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Strings: A Love Story
The Merino Rose. Ted Spencer has a hard enough time believing the celebrated violin really exists. To find it sitting on his coffee table is nothing short of incredible. The stuff of legend, the exquisite Guarnerius has been missing for centuries.
But even though the renowned instrument is a violin lover's dream come true, it holds only heartache for Ted. The value of the Merino Rose may be beyond measure, but he has acquired it at too high a cost.
Ted found his soul mate when he met Olivia de la Vega his senior year in high school. In the school's production of Camelot, Ted was cast as Lancelot, Olivia as Guenevere. They should have spent their lives together but strings got in the way--family ties, career objectives, and the tangled web of fate.
Will the Merino Rose bring the two star-crossed lovers together at last, or will their love always remain the melancholy sound of distant violins?
210 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2010
11 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Megan Edwards
11 books122 followersI live and write in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. I never dreamed I’d call Sin City home, but when I arrived at the end of 1999 to do a little research for a book, I fell in love with the city beyond the neon and and never left. Actually, I love the neon, too. In fact, I’m crazy about the whole place -- quirks, warts, super-hot summers, and all! I have written two mysteries set in Las Vegas: GETTING OFF ON FRANK SINATRA and FULL SERVICE BLONDE. My new novel A COIN FOR THE FERRYMAN releases on March 1, 2022. I'll be celebrating with six other authors at a super-sized book launch party on March 5, 2022 in Las Vegas. If you'd like to join us for an evening of food, drink, books, and authors, visit imbrifex.com/party/ for all the details! It's gonna be a night to remember!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 4, 2017
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Strings A Love Story is definitely a love story. Fairly slow paced, and spanning over decades, I enjoyed it very much, which almost surprised me.
The Story:
Most of the action in Strings was shared with the readers through flashbacks that spanned over decades, from when Ted and Olivia were in high school. And while they always appreciated each other, their timing always sucked. When one of them was free, the other was with someone else. It was like fate was playing a complicated game of chess with these characters, always making one of them too early, or too late.
The Characters:
Olivia went to the same school as Ted because her mom worked there, and she often felt out of place. Ted came from an affluent family, but he was very down to earth - even as he became a famous violonist, he kept in touch with some of his friends from school.
The Writing:
Written in first person point of view, from Ted's perspective, and in past tense, the dialogues, and the way Ted observes Olivia brings her to life as well.
The Feels:
I was a bit frustrated, because the back and forth with the flashbacks, plus the timing that was always wrong were almost a bit too much. The longing was delicious, though.
Three days later, your letter arrived. God damn parents. Why can't they love their children just a little less?
The energy between us was like a pure, clear note, and it gained in intensity as we stood there transfixed.
Strings A Love Story is definitely a love story. Fairly slow paced, and spanning over decades, I enjoyed it very much, which almost surprised me.
The Story:
Most of the action in Strings was shared with the readers through flashbacks that spanned over decades, from when Ted and Olivia were in high school. And while they always appreciated each other, their timing always sucked. When one of them was free, the other was with someone else. It was like fate was playing a complicated game of chess with these characters, always making one of them too early, or too late.
The Characters:
Olivia went to the same school as Ted because her mom worked there, and she often felt out of place. Ted came from an affluent family, but he was very down to earth - even as he became a famous violonist, he kept in touch with some of his friends from school.
The Writing:
Written in first person point of view, from Ted's perspective, and in past tense, the dialogues, and the way Ted observes Olivia brings her to life as well.
The Feels:
I was a bit frustrated, because the back and forth with the flashbacks, plus the timing that was always wrong were almost a bit too much. The longing was delicious, though.
Three days later, your letter arrived. God damn parents. Why can't they love their children just a little less?
The energy between us was like a pure, clear note, and it gained in intensity as we stood there transfixed.
January 27, 2020
2.5.stars.
I really had big hopes when i read the blurb, but when i started it i could'nt like/connect any of the characters. I found Ted needy and hopelessly romantic and not in a good way and Olivia was sort of odd? she came and went like a jojo. That is over the whole book they come and go, get together, then don't, marrries others, get together with others...and dont.. and i never saw much character devolopment in any of them. I liked the part about the violin and some of the start, around 20% or so but it went sort of downhill from there.
I really had big hopes when i read the blurb, but when i started it i could'nt like/connect any of the characters. I found Ted needy and hopelessly romantic and not in a good way and Olivia was sort of odd? she came and went like a jojo. That is over the whole book they come and go, get together, then don't, marrries others, get together with others...and dont.. and i never saw much character devolopment in any of them. I liked the part about the violin and some of the start, around 20% or so but it went sort of downhill from there.
October 13, 2020
I hadn’t read a romance novel for a long time and when I saw this book on NetGalley I instantly requested for it because of its cover and the synopsis looked good too. But I have to say I was little disappointed. The story could have been turned out better.
The main protagonists of the story are Ted Spencer and Olivia de la Vega. The story follows their lives over decades of time, narrated by Ted. Ted is a violinist and wants to pursue his career in this. He met Olivia in his senior year of High School in the 1960s and instantly fell in love with her. Ted was from a wealthy background while Olivia was the daughter of a cleaning lady at the school. Despite their background differences, they planned to spend their lives together. But the fate was not with them and they got separated because of the family issues and Ted’s compassion for music.
The time forwards and they meet again after decades when both are doing good in their careers. They realize that after so many years their love for each other is still alive. But this time they were not able to get together because of their family commitments and career ambitions.
Will they meet again? Will they ever be got together? Why they got separated in the first place? And the second time?
The story was little weak for me in terms of character development. I never got to understand what was the main thing that attracted both Ted and Olivia towards each other. I guess the writer never explained properly what was the point of affection there. Being said that, it was good to see a story being told from a man’s PoV. This was really Ted’s story, his life, his relationships, and we got to learn about Olivia only through their interactions.
One of the major things to appreciate here is the use of music as the main theme. Besides love being the theme, there was a little suspense too for this missing Violin which was revealed in the last pages. I wished though that the Violin should have made a bigger part of the story.
This book started out slow for me but was fast paced later on. The story is not divided nicely into the present and the past. It was confusing many times and it took me seconds to realizes that the story has shifted from one time to another. The writing was simple. It doesn’t bore you or make the story tough to understand.
I generally love the romances, but with this, I felt that the basic plot of the story was repetitive – boy meets the girl with a different background, they fell in love but their families won’t approve and they got separated, they meet later on but still love each other. Like many other reviewers, I too believe that it could be made into a good movie. I think that a movie can do a proper justice to the story.
It was a light and quick read and somewhat enjoyable too. There is this belief in this story that the true love can live long after the circumstances have separated two people. I believe that this notion alone will touch the hearts of many. This sort of book is best suitable when you just want to read without thinking too much and just want to simply enjoy the story during your break or on vacation.
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The main protagonists of the story are Ted Spencer and Olivia de la Vega. The story follows their lives over decades of time, narrated by Ted. Ted is a violinist and wants to pursue his career in this. He met Olivia in his senior year of High School in the 1960s and instantly fell in love with her. Ted was from a wealthy background while Olivia was the daughter of a cleaning lady at the school. Despite their background differences, they planned to spend their lives together. But the fate was not with them and they got separated because of the family issues and Ted’s compassion for music.
The time forwards and they meet again after decades when both are doing good in their careers. They realize that after so many years their love for each other is still alive. But this time they were not able to get together because of their family commitments and career ambitions.
Will they meet again? Will they ever be got together? Why they got separated in the first place? And the second time?
The story was little weak for me in terms of character development. I never got to understand what was the main thing that attracted both Ted and Olivia towards each other. I guess the writer never explained properly what was the point of affection there. Being said that, it was good to see a story being told from a man’s PoV. This was really Ted’s story, his life, his relationships, and we got to learn about Olivia only through their interactions.
One of the major things to appreciate here is the use of music as the main theme. Besides love being the theme, there was a little suspense too for this missing Violin which was revealed in the last pages. I wished though that the Violin should have made a bigger part of the story.
This book started out slow for me but was fast paced later on. The story is not divided nicely into the present and the past. It was confusing many times and it took me seconds to realizes that the story has shifted from one time to another. The writing was simple. It doesn’t bore you or make the story tough to understand.
I generally love the romances, but with this, I felt that the basic plot of the story was repetitive – boy meets the girl with a different background, they fell in love but their families won’t approve and they got separated, they meet later on but still love each other. Like many other reviewers, I too believe that it could be made into a good movie. I think that a movie can do a proper justice to the story.
It was a light and quick read and somewhat enjoyable too. There is this belief in this story that the true love can live long after the circumstances have separated two people. I believe that this notion alone will touch the hearts of many. This sort of book is best suitable when you just want to read without thinking too much and just want to simply enjoy the story during your break or on vacation.
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October 23, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows the lives of Ted and Olivia over the time. The story is narrated by Ted, which I found great because most of the books I read are from a woman perpective.
They met in Ted's senior year in the 1960's. Their lives are completely different from each other: Ted comes from money and Olivia is the cleaning lady's daughter. They waanted to spend their lives together but their plans changed due to issues with family and with Ted's music.
They meet again in New York City. Ted and Olivia realize that they never fell out of love. Once again their love must fall again.
This book is a very quick read but I found it a little bit boring sometimes. Not much was happening for the most part but it was a cute romance overall.
The story follows the lives of Ted and Olivia over the time. The story is narrated by Ted, which I found great because most of the books I read are from a woman perpective.
They met in Ted's senior year in the 1960's. Their lives are completely different from each other: Ted comes from money and Olivia is the cleaning lady's daughter. They waanted to spend their lives together but their plans changed due to issues with family and with Ted's music.
They meet again in New York City. Ted and Olivia realize that they never fell out of love. Once again their love must fall again.
This book is a very quick read but I found it a little bit boring sometimes. Not much was happening for the most part but it was a cute romance overall.
October 1, 2017
*3.5 Stars*
I was provided a Reviewer Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story was told by Ted. He tells it to us through his memories as he thinks back about THE girl he met in high school, Olivia and all that happened with her and without her since.
This story was enjoyable. The characters were ok though I didn’t truly connect with them. I enjoyed how the story was told but I found it incredibly sad. I usually read romance like science fiction to fill my romantic side without ever believing it can happen. This did not feel my romantic side, it just made me sad.
Still, an interesting, fast paced story I enjoyed reading.
I was provided a Reviewer Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story was told by Ted. He tells it to us through his memories as he thinks back about THE girl he met in high school, Olivia and all that happened with her and without her since.
This story was enjoyable. The characters were ok though I didn’t truly connect with them. I enjoyed how the story was told but I found it incredibly sad. I usually read romance like science fiction to fill my romantic side without ever believing it can happen. This did not feel my romantic side, it just made me sad.
Still, an interesting, fast paced story I enjoyed reading.
August 7, 2017
I was recently contacted by email regarding Strings: A Love Story by Megan Edwards. Since it sounded like a great story, I agreed to read an advance copy of the book, and share it with my readers so here goes............
The story follows the lives of Ted Spencer and Olivia de la Vega over decades of time. The story is narrated by Ted, which I have to say was a nice change of pace from a lot of the stories I read which are usually narrated by the woman. It was great to get a better feel for the man's perspective. Anyway, they met in Ted's senior year at a California boarding school back in the 1960's and became soulmates. Ted comes from money and Olivia is the cleaning lady's daughter. They planned to spend their lives together but then things changed due to issues with family ties (aka meddling parents) and issues with Ted's music both get in the way.
Then, flash forward to a time where the two of them are both in the middle of their careers, when they meet again in New York City. Ted and Olivia rekindle their love and realize that they never fell out of love at all. Unfortunately, circumstances do not provide for them to be together due to family commitments and career ambitions. Their unrequited love must once again fall to the wayside for various reasons.
Anyway, "strings" isn't just family ties - it's violin strings and the story of a long-lost Stradivarius that reappears after being missing for centuries, and our protagonist, Ted is a violin examiner. I don't write spoilers, but I want to tell you that there's much more than a love story in this book. There's actually a hint of mystery that keep me turning pages from cover to cover.
And I'll be honest, even though the book is a very quick read, I stalled out the time it actually took to read the book thanks to the fact that I chose to listen to the musical selections in the story each time one was mentioned. It made for a very beautiful story musically and literally. I could totally see this story being a Hallmark or Lifetime movie - no kidding. I wonder if the publishers are pushing for that to happen as I type.....
I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows the lives of Ted Spencer and Olivia de la Vega over decades of time. The story is narrated by Ted, which I have to say was a nice change of pace from a lot of the stories I read which are usually narrated by the woman. It was great to get a better feel for the man's perspective. Anyway, they met in Ted's senior year at a California boarding school back in the 1960's and became soulmates. Ted comes from money and Olivia is the cleaning lady's daughter. They planned to spend their lives together but then things changed due to issues with family ties (aka meddling parents) and issues with Ted's music both get in the way.
Then, flash forward to a time where the two of them are both in the middle of their careers, when they meet again in New York City. Ted and Olivia rekindle their love and realize that they never fell out of love at all. Unfortunately, circumstances do not provide for them to be together due to family commitments and career ambitions. Their unrequited love must once again fall to the wayside for various reasons.
Anyway, "strings" isn't just family ties - it's violin strings and the story of a long-lost Stradivarius that reappears after being missing for centuries, and our protagonist, Ted is a violin examiner. I don't write spoilers, but I want to tell you that there's much more than a love story in this book. There's actually a hint of mystery that keep me turning pages from cover to cover.
And I'll be honest, even though the book is a very quick read, I stalled out the time it actually took to read the book thanks to the fact that I chose to listen to the musical selections in the story each time one was mentioned. It made for a very beautiful story musically and literally. I could totally see this story being a Hallmark or Lifetime movie - no kidding. I wonder if the publishers are pushing for that to happen as I type.....
I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 30, 2017
An opportunity to review a book pre-publication can be a wonderful experience or feel like trudging through waist high mud. I have experienced both. "Strings: A Love Story" was an honor to review and I thank the publisher for allowing me to be part of the process.
One can state that they prefer to read a specific genre of book or a particular author. I would likely be correct to assume that is how a larger percentage of general readership will choose which publication to attach their attention to. I was completely unprepared for how engrossed, enamoured and greedy I would be when I began reading Megan Edwards' novel.
I will admit that music has always been a great part of my personal life and knowing about classical music allowed this novel to fit me like a favorite pair of well worn jeans with a cashmere sweater. The dichotomy of casual denim and expensive yarn is exactly how I felt during the day and a half that it took me to read and take notes on this novel.
There is much more than music on the pages. It is truly a love story. However, without the music, Ted would lose the depth of his character. Love or dislike or know nothing of classical music, to understand Ted one needs to only know that for a musician, his instrument and notes, song and sound are what sustain him. It is food, shelter and life's riches. It is there during times of great happiness, damning sadness and every emotion in between. It is an expression of love, a love so consuming that it can be either a fire that burns bright or singes ones fingertips.
Olivia is Ted's muse. They meet as teens and they spend their lives intersecting at all the wrong times. But between them is always the question of "what if". This novel calls into question ones belief in soul mates. It makes one wonder if we can find our destiny if only to see it taken from us by powers beyond our control. It ponders the order of ones life and how one takes back control.
From teenagers to midlife, we follow Olivia and Ted on their individual journeys. This is really Ted's story, and we learn about Olivia through their interactions. From parental interference, love affairs and marriages, physical distances apart, careers that don't mesh because of time or place and emotional breaks; Olivia and Ted experience them all and more.
For all who have wondered "what if", this book is for you. The characters are relatable, there are some very unexpected turns in the story telling and there is a rawness that compels one to keep reading.
For every unfinished life story, that is the unfinished symphony that Ted and Olivia live and love through.
One can state that they prefer to read a specific genre of book or a particular author. I would likely be correct to assume that is how a larger percentage of general readership will choose which publication to attach their attention to. I was completely unprepared for how engrossed, enamoured and greedy I would be when I began reading Megan Edwards' novel.
I will admit that music has always been a great part of my personal life and knowing about classical music allowed this novel to fit me like a favorite pair of well worn jeans with a cashmere sweater. The dichotomy of casual denim and expensive yarn is exactly how I felt during the day and a half that it took me to read and take notes on this novel.
There is much more than music on the pages. It is truly a love story. However, without the music, Ted would lose the depth of his character. Love or dislike or know nothing of classical music, to understand Ted one needs to only know that for a musician, his instrument and notes, song and sound are what sustain him. It is food, shelter and life's riches. It is there during times of great happiness, damning sadness and every emotion in between. It is an expression of love, a love so consuming that it can be either a fire that burns bright or singes ones fingertips.
Olivia is Ted's muse. They meet as teens and they spend their lives intersecting at all the wrong times. But between them is always the question of "what if". This novel calls into question ones belief in soul mates. It makes one wonder if we can find our destiny if only to see it taken from us by powers beyond our control. It ponders the order of ones life and how one takes back control.
From teenagers to midlife, we follow Olivia and Ted on their individual journeys. This is really Ted's story, and we learn about Olivia through their interactions. From parental interference, love affairs and marriages, physical distances apart, careers that don't mesh because of time or place and emotional breaks; Olivia and Ted experience them all and more.
For all who have wondered "what if", this book is for you. The characters are relatable, there are some very unexpected turns in the story telling and there is a rawness that compels one to keep reading.
For every unfinished life story, that is the unfinished symphony that Ted and Olivia live and love through.
June 14, 2017
I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of STRINGS: A LOVE STORY by Megan Edwards. I loaned it to a good friend who produced many films and tv programs for CBS during her career. I told her she would love it. I think it would be a great story for the Hallmark Channel. Perhaps she might know someone in that world that could further the enjoyment of this book.
I had a wonderful few days reading this book. I loved it. To start with, it was a good size to handle and not too long. I liked the feeI of the paper it was printed on. I have a Kindle, but I really prefer to read actual books. The font is artistic, a good size, and very easy to read. The cover is lovely. It looks like the words are dancing to music. I like the way the words "a love Story" are tucked between the word "Strings" and the violin. The violin is beautiful!
The story was so interesting. It was almost like a mystery story. I couldn't wait to read the next page. When I started reading Strings, the first time a musical selection was mentioned, I put the book down and listened to the entire selection on line. I was going to do that for every selection mentioned. But, everytime another composition was mentioned, I couldn't put the book down.
I have volunteered for music organizations. One is I Palpiti an Orchestral Ensemble of International Laureates. In 1998 I met Alexandru Tomescu, a young concert violinist from Romania. He performed in Los Angeles several times and we became friends. Romania owns a Stradivarius violin. Every five years it has a competition to determine who will get to use the Stradivarius for the next five years. Alexandru has won it twice and is now a renowned international concert violinist. Of course, I thought about Alexandru all through the book.
I had a wonderful few days reading this book. I loved it. To start with, it was a good size to handle and not too long. I liked the feeI of the paper it was printed on. I have a Kindle, but I really prefer to read actual books. The font is artistic, a good size, and very easy to read. The cover is lovely. It looks like the words are dancing to music. I like the way the words "a love Story" are tucked between the word "Strings" and the violin. The violin is beautiful!
The story was so interesting. It was almost like a mystery story. I couldn't wait to read the next page. When I started reading Strings, the first time a musical selection was mentioned, I put the book down and listened to the entire selection on line. I was going to do that for every selection mentioned. But, everytime another composition was mentioned, I couldn't put the book down.
I have volunteered for music organizations. One is I Palpiti an Orchestral Ensemble of International Laureates. In 1998 I met Alexandru Tomescu, a young concert violinist from Romania. He performed in Los Angeles several times and we became friends. Romania owns a Stradivarius violin. Every five years it has a competition to determine who will get to use the Stradivarius for the next five years. Alexandru has won it twice and is now a renowned international concert violinist. Of course, I thought about Alexandru all through the book.
June 8, 2017
This was a breezy read (only about 200 pages, and I read it in a day) that I could imagine as the basis for a Lifetime or Hallmark film, and I know several people who would love it. It was a bit thin in character development for me, and as such, I never truly understood what the main character (Teddy) and object of his affection (Olivia) saw in each other. That said, probably because I have read so many novels where it is a woman doing all the narrating and pining, I was really pleased to see Ms. Edwards chose to tell this story from the point of view of the man in the relationship. I also appreciated the use of music as a major theme, and the notion that love can linger long after life has separated two people is one that I can imagine touching the hearts of many. I think this is the sort of book best appreciated when you don't want to think too much, and are seeking to simply indulge in something sweet while on vacation or in need of an escape from life's complications.
My personal instinct was to give this book a 2 since Goodreads defines that as "it was okay" (which is how I felt), but the fact that I kept thinking of people I knew who would enjoy it because they read far more romance novels than I do (which is to say, I've never read one before), means that I bumped it to a 3.
[This review is based on an ARC received at BookCon 2017]
My personal instinct was to give this book a 2 since Goodreads defines that as "it was okay" (which is how I felt), but the fact that I kept thinking of people I knew who would enjoy it because they read far more romance novels than I do (which is to say, I've never read one before), means that I bumped it to a 3.
[This review is based on an ARC received at BookCon 2017]
July 9, 2017
A long-lost Stradivarius reappears after being missing for centuries, but rather than the story of how that happened it is merely a frame for the history of the violin examiner, all the way back to private school. This is where he first me the “one,” the girl he was destined to be with, but due to decades of misunderstandings and meddlesome parents, it was not happily ever after. His life and other loves are told, mostly his long career as a soloist, with occasional run-ins and a lot of thoughts of her.
I did not expect this story to sustain itself for an entire book, but it was surprisingly riveting; had this been a movie there would have been a lot of yelling at the screen, soundtracked by tears. The most unexpected thing was how nicely it all wrapped up. The violin’s history, despite it being fiction, is exactly the kind of thing I like to read in these sorts of books. And for once I felt like the couple deserved their ending.
I did not expect this story to sustain itself for an entire book, but it was surprisingly riveting; had this been a movie there would have been a lot of yelling at the screen, soundtracked by tears. The most unexpected thing was how nicely it all wrapped up. The violin’s history, despite it being fiction, is exactly the kind of thing I like to read in these sorts of books. And for once I felt like the couple deserved their ending.
April 12, 2017
Okay, so I don't think I've ever read a romance novel before in my life. I also don't really have any strong connections or ties to music, although I played the cello for 8 years when I was young, and the saxophone for many more. I also took voice lessons in high school.
But I really did enjoy this! I was surprised at how much, honestly. I was very compelled by this story, and I found the whole thing overall satisfying. Again, I know next to nothing about this genre, but I still quite enjoyed it. I also thought the writing was good, very solid, if you care about that sort of thing. There were several scenes that I think will be very memorable and actually stick with me! I don't know. I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this, and I hope you will give it a chance!
But I really did enjoy this! I was surprised at how much, honestly. I was very compelled by this story, and I found the whole thing overall satisfying. Again, I know next to nothing about this genre, but I still quite enjoyed it. I also thought the writing was good, very solid, if you care about that sort of thing. There were several scenes that I think will be very memorable and actually stick with me! I don't know. I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this, and I hope you will give it a chance!
July 15, 2017
When a friend gave me this book, I already had a long reading list including the 4th book in a series I had been waiting months to get. So I thought I’d just take a glance at Strings. But I was hooked immediately and I couldn’t stop reading! What a delightful love story! Rich kid Ted fell for cleaning lady’s daughter Olivia when they were cast as Lancelot and Guenevere in a high school production of Camelot. But heartbreak and separations abound as Virtuoso violinist Ted has to fight his family and find himself before the Merino Rose, the ancient “violin of angels” can help unite him with the famous actress Olivia. I was enthralled, and stayed up in the wee hours to finish it.
