The Musician

Emerson Pass Historicals #5

by Tess Thompson

Fiona Barnes has a secret. One so big she's afraid it will destroy everything she holds dear. Not even her beloved music can save her.

Li Wu has fought prejudice his entire life. But he's always felt safe and protected within the fierce love of the Barnes family. If only the object of his desire were free to be his, all would be well. Will he risk everything to be with the one he loves or will societal pressures keep them apart?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Fiction, Westerns

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2022

About the author

Tess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.

Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.

She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.

Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.

She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.

She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.

Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
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Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, Fiona and Li's story. It was good.

[Vivi220414 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amo la famiglia Barnes, amo come tutto il paese si aiuti e supporti, nella storia di Fiona e Li, rimangono un po' defilati, compaiono solo nei momenti clou; anche se mi sono mancati, è comunque una bella storia d'amore e amicizia profonda, certamente Li, ci fa sospirare la sua capitolazione, ma l'epilogo è bellissimo ❤️...

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Musician is Book 5 of the Emerson Pass historical series, and is centered around Fiona, loving daughter and sister, a musician who is secretly in love with her musical partner Li. Their story is complicated by the fact that Li is Chinese, and he has suffered physically and mentally by prejudice and bigotry. This novel takes a bit of a different spin than the others, since most of it takes place in Paris, where Fiona is under the tutelage of a musical tutor. The Musician is a heartwarming and poignant story of courage and love; of loving someone so much that you will do everything you can to protect them—even if it leads to a broken heart. Fiona and Li are so very courageous, in a quiet and unassuming way, and I was moved by every aspect of their story.

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

La sua reticenza e la sua cautela caratterizzavano la sua vita quotidiana. Tranne quando suonava. Allora capivo che cosa aveva in cuore.

3,75 - La bellezza di questa serie risiede nella sua coralità, nell'affrontare, volume, dopo volume, ciascuno dei figli di lord Barnes, bambini che abbiamo visto crescere fin dal primo decennio del novecento e che abbiamo accompagnato alle soglie dei vent'anni, tutti impegnati con la vita che vogliono scegliere, i loro desideri, ostacoli, amori, con tutto il contorno di vicende della famiglia "allargata". Non dico allargata a caso, perché il capofamiglia, da subito, ha voluto costruire un villaggio e una comunità improntata a determinati valori, investendo, contribuendo e accogliendo molte persone; tra questi, anche Li Wu, la sorella e la nonna, immigrati di origine cinese sopravvissuti alle malattie e alla miseria.

Li è cresciuto come una sorta di fratello adottivo, insieme con gli altri ragazzi, è stato incoraggiato a sviluppare il suo talento musicale, suonando spesso con Fiona, sei anni più giovane, e altrettanto dotata. Ma ha dovuto ben presto scontrarsi anche con pregiudizi e razzismo (siamo pur sempre nel 1928), finendo per convincersi che non potrà mai essere all'altezza della ragazza, di cui è innamorato da sempre, anche perché un'eventuale coppia interrazziale non sarebbe accettata dalla società.
Così quando Fiona ha l'occasione di andare a Parigi a studiare, non la ferma, nega addirittura i propri sentimenti, sperando di offrirle libertà e un destino più sereno.

Naturalmente, i rampolli Barnes hanno preso dalla padre, quanto a testardaggine, Fiona probabilmente più di tutti. E Parigi, da luogo di fuga, si trasforma presto, nella città dove molti sogni si realizzano.

Per mio gusto personale, questo capitolo ambientato, per buon parte, lontano da Emerson Pass, è sinora quello che mi è piaciuto meno in tutta la serie. L'ho trovato più lento e meno focalizzato sui soliti personaggi che amo.
E se Li ha confermato tutto il suo spessore (splendido), Fiona mi è parsa meno incisiva, una sorta di santa a tutti i costi che mi ha irritato. Certo, fa del bene, è così munifica, ma alla fine è una ragazza che non si è guadagnata niente da sola, è sempre stata accontentata e sovvenzionata in tutto, ed è facile fare i generosi con i soldi del buon ricco papà.

Sono invece molto, molto curiosa degli sviluppi di un personaggio che viene introdotto a Parigi e che potrebbe mettere ugualmente le radici a Emerson Pass!

