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Song For A Lost Kingdom #3

Song for a Lost Kingdom: The Heart Beats in Time

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“Suspenseful and inventive.” - Linda F.   “The tension level is incredible!” - Dianne C.
In the final instalment of the Song for a Lost Kingdom trilogy, Adeena Stuart and Katharine Carnegie search for the music that neither can complete on their own.
Finding themselves living three centuries apart and each assuming the identity of the other, Adeena and Katharine must overcome their own unique challenges, all the while hiding the truth of who they really are from those around them.
Adeena is pregnant in Scotland following the slaughter at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746. Her husband James Drummond and his brother John Drummond, are being hunted as Jacobite traitors by the revengeful butchers of King George’s Hanoverian army. Sentenced to cruel deaths, they escape to Ireland only to find even greater danger in the ruthless cunning of Henry ‘Hangman’ Hawley who will stop at nothing to extinguish any further rebellion against English dominance over Ireland and Scotland. Adeena’s one comfort is the Duncan Cello and her music that inspires all who hear her perform. The cello is her companion through battles, fires, storms and floods. It is perhaps the only thing she can truly rely on. Katharine meanwhile awakes in the year 2019, confused by even the simplest technologies and overwhelmed by the strange customs of the modern world. Pregnant from an unknown father, and uncertain about whether true love lies in the past or present, she finds respite in her music and the only thing familiar about this strange place – the Duncan Cello, now a prize artifact of the National Gallery of Canada. Adeena and Katharine find a way to compose ‘The Heart Beats in Time’ a song that reflects the turmoil in both their lives. Together they see it through to the final bars and the page-turning conclusion of the Song for a Lost Kingdom series.
Lose yourself in this novel of music, history and love that finds a way to transcend the barriers of time.

----- Comments from advance “The story is so smoothly flowing, everything seems to rise and fall so seamlessly from one character to another. The characters are so full and alive, I couldn't help but become enveloped..." - Nevine R.
“I just wanted to drop you a line, to tell you that SFLK III is awesome!!! I absolutely love how you brought both of the women to their different times, and how they are transitioning.” - Tina L
“I absolutely LOVE SFLK Book III - The Heart Beats In Time.” - Gail H.
“This is so far the best book you've written yet. It's suspenseful and inventive.” -  Linda F.
“If this were a movie, I’d have been watching it with my hands over my eyes, peeking through my fingers, afraid to see what’s coming but needing to know anyway. The tension level is incredible!” - Dianne C.

Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2020

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About the author

Steve Moretti

13 books262 followers
I am drawn to creativity in whatever form it takes, fascinated by all we do still do not understand about the universe and continually surprised by the things human beings do or have done.

My writing journey started in broadcast journalism, public relations, and advertising, then continued into educational software development while running a company I founded and ran for twenty years.
I now concentrate my time on writing historical fantasy, with one series complete, Song for a Lost Kingdom and the first book in a follow-up trilogy, Michael Angelo & the Stone Mistress released earlier this year.

I also co-authored a biographical work on composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky entitled Pyotr which explores key moments in Tchaikovsky’s difficult life.

I grew up in London, Ontario and also lived in Pompano Beach, Florida as a teenager. I moved to Ottawa to attend Carleton University many years ago and now live just south of the city with my wife and a fountain pen full of words.

Please visit stevemorett.ca for information on all my books and audiobooks.

You can download a FREE copy of my novella prequel to the Song for a Lost Kingdom series and join my mailing list to keep updated on new and current projects.

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5 stars
47 (65%)
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19 (26%)
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3 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
439 reviews42 followers
August 3, 2020
Both girls have woken up.
After the infamous battle of Culloden, Adeena managed to save James from the exploding ship. H remains unconscious though and his wounds are festering. On top of that, a bounty hunter posing as a surgeon tries to saw off one of his feet. Sir James Carnegie (Katherine’s brother), who’s fighting for the English king and army is ordered by the Duke of Cumberland to find both James and John Drummond so they can be executed as Jacobite traitors. The savage acts of cruelty continue haunt him.
While James was destined to die on 13/05/1746, Adeena keeps trying to save him from that fate. It isn’t easy to beat the odds of destiny and a new death date appears in the antique diary.
Katherine Drummond wakes up in 2019 in Adeena’s body and thinks that she died and is in heaven. When she finds out the truth, she confesses that she’s not Adeena but Katherine. But there’s a snake in paradise and maybe even more than just one.
Both girls are also pregnant. The story becomes eerie when both girls can hear each other when they play ‘the Duncan’ and even set up a musical code so they can talk.

