Hello dear readers! Today I am welcoming Cat Gardiner, author of the newly released Denial of Conscience, to Austenesque Reviews! Cat has penned an extra-special post to share how music and song lyrics inspire her! I hope you greatly enjoy Cat’s post and share with us any music that inspires you!
Muse-ical Inspiration
by Cat Gardiner
Once Upon a Time … in 1965, a mother sat with her two small children in a theater in the Bronx, New York City, after having walked a mile to view a new movie release. Pregnant with her third bambino, her unborn baby most likely kicked and danced when Julie Andrews sung “My Favorite Things.” Yup, I’m positive of it, because I was that bambina and for 50 years, The Sound of Music has been MY movie, its soundtrack committed to my soul. Because of its music, it is the movie I turn to whenever I need a lift up or just to get a pat on the back, singing “I Have Confidence.”
Yes, I’ve outted myself… I will be 50 in September, and music has always been the driving force behind my muse. Mom once said it was because she’d placed my high chair beside the radio to keep me company. I can’t sing. I can’t play an instrument, and like Elizabeth Bennet in Denial of Conscience, I have two left feet, but I love melody and lyrics. Perhaps that’s the word girl in me. I am fascinated by evocative lyrics that paint such imagery as from Bruce Springsteen’s storytelling “Thunder Road.”
The screen door slams
Mary’s dress waves
Like a vision she dances across the porch
As the radio plays
Can you see it? Can you imagine The Boss’s gravely voice and our heroine swaying to Roy Orbison on the radio?
There is song in everyone’s narrative. It adds to our life story. Heck, in many cases – it is the story! No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ll remember things such as that miserably sad song on a car radio after you broke up with a boyfriend. You know the ones – they sing of heartbreak, cheating fools and, no doubt, a dead dog or a broken tractor. Maybe you have a fond recollection of a happy tune that had you spontaneously dancing and singing, holding a hairbrush as if a microphone. I have tons of those “song moments,” but it’s always the poetic lyrics of a ballad that do it for me. Those brilliant writers, who capture the essence of emotion with just a few sentences, are my idols. Oh, if only I could use the same brevity in my novels!
About ten years ago, the muse-ical first struck, opening my eyes about telling a story using 
song to paint a romance. The particular love story is that of my parents’. In celebration of their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary, I found this little piece of paper tucked among my mother’s belongings. (Note the faint lipstick kiss.) It was a long-forgotten memento that her sweetheart had sent to her from a foxhole in the Korean War. *Gasp* Forgotten you say? You betcha. Music may have been one of the cupids in my parents’ romance, but although these songs have now faded away from the Billboard charts, they still reside in their soul. This tiny, worn note, written in a strong hand by a man in the heat of war ended up in my coveting hands, cherished and laminated for posterity. I created a CD of the music in their honor. One day their love story will become a novel penned using these songs as the symphony behind a romance that began when mom was just five and dad, living across the street, was the tender age of nine. It seems appropriate to mention that on Aug. 28, they will be celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
When I began writing my first JAFF—which still hides on my hard drive―one song started it all: “Brighter than the Sun” by Colbie Callait. My latest WWII JAFF, My Dearest Darling, was inspired by “Again” by Doris Day. Forty-three angst-filled chapters evolved from only one scene written solely from the inspiration of that compelling song.
Many who have read my two WWII JAFFs know that I have a thing for 1940s music, whether it big band or ballads, I’m all over it, dissecting lyrics and, as though a bobbysoxer, swooning from vocalists like “The Voice” Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and “G.I Jo” Jo Stafford. The words from these singers and standards embody the era: simple and pure romance during a time of worldwide upheaval. That decade of music had some of the most emotional, evocative words I have ever heard. It was a time when most men were gentlemen and not afraid to express in letters what was in their heart as they longed for their sweethearts and all that was good and pure in the world: home and love. As if a love letter sent from German-occupied Italy, take these lyrics from Mario Lanza’s “Because You’re Mine”
And when we kiss
That isn’t thunder, dear
It’s only my poor heart you hear and it’s applause
Because you’re mine
Because you’re mine
The brightest star I see
Looks down, my love and envies me
Because you’re mine, because you’re mine
Goodness, you could write a deep love story around those words!
