways. Looking forward to the next book!
November 7, 2023
Teen Struggles
Sometimes strict, overbearing parents can push their children into doing the exact opposite of what they dictate. Harmonie was a good and studious teen that just wanted to experience what kids at that age do. Surely she was rooted and grounded in religion and knew Christ as her savior. But her parents didn't trust what the world would do to her. Honestly, being so religious, it irked me that dad wasn't the head of the house. I think he would have been a little easier on Harmonie but he let mom wear the pants. So of course, in rebellion, Harmonie made mistakes.
This was a good relatable and believable storyline. I just wished I had paid attention and realized that part two wasn't released; I'm looking forward to Harmonie's reaction to a little freedom.
Sometimes strict, overbearing parents can push their children into doing the exact opposite of what they dictate. Harmonie was a good and studious teen that just wanted to experience what kids at that age do. Surely she was rooted and grounded in religion and knew Christ as her savior. But her parents didn't trust what the world would do to her. Honestly, being so religious, it irked me that dad wasn't the head of the house. I think he would have been a little easier on Harmonie but he let mom wear the pants. So of course, in rebellion, Harmonie made mistakes.
This was a good relatable and believable storyline. I just wished I had paid attention and realized that part two wasn't released; I'm looking forward to Harmonie's reaction to a little freedom.
January 15, 2024
Holy Hypocrites
My heart ached for Harmonie😢‼️..😡I could barely contain my frustration & anger behind these darn Holy HYPOCRITES! “Pray For Me: Struggles of a Broken Heart (Harmonie & Cairo - Book 1)” was a great read but simultaneously it was difficult to read. Witnessing all that Harmonie endured (isolation, abandonment, emotional abuse & phycological distress etc.) by family, friends and Church leaders. However, most disturbing revelation (cruelty & hatred for Harmonie) her mother and parental grandmother banishment to the basement 🥴🤨(WTAH)and the public humiliation imposed by the pastor/church, the audacity of these people 🥴🤨‼️Also, Dad needs to man up with a lot of baritone, conviction in defense & compassion for his daughter (s), even against his mother and wife! ….I could be wrong, but I believe Harmonie is the father’s daughter from a previous relationship🤷🏾♀️! The mother treats, speaks and interacts with Harmonie differently than Symphonie & Melodie. Why⁉️ Harmonie, the best decision at this moment was the early college enrollment opportunity! Otherwise, you & Cairo would be serving time together at the county jail🤷🏾♀️‼️ Prayerfully Harmonie will get resolution and love in Book 2 of this series.
My heart ached for Harmonie😢‼️..😡I could barely contain my frustration & anger behind these darn Holy HYPOCRITES! “Pray For Me: Struggles of a Broken Heart (Harmonie & Cairo - Book 1)” was a great read but simultaneously it was difficult to read. Witnessing all that Harmonie endured (isolation, abandonment, emotional abuse & phycological distress etc.) by family, friends and Church leaders. However, most disturbing revelation (cruelty & hatred for Harmonie) her mother and parental grandmother banishment to the basement 🥴🤨(WTAH)and the public humiliation imposed by the pastor/church, the audacity of these people 🥴🤨‼️Also, Dad needs to man up with a lot of baritone, conviction in defense & compassion for his daughter (s), even against his mother and wife! ….I could be wrong, but I believe Harmonie is the father’s daughter from a previous relationship🤷🏾♀️! The mother treats, speaks and interacts with Harmonie differently than Symphonie & Melodie. Why⁉️ Harmonie, the best decision at this moment was the early college enrollment opportunity! Otherwise, you & Cairo would be serving time together at the county jail🤷🏾♀️‼️ Prayerfully Harmonie will get resolution and love in Book 2 of this series.
July 3, 2024
Pray for me
*Pray for Me* by Neesh Santiago delves into the intricate and often painful experiences of church hurt and hypocrisy, all through the eyes of 16-year-old Harmonie. Santiago's narrative poignantly captures the struggles of a young girl grappling with faith, trust, and disillusionment within a religious community that is supposed to offer solace and guidance.
Santiago's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to empathize with Harmonie's plight. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are realistic, reflecting the complexities of human behavior within a religious context.
Overall, *Pray for Me* is a thought-provoking and emotional read that addresses important themes of faith, betrayal, and redemption. Santiago succeeds in shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of church hurt, making this book a valuable addition to contemporary literature on faith and spirituality.
*Pray for Me* by Neesh Santiago delves into the intricate and often painful experiences of church hurt and hypocrisy, all through the eyes of 16-year-old Harmonie. Santiago's narrative poignantly captures the struggles of a young girl grappling with faith, trust, and disillusionment within a religious community that is supposed to offer solace and guidance.