I take that you’ve read the 2 previous books before reading this one because this really is a continuous story and I’m afraid that you’ll miss out on too much if you just read this last part.
It’s a beautiful, heart-breaking story and I’ve said as much as I can without being guilty of spoilers. It’s a thrilling suspenseful and romantic story that poses an interesting question; can the course of history be altered and if you try, what price will you pay? Will the girls return to their own times? Will they both find happiness? What about their babies?
This story is not for the squeamish as the atrocities and cruel savagery of the English troops against the Scottish people are not shunned or evaded. They’re not explicitly described, but even the mere mention of those brutal attacks and vengeance go against normal human behaviour and qualify for terms as genocide and war crimes. That all this was applauded and even ordered by the highest ranks and the duke of Cumberland (Prince William the eldest son of King George) himself comes as no surprise to Scottish people. Even 300 years later there’s still some resentment over those atrocities.
The author did a great job and made the book that suspenseful that I forgot to notice the historical details. There was an interesting bit on medicinal practices in the 18th century and also mentions of current controversial theories on epigenetic tags in our DNA and memories from our ancestors that seep through the generations. Both are very serious topics that deserve a better explanation than I can give: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epigene...
Don’t worry; you don’t have to be a scientist to read this book. I’m a bit surprised about my own interest and liking for this story as I’m normally not too keen on romance. But this is done very nicely and even rather realistic. Although I do have a small problem with the ending and the behaviour of the couples. Overall it’s a great ending to the trilogy.
I thank the author for sending me a free ARC and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
Profile Image for Diane.
525 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2020
If this book was a movie, I’d have been watching it with my hands over my eyes, peeking through my fingers, afraid to see what’s coming but absolutely needing to know anyway. The tension level is incredible in places! But that's not all that this story offers. There is loyalty, love, and the persistent caring and support of people who have defined their family whether it has blood ties or not.

I like the way the author switches the point of view, mostly between the two main characters, but also with the supporting cast. It's easy to follow and enhances the feeling of immersion in the story.

The story is intelligently written, as if the author is treating his readers as smart, curious people who aren't invested in the book for just mindless entertainment. We get interesting ideas like transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and a captivating look into a fight for freedom and dignity that occurred centuries ago that I'd never heard of before reading this series. These things and more, woven into a terrific story with suspense and some surprising twists at the end has made this one of my favorite time travel stories.

Please note, if you picked up this third book independent of the first two, I strongly recommend that you read the first two books of the series before reading this one. They're well worth the time and will give you the back story on all of the characters and help to understand what's going on in this book.
158 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2020
Sorry to see Adeena and Katherine’s story end!

I have to say there were directions the book took that I didn’t really like. But in the end, I was happy! This was a very good series. The characters were wonderful! It shows how love can conquer all things if given the chance.

This is my honest review. Suggest you read the series for a great read!
31 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2020
Some things transcend time. Music is one of them. And in Song for a Lost Kingdom, it does so quite literally!

Adeena Stuart is a cellist working at a museum, when a special 18th century cello lands up at her museum for display. And miracles happen when she plays it- she’s transported back into time to become Katherine Carnegie. But as Katherine comes alive there, present day Adeena falls into a deep coma. Katherine needs saving, and it’s up to Adeena to do it. Will Adeena be up to the task, even with the enormous health and familial repercussions related to this ‘transformation’?

Exactly why and what does Katherine, a woman long dead, need saving from?
How can a woman of the twenty-first century become someone from the 18th century?

If you want to delve into a colorful world of Scottish history pentupled with romance, time travel, music, and thriller, Song for a Lost Kingdom is your go to series. I read the first two books in 2019, and was ruing the fact that the third book wasn’t out yet, so blown away was I with the concept. I even told one of my friends that if history was taught like this, everyone would be historians! Just knowing how the story ends is not enough, we have to know the in’s and out’s, the means to the end.

