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The Virtuoso
Ever since her emergence as a child prodigy Isabelle Bryant has only ever known one love - her violin. Then, aged 32, at the height of her career, the unthinkable happens. What do you do when everything depends on the dexterity of your fingers, only to lose them in a horrifying instant?
Devastated and vulnerable in the aftermath of her accident, Isabelle struggles to find new meaning in her life. Her perilous path of self-discovery leads her to Vienna, the historic city home of her musical hero, Beethoven; and into the arms of the man who will become her lover. As her personal journey progresses, she takes on new opportunities and has to face disturbing revelations, all of which have the power to make her or break her – all over again.
Devastated and vulnerable in the aftermath of her accident, Isabelle struggles to find new meaning in her life. Her perilous path of self-discovery leads her to Vienna, the historic city home of her musical hero, Beethoven; and into the arms of the man who will become her lover. As her personal journey progresses, she takes on new opportunities and has to face disturbing revelations, all of which have the power to make her or break her – all over again.
- GenresFiction
334 pages, ebook
First published December 15, 2014
3 people are currently reading
947 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Burges
2 books33 followersGinny is an author, speaker and blogger with wide ranging interests.
Her purpose as an author: To enrich the lives of readers by producing original and thought provoking fiction that engenders emotion, entertainment, imagination and inspiration.
She is passionate about the violin and classical music, art and culture, personal development, meditation, dance, travelling, sports and watching great films.
She has been referred to as a ‘drama queen’ due to her fondness for period dramas and the occasional melodramatic outburst.
An accomplished violinist with a background that includes playing in two amateur orchestras, her early career involved an executive position for Qantas Airways and extensive travel experience, before taking a leading role in a company specialising in Formula 1 and sports travel.
Now a mum of four, she is constantly learning on the journey of discovery that is parenthood, whilst working as a marketing consultant alongside her writing.
Ginny aims to bring flare and imagination to her writing, and in her debut novel, The Virtuoso, combines her passion for classical music with an intricate examination of relationships and the power of the human spirit.
Some comments on her debut novel: "Brilliant!" "A thoroughly good read," "I found your writing engaging, as you do write with real energy and imagination." "It made me cry."
Her purpose as an author: To enrich the lives of readers by producing original and thought provoking fiction that engenders emotion, entertainment, imagination and inspiration.
She is passionate about the violin and classical music, art and culture, personal development, meditation, dance, travelling, sports and watching great films.
She has been referred to as a ‘drama queen’ due to her fondness for period dramas and the occasional melodramatic outburst.
An accomplished violinist with a background that includes playing in two amateur orchestras, her early career involved an executive position for Qantas Airways and extensive travel experience, before taking a leading role in a company specialising in Formula 1 and sports travel.
Now a mum of four, she is constantly learning on the journey of discovery that is parenthood, whilst working as a marketing consultant alongside her writing.
Ginny aims to bring flare and imagination to her writing, and in her debut novel, The Virtuoso, combines her passion for classical music with an intricate examination of relationships and the power of the human spirit.
Some comments on her debut novel: "Brilliant!" "A thoroughly good read," "I found your writing engaging, as you do write with real energy and imagination." "It made me cry."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 11, 2015
(3.5) After a vicious attack ends her professional career as a violinist, Isabelle Bryant must find a new purpose in life that still incorporates her love of classical music. Burges has crafted a compelling story about how one woman turns tragedy into opportunity. (She has also been a classical violinist, so it is no surprise that she discusses music with loving familiarity.) Despite sobering elements, this is ultimately a heart-warming tale about starting again when life seems over.
See my full review at The Bookbag. (I also did an interview with the author.)
See my full review at The Bookbag. (I also did an interview with the author.)
April 28, 2015
Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.
This was a good and touching story. The cover is beautiful. I was surprised at the end of the book by how much I enjoyed it. It was one of those books that was hard to put down, but also; a book I didn't want to finish to fast. It was a great book. It was written well. Also, not too long. i would definitely re read this book in the future.
