Description
Princess Nadalie Seymorr has always measured her life in music: the strict rhythms of being the perfect princess, the symphonies she escapes into, and the haunting tunes of a love she left behind. As a teenager, Nadalie spent her winters on the sunlit Grecian island of Meren Rannalla where Andreas Jarvela, a spirited American boy with calloused hands and boundless confidence, taught her what music felt like beyond the page. For three years they shared letters, freedom, and a friendship crescendoing into dreams of a future together. Until she accepted his engagement ring, only to have duty convince her to return it the same day. A decade later, Nadalie has perfected the role of the ideal princess, but the girl she once was has faded.
When the island brings Nadalie and Andreas back together, memories resurface, stirring unfinished songs and unspoken truths. Now a world-renowned artist, Andreas guards his heart with practiced distance, unsure whether he can trust the woman who once shattered it, especially as a bright, confident newcomer vies for his attention and tempts him toward a safer future.
As past and present collide, Nadalie and Andreas must decide whether the music they began as teenagers still has a composition left to write or if some songs are meant to remain unfinished.
leannarave –
A beautiful story of friendship that stands the test of time. Nadalie is the second daughter of the King and Queen of Findlay. She has never had the admiration of her father. He gave that to Ingrid the crown princess. Andrea’s and Nadalie became friends years ago. He wanted to be more than friends but Nadalie had broke his heart. He has never gotten over her. Now that are back attending the same event and their paths will certainly cross.
I thought the story started a little slow but quickly moved into an intriguing story. It spans a few years as these two characters mature and develop. The story is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. It is a heartfelt story of finding love and being ready for it at the right time. “If marriage were a melody, it would be a secret shared between two souls. Marriage would not be the loudest song, but it would be the truest.”
I received a complimentary copy of this. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
mgtnelson –
This is Leonard’s second Royally Austin book, and the flavor is quite different from the first one, Northargyle Abbie. This book gutted me emotionally from the very beginning. I had to keep taking breaks because I was wanting to cry over what was happening to the characters. It is beautifully written, with musical themes that really add to the story. I wish there was an original music score to listen to as I read. So just be prepared when you read this book – you can’t just rush through it, but need to savor every chapter and plot twist.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.