There’s the perfect amount of musical technicality that won’t overwhelm the non-musician, but the musician would revel in. Not to mention, there’s a thriller aspect of ‘What next, Will she do it? How will she manage it?’ that makes the book literally unputdownable.(As proof, I read 3 books of around 350 pages each, in four to five days, abandoning all other tasks).

The writing is super smooth, the plot is a perfect mix of several genres. Also, we are essentially getting two juicy stories for the price of one– Adeena’s story in today’s time, and Katherine Carnegie’s story from the 18th century. The author has very effortlessly switched between Adeena and Katherine, without confusing the reader between the two, which is a remarkable feat.

I really don’t think anyone will not enjoy this well-written, well thought out, uh-mazingly well researched series. So go for it and let me know after you’ve read it, if you’re not as blown away as I was.
Profile Image for Shomeret.
1,062 reviews208 followers
August 12, 2020
I have reviewed the first two books in the Song For A Lost Kingdom (SFLK) trilogy by Canadian author Steve Moretti. I am now reviewing an ARC of the third SFLK book which I received for free from the author.

Like the previous volumes, music and Jacobites are strong focuses in this novel. Yet the central dilemma of the plot in the third book is displacement in time. Female protagonists Adeena and Katharine are unable to return to the time periods where they belong. It will seem to the reader that this is much more of a problem for 18th century Katharine Carnegie who is totally baffled by the 21st century. Yet as the story line hurtles towards its climax, there are urgent family reasons why Adeena Stuart should return from the 18th century to 21st century Canada.

Both women have inner conflicts that are well-portrayed. Steve Moretti ably ramps up the turmoil in their lives. It seemed as if every plot element and each relationship reached a state of crisis over the course of the narrative.

The resolution was a bittersweet one. It was both heartrending and cathartic. It also seemed inevitable. This is what needed to happen to set everything right. In the end of the SFLK trilogy, there is loss but there is also rebirth. This strikes the chord of truth for me. It's what happens in so many real lives. I was satisfied by SFLK #3. I will never forget the music at the heart of these novels, but I am ready to move on to Steve Moretti's next project.

For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for Jessica Belmont.
1,483 reviews50 followers
August 24, 2020
A Song For A Lost Kingdom is definitely not a standalone. It is important to read the first two novels to really understand what is going on.

This plotline is very interesting. Our two main characters have been lost in each other’s timelines. I think the idea is really intriguing. I enjoyed the mixture of music into this entire series. It is almost a character of its own and I enjoy that.

I like this book more than the previous book. I think the answers I’ve been looking for have finally been given to me. The pacing is good, the characters are very well developed. I enjoyed reading this one.

Overall, an excellent series. Give it a shot. It has a unique premise that is worth exploring.

Rating:
4/5☆

*I received a free copy of this book from Digital Reads Blog Tours in exchange for an honest revies on the book blitz. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
142 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2020
I so love this story of Adeena and Katharine... with their love and total love with the Duncan Cello! It shows how deep ones caring and true self could go.. even through time itself! This definitely wound-up the series in so many different ways... I hate to see them go, but so enjoyed all they offered. It also makes one wonder... if you could go back in time, or forward,.. what would you love about that, or miss, lose or gain in what you desire???
This book is good as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading in order, as it has so much more to offer.
Thank you Mr. Steve Moretti for another great read, continuance of a series, and alas, the ending of a great story!
Profile Image for Kath.
294 reviews
August 27, 2020
An Ending That Made Me Smile