This was a good and touching story. The cover is beautiful. I was surprised at the end of the book by how much I enjoyed it. It was one of those books that was hard to put down, but also; a book I didn't want to finish to fast. It was a great book. It was written well. Also, not too long. i would definitely re read this book in the future.
November 7, 2015
I was given this book by goodreads for a fair and honest review. this is a wonderful tale of loss,hope and new beginnings. I recommend this book for everyone who has asked the question, what would you do if your whole life changed in an instant? hold on tight and enjoy the ride that is the virtuoso.
June 27, 2018
Exploring life, love, passion and pathos.
British author Virginia Burges makes an impressive literary debut with THE VIRTUOSO – a novel that embraces Virginia’s passion for music in that she is an accomplished violinist who has performed in amateur orchestras. Her background is in the travel industry as a sales representative for Quantas Airways (she is half Australian!) and as a writer and editor for Travel Places, a specialist travel company, who organise the travel for sports teams and individual competitors to international events ranging from Formula 1 to the Olympic Games. She also is a speaker for the Women’s Institute (Buckinghamshire Federation), addressing how to write fiction, the importance of a musical education and health and wellness.
Few authors could address the concept of the impact of music on life – especially the raise and fall of a virtuoso. But that is exactly what Virginia accomplishes in this fascinating novel that blends passion for music, the tragedy that impacts the life of a woman committed to being a violin virtuoso, and the discovery of love – an elevated state that has its pitfalls, too.
From page one throughout this book the quality of writing is masterful. Virginia opens not with a Prelude or Overture or Prologue, but instead with a direct confrontation with her main character. ‘A frisson of fear ran through Isabelle as she crouched down to place her violin carefully into its red velvet lined case. She stood, straightened her back and turned to see shiny, eager eyes trained on her. She didn’t regard her talent as an inspiration to others, not even musicians. She did, however, think of herself as very fortunate to have made a stellar career out of doing something she loved; playing the violin. Now it was time to give something back. ‘Do you remember your first time?’ The question came from the grinning face of a young male student. His lopsided smile and intense stare hinted at how awestruck he was by the presence of the violin virtuoso, Isabelle Bryant. ‘My first time?’ Isabelle gave a nervous laugh. ‘I presume you mean my first solo performance,’ she said, hoping the class wouldn’t notice her blushing. Stupid! I’m the virtuoso...can’t believe I’m acting like a shy debutante. She had reluctantly agreed to run her first Violin Masterclass; having once been a former student at the Royal Academy of Music herself. She longed for the Masterclass Q & A session to end. She was in her element performing in front of an audience, and even coaching the students, but transformed into a bundle of nerves and quirky gestures when she was alone talking to groups of people. In fact, Isabelle loathed public speaking of any kind. Heart racing, she took a deep breath and delved into the recesses of her memory. It was an intoxicating visit. ‘No artist ever forgets their first major professional performance, and I’m no different. It was at The Royal Albert Hall, playing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, and it was a huge success for me because it was the launch pad of my career as a soloist.’
Visualizing Isabelle feels settled until Virginia’s story progresses, as in the synopsis: ‘Ever since her emergence as a child prodigy Isabelle Bryant has only ever known one love – her violin. Then, aged 32, at the height of her career, the unthinkable happens. What do you do when everything depends on the dexterity of your fingers, only to lose them in a horrifying instant? Devastated and vulnerable in the aftermath of her accident, Isabelle struggles to find new meaning in her life. Her perilous path of self-discovery leads her to Vienna, the historic city home of her music hero, Beethoven; and into the arms of the man who will become her lover. As her personal journey progresses, she takes on new opportunities and has to face disturbing revelations, all of which have the power to make her or break her – all over again.’
Compelling, eloquently written, THE VIRTUOSO makes a significant impact – the note of the arrival of a very promising novelist.
