The Piano Tuner's Song

by Karenza Grant

Music will destroy his soul. One woman can save him...

Violette Romèu’s sense of self is slipping away. Having lost control of her ability to see sound as colour in the cacophony of Paris, the freelance designer retreats to her childhood home in the French Pyrenees. New beginnings seem possible in the peaceful mountain village, especially when she meets an old friend, a master piano tuner with a beguiling intensity impossible to resist.

Yet Violette is unsettled by the piano tuner’s persistent curiosity about her synaesthesia. Unease slips into fear when she discovers that the man she is falling for has been missing presumed dead for years.

As she struggles to unravel colour from reality, Violette is entangled in a world of sublime music, passion and desperation.

The truth behind the piano tuner’s disappearance beckons.

Evoking vibrant imagery, Karenza Grant takes the reader on a journey of discovery that infuses the senses. Merging dark folklore with heartrending emotion, this breathtaking contemporary fantasy romance brings together the powers of music, courage and love.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Romance

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2022

About the author

Karenza Grant writes folklore-inspired fantasy of all kinds, often with delectable slow-burn romance.

Her early years in Cornwall were largely the source of her fascination with all things mysterious. She lived below a hill reputed to be the Cornish residence of the Unseelie Court, and the local myths got their claws in. Now she’s inspired by a broad range of creators, from Jim Henson and Arthur Rackham to a whole host of amazing contemporary authors.

She has three black cats known as The Three Guardians, and a crazy lab x spaniel who is just about the only thing that can extract Karenza from her writing desk—if the pooch isn’t walked, the legions of hell will be released.

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't recall how this first came to my attention but the title definitely caught my eye and it wasn't too expensive. So I gave it a try.

As to genre, it's hard to categorize. It's not a fantasy as it takes place in our world. BUT there are definite extra-natural elements with a folklore aspect. That said: I don't know if the folktale related is based in any actual tradition or invented by the author. Not that it really matters. There's also a strong element of romance.

Principal characters are Violette and Remy.

Violette is a reasonably successful graphic designer but has moved from Paris back to her childhood home in the Languedoc region of France. She has synesthesia and can no longer control the colors that overwhelm her in the noisy city, so she's looking for a quieter environment.

Remy is an old school friend she's not seen for years. He'd grown up to be the principal tuner for the Paris Opera but has been missing for several years. But shortly after arriving home, he shows up and tunes her harp. Something seems a bit strange about him, but she puts it down to not having seen him for ages.

As they get re-acquainted, Violette's synesthesia becomes a critical factor in their relationship as well as his knowledge of an old story of the conflict between Harmonie and Dessacord. He contends it's not just a myth but that they are real forces at work in the world -- and the town musicians who play favorite folks songs every week, rain or shine, at the site of the old chateau, are critical to keeping those forces in balance.

While she fights her synesthesia, he wants to encourage her to embrace it as it may be the only way they will ever be able to truly be together. And to do that, she'll have to go back to Paris and get help from his friend Alex who has old books describing the forces at work and how to control them.

I enjoyed the story and anyone with an interest in music will likely appreciate the idea that perfect musical harmony is what keeps the world in balance. There's also a bit about the debate between 440 and 432 -- aka "Verdi's A" -- which some contend more closely aligns with the actual frequency of the universe. Apparently, it's a whole thing, and is critical to the resolution of the story.

[jlreadstoperpetuity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so where do I start with this book. I mean, I read countless of books that is themed about music but somehow the concept of this book is a first for me.

[Blurb] Violette Romèu’s sense of self is slipping away. Having lost control of her ability to see sound as colour in the cacophony of Paris, the freelance designer retreats to her childhood home in the French Pyrenees. New beginnings seem possible in the peaceful mountain village, especially when she meets an old friend, a master piano tuner with a beguiling intensity impossible to resist.

FMC has a condition called synesthesia (when you experience one of your senses through another. For example, you might hear the name "Alex" and see green) Haven't heard about this at all so it intrigued me right away. As a music obsessed individual, this book evoked different levels of emotions and imagery that I feel like I have synesthesia myself.

As a whole, the book combined surreal fantasy and imaginative reality exquisitely. With the exemption of a weak character development, I can let the unusual barrage of highfalutin words pass. The incorporation of classical and modern musical theories served as the scientific explanation of the otherwise mystical allusions of the plot twists - which might be what made me sit and read this book until the end.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally enjoy fantasy but for some reason I did this one and I really loved it! Maybe it's because of music. I love music especially classical! I play the Viola in an orchestra so I definitely appreciated the musical aspect of it. This new to me author has done a wonderful job in capturing some realistic moments like the subject of colours called Synesthesia. I learned quite a bit about that. Another thing I love is the use of the 1st person point of view from Violet. The harp is a beautiful instrument. I admire anyone who could play it. My 2nd favorite thing was the mystery that lies behind Remey. Remey was an awesome character and my favorite. Violet was ok and I loved her for helping Remey or trying to. I could visualize Paris. Quite a lovely city. I've never visited but through this author I was able to. Thank you for such a wonderful read! 5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend! My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book by Karenza Grant. This is a totally different type of story than the Folkloric series. Both MC'S have a condition called synaesthesia where sound looks like color. I found that story intriguing and interesting. The characters were well written. The two MC'S, Violette and Remy had a unique relationship, as in, they both shared a condition called synaesthesia. Remy was trying to help Violette get control of hers, but she didn't want it to control her. Their relationship slowly becomes more significant throughout the book. The world building between reality and not quite realistic was really well developed and captivated my attention. A must read!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantasy about synesthesia, musical theory, and love. It takes a moment, not a quick read. But it builds and develops into a world and story worth knowing.

Thanks to NetGalley and L’Ours Books for an ARC of this book.

[Nusha Jamila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The backdrop of this novel is French and France, not a Hollywood or British novel. Although the written language is of English, the characters and the settings and the spoken language is of French. I had not expected this touch, but I am not disappointed. Basic and beginner French is enough to have a go at this book, hence why I found reading it fun and as well as helpful in improving my français. The story is a bit slow-going, but I think I would rather call it unraveling.

Violette, the MC, is a character of stubbornness, which I believe she picked up from her experiences of struggling with synesthesia throughout her life. Her synesthesia and stubbornness lead her to undergo some unexpected events based on an ancient folklore of South of France. This was my first novel dealing with synesthesia, or any such kind of unique condition, and I found it enlightening on various levels. The novel is a mixture of romance, paranormal and adventure, and I am glad to convey that I enjoyed reading this wonderful novel. It was a different and nice experience reading this book, as I was able to enter the mind of a person dealing with such a syndrome and know how it is for them themselves to deal with it; as I said, very enlightening.

It is the climax of the novel, the final few chapters, that I found a little too dragging and cliched, but otherwise, it was a more-than-fine read. I would gladly rate this book 3.8 stars out of 5.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My best wishes to the author Karenza Grant for the success of her books and her future works.

[Nikki Larkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

**NOTE: I read through this book twice. Once, as a beta reader, then again as an ARC - both opportunities given to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.**

I loved this book. I find synesthesia very interesting, so when I heard the synopsis of this book, I leapt at the chance to read it. It was a whimsical journey with a low-stakes conflict and an adorably wholesome romance.

Every character had their own personality and the way Grant writes about life in a small French village brings you directly into the world.

The Piano Tuner's Song is perfect for fans of Nora Roberts, of cozy reads, and people who believe in the magic of music.

[pippin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this book was to be a colour it would be a light shade of purple, a blend of dark red and light blue. The dark red being the thrilling and dangerous journey throughout and the light tint of blue for the brief moment of sadness it brought upon me whilst reading. The concept of this book was enlightening, as someone who enjoys music and reading, this book was perfect for me. It had the right amount of musicality within this book, the weaving of musical terms within a fantasy book was captivating. I recommend this book to readers who enjoys going on an adventure and getting lost in the world of music.

[Breanna Conklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Piano Tuner's song is a riveting book that takes place in France.Karenza Grant does an excellent job of describing the towns countryside as well as the country in general of France. Even though I've never been there, I felt as if I could easily see what she was describing like taking a small French adventure!, This book is a wonderful mixture of the love of literature and music like eating fine. French cuisine topped with the sugar icing of love and sipped with the wine of passion, while you are cozy and drinking your tea in your favorite armchair right at home . I would recommend this book to anyone who loves books, history, music and is eager to know the power of love. True love.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantasy story that captivated me completely. It takes so many things - fantasy, French life, synesthesia, magic, music, maths, grief, friendship, love, longing - and blends them in perfect harmony. If you pick this book up be prepared to suspend your daily routine, as you will not want to stop reading until you finish reading the whole book. Thank you to Karenza Grant, L’ours Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed all mine, freely given.

[Jessica T · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a musician, or music lover I think you'll appreciate this book. It's a beautiful story.
It is set in France.
It has aspects of fantasy, folklore, romance, and mystery.
The main character has overwhelming synesthesia.
I really enjoyed the story, and the characters.
It was a very unique read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacky Mercury · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ghost story with a difference

This book is beautifully written and I enjoyed it very much. Dealing with grief in all its forms - and colours.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violette has left Paris to return home to Sarrat. When her parents died. She left Sarrat and hadn’t been back since. But when her childhood home becomes empty, she jumps at the chance to move back to the peace and quiet of the countryside. Violette has synaesthesia, meaning she sees sounds as colors, and Paris became too much. When she arrives back home, her childhood friend Remy appears and insists she learn to use her synaesthesia. But the more she sees Remy, the more she realizes something is wrong, esp when she finds out he’s been missing for 5 years. She needs to figure out what is really going on before she loses Remy forever.
Violette is overwhelmed. She’s been dealing with seeing colors no one else can her entire life and she believes that means something is wrong with her. She also has negative emotions that sit just under the surface of her colors. She pushes them to the side so she can function, but it’s too much most of the time. Remy is a carefree person and wants to help her use the color to her advantage and not see it as a hindrance. The connection they make through the colors is more than just surface level.
This book is not a fast paced action adventure. There is so much emotional background and build up. This book is not only Violette realizing her synaesthesia is not bad but also her dealing with all her negative emotions and coming to terms with what her childhood was really like. This book will pull your heartstrings like the harp the characters play. There were so many times I felt my own heart breaking along with Violette. I knew I’d like this since I’ve read this author before, but I wasn’t prepared for how much I did. This book is different from her newer series but by gosh, it’s still absolutely amazing.

[C.N. Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life carries music through it in every aspect. Rhythm and repetition, harmony and dissonance...

First, let me be clear. If you come to this expecting fast-paced, action-packed Urban Fantasy, you risk being disappointed. Which is not to say there's no action. Nor is it to say this book is disappointing -quite the opposite in fact. But this is a book that breathes, a book that reads as a beautifully crafted love-letter. To music, and the power it has to change the human condition, but even more so to France; specifically the south-west, in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Karenza Grant's obvious adoration and intrigue with that part of the country carries through in beautifully flowing, descriptive text. Her words take you on a journey to the heart of her passions and paints them on your mind's eye, in intricate and entrancing detail. Interweaving synesthesia, ghost stories, folk legends, history and musical theory to create a rich tapestry, Grant uses this as the backdrop to a love story to enchant and intrigue.

So, if you're looking for something different, something unique; a beautiful gem concealed like the secrets of Serrat, then you'd do far worse than to read this wonderful, touching and gorgeous book.

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. Was. Amazing. 🤯

It's a calm, and at times melancholic story that feels as rich as a woven tapestry. The settings, the characters, the music, the folklore. It's like a symphony in words.
It's not a book which is to be consumed quickly - until the last third, then you can't put it out of your hands even if you want to - or you know, you need to sleep. There isn't a lot of action to begin with (that changes). Instead we get a painting of words, describing the beautiful nature of Sarrat, a village in the Pyrenées, of French food, and most importantly of the music and its associated colours.

I was blown away by the power of words. There were so many phrases, especially when sounds and colours mixed due to Violette's synaesthesia, that transported me into this world, and though I know next to nothing about music theory, I was thoroughly intrigued.
There were tears and I almost thought, I was going to get my heart ripped out and torn in two (that Ú prologue is just mean! 😝), but the end leaves you happy. Happy and satisfied, the perfect balance restored.

I can't wait what else Karenza will get up to in the future. I know I'll be reading.

[Ligia Wit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story, unlike any other I’ve read, and yet it has the same cozy feeling that magical realism stories have. Those who love music will be transported in the narrative to a world of sensory and incredible descriptions.
Violette has synesthesia, which makes her unable to function properly in the buzz of Paris, so she returns to her hometown, a place that has so many painful memories. She meets an old acquaintance, a lost piano tuner.
Violette is transported to folklore, tales she’d discarded as kids’s stories. She will be faced with unpleasant memories from her past while trying to figure out what’s real and what’s not. Who to trust when people might label you as crazy?
This story is a sweet one though disaster awaits in unexpected corners. I am a picky reader and I love it when the author surprises me, and Ms Grant did that, and I heartily thank her for that. I also loved the way the author describes Rémy from Violette’s point of view, it’s masterful and so romantic and sweet. A real pleasure to read.

There were a few things that are pet peeves of mine and a subjective appreciation of the story, which didn’t help me to fully appreciate this novel in full (picky reader!)
But most readers would find this a delightful, sweet story with some intense moments that would make you want to turn the page (not steamy, this is a clean romance, but intense in terms of danger).

Karenza Grant’s debut novel delivers, and I’ll definitively read her next book.

[Suzette Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I didn't get to read the book in its physical form, I still found the photos and attachments and special bits beautiful. I would very much like to have a physical copy of this book. Furthermore, the story itself was beautiful in the way that it incorporated music. I was drawn to the protagonist by the way she saw the world. I enjoyed the history and music lessons that further developed the story. I am intrigued by the universe created with the idea of the Société and the key songs, etc. I have read Karenza Grant's Folkloric series from the very beginning and enjoy that universe as well and I wonder if they could one day be connected. However, this as a standalone story is special. It was a different vibe from her other series and I think it's worth a read.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful immersion into the French landscape, culture, and mythology will leave you spellbound. The riveting storyline and fascinating characters with unusual interests and abilities, held me captive as I hastily read through the chapters to discover the horrors that lay ahead. Remy's befuddled behavior in the beginning of the story was the start of a long, desperate attempt to save lives that were already presumed lost. This was a magnificent tale just as engrossing as any folklore. I loved it!!!!!

[Courtney Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karenza Grant’s The Piano Tuner’s Song is a beautiful masterpiece. Grant’s novel takes folklore, mystery, romance, and family, and creates a mesmerizing tapestry of entertainment. Grant masterfully takes the reader through all the feelings and selfishly, I wasn’t ready for the story to be over!
If you have a chunk of time, I strongly encourage you to spend it reading The Piano Turner’s Song, because, like me, I have a feeling you won’t want to put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love this story from the start. I could relate to Violette's longing to return to her childhood home. At first it's a relief to be back home, but things start to get strange once she meets her handsome childhood friend, Rémy.

This is truly a novel to get lost in. I read a deluxe illustrated ebook version and the illustrations/artwork/sheet music are beautiful. 

This is a dark and mesmerizing tale. If you're a Phantom of the Opera fan, you'll especially love this!

Very highly recommended!

[Nichole Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Piano Tuner's Song is a beautiful story of found love in impossible circumstances. It has an almost melodious rhythm to the words and it was just touching, heartwarming story. It's different than most stories, with gentle, kind MMC, and a equally wonderful FMC. The intensity of their feelings toward each other was palpable. I hope you pick it up, as it was a delight to read.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves music this book really pulled me in. The way that Karenza describes Violette's synesthesia made you feel like you were experiencing the sounds and colors as vividly and intense as she was. I also loved how Karenza weaved in the details of the 432 hrz frequency to ground the magic of the story. That was a nice touch.

The chemistry between Violette and Remy is magnetic and the way that he encourages her to embrace her synesthesia shows the depth of his character. The book really speeds up when Violette and Alex perform a ritual in the catacombs. I literally could not put the book down at that point and then the tug a war between the harmonie and le désaccord at the end of the book will have you gasping for air.

This was such a good book and it has instantly become a favorite!

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music and Mystery

This is a brilliantly written story with a musical mythical mystery at its heart. Set mainly in the Pyrenees and Paris, there are ancient melodies, music, mythology, Harmonie and Desaccord , a woman battling with synathesia and a man who went missing five years ago, family, friendships, plenty of emotions, and intense romance. The characters are wonderful and really draw you into their story.

Violette had left Paris to return to her quiet childhood home and escape the uncontrollable colours her synathesia conjures in the city. But shortly after returning she finds she keeps running into Remy, an old childhood friend, and after he tunes her mother's harp for her she realises a relationship is starting to form between them. Though there's something strange about him and he keeps bringing up her seeing colours (against her wishes) and ancient folklore, she can't deny she's drawn to him.

But with the dark forces of Desaccord building to keep them apart, Violette will need to learn to work with her music and colours if she is to help Remy.

A beautifully written book and I was lucky to get a copy of the Special Edition, full of historical images of music buildings and sheet music, including Le Palais Garnier, as well as a few lovely images of Violette and Remy. The cover of the book is also beautiful.

A beautifully written book - If you liked "A Discovery of Witches", you'll love this one.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful an unique story. I do not understand all the musical theory but I do believe there is a music of the spheres including the Earth. The story fascinated me. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/20/2023)! 🎁

[Tina Maldonado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story full of beginnings, twists, and reconnecting with past friends. All coming together to right what was wrong. In the end balancing of harmony shows the faith.