The Grace Note

by Brian L. Doe

Alexander Brogan, New York Philharmonic violinist and Julliard instructor, could not have imagined that his fiancée Charlotte would be murdered at Lincoln Center, nor could he have fathomed abandoning his elite Manhattan lifestyle and retreating to a small town in upstate, New York. Determined to fade away into a quiet, isolated existence as a high school music teacher, he encounters a wily ten-year-old violin prodigy named Kelly, whom he vainly tries to ignore. But through the arm-twisting antics of her straight-shooting, Louisiana-born grandmother, he agrees to teach the child. Ultimately, the experience forces him not only to rediscover his passion for the violin and music, but also to realize that love may very well linger in a heart that only Kelly's beautiful Aunt Grace can open

310 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2008

About the author

I was born in Ogdensburg, New York, and grew up on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. From a young age, I recognized my passion for the written word and committed myself to the pursuit of writing. I am currently an English teacher in Upstate New York. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in writing from St. Lawrence University, and a Master’s Degree in secondary education from the State University of New York at Potsdam College.

I live with my wife, Kelly, and our boys, Billy, Bradley, Hayden, and Nathaniel, in Northern New York. Our dogs, Buckshot (a pug-beagle mix) and Doolittle (a Chihuahua), inhabit the family homestead as well.

I am also an amateur violinist who works with John Russell Lindsey, concertmaster of the Orchestra of Northern New York, at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York. I have been associated with the musical world in a number of capacities for years and have been involved in public performances ranging from concert presentations to musicals.

My first novel, BARLEY & GOLD, was published in 2001 and again in 2008. In addition, I am co-author of the trilogy, WAKING GOD, with Philip Harris. My newest release, THE GRACE NOTE, was published in November 2008 and is garnering great reviews.

Reviews

[Carol McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without doubt, this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Brian Doe crafted a book that does everything good literature should. It sweeps the reader up into its world. It enchants with its language and inspires with its theme.

Alexander Brogan is a gifted musician who aspires to be concert master in the Lincoln Philharmonic, where he plays in the first section. The only thing he loves more than his violin is Charlotte. One evening, while he is performing, Charlotte is murdered.

Unable to cope with his loss, he sells everything he owns, leaves New York City and settles in Tarrytown. There he meets a violin prodigy. Spunky, ten-year-old Kelly, convinces him to teach her. Her wily personality forces Alex to confront his weaknesses. Between Kelly and her beautiful Aunt Grace, Alex finds the road to healing.

Poetic,well crafted, thoughtful, engaging--you won't regret this book.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Moving, insightful, great plot.