The third book, I can hardly say anything other than what a nice ending to this series of three books. I already miss that magical Duncan cello and just know that everything turned out as it was supposed to be. A nice series and a nice book three. Love and music and time travel. Wonderful.
2,024 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2020
Wonderful book; great trilogy! There is a complex plot that becomes more believable with every page. I loved all the primary characters (except the villains, of course!) and their dialogue was appropriate whether modern or 18th century.. Two of the main characters had the same first name (James versus Sir James) which was very confusing at times but overall this is a fine read! Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
70 reviews
January 17, 2021
Because I am retired I can read as much as I want. But I don’t usually read entire books all in one day as was the case with Song for a Lost Kingdom book 3. After devouring the prequel and books 1 & 2 I charged into book 3 with one mission. To finish the series. I literally could not put this book down What an amazing story and concept. Steve Moretti has really created a an incredible novel. Adeena Stuart from 2019 and Katherine Carnegie from 1700s Ireland are both musicians that are somehow connected by a special Cello crafted in Katherines time that ends up with Adeena in 2019. While playing the cello Adeena ends up 1700s Ireland / England and is connected with Katherine thru time. From Adeena,s point of view she becomes Katherine and a fully developed and complex storyline takes place involving kings, princes, lords and an exciting & brutal war that takes place between England and Ireland. There is also a lot of medical science and of course multiple love stories. In short the best adventure novel I have read in a long time. This book is a great adventure story
28 reviews
September 24, 2020
Timeless

The concept and final delivery of this and books I and II has been a real delight. While a fantasy, the history and fictional lives of the characters really stir emotions and learning. A great read. Am looking forward to more from Steve Moretti.
193 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2020
This is the third book I have read by Steven Moretti and by far it was his best. I have watched the steady development of this talented writer for many years and I think he is near the top of his trade.
Many of the characters in this book feel like friends of the family and you are sharing their trials and tribulations vicariously. The book has everything needed to make a great read; adventure, romance, excitment and suspence.

I recomment it to anyone seeking an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Fiona Andrew.
767 reviews14 followers
September 1, 2020
I have been entranced with this series from the very first page of the very first book. It’s stimulated my mind with patriotic thoughts of my homeland, I wanted to go back to Scotland and to visit Canada and wander the places mentioned in this series. I could see them in my minds eye as they were and as they are. I am going back to the beginning to re read this series as the tale of Adeena and Katherine deserves many reads. I am sorry the series is complete but my life has been enthralled by Te characters and the masterfully woven tale of all their lives. I’d grab yourself a copy and curl up in your favourite reading spot and lose yourself in a fabulous series. Highly
27 reviews
November 24, 2020
I was completely lost within this book, my absolute favourite of the 3 books. Loved them all but this one had me gripped. I felt I had been dragged into the story with them. I felt I really got to know both Adeena and Katherine so well. Wow what a great screen series this would make. All credit to the author Steve Moretti, he sure knows how to captivate and draw in his readers. Highly recommend this wonderful book
Profile Image for Toni Simpson.
287 reviews
August 20, 2020
Wonderful

Loved this third book of the series. Adeena and Katherine's story continues so seamlessly and all their music duets with their messaging via their cello let one freely use their imagination and believe.
Profile Image for S. Daisy.
200 reviews56 followers
August 18, 2020
Quite enjoyable read. A great end to a great series. I will miss Adeena and friends very much, though! It's sad that there will not be anymore Song for a Lost Kingdom books coming out in the future.
Profile Image for Tam.
1,916 reviews42 followers
August 10, 2020
Clever and imaginative! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Profile Image for Amy.
174 reviews6 followers
August 13, 2020
Adeena Stuart and Katharine Carnegie have both woken up in the other's life.

You can read my full review in my Blitz post on my blog.

Book 3 was definitely what I was hoping for and delivered many 'oh my gosh' moments as I had expected. The conclusion to this series was everything it needed to be and a very satisfying end to both Adeena and Katharine's journeys.
Profile Image for Jennifer Willison.
215 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2020
This is book 3 in this amazing series. The story of the girls will keep you turning pages. You wont want to stop reading until the end, and even then some!
August 8, 2021
I love time travel

This isn’t the typical time travel book, it’s more informative. I learned so much about a unique discovery in DNA. When you read about it, research it and learn more, too. I almost didn’t read this book. I loved the first, but the second one seemed too slow and somewhat repetitive. They were constantly waiting for Adeena to wake up from her coma. There was a very important, fundamental question I never asked myself. Where was the real Katherine? This book answers that question and my heart broke for her. Stuck in the future thinking it was heaven only to find out it was more than 260 years ahead of her time. I don’t want to be a spoiler alert and I don’t think I have been. Maybe expanded your mind to do your own research. It was more than worth the time to read this third book.
May 29, 2021
Great Historical Fiction

