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!

A wonderfully written book of love, guilt, and redemption. It's the story of a father who suffers from ptsd, abandons his family, and sinks into alcoholism. When a tragedy reunites him with his teenage daughter, his attempts to reconnect are stymied by her pain and resentment.

In the midst of all this angst is a curse put on the family by, believe or not, a cello. Yes, odd as it may seem, this musical instrument was an almost human character in the story. But don't let that dissuade you from trying this book. The author is a beautiful writer. I really appreciated how easy it was to read. She displayed the thoughts and emotions of each character without an excess of words.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review.

“Everything You Are" by Kerry Anne King is an interesting novel that is parts mystery/suspense and part fantasy. Phee has turned eighteen and discovers that she is taking over her grandfather’s business, which includes inheriting many of the superstitions and curses that apparently accompany certain stringed instruments. Each instrument has a soul and only the right person can be entrusted with caring for it. One of Phee’s responsibilities is to make sure that certain people who did sign a contract for an instrument continue to play it, or there could be a devastating effect.

Phee’s grandfather sold Braden his cello. Though he had a lucrative career, he is unable to play and lives in an alcoholic haze. Because his ex-wife and son were killed in an accident, he returns home to mend the estranged relationship he has with his daughter, Allie. One of Phee’s responsibilities is to reunite Braden with his cello and make sure he plays again.

King expertly moves the reader through the different point of views and plot lines, the latter of which is peppered with plenty of folklore. Yet, King also addresses more realistic topics such as infidelity and forgiveness. The author did a fair job is developing the majority of the characters (especially Phee); I cared enough about them to keep reading. This is the first novel I have read by King, but I am eager to now go through her previous works.

If you are looking to read something different, I highly recommend this book. I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy.

Wonderful book. Everything You Are by Kerry Ann King is a story of a horrible accident that leaves one person dead and one person with neuropathy from frostbite in his hands. Braden Healey's life is disrupted when he loses the ability to play his cello and must give up his career as a cellist. This accident shatters his family. Even though Braden can't remember the accident he blames himself. He starts drinking heavily. Fast forward eleven years. Braden's ex-wife and son are killed in an auto accident and his older daughter Allie needs him. At least she does for 6 more months. Then there is Phee or Ophelia McPhee. She is a luthier. Her grandfather has made a cello which is now owned by Braden. But Phee thinks that cello carries a curse and must be played by Braden or something bad will happen. There is a lot of tragedy, sorrow and hurt in this book but thanks to Phee and the cello there is magic and happiness as well. I would highly recommend it.

I was so pleased when NetGalley, the author and the publisher allowed me the opportunity to read this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My favorite character is Phee, she is the positive light in this story. I loved the Angels and their mind set for new adventures. The magic/curse of the instruments, even though it was folklore, was easy to believe, and the intervention was the only situation where I felt it may have been a little bit over the top.
This is a heartfelt story describing the feelings and after effects of loss and heartache of losing loved ones. I did find the relationship between Allie and her boyfriend very unsettling, all because the author has a way of describing it so well. I would highly recommend this tale. There is a bit of fowl language but I did not find it ruined the story.
This story has magic, mystery, love, loss, humor, great characters and a good dog.
I was given the opportunity to receive this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This one gets a high 5*****’s.

-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!

-RATING-
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I highly recommend this book!

-SIMILAR RECOMMENDED READS-
Ask Again, Yes
Daisy Jones & the Six
The Silver Star

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.
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, truly enjoyable characters and just a wonderful read.
Kerry Anne King is a new author to me. I am looking forward to reading more books written by her.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I can't say enough good things about Every Thing You Are. The characters are wonderful and I really cared what happened to them. The cello - it was a character all on its own and what a great addition it made to this great book.

Phee was fantastic as was her dog and the smile I got on my face every time the dog had to get into the little VW. The story of Braden and Allie finding their way back to each other was heartwarming and I rooted for them the entire time.

If you enjoy women's fiction, a light touch of paranormal or just a darn good story, this is the book for you.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for granting an ARC at my request. Thoughts in this review are my own.

A story about music and love. Can you have one without the other? Can you have them both? The cello...the problem for Braden, his love for it but his wife’s hatred towards it. Phee, the one trying to help everyone due to the oath she swore by. I loved these characters and felt what they were going through. Allie, Braden’s daughter rebelling after the death of her mom and brother was a tough one but yet longing for her estranged father. I truly felt for her and cringed as I read her spiraling out and hoped that she’d find a way back. Great story about finding forgiveness and redemption....taking those second chances when bring presented with one.

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.

I never read anything by Kerry Anne King. Now I’m officially a fan. This novel had everything anyone could want and more. I’m a musician and music lover and I adored this story.

Beautiful story about a man with a gift of music, that is taken from him after a terrible accident. The accident he can't even fully remember. The death of his son and estranged wife sets a rocky course for the relationship with his equally talented and troubled daughter. A bit of lore, magic and mystery brings the daughter and father back together after facing their past and how only they can fix their future.

Everything You Are is a fantastic read! The characters are real and relatable, making mistakes you want to scream at them for but trying for redemption as well. I love the intrigue of the cello and that she is just as much a main character as any of the humans. The author does a phenomenal job pulling you in to the story- her words are haunting and lyrical and it’s just a well written story.

Can A Story About Music Pack a Punch? Because this one does. This is the story of a musician who truly lives for his music, his daughter who inherits his passion, the luthier that maintains the cello they love... and the mystical cello itself that seems to have a soul of its own. It is a story of lost virginity and teenage suicidal tendencies and death - lots and lots of death, and all of its fallout on the living. It is a story of alcoholism, with some strong commentary about the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous and an idea that just might work a bit better. And it is a story of the love that connects it all, that consumes it all. That makes you give... every thing you are. Very much recommended.

Music, family, and forgiveness are at the heart of this novel. The characters are well-written and flawed; the storyline was unusual and tinged with magical realism. There was so much more to this novel, touching on alcoholism, suicide, grief, and how they came together. The magic of the music and the story, as well as curiosity about the cello and the curse, will keep you turning pages. I loved these characters, and my heart broke for Allie and all she was going through. The quirkiness of the secondary characters and the way they integrated into the story was expertly done.
This is a beautiful novel that will give you all the feels. This was my first novel by Kerry Anne King and it did not disappoint.
#EverythingYouAre #KerryAnneKing #LakeUnionPublishing #NetGalley

A cast of intriguing characters, a touch of magic, and musical mystery, and the gritty truth of human beings coping with life and all its challenges. A winning combination.

Everything You Are is a perfect blend of family relationships, addiction, tragedy and a touch of magic. I was pulled into the story from the first page and had a hard time putting it down. I can't wait to read Kerry Anne King's next one!

A very haunting and inspirational book with a touch of magic thrown in. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and kept turning the pages to see what would happen next. I strongly recommend this 5 star book by a wonderful author.
Thank you to Kerry Anne King, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for granting me an arc at my request. All thoughts on this review are my own and are voluntary.

In my opinion, Kerry Anne King did a great job with this book! I thought it was a very unique plot (possibly cursed musical instruments?!) and I really enjoyed the characters. The author did a great job painting a picture of the anguished former cellist, Braden, and the mysterious luthier, Phee. The story kept my attention throughout and completely surprised me toward the end.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

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.