Many of my JAFF friends have read Lucky 13 and, hopefully, enjoyed the soundtrack, which was an integral part of Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance. I still listen to it and dance, remembering Darcy’s calendar audition to Elvis’s “A Little Less Conversation.” Now, we have the recently published, modern Denial of Conscience where the soundtrack harmonizes the progression of Darcy and Elizabeth’s burgeoning and hard-won love affair. Enhanced by rock, opera, country, pop, and classical, the reader is brought on a journey of emotions completed by lyric and melody.
Our couple shares something in common, and although Darcy is all leather, Harley Davidson, and rock-n-roll, he grew up on opera. He immediately recognizes a duet that would forever hold meaning in his heart: “The Flower Duet” from Elizabeth’s favorite, Lakme.
Excerpt from Chapter Three:
Faint operatic music came from the distance down the dirt road. A soprano duet grew 
louder, drowning out the song of the seven-year locust as the music neared Darcy’s hide site. French lyrics sung of gathering flowers at the bank of a river, flowing and rippling under white jasmine.
Darcy knew that piece of music. He knew it well. In his other life, he grew up loving opera.
He waited patiently, hoping to see the vehicle through his riflescope and eyeball the driver when they turned onto the private dirt road. Within seconds, a beat-up, topless, old Jeep flew past him toward the house, traveling down the private road, kicking up a fog of dirt and rocks. The female driver’s long brown hair whipped around her head, taking flight as she listened to the “Flower Duet” from the opera Lakmé. Through the small aperture of his scope, as the driver’s mane blew from the force of the wind upon her face, Darcy instantly recalled the sketch of the horse he had stolen from the greenhouse. The image was imprinted in his mind. Henceforth, he knew that faceless, nameless woman would be called Lakmé whenever he referred to Operation Virginia Reel.
The last piece of music in this adventurous modern romance of resistance, attraction, and combustion reaches its zenith with the passionate delivery of Prince Calaf’s aria “Nessun Dorma” to Princess Turandot in Puccini’s Opera Turandot. It is Darcy’s favorite opera.
Prince Calaf calls her the Princess of Death, yet forcefully kisses her. Turandot begins to weep, for that was the first time she has ever been kissed. He then tells her his true name. With Calaf sitting on the throne, Turandot approaches and turns around to the crowd. She announces to them that she has learned the stranger’s (Calaf) name: It is “Love.” (Synopsis taken from AboutEntertainment.com)
“Nessun Dorma”
Nobody shall sleep!
Nobody shall sleep!
Even you, o Princess,
in your cold room,
watch the stars,
that tremble with love and with hope.
But my secret is hidden within me,
my name no one shall know…
No!…No!…
On your mouth, I will tell it when the light shines.
And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine!…
(No one will know his name and we must, alas, die.)
Vanish, o night!
Set, stars! Set, stars!
At dawn, I will win! I will win! I will win!
Does song inspire you? Do you hear a melody and allow it to take you someplace special? Are there words that have stayed with you with the same resonance as Mr. Darcy’s proposal?: “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. …” Or is it just something simple, yet equally powerful as from Queen’s “Breakthru” Your smile, speaks books to me.
Thank you, Cat! I love that you came to my blog and talked about music! I find it very inspiring! 😉 I love that you feel a special connection to The Sound of Music as it is the musical closest to my heart! If I had name one piece of music I feel most inspired by (and naming just one is NOT easy!) I’d have to say the Allegretto from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. It speaks to me and I just feel when I listen to it.
~~~
Connect with Cat
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today Cat comes with some lovely little gifties to share with some lucky readers! Her first prize is a paperback of Denial of Conscience with its specially made accompanying soundtrack (open to residents in the US). Her second prize is ONE ebook copy of Denial of Conscience (open to residents worldwide)!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, question, or some love for Cat below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide (ebook only). Thank you, Cat!
