My Bookshelf: A Note Yet Unsung by Tamara Alexander

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. But Tate’s aliment worsens. He knows 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?

 

A Note Yet Unsung is the third book in Tamera Alexander’s Belmont Mansion series, coming after A Lasting Impression and A Beauty So Rare. I really, really enjoyed both of the previous books in this series so I was extremely excited to read this final installment, and I was not disappointed. Though, I must confess, I finished this book a few months ago, and I’m only just now getting around to reviewing it. Unfortunately I’ve been really bad about that lately, but I’m finally starting to catch up. Anyway, this novel was definitely worth reading, and I’m so glad I discovered Tamara’s work.

Rebekah Carrington reminded me so much of myself, although at the same time we are also very different. But her passion and determination, and refusal to be put down because of her gender, spoke to me from the first few pages. I couldn’t help but hope that she would one day achieve her dream, and I loved being able to read how she tried to go about it. Plus, just her disregard for silly social rules made me laugh, while I also honestly agreed with her.

Tate Whitcomb was a character it actually took me a little longer than normal to really love. But once I started, there was no going back, because underneath his somewhat harsh, anti-feminist exterior, beat a truly thoughtful, compassionate heart. Besides, once I learned his secrets, I couldn’t help but love him all the more. And his passion for his music was a characteristic I wish I shared, as it is so difficult to really work at it like he did.

All in all, I really loved this story, and I cannot imagine giving it anything but all five bookshelves. Tamara finished this series in the most perfect way, and I can’t wait to read more of her novels. Since these three books all made it onto my favorites list, I cannot help but believe that more of her books will as well.

Happy reading!

To see where I’m linking up, check out my Where I Party page.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Bethany House Publishers.