What do you think?
Rate this book
Everything You Are
From the bestselling author of Whisper Me This comes a haunting and lyrical novel about the promises we make and the forgiveness we need when we break them.
One tragic twist of fate destroyed Braden Healey’s hands, his musical career, and his family. Now, unable to play, adrift in an alcoholic daze, and with only fragmented memories of his past, Braden wants desperately to escape the darkness of the last eleven years.
When his ex-wife and son are killed in a car accident, Braden returns home, hoping to forge a relationship with his troubled seventeen-year-old daughter, Allie. But how can he hope to rescue her from the curse that seems to shadow his family?
Ophelia “Phee” MacPhee, granddaughter of the eccentric old man who sold Braden his cello, believes the curse is real. She swore an oath to her dying grandfather that she would ensure Braden plays the cello as long as he lives. But he can’t play, and as the shadows deepen and Phee finds herself falling for Braden, she’ll do anything to save him. It will take a miracle of forgiveness and love to bring all three of them back to the healing power of music.
One tragic twist of fate destroyed Braden Healey’s hands, his musical career, and his family. Now, unable to play, adrift in an alcoholic daze, and with only fragmented memories of his past, Braden wants desperately to escape the darkness of the last eleven years.
When his ex-wife and son are killed in a car accident, Braden returns home, hoping to forge a relationship with his troubled seventeen-year-old daughter, Allie. But how can he hope to rescue her from the curse that seems to shadow his family?
Ophelia “Phee” MacPhee, granddaughter of the eccentric old man who sold Braden his cello, believes the curse is real. She swore an oath to her dying grandfather that she would ensure Braden plays the cello as long as he lives. But he can’t play, and as the shadows deepen and Phee finds herself falling for Braden, she’ll do anything to save him. It will take a miracle of forgiveness and love to bring all three of them back to the healing power of music.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
8570 people are currently reading
12553 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Anne King
13 books807 followersKerry Anne King (aka Kerry Schafer) is the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of thirteen novels. An incorrigible genre hopper, Kerry has written fantasy, paranormal mystery and book club fiction. Known for her lyrical writing and memorable characters, Kerry weaves deep emotional insights, humor, and often a touch of magic into all of her tales. Her most recent writing venture is an amateur sleuth novel, Party Planning Can Be Murder, releasing in March of 2025.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 880 reviews
August 23, 2019
Braden Healey is a musician, and when his hands are severely injured, he loses not only his career, but also his family, as he turns to alcohol.
Tragedy strikes Braden again when his ex-wife and son are killed in a car accident. His daughter, Allie, is seventeen, and Braden returns home to care for her. He also wants to protect Allie and keep her safe, considering all he’s lost. He thinks the family may be cursed.
“Phee” MacPhee is the granddaughter of the man who sold Braden a cello, and she also believes the curse is real. Phee promised her grandfather that Braden would continue to play the cello, but clearly, he cannot play. In the process, Phee falls in love with Braden.
I really felt for Braden and all he had lost. His character was written with care and sincerity. The writing is beautiful and tender, pulling on all my emotions. The author does a wonderful job bringing in themes of alcoholism, grief, and loss, as well as all the emotions that come along with these issues in a family. I also loved the part music played in this story. It really added interest for me.
Overall, Everything You Are is a beautifully told story of utter despair versus hope, forgiveness, and redemption. I recommend it for those who enjoy powerful reads.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Tragedy strikes Braden again when his ex-wife and son are killed in a car accident. His daughter, Allie, is seventeen, and Braden returns home to care for her. He also wants to protect Allie and keep her safe, considering all he’s lost. He thinks the family may be cursed.
“Phee” MacPhee is the granddaughter of the man who sold Braden a cello, and she also believes the curse is real. Phee promised her grandfather that Braden would continue to play the cello, but clearly, he cannot play. In the process, Phee falls in love with Braden.
I really felt for Braden and all he had lost. His character was written with care and sincerity. The writing is beautiful and tender, pulling on all my emotions. The author does a wonderful job bringing in themes of alcoholism, grief, and loss, as well as all the emotions that come along with these issues in a family. I also loved the part music played in this story. It really added interest for me.
Overall, Everything You Are is a beautifully told story of utter despair versus hope, forgiveness, and redemption. I recommend it for those who enjoy powerful reads.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
September 4, 2019
Kerry Anne King has written a beautiful story bursting with music and hope. A tale ofForgiveness, Second chances, and redemption. Braden was a celebrated cello player until a terrible accident injured his hands, leading into a life of despair, sorrow, and alcohol. 11 years have passed and another tragic accident as impacted the family, his ex-wife and son have been killed. Now Braden must return home and repair his relationship with his estranged daughter Allie. Phee McPhee (got to love that name!) is the granddaughter of the man who built Braden’s cello, It is her responsibility to bring music back into this fractured families life, before the curse destroys it forever.
Sometimes a story has such a personal connection that it is hard to separate your own life from it. My kids dad, my ex, is an alcoholic and has not been part of their lives for many years. Watching the impact this has had on the most important people in my life is heartbreaking. To Watch your kids feel as though their dad has chosen alcohol or himself over them is so hard. In all honesty I don’t think it is a relationship that would be as easily repaired as it was in this book, I think it would take years and years. Now in this book Braden had some extenuating circumstances. Usually in books I have a very hard time sympathizing with the addict, but in this book I really did feel for Braden and his situation. Although I think his road to sobriety was a little oversimplified in the story. I liked the support group that Braden and Phee were part of, it seemed like a positive environment. I also really like the sweet subtle romance in the book. The music and a little hint of magic really added so much beauty to this story. A complicated tale that really hit me in the heart!
