SYNOPSIS
A Symphony of Rivals, the second book in a trilogy, is a compelling historical novel set in 1930’s Germany, Austria, Italy, and the United States. Alejandra Morrison pursues her dream of becoming a symphony conductor at an unfortunate time when culture and the arts are falling under the influence of Nazism, but through her devotion to music and Beethoven’s legacy, she finds a measure of hope and strength.
In Berlin, she trains with renowned European conductors, and through her friends Ben and Hannah Adelman, she meets art dealer Anton Everhardt, who falls in love with her. Alejandra’s musical talent is a double-edged sword which places her at the center of a dangerous political world, where she attracts the unwanted attention of a high ranking German officer. While attempting to maintain her integrity, Alejandra confronts harrowing situations, which challenge her principles; and when the violence and upheaval of the Nazi ascendancy spread to Vienna, Alejandra must choose between staying in America with her family or risking everything by returning to Europe in search of her dearest friends.
Translation to Spanish:
Sinopsis de Una Sinfonía de Rivales (A Symphony of Rivals). Es el Segundo libro de la seria y la historia es una novela histórica situada en los años de 1930, antes de la Segunda Guerra mundial, en Alemania, Austria, Italia, y Estados Unidos. Alejandra Morrison persigue su ambición de convertirse en directora de orquesta sinfónica en un momento desafiante en el que la cultura y las artes caen bajo la influencia del nazismo, pero a través de su devoción por la musica y el legado de Ludwig van Beethoven, Alejandra encuentra esperanza y fortaleza.
En Berlín, Alejandra entrena con reconocidos directores europeos y por medio de sus amigos Ben y Hannah Adelman conoce al comerciante de arte Anton Everhardt. El talento musical de Alejandra es un arma de doble filo que la coloca en el centro de un peligroso mundo político, donde atrae la atención, no deseada, de un oficial Alemán de alto rango. Al mantener su integridad, Alejandra enfrenta situaciones angustiosas que desafían sus principios morales. Y cuando la violencia y la agitación del fascismo se extiende a Viena, Alejandra deberá elegir entre quedarse en América con su familia o arriesgarlo todo volviendo a Europa en busca de sus amigos más queridos.
AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, TARGET, WALMART, AND ALL BOOK STORES.
REVIEWS
Rich in romance and peril, this explores the intersection of art, gender and politics in the turbulent 1930s. The novel traverses Germany, Austria, Italy and the United States as it tells the tale of Alejandra Morrison, a woman who aspires to become a symphony conductor in a man’s world, at a time when culture is increasingly coming under the crippling, censoring grip of Nazism. With a keen eye for detail and spritely dialogue, the author is clearly immersed in her subject. At times, this has the page-turning pace and drama of a literary thriller, replete with terrifying peril as Alejandra must make agonizing, life-changing decisions, and domestic strife playing out alongside tangled political troubles. Musicophiles will no doubt appreciate the appendix that details works to accompany each chapter, among them Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca, Hubfeld’s As Time Goes By, and Verdi’s Nabucco. Joanne Owen, A LoveReading Ambassador LOVEREADING AMBASSADOR, UK
“A good book is one that not only places the reader inside the story, but challenges her to think about how she would react and behave in seemingly no-win situations. A compelling story occurs right at this border between good and evil, between strength and weakness. And that is what makes Roma Calatayud-Stocks such an effective writer–especially in her latest book, A Symphony of Rivals. But the edges of morality are not the only barriers explored in Roma’s work. So, too, is the divide between music and prose, which effectively breaches as both a writer and a musical composer.” Howard Lovy, Managing Editor, The Alliance of Independent Authors. For the complete Q&A by Lovy, click here.
“A Suspenseful bridge to the final volume to a historical fiction series. Calatayud-Stocks portrays her characters clearly, each with a unique voice and agenda. The novel raises stimulating questions regarding work life balance, and the entwinement of art and politics. The momentum accelerates with the emergence of more serious conflicts., leaving readers with a cliffhanger. And for culture enthusiasts, the author once again offers musical selections corresponding to each chapter. Kirkus Reviews
“Music had become a political instrument. In this story the protagonist, Alejandra Morrison, a young lady possessing an exceptional musical gift as a concert pianist, seeks an opportunity to make a name as a major orchestral conductor in what is traditionally a male’s domain. The writing is good, exhibiting the kind of inspired genius shown by Alejandra Morrison. The strength of this story is in the bearing witness to the day-to-day process of personal experience whereby civilization loses its way. The overriding value of storytelling such as this is to force one to ask the question- “Could it happen here in the United States?” Alan Goodman, The Internet Review of Books
SYNOPSIS
A Song in My Heart, the first book in a trilogy, is a historical novel set in early 1900 in the United States, Mexico, England, France, and Italy. Alejandra Stanford is born into a privileged bi-cultural family in Minneapolis. Growing up, she and her artistic family intimately experience the intermingling of American, Hispanic, and European cultural influences, as well as formidable national events that challenge their lives; yet, Alejandra finds music is the perfect expression of her own artistic inclinations, emotions, and ambitions.
As a young pianist and budding composer, she is affected by Minnesota’s musical pioneers and resolves to become a conductor despite the obstacles. When driven, sensible, and independent Alejandra travels to the great cities of the world in pursuit of her dreams, she falls in love with the music of legendary composers. Along the way, she will meet two men who are her match in ideals and intellect, each with the potential to bring fulfillment in very different ways. Ultimately, it is the passion for music and love which guide, inspire, and determine Alejandra’s destiny.
Translation to Spanish:
Sinopsis de Una Canción en Mi Corazón (A Song in My Heart). Es el primer libro de la trilogía y la historia es situada a principios del 1900 en Estados Unidos, México, Inglaterra, Francia e Italia. Alejandra Stanford nace en el seno de una familia privilegiada y bicultural en Minneapolis. Al crecer, Alejandra y su familia vivien la mezcla de influencias culturales americanas, hispanas y europeas, así como formidables eventos nacionales que desafían sus vidas.
Alejandra encuentra que la música es la expresión ideal de sus propias inclinaciones artísticas, emociones, y ambiciones. Como joven pianista y compositora en ciernes, Alejandra se inspira por compositors Mexicanos y los pioneros musicales de Minnesota y sueña con convertirse en directora musical a pesar de los obstaculos de la época.
Cuando Alejandra, motivada, sensata e indepiendiente, viaja a las grandes ciudades del mundo se enamora de la música de compositors legendarios. En el camino, conocerá a dos hombres con ideales e intelecto similar, cada uno con el potencial de brindar satisfacción de maneras muy diferentes. En última instancia, es la pasión por la música y el amor lo que guía y determina el destino de Alejandra.
Hardcover with CD Collectible Available at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE
Second Edition Paperback and eBook (2018), published by Calumet Editions, Available at AMAZON
“Calatayud-Stocks’ debut is a historical novel set to music. The historical aspect is well-researched and true to the period. The story is compelling that this novel deserves to find a larger audience. The author intends this to be the first in a trilogy, and she has created enough momentum to build on. An auspicious debut.” Kirkus Reviews.
“Ms. Calatayud-Stocks’ writing style is a “You are There” approach that is intensely personalized. The author’s unique approach to telling this story is demonstrated by her composing and recording music that exemplifies the moods of different story segments as they unfold. In all, this was a highly un-usual and well-done project that marries the written word with the musical words. We rated it five hearts. Five star.” Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews.
“An extraordinary fusion of music and literature. Calatayud-Stocks deftly interweaves the themes of music, art, romance, passion, and history. A Song in My Heart leaves the readers anxious for the next installment, A Symphony of Rivals.” Book Reviewer List.
“A Song in My Heart is a delightful reading. I enjoyed it immensely. The novel flows softly and rhythmically. Roma did a wonderful job in researching the history of music, the classical composers, Schumann, Bach, Liszt, and Debussy. We love and suffer dawn and sunsets, war and peace, but it is always Music in the novel that offers us a safe port. Alejandra, the main character in the novel, shows us the sweetness of life but at the same time the strength, the power of seduction, and the firmness of a decision. I will be awaiting A Symphony of Rivals.” Ana Luisa Fajer Flores, Consul General of Mexico in Minnesota.
“Roma Calatayud-Stocks’ debut novel is about the life of Alejandra (“Ale”) Stanford during the first three decades of the 20th century. Ale’s dream is to become an orchestral conductor. During her formative years, there are few role models for this ambition, and she struggles to keep her musical talent alive as she goes through the stages of growing up, courting, and earning respect in a milieu that’s predominantly male … Calatayud-Stocks takes the reader on a compelling journey, from Minnesota and New York to México and across the continent of Europe, spicing her narrative with details that speak to her own powers of observation and willingness to do the necessary research. It is a sparkling account, and we look forward to the sequel that is sure to follow. I enjoyed it immensely.” John Watson Milton, Award-winning Author.