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Confessions of a Wedding Musician Mom
"An emotional book where you laugh till you cry and cry at the sweet moments." -- Margy, Amazon reviewer.
"So well written and easy to read that the pages just turn themselves." -- Dale, Amazon reviewer
Stay-at-home mom Heather Hershey hadn't thought about playing the piano in years. After what happened in college, she could barely bring herself to learn the theme song to Millie Mallard's Pond of Fun to amuse her kids.
When she ran into an old college acquaintance at the grocery store things began to change. You were the piano player kept reverberating through Heather's head. She couldn't shake the idea, and she decided to take a leap of faith.
Acting on suggestions from her patient husband, a zany neighbor, and even her out of control kids, Heather dives head first into the quagmire of starting her own business. In the beginning, it didn't seem as hard to get prospective clients as she'd imagined. It soon became obvious that sealing the deal was the problem . . .
Will Heather realize her dream of becoming a professional pianist, or will it just be misstep after misstep yet again?
Jennifer McCoy Blaske sews together a wonderful patchwork of quirky yet relatable characters in this delightful story of one mother's struggle to juggle her home, her kids, her husband, and her fledgling business. Blaske brings Heather's hilarious trials and tribulations while starting a new business into Technicolor—amidst the pandemonium of family life. This laugh-out-loud tale is a most entertaining quick read, and not to be missed!
"This is a quick read, and a lot of fun, whether you are in the Wedding Industry, a busy Mom, or any combination thereof. Loved it!" -- Rev Gurley, Amazon reviewer
"So well written and easy to read that the pages just turn themselves." -- Dale, Amazon reviewer
Stay-at-home mom Heather Hershey hadn't thought about playing the piano in years. After what happened in college, she could barely bring herself to learn the theme song to Millie Mallard's Pond of Fun to amuse her kids.
When she ran into an old college acquaintance at the grocery store things began to change. You were the piano player kept reverberating through Heather's head. She couldn't shake the idea, and she decided to take a leap of faith.
Acting on suggestions from her patient husband, a zany neighbor, and even her out of control kids, Heather dives head first into the quagmire of starting her own business. In the beginning, it didn't seem as hard to get prospective clients as she'd imagined. It soon became obvious that sealing the deal was the problem . . .
Will Heather realize her dream of becoming a professional pianist, or will it just be misstep after misstep yet again?
Jennifer McCoy Blaske sews together a wonderful patchwork of quirky yet relatable characters in this delightful story of one mother's struggle to juggle her home, her kids, her husband, and her fledgling business. Blaske brings Heather's hilarious trials and tribulations while starting a new business into Technicolor—amidst the pandemonium of family life. This laugh-out-loud tale is a most entertaining quick read, and not to be missed!
"This is a quick read, and a lot of fun, whether you are in the Wedding Industry, a busy Mom, or any combination thereof. Loved it!" -- Rev Gurley, Amazon reviewer
196 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2016
29 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 19, 2017
It was cute
Though I think I would have liked a little more piano playing adventures, this was fun. And the characters felt real. This is perfect for curling up for a quick read with a cup of tea.
Though I think I would have liked a little more piano playing adventures, this was fun. And the characters felt real. This is perfect for curling up for a quick read with a cup of tea.
January 7, 2022
I found this book for free on Amazon via FreeBooksy; this is my honest review.
-I thought it was a biography but it's not; it's not a true story but it could be anyone's story nonetheless.
-Confused: "I eventually opened my Bach inventions." Collection maybe?
-Stephanie is a special friend and I liked her a lot.
-All through the book something was nagging at me and then Bridget's mother just let it known like it was "two unruly children, but spent most of the time unsuccessfully attempting to discipline them". Up until the end, with Danny showing us he truly has no table manners.
-Poor Steve tries to be the best husband but I think he's over his head with his gang.
-Boring to say the least. Nothing funny for sure. Would Not Recommended at all.
-I thought it was a biography but it's not; it's not a true story but it could be anyone's story nonetheless.
-Confused: "I eventually opened my Bach inventions." Collection maybe?
