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Return to Middle C
Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B005MGPJOO.
Across the street lives a mysterious bald man whose only companions are cats. Delora Calatrava, his new and only neighbor in an otherwise unoccupied cul-de-sac, is convinced this man has lost everything that ever mattered to him. She has discerned this just by peering through binoculars from her bedroom window while the man seemingly rocks his life away on his front porch swing, his feline friends keeping him company.
What Delora doesn't know is that this man's name is Ben Davenport, once one of the world's most famous rock musicians. Six years ago, following his band's grand finale tour performance in Orlando, Florida, Ben exited the stage to discover his wife had fled the country with another man, taking Ben's five-year-old son Bryan with her. Following an exhaustive and fruitless worldwide four-year search for his son, Ben took up residence in the city where he last saw Bryan, hoping that just maybe his son would somehow be returned to him. After two years have passed, Ben's hopes are fading fast.
But across the street lives a woman who doesn’t believe in ever giving up on anything. Ben soon discovers that Delora Calatrava is a force of human nature that cannot be easily turned away. But can her friendship and boundless determination fuel his will to take back all he has lost?
Return To Middle C is a story about the healing power of love, hope, music, and unwavering faith.
Across the street lives a mysterious bald man whose only companions are cats. Delora Calatrava, his new and only neighbor in an otherwise unoccupied cul-de-sac, is convinced this man has lost everything that ever mattered to him. She has discerned this just by peering through binoculars from her bedroom window while the man seemingly rocks his life away on his front porch swing, his feline friends keeping him company.
What Delora doesn't know is that this man's name is Ben Davenport, once one of the world's most famous rock musicians. Six years ago, following his band's grand finale tour performance in Orlando, Florida, Ben exited the stage to discover his wife had fled the country with another man, taking Ben's five-year-old son Bryan with her. Following an exhaustive and fruitless worldwide four-year search for his son, Ben took up residence in the city where he last saw Bryan, hoping that just maybe his son would somehow be returned to him. After two years have passed, Ben's hopes are fading fast.
But across the street lives a woman who doesn’t believe in ever giving up on anything. Ben soon discovers that Delora Calatrava is a force of human nature that cannot be easily turned away. But can her friendship and boundless determination fuel his will to take back all he has lost?
Return To Middle C is a story about the healing power of love, hope, music, and unwavering faith.
- GenresFiction
Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2011
20 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 9, 2017
Meh
I chose this rating because I did finish the book. All I can say is it could have been so much better. I liked the storyline or plot and kept reading hoping it would get better or `deeper' but it just didn't. It was almost as if the author didn't have time to go into detail. There were parts of the story that could have and should have been explored further as there are too many unanswered questions. Some of the story was just not believable but I guess that's why it's called fiction...and what was with all the 'man-crying'? All in all a disappointment.
I chose this rating because I did finish the book. All I can say is it could have been so much better. I liked the storyline or plot and kept reading hoping it would get better or `deeper' but it just didn't. It was almost as if the author didn't have time to go into detail. There were parts of the story that could have and should have been explored further as there are too many unanswered questions. Some of the story was just not believable but I guess that's why it's called fiction...and what was with all the 'man-crying'? All in all a disappointment.
April 6, 2022
Read this book!
Do yourself a favour and READ THIS BOOK. A beautiful story of sadness, faith and love. I've reread this book many, many times and still shed a tear even though I know what happens. Do yourself a favour....
Do yourself a favour and READ THIS BOOK. A beautiful story of sadness, faith and love. I've reread this book many, many times and still shed a tear even though I know what happens. Do yourself a favour....
October 8, 2017
Great Read
Loved the main character,Ben. Book kept me engrossed from start to the end. Humble man touched my heart and this gal was pulling for him all the way!
Loved the main character,Ben. Book kept me engrossed from start to the end. Humble man touched my heart and this gal was pulling for him all the way!
January 1, 2022
A sad n happy tale
I'm sure the situation in this book happens in real life. I pray that others have the same kind of endind
I'm sure the situation in this book happens in real life. I pray that others have the same kind of endind
December 7, 2022
Setting in Orlando
December 5, 2012
Ben Devenport is a rock star. He has a 6 year old son and a wife which he loves. He is looking forward to a break from touring with his band and spending time with his family. However, when they don’t appear at the venue he calls the taxi driver who was supposed to be picking them up. The driver is still waiting. The driver has tried to call and has knocked on the room door. They are not there. Ben tries to call Stella’s mobile – his wife – but he can’t get a hold of her.
Fast forward 5 years. Ben is in hiding, he is exhausted, he is broken. That day Ben lost his son Bryan. Ben lost his wife. But his wife wasn’t his. His wife cheated. Now Ben only has the company of stray cats in his large empty house. But when a women, Delora, moves into the house across from his and becomes preoccupied with him she ends up being his saving grace.
This is a book about the depths of depression, the strength it takes to return to the search that had previously taken everything away from you. The spark that one person can give you just by holding out a hand of friendship and allowing you to take your time to accept it.
A book which reminds you why you are alive. That no matter how bad things get there is a way to improve them. Even though Ben lost everything he is able to find himself again and reconnect with his musical past.
A fantastically written book with a great flow and a great plot. Please read this book and you will learn so much about pain but also so so much about healing.
This book has action, mystery, love, hate, joy, pain, thrills. This is a book for everyone and anyone.
Fast forward 5 years. Ben is in hiding, he is exhausted, he is broken. That day Ben lost his son Bryan. Ben lost his wife. But his wife wasn’t his. His wife cheated. Now Ben only has the company of stray cats in his large empty house. But when a women, Delora, moves into the house across from his and becomes preoccupied with him she ends up being his saving grace.
This is a book about the depths of depression, the strength it takes to return to the search that had previously taken everything away from you. The spark that one person can give you just by holding out a hand of friendship and allowing you to take your time to accept it.
A book which reminds you why you are alive. That no matter how bad things get there is a way to improve them. Even though Ben lost everything he is able to find himself again and reconnect with his musical past.
A fantastically written book with a great flow and a great plot. Please read this book and you will learn so much about pain but also so so much about healing.
This book has action, mystery, love, hate, joy, pain, thrills. This is a book for everyone and anyone.
May 7, 2013
By crystal (Wi)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Return To Middle C (Kindle Edition)
When i started reading this i was instantly turned off. The main character was spineless and had virtually given up on life. I like strong men so i did not know how i could continue on reading. But i did and I'm glad i did. About half way through the book it started eliciting emotion from me. First anger when he left Delora. But then the pieces of the puzzle started to fall in place. I started to understand why he left Delora, why he virtually stopped looking for his son and why he gave up on life. Then joy arrived as he started living again. I truly began rooting for Ben's happily ever after . I could not put the book down at the end. I liked that the tittle of the book is described at the end.
The only change i would make would have Ben a female. I would probably enjoy the first half of the book better. I can sympathize with a weak female much. Better than a spineless male.
Well worth the read, very emotion evoking, please don't stop at the beginning like i almost did. You will miss a wonderful ending.
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Return To Middle C (Kindle Edition)
When i started reading this i was instantly turned off. The main character was spineless and had virtually given up on life. I like strong men so i did not know how i could continue on reading. But i did and I'm glad i did. About half way through the book it started eliciting emotion from me. First anger when he left Delora. But then the pieces of the puzzle started to fall in place. I started to understand why he left Delora, why he virtually stopped looking for his son and why he gave up on life. Then joy arrived as he started living again. I truly began rooting for Ben's happily ever after . I could not put the book down at the end. I liked that the tittle of the book is described at the end.
The only change i would make would have Ben a female. I would probably enjoy the first half of the book better. I can sympathize with a weak female much. Better than a spineless male.
Well worth the read, very emotion evoking, please don't stop at the beginning like i almost did. You will miss a wonderful ending.
November 4, 2011
I first met Greg on Twitter back when I had MAYBE three followers. I was impressed by his kindness (He even followed me back). I decided to read his book, "Return to Middle C" even though it isn't a young adult paranormal romance. It's not paranormal or even a normal romance since the male protagonist isn't the typical heart rate increasing heavy breath inducing fantasy fueling hunk of male hotness.
But I still empathized with him.
If I had to classify this story, I'd say it was mainstream literary fiction. Lot's of metaphores and artistic phrases. But since I don't usually read mainstream literary fiction, I can't say for sure. (I've been up for 39 hours -and counting-so please excuse my lack of focus).
What I liked about this story was the honesty of the raw emotion. The journey from despair to hope and finally redemption felt very real to me. I could feel the love this man had for his son and my heart ached for him when he lost him.
Be sure to read this book with a box of tissues in easy reach. You're gonna need them.
But I still empathized with him.
If I had to classify this story, I'd say it was mainstream literary fiction. Lot's of metaphores and artistic phrases. But since I don't usually read mainstream literary fiction, I can't say for sure. (I've been up for 39 hours -and counting-so please excuse my lack of focus).
What I liked about this story was the honesty of the raw emotion. The journey from despair to hope and finally redemption felt very real to me. I could feel the love this man had for his son and my heart ached for him when he lost him.
Be sure to read this book with a box of tissues in easy reach. You're gonna need them.
July 26, 2016
Wow! It's a long time since I've leaked so many tears reading a book. This is an inspirational love story - a father's love for his son. The book was appealing on many levels:
From the start, I was hoping father and son would be reunited
Musical references (including the title) are embedded throughout
The many dimensions of Ben Davenport's character: famous rock star, isolated introvert, devasted father, philanthropist.
Mr. Shultz does an admirable job drawing readers ever-deeper into the story, as Ben moves through the various stages of coping with his son's disappearance.
The significance of the title becomes evident only at the end and reflects not only the musical theme that readers enjoy throughout the book but also the bond between father and son. Thanks for a truly enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to starting "Nothing Left to Lose".
The significance of the title becomes evident only at the end and reflects not only the musical theme that readers enjoy throughout the book but also the bond between father and son. Thanks for a truly enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to starting "Nothing Left to Lose".
July 13, 2012
The Troubled Life of a Rock Star
I love this novel about Ben Davenport, a world famous rock star and cat lover. You won’t soon forget Ben or Delora.
From the moment Ben’s wife, Stella calls him to say she’s taking their son, Bryan and leaving him, Ben falls apart.
After Ben meets his Puerto Rican neighbor, Delora Calatrava, you will find yourself hoping they fall in love and marry. And above all, you want to see him reunited with his son. After four long years go by, I began to lose hope.
It will break your heart to see this rock star not with his band touring and enjoying life.
Throughout the book, I kept wondering where the title of this book came from. That isn’t revealed until the end and I like it.
I’ve never read a novel about any famous rock stars and I highly recommend this one!
Rebecca Scarberry
I love this novel about Ben Davenport, a world famous rock star and cat lover. You won’t soon forget Ben or Delora.
From the moment Ben’s wife, Stella calls him to say she’s taking their son, Bryan and leaving him, Ben falls apart.
After Ben meets his Puerto Rican neighbor, Delora Calatrava, you will find yourself hoping they fall in love and marry. And above all, you want to see him reunited with his son. After four long years go by, I began to lose hope.
It will break your heart to see this rock star not with his band touring and enjoying life.
Throughout the book, I kept wondering where the title of this book came from. That isn’t revealed until the end and I like it.
I’ve never read a novel about any famous rock stars and I highly recommend this one!
Rebecca Scarberry
May 19, 2013
I picked this up for free from Amazon. I have picked up many that way in the past year, trying to discover new authors. This one caught me by surprise.
I kept skipping it over, the cover and the title just weren't catching my attention. I decided to take a chance one evening, after having read a horrible novel.
I have to say, this is one of the best novels I have read in a long time. The characters were so well written. The plot was wonderful. It flowed nicely and you were rooting for the hero to overcome everything and get it all back.
Great, great, great read. I am very happy I read it. It revived my knowledge in authors and trying out a free book first, to see. After numerous bad ones, this was such a delight.
I kept skipping it over, the cover and the title just weren't catching my attention. I decided to take a chance one evening, after having read a horrible novel.
I have to say, this is one of the best novels I have read in a long time. The characters were so well written. The plot was wonderful. It flowed nicely and you were rooting for the hero to overcome everything and get it all back.
Great, great, great read. I am very happy I read it. It revived my knowledge in authors and trying out a free book first, to see. After numerous bad ones, this was such a delight.
March 6, 2013
I was fortunate enough to pic this up free for my kindle. It is not really the genre I tend to read, it was an rasyread that was full of emotional dramas. I enjoyed the characters and it was a fun escape from my last read by Dawn French which was an abysmal read full of bad language and no plot.
This is filled with Drama but is a feel good read. With nice characters and an unusual plot.
Thanks for the free read .
This is filled with Drama but is a feel good read. With nice characters and an unusual plot.
Thanks for the free read .
August 3, 2016
I gave up on this book. I tried for a very long time to finish it, because I can tell Schultz actually tried; all the pieces are present, the plot, the background, the characters, however the writing is clinical and mechanic. The story bumps along like a gravel road riddled with potholes that make it physically painful to read. I despise giving bad reviews, but there you have it. Better luck next time.
January 9, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the characters, I felt like I really knew them. I loved the relationships and friendships that developed. I loved that it was clean! I really enjoyed the music references, but even if you're not a musician, you'll still enjoy this book. Delora's my hero, she could see past the wall that Ben Davenport put up and changed lives! Thanks Gregory Shultz for a great book!
January 21, 2013
Ben Davenport's son is stolen by his wife and a not so savory lover of hers and seems to vanish off the face of the planet. Ben searches and then becomes a hermit in his home with his cats. A curious neighbor spurs him on to continue the search.
I enjoyed this book, it flowed and the characters grew and developed.
I enjoyed this book, it flowed and the characters grew and developed.
February 3, 2014
This is a wonderful story of love, faith and family. This story was beautifully written and really captured my heart. Ben Davenport was such a gentle soul, and his perseverance and love for his son was incredible. I could hardly put this one down because I had to believe that I would get a sweet reunion in the end, I was not disappointed. Thank you.
January 11, 2014
Good reads sent me this book. It has all the elements of a Good Read! Mystery, Music, Cats, romance, kidnapping. It was a read that is hard to put down. I loved the return to middle C concept- musicians know that Middle C is home on the piano. Excellent play on that concept.
May 16, 2014
I enjoyed this book. It pulled me in and i wanted to keep reading to see what would happen.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews