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The Hearts in Winter Chronicles #1
When the Music Ends
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00DCZU12M.
What is the sound of a broken heart? How does a fated love rise from a pleasant note to a passionate symphony?
Budding musician Erin James knows all too well the noise of neglect and tragedy, and that her infatuation with her best friend Sheridan’s older brother, Sean, is doomed never to blossom into something more.
Young builder Sean Murphy isn't really in the market for a relationship. He's more interested in helping build his father's construction company. Even if he were, his sister's best friend isn't even on his radar.
That is, until Sheridan plays matchmaker. A pity date quickly flares into irresistible passion. But as their love reaches a crescendo, personal tragedies and impossible decisions threaten to end their harmonious, unlikely romance.
When the music ends, will these troubled lovers find a way to compose a life together?
NOTE: this is a steamy romance and contains graphic sex scenes.
What is the sound of a broken heart? How does a fated love rise from a pleasant note to a passionate symphony?
Budding musician Erin James knows all too well the noise of neglect and tragedy, and that her infatuation with her best friend Sheridan’s older brother, Sean, is doomed never to blossom into something more.
Young builder Sean Murphy isn't really in the market for a relationship. He's more interested in helping build his father's construction company. Even if he were, his sister's best friend isn't even on his radar.
That is, until Sheridan plays matchmaker. A pity date quickly flares into irresistible passion. But as their love reaches a crescendo, personal tragedies and impossible decisions threaten to end their harmonious, unlikely romance.
When the music ends, will these troubled lovers find a way to compose a life together?
NOTE: this is a steamy romance and contains graphic sex scenes.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2013
212 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Simone Beaudelaire
85 books75 followersHello, I am Simone Beaudelaire, romance enthusiast, freelance proofreader, and novice author.
In real life, I'm a wife, mother, and full time high school French teacher, which doesn't leave me a lot of time for my hobby. Of course, that hasn't stopped me yet.
I hope I can connect with other readers of romance (and other genres. I love to read, and through my beta reading group, I have recommendations in all different categories.)
In real life, I'm a wife, mother, and full time high school French teacher, which doesn't leave me a lot of time for my hobby. Of course, that hasn't stopped me yet.
I hope I can connect with other readers of romance (and other genres. I love to read, and through my beta reading group, I have recommendations in all different categories.)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 6, 2014
Erin James knows all too well the noise of neglect and tragedy, and that her infatuation with her best friend older brother, Sean, is doomed never to blossom into something more.
Sean Murphy isn't really in the market for a relationship. Even if he were, his sister's best friend isn't even on his radar.
When the music ends, will these troubled lovers find a way to compose a life together?
I so enjoyed this book. It’s nice and refreshing to read a very sweet romance book about two characters who truly love and care for each other and in the end just want to be together no matter what.
Erin has had a crush on her best friend’s brother for years. He knew she had a crush but he never saw her as anything other than his sister’s sweet friend. Her best friend decided to play matchmaker and talked her brother into escorting her to the senior homecoming dance.
That’s when the sparks start flying. Erin grew up with parents that never showed any kind of affection and love towards her so she doesn’t know when someone cares and she doesn’t know how to accept all those emotions.
She also doesn’t really know how to deal with her feelings. Sean thinks that if Erin stays in their small town that he is holding her back. He pushes her to go to college and try to experience life, so she can make sure he is who she really wants.
He ends up distancing himself from her while she is away at college but he never explains what he is doing. She just thinks he stopped caring for her and she in turn is devastated. Then her best friend pulls her matchmaking strings again and sets the two of them up again and they are finally able to talk and explain their feelings. They both still love each other and realize that their future together is what they both want desperately. There was a little bit of drama in the book but it was truly about finding love and showing each other what true love truly is.
Well written, and characters I cared about I would highly recommend this book
**NOTE: this is a steamy romance and contains graphic sex scenes.
Sean Murphy isn't really in the market for a relationship. Even if he were, his sister's best friend isn't even on his radar.
When the music ends, will these troubled lovers find a way to compose a life together?
I so enjoyed this book. It’s nice and refreshing to read a very sweet romance book about two characters who truly love and care for each other and in the end just want to be together no matter what.