[Grecale · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/4⭐

[patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest in the Emerson Pass historical fiction series by Tess Thompson might just be the best, if that’s possible. This story focuses on Fiona and Li. Their connection is through their shared love of music. Fiona appears to be the softest and weakest member of the Barnes family, when in fact she just may be the strongest and shows her strength in a special way. Li has dealt with prejudice in and out of his home area due to his Asian heritage. They have a special bond and have grown to love and respect one another. In this story, they will both go through some traumatic events that leads them to make some very important life decisions. I highly recommend this one and all the books in this series. I read this book as an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

[Cathy Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona and Li’s story is just as beautiful as the others in the Emerson Pass series. Tess Thompson takes real life situations and problems that are relevant to the times and weaves them into the magic that is her storytelling. Can love overcome the prejudices that society casts upon those that may be different then themselves? How much does Li sacrifice in order to protect his partner Fiona? This is a must read, do not put down until the end tale of love with a twist. Thank you to the publisher and the author for my requested advanced copy in exchange for my own opinion and review.

[Mandygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-
La storia di Li e Fiona è finora quella che mi è piaciuta meno
Comunque una bella lettura

[Elisabetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read one of Tess' books I feel like I discover once again  what true love really is!

Fiona and Li, the two protagonists, are wonderful characters full of love and always ready to come to the rescue of people in need!

I must say that I would die to have them as friends!

Fiona is an amazing person, so kind and sweet, she gives to others without any ulterior motive only for the sake of it! She really inspires me as a person!

Li is selfless, warmhearted and a really good friend! I felt the need to hug him during the most part of the book!


Li and Fiona are true soulmates: their love story and chemistry kept me on the edge till the very last page!

"The Musician" is an engaging book that left me eager to discover more about the Barnes family!

By now I feel at home when I plunge into the books of this series!

If you haven't read "The Musician" yet but you love historical romance, my advice is to make space on your TBR for this remarkable book!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Musician.
By Tess Thompson.



Fiona and Li story.


I love going back to Emerson pass love these stories.

Absolutely fabulous Read, thank you tess, this book was so wonderful. A story about Love and so much more.



Fiona.

Paris is the next big step for music for love for finding what will we'll be next in life..
so many adventures. Leading up to what is to come..


Li

Always putting others before himself.. Never wanting to hurt anyone. But has a big heart Loves more than He lets on..


This is A absolutely fabulous story and I can't wait for the next book in the series thank you once again tess for an absolutely fabulous well written book.. Absolutely love your historical fiction...🌹🌹

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I have been waiting for Fiona and Li’s ( stubborn Li) story and this book did not disappoint! I do admit there were quite a few surprises and the Barnes family grows by more as this book progresses. I loved watching how Fiona grows in this story!
I can’t wait for the next book In this series !

[Pat Welte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story, from the beginning to the end. I loved the characters and the way they relationships they had. I really liked the way the relationships developed. I can hardly wait for the next book. I like the way the author pulls me into the story. I almost think of them as family.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my advance review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Sheri P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Tess’s stories because they take you on a journey. This historical fiction is about Fiona Barnes and her love for her family, music and Li Wu.
Li has faced adversity his entire life due to his Chinese heritage. He does not wish to bring that into Fiona’s life. Fiona travels to study in Paris and that is where everything changes.
This story explores family ties, unwavering love and the courage it takes to live fully in the face of obstacles.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin with this book and how much I loved it and love Tess Thompson ? The Musician is the latest book in the beautiful Emerson Pass series. This is Fiona's and Li's story ! They are best friends, she wants more. He does too but feels he is all wrong for her. Fiona tells Li her true feelings and fears she has ruined it all. But has she ? Maybe a little time away from each other will give them some clarity. This book is beautifully written. As is every book in this series. I was not expecting the turn it took with Fiona, but it was a wonderful surprise. I guarantee that you will love this book as much as I did. You love every character and you want them to be your friend or a part of your family. Tess Thompson's books are home for me.

