Sonata for a Scoundrel

Music of the Heart, Book 1

By: Anthea Lawson

Narrated by: Hollis McCarthy

Clara Becker is a supremely gifted composer - a talent of little to use to a woman in 1830s England. Her compositions only have worth when they are published under her brother's name, yet this deception barely enables them to scrape out a living in the poorest quarter of London. Meets the Master... Darien Reynard, the most celebrated musician in Europe, pursues success with a single-minded intensity. When he comes across Becker's compositions, he knows that this music will secure his place in history. Darien tracks the composer down and, with some difficulty, convinces the man to tour with him. Mr. Becker agrees, but with the most unusual condition that he bring along his sister... Darien's unexpected desire for Clara jeopardizes the entire tour, but Clara must protect more than her heart. If he discovers her secret, her family's new found fortune - and their very reputation - will be destroyed.

© 2013 Anthea Lawson (P)2014 Anthea Lawson

Book `1

Any additional comments?

The story slow & not interesting. Every part of the story was predictable long before it was reached. The only scoundrel I saw was Vargas, who was more like a pouty child. Clara. & Dare were extremely perfect in all things

Outstanding!

The combination of this narrator with this novel is nothing short of pure poetic brilliance. I've listened to many excellent books over the years, but this particular partnership is a shining example of the best of both worlds. Bravo!!!

Musical historical romance!

Any additional comments?

Sonata for a Scoundrel by Anthea Lawson is a very unique historical romance set during the romantic era, which is loosely based on the life of Felix Mendelssohn’s sister, Fanny.

The story centers on impoverished Clara Becker and her family. She is a brilliant and very talented composer whose family depends on the sale of her compositions for the food they put on their table. Because women were mere possessions back in 1830s England, her brother had to lend his name to her masterpieces to sell them to the publisher. By chance, one of her compositions lands in the hands of the much celebrated Master Violinist, Darien Reynard. Darien, energized by the melodies of the music, will not rest until he convinces the believed-to-be-composer to go on tour in Europe with him and continue writing such breathtaking music. It goes without saying that Clara ends up going on tour with Darien and her brother. Inevitably, sparks fly between Clara and Darien, which only fuels the creativity and sweet music between them.

Hollis McCarthy did an excellent job narrating. Her narration flows naturally and was easy to listen to. She had different voices for all characters, male and female. She really contributed to my enjoyment of the book that I found myself sitting in my car in the garage so I could listen to just one more chapter. ☺

Makes me appreciate good music

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, if they’re a fan of music, this story is a good example of how composer’s emotions can come out in their work and just how impotent a composer can be to a performer.

What about Hollis McCarthy’s performance did you like?

She did a good job with the accents and gave good distinct voices to everyone.

Talent awakens

This book is a wonderful story of artists and music. It is full of romantic and poetic sexual scenes. I really loved this book!

Needed to fast forward a lot.

I get tired of hearing explicit details and extremely long sex scenes in lieu of dialog and characters getting to know each other. I won't be reading this author again.