The book in three emojis : 🎼 💔 🙏🏻
Sometimes a story has such a personal connection that it is hard to separate your own life from it. My kids dad, my ex, is an alcoholic and has not been part of their lives for many years. Watching the impact this has had on the most important people in my life is heartbreaking. To Watch your kids feel as though their dad has chosen alcohol or himself over them is so hard. In all honesty I don’t think it is a relationship that would be as easily repaired as it was in this book, I think it would take years and years. Now in this book Braden had some extenuating circumstances. Usually in books I have a very hard time sympathizing with the addict, but in this book I really did feel for Braden and his situation. Although I think his road to sobriety was a little oversimplified in the story. I liked the support group that Braden and Phee were part of, it seemed like a positive environment. I also really like the sweet subtle romance in the book. The music and a little hint of magic really added so much beauty to this story. A complicated tale that really hit me in the heart!
The book in three emojis : 🎼 💔 🙏🏻
November 4, 2019
Everything You Are is both a heartwarming and heartbreaking story that is an enjoyable read. It is about a cello, a magical cello that tears a family apart and ultimately, brings it back together. It is well-written and includes important themes like addiction and suicide plus forgiveness, love, redemption, family, and hope.
Braden Healey is an accomplished cellist who, after an unfortunate accident, can no longer make music. He is convinced he is cursed. Divorced from his wife and kept from his children, he has succumbed to a life of alcoholism and has given up all hope. But after his ex-wife and son are killed in a tragic car accident, he is left with no choice but to return in order to raise his 17 year old daughter Allie and protect her from the curse.
Even though he is an alcoholic, Braden has other redeeming characteristics that makes him a sympathetic character. He is trying to make amends with his daughter but she rejects his efforts at every turn. While desperate to remain sober, he feels pulled to drink again and again. Braden is a broken person forced into a situation that will cause him to rise to the role of Father despite setbacks along the way or fail miserably and lose his daughter.
Braden does the math, the number of days from Monday to Thursday divided by the distance between him and the drink he just poured, multiplied by the enormity of his failure and loss. All the calculations come out to the same answer: he is a miserable excuse for a human being.
Braden needs a wall to lean on. He needs to be nicely inebriated, lubricated, sloshed, to protect him from his daughter’s venom and the overpowering presence of the cello. He needs it so bad he can taste the wine in his mouth, warming his throat, creating a shield between him and his emotions.
At the urging of a friend Braden joins what appears to be a novel approach to deal with alcoholism, in contrast to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). It is called Adventure Angels and is a different kind of support group. Instead of what is considered to be AA’s themes of guilt, shame and powerlessness, Adventure Angels treat each day like an adventure and try to bring a positive experience to someone else, perhaps through an altruistic act. If the member suffers a setback, they inform the group who then decides on an adventure for them. Some might say this approach reinforces their bad behavior but Adventure Angels consider it a celebration of an individual’s return to sobriety.
The cello plays a predominant role in the story. This musical instrument is the one thing that Braden and Allie have in common. He paid for music lessons so that she could learn to play the cello, but like her father, she has given it. Braden and Allie hear it playing music at times and also feel a magnetic pull toward it. The magical realism element adds another layer and for me, greatly enhanced the story. But the power of music truly has the power to heal.
In all of the years since he walked away from his music, his home, and his family, the cello has followed him into his dreams, inhabited all of his waking moments. A phrase of music here, a sensation of strings beneath his fingers there, a phantom bow in his hand when he’s drowning his memories in a bar.
Maybe he and Allie still have a chance. Maybe they can connect over the music. If he could teach her, it would be almost like playing himself.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader. Opt in exchange for my honest opinion.
Braden Healey is an accomplished cellist who, after an unfortunate accident, can no longer make music. He is convinced he is cursed. Divorced from his wife and kept from his children, he has succumbed to a life of alcoholism and has given up all hope. But after his ex-wife and son are killed in a tragic car accident, he is left with no choice but to return in order to raise his 17 year old daughter Allie and protect her from the curse.
Even though he is an alcoholic, Braden has other redeeming characteristics that makes him a sympathetic character. He is trying to make amends with his daughter but she rejects his efforts at every turn. While desperate to remain sober, he feels pulled to drink again and again. Braden is a broken person forced into a situation that will cause him to rise to the role of Father despite setbacks along the way or fail miserably and lose his daughter.
Braden does the math, the number of days from Monday to Thursday divided by the distance between him and the drink he just poured, multiplied by the enormity of his failure and loss. All the calculations come out to the same answer: he is a miserable excuse for a human being.
Braden needs a wall to lean on. He needs to be nicely inebriated, lubricated, sloshed, to protect him from his daughter’s venom and the overpowering presence of the cello. He needs it so bad he can taste the wine in his mouth, warming his throat, creating a shield between him and his emotions.
At the urging of a friend Braden joins what appears to be a novel approach to deal with alcoholism, in contrast to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). It is called Adventure Angels and is a different kind of support group. Instead of what is considered to be AA’s themes of guilt, shame and powerlessness, Adventure Angels treat each day like an adventure and try to bring a positive experience to someone else, perhaps through an altruistic act. If the member suffers a setback, they inform the group who then decides on an adventure for them. Some might say this approach reinforces their bad behavior but Adventure Angels consider it a celebration of an individual’s return to sobriety.
The cello plays a predominant role in the story. This musical instrument is the one thing that Braden and Allie have in common. He paid for music lessons so that she could learn to play the cello, but like her father, she has given it. Braden and Allie hear it playing music at times and also feel a magnetic pull toward it. The magical realism element adds another layer and for me, greatly enhanced the story. But the power of music truly has the power to heal.
In all of the years since he walked away from his music, his home, and his family, the cello has followed him into his dreams, inhabited all of his waking moments. A phrase of music here, a sensation of strings beneath his fingers there, a phantom bow in his hand when he’s drowning his memories in a bar.
