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Warrender Saga #1
A Song Begins
An unknown benefactor had sufficient faith in Anthea Benton's singing voice to pay for her training under the celebrated operatic conductor, Oscar Warrender. She was ecstatic, but her joy was short-lived when she came face to face with the great man. Cold and forbidding, he proved to be a hard taskmaster. She felt her dreams can be coming true... but would she be tough enough to work under such and exacting taskmaster?
188 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1965
84 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burchell
162 books84 followersIda Cook was born on 1904 at 37 Croft Avenue, Sunderland, England. With her eldest sister Mary Louise Cook (1901), she attending the Duchess' School in Alnwick. Later the sisters took civil service jobs in London, and developed a passionate interest in opera. The sisters helped 29 jews to escape from the Nazis, funded mainly by Ida's writing. In 1965, the Cook sisters were honored as Righteous Gentiles by the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel.
As Mary Burchell, she published more than 125 romance novels by Mills & Boon since 1936. She also wrote some western novels as James Keene in collaboration with the author Will Cook (aka Frank Peace). In 1950, Ida Cook wrote her autobiography: "We followed our stars". She helped to found the Romantic Novelists' Association, and was its president from 1966 to her death on December 22, 1986.
As Mary Burchell, she published more than 125 romance novels by Mills & Boon since 1936. She also wrote some western novels as James Keene in collaboration with the author Will Cook (aka Frank Peace). In 1950, Ida Cook wrote her autobiography: "We followed our stars". She helped to found the Romantic Novelists' Association, and was its president from 1966 to her death on December 22, 1986.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 76 reviews
January 7, 2019
An unknown benefactor pays for singer-heroine Anthea Benton's training under the famous conductor, hero Oscar Warrender. (Anthea had met Oscar once and didn't like him. She thinks he was the cause of her losing a singing competition). But the more time she spends with Oscar, the more she admires his talent and she begins to fall for him.
I really liked Anthea, it was great seeing her realizing her dream of becoming a famous singer coming true. She was sweet, kind, but determined to make it and gracious to the people who were trying to help her. I also liked Oscar. He wasn't easy to like, he was arrogant and acted very high-handed at times, but there was still something about him! I liked the British setting and the glimpses behind the scenes of the music world.
A classy vintage read by Mary Burchell.
I really liked Anthea, it was great seeing her realizing her dream of becoming a famous singer coming true. She was sweet, kind, but determined to make it and gracious to the people who were trying to help her. I also liked Oscar. He wasn't easy to like, he was arrogant and acted very high-handed at times, but there was still something about him! I liked the British setting and the glimpses behind the scenes of the music world.
A classy vintage read by Mary Burchell.
February 23, 2016
This was a re-read of a very memorable story that really shows just how expansive the category length romance can be in the hands of a talented writer (s). Long before Britain's Got Talent, Mary Burchell put her love of opera and its artists in an 13 book saga. This is the first book in the series, published in 1965.
The set-up: heroine, Anthea "from the provinces," enters a TV competition to win 500 pounds in order to continue her vocal training. She desperately needs it because her father is ill and not working and her brother needs schooling, etc . . . She is all set to win the competition when the hero, famous conductor Oscar Warrender, argues against her to the other judges saying she is only "raw material" and doesn't have the stage presence of the other girl with the lightweight voice. She is crushed and makes some disparaging remarks about him that he overhears. A week later her singing teacher receives a letter that an "unknown benefactor" has put up the money for her to study in London with Oscar Warrender. Anthea thinks it is the local young squire who has been so helpful. She really doesn't like the hero at this point, but she recognizes his "genius."
This is such a different relationship and such a different take on the "nurturing alpha" that is prevalent in HP land now. The hero is nurturing because he sees something fine and wonderful in the heroine that he wants to cultivate- not because she's a fragile teacup or pregnant or poverty-stricken. The hero is alpha, not because he's 6'5" and has bedded every supermodel in Europe, but because he's very very good at his job and he's admired by all - who aren't jealous of him. That cool competency and arrogance is very compelling. The heroine is warm and somewhat impulsive, but not in a stupid way. Her honesty and willingness to learn, as well as her short bouts of temper, make her a well-rounded, admirable character.
Oscar and Anthea show up in all of the stories in the saga. Oddly enough, there are no babies - no white picket fence - but two artistic people working together and helping others along the way.
I wish Harlequin would re-publish this in e-format. It's so worth reading.
The set-up: heroine, Anthea "from the provinces," enters a TV competition to win 500 pounds in order to continue her vocal training. She desperately needs it because her father is ill and not working and her brother needs schooling, etc . . . She is all set to win the competition when the hero, famous conductor Oscar Warrender, argues against her to the other judges saying she is only "raw material" and doesn't have the stage presence of the other girl with the lightweight voice. She is crushed and makes some disparaging remarks about him that he overhears. A week later her singing teacher receives a letter that an "unknown benefactor" has put up the money for her to study in London with Oscar Warrender. Anthea thinks it is the local young squire who has been so helpful. She really doesn't like the hero at this point, but she recognizes his "genius."
This is such a different relationship and such a different take on the "nurturing alpha" that is prevalent in HP land now. The hero is nurturing because he sees something fine and wonderful in the heroine that he wants to cultivate- not because she's a fragile teacup or pregnant or poverty-stricken. The hero is alpha, not because he's 6'5" and has bedded every supermodel in Europe, but because he's very very good at his job and he's admired by all - who aren't jealous of him. That cool competency and arrogance is very compelling. The heroine is warm and somewhat impulsive, but not in a stupid way. Her honesty and willingness to learn, as well as her short bouts of temper, make her a well-rounded, admirable character.
