The Music Box [Mass Market Paperback]

Andrea Kane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1998

Gabrielle Denning, the sheltered ward of Lady Nevon, grew up in an almost magical place, an estate where society's outcasts were treasured and the ruling spirit was love. It almost made her forget the terrifying night when an unexplained fire killed her parents, leaving her with only a music box to remember them by. But her idyllic world is about to change, as the bastard son of Lady Nevon's brother maneuvers his carriage up the manor's drive.

Outcast by his titled father, Bryce Lyndley has nonetheless flourished, becoming a renowned barrister ruled entirely by his principles. The meeting to which he has been summoned at Nevon Manor, however, could transform his life -- and warm his heart. Amid unfolding secrets, his life and Gaby's will touch, awakening emotions as profound as the richest symphony. But if happiness is to be theirs, Bryce and Gaby must uncover mystery from long ago, reawakened by the haunting notes of Gaby's music box...or lose all they cherish to treachery, heartbreak, and a murderer's nefarious plan.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Summoned to the country estate of his elderly benefactor, Lady Nevon, Bryce Lyndley simply expects to help her sort out her will and get her finances in order. However, what he ends up doing is a lot more interesting?and a lot more romantic. A lovable dowager with a hidden agenda, wonderfully appealing protagonists, and a keepsake music box add interest to this nicely written, intriguing Victorian that deftly combines humanitarian issues with murder and mystery, and overlays it all with wit, charm, and romance. Kane (The Legacy of the Black Diamond, Pocket, 1997) lives in Parsippany, New Jersey.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Bryce Lyndley, The Duke of Whitshire's bastard son, survived as a child through the generosity of his Aunt, Lady Nevon. She kept him safe from his father and provided the means for him to become one of the foremost Barristers in England. Upon the Duke's death, Bryce is summoned to her estate, where he finds an odd family comprised of unconventional servants, small children, and Lady Nevon's ward, Gabrielle Denning. Gabrielle's parents perished in a fire she witnessed on the Duke's estate. Her sole keepsake of them is a music box that plays Fur Elise. Feigning illness, Lady Nevon manipulates Bryce into becoming responsible for her estates and Gabby. She also reunites Bryce with his brother Thane. At the reunion, Gabby becomes distressed by the memories of her parents' death. That night she has a nightmarish sleepwalking episode, her first since childhood. The episodes convince Bryce the answer to whoever caused the fire is locked in her mind. He also realizes he's fallen in love with Gabby. It's up to them, with Thane's help, to solve the mystery behind the fire and end her nightmares forever. The Music Box is a complex book with themes woven throughout. The first, an Alice in Wonderland theme, has the hero comparing Gabby to Alice, with her White Rabbit, and Lady Nevon's estate to Wonderland. Gabby plays Beethoven on the piano as well as her music box. The first half of the book was slowed by internal thought that felt padded -- mirroring the dialogue of the previous scenes. I also thought Gabby was a little too ingenue, at first. But at the midpoint of the book, Gabby grew up, and Ms. Kane began tying her book together in a way that had me crying and enjoying every moment of the story. I'm certain her fans, and those who enjoy a layered read will find The Music Box worthy of their reading time. The Music Box is a trip into Wonderland, full of adventure and mystery with a magical romance to warm reader's hearts! Kane fans will love this worthy addition to their keeper shelves! A quirky old woman, her butler companion, odd servants, Alice in Wonderland, Beethoven, an intriguing mystery, and a hero and heroine to cheer for-somehow Andrea Kane pulls all this together into a romance that will make the reader laugh and cry! Phoebe Imel -- Copyright © 1998 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067153484X
• ISBN-13: 978-0671534844
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #364,112 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A poignant and moving work, January 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Music Box (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1875, with the death of her odious brother, Lady Nevon finally can publicly recognize her bastard nephew, Bryce Lyndley. For twenty-three long years, she has clandestinely supported Bryce in his endeavors, hiding it from her brother who refused to recognize the lad as his off-spring. Her efforts have been rewarded with Bryce being a highly regarded barrister. However, she was never able to lavish as much affection as she wanted to on him for fear her brother would learn all and cut the child off with nothing. Now she wants to shower the thirty-one year old man with love and affection, and introduce him to her ward, Gabrielle Denning, who suffered a childhood trauma.

Bryce and Gaby are emotionally as far apart as any two beings could ever be. Bryce is pure logic, using his brain to resolve everything. Gaby is pure heart, pouring love into her endeavors. When they meet, sparks fly and love flourishes. However, before this deserving couple can find a lasting relationship, they must uncover the mystery behind the tragedy that radically changed Gaby's life thirteen years ago.

Fans of historical romantic suspense know that some of the best books of the genre come from that awesome author, Andrea Kane. Her latest, novel, THE MUSIC BOX, is her usual brilliant fiction, filled with the mark of Kane: a fast-paced, action filled intrigue, starring two wonderful, but wounded characters who touch the reader's heart. This novel is must reading for all romance fans.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, Breathtaking, Magical..., June 26, 1999

By 

Angela Price ([e-mail]) (High Point, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Music Box (Mass Market Paperback)

THE MUSIC BOX is one of many novels i have read by Andrea Kane...this book leads you into a magical Wonderland Adventure. You frequently find yourself smiling at the antics of the uncommon staff and characters residing in Nevon Manor. I was and am thoroughly enthralled by this and many of Mrs. Kanes other novels. Its as if she has the ability to pull you into an unending abyss of happiness, togetherness, and love...brilliant work!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A slight disappointment, October 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Music Box (Mass Market Paperback)

I've read many of Andrea Kane's novels and I do have to admit that The Music Box was a slight disappointment. It's hard to describe but you just couldn't really get into the story. Usually with her novels, you can't put the book down, but this one, you can leave it. It draws your attention in after a while, but it's not as suspenseful as her other novels. Gabrielle's guardian--Hermione was cute with her quirky staff, but things were a little too rushed and unreal. Not everything clicked. Gabrielle was a beautiful girl, but a little too predictable, which makes her character slightly flat, the same with Bryce Lyndley. The book is just okay, nothing great. Not very satisfying for someone who has read much of Andrea Kane already. To put it simply, I've definitely read better of Kane.