Melissa S. Harkin
Brazilian-American author — prose, paws, and pinot
Melissa S. Harkin
Brazilian-American author — prose, paws, and pinot
About Melissa S. Harkin
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:365,h:365,cg:true)
📖 Exciting Announcement: I wrote a book! 📖
📖 Exciting Announcement: I wrote a book! 📖
📖 Exciting Announcement: I wrote a book! 📖
[Currently querying] - Last update: Aug 2024.
Author’s Note
Melanie’s character development, particularly her experience with domestic violence, is based on my own journey as a survivor of physical, psychological, and financial abuse. However, the story isn’t centered on the abuse itself but rather on the aftermath—the challenges of embra
[Currently querying] - Last update: Aug 2024.
Author’s Note
Melanie’s character development, particularly her experience with domestic violence, is based on my own journey as a survivor of physical, psychological, and financial abuse. However, the story isn’t centered on the abuse itself but rather on the aftermath—the challenges of embracing new love and second chances while navigating the trauma, fear, and hesitations that linger. It explores the unique perspective that survivors have of themselves post-abuse and the complex process of learning to trust, love, and accept love again. Henry embodies the qualities of the men who have supported me in my healing, including my husband, while Noah reflects the gifted and insightful nature of my 9-year-old son, who has been aware of the struggles I’ve faced.
Hook
After enduring an abusive first marriage and losing her second husband—Major James E. Cooper, who was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Army, Melanie Cooper, a JAG officer in the Army and mother to a gifted 10-year-old son, Noah, must navigate a new chance at love with a childhood friend while overcoming grief, past trauma, intimacy challenges, and trust issues.
Synopsis
What If follows the journey of Melanie Cooper, a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the U.S. Army, as she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and healing. After enduring an abusive first marriage, Melanie found solace and a sense of control in the structure and predictability of military life. She fell in love again with James, a fellow military officer, but her world was shattered when he was killed in action.
A year after James's death, Melanie reconnects with Henry, a childhood friend she secretly loved but never confessed her feelings to. Unbeknownst to her, Henry also harbored the same feelings. As they rekindle their bond, Melanie must confront her fears, trauma, and hesitations. Henry, with his loving and kind nature, helps Melanie navigate her journey to trust again through their deepening intimacy, making her feel cherished and desired.
However, their path to happiness is fraught with challenges. Melanie's 10-year-old son, Noah, adds another layer of complexity to their evolving relationship. Although Henry never wanted children, Noah quickly wins his heart, enriching the narrative with their budding connection. Additionally, Lisa, an antagonist readers will love to hate, brings tension and obstacles that test Melanie and Henry's relationship. Adding to Melanie's support system is her best friend, Kelly, a force of nature who provides unwavering support, humor, and practical advice.
The supporting characters are diverse, reflecting the vibrant, multifaceted fabric that makes the U.S. so unique and beautiful. This diversity adds depth and authenticity to the story, enhancing the reader's connection to the narrative and the characters. The story also touches on grief from a child’s perspective and gradually conveys the experiences of women in the military across the series.
Told in a dual narrative by Melanie and Henry, What If skillfully shifts points of view, maintaining a dynamic pace and natural dialogue. The story avoids “data dumping” by gradually revealing descriptions through the characters’ experiences, creating a rich, textured narrative that feels like real life. The supporting characters are fully developed, adding depth and humor to the story.
As Melanie and Henry navigate their journey together, they undergo a process of emotional discovery and deepening affection. The stakes are high, and the decisions they make will determine whether they can overcome their pasts and find a long-awaited happy ending. What If offers readers a compelling, believable love story with positive, healthy fantasies that resonate deeply with fans of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:365,h:365,cg:true)
Bio
📖 Exciting Announcement: I wrote a book! 📖
📖 Exciting Announcement: I wrote a book! 📖
Latina at heart and soul, I'm a Brazilian-American translator of Italian descent with over 20 years of experience, and I have honed my storytelling skills across multiple languages and cultures as well as various types of content. I’m certified by the American Translators Association, and I was featured in the 2023 MultiLingual Magazine “
Latina at heart and soul, I'm a Brazilian-American translator of Italian descent with over 20 years of experience, and I have honed my storytelling skills across multiple languages and cultures as well as various types of content. I’m certified by the American Translators Association, and I was featured in the 2023 MultiLingual Magazine “Top 30 Women in Translation.” Additionally, my experience as a Language Specialist for the U.S. Department of Defense, allocated to the U.S. Army in Fort Leavenworth, has given me deep familiarity with the U.S. military. There, I had the opportunity to meet strong and amazing women with similar and very powerful love and resilience stories. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Translation Studies and hold a Law degree (LL.B.) and an MBA.