-Stephanie is a special friend and I liked her a lot.
-All through the book something was nagging at me and then Bridget's mother just let it known like it was "two unruly children, but spent most of the time unsuccessfully attempting to discipline them". Up until the end, with Danny showing us he truly has no table manners.
-Poor Steve tries to be the best husband but I think he's over his head with his gang.
-Boring to say the least. Nothing funny for sure. Would Not Recommended at all.
December 26, 2018
Entertaining Read
This book was thoroughly enjoyable! It was sooo real with the struggles of balancing life with kids and everything else. I loved that the main character didn't give up, it inspires me to keep working hard towards my dreams, too!
This book was thoroughly enjoyable! It was sooo real with the struggles of balancing life with kids and everything else. I loved that the main character didn't give up, it inspires me to keep working hard towards my dreams, too!
September 28, 2017
Quick, fun read. Definitely relatable as a mom. I loved that the marriage was never held in question, as I've seen too many of those.
June 10, 2019
This book was funny and kept me entertained. Heather really grows throughout the story
July 12, 2016
Cute and funny
I got this book free from Amazon.
*******SPOILER ALERT************
Normally I wouldn't choose such a short book to read, because I am a fast reader and like complex story lines and in depth characters. However after spending an afternoon reading this book I'm glad I took the time for it. The situations that Heather gets into with being a stay at home mom, whether at the grocery store, learning how to cook, and while starting a new business are hilarious. Also her descriptions of the phone calls and meetings with clients for her services as a wedding pianist, all while being interrupted by her kids made me laugh because besides being funny, every woman who has been a mom can recognize herself and her kids in them. Most importantly, the changes Heather goes through and the confidence she builds are heartwarming. I wanted to cheer for her when she realized that the woman she set out to impress, the most well-known wedding planner in Madison, was really just in the business for the money and for herself to become well-known, not because she really cared about the bride and groom and what they wanted. This is the turning point for Heather, even though it comes near the end of the book, and she realizes that she gave up a college degree in music because of one professor's opinion when she made a mistake at a recital. Heather is reinvented when she takes on a job with the local school systems as an accompianist for the music/choral classes and also realizes how much her childhood piano teacher made a difference to her life. I was especially touched when she wrote a letter to that teachers thanking her for influencing her so much. I think all teachers need to know what a difference they make in a child's life.
If you are looking for a fun summer read, I highly recommend this book.
I got this book free from Amazon.
*******SPOILER ALERT************
Normally I wouldn't choose such a short book to read, because I am a fast reader and like complex story lines and in depth characters. However after spending an afternoon reading this book I'm glad I took the time for it. The situations that Heather gets into with being a stay at home mom, whether at the grocery store, learning how to cook, and while starting a new business are hilarious. Also her descriptions of the phone calls and meetings with clients for her services as a wedding pianist, all while being interrupted by her kids made me laugh because besides being funny, every woman who has been a mom can recognize herself and her kids in them. Most importantly, the changes Heather goes through and the confidence she builds are heartwarming. I wanted to cheer for her when she realized that the woman she set out to impress, the most well-known wedding planner in Madison, was really just in the business for the money and for herself to become well-known, not because she really cared about the bride and groom and what they wanted. This is the turning point for Heather, even though it comes near the end of the book, and she realizes that she gave up a college degree in music because of one professor's opinion when she made a mistake at a recital. Heather is reinvented when she takes on a job with the local school systems as an accompianist for the music/choral classes and also realizes how much her childhood piano teacher made a difference to her life. I was especially touched when she wrote a letter to that teachers thanking her for influencing her so much. I think all teachers need to know what a difference they make in a child's life.
If you are looking for a fun summer read, I highly recommend this book.
November 29, 2016
I had expected something completely different from this book. I thought I'd just be reading about weddings and piano playing. But Confessions of a Wedding Musician Mom was actually about perusing a dream while juggling the reality of mom life. Any mom can relate to that. I mean, normal moms, not those super moms who have it all under control and their dream career to boot.