Oscar and Anthea show up in all of the stories in the saga. Oddly enough, there are no babies - no white picket fence - but two artistic people working together and helping others along the way.
I wish Harlequin would re-publish this in e-format. It's so worth reading.
November 5, 2012
For me, this was a very riveting read. There is something about Burchell's writing that hooks me from the first page even though her heroes tend to be rather horrible creatures. This was no exception. In fact, this is probably one of her strongest books.
The story is about a young woman (Althea) who has a terrific voice and has been given the opportunity to train under one of the greatest conductors in the world, Oscar Warrender. Of course, Oscar is a pig...I honestly can't think of a better word to use for him. He is one nasty, manipulative, mean spirited gentleman...and crosses the line several times as her instructor. But Althea can't miss the opportunity to train under him, given she knows when she finishes she can write her ticket anywhere in the world.
This book is so filled with moments where I was stunned that she didn't haul off and break a vase over his head, or walk out. The relationship went beyond tumultuous, yet it was credible and very well written. The author did an incredible job of placing you in the shoes of a young, talented artist, who will stop at nothing to make it. This book was more than just a romance, but more about life and its challenges to those that want to succeed.
I really liked it. If you are into those angst reads...this is a great way to spend an evening!
The story is about a young woman (Althea) who has a terrific voice and has been given the opportunity to train under one of the greatest conductors in the world, Oscar Warrender. Of course, Oscar is a pig...I honestly can't think of a better word to use for him. He is one nasty, manipulative, mean spirited gentleman...and crosses the line several times as her instructor. But Althea can't miss the opportunity to train under him, given she knows when she finishes she can write her ticket anywhere in the world.
This book is so filled with moments where I was stunned that she didn't haul off and break a vase over his head, or walk out. The relationship went beyond tumultuous, yet it was credible and very well written. The author did an incredible job of placing you in the shoes of a young, talented artist, who will stop at nothing to make it. This book was more than just a romance, but more about life and its challenges to those that want to succeed.
I really liked it. If you are into those angst reads...this is a great way to spend an evening!
January 17, 2018
Read for the 2018 TBR Challenge prompt "We Love Shorts!"
A Song Begins is the first in Mary Burchell’s thirteen-book Warrender Saga , which was originally and published between 1965 and 1985. All the novels in the series take place in the high-pressure world of the classical concert hall and opera house circuit; many of the characters are top-flight musicians – singers, pianists, conductors – and it’s very clear, even though I’ve as yet read only this opening entry, that the author really knew her stuff. As someone who worked in the classical music business for a number of years, and as an opera lover, I really appreciated Ms. Burchell’s attention to detail, her knowledge about and obvious love of the music itself and her insight into what it takes to sing those roles and make it in such a fiercely competitive arena.
The story is a fairly simple one. Anthea Benson is an aspiring singer who lives in a small, provincial town, and when the story opens, has been told by her teacher that she has learned everything she can and now needs to go to London to train with someone who can take her further and help her embark upon a professional career. Moving to London and all that it entails requires money Anthea doesn’t have; but when she learns that the local TV company is mounting a talent competition at the Town Hall things start looking up. The winner will receive a cash prize – enough for Anthea to go to London - and she is optimistic about her chances. She’s not conceited but she doesn’t suffer from false modesty, either; she knows she has a great voice but also realises she’s got a lot to learn. That sort of self-awareness and confidence is essential in someone trying to make it as a performer, and Ms. Burchell gets that aspect of her character just about right - it’s one of the things I most liked about Anthea as a heroine.
Anthea makes it to the last four entrants – only to have her hopes dashed by the arrogant, world-renowned conductor, Oscar Warrender, who pretty much forces his fellow judges to choose a different winner. Anthea is furious at his high-handedness and deeply upset; she berates him to a close friend, calling him an arrogant, self-satisfied beast who doesn’t really care about art or music or artists or anything but himself.
A few days later, however, Anthea is stunned when her teacher receives a letter from Oscar Warrender informing her that he has been asked to undertake Anthea’s training by someone who heard and was impressed by her at the competition. Anthea can’t believe it – Warrender is widely accounted a musical genius and she can’t help but wonder what could have induced him to want to take her on. He’s also odious, but ultimately, there’s no denying he knows what he’s doing and that studying with him will provide the best possible start to Anthea’s career.
Apprehensive and excited, Anthea travels to London and to her appointment with the great man. Here, he tells her that he had deliberately prevented her winning the competition because if she had, she’d have found herself in the spotlight for a few years during which she’d ruin her voice and that he had determined to prevent it. Naturally, Anthea fumes at his assumption that she would have taken that path even as she is focusing on his description of her as having a splendid lyric [soprano] voice.
This scene more or less sets the tone for their interactions throughout the book. Warrender is overbearing and brutally honest, but just avoids being an alpha-hole because there’s the sense that he’s asking nothing of Anthea that he hasn’t done or wouldn’t ask of himself. In the style of many an older romance, this is very much the heroine’s story; she’s our narrator and we never get the hero’s PoV, yet Mary Burchell is able to define Warrender so well by his words and actions; she conveys his passion for music and for his craft through the intensity of his manner, and very skilfully shows the truth of his feelings for Anthea in the things he says and does that she doesn’t quite notice or interpret correctly. He’s an odd mix of Simon Cowell and Svengali (!) – although he reminds me most of Boris Lermontov, the character played by Anton Walbrook in the film The Red Shoes. The heroine in that was a ballerina rather than an opera singer of course, but many of the dictats issued by Oscar Warrender reminded me of Lermontov; there’s a scene in which he drags Anthea away from a late night out, admonishing her that “… a singer’s life is a strict and dedicated one. Late hours and nightclubs are not for you and the sooner you learn that fact the better." But he also – on occasion - shows a surprising tenderness and concern, heaping yet more confusion upon Anthea, who finds attraction creeping up on her; his strong hands fascinate her, his touch sets her pulse a-flutter… and his completely unexpected kisses are utterly bewildering.
It would have been easy to have depicted Anthea as a bit of a doormat, cowering at the great man’s words and suffering for her art, but she is nothing of the sort. It’s true that she does mostly end up going along with Warrender’s ‘instructions’, but she does it out of a recognition that no matter that he’s being high-handed, everything he does is because he wants to nurture her talent and develop her as an artist – which is what Anthea wants most in the world. She questions him and challenges him and makes clear what she thinks of him – but he also inspires and enthuses her in a way no-one ever has, and his imperious manner only makes her all the more determined to prove herself.
Yet this is more than a romance between master and pupil. In a truly lovely moment near the end, the author fully brings home Anthea and Warrender’s ‘rightness’ for one another in a wonderful moment of emotional bonding and mutual need; and the final scene clearly shows readers that this is a couple whose relationship is built on very strong foundations.
I could say so much more about the workings of this story – as I said at the outset, I’ve experienced the world of classical music and musicians first-hand - and while this book was written some thirty years before I entered that world, so much of it felt familiar. I’ve sometimes been a little wary of reading romances featuring music and musicians – in some books I’ve read, the authors just haven’t known how to go about it properly – but that isn’t the case here because Ms. Burchell’s love for and opera and understanding of what it means to be an artist shines through on every page.
I enjoyed A Song Begins very much, in spite of some niggles over the hero’s behaviour - which was probably not unusual for romances written in the 1960s. At least he’s an alpha because he’s hugely talented, highly competent and well respected, and not because he’s handsome (which he is), built like a male model and has slept his way through half of Europe! And as I said earlier, I never doubted his feelings for Anthea and by the end, their relationship has definitely evened up somewhat. I’m certainly looking forward to reading more books in the series.
****
As an aside, I did a Google search to find out a bit more about Mary Burchell (a pen name for Ida Cook) and discovered many interesting things about her life, not least of which was how the great love of opera she shared with her sister led to both ladies being among the most effective British transporters of Jews out of Germany between 1937 and the outbreak of war. (Source: The Daily Telegraph, July 2007 – Rescue Mission by Louise Carpenter.)
A Song Begins is the first in Mary Burchell’s thirteen-book Warrender Saga , which was originally and published between 1965 and 1985. All the novels in the series take place in the high-pressure world of the classical concert hall and opera house circuit; many of the characters are top-flight musicians – singers, pianists, conductors – and it’s very clear, even though I’ve as yet read only this opening entry, that the author really knew her stuff. As someone who worked in the classical music business for a number of years, and as an opera lover, I really appreciated Ms. Burchell’s attention to detail, her knowledge about and obvious love of the music itself and her insight into what it takes to sing those roles and make it in such a fiercely competitive arena.
The story is a fairly simple one. Anthea Benson is an aspiring singer who lives in a small, provincial town, and when the story opens, has been told by her teacher that she has learned everything she can and now needs to go to London to train with someone who can take her further and help her embark upon a professional career. Moving to London and all that it entails requires money Anthea doesn’t have; but when she learns that the local TV company is mounting a talent competition at the Town Hall things start looking up. The winner will receive a cash prize – enough for Anthea to go to London - and she is optimistic about her chances. She’s not conceited but she doesn’t suffer from false modesty, either; she knows she has a great voice but also realises she’s got a lot to learn. That sort of self-awareness and confidence is essential in someone trying to make it as a performer, and Ms. Burchell gets that aspect of her character just about right - it’s one of the things I most liked about Anthea as a heroine.
Anthea makes it to the last four entrants – only to have her hopes dashed by the arrogant, world-renowned conductor, Oscar Warrender, who pretty much forces his fellow judges to choose a different winner. Anthea is furious at his high-handedness and deeply upset; she berates him to a close friend, calling him an arrogant, self-satisfied beast who doesn’t really care about art or music or artists or anything but himself.
A few days later, however, Anthea is stunned when her teacher receives a letter from Oscar Warrender informing her that he has been asked to undertake Anthea’s training by someone who heard and was impressed by her at the competition. Anthea can’t believe it – Warrender is widely accounted a musical genius and she can’t help but wonder what could have induced him to want to take her on. He’s also odious, but ultimately, there’s no denying he knows what he’s doing and that studying with him will provide the best possible start to Anthea’s career.
Apprehensive and excited, Anthea travels to London and to her appointment with the great man. Here, he tells her that he had deliberately prevented her winning the competition because if she had, she’d have found herself in the spotlight for a few years during which she’d ruin her voice and that he had determined to prevent it. Naturally, Anthea fumes at his assumption that she would have taken that path even as she is focusing on his description of her as having a splendid lyric [soprano] voice.
This scene more or less sets the tone for their interactions throughout the book. Warrender is overbearing and brutally honest, but just avoids being an alpha-hole because there’s the sense that he’s asking nothing of Anthea that he hasn’t done or wouldn’t ask of himself. In the style of many an older romance, this is very much the heroine’s story; she’s our narrator and we never get the hero’s PoV, yet Mary Burchell is able to define Warrender so well by his words and actions; she conveys his passion for music and for his craft through the intensity of his manner, and very skilfully shows the truth of his feelings for Anthea in the things he says and does that she doesn’t quite notice or interpret correctly. He’s an odd mix of Simon Cowell and Svengali (!) – although he reminds me most of Boris Lermontov, the character played by Anton Walbrook in the film The Red Shoes. The heroine in that was a ballerina rather than an opera singer of course, but many of the dictats issued by Oscar Warrender reminded me of Lermontov; there’s a scene in which he drags Anthea away from a late night out, admonishing her that “… a singer’s life is a strict and dedicated one. Late hours and nightclubs are not for you and the sooner you learn that fact the better." But he also – on occasion - shows a surprising tenderness and concern, heaping yet more confusion upon Anthea, who finds attraction creeping up on her; his strong hands fascinate her, his touch sets her pulse a-flutter… and his completely unexpected kisses are utterly bewildering.
It would have been easy to have depicted Anthea as a bit of a doormat, cowering at the great man’s words and suffering for her art, but she is nothing of the sort. It’s true that she does mostly end up going along with Warrender’s ‘instructions’, but she does it out of a recognition that no matter that he’s being high-handed, everything he does is because he wants to nurture her talent and develop her as an artist – which is what Anthea wants most in the world. She questions him and challenges him and makes clear what she thinks of him – but he also inspires and enthuses her in a way no-one ever has, and his imperious manner only makes her all the more determined to prove herself.
Yet this is more than a romance between master and pupil. In a truly lovely moment near the end, the author fully brings home Anthea and Warrender’s ‘rightness’ for one another in a wonderful moment of emotional bonding and mutual need; and the final scene clearly shows readers that this is a couple whose relationship is built on very strong foundations.
I could say so much more about the workings of this story – as I said at the outset, I’ve experienced the world of classical music and musicians first-hand - and while this book was written some thirty years before I entered that world, so much of it felt familiar. I’ve sometimes been a little wary of reading romances featuring music and musicians – in some books I’ve read, the authors just haven’t known how to go about it properly – but that isn’t the case here because Ms. Burchell’s love for and opera and understanding of what it means to be an artist shines through on every page.
I enjoyed A Song Begins very much, in spite of some niggles over the hero’s behaviour - which was probably not unusual for romances written in the 1960s. At least he’s an alpha because he’s hugely talented, highly competent and well respected, and not because he’s handsome (which he is), built like a male model and has slept his way through half of Europe! And as I said earlier, I never doubted his feelings for Anthea and by the end, their relationship has definitely evened up somewhat. I’m certainly looking forward to reading more books in the series.
****
As an aside, I did a Google search to find out a bit more about Mary Burchell (a pen name for Ida Cook) and discovered many interesting things about her life, not least of which was how the great love of opera she shared with her sister led to both ladies being among the most effective British transporters of Jews out of Germany between 1937 and the outbreak of war. (Source: The Daily Telegraph, July 2007 – Rescue Mission by Louise Carpenter.)
November 6, 2012
I really loved this story. But just so you know, the hero, Oscar Warrender, was a total a-hole. He was right down verbally demeaning most of the time, but it went along with his character as the arrogant, self-obsessed, virtuoso conductor. The heroine, Anthea, was an aspiring opera singer, who got the opportunity to study under him.
There's a lot of interplay where he's bullying on her and she fights back but pretty much has to submit. We also have a little bit of OW angst to spice things up. It's an older book so there's not a lot of luving action but I didn't miss it.
I'd almost give this one 5 stars. If it haunts me, I might come back and add it.
There's a lot of interplay where he's bullying on her and she fights back but pretty much has to submit. We also have a little bit of OW angst to spice things up. It's an older book so there's not a lot of luving action but I didn't miss it.
I'd almost give this one 5 stars. If it haunts me, I might come back and add it.
March 21, 2011
Yes, yes, Dear Friends...this IS a Harlequin romance from the 60's. I stumbled upon it clear back then on the recommendation of a a romance novel-reading friend who knew I loved music. The British author, Mary Burchell, wrote sweet, innocent romances--no heaving bosoms, no sex. A kiss was a big deal. Burchell wrote a whole series...thirteeen books in all...called the Warrender series/saga about opera people...beginning with the famous conductor Oscar Warrender. He figures in all of the subsequent books. How do I know? Because I did a wild and woolly thing and ordered all of the books from Amazon. I paid a whopping penny apiece for them. I was so excited when they starting trickling in. I promptly read my way through the whole series. So now I have these vintage romances about the music folks.
Burchell was very knowledgeable about opera and it shows. Her writing style reminds me of Anne of Green Gables author, L.M. Montgomery--old-fashioned in a nostalgic way. I thoroughly enjoyed this bit of escapism and fluff and I'm not ashamed to admit it. (I must be a little ashamed, however, or I wouldn't be defensive, eh????)
Burchell was very knowledgeable about opera and it shows. Her writing style reminds me of Anne of Green Gables author, L.M. Montgomery--old-fashioned in a nostalgic way. I thoroughly enjoyed this bit of escapism and fluff and I'm not ashamed to admit it. (I must be a little ashamed, however, or I wouldn't be defensive, eh????)
April 25, 2023
I’ve read the book while listening to the arias mentioned in it.
December 13, 2018
This is a wonderful story but I think I'm going to have to read it again, once I've finished the whole series. Because Oscar Warrender just gets more sexy and alpha as the books go on.
The basic plot is that famous-conductor-Oscar-Warrender falls in "love at first hear" with young singer Anthea's voice, and falls in love with her pretty soon after. She thinks he despises her, and has no idea he's paying for her musical training, which he carries out himself. Of course she gets the lead role in an opera when some star drops out, she becomes a world sensation, and eventually realises she's madly in love with her teacher. This is Oscar:
He's also a "tall, arresting" figure and apparently has "fair hair". Above all he's incredibly arrogant.
Anthea is very pretty with supposedly the most beautiful soprano voice in the entire history of the world. Here's the final love scene:
These books make opera sound amazing. Unfortunately I find myself unable to appreciate it, thought I love reading about it. I wish I was one of the people who gets misty eyed at a primadonna warbling an aria, and I tried listening to some opera singing after reading this book, but I can't make my ears like it. But the point is that even if you're not very into classical music/opera/orchestras, the Warrender series is still incredibly enjoyable.
The basic plot is that famous-conductor-Oscar-Warrender falls in "love at first hear" with young singer Anthea's voice, and falls in love with her pretty soon after. She thinks he despises her, and has no idea he's paying for her musical training, which he carries out himself. Of course she gets the lead role in an opera when some star drops out, she becomes a world sensation, and eventually realises she's madly in love with her teacher. This is Oscar:
Good-looking, in a forceful rather intimidating way, he seemed bored most of the time, but occasionally roused himself to a glance of sardonic and incredulous amusement when some of the least gifted contestants paraded their offerings before the panel.
He's also a "tall, arresting" figure and apparently has "fair hair". Above all he's incredibly arrogant.
Anthea is very pretty with supposedly the most beautiful soprano voice in the entire history of the world. Here's the final love scene:
"I fell in love with your voice the very first time I heard it. Immediately and irretrievably."
"With — my voice? Just — with my voice?"
There was an odd little silence. Then he laughed protestingly and asked, "What more do you want me to say? That I fell in love with you that first day?"
"Only if — it’s true," she said breathlessly.
"It is not true," he replied coolly and categorically, and suddenly the world went cold and empty for her.
"Oh, I see." She put down her lashes and tried hard not to let any tears escape. But it had been a tremendously emotional and harrowing evening and her self-control was weak. In spite of all her efforts, two large tears spilled over and ran down her cheeks.
Then that beloved, half mocking voice said softly, "I think it took me two and a half weeks to fall in love with you yourself."
"You beast!" cried Anthea, and her lashes swept up, so that the tears could no longer be held back. "You beast! How dare you torment me like that!"
"I don’t know," he said. And suddenly he was beside her and his uninjured arm was round her. "And I don’t know how you can shed tears for me, my angry little beloved. I don’t deserve it."
These books make opera sound amazing. Unfortunately I find myself unable to appreciate it, thought I love reading about it. I wish I was one of the people who gets misty eyed at a primadonna warbling an aria, and I tried listening to some opera singing after reading this book, but I can't make my ears like it. But the point is that even if you're not very into classical music/opera/orchestras, the Warrender series is still incredibly enjoyable.
July 15, 2025
Read this many, many years ago but had forgotten the story. I'm thinking I read this in serialised form in the English Women's Weekly where romances such as this were featured. A quick and undemanding read. Enjoyed the setting and the era. A toxic to some extent relationship with the main characters Anthea and Oscar, a one sided relationship up until the end.
June 23, 2020
It was undoubtedly the Harlequin romances published back in the 1960s through early 70s that created my love for romantic fiction. And I read a ton of these sweet stories. They were entertaining, fun, pure escape stories that took me mostly to places in Great Britain – and they were completely clean, never going beyond a romantic kiss. Imagine my delight to find a few of these books available for Kindle, including one of my favorite authors, Mary Burchell. While most of her books aren’t yet available, the Warrender stories are.
A Song Begins lays the foundation for 13 books with a backdrop of musical performance featuring the famous Oscar Warrender. This was a nostalgic read for me, for while I enjoyed it in a different way than when first reading it all these many years ago, I still loved it. I could almost hear Anthea’s lyrical voice as she practiced her scales and operatic arias. Oscar, a skilled and commanding performer in his own right, was a strict taskmaster who demanded perfection. It was a journey for both – Oscar comes across as unbending and prideful at first; Anthea had great natural talent that needed to be carefully developed. The author obviously knows a lot about the world of opera and skillfully gives us a glimpse into that world – the competitiveness and sacrifice it demands.
A Song Begins has to be read through the lens of the culture in which it was written, the early 1960s. Oscar and Anthea’s story is heartwarming, the musical performance world fascinating. I look forward to further Warrender stories and hope that many more of these vintage romances will be published for Kindle eventually.
A Song Begins lays the foundation for 13 books with a backdrop of musical performance featuring the famous Oscar Warrender. This was a nostalgic read for me, for while I enjoyed it in a different way than when first reading it all these many years ago, I still loved it. I could almost hear Anthea’s lyrical voice as she practiced her scales and operatic arias. Oscar, a skilled and commanding performer in his own right, was a strict taskmaster who demanded perfection. It was a journey for both – Oscar comes across as unbending and prideful at first; Anthea had great natural talent that needed to be carefully developed. The author obviously knows a lot about the world of opera and skillfully gives us a glimpse into that world – the competitiveness and sacrifice it demands.
A Song Begins has to be read through the lens of the culture in which it was written, the early 1960s. Oscar and Anthea’s story is heartwarming, the musical performance world fascinating. I look forward to further Warrender stories and hope that many more of these vintage romances will be published for Kindle eventually.
September 30, 2022
Oh dear.
How do I rate this book? It's effective, I'll give it that. But it's also a super toxic relationship, and it pulls out some cheap narrative tricks to get the reader to root for this couple.
Sigh.
The first Mary Burchell book I read, Under the Stars of Paris, also had a fairly alpha love interest, but, for me, he didn't cross any unforgivable lines. And the sequel to that one actually featured a pretty nice guy. So far, so good.
Then I tried this first book in the Warrender series. And, oof, it's too much. Too much bullying, too much arrogance. So I'm giving it 3 stars in deference to the author's ability to weave a tight and very lively plot, because obviously it kept me reading, but... I don't really recommend it.
How do I rate this book? It's effective, I'll give it that. But it's also a super toxic relationship, and it pulls out some cheap narrative tricks to get the reader to root for this couple.
Sigh.
The first Mary Burchell book I read, Under the Stars of Paris, also had a fairly alpha love interest, but, for me, he didn't cross any unforgivable lines. And the sequel to that one actually featured a pretty nice guy. So far, so good.
Then I tried this first book in the Warrender series. And, oof, it's too much. Too much bullying, too much arrogance. So I'm giving it 3 stars in deference to the author's ability to weave a tight and very lively plot, because obviously it kept me reading, but... I don't really recommend it.
July 29, 2007
One of my favorite Mary Burchells! Anthea is determined to succeed as a singer but the arrogant Oscar Warrender seems equally determined to belittle her efforts. When he agrees to train her, Anthea is very dubious but willing to try anything for the sake of her career. Can they survive such a tempestuous relationship?
February 24, 2016
Having read most of the stories in the Warrender series already, I was already quite familiar with The great Oscar Warrender and his biggest treasure, his singer wife Anthea. Now, doing this in reverse and reading about how they found each other in the first place, was a lovely feeling.
Because I already know he adores his wife beyond measure, I am inclined to be lenient with his behavior in this book. He was cross with her most of the times and quite ruthless in the way he handled her. But those small moments when his love for her slipped out by mistake were worth waiting for.
Anthea is a typical Mary Burchell heroine, innocent but certainly not timid. Talented, compassionate and able to break the barrier of reserve erected by the hero. She doesn't always love him in the book though he silently admits he was quite smitten right from the start. But she trusts him with her life, her future and he takes care of it all admirably.
I was a little intrigued about their age difference, he is already a legend in the music industry and she is a beginner.
Though I am an absolutely zero with the opera, I found the setting quite interesting. And Anthea's first pre-performance jitters were very well brought out in the story. That scene exemplifies what he means to her.
Very nice read, 4 stars.
Because I already know he adores his wife beyond measure, I am inclined to be lenient with his behavior in this book. He was cross with her most of the times and quite ruthless in the way he handled her. But those small moments when his love for her slipped out by mistake were worth waiting for.
Anthea is a typical Mary Burchell heroine, innocent but certainly not timid. Talented, compassionate and able to break the barrier of reserve erected by the hero. She doesn't always love him in the book though he silently admits he was quite smitten right from the start. But she trusts him with her life, her future and he takes care of it all admirably.
I was a little intrigued about their age difference, he is already a legend in the music industry and she is a beginner.
Though I am an absolutely zero with the opera, I found the setting quite interesting. And Anthea's first pre-performance jitters were very well brought out in the story. That scene exemplifies what he means to her.
Very nice read, 4 stars.
June 13, 2013
I've gotten out of the habit of reading genre romances, but I've read quite a few in my life and I kept a box of them from when I was in high school and college. I'm going through them and reviewing them on goodreads.
Mary Burchell (Ida Cook) is my favorite romance author. According to Wikipedia, "Ida Cook and her sister Mary Louise Cook rescued Jews from the Nazis during the 1930s. The sisters helped 29 people escape, funded mainly by Ida's writing." Knowing this makes me enjoy her writing even more!
Many of her books have unusual main characters and plots, and more character development than in most short vintage romance novels.
She must have been a big music fan, as she wrote a 13-book series called The Warrender Saga. This is the first book in the series and the only one I've read that I really liked. I am not that into music so some of the details tend to lose me. But this one introduces the Warrender in the series title name. When we meet him he is really a handsome, talented, obnoxious, controlling jerk. I had forgotten a scene in which he actually slaps Anthea! Fortunately meeting and marrying our heroine softens him.
There are some really nice moments in this book, for fans of vintage gentle romance.
Mary Burchell (Ida Cook) is my favorite romance author. According to Wikipedia, "Ida Cook and her sister Mary Louise Cook rescued Jews from the Nazis during the 1930s. The sisters helped 29 people escape, funded mainly by Ida's writing." Knowing this makes me enjoy her writing even more!
Many of her books have unusual main characters and plots, and more character development than in most short vintage romance novels.
She must have been a big music fan, as she wrote a 13-book series called The Warrender Saga. This is the first book in the series and the only one I've read that I really liked. I am not that into music so some of the details tend to lose me. But this one introduces the Warrender in the series title name. When we meet him he is really a handsome, talented, obnoxious, controlling jerk. I had forgotten a scene in which he actually slaps Anthea! Fortunately meeting and marrying our heroine softens him.
There are some really nice moments in this book, for fans of vintage gentle romance.
September 10, 2025
Just reread another favorite from my teenage years. I loved this book. I have it paper, in my phone and in my kindle. I have read it so many times that I could probably recite it.lol it was my Moms,favorite too. There was just chaste kissing actually and she loved that. Oscar was a hard task master and there were times I hated him. I also hated the heroine at times too. She annoyed me also. They were just so mean to each other but the ending was perfect. Its very dated but to me the nostalgia of it is precious. Such simpler times.
January 3, 2024
Dug this out of a pile of dusty old books I inherited from an aunt. Light, pleasant read, after all the heavy stuff I've been reading lately. Well written, good characterization and interesting peep into the world of opera.
January 23, 2015
3.5 stars
An entertaining quick read book. Oscar wasn't as bad as I thought he would be.
An entertaining quick read book. Oscar wasn't as bad as I thought he would be.
September 12, 2017
3.5 stars. I vaguely remember having read this book when I was 15, translated in Greek! Mary Burchell had several of her titles translated, in a publishing line called Viper Nora. It is about an opera singer student and a famous conductor who is fascinated by her voice and decides to teach her. Neither she nor we understand his fascination because he behaves abominably. Of course it is all attributed to his musical genius, so he is pardoned by the heroine and all ends well.
August 26, 2022
I really loved this one!❤️
I really liked the heroine. Although she needs to bow down to the very domineering Hero, she doesn’t do it like a doormat. She holds her own well despite his bullying tactics.
She is self possessed and confident enough that she can calmly put it all down to his genius temperament and anyway she is benefiting from all his training.
This all serves her well in the end as even the Hero admits that he will be a very difficult husband to live with. 😁
I really liked the heroine. Although she needs to bow down to the very domineering Hero, she doesn’t do it like a doormat. She holds her own well despite his bullying tactics.
She is self possessed and confident enough that she can calmly put it all down to his genius temperament and anyway she is benefiting from all his training.
This all serves her well in the end as even the Hero admits that he will be a very difficult husband to live with. 😁
May 20, 2017
Boy howdy, I am so conflicted on this one.
What I liked:
First off, the opera parts and the insider's look that that particular part of the music world rates 5 stars. Burchell knew and loved her opera. Her portrait of the driven conductor, Oscar Warrender, is so vibrant. I had no trouble picturing him in the music world, widely acclaimed. Burchell's prose is smooth and polished; she was a very good writer. The way she used the opera 'Otello' to mirror the relationship of Anthea and Warrender was genius.
Now, for what I didn't like:
oh where to start--
The vast difference in age, experience, and position between Anthea and Warrender. He holds all the power--All.The.Power.
Burchell never gives his age, but to acquire the stature that is attributed to him, he is probably in his late 30s, early 40s. He is shown to be a tyrant, a bully, ruthless: a 'his way or the highway' kinda guy when it comes to the heroine's musical talent/training. His few touches of kindness and consideration are not enough for me to rate him a romance hero.
I give one star to our heroine, Anthea Benson. Part of the problem was that she was so young. Not just in age (we are never told how old she is, but I would say late teens-early twenties), but emotionally, as well. She takes an almost instant dislike to Warrender (for good reasons) and then proceeds to throw any number of snit fits; many times her 'standing up for herself' comes across as the tirade of a petulant teen. She is alternately fascinated and repelled by the man, whom she knows only as a mentor/teacher/musician.
On Anthea's plus side, she showed some growing maturity in taking her training seriously (hooray) and coming to understand the level of total dedication that it takes to succeed.
Suffice it to say, I didn't believe the romance at all. I can believe her dazzled and infatuated with him. I don't see what he would see in her, beyond her talent and fresh young looks. The author just doesn't give me enough of them getting to know each other (outside the professional relationship) for me to believe that their marriage will succeed.
What I liked:
First off, the opera parts and the insider's look that that particular part of the music world rates 5 stars. Burchell knew and loved her opera. Her portrait of the driven conductor, Oscar Warrender, is so vibrant. I had no trouble picturing him in the music world, widely acclaimed. Burchell's prose is smooth and polished; she was a very good writer. The way she used the opera 'Otello' to mirror the relationship of Anthea and Warrender was genius.
Now, for what I didn't like:
oh where to start--
The vast difference in age, experience, and position between Anthea and Warrender. He holds all the power--All.The.Power.
Burchell never gives his age, but to acquire the stature that is attributed to him, he is probably in his late 30s, early 40s. He is shown to be a tyrant, a bully, ruthless: a 'his way or the highway' kinda guy when it comes to the heroine's musical talent/training. His few touches of kindness and consideration are not enough for me to rate him a romance hero.
I give one star to our heroine, Anthea Benson. Part of the problem was that she was so young. Not just in age (we are never told how old she is, but I would say late teens-early twenties), but emotionally, as well. She takes an almost instant dislike to Warrender (for good reasons) and then proceeds to throw any number of snit fits; many times her 'standing up for herself' comes across as the tirade of a petulant teen. She is alternately fascinated and repelled by the man, whom she knows only as a mentor/teacher/musician.
On Anthea's plus side, she showed some growing maturity in taking her training seriously (hooray) and coming to understand the level of total dedication that it takes to succeed.
Suffice it to say, I didn't believe the romance at all. I can believe her dazzled and infatuated with him. I don't see what he would see in her, beyond her talent and fresh young looks. The author just doesn't give me enough of them getting to know each other (outside the professional relationship) for me to believe that their marriage will succeed.
April 15, 2023
2.5 stars
This was a nice enemies to lovers clean romance.
Anthea is an opera singer with big dreams to become famous. Unfortunately for her further training requires money which she doesn't have. So she enters a competition to win a thousand pounds. There she comes into contact with the arrogant, cold Oscar Warrender, who seems unimpressed with her and doesn't award her the first place she deserved.
Cut to a week or so later where she's informed a mysterious benefactor who heard her sing has arranged for her to be tutored by none other than Oscar Warrender himself. She accepts of course because while Anthea is humble, modest and naive she's not stupid.
What follows is training and arguments and Anthea in her first stage performance and immediately thereafter declarations of love.
While it was nice, my feelings towards the H are unclear. He was closed off and uncommunicative and I find that I couldn't relate to him or find much to like about him.
In fact my first thought when he asked her to marry him was worry that this relationship was slightly toxic.
Anyway, like if this review helps.
This was a nice enemies to lovers clean romance.
Anthea is an opera singer with big dreams to become famous. Unfortunately for her further training requires money which she doesn't have. So she enters a competition to win a thousand pounds. There she comes into contact with the arrogant, cold Oscar Warrender, who seems unimpressed with her and doesn't award her the first place she deserved.
Cut to a week or so later where she's informed a mysterious benefactor who heard her sing has arranged for her to be tutored by none other than Oscar Warrender himself. She accepts of course because while Anthea is humble, modest and naive she's not stupid.
What follows is training and arguments and Anthea in her first stage performance and immediately thereafter declarations of love.
While it was nice, my feelings towards the H are unclear. He was closed off and uncommunicative and I find that I couldn't relate to him or find much to like about him.
In fact my first thought when he asked her to marry him was worry that this relationship was slightly toxic.
Anyway, like if this review helps.
June 24, 2019
I super duper dug this, and the only reason I'm not giving it five stars is that the . I definitely want to track down more of the books in this saga, though I am a little sad that they all follow new couples. I want followups!!!
**Read for Ripped Bodice Bingo 2019, Show Business**
**Read for Ripped Bodice Bingo 2019, Show Business**
December 1, 2017
Good story on making of an artist. I especially liked the quoting: 'Industry without talent is useless. Talent without industry is exasperating. The two together can make an artist.'
January 30, 2020
A Song Begins is a 3.5-stars for me. Yes, 1965, Harlequin clean romance, and I had a hard time to get to the book at first. The book got better and enjoyed it. It is a clean romance, because of the time it is based.
It is a slow burn love story between a music conductor and the opera student that Oscar decided that Anthea will be his prodigy.
The family relationship and the friendship that Anthea builds with Neil and Vicky are develope well through the story.
Also, Anthea's teachers are there to build her character and teach her to be a better artist.
Oscar is a harsh and challenging character, especially with Anthea, but he does it because of his love for her.
I don't know if I will continue with the series. The other books are part of the Kindle Unlimited, so hopefully, if I am in the mood to read the second book.
It is a slow burn love story between a music conductor and the opera student that Oscar decided that Anthea will be his prodigy.
The family relationship and the friendship that Anthea builds with Neil and Vicky are develope well through the story.
Also, Anthea's teachers are there to build her character and teach her to be a better artist.
Oscar is a harsh and challenging character, especially with Anthea, but he does it because of his love for her.
I don't know if I will continue with the series. The other books are part of the Kindle Unlimited, so hopefully, if I am in the mood to read the second book.
April 12, 2020
I'm having mixed feelings. I loved the extreme drama of Anthea and Warrender's relationship, and even the power imbalance and how bewitched Anthea was. It was very exciting--and I'm not usually into alpha males, so kudos to Burchell on pulling that off. But I'm not sure how I feel about the two actually getting together, especially so quickly, and I wonder how things between them will ever even out. And as far as I can tell, the other books in this series are largely about other couples, so.... ah well.
On the other hand, I loved without qualification reading about Anthea just moving up in the world and being great at singing. Just enjoyable reading about a small-town girl being successful lols.
On the other hand, I loved without qualification reading about Anthea just moving up in the world and being great at singing. Just enjoyable reading about a small-town girl being successful lols.
April 4, 2022
The Svengali-like relationship in this book is disturbing. The way Warrender controls Anthea, down to affecting her dating/personal life, is something no teacher should do. I didn't buy this as a positive relationship for a second.
This is a very old book--published in 1965--and the Warrender saga is well-known as one of the first romance series out there. But its age is showing, and not in a good way.
This is a very old book--published in 1965--and the Warrender saga is well-known as one of the first romance series out there. But its age is showing, and not in a good way.
April 12, 2023
Another very good book by Ms. Burchell.
I believe that she's one of the best writers who can create an arrogant, dominating, curt and demanding hero in a romance story. And here, celebrated operatic conductor Oscar Warrender is just that. However, the prize winner remains Parisian Georges Florian in her book, Under the Stars of Paris.
I believe that she's one of the best writers who can create an arrogant, dominating, curt and demanding hero in a romance story. And here, celebrated operatic conductor Oscar Warrender is just that. However, the prize winner remains Parisian Georges Florian in her book, Under the Stars of Paris.
June 1, 2025
Super cute!!
This was such a fun, old time romance of an opera singer following her dreams!!
I really enjoyed it!
Would definitely recommend for anyone who wants a historical romance!
This was such a fun, old time romance of an opera singer following her dreams!!
I really enjoyed it!
Would definitely recommend for anyone who wants a historical romance!
July 2, 2021
Sweetly vintage and vintagely sweet.
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