Tamera Alexander’s A Note Yet Unsung

A master violinist trained in Vienna, Rebekah Carrington manages to wheedle her way into an audition with the new maestro at the Nashville Philharmonic. But women are “far too fragile and frail” for the rigors of an orchestra, and Rebekah’s hopes are swiftly dashed when the conductor–determined to leave his mark on the world of classical music–bows to public opinion. To make matters worse, Adelicia Cheatham, mistress of Belmont Mansion and Rebekah’s new employer, agrees with him.

Nationally acclaimed conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is Nashville’s youngest 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 symphony hall. Even more pressing, he must finish it for the one who first inspired his love of music–his dying father. As Tate’s ailment worsens, he knows Rebekah can help him finish his symphony. But how can he win back her trust when he’s robbed her of her dream?

Review

Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite authors and this book does not disappoint. My thoughts:

What I liked

Rebekah. She was a smart, capable heroine who knew herself and what she wanted. I will admit that it took me a minute to like her, but once I did, I was in her corner.

Nathaniel. He’s not likable at first, but by the end of the novel you are completely rooting for him. Nathaniel goes through a trial that is heart-wrenching. I thought the author did a fantastic job of dealing with the complexities of his problems.

Secondary characters. Adelicia Cheatham is in this book just as she is in the others, but she is not the one that steals the show. Nathaniel’s family is highly interesting and I loved each and every one of them.

Mystery. There are small mysteries or rather complex backstories behind the main characters which serve to make the narrative stronger and richer.

Music. Somehow the author made the music come alive and dance upon the pages. I enjoyed it along with the characters.

Spiritually, the novel deals with trusting God in difficult times.

What I didn’t like

There was one strange twist in the story that just didn’t make sense to me. I understood where the author was going, I just didn’t understand why she chose the route she did to get there.

Also, Nathaniel was both guarding his past tightly and planning to reveal it. He didn’t appear to be confused by this dichotomy, but I was.

Romantic scale: 8.5

Overall, just as I have always enjoyed Tamera Alexander’s books, I enjoyed this one.

**I received a copy from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**