A Note Yet Unsung

Author: Tamera Alexander
Genre: Historical Romance

A master violinist trained in Vienna, Rebekah Carrington manages to wheedle her way into an audition with the maestro at the newly-formed Nashville Philharmonic. But women are "far too fragile and frail" for the rigors of an orchestra, and Rebekah's hopes are swiftly dashed because the conductor--determined to leave his mark on the world of classical music--bows to public opinion. To make matters worse, Adelicia Acklen Cheatham, mistress of Belmont Mansion and Rebekah's new employer, agrees with him.
 
Nationally acclaimed conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is Nashville's new orchestra leader. And despite a reluctant muse--and a strange buzzing and recurring pain in his head--he must finish composing his symphony before the grand opening of the city's new opera hall. But far more pressing, he must finish it for the one who first inspired his love of music--his father, who is dying. As Tate's ailment worsens, he believes Rebekah can help him finish his symphony. But how do you win back a woman's trust when you've robbed her of her dream?

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"I meant it. Every word. But the fact remains, you are a woman."

Crushed beneath the weight of reality, master violinist Rebekah Carrington wonders how words given as a compliment could possibly deliver such disappointment to her soul. Maestro Whitcomb has confirmed what she has known to be true all of her life, it's not her lack of talent or extraordinary training, it's her gender. 

Returning from years abroad in Vienna, Rebekah must find a way to survive on her own; her beloved grandmother is dead, her inheritance squandered by a vile stepfather, her mother barely acknowledging her presence and now her dream of playing in Nashville's Philharmonic Orchestra dashed into bits and pieces. All things considered, Rebekah is grateful when the opportunity presents itself to tutor Adelcia Acklen Cheatham's daughter, which also politely requires her, based on this association with the orchestra's most generous benefactor, to assist conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb as he rushes to complete his own symphony for an opening night performance, the same conductor who refused her entrance into his orchestra just days before. 

Tate Whitcomb is enamored with the lovely Rebekah Carrington, underestimating her ability and stubborn determination on an almost daily basis. However, it's when his own life nearly spirals out of control that Tate's feelings shift from admiration to something much deeper, as Rebekah's patience, encouragement, and friendship bring him back from a dark place time and time again. Together they make great strides with his music, discovering the joys of collaboration with equally gifted talents. As his deadlines loom closer and closer, Tate cannot help but wonder how he can ever release her, after his dreams are realized and hers have only begun?

"Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace . . . . "

Resonating sounds of music permeate this lovely example of a talented writer at work, for Tamera Alexander has completed her "Belmont Mansion" series on a very high note! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions state above are entirely my own.

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