Erin has had a crush on her best friend’s brother for years. He knew she had a crush but he never saw her as anything other than his sister’s sweet friend. Her best friend decided to play matchmaker and talked her brother into escorting her to the senior homecoming dance.
That’s when the sparks start flying. Erin grew up with parents that never showed any kind of affection and love towards her so she doesn’t know when someone cares and she doesn’t know how to accept all those emotions.
She also doesn’t really know how to deal with her feelings. Sean thinks that if Erin stays in their small town that he is holding her back. He pushes her to go to college and try to experience life, so she can make sure he is who she really wants.
He ends up distancing himself from her while she is away at college but he never explains what he is doing. She just thinks he stopped caring for her and she in turn is devastated. Then her best friend pulls her matchmaking strings again and sets the two of them up again and they are finally able to talk and explain their feelings. They both still love each other and realize that their future together is what they both want desperately. There was a little bit of drama in the book but it was truly about finding love and showing each other what true love truly is.
Well written, and characters I cared about I would highly recommend this book
**NOTE: this is a steamy romance and contains graphic sex scenes.
September 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Erin, her relationship with her best friend's brother, Sean, and their relationship with his tight-knit, kind family. But When the Music Ends was more than a beautiful love story. It highlighted serious issues, such as assault and unwanted pregnancy, and also showed character growth and development as the main characters grew older and more mature. Set against a backdrop of classical music, I felt the story had a melody of it's own. Poignant, haunting and beautiful.
This is the second book I've read by Simone Beaudelaire, and I'll be back for more.
This is the second book I've read by Simone Beaudelaire, and I'll be back for more.
Want to read
December 13, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/13/2017)! 💝
August 31, 2017
Uma história muito simples sobre amizade, família, e muito amor sincero. Um livro sobre sentimentos, simples mas poderosos.
Fez-me sorrir, fez-me chorar, comoveu-me de uma forma enternecedora. Mexeu muito com as minhas emoções mais intimas.
Fez-me sorrir, fez-me chorar, comoveu-me de uma forma enternecedora. Mexeu muito com as minhas emoções mais intimas.
Want to read
December 27, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/27/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
How does a fated love rise from a pleasant note to a passionate symphony?
Budding musician Erin James knows all too well the noise of neglect and tragedy, and that her infatuation with her best friend Sheridan’s brother, Sean, is doomed never to blossom into something more.
Young builder Sean Murphy isn't really in the market for a relationship. He's more interested in helping build his father's construction company. Even if he were, his sister's best friend isn't on his radar.
After Sheridan plays matchmaker, a date quickly flares into irresistible passion. But as their love reaches a crescendo, personal tragedies and impossible decisions threaten to end their harmonious, unlikely romance.
When the music ends, will the lovers find a way to compose a life together?
Blurb:
How does a fated love rise from a pleasant note to a passionate symphony?
Budding musician Erin James knows all too well the noise of neglect and tragedy, and that her infatuation with her best friend Sheridan’s brother, Sean, is doomed never to blossom into something more.
Young builder Sean Murphy isn't really in the market for a relationship. He's more interested in helping build his father's construction company. Even if he were, his sister's best friend isn't on his radar.
After Sheridan plays matchmaker, a date quickly flares into irresistible passion. But as their love reaches a crescendo, personal tragedies and impossible decisions threaten to end their harmonious, unlikely romance.
When the music ends, will the lovers find a way to compose a life together?
June 21, 2013
I was attracted to this book simply because I had already reviewed another by the same author, and I can honestly say that it was a sweet, neat romance with music playing a large part in the overall theme.
I very much appreciated the musical content. Although not talented in that respect myself, I can fully understand how any artistic endeavour can help a person lose oneself in its execution.
I also liked the erotic content, and did not think these moments were overdone or irrelevant.
I would have preferred the love interest to have gone a bit slower at first. But there again, the whole book was about the love interest, so maybe that's just me. On the whole, an enjoyable read with a satisfactory conclusion
I very much appreciated the musical content. Although not talented in that respect myself, I can fully understand how any artistic endeavour can help a person lose oneself in its execution.
I also liked the erotic content, and did not think these moments were overdone or irrelevant.
