Eleven Pipers Piping

The Twelve Days of Christmas #2

by Emily E.K. Murdoch

It’s 1813, with eleven pipers piping—but only one has caught Harmony's eye…

Harmony Fitzroy never expected to fall into the spotlight. Her musical talents finally recognized, despite her shyness she's offered an invitation: to participate in the Christmas Eve Concert at the Assembly Rooms in Bath. If only a fellow musician hadn't caught her eye, she'd be able to focus on the music.

David Navarre is everything Harmony knows she shouldn't go near; a gentleman of dark handsome looks, sparkling wit, and absolutely no money. But David has a secret - one he's left behind in Manchester, a scandal he doesn't want high society in Bath to discover. Especially Harmony.

His eleven pipers piping are drawing a crowd, but that's the last thing Harmony wants. She has to marry for money, but he's about to teach her how their bodies can play a new melody together…

Genres: Christmas, Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Novella, Holiday, Historical Fiction

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2022

About the author

Emily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.

You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What was love without trust?"

The second installment in The Twelve Days of Christmas series, Eleven Pipers Piping continues the Fitzroy ladies' search for romance in Regency England. Filled with tender moments, this was such a lovely yet passionate story characterized by a beautiful connection and a mutual love for music.

Harmony Fitzroy, a shy young woman lacking confidence in her abilities, receives an invitation to play in a Christmas Eve concert in Bath, finally recognized for the skill she clearly possesses. During her lessons, she meets David Navarre, a handsome and talented musician from Manchester, and the two are drawn to each other instantly, pulling her attention away from music.

There was so much to love about this story. Harmony and David complemented each other perfectly, sharing a beautiful connection filled with passion and emotion. I loved how comfortable they were with each other, opening up in ways neither had before, knowing the other better than they knew themselves. When they finally came together, what they shared burned with a fiery intensity in scenes enhanced with stunning music metaphors.

In a tale of forbidden desire with the risk of scandal and tarnished reputations imminent, secrets and lies resulted in the third act breakup and just the right amount of angst. I loved how Harmony and David learned to trust each other while exposing their vulnerabilities, ultimately bringing the focus of this story to marrying for love while never forgetting the importance of family in influencing our lives. I'm enjoy the dynamics within the Fitzroy family and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes next.

** Special thanks to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available October 14, 2022. **

[Diana N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A musical romance, 11 piccolos and all.
I definitely liked this second book in the series. I could definitely be read as a stand alone, but it was nice to see a couple familiar names..

This book had a good amount of holiday tie in and the musical concerts/lessons added something a little different than your typical romance.

Harmony and David's romance was definitely heavy, fast, and full of little misunderstandings. Who knew a music room could be so hot, especially a dark and handsomeman with a little piccolo. A normal society romance this book is not.

I'm excited for book 3 since there are a lot more Fitzroy cousins to get their own romances.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC for my honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Eleven Pipers Piping” captures the holiday spirit with love, laughter, and romance!

Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Ashlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hated David. That was my problem. I hated him and the way he treated Harmony. I hated the things he did. I hated the things he said. It was not okay to do what he did. It just wasn't. Nothing will make that okay. I really hope this series gets better, but this one makes me not want to continue. David was an awful person and he should not have treated Harmony that way. That's all I'm going to say about this book.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harmony Fitzroy never expected to fall into the spotlight. Her musical talents finally recognized, despite her shyness she's offered an invitation: to participate in the 1813 Christmas Eve Concert at the Assembly Rooms in Bath. If only a fellow musician hadn't caught her eye, she'd be able to focus on the music. David Navarre is everything Harmony knows she shouldn't go near; a gentleman of dark handsome looks, sparkling wit, and absolutely no money. But David has a secret - one he's left behind in Manchester, a scandal he doesn't want high society in Bath to discover.
The second in this count down to Christmas series featuring the twelve Fitzroy cousins. I really enjoyed this delightful read. Harmony & David are talented musicians & fall hard & fast for each other but secrets & misunderstandings threaten to tear them apart. A well written story which I read in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

These novella length books that end up making me feel all kinds of ways are becoming my absolute favourite ngl.

