Publisher's Weekly says, "The romance is chaste, slow-building, and sweet, and Johnson makes both characters’ love of music palpable. This is a treat."
When talented violinist Freya Winter is chosen to take part in a musical celebration alongside some of the best instrumentalists in the world, she is thrilled. Performing in front of royalty is a breathtaking opportunity, but her true motivation for traveling to Salzburg is to fulfill an unlikely dream: to meet and train under the renowned Salzburg Maestro, a master musician shrouded in mystery.
Freya travels aboard the Orient Express to practice with the newly formed orchestra in Salzburg, and nothing can distract her—not her mother’s illness, nor her father’s domineering ways; however, when a handsome passenger becomes a regular fixture on her journeys, Freya feels her focus blurring. Conversation with Erich is easy, and their shared love of music draws them undeniably closer. But even as they open their hearts to each other, the harsh realities of her family life intrude on the future she’s envisioned, and Freya feels her dreams slipping through her fingers, threatening to rob her of everything she cherishes most.
When talented violinist Freya Winter is chosen to take part in a musical celebration alongside some of the best instrumentalists in the world, she is thrilled. Performing in front of royalty is a breathtaking opportunity, but her true motivation for traveling to Salzburg is to fulfill an unlikely dream: to meet and train under the renowned Salzburg Maestro, a master musician shrouded in mystery.
Freya travels aboard the Orient Express to practice with the newly formed orchestra in Salzburg, and nothing can distract her—not her mother’s illness, nor her father’s domineering ways; however, when a handsome passenger becomes a regular fixture on her journeys, Freya feels her focus blurring. Conversation with Erich is easy, and their shared love of music draws them undeniably closer. But even as they open their hearts to each other, the harsh realities of her family life intrude on the future she’s envisioned, and Freya feels her dreams slipping through her fingers, threatening to rob her of everything she cherishes most.
MY THOUGHTS.....
Music, beautiful settings, and the Orient Express. What more could a reader ask for? How about great characters and a sweet romance? All of these are found in Song of Salzburg, and it is a great introduction to the writing style of Jen Geigle Johnson. Song of Salzburg tells of Freya Winter's passion for music, her exceptional talent, and her struggles to be taken seriously, because Freya's parents consider music to be a hobby, instead of a suitable vocation for a young woman in the 19th century. What follows is an intriguing adventure that follows Freya as she and a chance acquaintance travel back and forth between Paris and Salzburg on the Orient Express. Johnson's descriptions of the luxurious train, the beautiful fashions, and the soul-stirring music are vivid and stunning, and watching Freya and Erich Schumann explore their mutual love of music was a treat indeed!
As with all good stories, there are questions, obstacles, and a mystery surrounding Erich's true identity. There's also a special encounter with Edward, the Prince of Wales. If you enjoy historical fiction and sweet, clean romance, treat yourself to this captivating book!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
An award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. HIstory is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.
Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.
As with all good stories, there are questions, obstacles, and a mystery surrounding Erich's true identity. There's also a special encounter with Edward, the Prince of Wales. If you enjoy historical fiction and sweet, clean romance, treat yourself to this captivating book!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.
