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Blue Notes #4.5
Symphony in Blue
A Blue Notes Novella Are you a fan of the Blue Notes series? Would you like to know where the couples from the first four books are now? This is your chance to catch up! Aiden and Sam are finally getting married. But when Cary and Antonio’s baby daughter makes her appearance a bit earlier than planned, the big reception is put on hold. David Somers normally conducts orchestras, but this time he devotes his energy to “conducting” his friends so that everyone can join him at his Milan villa for a reunion at an intimate Thanksgiving dinner.
Sam and Aiden, Jules and Jason, David and Alex, and Cary and Antonio are soon assembled, and each couple shares something they are thankful for. Played out in four movements, this symphony is a celebration of friendship and love, orchestrated by David.
Sam and Aiden, Jules and Jason, David and Alex, and Cary and Antonio are soon assembled, and each couple shares something they are thankful for. Played out in four movements, this symphony is a celebration of friendship and love, orchestrated by David.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2013
4 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Shira Anthony
41 books427 followersShira Anthony is a complete sucker for a happily-ever-after, and rarely reads or writes a story without one. Never a fan of instalove, Shira likes to write stories about real men with real issues making real relationships work.
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 29, 2021
Perhaps one of...if not THE best of the entire series. All the couples in one place...everyone happy and having something to celebrate as well as be thankful for. It’s a very quick read. More of a novella than an actually novel...but so good that it can and most likely will be read in one setting. There has been talk of there may be yet another in the series with Guy’s story...the brother of one of the characters. The setting for the story is perfect...Thanksgiving. I can't think of a better time of year to let the people closest to you know how much they have impacted your life and how much you appreciate them doing so. This is a very special literary gift. Thank you Shira Anthony.
January 2, 2016
Fans of the series get to see the couples from the first four Blue Notes stories come together in Milan for Thanksgiving. Lighter in angst, the couples reminisce and tell each other why they are thankful for each other. We get a chance to remember how everyone came together, what it is that we love about them, and see how they've been doing in the years since we last got to see them.
This is short, sweet, and really well done. As always, Andrew McFerrin gives a truly lovely performance.
RECOMMENDED!
Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 1, 2014
Shira Anthony opens this masterpiece with a beautiful, unique and creative Acknowledgement section. She then lists the Performers, as if formally listed in a Program, but in reality she gives us a chance to remember, to savor the original stories of these performers which so captured our hearts and spirits.
The story takes place over the Thanksgiving holiday as the couples we met in the earlier stories gather together to celebrate the holidays. David and Alex host the dinner in their villa in Milan. Antonio and Cary attend with their son Massi and their new baby girl, Graziella. Jason and Jules are there from Paris, and Sam and Aiden have flown in from the US.
As David hosts the dinner, he begins with a toast to his guests and to his sister, Rachel, who started a tradition many years ago that David has now come to enjoy. Each guest must not only give thanks, they must share something specific in their lives that they are thankful for. He begins the round of stories with a tale about their plans to host the dinner and their adventures upon their arrival at the villa.
Next up are Cary and Antonio. Cary shares a story about their adjustment to their new family size and Massi’s reaction to having a baby sister, including his attempt at running away from home. Jason tells everyone about finding a replacement for David, the young man who plays piano in Blue Notes, Jules’ jazz band, and shares a surprise with each of them at the conclusion of his story.
The last couple is Sam and Aiden, and they reveal their adjustment to the change of plans for their wedding. It seems it had to be canceled when Graziella was born early and Cary, Aiden’s best man, wasn’t going to be available. The couple share a surprise announcement with the group, and all join in a warm and friendly holiday celebration.
I really enjoyed the way the author intertwined flashback scenes with each of these stories, keeping us in the present while fully enjoying each couple’s experiences.
As icing on the cake for we readers, after everyone leaves, Alex has a surprise for David, one that takes the man who always “orchestrates” plans for everyone in his life completely off-guard.
Ms. Anthony does a wonderful job of wrapping up the stories of these four couples so that we are assured they are each on the road to their happily ever afters. Just perfect! I highly recommend this book to all readers who have enjoyed any, or all, of the stories in the Blue Notes series.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
The story takes place over the Thanksgiving holiday as the couples we met in the earlier stories gather together to celebrate the holidays. David and Alex host the dinner in their villa in Milan. Antonio and Cary attend with their son Massi and their new baby girl, Graziella. Jason and Jules are there from Paris, and Sam and Aiden have flown in from the US.