As a huge fan of the story and characters of Outlander ( not necessarily the time travel aspect), I was wary of reading another similar series involving time travel. But, I truly enjoyed this trilogy. The story and characters did not disappoint.
69 reviews
December 1, 2021
Best Audiobook ever.
Catherine last goodbye to Adena in the Journals was unexpectingly beautiful and touching. I shed a tear as I listened. Great ending.
I'm sadden the story has ended.
Profile Image for Holly Lenz.
830 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2021
The Heart Beats in Time is the third book in this entertaining time travel adventure and romance centered around a cello. In this book, we finally get to meet the “real” Catherine Carnegie. Sometimes the story feels a bit like a soap opera because so much happens, but it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Let’s talk about the cello though. My father is a cellist, and I know the value of s good cello. Every time that cello got dropped, it made me cringe. The idea of dragging a cello across Scotland and Ireland during war seemed somewhat far fetched. They aren’t exactly portable. And you don’t check a cello into baggage. Mr. Cello had to have his own seat, sometimes in first class while my dad flew coach, and yes, he had to pay for the ticket.

Spoiler alert (don’t read this paragraph before you read the book): the fate of the cello in the end kind of ruined the book for me. I can’t stand it when precious artifacts get destroyed in books and movies, and you can’t get much more precious then this cello.

This series includes sex scenes, so recommended for mature readers/ listeners.

The audiobook is a complete production with multiple narrators and an original score. It’s an impressive feat. However, I couldn’t help be disappointed by the musical selections. They were pleasant enough, but when the descriptions talk about how amazing these compositions are, it’s hard to live up to the hype. The songs sounded too simple and poppy and did not have enough cello in them. These needed to be virtuosic Scottish cello pieces that would move an audience and change fate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Teresa Kilpatrick.
168 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2020
I received a free copy of this novel by Book Siren, any and all opinions and commentary are my own and in no way reflect the author, Book Siren or any other reviewers. This book is the final book in a trilogy, it involves time-travel, historical events, romance and a LOT of absurdity.

I would love to say that I like this book… or that I loved the series. To anyone who reads this review, know that I would call myself a series addict. This series might have cured me of that. Book one was great. By book two, I was questioning the series. To say that final book was horrible would be a kind description. It had great promise… then it went on a ridiculous trip to which I can not even find words to describe. This is coming from someone who loves Syfy.

When did the author loose me? Without spoilers… the reveal 2019 Adeena/Katherines’ pregnancy and the paternity—the author would have been better served to make the pregnancy a phantom pregnancy. Then Dr Lochiel messing with lives of mother and daughter. It was more improbable than the conductor/composer/cellist not knowing of the music. The time-slip soul-swap was a good enough story, adding the “extra” elements was too much. The swap at the ending just made we want to scream. Should the author read this—you started off so well—less is more.
Profile Image for Britt.
48 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2021
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

This book was cool in its concept, with music being the vehicle of magic, so to speak. I liked how the history of Scotland was brought into this book, giving the book a good anchor to both the real world and the magic realism it presented. I would say that it is very obvious that the author is male as some of the descriptions of women and their concerns in the book come off as a bit stereotypical, or perhaps trying too hard to make it seem like an actual/natural female perspective. As Shakespeare once wrote, “the lady doth protest too much.” Other than that, I did enjoy reading this book and look forward to the series.
42 reviews
June 12, 2022
Too many emotions experienced in this series for me to be happy that it has ended.
This last book in the Song for a Lost Kingdom series twisted and turned through Katharine and Adeena both being conscious in different time periods, but linked through the Duncan Cello. A wonderful finale and I cannot wait to dive into this Authors other offerings. My sincerest thanks for this bundle of writing genius.

I received this as a complimentary review copy and have written my own unbiased opinion of this book.
2 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2020
A great finish to a great trilogy. The plot twists kept me guessing right up to the last chapter, and the ending, in my opinion, was the perfect finale to this musical time-travelling epic!
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