Return To Middle C [Kindle Edition]

Gregory Shultz (Author)

Book Description

Rock musician Ben Davenport once had it all: a wife he worshipped, a five-year-old son who meant the world to him, and a stellar career. Then, in the seeming blink of an eye, Ben Davenport's family was gone. His wife forsook him for another man and fled the United States, taking Ben's son Bryan with her.

Following an exhaustive and futile worldwide search for his son, Ben Davenport disappeared from the public eye. After six years have passed, no one knows where he is. . . .

A beautiful Puerto Rican woman has recently taken up residence in a secluded cul-de-sac. Miss Delora Calatrava has only one neighbor, a man whose house is surrounded by unwelcoming wrought iron gates. Through her binoculars she has witnessed the man's kindness toward sickly stray cats. She soon realizes that those cats are all the man has in his life. There's an invisible weight that bears heavily on this man's broad shoulders. Delora Calatrava is determined to obliterate his crippling burden, but will the mysterious recluse let her pass through his gates and into his life?

Return To Middle C is the story of a man's resurrection from the dark depths of depression and of his renewed quest to find his missing son. And along the way a strong-willed woman attempts to show him he can live to love again.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has read this book, Return To Middle C. I know the subject matter is difficult for most to stomach when they begin reading it. Writing this story was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Though in real life I am not a world famous rock musician, all the feelings and emotions expressed through the lead character were borne out of my own experiences as a father alienated from his son, though in my case that occurred by way of judicial fiat and not a kidnapping.

I want to let potential readers know that in my real-life struggle to gain custody of my own son, I prevailed. He went on to prosper and thrive in the years that followed, thanks mostly to my parents. Their support has meant everything to my son. Not only was I blessed with the best parents a human could ask for, but my son would surely tell you they are also the best grandparents on the planet. And no father is more proud of his son than me.

Return To Middle C, in my opinion, is a book about a man's triumphant battle to take back all he has lost. And, after reading this book, you will realize he could have never done it on his own. In that respect, Ben Davenport's story is similar to mine. And yes, I am deeply jealous of his musical talent.

In closing, I want to thank those who have reviewed this book. Most readers don't realize how important reviews are to an author, so when one is left, whether positive or negative, I am deeply thankful.

About the Author

Gregory Shultz is the author of BETHEL'S MEADOW, RETURN TO MIDDLE C, and TILT MONKEY. Though his novels mostly take place in his hometown of Orlando, Florida, his writing is informed by everywhere he's been and by every soul he's met. Born in Japan to a military family, Shultz has lived in California, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Washington D.C., Tennessee, and many other places he has long forgotten. Shultz has resided in sunny Central Florida since 1991, and is the proud father of a son who inspired him to write RETURN TO MIDDLE C.

Like Ben Davenport in RETURN TO MIDDLE C, Shultz is the caretaker of many a stray cat. As he did not take up this rewarding pastime until after he'd written the book, this is a case of life imitating art. Though their feelings for Shultz do not extend beyond conditional indifference (their daily vittles being the condition), he loves those mangy little fur balls to death anyway.

Gregory Shultz is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems.

Product Details

• File Size: 481 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: STC Media Group (September 11, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005MGPJOO
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,853 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The power of hope in the midst of despair September 11, 2011

By Tracy Webber

Format:Kindle Edition

Return to Middle C is a heart-wrenching tale of loss, despair and hope. When Ben Davenport's wife disappears from the face of the earth, taking their young son with her, Ben is crushed. After four years of fruitless searching, Ben gives up ... on life, himself, and God. The only thing keeping him from killing himself is his concern for the stray cats he adopts.

He lives alone, in a drugged stupor, sleeping away as many hours as possible to escape the pain of his existence until a beautiful woman moves into the house across the street and begins to spy on him through binoculars. She looks past the despondent, and unattractive hermit and sees the man he once was as well as the man he might again become. If only he'd let her help him.

Mr. Shultz writing style is poetic, thoughtful and powerful. The story is paced like a classical concert, orchestrated to sink deep into your heart with early passages of quiet introspection that build in intensity until it crescendos into a powerful climax. The final refrain will echo in your heart long after the music ends.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story! January 26, 2012

By Char

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Just finished reading this book and it left me in "good tears". What a great portrayal of a father's love for his child.

This story is very well written and the characters become real immediately.

In my opinion...a must read!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cat lovers and the people cats love February 1, 2012

By Ann

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I read a book that lingers in my mind long after I've read other books, then I know it is a 5 star book. This is one of those books. This review won't help you decide to read the book, but is rather musings of mine.
The first clue is the cats. A person who is kind to cats, and who has cats love him back cannot be hopeless. Kindness is a primal trait, believe in it.
Family bonding is another clue. Precious and fragile. The nurturing found in loving families overcomes great trauma. It provides deep roots that ground a child no matter how young.
[Deep sigh] I really liked this book.
The final clue - the name of the book -- makes wonderful sense and is explained at the end.

More About the Author

Gregory Shultz is the author of BETHEL'S MEADOW, RETURN TO MIDDLE C, and TILT MONKEY. Though his novels mostly take place in his hometown of Orlando, Florida, his writing is informed by everywhere he's been and by every soul he's met. Born in Japan to a military family, Shultz has lived in California, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Washington D.C., Tennessee, and many other places he has long forgotten. Shultz has resided in sunny Central Florida since 1991, and is the proud father of a son who inspired him to write RETURN TO MIDDLE C.

Like Ben Davenport in RETURN TO MIDDLE C, Shultz is the caretaker of many a stray cat. As he did not take up this rewarding pastime until after he'd written the book, this is a case of life imitating art. Though their feelings for Shultz do not extend beyond conditional indifference (their daily vittles being the condition), he loves those mangy little fur balls to death anyway.

Gregory Shultz is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems.