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!
Great fame brings great heartbreak
No one knows the perils of celebrity better than Teresa
Foscari, Europe’s most famous opera singer. The public knows
her as a glamorous and tempestuous diva, mistress to
emperors, a reputation created by the newspapers and the
ruthless man who exploited her. Now she has come to London
to make a fresh start and find her long lost English family.
Foscari’s peerless voice thrills all London—except
Maximilian Hawthorne, Viscount Allerton, the wealthy patron
of opera—and lover of singers. Notorious Teresa Foscari is
none other than Tessa, the innocent girl who broke his
youthful heart. When his glittering new opera house sits
half empty, thanks to the soprano filling the seats of his
competitor’s theater, Max vows to stop the woman he
unwillingly still desires.
Amidst backstage intrigue and the sumptuous soirées of
fashionable London, the couple’s rivalry explodes in bitter
accusations and smashed china. With her reputation in ruins,
Tessa must fight for her career —and resist her burning
attraction to the man who wishes to destroy her.
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