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

The Divided Kingdom by Allison Ramirez

What sinister secrets hide behind the walls of the Island of Mirror?

Murder in the Vatican by Ann Margaret Lewis

Sherlock Holmes teams up with Pope Leo XXIII to solve crimes in the Holy City.

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas

Would you die for a flower? Would you kill for one? Providence, romance, and danger rule in this tense, heart-warming prison romance.

Julia’s Gifts by Ellen Gable

A story of love and God’s providence in times of war.

Breach! by Corinna Turner

Isaiah’s got a T-rex size problem, but this time, it’s not a dinosaur.

For Eden’s Sake by T.M. Gaouette

Life is precious whether it’s planned or not.

Honor at Stake by Declan Finn

If you’re looking for a vampire-romance with a truly unique twist look no further.

The Academy Saga: Book 1 By C.J. Daly  

A thrilling, yet clean, high school romance.

Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman

An intriguing story that will enchant with a sweet romance and take you on a thrill ride through the Gothic version of modern-day New York City.

To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo

What must you do when nothing you can do will save those you love?

Lance and the Veil by Kevin Rush

She was Christ’s comforter, he, his executioner. Can the two find love in each other’s arms?

The Singer not the Song by Audrey Erskine Lindop (AKA The Bandit and the Priest)

A priest and a bandit king face off for the fate of a small Mexican town in this thrilling western adventure.

The Wrecker’s Daughter By G.M. Baker

When Hannah learns that the Bible verse she has lived by is not found anywhere in Scripture, she realizes that the culture that has formed her is completely corrupt.

Island of Miracles by Amy Schisler

When she finds out her husband had a whole other set of wife and kids Kate starts over in a small beach town.

God’s Sparrows By Kathleen Vincenz

Rose didn’t expect to babysit six children, but God had other plans.

I, Claudia By Lin Wilder

Will the extraordinary events lead the wife of Pontius Pilate, Claudia Procula, to the Son of God?

Elfling by Corinna Turner

Serapia Ravena is on a mission to find and keep her father, but he has transgressed a boundary that no creature has the right to cross. Only the mercy of God can resolve this tension.

Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol.2) By, Philip Kosloski and Michael Lavoy

Can one map be the key to stopping the Viking Invasion?

Medal Knight Vol 1 by Voyage Comics

A young inventor in the 1920’s finds out his patrons intend to use his robots for crime. To fight back he becomes a hero inspired by the miraculous medal.

The Wind That Shakes The Corn: Memoirs of a Scots Irish Woman by Kaye Park Hinckley

Sold into slavery on her wedding night, an 18th-century Irishwoman struggles to free herself from her thirst for vengeance.