Tessa Birkett is in England, the land of her father, for the first time in her life. Tessa is also La Divina, the world's most famous soprano. Widowed from her horrid, Italian husband and now professionally known as Teresa Foscari, the prima donna is in dire needs of funds. La Foscari, who has graced the stages of the best opera houses, is now reduced to performing at a decrepit London theatre. Maximilian Hawthorne, Viscount Allerton, is the owner of a modern establishment, The Regent Opera House, where the talent is as lacklustre as the facilities are impressive. Max wishes he had someone of La Foscari's calibre performing in his theatre, he has the money, but it's more complicated than it looks. Upon hearing of the diva's presence in London, Max also wonders if Teresa Foscari is Tessa Birkett. Tessa and Max had fallen in love eleven years before in Portugal, when Tessa made her professional début, and dreadful misunderstandings had cut their love story short. When they meet again, Max is spiteful and resentful, and Teresa is still hurting.

Only the thought of Miranda Neville writing about opera had me nearly drooling upon reading the title. Who better than an author of such luminous prose to bring to life that particular art form? Ms. Neville's extensive research pays off as a feeling of authenticity permeates the entire story, down to the minutest details, and those familiar with the arias might be humming along. Max is a somewhat perplexing character: he is prone to acting impulsively and at times comes off as a thoughtless imbecile, but at some point recognises his shortcomings. Teresa is a magnificent character: she is brave, kind, and loyal even though she has been hurt badly by more than one person. She has several obstacles to tackle, but it's nothing compared to the soul searching and atonement Max must go through.

Miranda Neville has crafted an impressive cast of secondary characters as well, from Teresa's entourage, Max's formidable mother, and the Marquess of Somerville, among others. SECRETS OF A SOPRANO is such a wonderful change of scenery from the usual historical fare, especially as it is so expertly done, and Ms. Neville's prose is as sublime as ever as she captures both the glamorous and the pedestrian sides of the opera world. SECRETS OF A SOPRANO is a delightful an unforgettable experience!