British author Virginia Burges makes an impressive literary debut with THE VIRTUOSO – a novel that embraces Virginia’s passion for music in that she is an accomplished violinist who has performed in amateur orchestras. Her background is in the travel industry as a sales representative for Quantas Airways (she is half Australian!) and as a writer and editor for Travel Places, a specialist travel company, who organise the travel for sports teams and individual competitors to international events ranging from Formula 1 to the Olympic Games. She also is a speaker for the Women’s Institute (Buckinghamshire Federation), addressing how to write fiction, the importance of a musical education and health and wellness.
Few authors could address the concept of the impact of music on life – especially the raise and fall of a virtuoso. But that is exactly what Virginia accomplishes in this fascinating novel that blends passion for music, the tragedy that impacts the life of a woman committed to being a violin virtuoso, and the discovery of love – an elevated state that has its pitfalls, too.
From page one throughout this book the quality of writing is masterful. Virginia opens not with a Prelude or Overture or Prologue, but instead with a direct confrontation with her main character. ‘A frisson of fear ran through Isabelle as she crouched down to place her violin carefully into its red velvet lined case. She stood, straightened her back and turned to see shiny, eager eyes trained on her. She didn’t regard her talent as an inspiration to others, not even musicians. She did, however, think of herself as very fortunate to have made a stellar career out of doing something she loved; playing the violin. Now it was time to give something back. ‘Do you remember your first time?’ The question came from the grinning face of a young male student. His lopsided smile and intense stare hinted at how awestruck he was by the presence of the violin virtuoso, Isabelle Bryant. ‘My first time?’ Isabelle gave a nervous laugh. ‘I presume you mean my first solo performance,’ she said, hoping the class wouldn’t notice her blushing. Stupid! I’m the virtuoso...can’t believe I’m acting like a shy debutante. She had reluctantly agreed to run her first Violin Masterclass; having once been a former student at the Royal Academy of Music herself. She longed for the Masterclass Q & A session to end. She was in her element performing in front of an audience, and even coaching the students, but transformed into a bundle of nerves and quirky gestures when she was alone talking to groups of people. In fact, Isabelle loathed public speaking of any kind. Heart racing, she took a deep breath and delved into the recesses of her memory. It was an intoxicating visit. ‘No artist ever forgets their first major professional performance, and I’m no different. It was at The Royal Albert Hall, playing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, and it was a huge success for me because it was the launch pad of my career as a soloist.’
Visualizing Isabelle feels settled until Virginia’s story progresses, as in the synopsis: ‘Ever since her emergence as a child prodigy Isabelle Bryant has only ever known one love – her violin. Then, aged 32, at the height of her career, the unthinkable happens. What do you do when everything depends on the dexterity of your fingers, only to lose them in a horrifying instant? Devastated and vulnerable in the aftermath of her accident, Isabelle struggles to find new meaning in her life. Her perilous path of self-discovery leads her to Vienna, the historic city home of her music hero, Beethoven; and into the arms of the man who will become her lover. As her personal journey progresses, she takes on new opportunities and has to face disturbing revelations, all of which have the power to make her or break her – all over again.’
Compelling, eloquently written, THE VIRTUOSO makes a significant impact – the note of the arrival of a very promising novelist.
Read
July 3, 2018The author is brilliant as she surrounds the main character with all of these relationships to set the stage of the complicated life of a master violinist and the dramas and challenges all around her, Howard, her jealous husband an insecure narcissist was making life impossible for Isabel. Eventually his emotions exploded and Isabelle fell victim to his rage in ways that took my breath away and made me gasp out loud. Her sister, Lily, with damaging secrets yet to be told. This book screams so powerfully of the deepest meaning of the cliche ‘ when one door closes a window opens’!!
And so the author takes her readers on a journey of rediscovery, a journey to self with a classical music elegance in the most beautiful of historical settings in Vienna and of course, a new love. I could feel and see myself in Vienna as if I were on the journey with Isabelle. And just when you think Isabel is well on her way and there will be no more tragedies or obstacles for her to face the author surprises you with another tragedy each as devastating as the one before and yet Isabelle climbs up and over and still moves forward with her life. Another cliche is profoundly realized, “ when life gives you lemons make lemonade*.
If classical music, travel, starting over, forgiveness, determination and the power of love inspire you than this book is for you,.
And so the author takes her readers on a journey of rediscovery, a journey to self with a classical music elegance in the most beautiful of historical settings in Vienna and of course, a new love. I could feel and see myself in Vienna as if I were on the journey with Isabelle. And just when you think Isabel is well on her way and there will be no more tragedies or obstacles for her to face the author surprises you with another tragedy each as devastating as the one before and yet Isabelle climbs up and over and still moves forward with her life. Another cliche is profoundly realized, “ when life gives you lemons make lemonade*.
If classical music, travel, starting over, forgiveness, determination and the power of love inspire you than this book is for you,.
July 3, 2018
A finding yourself after a tragedy story with love, music and travel
The book starts at the top of the main character’s violin virtuoso carrier. She is struggling in her marriage, and her husband is mentally then physically abusing her, so she can’t play the violin any more. She reaches her absolute bottom, but with the help of her friends, she slowly finds herself, finds love and make peace with herself and her family members. Nice detailed descriptions about the famous locations she visits, music and Beethoven especially.
For me the highlight of the Nagyvarady vs Stradivarius violins were a bit too frequent, also Beethoven was way too highlighted compared to other composers, but I see she wanted to get the parallel between their lives. It’s also a lot of spiritual depth at different stages of the book, especially in the second half.
All in all an easy read, but something that gives plenty of ideas to think about. I enjoyed my free giveaway copy.
The book starts at the top of the main character’s violin virtuoso carrier. She is struggling in her marriage, and her husband is mentally then physically abusing her, so she can’t play the violin any more. She reaches her absolute bottom, but with the help of her friends, she slowly finds herself, finds love and make peace with herself and her family members. Nice detailed descriptions about the famous locations she visits, music and Beethoven especially.
For me the highlight of the Nagyvarady vs Stradivarius violins were a bit too frequent, also Beethoven was way too highlighted compared to other composers, but I see she wanted to get the parallel between their lives. It’s also a lot of spiritual depth at different stages of the book, especially in the second half.
All in all an easy read, but something that gives plenty of ideas to think about. I enjoyed my free giveaway copy.
May 31, 2020
The Virtuoso
I want to thank Virginia Burges, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of "The Virtuoso" that I won in the Giveaway.
Isabella Bryant started playing the violin at age four and became "The Virtuoso" as a teenager. In her early thirties she has an accident and her hand is damaged so she can't play any longer. The plot involves violence, life changing direction with personal experiences making Isabella a brave and special main character. It was a an enjoyable reading experience.
I want to thank Virginia Burges, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of "The Virtuoso" that I won in the Giveaway.
Isabella Bryant started playing the violin at age four and became "The Virtuoso" as a teenager. In her early thirties she has an accident and her hand is damaged so she can't play any longer. The plot involves violence, life changing direction with personal experiences making Isabella a brave and special main character. It was a an enjoyable reading experience.
October 12, 2015
This was a fascinating novel about a classical violinist who suddenly needs to chart a new course after the devastating loss of her ability to play her instrument. I was horrified to think of just how awful that would be for any musician, let alone one of Isabelle Bryant's caliber and fame. She was called "Beethoven's Babe" and had a wonderful career, talented husband, and good friends. She traveled around the world playing her Nagyvary violin (I did not previously know about this violin, and it was fascinating to discover that a contemporary violin maker is making such gorgeous sounding instruments).
This book took me from the damp streets of a wintery England, to the sun warmed island of Madeira, and finally to Beethoven's Vienna at Christmas time. With Isabelle I wandered Vienna looking for the heart of Beethoven through all of the lovely old buildings and city squares under snowy skies. It was fun to follow along after her and hear Beethoven's gorgeous music in my head.
Where Isabelle goes next and how she works on her recovery follows. Families are found, revelations are made, and there might be new love for Isabelle if she can move on and learn to trust again. How she accomplishes this while hanging onto the music she loves, and finding new paths in the music world, make up the bulk of this book. She has wonderful, well-realized friends (especially "H") and I rooted hard for this engaging character to find her joy again.
I received a copy of this book from the author courtesy of the Goodreads giveaway program. Thank you. :)
This book took me from the damp streets of a wintery England, to the sun warmed island of Madeira, and finally to Beethoven's Vienna at Christmas time. With Isabelle I wandered Vienna looking for the heart of Beethoven through all of the lovely old buildings and city squares under snowy skies. It was fun to follow along after her and hear Beethoven's gorgeous music in my head.
Where Isabelle goes next and how she works on her recovery follows. Families are found, revelations are made, and there might be new love for Isabelle if she can move on and learn to trust again. How she accomplishes this while hanging onto the music she loves, and finding new paths in the music world, make up the bulk of this book. She has wonderful, well-realized friends (especially "H") and I rooted hard for this engaging character to find her joy again.
I received a copy of this book from the author courtesy of the Goodreads giveaway program. Thank you. :)
March 9, 2015
For music lovers and book lovers alike, The Virtuoso offers complex themes and human emotion with notes of musical comparisons. The protagonist, Isabelle, feels that the violin is an extension of her body. It is her life. Unfortunately, her husband, Howard Miller, a conductor, is the sore spot in her life. His jealousy turns everything into an argument. As his anger and drinking grow deeper, Howard’s manipulation of Isabelle grows darker. Isabelle decides to run away from him but is physically attacked by Howard, resulting in her losing two fingers on her left hand.
When she wakes up in hospital, Isabelle realizes her flourishing music career is over. She does not give up completely on music, though. After battling her depression, she goes to Vienna and writes a feature article about Beethoven. Follow Isabelle on her path of healing and finding a great opportunity to help others through the power of music.
The beautiful reflections on music, on life, on love, flow effortlessly across the page and nestle in your mind as you stop to make your own thoughts.
Highly recommend to any lover of music, character development, and simply good writing.
When she wakes up in hospital, Isabelle realizes her flourishing music career is over. She does not give up completely on music, though. After battling her depression, she goes to Vienna and writes a feature article about Beethoven. Follow Isabelle on her path of healing and finding a great opportunity to help others through the power of music.
The beautiful reflections on music, on life, on love, flow effortlessly across the page and nestle in your mind as you stop to make your own thoughts.
Highly recommend to any lover of music, character development, and simply good writing.
September 30, 2015
I won this book in a giveaway, and was very excited to read it because I also have a music background, although not at the level described in this story. The story was interesting, and the author drew me in immediately in the first chapter. I loved the descriptions of her life experiences in music, and the adjustments that she made in view of other events in her life. If I have a constructive criticism, it would be that I wanted to know the characters better, other than "H" because she rose off the page in a colorful way. I wanted to know more about her very strange husband, and more detail about why she became engaged with him, and her feelings throughout the chain of events that estranged them. What I would say is that we became acquainted with all of the characters, but not in as intuitive a way as I might have liked. Thank you, Virginia, it was a compelling read, and I look forward to more.
October 21, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. It was a goodreads win and it had me hooked with the first chapter. I couldn't imagine losing my ability to play an instrument when she had the success she had. A very thought provoking book and well written. I am going to loan this to my mother as I am sure she will love it, then I may e read it again in 8 months or so.....which I never do, I enjoyed it that much!
July 23, 2016
A powerful, beautiful novel, with a page-turning plot and an inspiring heroine. Can't wait for the author's next book!
August 19, 2018
‘Every player gets nervous before a performance.’
