Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko
Book Description: (From Publisher)
An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart? Bath, England—1810 At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician. In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal. But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick. Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul. Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .
My Review:
The regency period is one of my favorite times to read about. This book left me with shadows of reading one of my recent favorites from the time period, Blackmoore and maybe a much less depressing Jane Eyre. I loved the unique names in the book, and the mystery of the violin that is woven throughout the book. This book had it’s own unique flavor to it, with the characters being strong, yet showing weaknesses at the same time. They were closer to reality as much as you felt you could feel Alethea’s frustration with the young girl thrust into her care, yet could not fault her for it. I loved how the author wove in the taste of PTSD into the time period and how the country and society would have reacted to it.
I often think of how ignorance harmed many amazing men and women when I look back in history, especially when it came to mental health. This book lightly touches on this. The story is active, and will keep you turning the pages each step of the way, determined as Alethea to solve the mystery of the violin.
I found it interesting that in the last three or four books I have read, there have been a violin in the story! It must just be, that I am reading the right time period for the instrument.
I give this book a good 4 stars! It is one you will definitely want to check out!
This book was given to me for review by BookLook Bloggers. The thoughts contained herein are my own.