As David hosts the dinner, he begins with a toast to his guests and to his sister, Rachel, who started a tradition many years ago that David has now come to enjoy. Each guest must not only give thanks, they must share something specific in their lives that they are thankful for. He begins the round of stories with a tale about their plans to host the dinner and their adventures upon their arrival at the villa.
Next up are Cary and Antonio. Cary shares a story about their adjustment to their new family size and Massi’s reaction to having a baby sister, including his attempt at running away from home. Jason tells everyone about finding a replacement for David, the young man who plays piano in Blue Notes, Jules’ jazz band, and shares a surprise with each of them at the conclusion of his story.
The last couple is Sam and Aiden, and they reveal their adjustment to the change of plans for their wedding. It seems it had to be canceled when Graziella was born early and Cary, Aiden’s best man, wasn’t going to be available. The couple share a surprise announcement with the group, and all join in a warm and friendly holiday celebration.
I really enjoyed the way the author intertwined flashback scenes with each of these stories, keeping us in the present while fully enjoying each couple’s experiences.
As icing on the cake for we readers, after everyone leaves, Alex has a surprise for David, one that takes the man who always “orchestrates” plans for everyone in his life completely off-guard.
Ms. Anthony does a wonderful job of wrapping up the stories of these four couples so that we are assured they are each on the road to their happily ever afters. Just perfect! I highly recommend this book to all readers who have enjoyed any, or all, of the stories in the Blue Notes series.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
August 31, 2015
The couples come together for Thanksgiving. Each couple tells why they are thankful. It was a warm sweet reminder of home, family and love.
April 17, 2018
I loved catching up with these guys!
March 26, 2020
There are no words to describe how I feel about this book. Utterly loved it. 💜💜💜
May 22, 2018
Loved it!!
September 10, 2016
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom, and make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. Some people stay in our lives awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”~Flavia
I can't think of a better time of year to let the people closest to you know how much they have impacted your life and how much you appreciate them doing so. In 'Symphony in Blue' by Shira Anthony, David Sommers hosts a moveable feast in order to provide everyone seated at the table an opportunity to declare what they are most thankful for. As each person adds their contribution, we are gifted with a review of their stories in the series and an update for each couple. It's an amazing story-telling technique and I commend Shira for creating it. It's just enough flashback to help us remember the trials and tribulations of how the got together to begin with and a testament to their enduring love and growth in the present. It's heartwarming to know that these brilliant, talented, creative, opinionated, and gifted men have been able to overcome their pasts and grow, not only personally, but as a couple which provides them with the life they all so richly deserve.
Out of all the characters, David Sommers is the one who changes the most. Without Alex in his life to temper his moods, draw out his sensitivity and his great sense of humor, David would have been stuck in the stuffy, unemotional box he'd encased himself in, probably never to have known the special kind of love and joy that only Alex can bring. Alex's enduring patience and understanding helps bridge the gap between what David thought of himself in the past and how he now feels at present. It's a beautiful thing to see. Alex teaches David that he doesn't have to be 'in charge' all the time, doesn't have to keep such a firm, almost strangling grip on his emotions. Alex helps David see that he can love and is loveable.
If David had offered up a prayer for all of his friends, I imagine that it would be something very similar to this quote: “ This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunset to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”~ unknown
'Symphony in Blue' is written like a love letter, for us, the friends involved, and David and Alex, solidifying the connections in the lifelong journey of togetherness, dedicating themselves to the miracle of their unceasing love and striving to make each day better than the next. If you've read the other four books in the 'Blue Notes' series and savored them the way I have, then you will not want to pass up this very special literary gift. For those who haven't had the pleasure of reading this series, I urge you to do so as well. As the beginning quote stated, they will leave footprints in your hearts. Thanks, Shira, for the moving book. Personally, I hate to see the series end.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
I can't think of a better time of year to let the people closest to you know how much they have impacted your life and how much you appreciate them doing so. In 'Symphony in Blue' by Shira Anthony, David Sommers hosts a moveable feast in order to provide everyone seated at the table an opportunity to declare what they are most thankful for. As each person adds their contribution, we are gifted with a review of their stories in the series and an update for each couple. It's an amazing story-telling technique and I commend Shira for creating it. It's just enough flashback to help us remember the trials and tribulations of how the got together to begin with and a testament to their enduring love and growth in the present. It's heartwarming to know that these brilliant, talented, creative, opinionated, and gifted men have been able to overcome their pasts and grow, not only personally, but as a couple which provides them with the life they all so richly deserve.
Out of all the characters, David Sommers is the one who changes the most. Without Alex in his life to temper his moods, draw out his sensitivity and his great sense of humor, David would have been stuck in the stuffy, unemotional box he'd encased himself in, probably never to have known the special kind of love and joy that only Alex can bring. Alex's enduring patience and understanding helps bridge the gap between what David thought of himself in the past and how he now feels at present. It's a beautiful thing to see. Alex teaches David that he doesn't have to be 'in charge' all the time, doesn't have to keep such a firm, almost strangling grip on his emotions. Alex helps David see that he can love and is loveable.
If David had offered up a prayer for all of his friends, I imagine that it would be something very similar to this quote: “ This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunset to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”~ unknown
'Symphony in Blue' is written like a love letter, for us, the friends involved, and David and Alex, solidifying the connections in the lifelong journey of togetherness, dedicating themselves to the miracle of their unceasing love and striving to make each day better than the next. If you've read the other four books in the 'Blue Notes' series and savored them the way I have, then you will not want to pass up this very special literary gift. For those who haven't had the pleasure of reading this series, I urge you to do so as well. As the beginning quote stated, they will leave footprints in your hearts. Thanks, Shira, for the moving book. Personally, I hate to see the series end.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 27, 2014
In this novella in the Blue Notes series, readers and fans get a chance to spend Thanksgiving with their four favorite couples. Who was your favorite pairing from the first four books in this series? David and Alex; Antonio and Cary; Jason and Jules; or Sam and Aiden? I know, I know.. it’s hard to choose just one!
David and Alex host the dinner at their villa in Milan with all the guys, David’s sister Rachel and a couple of kiddo’s. Each couple shares a story, something in their lives they are thankful for. Each of these stories gives a little more insight into that specific couples life and their story. David starts with the story of their arrival at the villa as Alex shimmied the wall to ‘break in’ since they hadn’t brought a key.
From there Cary and Antonio talk about their growing family, they just had their baby girl Graziella. And as much as their son Massi loves his little sister, there was a period of adjustment that tested Cary and made him question his ability to be a good father. Jason and Jules have a surprise for their friends, as well as Sam and Aiden. And at the end of the story Alex has a little something up his sleeve for his man.
I love how Anthony pulled all these characters from this series together and showed a very basic, vulnerable and human side to them all. And even these world renowned artists and musicians have lumps in their gravy at Thanksgiving!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for MM Good Book Reviews*
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
David and Alex host the dinner at their villa in Milan with all the guys, David’s sister Rachel and a couple of kiddo’s. Each couple shares a story, something in their lives they are thankful for. Each of these stories gives a little more insight into that specific couples life and their story. David starts with the story of their arrival at the villa as Alex shimmied the wall to ‘break in’ since they hadn’t brought a key.
From there Cary and Antonio talk about their growing family, they just had their baby girl Graziella. And as much as their son Massi loves his little sister, there was a period of adjustment that tested Cary and made him question his ability to be a good father. Jason and Jules have a surprise for their friends, as well as Sam and Aiden. And at the end of the story Alex has a little something up his sleeve for his man.
I love how Anthony pulled all these characters from this series together and showed a very basic, vulnerable and human side to them all. And even these world renowned artists and musicians have lumps in their gravy at Thanksgiving!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for MM Good Book Reviews*
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
October 9, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Although you could read the previous books in this series as stand alones you will not understand this perfect little short if you have not read books 1 -4.
This a catch up, a drop in on your favourite characters as they all get together and celebrate Thanksgiving. It gives you a peak into their lives and answers a few questions for you.
There is a new baby causing sibling rivalry and a scary time ahead for Cary and Antonio but seeing Cary as a doting new dad makes it all worthwhile. There is the perfect moment for Sam and Aiden although not quite the moment they had planned! Jules and Jason have their own surprise and some of you will probably say ‘finally’. David and Alex have come so far in their relationship and David is over the moon to be bringing his friends together and being in charge as usual.
This is the perfect interlude and that little bit extra for everyone wanting more from this great group of men! They certainly all have things to be thankful for!
Narration Review:
New narrator but just as perfect! In fact it was difficult to even notice a difference.
Although you could read the previous books in this series as stand alones you will not understand this perfect little short if you have not read books 1 -4.
This a catch up, a drop in on your favourite characters as they all get together and celebrate Thanksgiving. It gives you a peak into their lives and answers a few questions for you.
There is a new baby causing sibling rivalry and a scary time ahead for Cary and Antonio but seeing Cary as a doting new dad makes it all worthwhile. There is the perfect moment for Sam and Aiden although not quite the moment they had planned! Jules and Jason have their own surprise and some of you will probably say ‘finally’. David and Alex have come so far in their relationship and David is over the moon to be bringing his friends together and being in charge as usual.
This is the perfect interlude and that little bit extra for everyone wanting more from this great group of men! They certainly all have things to be thankful for!
Narration Review:
New narrator but just as perfect! In fact it was difficult to even notice a difference.
January 1, 2021
So, I do not usually write reviews, but I thought I would start doing that, and I have chosen to start with this book because it is fresh in mind, and I love these characters. I am a huge fan of Shira Anthony's books. She does a great job painting the setting and developing characters and plot. Her prose always draws me in quickly. Although this book could stand alone, it has more depth and intensity if you have read the rest of the books in this series. In this novella, Shira Anthony continues to breathe life and depth into these men. I love David and Alex, as well as Cary, Antonio, Sam and Aiden, and in this short book, Shira reminds me of why I enjoyed reading all of the books in this series. My only complaint is that the book is too short.
January 22, 2014
Getting a little look at what has been happening with these couples was wonderful.
It's hard to decide which little story I loved more, Watching Sam and Aiden get married or hearing how Jason finally got his music career back. Then of course there was my little Massi and Cary. My two favorite characters I think. But then David and Alex really had me reaching for the tissues with Alex's proposal.
I did wonder why Roger and John couldn't make it, I missed them.
Overall this was a perfect little fix for my feelings of loss now I've read them all.
OK Back to waiting for the next book
August 20, 2014
As the blurb indicates Symphony in Blue is a "celebration; of how far past couples have reached in their journey. They have not only grown as couples, but as individuals as well.
I enjoyed seeing all the couples again. I got to learn what new struggles they have come across since their story was told, what
milestones they have achieved and how close the friendship between the couples has grown.
In summary:
*Sam and Aiden finally get their due.
*Jules helps Jason achieve one of his dreams.
*Cary and Antonio grow closer as a family.
*David shows us how far he has come into himself since letting Alex into his life.
All in all, a wonderful addition to the series and one that should not be missed!
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
I enjoyed seeing all the couples again. I got to learn what new struggles they have come across since their story was told, what
milestones they have achieved and how close the friendship between the couples has grown.
In summary:
*Sam and Aiden finally get their due.
*Jules helps Jason achieve one of his dreams.
*Cary and Antonio grow closer as a family.
*David shows us how far he has come into himself since letting Alex into his life.
All in all, a wonderful addition to the series and one that should not be missed!
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
Read
October 24, 2013This novella is a coda of sorts to the first four Blue Notes Series books. It's a bit lighter on the angst than the novels, and focuses on where the couples are now. Did Cary and Antonio ever have that second child? Do Aiden and Sam finally get married? Does Jason ever decide to try playing in public again? What are David and Alex up to?
Other, secondary characters from the series make an appearance in this story, including David's sister, Rachel Somers, Cary and Antonio's son, Massimo, as well as Massimo's mothers.
I had a lot of fun reconnecting with the Blue Notes boys, and I hope you will too! -Shira
Other, secondary characters from the series make an appearance in this story, including David's sister, Rachel Somers, Cary and Antonio's son, Massimo, as well as Massimo's mothers.
I had a lot of fun reconnecting with the Blue Notes boys, and I hope you will too! -Shira
April 16, 2014
3.0 Stars
In this holiday novella, we catch up with the four couples from the previous books. The group meets up for an impromptu Thanksgiving dinner. Before the meal, David asks each of the couples to share something for which they are thankful. The book then segues into each couple's share and we gain some insight regarding the recent goings-on with each of them. Overall, the book was cute and I would recommend it for fans of the series. There are no sexy, smexy scenes (boo!) ... but there is a whole lotta romance (yay!).
Bottom line: cute holiday novella for fans of the Blue Note series.
In this holiday novella, we catch up with the four couples from the previous books. The group meets up for an impromptu Thanksgiving dinner. Before the meal, David asks each of the couples to share something for which they are thankful. The book then segues into each couple's share and we gain some insight regarding the recent goings-on with each of them. Overall, the book was cute and I would recommend it for fans of the series. There are no sexy, smexy scenes (boo!) ... but there is a whole lotta romance (yay!).
Bottom line: cute holiday novella for fans of the Blue Note series.
January 9, 2014
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Shira Anthony's ensemble of musicians and their partners culminates in this lovely and rewarding story of all the couples celebrating Thanksgiving together in Milan. It's joyous, and heartwarming, combining all the characters we have grown to love with a look at where they are and the events they are celebrating in their lives. For my review visit http://wp.me/p220KL-1TN
For all my reviews and thoughts on writing, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords.
Blue Notes series is one of ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Best of 2013
February 5, 2015
One for fans of The Blue Notes series, otherwise it wont make a great deal of sense - but you will get the warm fuzzies from it!
I liked the catch up at the beginning, styled as David's new recording blurb, effectively reminding us of the characters.
Then we have the 'thankful for' speaches from the Thanksgiving guests at David's villa - with a little retrospective from each couple to catchup, their mini epilogue really.
Lots and lots of good news, a nice rounding of from the series. Short and very sweet!
I liked the catch up at the beginning, styled as David's new recording blurb, effectively reminding us of the characters.
Then we have the 'thankful for' speaches from the Thanksgiving guests at David's villa - with a little retrospective from each couple to catchup, their mini epilogue really.
Lots and lots of good news, a nice rounding of from the series. Short and very sweet!
January 12, 2014
I enjoyed this book, it's a quick read, but good. I not sure what to say about it, there wasn't much plot, mostly glimpses of characters from the previous books. which was just fine and good to see. A baby, a wedding, and a lovely Thanksgiving dinner. A bit of drama, a little loving, and they all live happily ever after!
December 4, 2014
Aww that was good but I did this backwards. It was actually ok to read alone because the cast of characters were introduced but now I want more. I only read one of the couples' backstory. I want to know about all the other couples. I want to know how they got together now that I know how they all ended up. There goes that TBR list again! :)
June 5, 2018
Getting to see the actual happy endings is fantastic and when it's FOUR happy endings... wow, almost an overload.
Recommended :)
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1st read - Sep 20, 2014
2nd read - Aug 09, 2015
Recommended :)
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1st read - Sep 20, 2014
2nd read - Aug 09, 2015
February 6, 2016
Heartwarming short that wove together a Thanksgiving tale of most/all the men in the Blue Notes universe. It was lovely to see the couples from the earlier stories and how their lives were progressing together, and to glimpse many of the wonderful settings in which they live.
September 1, 2015
Sweet catch up with all the guys, sharing what they are grateful for at Thanksgiving.
December 27, 2013
Oh what a nice bouquet of stories! To have all of them in one was the icing on the cake, for which I am 'thankful!'
December 29, 2013
Great update of the stories inspired by the first four books of the series. Really would have love for it to have more but nonetheless lovely book.
March 10, 2014
Wonderful way to catch up on all the Blue Note characters!
September 21, 2014
Oh sigh, I love these men. Going to re-read Prelude now. Not quite ready to say goodbye to them. :)
August 12, 2016
Loved catching up with the first four couples and to see whats happening now.
A wedding, an engagement and a baby. What more could you want.
A wedding, an engagement and a baby. What more could you want.
June 6, 2014
I loved being able to catch up with all the guys and seeing where they're at.
December 13, 2015
such a sweet epilogue for all the characters in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews