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For His Heartbeat, a Drumline
In the wake of a schizophrenia diagnosis, 24-year-old Reese Findley loses everything–his job, apartment, friends, and independence. His new life revolves around intense parental supervision, therapy, and the gut-wrenching reality that no one seems to understand or tolerate his illness.
Tensions explode when his neighbor is mysteriously found dead and Reese lacks an alibi. He gains unlikely allies in the investigation but struggles to rise above the fear that he may be the monster everyone believes him to be.
What ensues is a sobering and jaw-dropping testament to finding beauty in the face of prejudice.
For His Heartbeat, a Drumline will appeal to readers from all backgrounds. It is told from a deeply human perspective - albeit, a perspective of someone with a unique set of challenges. Different narratives dance around each other as characters describe their perspective of a story they unwillingly became attached to. The result is a testament to our shared humanity, the stubborn triumph of our spirit, and the heart-breaking consequences of societal prejudice.
Tensions explode when his neighbor is mysteriously found dead and Reese lacks an alibi. He gains unlikely allies in the investigation but struggles to rise above the fear that he may be the monster everyone believes him to be.
What ensues is a sobering and jaw-dropping testament to finding beauty in the face of prejudice.
For His Heartbeat, a Drumline will appeal to readers from all backgrounds. It is told from a deeply human perspective - albeit, a perspective of someone with a unique set of challenges. Different narratives dance around each other as characters describe their perspective of a story they unwillingly became attached to. The result is a testament to our shared humanity, the stubborn triumph of our spirit, and the heart-breaking consequences of societal prejudice.
329 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2025
4 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 28, 2025
It’s 11 p.m., and I’ve just finished this book after binging it for six hours — and I have actual tears in my eyes.
I don’t even know where to begin. This book is raw, vulnerable, and sheds light on a topic so many people shy away from: mental health. It’s not written for shock value. It’s not some over-the-top smut story. It’s real. And even though I’m not usually a romance reader, the relationship between Reese and Kiara completely pulled at my heartstrings. It made me feel — something I haven’t experienced while reading in a long time.
It was such a refreshing break from all the thrillers and mysteries I usually pick up. Thought-provoking, beautifully written, and emotionally resonant — it hit deeper than most of the dozens of books I’ve read this past year.
I know I’m rambling, but this one has easily earned a spot in my top five favorite books.
Thank you to the author for sending it my way.
I don’t even know where to begin. This book is raw, vulnerable, and sheds light on a topic so many people shy away from: mental health. It’s not written for shock value. It’s not some over-the-top smut story. It’s real. And even though I’m not usually a romance reader, the relationship between Reese and Kiara completely pulled at my heartstrings. It made me feel — something I haven’t experienced while reading in a long time.
It was such a refreshing break from all the thrillers and mysteries I usually pick up. Thought-provoking, beautifully written, and emotionally resonant — it hit deeper than most of the dozens of books I’ve read this past year.
I know I’m rambling, but this one has easily earned a spot in my top five favorite books.
Thank you to the author for sending it my way.
November 14, 2025
I am not quite sure how to describe it. This book opened up something inside of me. Thoughts and ideas that I will want to spend some time exploring.
July 9, 2025
4.5* rounded up. I was hooked on this murder mystery that deals with mental health with a unique pov and in a delicate way similar to my favorite author Emily Austin. One of the themes in this book explores the prejudice those with mental health issues face in society and the justice system. Although parts of this book are heartbreaking, it provides hope. I also enjoyed the pov of the safe people in the main character’s life and how they navigate their relationship with him during a crisis period.
I look forward to more books from this author. I recommend this book for those who enjoy Emily Austin books.
Also, why is Jacob
I look forward to more books from this author. I recommend this book for those who enjoy Emily Austin books.
Also, why is Jacob
December 28, 2025
author from the Holy Trinity Coleman family, Sam's the same age as Justin and went to Dowling. Terrifically well written novel of a young man diagnosed with schizophrenia and accused of murder
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews