Joëlle Anthony
J. M. Kelly
Restoring Harmony by Joëlle Anthony
Restoring Harmony is a riveting, fast-paced dystopian tale complete with adventure and romance that readers will devour.
Listen to the music from Restoring Harmony
Musicians Sarah Tradewell & Victor Anthony went into the studio to record the music from Restoring Harmony. I’m very excited to be able to share it with you here. Enjoy!
Handsome Molly
Handsome Molly‘s origins are in the British Isles, although it’s unclear whether its heritage is Irish or Scottish. It is a standard in the folk, old-time and bluegrass repertoires and has been recorded by everyone from Norman Blake to Mick Jagger.
Hard Times
Stephen Collins Foster was the American songwriter of the mid-nineteenth century and Hard Times is among his finest contributions to the canon. It is every bit as meaningful in 2010 as it was the day it was written (in 1854).
Brianna’s Reel
Unlike the traditional tunes featured in Restoring Harmony, the one Molly plays called Brianna’s Reel was pure fiction. At least until seventeen-year-old Canadian fiddler Sarah Tradewell turned it into a real tune, writing the music for it after reading about it in the book.
Reviews for Restoring Harmony
Adeptly combining adventure and romance, Anthony’s debut is a tense and often charming tale that never lets its use of the oh-so-trendy dystopian future trope overwhelm some great characters.
– Publisher’s Weekly
Anthony easily builds suspense and creates both an attractive personality for Molly and interesting characters to support her. Highly readable; very well done indeed. – Kirkus
Who knew a fiddling heroine could be so satisfying? This futuristic tale hits all the right notes. Anthony’s heroine is delightfully Canadian, charming and good tempered despite the obstacles in her path. – Romantic Times
Anthony delivers a plucky heroine with a musical gift, a taste of romance, and a family-values-based narrative about dealing with unexpected circumstances. – Booklist
A suspenseful and highly entertaining read that–despite the grim premise–is a surprisingly upbeat and hopeful look at the future. Read the whole thing here.
– School Library Journal
An odyssey played out at high and gripping speed with musical accompaniment. – John Rowe Townsend, author WRITTEN FOR CHILDREN, THE ISLANDERS
Molly is smart, plucky, and determined to do what must be done to fulfill her mission. – Voya
I will say what I feel in five words. This book was freaking awesome. – Princess Bookie
The bottom line: Someone has finally written a dystopian novel that I read and loved! – The Undercover Book Lover
Anthony’s books are pitched as fiction for young adults, but I wish there were more fiction written for every adult audience segment that is as satisfying a read as was Restoring Harmony.
Restoring Harmony will completely take your breath away…just like a beautiful, musical harmonic melody.
– The Bookologist
Study Guide for Restoring Harmony
For Teachers: I have created a flexible study guide to go with Restoring Harmony. It is designed to be used with grades 6-12 and includes an author Q&A and bio.
WARNING! If you have not read the book, but you read this study guide first, it will totally spoil the plot for you! So if that matters to you, don’t read this until after you’ve read Restoring Harmony.