Review: Enchanting and engrossing - A joyful read!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 21, 2012
An enchanting story of a choir preparing for their Christmas concert. As rehearsals progress, petty jealousies, friendships and even romances are sparked. Egoist conductors, shy young teachers, contented matrons and a femme fatale act out their stories against the background of William Walton's "Belshazzar's Feast" - not the first choice for a Christmas production perhaps, and we have the first hint that all is not sweet harmonies. The author has given us a engrossing read, her obvious expertise and strong grasp of the classical music world result in authentic characters readers can identify with and root for, from newbie Lucy young and innocent, to Miss Greymitt, elderly, slightly deaf yet gamely thumping piano keys at rehearsals with arthritic fingers. I have to admit to having a sneaking respect for Claire - a woman who knows what she wants and doesn't mind stooping a little to conquer.We get to peek inside character's homes and lives - it's impossible not to become involved and I just had to read on - one more chapter after one more chapter, hoping that the varied cast of the choir got what they deserved for Christmas. Miss Worstall did not disappoint - if you enjoy fiction centring on relationships, family and romance help yourself now to a sample of "Make A Joyful Noise" - you'll soon be singing with the choir!