I would have preferred the love interest to have gone a bit slower at first. But there again, the whole book was about the love interest, so maybe that's just me. On the whole, an enjoyable read with a satisfactory conclusion
December 10, 2015
This was a really great story. It had everything I look for in an enjoyable romance story. Love, passion, heartache, joy, triumph and tragedy, it's all there. I would highly recommend getting to know Sean and Erin, you won't regret a minute of it. The supporting characters were great too. Sheridan and her parents added so much to the story. This novel nicely describes what it's like to fall in love despite overwhelming odds, only to come out winners in the end. The pace was nice and the story unfolds without any major bumps in the road. I think it is a great addition to everyone's romance collection.
April 2, 2014
This is my first book by this author. The story of Sean & Erin was truly beautiful. You felt all the feeling and emotions that they went through with their relationship. This will not be my last book by this author!
July 21, 2013
I was happy with the story and glad I had downloaded the book. At times the story dragged a little but I appreciated that it included some serious themes that are often avoided in romantic fiction.
February 11, 2022
Good
This book deals with some sensitive topics.
TW: miscarriages, rape
I did enjoy seeing Erin’s and Sean’s relationship grow over the years. Gosh they were so in love!!
I do admit that it was a bit weird when they immediately got back together. Mostly because Sean was the one that ended the relationship but was surprised with how Erin felt and sort of like he didn’t know why it ended. Maybe I missed his insecurities while reading?
Some random thoughts:
Why is Sean’s sister nicknamed Danny?? Maybe I missed where they explained and sorry if I did. But it’s just so random. Like it doesn’t really go with her name.
I don’t understand why Sean’s mom was upset and didn’t accept Erin. I get that they got married and hide a lot, so it was a shock but it was sad that she had it against Erin and not her son too. It just seems so out of character to go from loving someone who has helped her family through hard times and not being happy that they are part of her family now.
Also I can’t remember when but I believe it’s when Erin tells her mother in law about her miscarriage and other things, but I felt like the author added an insensitive comment. She said something along the lines of “you know what will make it better, another baby” Like umm why did she think that was an ok thing to say? Especially when talking about a sensitive topic. Like you don’t know what will trigger someone’s trauma.So yeah not sure why the author thought that was a good thing to add during that conversation.
Also I felt Sean’s and Danny’s brother was irrelevant and didn’t add anything to the story. He is somewhat in the beginning and then mentioned once later. And all we know is that he is angry over what happened to their sister. And if you take out his part then it doesn’t take away anything from the story.
I’m happy that Danny got a book because I was invested in her story and wanted to see more. So I might check her book out.
This book deals with some sensitive topics.
TW: miscarriages, rape
I did enjoy seeing Erin’s and Sean’s relationship grow over the years. Gosh they were so in love!!
I do admit that it was a bit weird when they immediately got back together. Mostly because Sean was the one that ended the relationship but was surprised with how Erin felt and sort of like he didn’t know why it ended. Maybe I missed his insecurities while reading?
Some random thoughts:
Why is Sean’s sister nicknamed Danny?? Maybe I missed where they explained and sorry if I did. But it’s just so random. Like it doesn’t really go with her name.
I don’t understand why Sean’s mom was upset and didn’t accept Erin. I get that they got married and hide a lot, so it was a shock but it was sad that she had it against Erin and not her son too. It just seems so out of character to go from loving someone who has helped her family through hard times and not being happy that they are part of her family now.
Also I can’t remember when but I believe it’s when Erin tells her mother in law about her miscarriage and other things, but I felt like the author added an insensitive comment. She said something along the lines of “you know what will make it better, another baby” Like umm why did she think that was an ok thing to say? Especially when talking about a sensitive topic. Like you don’t know what will trigger someone’s trauma.So yeah not sure why the author thought that was a good thing to add during that conversation.
Also I felt Sean’s and Danny’s brother was irrelevant and didn’t add anything to the story. He is somewhat in the beginning and then mentioned once later. And all we know is that he is angry over what happened to their sister. And if you take out his part then it doesn’t take away anything from the story.
I’m happy that Danny got a book because I was invested in her story and wanted to see more. So I might check her book out.