Maybe he and Allie still have a chance. Maybe they can connect over the music. If he could teach her, it would be almost like playing himself.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader. Opt in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 19, 2019
Phee or the cello not sure which you are going to love more. The characters are so real.
This book just warmed me so much but I LOVE music as much as I love books.
Music, love, and forgiveness all make this book such a highly recommended read. I will say this about the book, once you start reading you are not going to want to put it down so make sure that you don't have any plans.
grab your copy of this 4 star read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
This book just warmed me so much but I LOVE music as much as I love books.
Music, love, and forgiveness all make this book such a highly recommended read. I will say this about the book, once you start reading you are not going to want to put it down so make sure that you don't have any plans.
grab your copy of this 4 star read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
March 23, 2020
This book is not so bad, but not so good either. I took a long time to finish it because I just couldn't connect with the characters, nor with the story.
Braden Healey talented cellist who due to an accident, of which he does not remember much and in which his brother-in-law died, is forced to stop playing the cello. This brings him family problems, he becomes an alcoholic and is forced to leave his family.
Ophelia MacPhee "Phee", luthier. Not only did she inherit from his grandfather the violin and cello shop / workshop, she also commissioned the "special" cases, including the Braden cello.
These cases have an oath according to which they cannot stop playing the instruments or a curse will fall that will affect not only the one who swore, but also on their family.
And Braden has 11 eyes that he doesn't play.
The end felt rushed and very convenient for all the characters.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Este libro no es tan malo, pero tampoco tan bueno. Duré mucho para terminarlo porque simplemente no pude conectar con los personajes, ni con la historia.
Braden Healey talentoso chelista que debido a un accidente, del cual no recuerda mucho y en el que murió su cuñado, se ve forzado a dejar de tocar el violonchelo. Esto le trae problemas familiares, se convierte en alcohólico y se ve forzado a dejar a su familia.
Ophelia MacPhee "Phee", luthier. No solo heredó de su abuelo la tienda/taller de violines y violonchelos, sinó también el encargo de los casos "especiales", entre los que se encuentra el violonchelo de Braden.
Estos casos tienen un juramento según el cual no se pueden dejar de tocar los instrumentos o una maldición caerá que afectará no solo al que juró, sino tambien sobre su familia.
Y Braden tiene 11 oños que no toca.
El final lo sentí apresurado y muy conveniente para todos los personajes.
Braden Healey talented cellist who due to an accident, of which he does not remember much and in which his brother-in-law died, is forced to stop playing the cello. This brings him family problems, he becomes an alcoholic and is forced to leave his family.
Ophelia MacPhee "Phee", luthier. Not only did she inherit from his grandfather the violin and cello shop / workshop, she also commissioned the "special" cases, including the Braden cello.
These cases have an oath according to which they cannot stop playing the instruments or a curse will fall that will affect not only the one who swore, but also on their family.
And Braden has 11 eyes that he doesn't play.
The end felt rushed and very convenient for all the characters.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Este libro no es tan malo, pero tampoco tan bueno. Duré mucho para terminarlo porque simplemente no pude conectar con los personajes, ni con la historia.
Braden Healey talentoso chelista que debido a un accidente, del cual no recuerda mucho y en el que murió su cuñado, se ve forzado a dejar de tocar el violonchelo. Esto le trae problemas familiares, se convierte en alcohólico y se ve forzado a dejar a su familia.
Ophelia MacPhee "Phee", luthier. No solo heredó de su abuelo la tienda/taller de violines y violonchelos, sinó también el encargo de los casos "especiales", entre los que se encuentra el violonchelo de Braden.
Estos casos tienen un juramento según el cual no se pueden dejar de tocar los instrumentos o una maldición caerá que afectará no solo al que juró, sino tambien sobre su familia.
Y Braden tiene 11 oños que no toca.
El final lo sentí apresurado y muy conveniente para todos los personajes.
September 1, 2019
From the very first page of this beautiful, haunting book, I was completely immersed in the story and its broken, troubled characters. This is a novel that worked its way into my heart and soul utterly and completely....the rest of the world drifted away as I became immersed in the lives of Phee, Braden, and Allie. The author’s lyrical writing held me captivated—I read through my own tears, my heart in my throat, holding out hope for these wounded people to be healed and whole. Music is an intricate part of this book, weaving its way in an out of the story, tearing the characters apart and bringing them back together. This poignant novel addresses the issues of grief, loss, guilt, alcoholism, suicide, pain and rage with compassion, empathy and honesty. I look for a visceral connection with story and characters with every book I read, but rarely does a book move me as deeply as this one.
August 10, 2019
This beautifully written, lyrical novel is about music and family and forgiveness with a touch of magical realism. It's one of those books that you want to get to the end to see how it ends but you find yourself reading slower because you don't want it to end and you don't want to say goodbye to the characters.
This book covers a range of topics along with the curse - it talks with compassion about alcoholism, infidelity, suicide and pain and most importantly forgiveness. The author shows the importance of love and forgiveness no matter what happens in life. Plus the entire novel is all wrapped up in beautiful music. This is an incredibly beautiful novel and I highly recommend it
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
This book covers a range of topics along with the curse - it talks with compassion about alcoholism, infidelity, suicide and pain and most importantly forgiveness. The author shows the importance of love and forgiveness no matter what happens in life. Plus the entire novel is all wrapped up in beautiful music. This is an incredibly beautiful novel and I highly recommend it
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
September 8, 2021
Braden Healey’s a talented classical musician, when he’s involved in a tragic incident and his hands are damaged. Unable to play the cello, he’s spent the last eleven years, trying to remember what really happened at his family’s cabin on that fateful day, and his ex-wife banished him from seeing his two children.
