B Reviews / Book ReviewsAustria / class differences / England / Historical / music / opera / post WWI / self made man / social privilege / Vienna8 Comments
In the spring of 1922, young Austrian Princess Theresa-Maria – known to her ancient aunts as ‘Putzerl’ – abandons her crumbling castle and her royal duties. Disguising herself simply as Tessa, she enrolls as under wardrobe mistress of the International Opera Company and soon loses herself in the intoxicating world ... more >
B Reviews / Book Reviews1970s / classical music / fathers and daughters / opera / Opera Singer / Warrender Saga2 Comments
Lindley Harding was a singer nearing the end of his career; Laurence Morven was a new star-and rival-coming up over the horizon. And Lindley’s daughter Natalie, who loved them both, found herself torn two ways as the bitterness grew between the two men. Was the situation going to ruin her ... more >
A Review Category / B Reviews Category / Book Reviews / Recommended ReadsEngland / Musicians / opera / Opera Singer / Warrender Saga9 Comments
Every family has its secrets… When Gail Rostall is invited to her good friend Oliver Bannister’s family home, she has no idea he was one of the Bannisters – the most distinguished musical family in the country. Nor had she any idea that Oliver’s brother was the famous composer Marcus ... more >
C Reviews18th-century / Austria / historical mystery / murder-investigation / opera2 Comments
In 1786 Vienna, Lorenzo Da Ponte is the court librettist for the Italian Theatre during the height of the enlightened reign of Emperor Joseph II. This exalted position doesn’t mean he’s particularly well paid, or even out of reach of the endless intrigues of the opera world. In fact, far ... more >
B Reviews Category / B+ Reviews / Book ReviewsHarlequin / Ida Cook / opera13 Comments
Dear Readers, At last to the final book which Sunita loaned to me. Of all the books mentioned in the “Safe Passage” posts, I think this one garnered the most votes and fond recollections. After reading it, I can see why. The impact is that strong. For those who’ve not ... more >
B Reviews / B Reviews Category / Book Reviewsacross the tracks / Harlequin / Ida Cook / opera13 Comments
Dear Readers, Mary Burchell wrote an astounding number of books for Mills and Boon/Harlequin before her death. And before I wrote the review of her autobiography “Safe Passage,” I hadn’t heard of her or her books. What a loss that would have been as I’m discovering that she was an ... more >