At times I thought the author had been peeking into my life. I have two kinda small kids. The main character Heather has two kinda small kids. I agonize over taking my kids in public. Heather agonizes over taking her kids in public--with good reason. The experiences Heather has in this story mirror my own and probably those of most moms.
As she chases her dream of playing piano for happy brides, things go less than smoothly. Things go wrong. She wants to give up. Jennifer McCoy Blaske's novel isn't predictable at all. I was 80% into the book and still had no clue how it would end. Because it was real.
Confessions of a Wedding Musician Mom is a fast read. It's only 142 pages and is fast-paced. Because the last book I read was long and heavy, I appreciated the lightness of this one. I'm looking forward to reading books from this author in the future.
At times I thought the author had been peeking into my life. I have two kinda small kids. The main character Heather has two kinda small kids. I agonize over taking my kids in public. Heather agonizes over taking her kids in public--with good reason. The experiences Heather has in this story mirror my own and probably those of most moms.
As she chases her dream of playing piano for happy brides, things go less than smoothly. Things go wrong. She wants to give up. Jennifer McCoy Blaske's novel isn't predictable at all. I was 80% into the book and still had no clue how it would end. Because it was real.
Confessions of a Wedding Musician Mom is a fast read. It's only 142 pages and is fast-paced. Because the last book I read was long and heavy, I appreciated the lightness of this one. I'm looking forward to reading books from this author in the future.
February 4, 2017
Though this story had some problems, it was a quick read and was fun, outside of specific instances. I was frustrated with the main character and the way she handled most situations. I think it was hard because the situations were embarrassing and they were situations that she caused, either through stumbling through social situations or by not thinking ahead. There is a scene where Heather, the main character, takes her son to the emergency room for something that she could have fixed at home. When this scene started, I thought immediately of the solution that the doctor at the ER used. She even calls her husband before she takes him, and he doesn't suggest it either. Little things like that got to me. I felt like the main character didn't use her brain to think through things sometimes, especially when they were related to money, which she repeatedly says they don't have a lot of. And the way her kids behaved annoyed me too. It was nice, though, to see Heather persevere and work at reaching her dream, despite the set backs she faces.
I was approached by the author and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was approached by the author and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2016
This is an entertaining and fast paced book about a Stay at Home Mom who is looking for a way to bring in extra money for the family. I remember doing that when my children were younger. Fortunately for my family, I didn't have to go through everything Heather, the mom in this book goes through. It kind of reminded me of the Shopaholic series or Bridget Jones because of all of the comical stuff that happens to the main character. If there's a chance of something going wrong, it did. The descriptions of these problems were vivid and pretty on-point. You quickly feel sorry for Heather and her misfortunes. I did have to take a break now and then because of all the bad things that happen to her. It got to be too much at once. Though there were a couple of times when I couldn't believe that she wasn't better prepared and could have prevented a mishap or two. Her descriptions of her children and their behaviors brought back some memories and made me happy that those years are behind me! The book was written well and had a nice flow to it.
October 18, 2016
4 out of 5 stars. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it. I really enjoyed this quick, easy read! Heather is a stay-at-home mom of two who feels like she has lost herself in the raising of her children. When she runs into an old college friend, she remembers her love of music and playing the piano. Heather decides to become a wedding musician and a series of hilarious hi-jinks follow! From a yard sale to a working as a substitute teacher, Heather is committed to raising the money she needs to get her business of this ground.
This book was just so funny and relatable. You felt like you were talking to a best friend who had a series of unfortunate, yet hilarious, events happen. I really liked the writing style and it was an extremely engaging story. I chuckled a lot! I would highly recommend this book to fans of chick lit, women's fiction, and comedy. I would love to read more from this author in the future!
This book was just so funny and relatable. You felt like you were talking to a best friend who had a series of unfortunate, yet hilarious, events happen. I really liked the writing style and it was an extremely engaging story. I chuckled a lot! I would highly recommend this book to fans of chick lit, women's fiction, and comedy. I would love to read more from this author in the future!
January 3, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Only two stars, it was okay. I felt for this busy mom trying to find something she could do that she loved. The missteps and problems starting something new felt real enough. Taking a chance is hard and I wanted her to succeed.
