The Language of Music

A former public service director for radio stations in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Trippy (The Soul of the Rose) uses her musical background to great effect in this Victorian-era romance. Musically inclined Katherine Edmond has been lucky enough to have a benefactor, Mr. Emery, taking care of her and her mother—that is, until her mother and Mr. Emery both die in short succession. His will stipulates that, for Katherine to continue to receive the estate’s patronage, she must move to the Emery estate. Though Mr. Emery’s widow is not pleased, she is determined to follow through with his wishes and allows Katherine to live alongside her son, Jerard, at the house. Although Jerard at first has a chip on his shoulder and ignores Katherine, her love for making music and his love for singing slowly bring them into each other’s orbits. Jerard comes off as headstrong and bitter, but the music they share cracks his otherwise stoic exterior, and Katherine begins to blossom under his instruction. Though light on spiritual elements, Trippy’s musical, lyrical novel will please fans of inspirational and historical romances alike. (BookLife)