Book Review: "Symphony of Secrets" by Sharon Hinck and Book Giveaway

I'm giving away a brand new copy of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Thursday, June 19. US readers only. Good luck!

The Show Must Go On

Amy is a single mom who has two passions in her life: her daughter and her flute. When she hears that tryouts are open to join the local symphony she jumps at the chance for what could finally be her big break. But it's not all happy melodies and cheery tunes. Amy has to put up with a jealous flutist and a daughter who can't seem to understand her passion for music. Then there's her symphony master who seems to have more than just a musical interest in Amy. To top it off someone seems bent on destroying the symphony's reputation and closing it down for good. Will Amy be able to use her amateur sleuthing skills to track the culprit?

I used to play an instrument. I played trumpet in the middle school band for three years. I got as high as first chair. So I could definitely related with Amy and her quest in the classical music world. Even if you're completely tone deaf, you won't get lost amid all the musical terms in this book. Everything is explained precisely so even the those who don't know a timpani from a tuba will be able to follow along. To be honest I didn't really like Clara that much. Usually it's because I bond with the protagonists that makes me dislike other characters who don't get along with them. I felt at times that Clara was selfish towards her mother's own wants and needs. Yes, Amy should have told her daughter the true story about her birth father from the beginning and not kept it a secret. But at the same time, I felt like it wasn't fair that Clara would place guilt trips on Amy for not being like the other moms. Obviously Amy was not a cheerleader type mom and I felt that Clara didn't seem to realize that being a single mom is not an easy task. I'm glad that for the most part they have a wonderful mother-daughter relationship but it just irked me a bit at the unreasonable demands placed on Amy at times. I loved the growing relationship between Amy and Peter. It wasn't your typical love story, fused instead with lots of humor and realistic feelings. The mystery part was great as well. Love seeing Amy's skills being put to use. This book was like several different stories combined into one - music, romance, relationship, mystery. Just like a medley of different songs, the author meshes them together to form a wonderful melody to the eyes. Another winner for Sharon Hinck!

Symphony of Secrets by Sharon Hinck is published by Bethany House (2008)