Calumet Editions

A Song in My Heart

A Song in My Heart, book one of a trilogy, follows Alejandra Stanford, born into a privileged bicultural family in early-1900s Minneapolis. Immersed in American, Hispanic, and European influences amid turbulent national events, she discovers music as her calling. A gifted pianist and budding composer, she dreams of becoming a conductor. Chasing that ambition through the great cities of the U.S. and Europe, she encounters legendary music, formidable obstacles, and two intellectually matched suitors—each offering a different future—until love and passion shape her destiny.

flows softly and rhythmically

—Ana Luisa Fajer Flores, Consul General of Mexico, St. Paul, MN

Description

A Song in My Heart, the first book in a trilogy, is a historical novel set in the early 1900s in the United States, Mexico, England, France, and Italy. Alejandra Stanford is born into a privileged bi-cultural family in Minneapolis. Growing up, she and her artistic family intimately experience the intermingling of American, Hispanic, and European cultural influences, as well as formidable national events that challenge their lives; yet, Alejandra finds music is the perfect expression of her own artistic inclinations, emotions, and ambitions. As a young pianist and budding composer, she is affected by Minnesota’s musical pioneers and resolves to become a conductor despite the obstacles.

When driven, sensible, and independent Alejandra travels to the great cities of the world in pursuit of her dreams, she falls in love with the music of legendary composers. Along the way, she will meet two men who are her match in ideals and intellect, each with the potential to bring fulfillment in very different ways. Ultimately, it is the passion for music and love which guide, inspire, and determine Alejandra’s destiny.

Product Details

PublishedDecember 22, 2022
ImprintCalumet Editions
LanguageEnglish
Print length376
ISBN-13978-1959770541
Dimensions6 x 0.84 x 9 inches

Roma Calatayud-Stocks’ debut novel is about the life of Alejandra (“Ale”) Stanford during the first three decades of the 20th century. Calatayud-Stocks takes the reader on a compelling journey, from Minnesota and New York to México and across the continent of Europe, spicing her narrative with details that speak to her own powers of observation and willingness to do the necessary research. It is a sparkling account, and we look forward to the sequel that is sure to follow.

—John Watson Milton, award-winning author of fiction and history

A Song In My Heart is a delightful reading. I enjoyed it immensely. The novel flows softly and rhythmically. Roma did a wonderful job in researching the history of music, the classic composers, Schumann, Bach, Liszt and Debussy. We love and suffer dawns and sunsets, war and peace, but it is always MUSIC in the novel that offers a safe port. Alejandra Stanford, the main character in the novel, shows us the sweetness of life but at the same time the strength, the power of seduction, the firmness of a decision.

—Ana Luisa Fajer Flores, Consul General of Mexico in St. Paul, MN

Ms Calatayud-Stocks’ writing style is a ‘You Are There’ approach that is intensely personalized. In all, this was a highly unusual and well-done project that marries the written word with the musical words. We rated it five hearts (5 Stars).

—Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews

A Song in My Heart will surely please any history aficionado and is brimming with music and art references, as they are an integral component to the story. We see Alejandra’s musical life story seamlessly interwoven and leaping from the pages. Did the author herself long to have lived during this time period? I know that I wished to have been there myself as Alejandra finds melodic inspiration in everything she saw.

—Susan Dusterhoft, Internet Review Of Books

Reading this book will put a song in your heart and take you back to a time when classical music was the pinnacle of popular culture and entertainment. A talented composer herself, author Calatayud-Stocks shares her knowledge and passion for art and music with this compelling historical novel. How refreshing this is, at a time when our children’s involvement in the arts competes with the low-brow culture of celebrity gossip, reality TV, and shallow pop music. Longing for a world of fine art and music with substance? A Song in My Heart is a great place to start.

—Jim Barnes, Editor, Independent Publisher