The Music Maker's Daughter

by Gayle Wyatt

Something is deeply wrong in the Belaugh household, and Madeline Brooks is about to step right into it

When her beloved pianist father dies, Madeline loses everything - her family, her friends and home. But she never abandons hope. She dreams passionately of following in her father’s footsteps and making music her life.

Rising above the orphanage regime, she secures a music scholarship with the wealthy Belaugh family. It seems like a dream come true. But is it?

At Harborough Hall she begins to suspect her guardian is far more than he seems. Opportunity quickly turns to nightmare.

Loyal and kind-hearted, she fights to defend those she loves from harm. But can she save herself? Can she retain the one thing she values above all – her father’s gift for making music?

A gritty, heart-warming tale of determination and courage, friendship and loyalty.

Genres: Historical Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2021

About the author

Editor and journalist, Gayle Wyatt has been a compulsive wordsmith throughout her life. Since taking a break from the deadline-driven world of magazine publishing she has turned her hand to her first great love: writing historical fiction.

Gayle lives in the medieval city of Norwich in the UK, a location that provides a wealth of inspiration and material for her writing.

She has a deep interest in how the previous generations lived and survived and brings their struggles and experiences vividly to life through the medium of words.

There are two series of books in the pipeline:

THE WESTCOTT GIRLS: set in England during the turbulent 1930s and ‘40s it follows the lives of five childhood friends through war and peace, struggle and triumph, love and loss.

ELIZABETH OF DAVERLEY: a fast-paced historical trilogy commencing seven years after the Restoration of King Charles II, in an England where scientific and philosophical thinking are blossoming into an age of enlightenment. Mystery, intrigue, romance and danger dog her heroine and hero. Conflict and political unrest are just steps away.

Reviews

[Louise Pledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omigosh, I loved this book (at least 7 stars worth!) and have already recommended it to some of my musician peeps! Madeline Brooks's father is the "music maker" parent, a brilliant concert pianist who got some undeserved bad breaks in his once promising career. Maddy has always promised to follow in his footsteps and is well on her way when he, unexpectedly, dies. What will become of Maddy and her younger brother, Matthew, when everything they own has to be sold to cover bills?

Well, that's part of the captivating story, so I won't give it away for you.

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dismal...

I've somehow fallen into a string of depressing freebies and whilst not the worst of them, this was anything but a remedy.

It didn't help that there was such a lack of editing evident (bizarre word choices, especially the repetitive use of "alright," which isn't even a word!) The capper was that 93% of the way in, we're tossed a morsel about the evil grandmother that says there will be no real ending here and indeed, there isn't. I really don't have the fortitude to suffer further and find out what happens and will likely just assume Madeline ends up with a happily ever after.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always seeking books with a different plot and this one qualified. Involves a talented young musician who is orphaned at a young age. However, her musical talents earn her a sponsorship in a special home by her benefactor along with a couple of other young kids. However, not initially known to Maddie, were the 'favors' expected of them. She flees, is found and returned until this comes to light. Overall interesting book for those who are interested in 'special talents' of the time.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Couldn't Put It Down

With her father dead and her mother very ill in a sanatorium, Madeline and her brother are put in an orphanage where her musical talent is soon noticed and she is placed with the Belaugh family who nurture such talent and provide scholarships but all is not what it seems and Madeline is forced to run away. This is a lovely book which I could not put down and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

[Bj Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't remember where I downloaded this book from, but I know it was for free and I didn't have any expectations. Being a musician myself, I was attracted to the title! I was pleasantly surprised by the writing, the plot, and the characters. It tells the story about a girl who is pursuing her talents as a pianist when her mother's health and father's death affect her future. There is sadness yet triumph, and this book is written as a series. I hope to read #2!

[Fran Burdsall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of an Oliver Twist story.... poor little rich girl. The story line assumes a great deal of naivity and class distinction. But the primary character soon garners your sympathy and you are willing to go along with the plot and wait for her ultimate redemption.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This didn’t go quite like I expected it.

[Patricia L .Jex · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read reviews carefully to choose good reading material. I'm surprised no one has called this out for what it is. The protagonist in this story is a pedophile who preys on child prodigies. This is not what I look for in good literature, and it is not entertainment. There are two child rape scenes, (I skipped over much of it as it was disturbing). This book felt off from the start and I should have put it down. The "happy ending" is neither convincing nor satisfying because the perpetrator is not stopped or held accountable, and we are expected to believe that the kids heal and are fine just because the molestation ceases. It doesn't work like that. No, this is not uplifting literature.