April 22, 2025
Sean and Erin…
I have to say that I adored this story and the characters, especially Erin. I have a family member and also a friend of the family who are both oboe players, and I love the sound of this instrument. One of my siblings also plays and teaches piano, and I’m very familiar with what a performance student goes through. Recitals and performances are hard work, and if you aren’t intimately familiar with what goes into a performance, you’d be very surprised at how much work is involved.
Regardless, the main characters are Sean and Erin. She’s the BFF of Sheridan, aka Danny. Several reviewers wondered where that came from, and it seemed evident that the Dan piece of Sheridan inspired it. Anyway, Erin has horrible parents who don’t seem to even like their only child. When her mother decides to leave for another man, Erin has nowhere to go when her father leaves her too.
This story isn’t exactly groundbreaking but the emotional impact is tremendous. I’m not a crier but there were some overwhelming moments… her senior recital being one of them. Her musical program beautifully captured her emotions.
Highly recommended for the shy and unloved. This will help you to understand that you are completely worthy.
I have to say that I adored this story and the characters, especially Erin. I have a family member and also a friend of the family who are both oboe players, and I love the sound of this instrument. One of my siblings also plays and teaches piano, and I’m very familiar with what a performance student goes through. Recitals and performances are hard work, and if you aren’t intimately familiar with what goes into a performance, you’d be very surprised at how much work is involved.
Regardless, the main characters are Sean and Erin. She’s the BFF of Sheridan, aka Danny. Several reviewers wondered where that came from, and it seemed evident that the Dan piece of Sheridan inspired it. Anyway, Erin has horrible parents who don’t seem to even like their only child. When her mother decides to leave for another man, Erin has nowhere to go when her father leaves her too.
This story isn’t exactly groundbreaking but the emotional impact is tremendous. I’m not a crier but there were some overwhelming moments… her senior recital being one of them. Her musical program beautifully captured her emotions.
Highly recommended for the shy and unloved. This will help you to understand that you are completely worthy.
January 1, 2019
Good story. I would have liked for them to wait till they were older but still a good story. Good characters, dealing with sexual assault like someone that has been through it. I do recommend reading this.
July 4, 2025
Love it
I absolutely love this story. It was so real, strong, loving and sensitive. I definitely recommend this book, make sure you have the time, because you will definitely not want to put this book down once you start reading it.
I absolutely love this story. It was so real, strong, loving and sensitive. I definitely recommend this book, make sure you have the time, because you will definitely not want to put this book down once you start reading it.
March 13, 2018
Love it.
Absolutely loved this story. Already bought book 2 in the series. So looking forward to reading more from this author!
Absolutely loved this story. Already bought book 2 in the series. So looking forward to reading more from this author!
August 1, 2018
Totally awesome
This was a totally awesome and enjoyable experience in reading this story I don't think I can say anything else except read it and get your feel good on!
This was a totally awesome and enjoyable experience in reading this story I don't think I can say anything else except read it and get your feel good on!
April 27, 2020
Uma bela história de amor.
August 3, 2022
Tender and painful, while hope-inspiring and loving!
I am a huge fan of Simone Beaudelaire's. I have found her work to be tender, romantic, heart-wrenching, and hopeful. This novel, WHEN THE MUSIC ENDS, is no less so!
I love the intensity of the story and the passion of the characters. I loved the characters and I look forward to reading more of the series so I can share in their lives more. Erin and Sean are by far my favorites! I can easily relate to them both on many levels.
Love is expression on many levels and in many realms in this tale. Though the Ancient Greeks had a word for each form of love, we do not recognize nor differentiate in today's world. However, each was represented here: Eros (sexual love), Philia (deep friendship), Ludus (childish or young love), Agape (selfless love), Pragma (long-standing love between married couples), and finally, Philautia (love of self). Each form has a place in this romance and each helps to make the story so much deeper and real.
This story is so endearing and emotional. It is well-rounded and well-written. I definitely recommend it!
I am a huge fan of Simone Beaudelaire's. I have found her work to be tender, romantic, heart-wrenching, and hopeful. This novel, WHEN THE MUSIC ENDS, is no less so!
I love the intensity of the story and the passion of the characters. I loved the characters and I look forward to reading more of the series so I can share in their lives more. Erin and Sean are by far my favorites! I can easily relate to them both on many levels.
Love is expression on many levels and in many realms in this tale. Though the Ancient Greeks had a word for each form of love, we do not recognize nor differentiate in today's world. However, each was represented here: Eros (sexual love), Philia (deep friendship), Ludus (childish or young love), Agape (selfless love), Pragma (long-standing love between married couples), and finally, Philautia (love of self). Each form has a place in this romance and each helps to make the story so much deeper and real.
This story is so endearing and emotional. It is well-rounded and well-written. I definitely recommend it!
June 16, 2019
When The Music Ends
SIMONE BEAUDELAIRE
Review by Roy Murry, Author
This melodramatic love story has its ups and downs. The writing is excellent, but the drama is too much for a novel. For Romance lovers, you'll cry a lot.
The main characters click - her at eighteen and in High School, while he is four years her elder, but she has loved him forever..., her best friend's brother.
From here, the story goes through all the emotions that lovers endear including her first sexual experience. However, the ending is not what you would expect of a novel titled When The Music Ends, because it does not, she is still playing her Oboe at the end, and a new series is born.
The twist and turns keep the reader involved and are worth the read.
SIMONE BEAUDELAIRE
Review by Roy Murry, Author
This melodramatic love story has its ups and downs. The writing is excellent, but the drama is too much for a novel. For Romance lovers, you'll cry a lot.
The main characters click - her at eighteen and in High School, while he is four years her elder, but she has loved him forever..., her best friend's brother.
From here, the story goes through all the emotions that lovers endear including her first sexual experience. However, the ending is not what you would expect of a novel titled When The Music Ends, because it does not, she is still playing her Oboe at the end, and a new series is born.
The twist and turns keep the reader involved and are worth the read.
June 16, 2015
I kept saying WOW
The words are so beautifully written that all I could say is WOW. The romance was so tender, yet not graphic,it hardly seemed important even though this story is a romance. It certainly was. I would not have read this book had it not been for a most beautiful review. I would have missed out on a well written,most enjoyable,wonderful story. This is only the second story that I will keep on my Kindle. The other is The Vet and the Vixen by Kate Regnery. If ever there was a picture written in words this would be a masterpiece!!
The words are so beautifully written that all I could say is WOW. The romance was so tender, yet not graphic,it hardly seemed important even though this story is a romance. It certainly was. I would not have read this book had it not been for a most beautiful review. I would have missed out on a well written,most enjoyable,wonderful story. This is only the second story that I will keep on my Kindle. The other is The Vet and the Vixen by Kate Regnery. If ever there was a picture written in words this would be a masterpiece!!
August 27, 2015
Wow just wow!!! I could not stop crying during this book at all, it was just amazing. I not only cried because of some really heart wrenching moments but also so many heart warming moments as well. This book was written fantastically, this journey that Erin and Sean takes is simply breath taking. This is a story of hope, love, lost and so much more. If you thinking about by this I suggest to just head on over to Amazon and 1 click already people you wont regret it in the least!
March 26, 2015
wonderful
This was a touching and heartfelt book. I could not put the book down once I started.
I liked the fact that we were able to know what the inner thoughts of the characters were.
This was a touching and heartfelt book. I could not put the book down once I started.
I liked the fact that we were able to know what the inner thoughts of the characters were.
June 16, 2014
What a great story! I loved Sean & Erin's journey!
December 13, 2014
PLZ SEE MY BLOG ON GR FOR MY REVIEW.
January 15, 2015
Will edit to include review posted to amazon.
July 5, 2015
Beautiful Fantastic Story
November 9, 2023
A truly touching and immensely insightful story of the unrelenting devotion between a passionate pair who are drawn to one another and would stop at nothing to stay together!
April 2, 2017
emotional roller coaster but very good.
April 11, 2017
My gosh this books hits you right off the bat. The struggles that Sheridan and Erin go threw as high school students , I could not even imaging. Erin has never felt loved or that she is even worthy of love. Sean wants Erin but is she too young for him. Can they love each other or will their love tear them apart. this book was filled with emotions , I was sad , mad , and happy all at the same time. I enjoyed this book a lot .
Read
January 5, 2019The all to frequent internal thoughts from Sean (in italics) are too distracting. Dnf. Not rating
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews