Fiction
A Song in My Heart
by Roma Calatayud-Stocks
Description
Companion Novel (all rights available): A Symphony of Rivals
Alejandra Stanford is born into a privileged bicultural family in Minneapolis of 1902. Growing up, she and her artistic family experience the intermingling of American, Mexican 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's affected by Minnesota's musical pioneers and resolves to become a symphonic conductor despite the obstacles. When drive, sensible and independent Alejandra travels to the great cities of the world in pursuit of her dreams, she falls in love with the music and legendary composers and conductors. 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. History and fiction converge impeccably in this historical novel infused with music, art and romance, creating a compelling first installment to a trilogy.
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Marketing Information
Awards for A Song in My Heart:
Best Novel - 2nd Place -Historical Fiction by the 14th and 21st International Latino Book Awards.
Mom's Choice Awards - Multimedia Experiences Adult Books.
Midwest Book Awards - First Place - Arts.
Mariposa Awards - Debut Book English.
International Latino Book Awards - Latino Books into Movies - 1st Place - Romantic Drama.
Two GoodReads Categories: "Best Fiction Books Promoting Self Esteem" and "Best Characters in their 20s."
Interview: The Latino Author: Page by Page Inspiration
Interview: Roses of Prose: A Song in My Heart
Interview: The Latino Author: Page by Page Inspiration
Awards for A Symphony of Rivals:
Best Novel - First Place - Historical Fiction by the 2019 International Latino Book Awards.
Finalist for Best Novel - Historical Fiction by the 2019 American Fiction Awards.
Finalist for Books into Movies by the International Latino Book Awards.
Endorsements
A Song in My Heart:
"Roma Calatayud-Stocks's debut novel is about the life of Alejandra Stanford during the first three decades of the twentieth century. The author takes the reader on a compelling journey, 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 to follow. I enjoyed it immensely." —John Watson Milton, Award-Winning Author of Fiction and History.
"I have arranged and played many styles of music over the years. Roma's music has touched me always. Her new collection of songs for her story A Song in My Heart are once again beautiful and lushly romantic, evocative of another time and place." —Chan Poling, Composer, Producer, Pianist.
A Symphony of Rivals:
“The novel traverses 1930’s 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 as we follow Alejandra’s determined journey, first training with celebrated conductors in Berlin, later attracting the unwelcome attention of a high-ranking German officer. 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, UK Ambassador.
“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.
“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.
Reviews
Reviews for A Song in My Heart:
"Calatayud-Stocks' debut is a historical novel set to music. This 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.
"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." —Book Reviewer List.
"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 unusual and well-done project that marries the written workd with the musical workds. We rated it five hearts. Five stars." —Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews.
"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.
Art in Fiction A Song in My Heart.
Ask the Publishing Guru: Review for the Mom's Choice Award
Reviews for A Symphony of Rivals:
"Rich in romance and peril, this explores the intersection of art, gender and politics in the turbulent 1930s. At times, this has the page-turning pace and drama of a literary thriller, replete with terrifying peril and Alejandra must make agonizing, life-changing decisions, and domestic strife playing out alongside tangled political troubles." —Joanne Owen, A Love Reading, UK, Ambassador.
“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
Art in Fiction A Symphony of Rivals
Author Biography
A supporting member of the International Alliance for Women in Music.
On the Board of Directors for the MacPhail Center for Music.
Board of Trustees for The Museum of Russian Art.
Board of Directors for the Minnesota Orchestra.
Award-winning novelist and composer, Roma Calatayud-Stocks holds a Bachelor's degree in Music and Psychology, and a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Roma later continued studies in creative writing at the University of St. Thomas.
Calatayud-Stocks is the author of two historical novels, A Song in My Heart, and the newly released second book of her trilogy, A Symphony of Rivals. She's currently working on the third installment, An Ode to Joy. And in line with her passion and commitment to bringing forth the contributions of all cultures through the arts, Roma's narratives, set to music, provide a window to locations across the world, while also addressing poignant issues, politics of the era, and history.
Calatayud-Stocks has released two albums, A Song in My Heart and Carnival of Life. With classical, jazz and Latin musical influences, the albums, performed by an acoustic ensemble, showcase her original songs and instrumental compositions.
For the last twenty years, Roma has worked in various roles for art organizations in the Twin Cities. She has toured the United States to present her work to universities, libraries, corporations, women's clubs and book fairs. A native of Mexico City, she now lives with her husband, Tom, in Minnesota.
Calumet Editions
View all titlesBibliographic Information
- Publisher Calumet Editions, LLC.
- Publication Date September 2018
- Orginal LanguageEnglish
- ISBN/Identifier 9781732794405 / 1732794405
- Publication Country or regionUnited States
- FormatPaperback
- Primary Price 18.99 USD
- Pages374
- ReadershipGeneral
- Publish StatusPublished
- Original Language TitleEnglish
- Original Language AuthorsEnglish
- Copyright Year2018
- Page size6 X 0.94 X 9 Inches (6 X 9) inches
- SeriesYes
- Series Part1
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