Braden receives a phone call, his ex-wife Lilian and son Trey have been killed in a car accident. Braden returns home, he wants to try to repair his relationship with his seventeen year old daughter Allie, she’s in a bad place and really struggling. Allie starts skipping school, coming home late and dating a bad boy Ethan Bannister. Braden desperately wants to help his daughter, he try’s everything, and she’s angry and refuses to talk to him.
Ophelia MacPhee is a luthier, she owns a music shop and repairs musical string instruments. She inherited the business from her grandfather, he sold Braden his cello, and she swore an oath to her grandfather that Braden would play his cello for as long as he lives. She’s tries to explain to Braden, that the cello is cursed, and if he doesn’t play it, and further disasters could happen!
Braden has nerve damage to his fingers, it took years of therapy for him to be able to use his hands, he can no longer play a musical instrument and he's doesn't believe in curses. Phee wants to help Braden, she takes him to addiction meetings and she’s sure he’s suffering from PTSD and his mind is blocking him from playing. A crisis with Allie, makes Braden and his daughter see that they need to face the past, and forgive each other.
Everything You Are is a story about the power of music and a new friendship, a father and daughter are reunited, discover they still love each other and all thanks to Phee. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, a warning it mentions suicide and three stars from me.
Braden receives a phone call, his ex-wife Lilian and son Trey have been killed in a car accident. Braden returns home, he wants to try to repair his relationship with his seventeen year old daughter Allie, she’s in a bad place and really struggling. Allie starts skipping school, coming home late and dating a bad boy Ethan Bannister. Braden desperately wants to help his daughter, he try’s everything, and she’s angry and refuses to talk to him.
Ophelia MacPhee is a luthier, she owns a music shop and repairs musical string instruments. She inherited the business from her grandfather, he sold Braden his cello, and she swore an oath to her grandfather that Braden would play his cello for as long as he lives. She’s tries to explain to Braden, that the cello is cursed, and if he doesn’t play it, and further disasters could happen!
Braden has nerve damage to his fingers, it took years of therapy for him to be able to use his hands, he can no longer play a musical instrument and he's doesn't believe in curses. Phee wants to help Braden, she takes him to addiction meetings and she’s sure he’s suffering from PTSD and his mind is blocking him from playing. A crisis with Allie, makes Braden and his daughter see that they need to face the past, and forgive each other.
Everything You Are is a story about the power of music and a new friendship, a father and daughter are reunited, discover they still love each other and all thanks to Phee. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, a warning it mentions suicide and three stars from me.
December 19, 2019
This story is a pretty heavy one that deals with addiction, depression, PTSD, and grief...in the midst of all this sadness, there is hope, love, forgiveness and healing. And of course the cello. I listened to my favorite cello playlist when I was reading this book, it pulled me into the story even more. Overall, a very good read, the end was a bit rushed and tied up too neatly for my taste, but that is my only minor complaint.
October 19, 2019
This is a story that took me into a book that is written with words but drew me into it with the power of music at it's core. Music is a universal language and speaks to the heart, mind and soul. This book did just that for me. I fell into the pages like I would at a symphony as a maestro conducts the orchestra to create magic and an experience in melodies and notes. It is a book that has a story that captivated me and kept me reading. Just as a great musical piece draws me to listen, this book drew me to turn the pages. I love the inscription at the beginning of the book: "Without music, life would be a mistake."-Friedrich Nietzsche"
The characters in this book are complicated but ones I found I connected to. Ophelia "Phee" MacPhee is a young eighteen year old girl and she inherits her grandfather's luthier business. As he's dying he has her promise to make sure Braden Healey, a young man he sold a cello to when she was young, play the cello or else a curse would cause terrible things to happen. Braden has a "contract between him and the cello, an idiot piece of paper he'd signed when he was still a child-rambling on about a curse that would befall him if he didn't play."
Braden Healey has a secret even he doesn't remember after a terrible accident. He can no longer play the cello because of the injury to his hands. He loved the cello and it was a part of him. He has a daughter, Allie, who loves the cello herself but life is turning tragic, her father has left her family when she needed him and now she is finding acceptance in all the wrong people, places and things. She's rebelling and wants her father only until she's "of age" and can be on her own.
The cello....it speaks, lures, draws these people to herself. It's like she has life, a soul. and the characters depend on her to breathe. Phee, Braden and Allie each have a connection to the cello in their own unique and intimate ways. How can these people find healing for all the hurts they have endured? Is it possible for the cello to mend the brokenness and pieces they each find their lives in?
This book looks at some very difficult subjects that cause divisions and hurt in families. Kerry Anne King addresses these issues in a sensitive and compassionate approach through the characters. It's a story about accepting mistakes, forgiveness of themselves and each other, supporting through love and devotion, and one of never giving up. Through hardships and addictions, loss of trust and forgiveness, fear of failure and then finding love, this book took me on the emotional "concert" of the character's journey. I felt that if I closed my eyes and just listened, I would hear the cello calling along with Phee, Braden and Allie. This book is marvelously and beautifully written. The passages are musical artwork in written words. Music penetrates deeply and so does love. This is found in "Everything You Are" written by the very talented story creator, Kerry Anne King. I highly recommend this book!
The characters in this book are complicated but ones I found I connected to. Ophelia "Phee" MacPhee is a young eighteen year old girl and she inherits her grandfather's luthier business. As he's dying he has her promise to make sure Braden Healey, a young man he sold a cello to when she was young, play the cello or else a curse would cause terrible things to happen. Braden has a "contract between him and the cello, an idiot piece of paper he'd signed when he was still a child-rambling on about a curse that would befall him if he didn't play."
Braden Healey has a secret even he doesn't remember after a terrible accident. He can no longer play the cello because of the injury to his hands. He loved the cello and it was a part of him. He has a daughter, Allie, who loves the cello herself but life is turning tragic, her father has left her family when she needed him and now she is finding acceptance in all the wrong people, places and things. She's rebelling and wants her father only until she's "of age" and can be on her own.
The cello....it speaks, lures, draws these people to herself. It's like she has life, a soul. and the characters depend on her to breathe. Phee, Braden and Allie each have a connection to the cello in their own unique and intimate ways. How can these people find healing for all the hurts they have endured? Is it possible for the cello to mend the brokenness and pieces they each find their lives in?
This book looks at some very difficult subjects that cause divisions and hurt in families. Kerry Anne King addresses these issues in a sensitive and compassionate approach through the characters. It's a story about accepting mistakes, forgiveness of themselves and each other, supporting through love and devotion, and one of never giving up. Through hardships and addictions, loss of trust and forgiveness, fear of failure and then finding love, this book took me on the emotional "concert" of the character's journey. I felt that if I closed my eyes and just listened, I would hear the cello calling along with Phee, Braden and Allie. This book is marvelously and beautifully written. The passages are musical artwork in written words. Music penetrates deeply and so does love. This is found in "Everything You Are" written by the very talented story creator, Kerry Anne King. I highly recommend this book!
August 22, 2019
Ophelia (Phee) MacPhee has received an amazing gift from her granddad for her eighteenth birthday. He has gifted her his business, MacPhee Fine Instruments. She is amazed he has chosen her to carry on the family business and is delighted at the opportunity. What she does not realize is that there is a lot more to this gift than what first meets the eye!
Braden Healey is an amazing cellist, but has fallen on hard times and has not played for years. His ex wife and son are killed in a tragic accident leaving his daughter Allie needing her dad, who she has not seen in eleven years, now more than ever. Ahhh if it were only that easy!
Allie is a tough, stubborn, angry, grieving seventeen-year-old. She is far from willing to accept her dad back into her life with open arms. I can’t really blame her, imagine your father making a sudden appearance back into your life after over a decade. That would be difficult for just about anyone!
Allie and Braden are two lost souls, both denying their common bond – the cello. The cello needs them, just as much as they need it. Braden has his personal demons waiting at the bottom of a bottle. He desperately does not want to drink, but it is so much easier than facing real life. Allie is heading down a very dangerous path, with a boy who does not have her best interest at heart. They both desperately need to turn their lives around before it is too late!
This is a beautifully written story about love, loss, and the music within!
For all of my reviews - www.readingbetweenthepagesblog.wordpr...
Braden Healey is an amazing cellist, but has fallen on hard times and has not played for years. His ex wife and son are killed in a tragic accident leaving his daughter Allie needing her dad, who she has not seen in eleven years, now more than ever. Ahhh if it were only that easy!
Allie is a tough, stubborn, angry, grieving seventeen-year-old. She is far from willing to accept her dad back into her life with open arms. I can’t really blame her, imagine your father making a sudden appearance back into your life after over a decade. That would be difficult for just about anyone!
Allie and Braden are two lost souls, both denying their common bond – the cello. The cello needs them, just as much as they need it. Braden has his personal demons waiting at the bottom of a bottle. He desperately does not want to drink, but it is so much easier than facing real life. Allie is heading down a very dangerous path, with a boy who does not have her best interest at heart. They both desperately need to turn their lives around before it is too late!
This is a beautifully written story about love, loss, and the music within!
For all of my reviews - www.readingbetweenthepagesblog.wordpr...
September 20, 2019
-DESCRIPTION-
Braden is a cellist that is desperately attempting to deal with the fate of losing loved ones to a car accident, his relationship with his daughter, the use of his hands being ripped away.
-THOUGHTS-
1. This book will spark your interest and hold it throughout the book. King's writing has a wonderful flow and you won't be able to stop turning the pages.
2. I love characters that I can relate to. Ones that are flawed and perfectly imperfect. Every Thing You Are doesn't disappoint when it comes to relatable and realistic characters.
3. If you're a music lover...and who isn't?...then this book is for you!
-SIMILAR RECOMMENDED READS-
Ask Again, Yes
Daisy Jones & the Six
The Silver Star
Braden is a cellist that is desperately attempting to deal with the fate of losing loved ones to a car accident, his relationship with his daughter, the use of his hands being ripped away.
-THOUGHTS-
1. This book will spark your interest and hold it throughout the book. King's writing has a wonderful flow and you won't be able to stop turning the pages.
2. I love characters that I can relate to. Ones that are flawed and perfectly imperfect. Every Thing You Are doesn't disappoint when it comes to relatable and realistic characters.
3. If you're a music lover...and who isn't?...then this book is for you!
-SIMILAR RECOMMENDED READS-
Ask Again, Yes
Daisy Jones & the Six
The Silver Star
September 17, 2019
I really loved this book. I took it as a Prime offering, and had no idea what it was about. It's very different. Filled with imaginative characters, music, a supposed curse... and magic. Don't miss this one. 4.5 stars.
September 6, 2019
An Amazon first read freebie. A light easy quick read. A little bit of magic. A little bit of mystery. A little bit of romance. A little bit of teenage angst. A little bit of alcoholism. A little bit of too many things, fairly predictable.
September 23, 2019
Reads fast and like a YA with a forced premise. Picks up at the end, but really not worth the time.
October 6, 2019
Everything You Are was such a beautiful and emotional read! I really enjoyed this book. This was my first read by Kerry Ann king but will not be my last. My heart broke multiple times in this book but the characters are so well developed and you can’t help but get so emotionally invested in this story. Thank you so much to Suzy approved book tours and amazing for the arc!
4 stars!!
4 stars!!
November 3, 2019
Wow this book is absolutely incredible. Read it!!
September 16, 2019
I loved this book. It's nice for a while to believe in magic!