[Daniela Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione per il blog "A libro aperto".
La musicista è il quinto volume dell’ormai celebre serie di Emerson Pass (tolta la novella dedicata a Flynn) e narra la storia dell’artista della famiglia Barnes, Fiona.
Fiona era piccolissima quando ha perso sua madre e ha accolto, successivamente, la matrigna. La nuova moglie del padre è stata per lei una figura fondamentale, quel riferimento femminile che le è sempre mancato. Non stupisce, quindi, che sia forse quella più simile a Quinn. Come lei è capace di provare profonde passioni, un amore disinteressato, generosità e nobilt�� d’animo. Negli altri libri della serie l’abbiamo vista sempre presa dalla sua musica, un corpo e un’anima con Li, il suo partner musicale. Ma crescendo, la ragazza si rende ben presto conto che quello che la lega al suo amico di origini cinesi non è solo una simpatia, l’amore per la musica, ma qualcosa di diverso, di ben più profondo, un sentimento capace di scuotere fondamenta e certezze, travolgente.
Il problema è che Fiona e Li vivono in un’America in cui, all’epoca, l’inclusione e l’accettazione del diverso sono ben lungi dall’essere raggiunte. Li è considerato quasi un paria, al di fuori della cerchia protettiva di Emerson Pass. Dopo aver provato il razzismo sulla propria pelle, decide di soffocare i suoi sentimenti. Lo fa per proteggerla, perché l’ama più di se stesso e mai vorrebbe vederla in pericolo.
Fiona però non conosce il vero intento di Li e, con il cuore spezzato, decide di lasciare l’America con la consapevolezza che le sarà difficile dimenticarlo; vuole inseguire almeno il suo sogno artistico sperando che la musica, ancora una volta, sia il lenimento della sua anima e le salvi la vita.
Non posso aggiungere altro sulla trama e i colpi di scena, diversi (uno clamoroso!) e da gustare appieno con la lettura. Posso solo dirvi che la Thompson ha creato l’ennesimo gioiellino di una serie che sembra addirittura migliorare a ogni capitolo e che non stanca il lettore. La storia tra Fiona e Li è delicata, struggente, a tratti molto commovente, non si può non tifare per questo ragazzo coraggioso, taciturno, profondo; un uomo davvero unico che nel momento del bisogno c’è per la sua donna, che combatte con lei e per lei. Anche Fiona è un personaggio meraviglioso: all’apparenza fragile, nasconde in sé il coraggio e la forza di una leonessa; è capace di compiere scelte difficili, di sacrificarsi e ha l’incredibile talento di capire le persone, di accoglierle senza pregiudizi, di compiere gesti eclatanti di amore assoluto e puro.
Sullo sfondo ritroviamo molti rappresentanti della famiglia Barnes, sbirciamo per l’ennesima volta nelle loro vite e ne siamo deliziati e rassicurati allo stesso tempo. Lo stile dell’autrice è semplice ed elegante, magnificamente reso dalla traduzione. La storia dolce ed emozionante, pur non essendo tipicamente natalizia, è comunque una favola delicata che rasserena l’anima e coinvolge finché non si arriva al gran finale. Molto ben descritti i luoghi, persino Parigi, in un romanzo che abbandona per la prima volta l’ambiente conosciuto della cittadina americana. Interessanti le descrizioni della società francese dell’epoca e soprattutto mi ha incuriosito tantissimo James, il personaggio secondario che appare per la prima volta e cattura subito la scena. So che lo rivedremo e non vedo l’ora.
Chissà cosa gli riserverà il destino? Sono impaziente di leggere il suo libro ma intanto vi consiglio questo; sicuramente lo adoreranno coloro che hanno apprezzato i capitoli precedenti, tutti quelli che amano le grandi saghe familiari, nonché chi predilige le trame dolci e non convenzionali, la narrazione di amori profondi con scene romantiche più che passionali e una buona introspezione psicologica.
Sono esagerata se dico che aspetto le storie di tutti i Barnes, anche dei nuovi arrivati? Cara Thompson, facci un pensierino e continua a farci sognare! Ormai ci hai fatto diventare EmersonPass-dipendenti! Cinque stelline meritatissime, in attesa della prossima ciliegina (si sa che una tira l’altra); dalle premesse penso proprio che sarà una bomba!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

