Deborah Burke is certain all her dreams have come true when she's given the opportunity to go to Cambridge and train with a world-famous mezzo-soprano. As Deborah loses her heart to a man she hardly knows, she must choose between her desires and her faith.
Lawana Blackwell is a full-time writer with 10 published novels, including the bestselling Gresham Chronicles series. She and her husband have three grown sons and live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
This was the best of the four in the series. I put off reading it because the back cover really turned me off. Having started with, and deeply loved, the Gresham books, Blackwell's other books disappointed me. They did not compare and many had a common theme of an unworthy scoundrel taking up a good majority of the plot, which made me feel like I was wasting my time and energy, just like the heroine. The blurb on the back of Song of a Soul portrayed this plot in a similar way with: "Deborah has no idea, however, what moral dilemmas will face her in her new life. She finds herself falling in love with a man who is not at all what he seems to be." It made me cringe inside and I avoided reading it but for a chapter at a time here and there.
Thank goodness I felt compelled to see the series through to the very end and still had hopes, though small, knowing Blackwell's capabilities. The love story was sweet. I loved the Christian elements, and was so proud of the progression with Deborah's faith, especially in relation to her career. I was invested in the subplots and came to love the supporting characters too. I'd read it again.
An intriguing story of right triumphing over wrong and the conviction that it is far better to tell the truth no matter the outcome than live with lies. Deborah's conscience enables her to opt for Christian values rather than compromised standards even though it affects her career as an opera singer. Matthew,too, finds he can no longer live with pretence for monetary gain.
It sort of left you hanging until you read the author's note at the end then it ties things up. but a good story about sticking to your values no matter the cost.