Of Words & Music (Five Star Expressions)

By Lynda Fitzgerald

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594147760
• ISBN13: 9781594147760
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Five Star (ME)
• Length: 299 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Great Character-driven Novel

Wealthy, sixty-something widow Lilah Kimball is forced to examine her life when the orphaned granddaughter she didn't know existed is thrust upon her. Lilah agrees to keep Bethany for the summer while the social worker searches for another relative to take the girl off Lilah's hands. Lilah is not a sympathetic figure at the beginning of the book, and I wanted to smack some sense into her. But then if she were what we hope for in a grandmother, there would be no story. Lilah has to deal with her housekeeper and best friend, Marabet, whose disdain over Lilah's coldness toward the girl is palpable. Marabet forms an instant bond with Bethany, and she feels the youngster's pain at being so obviously rejected. A book can't rely on primary characters, and Marabet has an Oscar-worthy supporting role. She's the yin to Lilah's yang, the warmth to her chill. The one bright spot in Lilah's memory is her beautiful daughter, but even that is tainted by guilt she has yet come to terms with. All that is left is Bethany, a twelve-year old girl who wants and needs the love and home that Lilah is reluctant to give for fear that loving leads to losing, and losing loved ones is painful. Every good book has a worthy adversary, and this one is no exception. The role falls to Lilah's son Charles, a carbon copy of Lilah's dead husband and the catalyst that sparks a series of changes in more than one character. There are a couple of surprising twists at the end, which I won't give away. Ms. Fitzgerald is a lovely writer who knows how to evoke emotion, something I think is very hard to do. I cried more than once and fumed as often. Of Words & Music is definitely a great read.

Couldn't put it down!

I opened the book thinking I could read a chapter or two and then go to sleep. I couldn't stop reading this one. The characters were so real. They each had their own personality that jumped off the page and made me feel like I knew them. No one character is too perfect or too flawed, and this makes the characters and story hit so close to home. The story line is also more real than many people realize, since so many families are split up because of choices we make in life. My only critique is that the book seemed to end too soon. I would have liked to keep reading and see what happened to Bethany years down the road when she ventures to make similar choices as her mother, and to see how Lilah reacts. In addition, Lynda is a tremendous author. I read her first book, If Truth Be Told, which was also a great read. What's neat is that her character development is equally deep, but the stories are so unique. It's very refreshing to read an author that's not cookie cutter. GREAT books!

Of Words & Music

We really enjoyed this book. The characters seemed very real and the story line was intriguing and the ending was really surprising. Look forward to further books by Lynda Fitzgerald. Have really enjoyed both of her books. We have a hard time putting them down as they are very interesting reading.

The Power of Music

It's uplifting to see how this story takes shape. You have a grandmother who is stunned to find out she has a granddaughter, reluctantly agrees to temporarily give the girl a home until another relative is found, her best friend is the housekeeper and encourages the two to get along, and a son who takes after his dictator father. The author writes this family drama in a way that actually makes you feel as if you are a part of the drama. It's truly amazing how music can bring people together. Without spoiling the story, I can highly recommend this book to anyone. This is a must read.

An Engaging Cast of Characters

The reader's first impression of Lilah Kimball, Ms. Fitzgerald's primary character in Of Words and Music, isn't pleasant. She appears to be a callous, cold woman with no heart for her newly orphaned granddaughter, Bethany (who, in Lilah's defense, she hadn't known about as she was estranged from her daughter, Bethany's mother). But no sooner have you formed this opinion than you see Lilah interact with her housekeeper and best friend, Marabet, where you see a glimmer of the true Lilah beneath the cold veneer ... and you are off on a beautifully written ride of redemption as Lilah's cold heart slowly melts, warms, and then soars with a new passion for her life and the people she loves, including Bethany. Once again, Ms. Fitzgerald has created a believable and engaging cast of characters. Each is on a personal journey, most to a new level of joy in their lives, the notable exception being Lilah's odious son, Charles (who I hope is wallowing in his own misery somewhere). Ms. Fitzgerald has a natural, uncomplicated style of writing that flows effortlessly. It makes it so easy to become attached to her characters. I found myself "reminiscing" about Lilah and Bethany and Marabet and Lesa long after I turned the last page. I became a big fan of Ms. Fitzgerald when I read her first novel, If Truth Be Told. I'm pleased to say I enjoyed Of Words and Music even more!