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The Last Encore
Adult Literary Fiction / Suspenseful Romance
When Katherine Konova, a radiant and talented Russian redhead, forsakes her figure skating medals for a career as a concert pianist, she falls for a charismatic but married conservatory professor in a life-changing relationship, which will haunt her for years to come. From a family of poor factory workers, Katherine rises far above her station in life and moves to the United States with her successful-though-controlling husband, yet knowing in her heart that her soul mate is still out there.
Meanwhile, Daniel Adler, a young German writer is enveloped by a deep sadness from which he cannot escape, sensing a dark secret in his family’s past. Searching for the love he has never known, he embarks on a journey to Los Angeles, obsessed with a red-haired beauty who disappeared after their brief and inexplicable encounter in an ominous forest.
An old actress, Lily Bernard, is tormented by guilt for some horrible act she’d been a part of in a distant past. A music appassionato, she finds a chance to atone for her sins when her path crosses Katherine’s.
The Last Encore is an erotic tale of unspeakable passion, a sophisticated, timeless-but-modern romance laced with mysterious interconnections of love, conspiracy, and fate.
When Katherine Konova, a radiant and talented Russian redhead, forsakes her figure skating medals for a career as a concert pianist, she falls for a charismatic but married conservatory professor in a life-changing relationship, which will haunt her for years to come. From a family of poor factory workers, Katherine rises far above her station in life and moves to the United States with her successful-though-controlling husband, yet knowing in her heart that her soul mate is still out there.
Meanwhile, Daniel Adler, a young German writer is enveloped by a deep sadness from which he cannot escape, sensing a dark secret in his family’s past. Searching for the love he has never known, he embarks on a journey to Los Angeles, obsessed with a red-haired beauty who disappeared after their brief and inexplicable encounter in an ominous forest.
An old actress, Lily Bernard, is tormented by guilt for some horrible act she’d been a part of in a distant past. A music appassionato, she finds a chance to atone for her sins when her path crosses Katherine’s.
The Last Encore is an erotic tale of unspeakable passion, a sophisticated, timeless-but-modern romance laced with mysterious interconnections of love, conspiracy, and fate.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2014
24 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Julia Butler
1 book3 followersI grew up in Russia (former USSR) in a family of a famous concert pianist and a literature professor. My passion was for figure skating, however, my parents insisted on a highly academic school, and I graduated from the University of Moscow with Master’s degree in literature and languages. In Moscow, I taught languages and creative writing, and assisted my father with his translations of Ibsen into Russian as well as translated various Scandinavian authors.
In my early twenties, I left the former Soviet Union and lived throughout Europe. After ten years in Italy I arrived to the United States in pursuit of my creative dreams, landing a recording contract as a singer and songwriter. Today, I enjoy being an entrepreneur and a mother of two girls. Recently, my love and passion for writing has been reignited once again manifesting itself in my new novel “The Last Encore”.
In my early twenties, I left the former Soviet Union and lived throughout Europe. After ten years in Italy I arrived to the United States in pursuit of my creative dreams, landing a recording contract as a singer and songwriter. Today, I enjoy being an entrepreneur and a mother of two girls. Recently, my love and passion for writing has been reignited once again manifesting itself in my new novel “The Last Encore”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 15, 2014
This book is incredibly stupid. Cliche characterization and the sort of paint-by-numbers storytelling that makes some things clear before they ought to be and obfuscates others beyond the comprehension of the reader. Despite being set in modern times, it often felt like a vague dreamy fairy-tale world; when the characters mentioned having cell phones, it was strange and off-putting (and when they sexted-- well, some things are best left unexplained).
So why two stars? Because when I predicted what would happen, I thought it was too interesting and sensationally upsetting to happen in a book of this caliber. The sick schadenfreude that attended me as observed the plot and characters I cared nothing about hurtling toward an upsetting discovery drew to an abrupt halt when... yes, as I thought, the book *was* too chicken to commit fully to its disturbing premise. How disappointingly unsurprising.
So why two stars? Because when I predicted what would happen, I thought it was too interesting and sensationally upsetting to happen in a book of this caliber. The sick schadenfreude that attended me as observed the plot and characters I cared nothing about hurtling toward an upsetting discovery drew to an abrupt halt when... yes, as I thought, the book *was* too chicken to commit fully to its disturbing premise. How disappointingly unsurprising.
October 19, 2014
I - like every misbehaving child - was told that, barring the ability to say something nice, I should say nothing at all. So, here is the nicest thing I can say about this book: it was mercifully brief.
My issues with this book are manifold. Firstly, it seems as though every woman in this book is defined through their relationship with children. The person who may arguably be called the antagonist remained the only woman incapable of devoting herself to a child. The rest of our characters have a story so similar to each other that one must wonder if the only way our author knows to introduce grief and tragic backstory into the lives of a female character is through the loss of a child. This is offensive to me both as a feminist and as a reader. The feminist in me longs for the recognition that women - on their own - are people, not puzzles which will only be truly complete with the addition of a child. The reader in me found the backgrounds so similar as to read as laziness on the part of the author.