This is about a magic Cello and the relationship with its owner, Braden, who has played it since he was 12.. He has a signed agreement he will take care of it and play it until his death. There is a curse for not holding up this contract. Now, Braden, after a fulfilling family life and career, has injured his hands and can no longer play his beautiful cello. His world implodes. Can it truly be from the curse? Ophelia McPhees believes in the curse. She inherited the business from her grandfather that was in charge of keeping track of these very special instruments. Now her job will be to convince Braden into picking up the instrument and playing again so he can lift the curse. Little did she know she would fall for him in the process!
What a beautifully written book. I love when a book draws me in and envelops me. The characters were charming and flawed and heart breaking....right down to the cello who seemed to be its own character!if you like books about magic and music and faith and love, this is a must read! 5 stars!
This is about a magic Cello and the relationship with its owner, Braden, who has played it since he was 12.. He has a signed agreement he will take care of it and play it until his death. There is a curse for not holding up this contract. Now, Braden, after a fulfilling family life and career, has injured his hands and can no longer play his beautiful cello. His world implodes. Can it truly be from the curse? Ophelia McPhees believes in the curse. She inherited the business from her grandfather that was in charge of keeping track of these very special instruments. Now her job will be to convince Braden into picking up the instrument and playing again so he can lift the curse. Little did she know she would fall for him in the process!
What a beautifully written book. I love when a book draws me in and envelops me. The characters were charming and flawed and heart breaking....right down to the cello who seemed to be its own character!if you like books about magic and music and faith and love, this is a must read! 5 stars!
September 7, 2019
Another beautifully told tale by Kerry Anne King, one that weaves difficult issues with a bit of lore. Love, loss, tragedy and triumph come together in a story that you won't forget! King has mastered the art of writing contemporary fiction that has a deeper element - often something related to music. Put her on your TBR list!
October 1, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and it’s storyline so much I find any words I write will not be good enough! Each character And the story line was so relatable and truly things that happen to us that change our lives forever. This book was filled with so many emotions I could not put it down. I was on the edge of my seat and at times I. Tears! I was routing for all these characters to find the light in the darkness that comes with grief, anger, sadness and the fight to live again for so many of these characters!! The pure passion and emotion in this amazing book says a lot for this author and I will look forward to any thing of her books I have yet to read!!! Loved this tear jerker!!! A must read!!!
September 1, 2019
Bravo! Kerry Anne King, Author of "Everything You Are" has orchestrated such an intense, captivating, fascinating, unique, emotional, symbolic and thought-provoking and suspenseful novel. The Genres for this novel are Fiction, Magical Realism, Fantasy, Folklore with a Musical Background. The timeline for this story is in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the events or characters in the story. The author has vividly described her setting and characters leading to a certain pattern. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex, complicated, flawed and stressed.
Can you imagine a musical instrument choosing YOU to caress it, take care of it, and play it? Phee MacPhee has not only inherited her Grandfather's Musical shop, but also some dark secrets and unusual promises. Phee's grandfather claims that he re-built many instruments after World War Two, and they consist of terrible memories during that time. The instruments have a soul, just as music has a soul. It is Phee's job to ensure that certain people who did sign a contract for an instrument continue to play it, or there could be a devastating effect.
Braden Healey was chosen by a cello from Phee's grandfather shop. Braden had a successful musical career until there was a terrible accident. Braden claims he can't play the cello anymore. His daughter Allie now plays it. Unfortunately, tragedy occurs, where Phee has to find Braden immediately.
Kerry Anne's vivid descriptions remind me of "Peter and the Wolf",(Serge Prokofiev) where the instruments tell a story. I can almost choose an instrument for each character, in this story. There is such a magical and mystical feel to this story. There is so much symbolism in this story!!
Kerry Anne King describes the importance of facing your problems, seeking help, the importance of family, friends, forgiveness, communication, love, and hope. I highly recommend this thought-provoking story.
Can you imagine a musical instrument choosing YOU to caress it, take care of it, and play it? Phee MacPhee has not only inherited her Grandfather's Musical shop, but also some dark secrets and unusual promises. Phee's grandfather claims that he re-built many instruments after World War Two, and they consist of terrible memories during that time. The instruments have a soul, just as music has a soul. It is Phee's job to ensure that certain people who did sign a contract for an instrument continue to play it, or there could be a devastating effect.
Braden Healey was chosen by a cello from Phee's grandfather shop. Braden had a successful musical career until there was a terrible accident. Braden claims he can't play the cello anymore. His daughter Allie now plays it. Unfortunately, tragedy occurs, where Phee has to find Braden immediately.
Kerry Anne's vivid descriptions remind me of "Peter and the Wolf",(Serge Prokofiev) where the instruments tell a story. I can almost choose an instrument for each character, in this story. There is such a magical and mystical feel to this story. There is so much symbolism in this story!!
Kerry Anne King describes the importance of facing your problems, seeking help, the importance of family, friends, forgiveness, communication, love, and hope. I highly recommend this thought-provoking story.
April 17, 2021
There was a point in my reading that I was going to give this 3 stars. But at around the half-way point it quickly went down hill.
1. Phee is obnoxious. Like overwhelming obnoxious. So obnoxious I was hoping her and Braden would NOT get together in the end. Who the fuck goes to a grieving family to say "hey this is happening because yoi stopped playing the cello and you need to start back up again right now or it will get worse"? Phee. Phee does.
2. Ophelia "Phee" McPhee... okay....
3. What was with that weird shoehorning of the holocaust? It really had no place and no significance to the story. It just seemed like it was there to make the instruments look like this great wonderful thing. Look at the McPhees bringing life back to instruments smashed by Nazis. And it's mentioned only twice maybe? If you were going to do that at least make it meaningful.
4. The only way that Phee and Braden getting together could be made into something to root for or make Phee any bit appealing was to make Braden's ex-wife worse and worse as the book went on. God forbid their failed relationship be both of their faults.
5. Majority of the time a pill cocktail like that is a cry for help and as someone who has been there I didn't like the way it was portrayed.
6. Allie had no agency. Some bad boy comes and tells her he wants to die with her and she really doesn't think it over. She says to give her a week to think on it and the next second she just says sure. Then at the next turn she decides she doesn't want to die because he lied to her.... seriously I would rather watch 13 reasons why.
7. There's nothing wrong with psych wards and from this book it seems like Kerry doesn't feel like very real mental health issues can be worked through with professionals. Only the power of love, friendship, and cellos.
8. I really hated this book. I would rather read Leave the World Behind once a month every month for the rest of my life (: At least I had good points for that one
1. Phee is obnoxious. Like overwhelming obnoxious. So obnoxious I was hoping her and Braden would NOT get together in the end. Who the fuck goes to a grieving family to say "hey this is happening because yoi stopped playing the cello and you need to start back up again right now or it will get worse"? Phee. Phee does.
2. Ophelia "Phee" McPhee... okay....
3. What was with that weird shoehorning of the holocaust? It really had no place and no significance to the story. It just seemed like it was there to make the instruments look like this great wonderful thing. Look at the McPhees bringing life back to instruments smashed by Nazis. And it's mentioned only twice maybe? If you were going to do that at least make it meaningful.
4. The only way that Phee and Braden getting together could be made into something to root for or make Phee any bit appealing was to make Braden's ex-wife worse and worse as the book went on. God forbid their failed relationship be both of their faults.
5. Majority of the time a pill cocktail like that is a cry for help and as someone who has been there I didn't like the way it was portrayed.
6. Allie had no agency. Some bad boy comes and tells her he wants to die with her and she really doesn't think it over. She says to give her a week to think on it and the next second she just says sure. Then at the next turn she decides she doesn't want to die because he lied to her.... seriously I would rather watch 13 reasons why.
7. There's nothing wrong with psych wards and from this book it seems like Kerry doesn't feel like very real mental health issues can be worked through with professionals. Only the power of love, friendship, and cellos.
8. I really hated this book. I would rather read Leave the World Behind once a month every month for the rest of my life (: At least I had good points for that one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2020
I just finished reading Every Thing You Are and I am contemplating how I feel about it. My first thought: What a compelling, unexpected and complicated story that I was totally blown away with. So much going on within the story....love, healing, courage, family struggles and alcoholism. Learning to find forgiveness in our failures and remembering the importance of our family.
I don’t like to leave spoilers in my reviews. I recommend you take the time to read this book. The storyline is very unique with just the right about of magic thrown in.
Kerry Anne King is a new author to me. I am looking forward to reading more books written by her.
I don’t like to leave spoilers in my reviews. I recommend you take the time to read this book. The storyline is very unique with just the right about of magic thrown in.
Kerry Anne King is a new author to me. I am looking forward to reading more books written by her.
November 13, 2019
I read this book for the ATY 2019 Reading Challenge Week 45: A multi-generational saga.
Due to the supernatural aspect of this novel, I enjoyed it and wanted to read it quickly. Who wouldn't want to read about musical instruments with souls and feelings? After all, why did these instruments need special ownership contracts? However, I would have wanted to know more, but that was all there was. A little disappointing in that regard.
Due to the supernatural aspect of this novel, I enjoyed it and wanted to read it quickly. Who wouldn't want to read about musical instruments with souls and feelings? After all, why did these instruments need special ownership contracts? However, I would have wanted to know more, but that was all there was. A little disappointing in that regard.
September 30, 2019
Everything You Are
Kerry Anne King
Lake Union Pub, Oct 1, 2019
331 pages
Women’s Lit, Adult Lit, Contemporary Fiction
Amazon Early Releases
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover is lovely and makes me think of the bouquet of flowers that Phee shows up with when all the other flowers are formal funeral arrangements. Her flowers are bright and cheerful. Phee is always a bit different. I like the touch of the marks that are used on either side of the words “a novel” that look like fs. These same markings are found on musical instruments, such as cellos, which play such a major role in the story.
The story is amazing. I realized that it was being released tomorrow and had stopped at 80% last night when I went to bed. So I finished reading it this morning and sat down to write this review immediately. I want this posted before the book is released so you all know just how wonderful this book is. It’s one of those that will make you cry in places and make you want to shake people at times or maybe give them a good swift kick in the butt. Or at least a good talking to.
Phee is the character that the story starts out with and she is the one who holds it all in place until the end when it swings back to her. But the active story seems to really focus on Braden Healey, a gifted cellist with damaged hands, and his 17-year-old daughter, Allie, also a gifted cellist. Braden and his now late wife were estranged for 11 years while he was an alcoholic, amnesiac, and living totally away from all of his family and friends. Allie was taking cello lessons her father was providing funds for while her mother was trying to get her into pre-med school and keep her life strictly regimented. Phee was maintaining the cello as was called for in the life-long contract Braden had signed at the age of ten with Phee’s grandfather. And this is where the magic part comes in…
Yes, I said magic. The cello has a soul which Braden feels when he plays the cello. Phee feels the soul of the cello as well. She was there in the shop the day he signed the contract, and somehow she got caught up in the loop of magic. She has been in love with Braden and his cello ever since. Even for the eleven years when he was among the missing, or unknown, when he was away from the cello not playing. Allie also feels the soul of the cello now that she plays it.
I don’t want to give away any more of this beautiful story of forgiveness and love. I can’t recommend it highly enough for those of you who enjoy such tales. Damaged people helping people, finding forgiveness and finding resolution, finding love. I definitely give this one five stars and highly recommend it. This is an author I’d like to read more of. Thank you, Amazon for offering this book as an Early Release this month.