Eleven Pipers Piping tells the story of two musicians Harmony and David, about how they fell in love and damn what hot chemistry these two had!

I like the forbidden romance angle of historical romances and it gives the book a kind of angst that makes it really enjoyable. The best part of this book was Harmony falling in love with David as a person and ready to marry him despite being under the illusion of him being poor. Historical fiction is so deeply associated with wealth that this book came as a breath of fresh air to me.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harmony is 17 and that explains a lot of her juvenile thoughts. She got on my nerves a bit but overall I can get why she reacted the way she did.

David comes across as a scallywag musician, who is trying to take advantage of our young Harmony.

The ending was a bit strange but I'm glad it worked out in a tidy way.

[Emilija · Rating 2 out of 5]

2021 52 Book Challenge - Christmas Mini Challenge - 11) Eleven Pipers Piping

I quite enjoyed the musical setting of this novel, but I really wasn't caught by this story. It took me a couple days to read it because my attention just kept drifting away from this.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

Only two books in and I am really enjoying this series. I love holiday romances and these have definitely delivered. I really liked Harmony right from the start and was so glad that she found someone who could appreciate her talent and share in her passion for music. As with Jemima in 12 Drummers Drumming, it was clear that Harmony's family did not understand her and made her feel like an outsider in many ways. David is a great leading man. I kind of wish this had been a full length novel so we could have gotten more of his backstory - what did his brother do exactly? will he ever go back to Manchester and take his place in the family business? I was a little upset with Harmony for not performing in the concert. It was such a big deal to her at the beginning and she let a guy stop her from doing something she loved. Other than that, I found this to be a delightful holiday romance!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet & heartwarmingly festive romance!
This was an endearingly sweet read the type enjoyed best while snuggled up under a blanket sipping cinnamon spiced hot chocolate on a winters evening.
Our shy, perceptive, on the cusp of eighteen, Harmony, in all her innocent naivete, delights as she quietly tugs at your heartstrings. Aptly named - with her natural affinity for the pianoforte and harmonious chemistry with David - it's just lovely to see how the story unfolds as she blossoms with confidence under the notice of our hero, piccolo virtuoso, David.
One accidental meeting sparks an instanteous soul deep connection and magnetically tunes them, so blindly in their attraction, that you can't help but be swept along.
A gratifyingly charming novella that centres around well formed and colourful characters with mild touches of angst, vulnerability and insecurity, all interwoven with heated moments of intimacy, tenderness and thrumming chemistry and, not forgetting, a huge dollop of deliciously romantic first love! Rather lovely!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book number 2 in Emily Murdoch's new Christmas series; an ode to the 12 Days of Christmas, centred around the 12 cousins of the Fitzroy family. In this one, we meet some of the Bath cousins and siblings of the London Fitzroys from the first book. This one centres around Harmony.

She is a shyer cousin, but very musically talented, which is unusual in the family. The rest of the family is distinctly not musically talented and do not seem to appreciate her love of music. She has just been afforded a great honour, which is to be asked to be part of the musician group playing the renowned Bath Christmas Eve concert. She is thrilled by this invitation.

When she goes to speak to her pianoforte instructor about the invitation, she meets a handsome, talented piccolo player by the name of David Navarre. He is also going to be part of the musicians playing the concert and organizes a band of 11 pipers in Bath who are hired to play by various members of Society. David and Harmony share a love of music and a mutual attraction, and he inveigles various ways to spend time with Harmony. She reciprocates his attraction, despite thinking he is a poor musician. There is a mystery to his past including a break from his family, and he hides the fact that he is independently wealthy from society at large wanting to just focus on his love of music... and now sharing that with Harmony.

Harmony knows she is falling for David, but finds out by accident that her family is in a precarious financial situation because of some poor investments. She determines that she would do what she can for her family, even if that means giving up her blossoming relationship with a poor musician to marry for money.

This was a sweet seasonal story of two music loving romantics. However, I found that the author really leaned into the theme in these stories hard. It is cute, but at times stands out a bit much. But overall, it was a cute, fun, seasonal read. It is saved from being syrupy or saccharine sweet by the various personalities of the characters and their various sibling/family bickering - which is also pretty seasonal too in a way.

3.5 stars out of 5

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleven Pipers Piping by Emily EK Murdoch is part of her twelves days of Christmas series and is a sweet tale full of miscommunication. Or really, no communication at all. Harmony Fitzroy is an exemplary pianist born into a family of people with no musical talent, who don’t even enjoy listening. It breaks her heart, really. One day she is at her teacher’s and hears someone playing the piccolo, someone who plays it better than perfect. David Navarre, a poor young musician. She’s in love. So is he, as it turns out. He arranges to meet her at various places. He kisses her. It is all going well until one day she overhears a conversation between her parents and their solicitor. They are out of money, even her dowry. She cannot marry for love she must marry for money. So, David is out.

Harmony is naive young, well written, and in love. David is a more mature, more wealthy young man, estranged from his family. They are both decent characters, written with love and kindness. The story is simple with music added in. It does not take a mental giant to see where this will go but it is an enjoyable journey. It is a fun read. Happily-ever-after.

I was invited to read Eleven Pipers Piping by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #EmilyEKMurdoch #ElevenPipersPiping

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another installment in Ms. Murdoch's series of novellas incorporating the 12 Days of Christmas. While I did somewhat like this story, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. Harmony, one of the 12 female Fitzroy cousins, is quiet and shy but also skilled at and passionate about the pianoforte. David is also a musician who finds Harmony intriguing when they meet at their mutual music instructor's home. Their love story feels a bit immature - Harmony is painfully young, not even 18, and her character shows this. Readers are not told how old David is (indeed, much of David's background remains unexplained - who is the Company? Who is his brother? What did his brother do that is so terrible? Why would there be gossip?) but their overall interactions make me think he is also young. Indeed, there is a general feeling of immaturity around both Harmony and David, especially in the descriptions of David's home and lifestyle. That said, the characters do complement each other and the reader senses that they can grow together as a couple versus growing apart as they do eventually mature. I love the further interactions of the Fitzroy family, and will continue to read the stories in this series.

3 stars. Thank you to Dragonblade and NetGalley for an ARC of this title. The opinions herein are my own.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Another good novella based on the twelve days of Christams. There are a dozen daughters/cousins in the Fitzroy family and now it's the turn of Harmony to get her HEA. She's a musician but painfully shy and insecure. She meets David at her tutors house and she's delighted by his piccolo playing. He has a band of pipers who play together and give concerts. David is an odd hero as we find he's estranged from his brother and though his brother has the family business, David inherited all the cash. His butler says this was done by the father to reunite the family but David is not having it. Harmony in comparison has come from a loving family and though she over hears that the family is in financial trouble realises that her father would want her to marry for love not cash. She thinks her romance with David is impossible because she assumes he's poor. I did find the ending a bit abrupt but have a feeling that story arcs from both this and book 1 are still in play. Looking forward to the rest. Some sexual passion for those who prefer to know that it's not a squeaky clean read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three Fitzroy brothers, each with different interests, each the father of daughters, twelve in total. Rupert Fitzroy has two daughters, Joy and Harmony. Harmony loves music and is quite proficient at the piano-forte. On a visit to her music teacher, she meets David Navarre. The music coming from his piccolo has her enthralled. From the moment they meet, they sense a connection, and not just their music. They have so much in common and are obviously falling in love, but David is not forthcoming when she askes questions about him and his family. If there is no trust between them, can they hope for a future together? A misunderstanding, a missed concert, and a very helpful butler somehow work together to solve the problems between them. This is a delightful story. One of my favorite parts of the story is when the Fitzroy cousins are followed down the street by David and his ensemble, the Eleven Pipers Piping. The characters are great. The Fitzroy family is large and loving, charming, funny, boisterous, and welcoming. Everything David needs in his life. Great read!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little story featuring a shy piano player, the leader of a piccolo choir and plenty of Christmas cheer.

I liked Harmony and David's story. Set in Bath, Eleven Pipers Piping focuses on Harmony Fitzroy (cousin to Jemima and the other London Fitzroys from the first novella, Twelve Drummers Drumming, yet works as a standalone story) and the dashing musician David Navarre. It's a short yet sweet story. Because it's so short there's not a lot of build up but rather this is a story of love at first sight - or first sound as the story revolves around music.

The interactions between Harmony and David are fun and it was a pleasure to witness their love story. I enjoyed this one more than Jemima's because I felt like I got to know the male lead a little better and thought their love story was a little more well rounded. The main drama revolves around a misunderstanding but it all leads to a well deserved happily ever after and all in time for Christmas!

This series of cousins finding love in the lead up to Christmas is a very sweet idea and I am excited to see just what adventures the rest of the Fitzroys get up to in the next few months.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music brings two people to love

Harmony Fitzroy has been taking piano lessons from Monsieur Bernard. He told her he wanted her to play at the Christmas Eve Concert. She felt honored and nervous.
One of the days that she arrived early, she heard someone playing a piccolo. It was transforming and the most beautiful thing she had ever heard. She had to know who played so.
This is when she met David Navarre. He captivated her with his grey eyes and exquisite love of music.
They were drawn to each other. It is a great story of young love and respect. He is overwhelmed by her beauty and her gentleness. Her love music. She has his heart.
He has a secret that no one knows. He doesn't want anyone to know he is wealthy. He just wants to enjoy his music. He has an ensemble of ten more pipers that play with him in concerts. The music is beautiful.
She loves him but wants to know more about him, and he refuses to divulge any of family or income. This causes a rift between them.
Misunderstanding pulls them apart.
But, they can't live without each other.
I love this book and these two incredible lovers.
Great story by Emily Murdoch

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novella of the new delightfully fun series, The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Fitzroy cousins are out to find love, and in this installment, it is Harmony’s turn. Harmony is musically talented, but also extremely shy and insecure. When her talents are discovered and she receives an invitation to play at the Christmas Eve concert, she is excited but also nervous. She is quite drawn to another fellow musician, and is afraid she may be distracted. David is handsome and witty, but with no money, so not a match her family would really encourage. As the friendship and love between them blossoms, secrets and scandals begin to rear their ugly head, threatening to tear them apart.
I liked seeing Harmony and David together and despite the misunderstandings, how they ultimately trusted each other with their vulnerabilities. This was a well-written, entertaining novella, and a great addition to the series. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Harmony Fitzroy loves music, and when she is told she has the honour of performing at the annual Bath Christmas concert, she's nervous but thrilled. Meeting her tutor's other student, David Navarre, and his piping band, Harmony discovers a new passion. I liked that this book ran alongside Twelve Drummers Drumming, though in a different location. Harmony and her sister Joy were the two Bath Fitzroy sisters, and they were spending time at Christmas with two of their cousins. Harmony was shy, but came alive when at a piano. She was apprehensive about performing for others, particularly when her family didn't seem that interested in coming to see the concert. David brought her out of her shell, and embraced her shyness, which was just right for her character. I did find issue at times with the fact that David wouldn't talk about his family with Harmony, and the fact that miscommunication nearly pulled them apart, but all is right in the end.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with all the characters that were within this book. The main characters were Harmony Fitzroy and David Navarre.

Harmony Fitzroy lives with her family in the town of Bath. She likes music. She plays on her family's piano a lot. One day, while lounging around with her family, she gets a letter of important information telling her that she has been asked to perform in the Christmas pagenant. After finding out this, she asks her parents if she can go see her music teacher. While waiting on the teacher, she hears music playing and goes to see. She sees a guy playing a pipe instrument. When he stops, she meets him.

David Navarre is visiting a friend when he meets a young woman. He was playing on his pipe instrument while waiting on his friend.

This was a fun story to read. It had action and drama. There were a few giggles within.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes Father Knows Best:
Harmony is very proficient at playing the pianoforte
At a meeting at her music instructor, she is introduced to the very popular piccolo player David Navarre. He invites shy Harmony to accompany a small group of musicians for an afternoon of playing music It didn't take long for two attractive people to take notice of each other and their lives will now be changed forever.
It is not an altogether smooth road for the young couple.
We will follow them through some emotional situations, a few first love flirtatious meetings and one much more serious that didn't quite end as little Miss Harmony was expecting. I wasn't either. I had an Oh My! 
This is an enjoyable love story of two young artists and a supportive family just right for the holiday season.
Mature Reader:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

[Donique Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must Love Music

The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Harmony Fitzroy…a Bath Fitzroy, youngest of the sisters, possibly the only member of her family with any musical talent. David Navarre…a talented musician, a charming personality, a gentleman. Ok so this time the h is “star-struck” and modest. Hmmm it appears as though there is mystery surrounding the H. No one can get to the point faster than a father, LOL. Yep the h is a true Fitzroy daydreaming and all. Could it be that the H has gotten in over his head, hmmm. I think the h is being a little hypocritical. I like that the father speaks plainly and honestly, it helps explain the personality of the h. Oh what an adorably innocent story of misunderstandings. Well I think this story was the simplest one so far. Oh, and yes there is steam.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Warms Your Heart!

What a beautiful breathtaking novella. I loved the way that both Harmony and David loved and played music and how it portrayed it through the story. Harmony had a loving supportive family while David was keeping a secret about his family. They both met through music and fell in love.

I love the element of the Eleven Pipers Piping throughout the storyline which brings in a beautiful Christmas element. What a joy to read and it lifts the heart.

Thank you Emily for another great story, I can’t wait for the next one in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harmony Fitzroy is part of a large,  loving family,  but she is the only one with any talent for music.  She spends most of her time saying her piano.  An invitation to a very special event will spark a great change.  

David Navarre has put together a musical band of pipers. He has abandoned his family and keeps a big secret to follow his dream.  

A fun-filled historical romance.  Our characters are not Lords and Ladies but certain expectations are to be observed. As the old saying goes "music is the food of love" 

Join our bubbly family of females and the men who love them for a light hearted read. 

Good fun. 

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of cousins. Is an eccentric family living their life with love. You do not need to read the first book to enjoy this one. It does end on somewhat of a cliff hanger. But I have it from a very good source that in the series all will be explained and we will be updated on previous couples, we will get a peek to their continuing stories. So for now I am content to read each story as is and wait for the next book. So stayed tuned for more romantic and wonderful books in this series. I can hardly wait for the next one.....
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harmony Fitzroy has a passion for the pianoforte and the music she performs. Invited to play as a musician for Bath's Christmas Eve Concert is an honor. David Navarre also has a passion for music and organized ten pipers, plus himself to perform before an audience. When they meet, music is only part of their attraction to each other. Falling in love should make everything easy, but love may not be enough, especially since David and Harmony both have secrets. A very clever and interesting series for the holidays. More than kisses without the mistletoe. Ten more Fitzroy ladies to find love. Start with Twelve Drummers Drumming.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy from Netgalley.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series by Emily EK Murdoch shows a wonderful connection to The Twelve Days of Christmas!

Harmony Fitzroy has been invited to perform at the Christmas Eve Concert at the Assembly Rooms in Bath due to her musical talents.
David Navare, a handsome piccolo player, hears her playing and invites Harmony to play with him and his Eleven Pipers Playing. David and Harmony have a strong connection as they play together, and they soon realize how much they need each other.
I am really enjoying these books and looking forward to reading the next in the series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harmony Fitzroy is the musical person in her family. She is asked to play Christmas Eve and is so excited but her family takes it with, do they have to go listen to a concert when they don't like it. David Navarre plays the pipes and has ten others who play with him. But he is the one who requested Harmony play with them. He is falling in love with her and she is the same but she thinks he is a poor musician not the wealth man he is. Can this work out? Thank you NetGalley.

[Lise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m finding this extended family to be annoying and unlikeable. The second book is slightly better than the first, but not by much. This supposedly close family tries to weasel out of seeing Harmony play her first concert in public. It’s a huge honor for her but they think it’s boring. Mom hides behind a book all the time, I really see no point in her even being a character.

Sadly I have all the books in this series and I’m not looking forward to them. Sigh…

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and engaging story set to Christmas and music. Harmony and David both lovely and so perfect for each other fell in love at first sight. The angst did feel a little forced though and lots of questions were left unanswered in regards to David's family why had they fallen out what happened? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.