Additionally reading this book was jarring. Butler's style of writing is vaguely reminiscent of Coehlo - one of my favorite authors. However, while with both Coehlo and Butler there is the sense that the reader is sitting at the lap of a storyteller as they read a fairytale, Butler's story was ultimately unsatisfying because it lacked the insight of Coehlo or the ultimate point of a fairytale. It was also jarring to have the introduction of technology late in the book - especially with the atmosphere created by the prose. The sexting bothered me for that reason, and also because using chat abbreviations felt completely incongruous to the characters we had been introduced to. Neither of them native English speakers, and Daniel so fond of writing verbosely - he seemed to be more a character to scorn texting shortcuts than to embrace them.
The final issue I had was with the plot in general. I believe, from reading the book, that Butler is likely an intelligent individual. It is not often I hear anything about the Westermarck effect. However the book ultimately robbed me of the one thing that was going to make it interesting, by backing off on the plot twist. It would have been incredibly interesting to read a novel where characters struggle with their feelings in light of the revelations of the book. However not only did Butler fail to write that book, she backed off on the premise before there was even a solid examination of the possible implications of the plot twist.
My issues with this book are manifold. Firstly, it seems as though every woman in this book is defined through their relationship with children. The person who may arguably be called the antagonist remained the only woman incapable of devoting herself to a child. The rest of our characters have a story so similar to each other that one must wonder if the only way our author knows to introduce grief and tragic backstory into the lives of a female character is through the loss of a child. This is offensive to me both as a feminist and as a reader. The feminist in me longs for the recognition that women - on their own - are people, not puzzles which will only be truly complete with the addition of a child. The reader in me found the backgrounds so similar as to read as laziness on the part of the author.
Additionally reading this book was jarring. Butler's style of writing is vaguely reminiscent of Coehlo - one of my favorite authors. However, while with both Coehlo and Butler there is the sense that the reader is sitting at the lap of a storyteller as they read a fairytale, Butler's story was ultimately unsatisfying because it lacked the insight of Coehlo or the ultimate point of a fairytale. It was also jarring to have the introduction of technology late in the book - especially with the atmosphere created by the prose. The sexting bothered me for that reason, and also because using chat abbreviations felt completely incongruous to the characters we had been introduced to. Neither of them native English speakers, and Daniel so fond of writing verbosely - he seemed to be more a character to scorn texting shortcuts than to embrace them.
The final issue I had was with the plot in general. I believe, from reading the book, that Butler is likely an intelligent individual. It is not often I hear anything about the Westermarck effect. However the book ultimately robbed me of the one thing that was going to make it interesting, by backing off on the plot twist. It would have been incredibly interesting to read a novel where characters struggle with their feelings in light of the revelations of the book. However not only did Butler fail to write that book, she backed off on the premise before there was even a solid examination of the possible implications of the plot twist.
October 14, 2014
This review originally appeared on my blog: www.gimmethatbook.com
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is apparently based on a true story, regarding an obscure psychological phenomenon. I had not thoroughly read the synopsis and so I kept expecting the book to take a different path. On the surface it is about two people finding each other after a life of disappointment and struggle. The bizarre twist, however, is something that made me cringe.
Katherine Konovka is born with a special talent for music, and she is a gorgeous creature as well. She is married, unhappily, with two children that are her entire life. One day she encounters Daniel, a man a good deal younger than she is. Immediately they have a connection that is ethereal and intense.
Daniel has been searching all his life for a fantasy woman, one that appeared to him (or did she?) as he walked through a forest. He is unable to bond with a woman completely, and goes through life bereft and longing…until he meets Katherine. At that point, their worlds collide and they fall into an erotic and sensual whirlwind, each learning from the other.
Then, tragedy strikes, and events unfold which will affect both of them deeper than they could ever have imagined. I didn’t see the twist coming, and it was, as I mentioned above, cringe-worthy. I can’t tell more without spoilers. For those of you who will get to that point and want to stop reading–keep going. Trust me. It’s worth it to continue on.
This book held my interest and was fairly well written. There were a few instances of awkward/stilted conversation, and scenes that seemed to be written in haste. Other parts of the story seemed to go back and forth in perspective from the present time to the past, and I had to go back and reread a few paragraphs to figure it out. The characters seemed real, and very likeable.
The descriptions make it easy to see in your mind the character’s surroundings, whether it is opulence or poverty. The author shines in showing the reader, rather than telling. Whether it is emotion, room decor, or an outdoor scene, Butler’s choice of words is clear and appropriate.
There are bedroom scenes which are fairly explicit, but not annoyingly so. I’ve seen this book compared to 50 Shades, and it’s NOTHING like it. No BDSM, and the sex does not go on and on. It’s pretty tastefully done and complements the story line.
The Last Encore was a wonderful, quick, enjoyable read. I’m recommending it. Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is apparently based on a true story, regarding an obscure psychological phenomenon. I had not thoroughly read the synopsis and so I kept expecting the book to take a different path. On the surface it is about two people finding each other after a life of disappointment and struggle. The bizarre twist, however, is something that made me cringe.
Katherine Konovka is born with a special talent for music, and she is a gorgeous creature as well. She is married, unhappily, with two children that are her entire life. One day she encounters Daniel, a man a good deal younger than she is. Immediately they have a connection that is ethereal and intense.
Daniel has been searching all his life for a fantasy woman, one that appeared to him (or did she?) as he walked through a forest. He is unable to bond with a woman completely, and goes through life bereft and longing…until he meets Katherine. At that point, their worlds collide and they fall into an erotic and sensual whirlwind, each learning from the other.
Then, tragedy strikes, and events unfold which will affect both of them deeper than they could ever have imagined. I didn’t see the twist coming, and it was, as I mentioned above, cringe-worthy. I can’t tell more without spoilers. For those of you who will get to that point and want to stop reading–keep going. Trust me. It’s worth it to continue on.
This book held my interest and was fairly well written. There were a few instances of awkward/stilted conversation, and scenes that seemed to be written in haste. Other parts of the story seemed to go back and forth in perspective from the present time to the past, and I had to go back and reread a few paragraphs to figure it out. The characters seemed real, and very likeable.
The descriptions make it easy to see in your mind the character’s surroundings, whether it is opulence or poverty. The author shines in showing the reader, rather than telling. Whether it is emotion, room decor, or an outdoor scene, Butler’s choice of words is clear and appropriate.
There are bedroom scenes which are fairly explicit, but not annoyingly so. I’ve seen this book compared to 50 Shades, and it’s NOTHING like it. No BDSM, and the sex does not go on and on. It’s pretty tastefully done and complements the story line.
The Last Encore was a wonderful, quick, enjoyable read. I’m recommending it. Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.
August 23, 2014
A friend recommended "The Last Encore" to me as a beautiful literary work. I love sophisticated Literary Fiction, and this novel, surely, did not disappoint. I was held captive from the first page and couldn't put it down for the next two days. The plot is so intriguing, the writing - elaborate, it flows like poetry and immediately makes you escape into the world of its own. The author takes you from one continent to another and tells a shocking story, involving an interesting phenomenon that is still kept in a closet. I was fascinated by the topic and even researched it after finishing the book. The protagonist, a Russian pianist, Katherine Konova, is a colorful, deep character and an inspiring woman. I've experienced enough pain in my life to wholeheartedly relate to her, as, I am sure, every woman will. The main story takes place in Los Angeles with incredible flashbacks to Russian culture and reality during communism, full of horrible conspiracies and crimes. Also, I feel I've acquired so much knowledge from this book. It took me on an emotional and intellectual journey I will never forget, and, I am certain, this reading experience will stay with me for a very long time. I really look forward to the sequel (I hope it's coming), because the end left me breathlessly suspended with a strong desire for more. You will never regret picking up this amazing book.
August 22, 2014
The love affair between a Russian pianist and married professor of music is the backdrop for an erotic romance novel about love, sex, connection and passion. This is at once an exciting, erotic novel about the passion of a great love, and a sad one about losing your soul mate, unfulfilled promise, and the timelessness of love, no matter what the circumstances.
Though this is a modern romance novel in terms of setting (and in terms of the eroticism) it is, in many ways, old fashioned. Not unlike some of the timeless romantic movies of the 1940s and 1950s. Yes, there are erotic scenes but there are also insightful observations about class and societal norms and the limits of upward mobility. The author has a gift for using poetic, but not overly flowery, language and for creating fully-formed characters that immediately grab your attention and that are easy to empathize with. It is the main character, Katherine, who is really the heart of this novel and who you cannot help falling for and rooting for. She is a classic romance heroine and the author would do well to use her in other books.
Though this is a modern romance novel in terms of setting (and in terms of the eroticism) it is, in many ways, old fashioned. Not unlike some of the timeless romantic movies of the 1940s and 1950s. Yes, there are erotic scenes but there are also insightful observations about class and societal norms and the limits of upward mobility. The author has a gift for using poetic, but not overly flowery, language and for creating fully-formed characters that immediately grab your attention and that are easy to empathize with. It is the main character, Katherine, who is really the heart of this novel and who you cannot help falling for and rooting for. She is a classic romance heroine and the author would do well to use her in other books.
June 16, 2022
This comes with a twist
But I had seen it coming
Could have been better
But I had seen it coming
Could have been better
September 12, 2014
The Last Encore is an erotic and mysterious story of eternal love, and the obstacles thrown in the path to realizing this love. “The star was everything at that moment, the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega, his past and his future. As it had always been.”
So starts the story of Daniel Adler and Katherine Kanova. Daniel, a prolific writer, spots what he believes to be a beautiful, crimson-haired young woman in the woods, with the sounds of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata all around. Immediately drawn to her, he calls to her and tries to speak to her, only to have her vanish in the mist. But from that fateful moment, Daniel is haunted by this vision, and vows to search for her. Into this mix steps Lily Bernard, a wealthy American woman who hosts salons for artists; she is intrigued by Daniel’s writing and invites him to be her guest in Lost Angeles to write and participate in these salons. At the first salon, Daniel meets the crimson-haired Katherine Kanova, a gifted pianist with a troubled past, who performs the Moonlight Sonata, and he knows that his dreams have come true at last.
Were this brief description of this elegant book the whole story, it would sound like the stuff of cheap novels. This remarkable story is anything but cheap and anything but predictable. This summary is only the beginning of a compelling, erotic, twisting and turning journey of relationships, forbidden and not, families, and the stories families tell to protect their loved ones from harm. In this story, everything is connected, but it is a spider-web of connection. There is nothing linear about the relationships and there is nothing linear about this book. The language is elegant; the mysteries finely tuned and honed to perfection, and the reader is treated to one surprise after the other that builds to a finale that could not have been predicted. To say more would to spoil this magnificent tale for other readers. Suffice to say that Lily Bernard is the conductor of the symphony that is this story.
The Last Encore is an experience. It is highly erotic, and beautifully so. Reading it is like listening to a fine symphony, more like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony with its resplendent climax, than the lilting beauty of the Moonlight Sonata. This is a rare find and should be savored like beautiful music and fine wine. Part fantasy, part love story, part mystery, The Last Encore satisfies on many, many levels, from the very first word to the very last.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
So starts the story of Daniel Adler and Katherine Kanova. Daniel, a prolific writer, spots what he believes to be a beautiful, crimson-haired young woman in the woods, with the sounds of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata all around. Immediately drawn to her, he calls to her and tries to speak to her, only to have her vanish in the mist. But from that fateful moment, Daniel is haunted by this vision, and vows to search for her. Into this mix steps Lily Bernard, a wealthy American woman who hosts salons for artists; she is intrigued by Daniel’s writing and invites him to be her guest in Lost Angeles to write and participate in these salons. At the first salon, Daniel meets the crimson-haired Katherine Kanova, a gifted pianist with a troubled past, who performs the Moonlight Sonata, and he knows that his dreams have come true at last.
Were this brief description of this elegant book the whole story, it would sound like the stuff of cheap novels. This remarkable story is anything but cheap and anything but predictable. This summary is only the beginning of a compelling, erotic, twisting and turning journey of relationships, forbidden and not, families, and the stories families tell to protect their loved ones from harm. In this story, everything is connected, but it is a spider-web of connection. There is nothing linear about the relationships and there is nothing linear about this book. The language is elegant; the mysteries finely tuned and honed to perfection, and the reader is treated to one surprise after the other that builds to a finale that could not have been predicted. To say more would to spoil this magnificent tale for other readers. Suffice to say that Lily Bernard is the conductor of the symphony that is this story.
The Last Encore is an experience. It is highly erotic, and beautifully so. Reading it is like listening to a fine symphony, more like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony with its resplendent climax, than the lilting beauty of the Moonlight Sonata. This is a rare find and should be savored like beautiful music and fine wine. Part fantasy, part love story, part mystery, The Last Encore satisfies on many, many levels, from the very first word to the very last.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
October 8, 2014
I received a copy through NetGalley for an honest review.
The Last Encore is beautifully composed story that reads as if it were a lyrical version of a concerto that had me wanting to get to the end of the book to find out how everything works out for Katherine, and how all the characters we meet fit into her story, and yet did not want to finish it because the journey was so well crafted.
Each character in this story was written beautifully and with such depth that I felt a connection with all of them, even the most hardened and standoffish of the lot. Katherine is the focus of the story, and she is a beautiful, talented and gracious woman who has known much tragedy in her life, but has not allowed herself to be beaten by it. Instead she pulls herself up and fights on. Lily and Hans are both weighed down by secrets of the past, secrets that should they come to light could destroy, not only the ones they keep them from, but themselves in the process. Daniel, a young artist whose life would have been steeped in darkness if not for his step father Hans, has been chasing a dream for much of his life and when an out of the blue offer comes his way, he finds that the dream may be a reality.
This story is chock full of tragedy, some brought upon by the characters themselves, some wrought by others, and there were times when it was overwhelming in the despair it left in it’s wake, but there was always the promise of hope, of finding something better, of finding love, and it was that promise, as well as finding out everyone’s secrets and how they all connect that kept me turning the page until the end.
