Review of The Virtuoso

THE VIRTUOSO can be purchased here.

THE VIRTUOSO
Grace Burrowes

Lord Valentine Windham, the youngest son of a Duke, wins an estate in a card game and decides to set the place to rights, after seeing its neglected state.   After all, Valentine needs something to occupy his time, since he can no longer practice his obsession of playing the piano.  Because of an ailment to his hand which makes playing the piano almost impossible, Valentine has been advised to stop playing until his hand heals.  Once on the estate, Valentine meets the young widow, who lives in the cottage nearby, and there is an attaction between them.  Unfortunately, the widow has secrets and is reluctant to let anyone close to her.

THE VIRTUOSO is an entertaining, historical romance with a great hero, but the heroine isn't my cup of tea.  Valentine, whose whole self-image is wrapped up in his music, is left rudderless when he can no longer play.  Luckily, Valentine has great friends and family, who offer a great support system.  Even so, the time spent without his music becomes a time of self-discovery, and a time to realize, that he is more than just his music.  Valentine is a great hero, who is strong, artistic and sensitive, as well as being very handsome.  Ellen is a beautiful woman, who has known great sorrow in her life.  While I can understand some of Ellen's actions, at a time, when women had no power and were considered property, I wish that she had shown more backbone and revealed her secrets sooner.  With that said, Ellen does seem to be Valentine's perfect match, and they make a a great couple.

NOTE:  I was given this book in return for an impartial review.