July 22, 2017
Strings: A Love Story is very different from Megan Edward's other work. Without the car chases and murder her other books are known for, what is left is an achingly beautiful, and somewhat atypical, love story. While this book started out a bit slow for me, I couldn't put it down after the first fifty pages. This book is certainly worth the read!
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 8, 2019
I love stories about interesting histories of musical instruments and art. This was a good read. At times, it felt slow but still kept my interest. I wish it had been a bit happier. Overall, a good read.
October 1, 2017
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review because I don't think I'd have picked this one up and I really would have missed out on a good book! Why wouldn't I have found this book on my own -- it's about music and violins - two things that I know little about and it IS a love story - not a bodice ripper but a love story that develops over several decades. I am really glad that I had a chance to read it because it was a delightful story and one of the few that I've read recently that is told from a male POV.
Ted Spencer wants to go to Julliard in NYC but generations of his family have attended Yale and he knows that his parents aren't going to approve of his choice. They also aren't going to approve of his love for Olivia, the daughter of the cleaning woman at his prestigious private high school. Ted does go to Julliard but his relationship with Olivia ends. As he achieves fame as a violinist, he can't seem to move beyond thoughts of his first love. This is the story of a long lasting love - both with music and with his first girlfriend -- was it just a crush or long lasting love?
I definitely enjoyed this novel and recommend it.
Ted Spencer wants to go to Julliard in NYC but generations of his family have attended Yale and he knows that his parents aren't going to approve of his choice. They also aren't going to approve of his love for Olivia, the daughter of the cleaning woman at his prestigious private high school. Ted does go to Julliard but his relationship with Olivia ends. As he achieves fame as a violinist, he can't seem to move beyond thoughts of his first love. This is the story of a long lasting love - both with music and with his first girlfriend -- was it just a crush or long lasting love?
I definitely enjoyed this novel and recommend it.
August 9, 2021
A beautifully written book about love, loss and an element that so many of us hold in high regard, music. I love reading books that center around music and musicians, and this book fit the bill perfectly. Edwards' prose is elegant and flows across the page as if its own sheet music. This is a very sweet story about teenage love that continues its hold on the main characters into adulthood; a story that will keep you hoping until the very last sentence on the page.
A few of my favorite lines in the book:
"No moment is more keenly intense than the one in which desire meets manifestation."
"The solitary citadel I had taken such pains to build and defend exploded in an eruption so exhilarating I felt like I'd swallowed fireworks."
A few of my favorite lines in the book:
"No moment is more keenly intense than the one in which desire meets manifestation."
"The solitary citadel I had taken such pains to build and defend exploded in an eruption so exhilarating I felt like I'd swallowed fireworks."
October 7, 2017
I was intrigued by the idea of a lost violin featuring in a love story, but there was very little of that and a lot of bad timing between our two lovers. I wish there had been more interesting things about the Merino Rose, or violins in general spread throughout instead of a tease that is never satisfied until one small bit at the end. It's also quite sad to me, that they spent so much of their lives apart thanks to miscommunications and bad timing.
February 21, 2019
Strings by Megan Edwards is a star-crossed love story spanning decades and involving Ted and Olivia.
It is written in first person as Ted. It is a love story/romance, but at the same time an imperfect novel with an imperfect ending.
The novel itself was written well and was a fast- paced read, however was kind of sad for my specific taste.
Overall, still a great read.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this boom in return for an honest review.
It is written in first person as Ted. It is a love story/romance, but at the same time an imperfect novel with an imperfect ending.
The novel itself was written well and was a fast- paced read, however was kind of sad for my specific taste.
Overall, still a great read.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this boom in return for an honest review.
February 13, 2018
Framed by the mystery of how a long lost violin came into the hands of the main character Ted, this love story spans over more than three decades. We go back to when Ted and Olivia first meet and follow the story, in flashbacks, from there.
Wonderfully written, I couldn't put it down.
Wonderfully written, I couldn't put it down.
September 4, 2017
This wasn’t a book with tear your clothes off hot sex. This book was a slow burn, a symphony that made you want to turn the next page. You wanted to hear more because deep down inside you wanted Ted and Olivia to be together. You wanted them to somehow find their way back to each other no matter the distance.
I’ve never watched The Red Violin but from what I’ve heard about it, this book fits right in with that sort of story.
This book was a shining jewel. I really thought it was the perfect story to read on a summer day in a hammock. It took you all over the world but deep in its heart was a love story. A really good love story.
I’ve never watched The Red Violin but from what I’ve heard about it, this book fits right in with that sort of story.
This book was a shining jewel. I really thought it was the perfect story to read on a summer day in a hammock. It took you all over the world but deep in its heart was a love story. A really good love story.
August 16, 2017
Not one who generally goes to the strictly romance aisle when choosing a book (I like my romances fraught with comedy or thriller elements), I cracked open the ARC of Megan Edwards' "Strings: A Love Story," with a bit of trepidation. One never knows what one is going to get: A. With an advanced reader's copy or, B. With a book calling itself a love story. With any work of fiction, I usually need to identify with at least one character who will transport me to storyland and carry me along to the end. And in a love story, it's imperative that a reader feels the love between the central characters is real and worth fighting for. After all, if the characters don't believe it, why should we? We might start to feel one of the characters isn't as committed as the other and the one who keeps trying against all hope is a masochist. In "Strings" the love between Teddy and Olivia IS believable to a point. Olivia is the Latina daughter of a single mom and Ted is the scion of a wealthy family, expected to take over the family business until his love for the violin takes him off to Juilliard and a career in music. The two meet while performing in a high school production of "Camelot" with Olivia playing Guinevere and Ted, Lancelot. They fall in love but the two are confronted mostly by class differences initially. But later, though both find success--Olivia as a famous actress and Ted as a concert violinist--they are kept apart by what felt like forced constraints. Though Edwards justifies why one of the characters doesn't act on the love he or she claims to feel, I didn't fully believe some of the actions that character took. But that aside, "Strings" finishes in classic romance style and doesn't disappoint.
