Genre

Historical Fiction / Young Adult / Romance

Audience

Young Adults, Teens

Author’s Worldview

Catholic, Something Else or Undisclosed

Year Published

2017

Themes

Family, Marriage, Vocation, Religious Life, Gifts, Music, sisters , Baroque Era, Italy

 

Reviewed by

M.S. Ocampo

Playing by Heart is a historical fiction romance that takes place during Baroque era Italy. Emilia Salvini is passionate about music. Unfortunately, she has to prove her merit as a musician not only to Maestro Tomassini, but to her social-climbing father, who both underestimate her. Emilia’s musical talents aren’t just a way for her father to show off his talented daughters, but an asset in attracting a husband.

Although she doesn’t tell anyone, Emilia hopes that her musical talent will lead her to marry someone who loves music as much as she does. Otherwise, her father will send her to live in the convent since he can’t afford to support all his daughters. What he doesn’t know is that his oldest daughter, Maria, feels called to religious life. He refuses to even consider it, as she is a genius with languages, stating “I will not have her extraordinary talents hidden away in a convent.”

Emilia’s life takes a drastic turn when her mother dies giving birth to a stillborn. The grief she feels at the traumatic event inspires her to compose her own sonata. It impresses her maestro enough to begin giving her lessons in music theory. During these lessons, she works alongside Antonio Bellini, the maestro’s nephew, whom she believes is jealous of her talent. Of course, her friend thinks that there’s love in the air between the two musicians.

It’s not until Antonio composes his own sonata, which includes a duet for a harpsichord and a viola d’amore, that Emilia finally realizes that she has feelings for him.  She is impressed with his talents as a composer as well as his skills on the violin and he tells her of how he was moved by the emotions she put into her compositions. Music becomes the food for their love. Unfortunately, the romance gets put on hold as Antonio takes up a commission with a theater orchestra to help support his family.

Things go from bad to worse when Emilia’s father purchases a villa and enters into the noble class. He arranges for Maria to marry a “rich and handsome” don, in spite of Maria’s wishes to enter the convent. The problem is that the man Emilia’s father chooses to marry Maria has a reputation for being a rake and a scoundrel. Emilia prepares herself to marry the cad to ensure her sister’s happiness. Thankfully, God works in a way that ensures a happy ending for all.

An award-winning Historical YA novel set amidst the musical world of Baroque Italy.

Even though the novel takes place in the Baroque Era, it reminds me of a Jane Austen novel with all the social climbing, beautiful settings, and the preoccupation with making a good marriage. I like that there’s no sibling rivalry between Emilia and Maria. There are times, however, where Emilia feels envious of her prodigy sister and she takes a long time to let those feelings go.

I found myself making a playlist as I read this book as I wanted the right background music to put me in the mood. Most romantic novels always name drop Beethoven and Mozart, but music in this novel came from the Baroque era, which predates the more well-known classical composers. The musical references may not be familiar to the everyday reader, but it will definitely give them something to Google.

The Catholic themes in this novel are appropriate to the setting. The Salvinis are an Italian family, after all, and there is often talk of one of the daughters being sent to the convent when she comes of age.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to young adults, especially ones who have a knowledge of Baroque Era music. It’s a heartwarming romance that will leave you breathless until the very end.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

Shooting At Heaven’s Gate, by Kaye Park Hinckley

How does an ordinary boy become a mass murderer?

A Very Jurassic Christmas by Corinna Turner

Christmas with Jurassic dinosaurs is often wild!

St. Agnes and the Selkie by G. M. Baker

Cast up by the sea. Courted by the king. Followed by danger.

The Reluctant Queen: The Story of Esther by Lin Wilder

Chosen by Xerxes to be queen, chosen by God to be savior of His people: the story of Esther.

Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir

What if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?

The City and The Dungeon by Matthew P. Schmidt

Who knew fighting monsters in a D&D dungeon could convince him that not everything can be attributed to a chance roll of the dice?

The Haunted Cathedral by Antony Barone Kolenc                           

Xan is finally bringing his parent’s killer to justice, yet his guardian monk insists he must forgive the murderer

Demons are Forever by Declan Finn

Marco flees from his fears of hurting Amanda by taking a job to train Vampire Hunters in San Francisco. Should be a quiet job right?

Desperate Forest: The Forest Tales Series, Book 1 By Cece Louise

This RomCom fantasy adventure explores a princess discovering the realities of life outside of her kingdom and what true love is really made of.

Our Lady of the Roses by Janice Lane Palko

Could Rome spark romance between a fashionista and an inventor-engineer?

A Distant Prospect by Annette Young

Lucy has been broken by the horrors of polio and the war for Irish Independence. Can Australia offer her a new life and a new home?

Everything Old: Love in Anadauk Book 1 by Amanda Hamm

Two youth group leaders rekindle their friendship and find love with each other along the way.

The Mission of Joan Of Arc by Philip Kosloski, Alexandre Nascimento, and Jesse Hansen

Voyage Comics’ dynamic interpretation of the Life of Joan of Arc is based on the play written by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Freeing Tanner Rose by T.M. Gaouette

Hollywood Starlet meets Kung Fu Country boy with a God obsession.

The King’s Prey by Susan Peek

When the king of Ireland goes insane, Princess Dymphna must embark on a harrowing journey to freedom.

Most Highly Favored Daughter by Janice Palko

Her perfect life hides her city’s darkest secrets. Can Cara face the light of truth and come to understand real love?

Why Reading Fiction Made Me a Better Catholic

How reading fiction became a crucial step in my conversion to the Catholic Church.

Messina: Book 1, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano

Romance blossoms in the midst of chaos. A historical romance set in 1901 Italy as a young American doctor proves herself to the haughty Italian lord who has forgotten his faith.

Earthquake Weather by Kevin Rush

The mist that settles over San Francisco hides the ugly parts of her world. Can Kristine find the courage to see with unclouded eyes?

The Fire of Eden (The Harwood Mysteries Book 3) by Antony Barone Kolenc

The mystery of a stolen treasure might hold the key to Xan’s discernment about whether God is calling him to the priesthood or to Lucy.