This month, the Catholic Writers’ Guild is touring Carmela Martino’s book, “Playing by Heart.” It is a CWG Seal of Approval winner! When fifteen-year-old Emilia uses her musical talents to try to win noble status in 18th-century Milan, the repercussions threaten not only her dreams for her future but her sister’s very life.

PlayingbyHeart cover 500x750

Summary:

Emilia Salvini dreams of marrying a man who loves music as much as she does. But in 18th-century Milan, being the “second sister” means she’ll likely be sent to a convent instead. Emilia’s only hope is to prove her musical talents crucial to her father’s quest for nobility. First, though, she must win over her music tutor, who disdains her simply for being a girl. But before she can carry out her plan, a tragedy sends the family into mourning. In her sorrow, Emilia composes a heartrending sonata that causes the maestro to finally recognize her talent. He begins teaching her music theory alongside Antonio Bellini, the arrogant great-nephew of a wealthy marquis. Emilia’s feelings toward her rival gradually change as she strives to outdo him. But just when her dreams seem within reach, Emilia learns that her success could destroy not only her future but her sister’s life.

Playing by Heart is inspired by two amazing sisters who were far ahead of their time–one a mathematician, the other a composer. At its core, the novel is the story of two teens struggling to follow their true calling, even when it conflicts with their father’s goals.

Excerpt:

The day I decided to take my fate into my own hands began much like any other. As soon as I was dressed, I headed to the harpsichord salon to practice. The maestro had finally returned from Venice and would arrive shortly. I was anxious to show him how much I’d learned in his absence. But when I turned the corner near Mamma’s sitting room, a clash of angry voices stopped me. Mamma was arguing with Father, something she never did. And something she shouldn’t be doing now, as she was heavy with child.

I tiptoed to the sitting room door. With one hand on the wall, I leaned close. The edges of the decorative plasterwork dug into my fingers as Mamma said, “Did Maria request this herself?”

My hand relaxed. They weren’t arguing about me. But knowing my sister’s fate was intertwined with mine, I pressed forward again.

Website: www.carmelamartino.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carmelamartinoauthor

Twitter: //twitter.com/carmelamartino

Instagramwww.instagram.com/cmartinoauthor

Bio:

Carmela Martino is an author, speaker, and writing teacher. She wrote her middle-grade novel, Rosa, Sola, while working on her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. The novel was a Booklist “Top Ten First Novel for Youth” and received a Catholic Press Association Book Award and the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. Her second novel, the young-adult historical romance Playing by Heart, is a Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval recipient as well. Playing by Heart has also been named a 2018 young adult finalist in The INSPYs: The Bloggers’ Award for Excellence in Faith-Driven Literature. Carmela’s credits for teens and tweens also include short stories and poems in magazines and anthologies. Her articles for adults have appeared in such publications as the Chicago TribuneCatholic Parent, and the Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market. Carmela has taught writing workshops for children and adults since 1998, and she blogs about teaching and writing at www.TeachingAuthors.com .

Buy Link:

http://a.co/8mR7KFh

Tweet:

Editor @franciscanmom says “Playing by Heart is a symphony of romance and faith with an undercurrent of social commentary.” #YA #historical http://bit.ly/2FBJr7f

Special considerations:

Carmela is sponsoring a “Bag & Swag” giveaway for Women’s History Month to honor Maria Teresa Agnesi, the little-known 18th-century composer who inspired the main character of Playing by Heart. Readers can also download a free excerpt. For details, see http://www.carmelamartino.com/blog/posts/3663

Giveaway bag prize 50 percentRelated tweet:

#YA Playing by Heart Bag & Swag #giveaway for #WomensHistoryMonth in honor of the little-known composer who inspired the novel. Download a free excerpt too at http://www.carmelamartino.com/blog/posts/3663


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Michael Fraley has been editing and posting the CWG Book Blast since 2016. He's adapted the Arthurian portion of Geoffrey of Monmouth's “Histories of the Kings of Britain” to the comic page, has worked in book illustration, graphic design, and has also served as a newspaper columnist. In 2019 the story of his conversion to Catholicism was told in Nancy Ward's book Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story. His primary area of study is in the Jewish roots of the Church, with an emphasis on the Gospel of Matthew and the Epistle of James. He holds a MA in theology from St. Joseph's College of Maine and a BFA in fine art from Indiana University. He can be reached at michael@michaelfraley.com