Kerry Anne King
Lake Union Pub, Oct 1, 2019
331 pages
Women’s Lit, Adult Lit, Contemporary Fiction
Amazon Early Releases
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover is lovely and makes me think of the bouquet of flowers that Phee shows up with when all the other flowers are formal funeral arrangements. Her flowers are bright and cheerful. Phee is always a bit different. I like the touch of the marks that are used on either side of the words “a novel” that look like fs. These same markings are found on musical instruments, such as cellos, which play such a major role in the story.
The story is amazing. I realized that it was being released tomorrow and had stopped at 80% last night when I went to bed. So I finished reading it this morning and sat down to write this review immediately. I want this posted before the book is released so you all know just how wonderful this book is. It’s one of those that will make you cry in places and make you want to shake people at times or maybe give them a good swift kick in the butt. Or at least a good talking to.
Phee is the character that the story starts out with and she is the one who holds it all in place until the end when it swings back to her. But the active story seems to really focus on Braden Healey, a gifted cellist with damaged hands, and his 17-year-old daughter, Allie, also a gifted cellist. Braden and his now late wife were estranged for 11 years while he was an alcoholic, amnesiac, and living totally away from all of his family and friends. Allie was taking cello lessons her father was providing funds for while her mother was trying to get her into pre-med school and keep her life strictly regimented. Phee was maintaining the cello as was called for in the life-long contract Braden had signed at the age of ten with Phee’s grandfather. And this is where the magic part comes in…
Yes, I said magic. The cello has a soul which Braden feels when he plays the cello. Phee feels the soul of the cello as well. She was there in the shop the day he signed the contract, and somehow she got caught up in the loop of magic. She has been in love with Braden and his cello ever since. Even for the eleven years when he was among the missing, or unknown, when he was away from the cello not playing. Allie also feels the soul of the cello now that she plays it.
I don’t want to give away any more of this beautiful story of forgiveness and love. I can’t recommend it highly enough for those of you who enjoy such tales. Damaged people helping people, finding forgiveness and finding resolution, finding love. I definitely give this one five stars and highly recommend it. This is an author I’d like to read more of. Thank you, Amazon for offering this book as an Early Release this month.
October 16, 2019
Great Story that keep me you guessing to the very end.
This story had me rooting for Braden and Allie to fix their relationship. Just when you think it is going to turn for the better something else happens and you have to continue reading.
I love this story of betrayal,family drama and mystery!
This story had me rooting for Braden and Allie to fix their relationship. Just when you think it is going to turn for the better something else happens and you have to continue reading.
I love this story of betrayal,family drama and mystery!
March 20, 2020
Toward the end the plot went downhill in my opinion, but I loved the magic feeling of this book. I could almost hear the cello playing.
October 10, 2019
- Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review -
2.5 stars.
An utterly unpredictable story, with unimaginable twists, “Everything You Are”, by Kerry Anne King (Lake Union Publishing), features a wounded hero and revolves around a cello’s strange tale and curse.
With his damaged hands and his musical career and life in shambles, Braden could be an amazing wounded, tortured hero, but his personal quests and afflictions take a back seat to the plot’s twists and turns.
Various serious conditions/subjects affecting the characters are presented without that much depth, the dialogue sounds a bit artificial sometimes and, in general, the characters are hard to care about.
It was a mildly enjoyable and quite melodramatic read. I felt like a disinterested spectator of the characters’ tragedies. Not the right book for me, others might enjoy it more.
2.5 stars.
An utterly unpredictable story, with unimaginable twists, “Everything You Are”, by Kerry Anne King (Lake Union Publishing), features a wounded hero and revolves around a cello’s strange tale and curse.
With his damaged hands and his musical career and life in shambles, Braden could be an amazing wounded, tortured hero, but his personal quests and afflictions take a back seat to the plot’s twists and turns.
Various serious conditions/subjects affecting the characters are presented without that much depth, the dialogue sounds a bit artificial sometimes and, in general, the characters are hard to care about.
It was a mildly enjoyable and quite melodramatic read. I felt like a disinterested spectator of the characters’ tragedies. Not the right book for me, others might enjoy it more.
August 1, 2019
What a beautifully written book. The words just drew me in and I was soon lost in the story. At eighteen Ophelia McPhees inherits her grandfathers Luthier business. This business has been passed down through several generations. When she inherits it comes with the a very different task a task that has her keeping track of some very “special” instruments that musicians have signed an oath to always play. When a tragic accident leaves Bradley Healey a famous cellist unable to play his cello, a cello he purchased from Ophelia’s grandfather when he was only ten years old, he feels like his life has fallen apart. He’s no longer in communication with his wife and two children, he’s drinking and basically living homeless. Fast forward eleven years later a tragedy strikes again his wife and son have died in a car accident and now his daughter whose seventeen years old needs him. He moves back to his families home and attempts to rebuild a relationship with his daughter. Ophelia feels like Bradley is cursed and if he plays again the curse will be lifted and so she attempts to convince him that he must try to play. This book dives into magic and music and how there is always a special relationship with a musician and their instrument. I really enjoyed this book I give this four stars!
September 24, 2019
This is honestly the first time I have given a kindle first read 5 stars, but oh how deserved these stars are. This book was not only beautiful and heartbreaking, but honest and relatable. The writing is phenomenal, the characters were real and flawed, and the story itself enraptured me from the very beginning. I will admit that I am usually less inclined to love contemporary fiction and just find it mildly entertaining and "fine" at best. This novel had me setting aside others, counting the minutes until my children were asleep so that I could continue reading and just generally feeling like I was a part of their world.
Absolutely breath-taking.
Absolutely breath-taking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 880 reviews