The Songbook of Benny Lament

A Novel

By: Amy Harmon

Narrated by: Rob Shapiro

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

From the bestselling author of What the Wind Knows and From Sand and Ash comes a powerful love story about a musical duo who put everything on the line to be together.

New York, 1960: For Benny Lament, music is his entire life. With his father’s deep ties to the mob, the Bronx piano man has learned that love and family can get you in trouble. So he keeps to himself, writing songs for other musicians, avoiding the spotlight…until the night his father brings him to see Esther Mine sing.

Esther is a petite powerhouse with a gorgeous voice. And when Benny writes a hit song and performs it with her, their collaboration thrusts the duo onto the national stage…and stirs up old issues and new scrutiny that the mob--and Benny--would rather avoid.

It would be easier to walk away. But the music and the woman are too hard for the piano man to resist. Benny’s songs and Esther’s vocals are an explosive combination, a sound that fans can’t get enough of. But though America might love the music they make together, some people aren’t ready for Benny Lament and Esther Mine on--or off--the stage.

©2021 Amy Harmon (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The story is enlightening, heart-breaking, and ultimately inspiring as these two beautiful characters find the soul of what it truly means to be human and love. Powerful writing, enthralling reading!” —TJ Mackay, founder and publisher of InD’tale Magazine

“Amy’s stories are always deeply addictive and transporting, but beyond that, her compassion and insight into the human experience raises her work to another level completely. She is in a class of her own.” —Mia Sheridan, New York Times bestselling author

“The Songbook of Benny Lament is typical of Harmon’s style: fluid, elegant, and filled with grace. A must read of 2021 and beyond.” —Emma Scott, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

WELL WORTH A CREDIT!!

IT. IS. SO. GOOD. I didn't want it to end. I want to listen to the fictional songs. I want to see the people. Someone needs to make this into a mini series or a movie.

The book is well written with interesting and believable characters (you'll feel like you know them), a compelling storyline, bits of history and a few mysteries. I could go on but I don't want to give too much away.

Also, the narration is perfect -- so important for an audio book.

This was a credit well spent. Actually, it was so enjoyable I wouldn't have minded had I bought it outright. This one definitely makes my favorites list.

Always impressive Amy Harmon

How do you do it? I am drawn in by the characters emotion repeatedly in your works. You can express so many emotions with your words. How timely a subject and message. How desperately the world needs to hear it. The flow of this storyline was so smooth the book was as if it were a song itself! This story must be made into a movie!! I just finished listening and I'm ready to start it all over again.

Rob Shapiro's Narration is WOW!!

This is a very different kind of story than I usually listen too. It had great reviews and I am giving it another one.
This is a great book. The Narrator is one of the best I've ever listened too. What a voice he has! So talented too.
I don't need to go into the book, but it is wonderful. All in all 10 stars!!

Overstaying it’s welcome

Yes, this did drone on a bit too long, especially the final denouncement/ reveal ( no surprises there, it was signaled throughout the story). So why the high rating ? The narration ! So good !

loved it

i should not have to explain my rating with at least 15 words or more. I really enjoyed the story and the narration.

That voice

I could listen to Rob Shapiro narrate the phone book. Captivating voice. I really liked the story, too, and will definitely look at other books by this author.

Amazing!!

One of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading. The narration was wonderful and the characters were rich and well developed.

Masterful!

A compelling, well-written story narrated by a master. It hooked me in from start to finish.
I. Loved. Listening. To. This. Book.!

DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!!

This book is like no other. everything is good about it, no, incredible about it. I would have to stop reading it every now and then because... well, it's too hard to explain. I have so much respect for this author and her insights to the character development and the story and her description of the times. I have not read any other of her books. my daughter says she always tells a good story, but her writing was a bit weak in the beginning but it has evolved into something that will definitely touch your heart in ways you csn not imagine.

Amazing book!

I would recommend this book 100%. The characters and the plot were developed. The story had the perfect pace and Benny’s growth was inspiring. It had the right amount of mystery that will leave you guessing and twists that will shock you. If you’re thinking about spending a credit on it, don’t think, do it. You will not regret getting it. I also admire this author for diversifying her books and including everyone in her beautiful writing. You’re amazing Amy Harmon.