The Last Encore is beautifully composed story that reads as if it were a lyrical version of a concerto that had me wanting to get to the end of the book to find out how everything works out for Katherine, and how all the characters we meet fit into her story, and yet did not want to finish it because the journey was so well crafted.
Each character in this story was written beautifully and with such depth that I felt a connection with all of them, even the most hardened and standoffish of the lot. Katherine is the focus of the story, and she is a beautiful, talented and gracious woman who has known much tragedy in her life, but has not allowed herself to be beaten by it. Instead she pulls herself up and fights on. Lily and Hans are both weighed down by secrets of the past, secrets that should they come to light could destroy, not only the ones they keep them from, but themselves in the process. Daniel, a young artist whose life would have been steeped in darkness if not for his step father Hans, has been chasing a dream for much of his life and when an out of the blue offer comes his way, he finds that the dream may be a reality.
This story is chock full of tragedy, some brought upon by the characters themselves, some wrought by others, and there were times when it was overwhelming in the despair it left in it’s wake, but there was always the promise of hope, of finding something better, of finding love, and it was that promise, as well as finding out everyone’s secrets and how they all connect that kept me turning the page until the end.
October 26, 2014
What a mind opening and "mind blowing" experience! Julia Butler’s The Last Encore is impossible to put down. If you pick it up before bedtime be prepared for an all nighter. Written with the sensitivity of a poet and the creativity of an artist, it is, at its core, a beautiful and sensual love story, conflicted with an unthinkable human drama that forces the reader to confront their moral values and personal biases. At times shocking, bordering on the taboo, it is written with such grace and sophistication, you cannot be emotionally uninvolved. It's a book that will stay with you for a very long time. A literary masterpiece.
PS: When I read the reviews of some readers saying that they found the plot to be too complex I am completely befuddled. I don't mean to be insulting when I say that I can only think that these people would not do well with anything beyond a simple linear storyline. I had absolutely no problem with the developing story that describes the background of the three main characters: Katherine Konovo, a beautiful Russian pianist and figure skater (the protagonist), Lily the ageing actress with a mysterious past and Daniel, the German writer who travels to Los Angeles after he receives a letter from Lily. These three character's lives are inextricably linked and the way Butler pulls all the pieces together is nothing short of masterful. It is no surprise to me to read that this book is based on true events. I keep wondering which parts. You'll need to read it to find out. I'm about to read it for the second time.
PS: When I read the reviews of some readers saying that they found the plot to be too complex I am completely befuddled. I don't mean to be insulting when I say that I can only think that these people would not do well with anything beyond a simple linear storyline. I had absolutely no problem with the developing story that describes the background of the three main characters: Katherine Konovo, a beautiful Russian pianist and figure skater (the protagonist), Lily the ageing actress with a mysterious past and Daniel, the German writer who travels to Los Angeles after he receives a letter from Lily. These three character's lives are inextricably linked and the way Butler pulls all the pieces together is nothing short of masterful. It is no surprise to me to read that this book is based on true events. I keep wondering which parts. You'll need to read it to find out. I'm about to read it for the second time.
March 24, 2015
description
"Provocative, evocative and compelling, The Last Encore has ample evidence of meticulous labor, as the novel’s captivating story catapults the reader into an ephemeral work of art that accurately represents the whole gamut of human emotions, including the volatile nature of human passion and love." ~Bibliophile's Reverie
When Katherine Konova, a radiant and talented Russian redhead, forsakes her figure skating medals for a career as a concert pianist, she falls for a charismatic but married conservatory professor in a life-changing relationship, which will haunt her for years to come. From a family of poor factory workers, Katherine rises far above her station in life and moves to the United States with her successful-though-controlling husband, yet knowing in her heart that her soul mate is still out there.
Meanwhile, Daniel Adler, a young German writer is enveloped by a deep sadness from which he cannot escape, sensing a dark secret in his family's past. Searching for the love he has never known, he embarks on a journey to Los Angeles, obsessed with a red-haired beauty who disappeared after their brief and inexplicable encounter in an ominous forest.
An old actress, Lily Bernard, is tormented by guilt for some horrible act she'd been a part of in a distant past. A music appassionato, she finds a chance to atone for her sins when her path crosses Katherine's.
My Review
Juia Butler The Last Enore is this years must read book loved it and will be on my read more than once list.Looking froward to reading more of Julia Butlers books great job well done
"Provocative, evocative and compelling, The Last Encore has ample evidence of meticulous labor, as the novel’s captivating story catapults the reader into an ephemeral work of art that accurately represents the whole gamut of human emotions, including the volatile nature of human passion and love." ~Bibliophile's Reverie
When Katherine Konova, a radiant and talented Russian redhead, forsakes her figure skating medals for a career as a concert pianist, she falls for a charismatic but married conservatory professor in a life-changing relationship, which will haunt her for years to come. From a family of poor factory workers, Katherine rises far above her station in life and moves to the United States with her successful-though-controlling husband, yet knowing in her heart that her soul mate is still out there.
Meanwhile, Daniel Adler, a young German writer is enveloped by a deep sadness from which he cannot escape, sensing a dark secret in his family's past. Searching for the love he has never known, he embarks on a journey to Los Angeles, obsessed with a red-haired beauty who disappeared after their brief and inexplicable encounter in an ominous forest.
An old actress, Lily Bernard, is tormented by guilt for some horrible act she'd been a part of in a distant past. A music appassionato, she finds a chance to atone for her sins when her path crosses Katherine's.
My Review
Juia Butler The Last Enore is this years must read book loved it and will be on my read more than once list.Looking froward to reading more of Julia Butlers books great job well done
July 22, 2014
Julia Butler gracefully writes an erotic masterpiece interwoven with conspiracy, romance, and drama. The author's fine style of language is beautiful with skillful descriptive prose that reads like poetry. Strong character development and enigmatic back stories of the characters leads the reader to be engaged in a psychological journey. Readers will find themselves raveled with both charismatic and aversive characters. Our heroin is plunged into a thrilling love affair with a younger man that is inexplicably inescapable, drawing ethical principles of infidelity into the story. Who this lover is leads to shocking revelations and the story of fate.
The author holds no reservations in creating a controversial piece of work that often borders on taboo. The reader is faced with underlying moral messages in an eye opening complex novel. The subject matters addressed here include social status, family secrets, and forbidden love. In the spirit of the protagonist's calling to become a concert pianist The Last Encore includes connotations of music and its nuances. It's quite cleverly written and the veiled messages flow like poetry throughout the book. In that same light, I found myself at the end of a symphony when I came to the conclusion of the novel - breathless. As a new novelist, Julia Butler has conducted herself like a true artist and composer. She writes with true passion and an obvious through knowledge of every aspect covered in this story.
The author holds no reservations in creating a controversial piece of work that often borders on taboo. The reader is faced with underlying moral messages in an eye opening complex novel. The subject matters addressed here include social status, family secrets, and forbidden love. In the spirit of the protagonist's calling to become a concert pianist The Last Encore includes connotations of music and its nuances. It's quite cleverly written and the veiled messages flow like poetry throughout the book. In that same light, I found myself at the end of a symphony when I came to the conclusion of the novel - breathless. As a new novelist, Julia Butler has conducted herself like a true artist and composer. She writes with true passion and an obvious through knowledge of every aspect covered in this story.
November 8, 2014
What a beautiful and emotional story! I instantly fell in love with the main character Katherine and could definitely relate to her story and her struggles. There are so many brilliantly crafted scenes throughout this story that it really pulls you in completely. I honestly didn’t want to put the book down. It is a bit sultry romance, a bit mystery suspense, a bit erotic, and definitely well written. The author’s use of descriptive words & imagery really sets the scenes to where you can actually picture the landscape, the character’s mannerisms, and the backdrop to each transition of the story! I don’t like to give away story lines as I would hate to ruin a good story for another reader, but trust me, you will absolutely love this story and the writing style of the author. All-in-all I thought it was a fabulous read that you will definitely want to put on your fall reading list. 5 big stars!
February 17, 2015
My friend actually gave this book to me and I had to come here to write a review here to encourage others to buy this book so here goes :As you read this book, you can actually find out more about the time period back then.What is amazing about this is how well this book is written. I love the writing by the author. The feelings of the characters were all well expressed through writing and thus you can actually feel and empathize what the characters are feeling at the point of time. The book is both long and short at the same time, the writer manages to use drama and the characters to make it so interesting that you would keep reading it and even in one sitting. The book is beautiful, the ending of the book is even more beautiful, but I am not going to spoil it for you. The love, romance and the problems encountered by Kat all seem so real thanks to the writing. I couldn't ask for more from a novel. Amazing read.
March 1, 2015
The Last Encore is a brilliant novel. The language is poetic and moving. It is the story of a young music prodigy who puts everything she has into building a career as a concert pianist. Her father has mysteriously died in an accident, forcing her family into a situation that will haunt Katherine for the rest of her days.
After she is accepted into the Moscow Conservatory, a torrid love affair begins with a professor. That forbidden love changes her life. Although she can't have him, she wants him. Moving to the other side of the world doesn't negate her feelings for him.
In the US, she marries a man who is incapable of true love and prone to jealousy and controlling behavior. As the years go by, echoes of the past still haunt her and lives that never crossed become intertwined in a tale that will leave you breathless.
I loved everything about this book. This is a true modern classic!
After she is accepted into the Moscow Conservatory, a torrid love affair begins with a professor. That forbidden love changes her life. Although she can't have him, she wants him. Moving to the other side of the world doesn't negate her feelings for him.
