Part-memoir and part-love letter, Playing My Heart Out is a lighthearted, intimate look at the world of handbells and the ringers who geek out over them. From the first story of the unlikely way the author discovered this unique art to the satisfying to-be-continued conclusion, Hillary Marotta shares funny and heart-tugging stories of the adventures and emotions handbells have led her through, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way.

But this is not just a book for handbell aficionados. This is for anyone who has ever yearned to engage but has been put off by fear, lack of time or disconnection from the soul-singing feeling pursuing a passion brings. Marotta offers her vision of the full and joyful heart we experience when we’re engaged in our passions, whatever they may be. Her invitation is simple, inspiring, and clear: Find the thing you love, make time for it in your life, and watch your joy multiply.

"A gift to our handbell community, the musical world at large, and to anyone who wants a peek behind the curtain at what drives passionate musicianship. Just wow!” – Brian Childers, Director of Handbells, Children and Youth Music, Myers Park UMC, author of Ringing Deeply, Devotions for Bell Ringers