Isabelle Bryant, a professional violinist, is the title character. Her Nagyvary violin, on loan from Nagyvary, is an extension of her body, another limb. She’s thirty-two years old when the novel opens, at the height of her career. Isabelle was the youngest-ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, and her first solo performance was at the Royal Albert Hall where she played Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Beethoven is her passion, and she is known affectionately as ‘Beethoven’s Babe’.
Isabelle is married to Howard Miller, a conductor. It is not a happy marriage: Howard is argumentative and manipulative. One night, after Howard abuses her over her appearance on a radio show, Isabelle decides to leave. Howard follows her to the car, and a violent attack results in Isabelle losing two fingers on her left hand – the hand with which she plays the violin.
Imagine Isabelle’s despair. Her professional career is over. Her fingers were not insured. She must give up the Nagyvary violin. She is deeply depressed. Her friend Hortense, an African-American singer and her husband Ray, take Isabelle on a trip to Madeira to help her recuperate. A chance meeting with the editor of High Notes magazine results in Isabelle travelling to Vienna to write a feature article about Beethoven. Isabelle realises that there may be new ways to stay in touch with music. Isabelle also meets an intriguing man: could they have a future together?
‘Every artist has to vary their repertoire and try new things.’
Isabelle slowly moves towards a new life. As she does so, she divorces Howard, makes some startling discoveries about the past and reconciles with her estranged sister. There are a few more twists in Isabelle’s life before she finds a more settled happiness. This is a novel about a life in transition, about adapting to change, about being willing to explore possibilities.
‘Perhaps you don’t need a new identity; you just need to be you.’
I enjoyed this novel, I particularly liked Hortense, and I loved the way Isabelle’s friends and family helped her to see new possibilities. There were a couple of melodramatic passages that raised my eyebrows but I finished the novel content with the ending, certain that Isabelle had found a new and satisfying niche.
‘You need to have a dream.’
Note: My thanks to the author for providing me with an electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Isabelle Bryant, a professional violinist, is the title character. Her Nagyvary violin, on loan from Nagyvary, is an extension of her body, another limb. She’s thirty-two years old when the novel opens, at the height of her career. Isabelle was the youngest-ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, and her first solo performance was at the Royal Albert Hall where she played Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Beethoven is her passion, and she is known affectionately as ‘Beethoven’s Babe’.
Isabelle is married to Howard Miller, a conductor. It is not a happy marriage: Howard is argumentative and manipulative. One night, after Howard abuses her over her appearance on a radio show, Isabelle decides to leave. Howard follows her to the car, and a violent attack results in Isabelle losing two fingers on her left hand – the hand with which she plays the violin.
Imagine Isabelle’s despair. Her professional career is over. Her fingers were not insured. She must give up the Nagyvary violin. She is deeply depressed. Her friend Hortense, an African-American singer and her husband Ray, take Isabelle on a trip to Madeira to help her recuperate. A chance meeting with the editor of High Notes magazine results in Isabelle travelling to Vienna to write a feature article about Beethoven. Isabelle realises that there may be new ways to stay in touch with music. Isabelle also meets an intriguing man: could they have a future together?
‘Every artist has to vary their repertoire and try new things.’
Isabelle slowly moves towards a new life. As she does so, she divorces Howard, makes some startling discoveries about the past and reconciles with her estranged sister. There are a few more twists in Isabelle’s life before she finds a more settled happiness. This is a novel about a life in transition, about adapting to change, about being willing to explore possibilities.
‘Perhaps you don’t need a new identity; you just need to be you.’
I enjoyed this novel, I particularly liked Hortense, and I loved the way Isabelle’s friends and family helped her to see new possibilities. There were a couple of melodramatic passages that raised my eyebrows but I finished the novel content with the ending, certain that Isabelle had found a new and satisfying niche.
‘You need to have a dream.’