August 8, 2017
Ted, a woefully naive elitist who seems to be a violin prodigy (despite doing millions of other things in high school that would not equate to Juilliard unless he was a genius), falls in love with Olivia, a girl who is from a working-class background that has a voice of an angel and acting made of gold (and who also seems way too sensible to continue revolving her life around a guy who could not even fathom the problems she went through, and would not care were it not for her— at least you never seem him doing anything philanthropic in the years interim); they do not really interact through their years in high school, and fall so irrevocably in love that it follows them throughout their lives— to the point where everything and everyone, at least to Ted, is equated somehow to his lost high school love (they dated for half a year when he was seventeen and she was fifteen, it's obviously true love.)
He acquires what seems to be the most priceless violin in the history of violins from her, and that reclamation makes him delve into his memories of his life with (and without) Olivia. And the entire story is just him narrating his life. It goes on, and on, and on for what seems like way more than 200 pages.
Unfortunately, I was just not invested in the characters, their romance, or even the violin, itself! This made me especially grumpy, as I picked up this novel from net galley in hopes of the violin playing a larger role in the story, considering the summary made it seem a prominent set piece; the violin came out a Chekov's gun, and a completely uninteresting one at that.
It wasn't terrible— at least I did not have the desire to rage-quit, but it in no way enthralled me.
He acquires what seems to be the most priceless violin in the history of violins from her, and that reclamation makes him delve into his memories of his life with (and without) Olivia. And the entire story is just him narrating his life. It goes on, and on, and on for what seems like way more than 200 pages.
Unfortunately, I was just not invested in the characters, their romance, or even the violin, itself! This made me especially grumpy, as I picked up this novel from net galley in hopes of the violin playing a larger role in the story, considering the summary made it seem a prominent set piece; the violin came out a Chekov's gun, and a completely uninteresting one at that.
It wasn't terrible— at least I did not have the desire to rage-quit, but it in no way enthralled me.
August 4, 2017
A wonderful read a well written romantic novel that would make a god movie.
July 23, 2017
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the reader copy.
The reason I chose to read this book is because of the movie, "The Red Violin." I enjoyed that moving and this story, with it's love story, seemed interesting. It is interesting. However, I would get confused with the narrator's (Teddy actually) perspective, the way there was no pause between memory and the present. I'd be in the middle of a paragraph before I realized he was either in a memory or currently talking about the present. I got disengaged with the story some chapters in because of that and struggled to finish.
Other than that, it was nice to see a version of a love that didn't fade, only move to the background during periods, but always returning to the forefront. Though I understood it to be Teddy and Olivia in their golden years, it all seems to be fuzzy in details. Only that her husband died, she found the violin, and she thought of him. Teddy, as a consultant on violins, receives it and starts remembering everything. But see, it was just an ok story. Not something I would read or rave about to my friends. Interesting plot, idea, but the story was just ok.
The reason I chose to read this book is because of the movie, "The Red Violin." I enjoyed that moving and this story, with it's love story, seemed interesting. It is interesting. However, I would get confused with the narrator's (Teddy actually) perspective, the way there was no pause between memory and the present. I'd be in the middle of a paragraph before I realized he was either in a memory or currently talking about the present. I got disengaged with the story some chapters in because of that and struggled to finish.
Other than that, it was nice to see a version of a love that didn't fade, only move to the background during periods, but always returning to the forefront. Though I understood it to be Teddy and Olivia in their golden years, it all seems to be fuzzy in details. Only that her husband died, she found the violin, and she thought of him. Teddy, as a consultant on violins, receives it and starts remembering everything. But see, it was just an ok story. Not something I would read or rave about to my friends. Interesting plot, idea, but the story was just ok.
August 25, 2017
Strings: A Love Story surprised me. It starts with a snippet of present day and a long missing famous violin. Honestly, I could have done without that whole aspect. The real story starts with a high school romance between Ted and Olivia at boarding school is California. Ted is from a wealthy family, and his parents have serious expectations for his future path. Olivia is the daughter of the campus maid. They’re cast as Lancelot and Guinevere in the production of Camelot. I feel in love with them both immediately.
The book follows them (mostly Ted) over the next few decades. It reminded me a little of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Ted is a world famous violinist and Olivia is an actress. Somehow their lives just don’t overlap again after high school.
It’s bittersweet but once again Megan Edwards writing is compelling. I couldn’t put this book down. I read it on my phone every chance I got. It’s pretty character-driven, but I really enjoyed it.
http://opinionatedbooklover.com/revie...
The book follows them (mostly Ted) over the next few decades. It reminded me a little of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Ted is a world famous violinist and Olivia is an actress. Somehow their lives just don’t overlap again after high school.
It’s bittersweet but once again Megan Edwards writing is compelling. I couldn’t put this book down. I read it on my phone every chance I got. It’s pretty character-driven, but I really enjoyed it.
http://opinionatedbooklover.com/revie...
July 14, 2017
This was an enjoyable book which I read in one day. It is very well written and I think it would make a wonderful movie. If your looking for a feel good book this is a great choice. I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review
June 8, 2017
I throughly enjoyed this well written romance. Strings has a good plot and characters. I received an arc via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
December 14, 2021
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
It took reading several chapters of this book for me to get "into" it. I gave this book 3.5 stars.
Edward Spencer III, known as Ted, grew up in an affluent home. His family owned a luggage company that went back many generations. When Ted was just a baby, his Dad already had Ted's life planned out for him not caring what Ted wanted. Ted would go to Yale like he did, then go work by his side at the company learning from him, so when he retired, he knew the company was in good hands. But his parents never expected him to fall in love with a violin when he was only 8 years old at camp; and actually have some potential. They thought it was just a hobby, one they discouraged. Which only made him work harder at mastering it.
Now a senior at an expensive boarding school, Ted tried out for the school musical/play "Camelot" he lands the leading role of Lancelot. When 3 popular girls don't get the part of Guinevere and Olivia de la Vega is chosen instead, everyone's true colors begin to show. Olivia is a sophomore and her mother is the school's maid. But she doesn't let anyone or anything shake her confidence when she's on stage or on campus. Ted is obsessed with her, but he doesn't know how to act on his feelings. When he finally gets the nerve to ask her to the school dance at the country club, she says no. Defeated, he doesn't know what to do. So when Olivia asks him to go to a festival off campus with her, he's excited. From that night on, they are a couple.
Ted makes a big mistake when he brings Olivia home before graduation. Ted thinks everything went perfectly with Olivia and his parents; but behind his back his parents had manipulated Olivia into walking away by telling her lies. When they arrive back to campus, she brushes him off in the weeks leading up to graduation. That's when her mother decides to do her share of manipulating when Ted leaves Olivia a letter to meet him at a certain time and place.
Ted declines Yale and goes to Juilliard to pursue his passion for music. His relationship with his dad was never the same after his decision. Ted moved to Vienna after graduating Juilliard and performed in the Vienna Philharmonic for years.
Meanwhile, Olivia dropped out of school, got an agent, and became a big star in Hollywood, CA. She later got married and had a baby girl. Five years later while going through a divorce, she and Ted reconnect and it's like they've never been apart. They start talking about their future together, that is until her husband starts playing dirty and wants her money in exchange for custody. Ted's been rich his whole life, he doesn't understand why Olivia won't give her soon-to-be-ex all the money he's asking for. Ted's been waiting in limbo for 9 months with no end in sight and he's sick of it, he finally tells her so and ends things; by starting a relationship with someone else. Years later, Olivia marries a rich, older, Italian man. Ted had ended his new relationship after two years and decided to remain a bachelor. He now lives in NY.
When Ted's father has a massive heart attack and dies on the golf course, he flies home to California to be with his mom. While sitting in his Dad's study, he sees 2 photo albums on the shelf. His Dad kept every newspaper article and/or magazine interview Ted's ever given, along with a dozen play bill catalogs from his performances his Dad personally attended without Ted's knowledge. Even has his records. When his parents were in the city that Ted was performing in, Ted got them tickets. For his Dad to fly to Europe just to hear Ted play, had him in tears for the first time in years. He had thought that he was a disappointment to his father for not following his Dad's plans for Ted's life. He never knew that he was proud of him.
He flies back to NY, and buys a house 2 weeks later in a wealthy suburb outside the city. His mom moved out of the big house in L.A. and moved into their condo in Newport. But she didn't want to get rid of anything in their old house. She gave the home to Ted, but he didn't want to move back to L.A. So he bought a 3 story, 8 bedroom, 10 room home to store his mom's furniture and everything else she couldn't part with or have room for.
One day, to his surprise, he gets an email from Olivia. Her husband died and left her a violin hidden in a piece of furniture. She was online looking for a violin appraiser and his name popped up. She wanted to fly out ASAP for his help. He agrees and now he has nothing but time until she shows up. He knows that she was married for 10 years before he died. Her daughter is now in college, so she's free to do what she wants to now. But does she still have feelings for him anymore?
Will Ted finally go after the girl he's wanted for 33 years? Will this time be the right time for both of them?
A good read!
It took reading several chapters of this book for me to get "into" it. I gave this book 3.5 stars.
Edward Spencer III, known as Ted, grew up in an affluent home. His family owned a luggage company that went back many generations. When Ted was just a baby, his Dad already had Ted's life planned out for him not caring what Ted wanted. Ted would go to Yale like he did, then go work by his side at the company learning from him, so when he retired, he knew the company was in good hands. But his parents never expected him to fall in love with a violin when he was only 8 years old at camp; and actually have some potential. They thought it was just a hobby, one they discouraged. Which only made him work harder at mastering it.
Now a senior at an expensive boarding school, Ted tried out for the school musical/play "Camelot" he lands the leading role of Lancelot. When 3 popular girls don't get the part of Guinevere and Olivia de la Vega is chosen instead, everyone's true colors begin to show. Olivia is a sophomore and her mother is the school's maid. But she doesn't let anyone or anything shake her confidence when she's on stage or on campus. Ted is obsessed with her, but he doesn't know how to act on his feelings. When he finally gets the nerve to ask her to the school dance at the country club, she says no. Defeated, he doesn't know what to do. So when Olivia asks him to go to a festival off campus with her, he's excited. From that night on, they are a couple.
Ted makes a big mistake when he brings Olivia home before graduation. Ted thinks everything went perfectly with Olivia and his parents; but behind his back his parents had manipulated Olivia into walking away by telling her lies. When they arrive back to campus, she brushes him off in the weeks leading up to graduation. That's when her mother decides to do her share of manipulating when Ted leaves Olivia a letter to meet him at a certain time and place.
Ted declines Yale and goes to Juilliard to pursue his passion for music. His relationship with his dad was never the same after his decision. Ted moved to Vienna after graduating Juilliard and performed in the Vienna Philharmonic for years.
Meanwhile, Olivia dropped out of school, got an agent, and became a big star in Hollywood, CA. She later got married and had a baby girl. Five years later while going through a divorce, she and Ted reconnect and it's like they've never been apart. They start talking about their future together, that is until her husband starts playing dirty and wants her money in exchange for custody. Ted's been rich his whole life, he doesn't understand why Olivia won't give her soon-to-be-ex all the money he's asking for. Ted's been waiting in limbo for 9 months with no end in sight and he's sick of it, he finally tells her so and ends things; by starting a relationship with someone else. Years later, Olivia marries a rich, older, Italian man. Ted had ended his new relationship after two years and decided to remain a bachelor. He now lives in NY.
When Ted's father has a massive heart attack and dies on the golf course, he flies home to California to be with his mom. While sitting in his Dad's study, he sees 2 photo albums on the shelf. His Dad kept every newspaper article and/or magazine interview Ted's ever given, along with a dozen play bill catalogs from his performances his Dad personally attended without Ted's knowledge. Even has his records. When his parents were in the city that Ted was performing in, Ted got them tickets. For his Dad to fly to Europe just to hear Ted play, had him in tears for the first time in years. He had thought that he was a disappointment to his father for not following his Dad's plans for Ted's life. He never knew that he was proud of him.
He flies back to NY, and buys a house 2 weeks later in a wealthy suburb outside the city. His mom moved out of the big house in L.A. and moved into their condo in Newport. But she didn't want to get rid of anything in their old house. She gave the home to Ted, but he didn't want to move back to L.A. So he bought a 3 story, 8 bedroom, 10 room home to store his mom's furniture and everything else she couldn't part with or have room for.
One day, to his surprise, he gets an email from Olivia. Her husband died and left her a violin hidden in a piece of furniture. She was online looking for a violin appraiser and his name popped up. She wanted to fly out ASAP for his help. He agrees and now he has nothing but time until she shows up. He knows that she was married for 10 years before he died. Her daughter is now in college, so she's free to do what she wants to now. But does she still have feelings for him anymore?
Will Ted finally go after the girl he's wanted for 33 years? Will this time be the right time for both of them?
A good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2018
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (1/18)
“Strings: A Love Story” by Megan Edwards is a beautiful love story that will absolutely melt the hearts of romance novel devotees.
Ted and Olivia have been in love since they first met each other in high school, where Ted was cast as Lancelot and Olivia as Guenevere in the school’s production of Camelot. Surely a sign they are meant to be together, right? But fate interferes from the beginning as life gets in the way. Ted becomes a respected violinist with the Vienna Philharmonic, Olivia a famous actress. Both work hard to accomplish their dreams, and from all appearances they both have everything they’ve ever desired. But, at what cost?
Okay, I am a sucker for romance and Megan Edwards must have seen me coming! I absolutely loved this story. It starts as a sweet, almost coming-of-age-boy-meets-girl type of romance and continues over several decades, with love always just a bit out of reach.
Timeless issues like societal barriers, life going in different directions, misunderstandings, and ill-fated timing, are given a fresh face as Edwards brings new life to the beloved genre through “Strings,” with one simple tactic: telling the story through Ted’s point of view. Imagine the tenderness, the bittersweet, the pining—all from a man’s point of view – wow! Ted captured my heart and my whole experience with the story was elevated as I connected with Ted through his heart, his feelings and the actions he takes to push through the rough patches. Edwards certainly captures the souls of her characters—they are authentic and relatable, though not all likeable. Readers will fall in love with several of them and despise a few others, but there aren’t any characters that do not evoke some sort of reaction.
I was also impressed with the knowledge emanating through the pages relating to the musical side of the story. Edwards is either a classical music and violin aficionado, or she really did her homework. A little dose of drama around a violin that has been missing for centuries adds another layer to the story and a certain bit of elegance to an already sophisticated plot.
The writing is absolutely fabulous, and the storyline and characters are captivating and engaging. You might think you know how it’s going to end, but you don’t. Trust me. I highly recommend “Strings: A Love Story” by Megan Edwards for a mesmerizing emotional journey.
“Strings: A Love Story” by Megan Edwards is a beautiful love story that will absolutely melt the hearts of romance novel devotees.
Ted and Olivia have been in love since they first met each other in high school, where Ted was cast as Lancelot and Olivia as Guenevere in the school’s production of Camelot. Surely a sign they are meant to be together, right? But fate interferes from the beginning as life gets in the way. Ted becomes a respected violinist with the Vienna Philharmonic, Olivia a famous actress. Both work hard to accomplish their dreams, and from all appearances they both have everything they’ve ever desired. But, at what cost?
Okay, I am a sucker for romance and Megan Edwards must have seen me coming! I absolutely loved this story. It starts as a sweet, almost coming-of-age-boy-meets-girl type of romance and continues over several decades, with love always just a bit out of reach.
Timeless issues like societal barriers, life going in different directions, misunderstandings, and ill-fated timing, are given a fresh face as Edwards brings new life to the beloved genre through “Strings,” with one simple tactic: telling the story through Ted’s point of view. Imagine the tenderness, the bittersweet, the pining—all from a man’s point of view – wow! Ted captured my heart and my whole experience with the story was elevated as I connected with Ted through his heart, his feelings and the actions he takes to push through the rough patches. Edwards certainly captures the souls of her characters—they are authentic and relatable, though not all likeable. Readers will fall in love with several of them and despise a few others, but there aren’t any characters that do not evoke some sort of reaction.
I was also impressed with the knowledge emanating through the pages relating to the musical side of the story. Edwards is either a classical music and violin aficionado, or she really did her homework. A little dose of drama around a violin that has been missing for centuries adds another layer to the story and a certain bit of elegance to an already sophisticated plot.
The writing is absolutely fabulous, and the storyline and characters are captivating and engaging. You might think you know how it’s going to end, but you don’t. Trust me. I highly recommend “Strings: A Love Story” by Megan Edwards for a mesmerizing emotional journey.
January 26, 2020
While this is considered a love story, there is much more to the book. The budding relationship between Ted and Olivia was touching. You find yourself cheering them on. And when things don't go as expected, your heart breaks. The way parents interfere in their lives makes the reader sit back and reflect on how he or she may have affected their own child's life.
Life happens and while the majority of the book focuses on Ted's life (which makes sense since he is the narrator of the book), you get glimpses into Olivia's life. You finally discover a mystery in part of the story. And what a great twist this brings to Ted's life.
So where does the title, Strings, come from? To me, there were three themes that fit with the title. For one, the strings on the violin plays a primary role in Ted's life. Then you see the strings of family ties that control Ted's and Olivia's future. And, finally, you can imagine the strings that continue pulling Ted and Olivia together and apart.
This was a lovely tale that will have you stopping to listen to the pieces of music featured. That just added a depth of emotion for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Imbrifex Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Life happens and while the majority of the book focuses on Ted's life (which makes sense since he is the narrator of the book), you get glimpses into Olivia's life. You finally discover a mystery in part of the story. And what a great twist this brings to Ted's life.
So where does the title, Strings, come from? To me, there were three themes that fit with the title. For one, the strings on the violin plays a primary role in Ted's life. Then you see the strings of family ties that control Ted's and Olivia's future. And, finally, you can imagine the strings that continue pulling Ted and Olivia together and apart.
This was a lovely tale that will have you stopping to listen to the pieces of music featured. That just added a depth of emotion for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Imbrifex Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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