recensione a cura del blog “Libri Magnetici" by Meghan

E dunque per chi sta seguendo questa serie siamo finalmente alla storia della piccola di casa Barnes, quella Fiona che ha nel suo animo il canto e lo spirito indomito e altruista così tipico di questa famiglia.L’abbiamo vista nei volumi precedenti crescere e sviluppare una sua personalità, nonostante le sue sorelle così diverse da lei, e ritagliarsi uno spazio tutto suo, attraverso la musica: e proprio dalla musica parte la sua storia.Lei così sensibile e altruista, riversa nella musica l’amore che prova da sempre per Li, il giovane cinese che vive nel cottage della famiglia Barnes fin da quando il padre di Fiona ha trovato lui e sua nonna alle soglie della fame nella vecchia miniera.La musica ha unito Li e Fiona da sempre, lei con la voce, lui con il violino.

«Li era qui. Ora era tutto a posto nel mio piccolo mondo. Non ci sarebbe stato nessun latro per me. Lo sapevo già da un po'. Lo volevo da sempre. Non solo come partner a suonare musica, ma come amore della mia vita. Al mio fianco, attraverso le stagioni e i figli, le gioie e i dolori.»

Ma l’ambientazione del libro è tutta a Parigi, dove Fiona si reca per prendere lezioni di canto e soprattutto per cercare di dimenticare proprio Li, che ha respinto il suo amore per proteggerla.
L’autrice ha introdotto il tema della discriminazione razziale verso gli asiatici in America in modo molto preciso e al tempo stesso dando il giusto risalto a come fosse fatta soprattutto di gesti e parole, e non solo di violenze fisiche; per questo la storia ha un suo connotato particolare, che la distingue rispetto alle altre della serie.E nella città dell’amore succederanno tante cose per Fiona e poi per Li stesso, soprattutto l’incontro con i due bambini orfani: sarà quello che farà capire a entrambi che chi amiamo non è sempre qualcosa che scegliamo, e che amiamo chi amiamo senza indulgenza e senza paura.Fiona a Parigi diventa una donna completa, capace di affrontare la responsabilità di una nuova famiglia, di capire che la musica può essere parte di lei anche senza calcare i grandi teatri del mondo, e che soprattutto in quel mondo c’è Li per lei.

«Questa era la mia vita, pensai. Semplice e dolce. Una realtà da sogno. Il mio sogno, almeno.»

Siamo negli anni Trenta del Novecento, ed è molto interessante la descrizione degli ambienti parigini, come sempre ricchi di grande fermento intellettuale ma anche di grande povertà e degrado: proprio in essi Li troverà tutto il coraggio per lottare per il suo amore per Fiona e non aver paura del loro futuro di coppia interazziale.Una storia che ci racconta di coraggio, di dolore, di scelte sempre nello stile della Thompson, delicato e commovente.

Quattro petali e mezzo.

[Stormi Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Musician Of Emerson Pass By
Tess Thompson

5 Stars

In the previous Emerson Pass Novels, you meet Fiona Barnes. The last of the original five Barnes. You watch her grow and you watch her develop into a young woman right along with her siblings. In this story, her story, you get to really meet Fiona.

Fiona Barnes, is glad to stay home. She has never been one for adventure. She wants to stay in Emerson Pass and make music with her best friend and the one man she has always loved. Li Wu, and "adoptee" of the Barnes clan has grown up with the Barnes siblings. For years Fiona has loved him, despite their differences and despite his past, she loves him.

Li has been her best friend, protector, and music partner for years. He loves Fiona, but despite everything he feels and wants, he knows he can't have her. His ethnicity, being of Chinese decent, has put him in danger. He has been beaten more than once. This danger to him would mean danger to her. So he denys her his feelings.

When Fiona is offered to tutor in Paris, she runs away, trying to forget her unrequited love with Li. Before long, Li is in Paris with her and they go on quite an adventure that will change the lives of all the Barnes and Wu clans.

I have waited and waited for this story. I have LOVED Fiona from the very first time she came into the books. Li and his family have a story that is so sad and the help that the Barnes give to them is one so heart touching. I absolutely loved this book. Fiona made me giggle so many times with her innocence and then her tendency to pick up 'strays'. She reminds me of me. Bring them all home.

Overall, this has been my favorite book so far. I love Fiona. I love Li. I love Emerson Pass. This story was one that was so beautifully written. It is worth the read.

I'd say it's perfectly perfect!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, our dear sweet Fiona, the youngest of the original Barnes clan. She is so sweet and loving with a magical musical ability. We have been watching her affection for Li grow over the years. And you know with the way that they make music together that he is starting to feel the same.

Li has concerns, however, as he is Chinese-American. He worries about putting Fiona in danger, as he has run into problems on his own.

I'd like to thank Tess for including the Chinese racism in this book. We have had a resurgence with the pandemic. But 100 years ago, hatred against the Chinese was severely rampant. We even ahd laws on the books against Chinese people, even if they were citizens like Li. I strongly recommend learning more about it if you are not aware.

But back to the book.

Another interesting facet to the installment is we leave the small town of Emerson Pass. Fiona has the opportunity to study with one of the greatest music instructors in the world- but she must go to Paris for several months to do so.

She learns more about the world than she ever could have known staying just in Emerson Pass. I felt echoes of Hemingway in her friendships and exploits. She grows a lot as a person and we see how much like her father she truly is.

There are multiple love stories going on in this one - of romance, of friendship, of family. My eyes were definitely misty in this one.

4.5 stars

I received a requested review copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julianna Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Musician

Emerson Pass book 5

Li and Fiona have grown up together in the same house after Li, his younger sister, Fai, and his grandmother were rescued from a cold winter with no shelter by the Barnes family when Li was young.
He is 6 years older than Fiona but that didn’t stop her from falling in love with him.
All grown up now, they play music together for the people of Emerson Pass.
Fiona is head over heels in love with Li but he doesn’t seem to return the feelings.
Li has struggled as a victim of racism. Being a man of Chinese decent was difficult even in the small town of Emerson Pass. He is worried that if he gives into his feelings of love for Fiona, he will put her in danger.
Can love overcome the hate and racism?
Fiona is distraught that Li doesn’t seem to love her back . She is sure he still thinks of her as a little kid or a younger sister. She decides to go to Paris for music lessons and hopefully to get over Li.
This is a quick moving “neat” love story with an underlying Christian theme. It is part of the Emerson Pass series, but can be read as a stand alone book. I quickly fell in love with the characters so richly developed by author, Tess Thompson, and want to read more of the series.
This books is set in 1928 in both Colorado and Paris. If you speak French you will enjoy the French dialog in the story.
Thank you, Tess Thompson, for another brilliantly written book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Fiona's and Li's love story, set during the '20's both in the United States and in France. Theirs is a forbidden love according to "proper society". Li is Chinese and Fiona is American. I had not realized the extent to which Chinese people were discriminated against until I read this story. The author always does extensive research, especially for her historical novels.
Fiona is Lord Barnes' daughter. He founded the town of Emerson Pass. His kind and generous nature is how he met Li, his grandmother, and sister. After his father and grandfather died, they were living in an abandoned mine. He took the entire family into his home and that is where Fiona and Li met. Fast forward years. Fiona and Li perform at a clandestine club in Emerson Pass. She sings and he accompanies her.
Lord Barnes arranged singing lessons for Fiona from Europe's finest teacher. She will be spending months in Paris. She wants Li to come with her but he has responsibilities that keep him in Emerson Pass.
Fiona's time in Paris, during the 20's, was eye opening for me. The details made me want to go back to Paris and see what I missed many years ago.
The ending was pure Tess Thompson. I had not predicted it at all.
I thank the author and publisher for generously giving me an advance copy of this book. However, all comments and critiques are mine alone.

[Kris Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Musician: An Emerson Pass Historical by Tess Thompson
I love the Emerson Pass historical series. I keep thinking “this one is my favorite” and then the next one comes out. I really enjoyed this story. There were so many elements and layers to this story. Historical, travel, friendship, mixed cultures and ultimately love.
This is the story of Fionna and Li. Fionna and Li grew up together and discovered their love of music at the same time. However, Li, being Chinese, was treated differently outside of the Barnes family and Emerson Pass. Fionna was ignorant of the attitudes of many people and their treatment of Li. Li suffered because he was different. He didn’t want Fionna to suffer that same treatment simply because she was with him.
Li was several years older than Fionna. At first he thought of her as a child, but when he returned from Chicago, he began to see her in a different light. She had matured. When she finally expressed her feelings, Li pretends to be indifferent. But, only to protect her from the cruelties that the world might heave on her because of him.
Travel to Paris where Fionna learns to be an adult, to take care of herself and ultimately realize true love is never far away.
This story will warm your heart. True love always finds a way.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more, but I was disappointed. Partly due maybe, because it's the fifth book in the series and I haven't read the previous books. It worked fairly well on it's own, but the references to other characters and events were clearly meant for readers who were already familiar with them. The story was also so focused on Fiona and Li that I didn't really get to know the other characters (again, I guess I was supposed to already know the other Barnes family members).

I also didn't realize it was a romance, which I don't like very much, but it's a clean romance, for those who were wondering.

Fiona's shocking secret isn't all that shocking, and is never treated as such. Fiona Barnes is in love with Li Wu in the 1920s. He refuses to admit his feelings for her because he got beat up (and the Barnes' family made it clear that the perpetrator's aren't allowed to get away with that), and doesn't want to put her in danger, and Fiona is heartbroken, thinking he doesn't love her at all. Turns out, such a relationship isn't a big deal in the story. While I love stories that allow me to escape reality, I don't like actual historical hardships being glossed over. I thought the romance was sweet, but unrealistic.

Maybe I'll consider reading the first book in the series, or another of Tess Thompson's books, in the future.

[Michelle Stuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, what a love story. Fiona and Li are an unlikely pair for the era in which they fall in love. Li, a young man of Chinese descent, has lived with the Barnes family along with his sister and grandmother since he was a boy. He and Fiona have played music together for years and throughout those years have grown fond of each other. When Fiona spills her heart out to Li after he returns home from Chicago, he turns her away. Not out of dislike but his love for Fiona. She, in turn, goes to Paris to study her singing. What transpires in Paris will melt your heart. They need to work out their emotions and fears for the future on their own and then with help from those around them. Sometimes you find love in the most unlikely ways. Mrs. Wu sums it up best: "But in the end, we cannot hide. Not from love or from hate. Both have to be faced with courage".

Given the era that the book is set in, it feels ahead of its time. It's such a beautiful story showing that love is love. I love Fiona and Li. I also cannot wait to see how the Beaumont and Bleu adapt to their new family. What will be in store for James? I love this series and all of the Barnes family. Thank you, Tess, for another wonderful story.

[Becky Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Musician is such a fabulous read. This is Fiona's book, and you are in for a treat. Fiona is one of the younger Barnes children who has grown up. She is the soft hearted and musical member of the family. She has this way of taking everyone in no matter what their circumstances. She has loved Li from afar for so long. Li is a musician like Fiona. He is of Chianese decent and targeted for it. Yes, this is a historical read that deals with the difficulties faced in times that were simpler. He has love Fiona for a while and does his best to push her away, so she doesn't feel the pain he goes through. Fiona has this wonderful chance to better her musical life and you see this wonderful growth she goes through while she is in Paris. I love how close Fiona and Li become as they live life in Paris. I love how protective Li is of Fiona. There is such a wonderful heart to this one that just pulls at all those heart strings. I love what becomes of Fiona and Li in their Paris adventure. I could not get enough of this one. The whole Emerson Pass Historicals series owns a part of heart. I cannot wait for more to come. I love this book and series so much. Go one click this now and follow along with Li and Fiona's love story.

[Denise Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE MUSICIAN of Emerson Pass by author, Tess Thompson
Emerson Pass Historicals Book 6

The Barnes Family of Emerson Pass has continued to surprise, intrigue, and entertain me within this beautiful historical fiction series of life and love~ one that captured my attention, and my heart, as soon as it came to be!

Author Tess Thompson, once again has written a story of family, that without fail, gifted to me an emotional journey both joyful and sorrowful.

A story of love, courage, disappointment, and hope, THE MUSICIAN creates a melodious tune both gentle and strong, as It encompasses the lives of Fiona and Li, two gifted musicians who with the beauty of their love for one another must face the harsh realities of the world that surrounds them, and leaving them to fight against the very things which threaten to tear them apart.

With unexpected surprises, and adventure, Ms. Thompson has created a compelling story of heartbreak and beauty that will sing its way into your heart.

I thank the author for my personal copy of THE MUSICIAN, and allowing me the opportunity to review this wonderful novel.

4 Stars
#TheMusician
#EmersonPassHistoricals
#TessThompson

Wild Sage Book Blog

[Katie Waddell hovey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Fiona and Li's story. They had been playing music together for years. When Fionas father gets her in classes with one of the best vocal teachers in the world. So she moves to France after telling Li how she's feels and he tells her he doesn't love her so he could try to keep her safe. After a few rough months, Iona sends Li a letter telling her how rough it's been for her and how rude her teacher iI. So he hops on a ship to France to be there with her.
One day they were walking down the river walk and found 2 young boys fighting, surrounded by a large group of men. Fiona takes them home with her and bathes them and basically adopts them. So she writes to her parents who were visiting England who were getting ready to come back to Paris to bring her home.
When her parents get there they are inquisitive as to why Li traveled half way across the world and finally get him to admit that he loves her. Her parents adopt the boys so they can come back to the states with them and they get married before having home.
Fiona and Li are a story about losing the love of your life and finding your way back to them. Interracial love is a beautiful thing and should never have to be hidden.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, emotional journey for Fiona and Li

This is a beautiful love story for the youngest of the original Barnes children. Fiona has grown up with Li and they both feel the strength of their love, but their path to their HEA is fraught with danger and hatred due to racism. As much as racism is still a problem today, it was so much more of a cultural anomaly a hundred years ago, and the author does a fantastic job of showing us exactly what Fiona and Li were up against.

Set mostly in Paris, the story encompasses so much more than just the romance and its obstacles. We are once again impressed with the commitment to family that is the hallmark of the Barnes clan, and I absolutely adored how that commitment was demonstrated in the relationships they found in Paris. The inclusion of so much musical imagery made this a lilting, lyrical read that underscored the ability of music to speak to our hearts.

This is a must read book for anyone who loves historical romances full of heart and hope. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the Historical part of Emerson Pass is Fiona’s story. As the story unwinds we learn of Fiona’s strong feelings for fellow Musician, Li. Due to his Chinese descent, Li is afraid to act on his feelings for Fiona, determined to protect her from prejudice and harm

Fiona’s parents are determined for her to travel to Paris to study with a famed music teacher. Li declined an Invitation to accompany Fiona, set on protecting her from harm

As Fiona spends time In Paris, she feels threatened by teacher, Mr Bassett. She frantically writes to Li with her fears. As Li travels to Paris, he meets an eclectic group of misfit friends, but seems threatened by the handsome, yet poor James West.

As Fiona spends more time in Paris, she collects a odd collection of people to take home. Courage and love are
Underlying themes.

What is in store for Fiona’s life in Colorado? Does her love for Li stand a chance?

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, another fantastic Emerson Pass Historicals book by Tess Thompson. Every time I read a book in this series, I’m instantly transported to Emerson Pass, growing up as a member of the Barnes family. They are one of my favorite fictional families.

This book is centered on Fiona and Li. Fiona has always been one of my favorite characters so I was very excited to read her story. Finding her happiness was definitely a struggle - she had several obstacles, hatred being a major one. While there is usually some sort of tension/bad stuff in these books that the characters must overcome, this one was especially bad - even more so that specific brand of hatred is still very relevant in today’s society.

The Musician is another amazing book by Tess Thompson. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series for me. Although there were 4 books before this, I had no problem reading and enjoying the book. The characters and their relationships were explained by the author.

Fiona loves Li. She wants to tell him, but thinks he may still think of her as a child. Li loves Fiona, but he's of Chinese descent. The night he was going to tell Fiona that he loved her, he got beaten up because of his race. He wants to protect her from potential harm if they have a relationship.

Fiona's heart is broken and she goes to Paris to get singing lessons from a renowned teacher, who is also a letch. This book moved slowly for the first half, but the second half was absolutely delightful,

This is a book that I would recommend for young adults and up.

I won a copy of this book through Goodreads. This is my honest review.