Sweet Music

by Misha Crews

“Play the Beaufort flute, and you will see the future.” That’s what they say in Angel River. But is it a blessing, or a curse?

In 1895, Azélie Damont crosses the ocean alone. Forsaken by her family, betrothed to a man she’s never met, and entrusted with an object which is to become the stuff of legend, Azélie carries a secret that may chase her to the grave, and beyond.

More than a century later, Josie Sullivan has become the custodian of her family’s music store after her mother’s untimely passing. The little shop was always a place of magic, but as the bills have mounted and the customers have drifted away, enchantment has turned to desperation. Faced with the loss of everything she holds dear, Josie decides to leverage the only valuable thing she owns: the fabled Beaufort flute.

Passed down through generations, bequeathed to Josie’s mother by a local recluse, the antique instrument is still an object of mystery. As she digs into the flute’s peculiar past, Josie discovers new love, unearths a family secret, and learns truths about herself that change her life forever.

From the burned-out wreckage of a grand and notorious house to the cozy corners of a sunlit cottage, from the murky shadows of family tragedy to the sparkling sweetness of a new romance, the bestselling author of Homesong and The House on the Hill brings you an addictive and emotional new novel about family, fate, and finding the strength to play your music, no matter how the tune’s been written.

Unknown Binding

About the author

You might not think that an addiction to television would inspire a career in writing, but that is exactly what happened with me. When I was about six years old, my mother “encouraged” me to turn off the TV and pick up a book by offering to pay me two cents for every page I read. It was an unusual strategy, but it worked: soon I was a bona fide book junkie (thanks Mom!). Of course, it wasn't long before I graduated from reading to writing. I write multiple genres of closed-door romance, including small town family sagas with a touch of mystery, romantic suspense, and even a dash of paranormal.

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Reviews

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Music is a captivating time-slip story with a great mystery. I loved the setting of the music store and the characters had my attention from the beginning. I loved the humor, the slow-burn romance, which wasn't rushed, and the small-town landscape.

Even though the story went back and forth between the past and future, the author handled it well and it was easy to follow. The historical aspect of the 1800s was my favorite part, as I'm a big fan of that time period.

Lovely solving of the mystery and everything wrapped up nicely in the end. Easy to read writing style. I've found a new author that I want to read more of. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC copy and voluntarily choose to review it.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Josie and Marianne are struggling to keep the family heritage music store afloat. Their most valuable display item, the Beaumont flute, would relieve their financial woes; however, although they frequently disagree, neither sister contemplates selling it. Their mom, Goldie, cherished the instrument which, according to legend, should not be played for fear of the consequences,
Misha Crews has written an enriching novel set mainly in 2008, focusing on Josie’s desire and responsibility to keep the store viable amid her confused feelings about her life in general, but also touching on the origins of the flute in the 1920’s, and recalling Goldie’s part in acquiring and using the mysterious instrument.
This novel deserves to be read slowly and with extra thought by book-lovers.
I received a free review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started with a flute

Another excellent book in this series. A small touch of the supernatural might be enough to change the lives of these characters in a three different timelines. Highly recommended.

[Janna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story, mixing the past with the present, for this struggling family owned music store through a musical instrument.

Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!

[Elizabeth Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy read was perfect for enjoying in cold winter weather, and it delivered not only a romance but also a multi-generation saga and a mysterious old flute with magic powers: “Play the Beaufort flute and you will see the future.”

The saga unfurls in the present day with flashbacks to the past. Josie Sullivan, hurt from a relationship gone bad, is also struggling with the responsibility for her family’s music store after her mother’s untimely death. The family dynamics, especially between Josie and her older sister, are complex and well-drawn. Anyone with siblings with identify some of the emotions.

When Josie meets and is attracted to recently divorced Peter Trevino, she is sure the timing is all wrong and she is afraid to risk being hurt again. As Josie and Peter begin uncovering clues about the past her family, the music store building, and the Beaufort Flute—they expose secrets and face challenges that threaten to derail their lives and their relationships.

If you enjoy this book, you’ll love the others in the Angel River series.