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Overview
As the Ivory Duchess, Kate was the darling of Europe. When the talented, aristocratic lady took the stage, has face hidden in veils, the crowds were swept away by the emotion her music evoked. None knew her personal pain or the fear her guardian inspired. When the chance comes, she escapes to America. But there's someone in the shadows, who could be either friend or foe.Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
A contrived plot, weakly-drawn characters, erratic writing and a story that borders on ludicrous summarizes Parr's latest (after By Fate's Design) romance set in mid-19th-century America. While on tour in Pennsylvania, concert pianist Kate Baxter, known as the Ivory Duchess, escapes from her cruel manager with her valuable, trademark broach. Under the guise of a piano student, she finds refuge with two elderly spinster sisters, and begins a new life as a piano teacher. Philip Massey is a jeweler by trade who leads a double life as Omega, finder of stolen jewelry. He's been hired by Kate's manager to find her and the broach, and bring them back. Since the physical and emotional attraction between Kate and Philip is never fully developed (she seems a saccharine-sweet victim; he, a cold-hearted jerk) and the motivation behind their relationship seems forced, the reader is at a loss as to why they fall in love. Even the ending, which seems to be knitted from another ball of yarn, comes off as improvised and silly. (June)Book Details
Published
January 1, 1999
Publisher
Saint Martin's Press Inc.
Pages
313
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780312962135