The thing I remember about the story however is the kids. There were times that I didn’t think they sounded like the ages they were supposed to be. They sounded like sarcastic teenagers. Then there were times their behavior seemed way too immature. For the most part they just come off bratty and for me, this was a turn off. I didn’t get a chance to like them and since the story was so short they didn’t have a chance to grow on me.
I would like to say I liked it better but I didn’t.
Only two stars, it was okay. I felt for this busy mom trying to find something she could do that she loved. The missteps and problems starting something new felt real enough. Taking a chance is hard and I wanted her to succeed.
The thing I remember about the story however is the kids. There were times that I didn’t think they sounded like the ages they were supposed to be. They sounded like sarcastic teenagers. Then there were times their behavior seemed way too immature. For the most part they just come off bratty and for me, this was a turn off. I didn’t get a chance to like them and since the story was so short they didn’t have a chance to grow on me.
I would like to say I liked it better but I didn’t.
August 12, 2016
Funny, quick read. This proved to be a perfect fit for a travel filler. The author painted a terrific picture of the out of control kids and a 'helpless' mom.
Honestly, had I been reading this in a more serious time, I would have bailed. The scenario was quite repetitive & predictable BUT, for a 'freebie', I must not complain!
Honestly, had I been reading this in a more serious time, I would have bailed. The scenario was quite repetitive & predictable BUT, for a 'freebie', I must not complain!
July 12, 2016
Heather Hershey, pianist
Although the kids antics were a little over the top at times, probably because of the period of time covered, I enjoyed and empathized completely with Heather. It is never easy to begin a new profession. What a lesson can be learned from this tale.
Although the kids antics were a little over the top at times, probably because of the period of time covered, I enjoyed and empathized completely with Heather. It is never easy to begin a new profession. What a lesson can be learned from this tale.
January 7, 2017
This book was really something.
Being a female musician myself, it was a relatable story to think about. While I don't have a husband or kids, I could see why being a wedding pianist is a scary thought.
Overall, I really enjoyed it.
Though it did make me not want to have kids ever.
Being a female musician myself, it was a relatable story to think about. While I don't have a husband or kids, I could see why being a wedding pianist is a scary thought.
Overall, I really enjoyed it.
Though it did make me not want to have kids ever.
August 12, 2016
Cute story of stay at home mom. Some happy and some sad moments. Very quick read.
April 4, 2017
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
This is a quick and easy read which does right what it says on the box. The novel delves into the stay at home mum life of Heather and her desire to get back a little bit of herself while trying to bring in an income. Her natural talent for music and her training seems to lend itself to being a part time wedding musician and with her husband's support she starts up her own business- or tries to... children make anything with a need to focus infinitely more challenging of course.
I found the author did a great job creating the loving but slightly chaotic life of a stay at home but part time working mother. The kids were natural and their interactions seemed to flow. I also enjoyed her attempts at finding business and they were also naturally occurring and came with some giggles. All in all the frustrations came through the pages.
I'm not sure though if the novel in its entirety came across with all the pieces. Perhaps it was too short? I just finished it feeling like it wasn't quite resolved. I wished also that there had been more scenes with the husband to round out the family dynamic a bit more.
Thank you to the author for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
This is a quick and easy read which does right what it says on the box. The novel delves into the stay at home mum life of Heather and her desire to get back a little bit of herself while trying to bring in an income. Her natural talent for music and her training seems to lend itself to being a part time wedding musician and with her husband's support she starts up her own business- or tries to... children make anything with a need to focus infinitely more challenging of course.
I found the author did a great job creating the loving but slightly chaotic life of a stay at home but part time working mother. The kids were natural and their interactions seemed to flow. I also enjoyed her attempts at finding business and they were also naturally occurring and came with some giggles. All in all the frustrations came through the pages.
I'm not sure though if the novel in its entirety came across with all the pieces. Perhaps it was too short? I just finished it feeling like it wasn't quite resolved. I wished also that there had been more scenes with the husband to round out the family dynamic a bit more.
Thank you to the author for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
April 18, 2017
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews