Saturday 21 October 2017

Playing by Heart by Carmela A Martino

Playing by Heart  - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Emilia Salvini dreams of marrying a man who loves music as much as she does. But in 18th-century Milan, her position as “second sister” means she’ll likely be sent off to a convent instead. Ironically, Emilia’s pious older sister, Maria, would gladly become a nun. But Father won’t allow it—her brilliant language skills are too important to his quest for noble status.

Emilia’s only hope to avoid the convent is to prove that her musical talents are as indispensable as Maria’s skills. First, Emilia must earn the respect of the music tutor who has always disdained her, simply for being a girl. But before Emilia can carry out her plan, Mamma, her greatest supporter, dies in childbirth. In her sorrow, Emilia composes a heartrending sonata that causes the maestro to finally recognize her talent. He begins teaching her music theory alongside handsome violinist Antonio Bellini, the great-nephew of a wealthy marquis. The two begin as rivals, but making music together gradually melds their hearts.

When Antonio abruptly quits their lessons, Emilia assumes it’s because her family isn’t nobility. More determined than ever to help Father acquire a title, she dedicates a set of compositions to Archduchess Maria Teresa. The archduchess is so impressed that she helps Father become a count. Having finally won Father’s favor, Emilia expects she’ll now be betrothed to Antonio. But the repercussions of her family’s new status threaten not only her dreams, but her sister’s very life.


Review

***ARC provided by Netgalley and Publisher.

Even though this in an arc all opinions are my own. This was a sweet historical romance that had me crying from the start. Our main character Emilia wants to do nothing more than to fall in love and carry on with her music. But as the 2nd child this is not possible and she seems to be headed to become a nun. She then loses someone close and writes a piece of music that turns everyone’s head and they sit and finally notice her talent. She falls in love and discovers herself. Would recommend for all those who love a good historical book with a side of romance.

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