In the US, she marries a man who is incapable of true love and prone to jealousy and controlling behavior. As the years go by, echoes of the past still haunt her and lives that never crossed become intertwined in a tale that will leave you breathless.
I loved everything about this book. This is a true modern classic!
February 18, 2015
The Last Encore is an emotional story with some difficult subjects and delicate matters that the author handles with a lot of beauty in her prose and a great deal of depth to the plot and narrative. The story has many layers and in many ways plays out as more of a mystery of deep secrets and emotions that help shape how we may see the world and the times that we are living in. The author has a rich and beautiful way with word delivery. Katherine's story is raw and difficult, and not an easy subject to develop, but the author truly surprised me and left me working through and understanding the unfolding drama and suspense that is created from the story. I really enjoyed and connected with Lily, you feel a bit of sadness for her, but you truly get to understand her from the history and connections she makes as everything unfolds.
July 29, 2014
The Last Encore is a provocative romance that can be described as bold, authentic, and sophisticated. It is a love story about two people brought together by a conspiracy that must overcome incredible obstacles. Each chapter is named after musical terms and the words are like beautiful music. It is a symphony that starts off slowly and builds up to an intense ending. It's apparent that the author put her heart and soul, passion, imagination and fantasies into writing this book. I also found it fascinating the extent that the main character mirrors the authors own life – living in Russia, watching out for the KGB, figure skating, etc...I really enjoyed reading this book and hope the author will write a sequel. Highly recommended.
September 16, 2014
A special thanks to NetGalley and Creative Vision/Ingram for an advance download of The Last Encore by Julia Butler.
The Last Encore is a love story with many twists and turns. Daniel Adler, a German writer, is haunted by a red-haired beauty who appears to him in periodic visions. Katherine Konova, a Russian musician and figure skater, has married a man she knows will rescue her. Lily Bernard brings Daniel and Katherine together in Los Angeles, and just as the reader begins to root for the two lovers, the truth of the families begins to emerge. Ms. Butler has given us poetry, art, psychological intrigue, and romance all in one novel. I couldn't put this one down. I'm recommending this one to all my reader friends.
The Last Encore is a love story with many twists and turns. Daniel Adler, a German writer, is haunted by a red-haired beauty who appears to him in periodic visions. Katherine Konova, a Russian musician and figure skater, has married a man she knows will rescue her. Lily Bernard brings Daniel and Katherine together in Los Angeles, and just as the reader begins to root for the two lovers, the truth of the families begins to emerge. Ms. Butler has given us poetry, art, psychological intrigue, and romance all in one novel. I couldn't put this one down. I'm recommending this one to all my reader friends.
July 20, 2014
Julia Butler’s debut novel was an all-night adventure for me. It brilliantly interweaves a true story (where a thrilling dark family secret is hidden) with the mind of a musician and the heart of an artist. The plot is fantastic and seems impossible—full of illicit sexual fantasies, the secret thrills of car chases and forbidden affairs—and yet it is also based on reality. Very tastefully, it contains elements that have made the 50 Shades books such amazing best-sellers. For me, the book became harder and harder to put down the more I read. Even days after I finished it, I am still thinking about it. I highly recommend it!
October 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and happily will add it to one of my favorites. The writer does such a beautiful job of poetically intertwining the lives of the characters, so much so that I was captured from the very first lines.
The characters are still dancing around in my head even after I have finished reading it, which signifies a truly wonderful book.
I really loved that the names of the chapters matched so closely with the book and the musical presentation. It made it very interactive and I found myself trying to piece together what was happening before I even dove into the next chapter. Beautifully done, and I am now a fan.
The characters are still dancing around in my head even after I have finished reading it, which signifies a truly wonderful book.
I really loved that the names of the chapters matched so closely with the book and the musical presentation. It made it very interactive and I found myself trying to piece together what was happening before I even dove into the next chapter. Beautifully done, and I am now a fan.
November 10, 2014
The Last Encore is a brilliantly and beautifully written story that grabs the reader by the heart and mind and keeps you absorbed and engaged until the end. The author is a very visual storyteller who creates the scenery and characters in a way that you feel you are really seeing and experiencing the plot as it happens. I really enjoyed the dialogue. The characters are vivid and exciting. The plot is emotional and intense at times as well as beautifully romantic and erotic. This book is not at all predictable which makes it captivating and keeps you flipping through pages to see what will happen next! This is a great read that keeps you wanting more!
December 13, 2014
A lovely novel full of heart
From the moment I began reading this book I was drawn in by the compelling characters, level of detail and the musical writing style. This is a story about fate, love, desire, and heartbreak. Katherine's journey takes us across countries, time, lovers and passions that will leave you breathless. The writing artfully intertwines the fates of these characters and brings you into the story by making the characters so real you begin to care for them. I was captivated by Daniel, surprised by Lily's confession, and adored Katherine. This story will stay with me for quite some time, and that's the kind of book I look for.