Note: My thanks to the author for providing me with an electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
August 4, 2018
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I really wanted to like this book, and was intrigued by the story, but I couldn't get past the stilted dialogue and clunky transitions. The conversations are very formal, even between friends, and there are a lot of missing pieces that do not get shared between characters. For example, when the doctor calls H to let her know Isabel is in the hospital, H then breaks down with her husband and tells him she knew that she should have done a better job keeping in touch. He immediately tells her to go to Isabel in this time of tragedy. He does not ask what happened, where she was, who was involved, the extent of her injuries, etc and H does not tell him in that scene. It's entirely glossed over and the reader is supposed to simply accept that he somehow magically knows all the details.
I usually give a book ~20% to grab my interest and/or improve. Unfortunately, the scene with the police interviewing Isabel in the hospital happened at about that point, and I knew I couldn't continue. The way she is portrayed in that scene, and H just going along with it, was too much. I appreciate the opportunity to read it, but it is not my cup of tea.
I usually give a book ~20% to grab my interest and/or improve. Unfortunately, the scene with the police interviewing Isabel in the hospital happened at about that point, and I knew I couldn't continue. The way she is portrayed in that scene, and H just going along with it, was too much. I appreciate the opportunity to read it, but it is not my cup of tea.
September 15, 2018
I received a copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway and it has not affected my review.
I was intrigued by this book, as a classically-trained musician myself. The musical aspects of Isabelle's story rang true to me, which was very satisfying. This book, however, is less about music than melodrama, and needs to come with every trigger warning ever. This kind of soapy story has never been my favorite, but other readers may savor all the twists and turns - of which there are many.
(Potential triggers for readers include but are not limited to domestic abuse, suicide, sexual assault, and childbearing problems. Trying to be as vague as I can...)
Another note - this could just be my problem, but the writing style was not my favorite. In particular, there were a lot of places where I would have put a comma, like every time a character is addressed. "It's ok Isabelle" and the like might not bother others, but I mentally edit books when I read them (yep, I'm a nerd) and there was a lot of that.
Ultimately, this was not my cup of tea, but if you enjoy women's fiction with lots of drama and plot this could be for you. And I did like the Beethoven references.
I was intrigued by this book, as a classically-trained musician myself. The musical aspects of Isabelle's story rang true to me, which was very satisfying. This book, however, is less about music than melodrama, and needs to come with every trigger warning ever. This kind of soapy story has never been my favorite, but other readers may savor all the twists and turns - of which there are many.
(Potential triggers for readers include but are not limited to domestic abuse, suicide, sexual assault, and childbearing problems. Trying to be as vague as I can...)
Another note - this could just be my problem, but the writing style was not my favorite. In particular, there were a lot of places where I would have put a comma, like every time a character is addressed. "It's ok Isabelle" and the like might not bother others, but I mentally edit books when I read them (yep, I'm a nerd) and there was a lot of that.
Ultimately, this was not my cup of tea, but if you enjoy women's fiction with lots of drama and plot this could be for you. And I did like the Beethoven references.
July 17, 2018
I received this Kindle edition through the Goodreads giveaways, and wish I could say I enjoyed it. Not Amazon's or Goodreads' fault. The book is in such dire need of editing that the errors kept taking me away from the story, which I found extremely aggravating. Every page is fraught with punctuation errors. I don't know why the author even bothered with any and just wrote it as stream of consciousness. Of course that wouldn't have gotten rid of the grammatical errors as well. Overall, I found the story leaning too far toward being a soap opera. If you are a fan of those, then you might enjoy the story more than I did.
July 25, 2018
I received this as a Goodreads giveaway. I liked the book but found it dragging in a couple spots. There are errors here and there as well in punctuation and missing words. The story is a good one though and worth reading.
October 11, 2018
Sadly, I had to force myself to finish the book. I was originally excited to read it, however, it was a disappointing long romance harlequin book style. Not my style. Won Kindle Edition from Goodreads and Virginia Burges.
October 8, 2019
Very strong message for overcoming diversity.
Want to read
June 29, 2018#GoodreadsGiveaway
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