A Song in my Heart

MIDWEST BOOK Reviews

"Blessed with fortune, we are still faced with many choices which could change our lives. "A Song in My Heart" follows Alejandra Stanford, as she pursues her dream of becoming a composer, and in her journey, goes off to see the world and everything it has to offer along the way. But in her travels, she finds her options of romance leave her confused in which way to go. A tale of history, music, art, and romance, "A Song in My Heart" is a fine novel, a first in a trilogy to look out for."

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Book Reviewer List -"An Extraordinary Fusion of Music and Literature - Through her novel, Calatayud-Stocks establishes herself as a first-rate storyteller, showcasing her equal talents for both writing and music through the story of Alejandra Stanford. The theme of music is interwoven throughout the storyline; and Calatayud-Stocks deftly interweaves the themes of music, art, romance, passion, and history. The novel is absolutely spellbinding, transporting readers to another time and place with its words and accompanying musical journey, whisking them into the realm of the extraordinary."

___________________________  --Review from The Internet Review of Books: "Experiencing Ale's world for the first time, I was instantly drawn into the story. Getting lost in the vivid descriptions of the Mexican culture as well as the beautiful images of Paris and beyond, we see Alejandra's musical life story seamlessly interwoven and leaping from the pages. Did the author herself long to have lived during this time period? I know that I wished to have been there myself as Alejandra finds melodic inspiration in everything she saw." Read more

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-- John Watson Milton, award-winning author of fiction and history

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."

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KirKus Reviews: "Calatayud-Stocks’ debut is a historical novel set to music. Alejandra Stanford's life is privileged and pluralistic, with music as the glue that holds her disparate worlds together. Alejandra dreams of becoming a conductor, though few women have preceded her there. Well-written, this is an ambitious debut. 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 novel’s grand ambitions are evident in its packaging—it is both book and musical composition (CD included). The author intends this to be the first in a trilogy, and she has created enough momentum to build on. An auspicious debut."

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 Ana Luisa Fajer Flores, Consul General of Mexico in St. Paul, Minnesota: "A Song in my heart is a delightful reading. I enjoyed it immensely.  Roma makes Mexico, Minnesota, New York and Venice understand each other through the beauty of “Ode to Minnesota,” “Nostalgia Mexicana,” or “So this is Venice.” Roma did a wonderful job in researching the music history, the classic composers, Bach Schumann, Liszt and Debussy.  A Song in my Heart is a powerful Song in someone’s heart, in a man or a woman’s soul, in a Minnesotan, Mexican,  French or English heart. It is a novel that can find its place in any context, in any time in history."

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