Santiago's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to empathize with Harmonie's plight. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are realistic, reflecting the complexities of human behavior within a religious context.
Overall, *Pray for Me* is a thought-provoking and emotional read that addresses important themes of faith, betrayal, and redemption. Santiago succeeds in shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of church hurt, making this book a valuable addition to contemporary literature on faith and spirituality.
August 14, 2023
Family can be hard to deal with as it is, but add to it being a teen in a religious family. I felt bad for Harmonie immediately when I read her and her mother didn't get along. What is it with these holier than thou mothers? Smh. That's horrible. I understand being young and wanting to date the "forbidden fruit" so to speak, and I was actually team Harmonie and Cairo. Sydney was a let down, and pastor seems shady. The perfect dysfunctional drama filled cast to keep me intrigued.
August 20, 2023
loved it!
This book was soooo good! The only problem with this story is that there is a part two. I felt that if her mother and he Me-ma showed her more love Harmony would not have been so rebellious. She was a stellar student they kept her in church, but they treated her like they hated her. I bet it’s Me-ma and Harmony’s mother own demons treating her that way. They are projecting.
This book was soooo good! The only problem with this story is that there is a part two. I felt that if her mother and he Me-ma showed her more love Harmony would not have been so rebellious. She was a stellar student they kept her in church, but they treated her like they hated her. I bet it’s Me-ma and Harmony’s mother own demons treating her that way. They are projecting.
March 17, 2026
Church folk
This is a good read. Characters are interesting and the flow was good. Parents and Meema irritated me, much. This reminded me of when the pastor told me I had to stand up in front of church and apologize for sins or be removed from choir and usher board. All churches at not created equally...IYKYK. Spending money and giving gifts to the pastor is not biblical. Ugh.... Looking forward to next book.
This is a good read. Characters are interesting and the flow was good. Parents and Meema irritated me, much. This reminded me of when the pastor told me I had to stand up in front of church and apologize for sins or be removed from choir and usher board. All churches at not created equally...IYKYK. Spending money and giving gifts to the pastor is not biblical. Ugh.... Looking forward to next book.
April 20, 2026
Pray for me (Harmonies & Cairo Book. 1)
This was a dramatic, emotional and romantic love story between two young adults who were advise no dating or sex until 18 yrs old. Harmonies was so much in love that She never remember the deal with her parents.
She got pregnant, Cario got into problems kick out of the church by his uncle.
Damn no counselling only shame for these young adult, I want to know more so I am in to book 2
Lovely read Neesh Santiago.
This was a dramatic, emotional and romantic love story between two young adults who were advise no dating or sex until 18 yrs old. Harmonies was so much in love that She never remember the deal with her parents.
She got pregnant, Cario got into problems kick out of the church by his uncle.
Damn no counselling only shame for these young adult, I want to know more so I am in to book 2
Lovely read Neesh Santiago.
August 15, 2023
omg
Omg! I felt so bad for harmonie. I can't say I don't understand how her parents felt about Cairo, but the "punishment" did not fit the crime. The way the church did her was extreme. I am very curious about what Cairo could have over the pastor, though. Enjoyed this book. Read it one sitting too lol.
Omg! I felt so bad for harmonie. I can't say I don't understand how her parents felt about Cairo, but the "punishment" did not fit the crime. The way the church did her was extreme. I am very curious about what Cairo could have over the pastor, though. Enjoyed this book. Read it one sitting too lol.
January 7, 2024
A complicated life
I enjoyed getting to know Harmonie and her family. Harmonie's upbringing was strict, but her family loved her and wanted the best for her. However, I didn't always agree with how her parents handled things, and the father seemed passive. How the church handled the big secret was weird and judgmental.
I enjoyed getting to know Harmonie and her family. Harmonie's upbringing was strict, but her family loved her and wanted the best for her. However, I didn't always agree with how her parents handled things, and the father seemed passive. How the church handled the big secret was weird and judgmental.
August 15, 2024
God is not pleased!!
This book was wonderful it truly dives deep into the act of religion versus spiritual awareness. Harmonies family made me so mad. The way the congregation treated her was sad but a true depiction of how some people who claim to love the Lord punishes his creation. Neesh Santiago is changing the game with these stories! I can't wait to read more!!
This book was wonderful it truly dives deep into the act of religion versus spiritual awareness. Harmonies family made me so mad. The way the congregation treated her was sad but a true depiction of how some people who claim to love the Lord punishes his creation. Neesh Santiago is changing the game with these stories! I can't wait to read more!!
September 26, 2024
Engaging!
I thought, I knew how the story was going to end but I guess wrong .
This is a classic story of church hurt , over religion parents and good girl gone bad. I like the twist and turns of the book , I can’t wait to read book two . I feel like the story is only going to get better.
I recommend the read
I thought, I knew how the story was going to end but I guess wrong .
This is a classic story of church hurt , over religion parents and good girl gone bad. I like the twist and turns of the book , I can’t wait to read book two . I feel like the story is only going to get better.
I recommend the read
April 30, 2025
Fiya 🔥🔥
This story was truth! The series is a MUST read for me. There was many scenarios that were outlandish but true, concerning each character's response. The reactions were not warranted in many situations. The scenarios seemed very real. First time reading the author's writing but not the last.
This story was truth! The series is a MUST read for me. There was many scenarios that were outlandish but true, concerning each character's response. The reactions were not warranted in many situations. The scenarios seemed very real. First time reading the author's writing but not the last.
January 26, 2026
I thought the book was beautifully written. It took me back to my early years, when the church required pregnant girls to stand before the congregation to repent, while the father was still allowed to participate freely in church life. That contrast stayed with me. I hope there will be a part two, because the author left too many important questions unanswered.
May 23, 2026
I can’t wait to see how Harmonie’s story end. I don’t know if I want Cairo come back into the picture because Harmonie doesn’t use discernment when it comes to him. Hopefully she will reconcile with her dad and mom but her MeeMa and the church need a lot of deliverance. I can’t wait to see what Pastor Sherman has going on because his unbiblical actions were done to condemn not in love.
November 2, 2026
Love it
I love the book. There are so many families going through this issue. Adults dont like the same that they have gone through mistakes. They would punish youth for mistakes. It was hurtful to see Harmonie go this. I hope to find out more in the next book.
I would recommend the book.
I love the book. There are so many families going through this issue. Adults dont like the same that they have gone through mistakes. They would punish youth for mistakes. It was hurtful to see Harmonie go this. I hope to find out more in the next book.
I would recommend the book.
September 9, 2024
judgmental
This story reminds me of my story and so many other people. I know how they point fingers it just one party. And how people are so hypocritical, but God is has the final say.
This story reminds me of my story and so many other people. I know how they point fingers it just one party. And how people are so hypocritical, but God is has the final say.
September 22, 2024
Great Story
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest! I liked how the author touched on the hypocrisies of the church and the intense accurate feelings and emotions that we all have regarding love, faith and family!
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest! I liked how the author touched on the hypocrisies of the church and the intense accurate feelings and emotions that we all have regarding love, faith and family!
June 23, 2026
so good
What a great story line definitely a cliff hanger. Natural story that display young adult behavior and I saw myself somewhat. The mom and grandmother irritated me! Wished her dad would have stood up for her more
What a great story line definitely a cliff hanger. Natural story that display young adult behavior and I saw myself somewhat. The mom and grandmother irritated me! Wished her dad would have stood up for her more
August 14, 2023
Loved it. Read in under 24 hours!!!!
Loved this book. Ready to see what's in the next book . Read it in under 24 hours!!!! Come on November
Loved this book. Ready to see what's in the next book . Read it in under 24 hours!!!! Come on November
March 1, 2026
This was good
Memaw annoyed me to no end. I felt terrible for the FMC. I can't wait to read the next book
Memaw annoyed me to no end. I felt terrible for the FMC. I can't wait to read the next book
April 10, 2026
powerful
I couldn’t put this book down I read it in 1 day. It will have you going through the motions…it’s a must read
I couldn’t put this book down I read it in 1 day. It will have you going through the motions…it’s a must read
June 23, 2026
Looking forward to Part 2
This was a good quick read, and I enjoyed the storyline and going to read the next part to see how it all ends.
This was a good quick read, and I enjoyed the storyline and going to read the next part to see how it all ends.
August 6, 2026
Good one
Glad you didn't give up on Harmonie because I want to know more. Her parents and her grams had me all over in my feelings
But good read overall
Glad you didn't give up on Harmonie because I want to know more. Her parents and her grams had me all over in my feelings
But good read overall
September 18, 2026
Awesome story
I can't wait to get into book two. The writer put a lot of thought in the story. Good read
I can't wait to get into book two. The writer put a lot of thought in the story. Good read
November 11, 2026
Quick Read
Book was a quick read. Scale of 1-10, I give it a 9. Little disappointed in the ending. So I bought the next book to see what happened.
Book was a quick read. Scale of 1-10, I give it a 9. Little disappointed in the ending. So I bought the next book to see what happened.
August 27, 2023
Heartfelt and Real
I absolutely loved this story. A lot of things hit home for me. Harmonie is a beautiful and complex character. I am looking forward to part two!
I absolutely loved this story. A lot of things hit home for me. Harmonie is a beautiful and complex character. I am looking forward to part two!
May 16, 2026
Wow
This book right here...this book. I could not stop reading it. I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. OMG!!!!
This book right here...this book. I could not stop reading it. I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. OMG!!!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews