Forbidden Melody

By: Magnolia Robbins

Narrated by: Joan Dukore

Emma Harvey is a brilliant and gifted young pianist, accepted into one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the country and prepared to do whatever it takes to accomplish her dreams of playing professionally. With a renowned jazz musician for a father and a world-famous mentor growing up, she is convinced her path is easy. Until her world is suddenly silenced when she loses her hearing.

Juliet Hamilton is a prodigy violinist. First chair for nearly 15 years in the New York Philharmonic and a professor at the conservatory, she is engulfed in her career, with no time for distractions. Especially not a beautiful young graduate student with a spirited personality that challenges her every step.

When Emma and Juliet’s paths cross in the classroom, their connection is undeniable. When their music comes together, it is unstoppable. The bond they begin to form threatens to challenge more than just their opinions of music. Friendships, ethics, and careers are tested as Emma and Juliet find themselves lost in a concerto of fiery passion and heartbreak.

©2018 Magnolia Robbins (P)2018 Magnolia Robbins

Beautifully and poetically written

I've read this book a few times and each time is a little different from the last. I just love it so much. The love that blossoms between Emma and Juliet through their music and instruments was so palpable despite their efforts to hide it once they even realized what was happening. They had my anxiety skyrocketing at their haste but it was understandable and I enjoyed their journey. Juliet's father, as far as I'm concerned doesn't deserve to have her as his daughter and her mom, though a bit better than he, could've intervened yet, all Juliet's life she simply chose not to. Juliet became who she was despite them, thankfully. I was so happy with the way the story ended, I just wished Juliet hadn't allowed her father to have such a strong hold on her for all her 41years. However, sometimes it truly takes someone else coming into your world to shake it up a bit and to help you see what you truly deserve. I'm glad that for Juliet,that someone was Emma. The supporting characters weren't too bad but I felt like until one isolated moment in the book, aside from Emma, Juliet really had no one in her corner to support her and make sure that she was alright. Especially, when she needed it the absolute most. Thank you Magnolia Robbins for this beautiful novel. I've read a couple of your other titles and I look forward to reading and enjoying more.

Excellent book!

The push and pull between the main characters as excellent! I really felt their despair at times, made my heart ache a little for them. In the end, love wins! Highly recommended!

Classical jazz orchestra

In a world of slience there is a hearthbeat for the love of music and the soul.

Loved the music in this story

After a while, I started pausing so I could listen to the pieces played by the characters. I loved this book, and I really enjoyed the idea of someone you wouldn't expect to play doing it so well. I found myself wondering whether it was actually possible.

I didn't like the ending as much since it left me with to many questions - specifically, where does Juliet go from here?

The story is breath taking

Being a person or adores beyond words the emotion which pours out of classical music, or any music or that matter, this story blew me away.
I couldn’t step away from it for a second. Hated having to go to bed and leave it for a few hours!
It had me captivated. Enthralled.
The attention to detail in their love and feelings for one another was stunning. I felt like I was there.
I enjoyed the push and pull of the storyline. Even at its heartbreaking moments because it made the love even more pure...
Only down fall in the slightest was the over all performance of the narrator. She was good! But not the best in my opinion. She definitely made you understand the differences between the characters. She has talent! But sometimes it was a bit dry. A bit shrill. But just my view. Still was a wonderful overall story! Just lovely