From the moment I began reading this book I was drawn in by the compelling characters, level of detail and the musical writing style. This is a story about fate, love, desire, and heartbreak. Katherine's journey takes us across countries, time, lovers and passions that will leave you breathless. The writing artfully intertwines the fates of these characters and brings you into the story by making the characters so real you begin to care for them. I was captivated by Daniel, surprised by Lily's confession, and adored Katherine. This story will stay with me for quite some time, and that's the kind of book I look for.
January 10, 2015
I truly stumbled on this title at my local library, while there picking up one of my often-requested titles. I took a quick glance at the "New Releases" display area and was taken with the title. The summary on the back cover immediately intrigued me with the foreign location, modern romance with an element of mystery...love, conspiracy, and fate. This book was hard to put down, what with the erotic passion of the love stories contained...not one for those prudish in that regard. The author was born in Russia, into a family of a concert pianist and literature professor, so her characters were drawn from personal experience. Loved it!
October 10, 2014
I absolutely recommend this book. It's a beautiful piece of literary fiction.
Music is a strong theme in the book and appropriately, the plot pieces come together perfectly like a well-written symphony.
The author relays such rich details from the background and childhood of Katherine and Daniel. It made their present day story so much more meaningful.
This is a story of love, obsession and forgiveness. Some situations are heart-wrenching and others are cleansing and cathartic. Luckily as a reader, I got to go long for the ride.
Music is a strong theme in the book and appropriately, the plot pieces come together perfectly like a well-written symphony.
The author relays such rich details from the background and childhood of Katherine and Daniel. It made their present day story so much more meaningful.
This is a story of love, obsession and forgiveness. Some situations are heart-wrenching and others are cleansing and cathartic. Luckily as a reader, I got to go long for the ride.
November 5, 2014
This is not your run-of-the-mill romance novel! It is something so much more! The Last Encore weaves several characters' story lines together with incredible skill and mastery. Seemingly unrelated events are all connected at the end, with the characters coming together in a way you didn't see coming. Not only is the story a brilliant romance full of inspired scenes, it is an engaging and enthralling mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! The author is incredibly skilled in their craft, and I can not wait to see what they think of next!
November 14, 2014
The Last Encore will have you intrigued as you read with a beautifully written erotic suspenseful read. The characters are all very unique, passionate, and well developed throughout the story, my favorite being Katherine as I could relate to her. You watch as two stories collide in an incredible way. The story had just the right amount of suspense, passion, sex, and action that kept me intrigued with every page turn. This was my first time reading anything from Julia Butler and I am very impressed. Highly recommend this to any fan of drama, emotional, suspenseful books.
November 15, 2014
This book does an amazing job of intertwining the fates of the main characters. I became engrossed in the path that each major character in this story took, as well as their intricate and rich back stories. Julia Butler does a fabulous job creating characters with depth (or baggage, if you will), that affects their desires and decisions in regards to life and love. You can tell she is a great storyteller with professional training in writing. The book is also erotic in a very intense, classy way that definitely left you wanting to read more after every chapter. I highly recommend this book.
November 7, 2014
I found this to be a very confusing and difficult read... I don't know... it just wasn't for me.
I think my main criticism is the pacing of the story. There are a lot of characters and story-lines to keep up with and the pacing was just too fast.
It is an interesting story though... and perhaps a more patient reader than myself would like this better... so feel free to give it a try and let me know what you think.
ARC was provided by netgalley
I think my main criticism is the pacing of the story. There are a lot of characters and story-lines to keep up with and the pacing was just too fast.
It is an interesting story though... and perhaps a more patient reader than myself would like this better... so feel free to give it a try and let me know what you think.
ARC was provided by netgalley
September 11, 2014
A very different perspective in writing. At first, I was a little confused as to how each of the characters we meet were going to tie into each other. But, Julia Butler does a brilliant job making them all come together. Full of mystery and surprises and written in a way that lets you see each point of view, the story is written differently but works very well to tell the story. A very enjoyable story.
October 15, 2014
This is a journey of relationships...that admittedly at first I was thoroughly confused by. I kept thinking I missed something from the start. As the story plays out it becomes beautifully romantic, erotic and heartwarming and heartbreaking. Yes that's a lot of emotions in one book. Butler weaves a tale that makes you think. well past the ending.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Julia Butler for this read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Julia Butler for this read.
October 18, 2014
This is a beautiful novel about two people whose love had no bounds. I loved how each chapter is named after a musical term. The main character,Katherine, is a classical pianist. The story is tragic and heartbreaking. The writing is extraordinary. The first passage right before the book starts makes you stop and read it over and over. It is that stunning. I am looking forward to a sequel. Yes, I do think there will and should be a sequel.
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