- This giveaway ends August 19th
What an intriquing concept. I have a musician daughter and the story of how music is intregal to life is something I see in her.
thanks for the review and the giveaway!
Hi Theresa (one of my favorite names!) Great to meet you. Your daughter is also the song of your heart, no doubt! Wonderful. Thank you for commenting and good luck in the giveaway.
This post made me sigh and smile! We were dirt poor when we were kids, though we didn’t know it at the time. On Friday nights, the rugs were rolled back and the record player turned up – loud. My parents were babies when they started having children of their own so their choices were rock-n’-roll and big band. Mom would give us all clean socks and we would polish the wood floor as we jitterbugged and did the twist. In Junior High, our school had a dance competition every Friday. I won every single one until they made me a judge.
My Mom is in her late 70’s and her go-to song is still “Some Kind A Wonderful” by Grand Funk Railroad. She plays it so loud that her front window reverberates. Our home is no different.
When I think of Regency Darcy and Lizzy, I NEVER think of the soundtracks from the movies. When I start a story and think of our hero, the first song usually that comes to mind is, “The Last Word in Lonesome is Me” by Eddy Arnold or “Welcome to My World” by Jim Reeves. (Yes, I’m old enough to know who they are.) Thank you, Cat and Meredith, for the sweet memories.
Your post made me smile and laugh. Family. Music and family brings me so much JOY! Thank you for sharing these fond memories with us. I can totally see them making you a judge. LOL Ah Eddy Arnold, a sad ballad: “Life is a desert and love quenches thirst. We all have to hurt sometime, this is my first time. The last word in lonesome is me” Wow. Thank you, dear girl for your comment!
Read more: Roger Miller – Last Word In Lonesome Is Me Lyrics | MetroLyrics
I love this post! Especially the opening reference to Thunder Road. You could have been sharing my story as I am also 50 and found inspiration from that song over and over. I used to sing it to my children in middle of the night feedings to get them to go back to sleep. 🙂
The song I’ve got running in my head right now in relation to Darcy is Jeremy Messersmith’s “It’s Only Dancing.” Great song and great lyrics to evoke that person longing for what they don’t feel they can admit they want. Lay this one over the ball at Netherfield. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYxVQPYdwyg
Mirrored ball and a cover band
Just for kicks, won’t you take my hand
It’s something that all good friends do
It’s not like I’m in love with you
What a crazy idea, and where did you get that?
Let’s tangle up our finger tips, and I’ll rest a hand upon your hips
Nothing to see it’s all so innocent
It’s only dancing…
….And I wanna scream, I wanna burst, I wanna blame the whole damn universe, but the same three words I whisper to myself
It’s only dancing
Yes it’s only dancing
Hi Colleen! There is nothing like the Boss’s Born to Run album! So lyrical. I was singing Thunder Road this morning in the shower. This post and your comment had me revisiting songs, and I can imagine you singing to your children. This song you shared is INCREDIBLE! I love that denial of his, trying to convince himself that “it’s only dancing” and nothing more on his part. You just want to scream “Stop denying your conscience. You know you want her!” Thank you for sharing it and a bit of yourself with us! Good luck in the giveaway.
What a great post! I have also had a few songs inspire me, and I love country music and southern rock and play them *loudly* when I drive! I have enjoyed the books inspired by your muse and her music, Cat! Especially my book boyfriend singing The Outlaws! 😉 Thanks, Cat and Meredith! (PS I already have the ebook.)
Driving and singing! That’s when the muse strikes. I love that DoC Darcy has stolen your heart, especially when he sings “There Goes Another Love Song!” The Outlaws, Tampa’s own. 🙂 Thanks so much for commenting Zoe and best wishes on your new book!
Sharing some love for Cat and music! Musical theatre is a passion for me. And is there anything better than driving in the car and having a great song come on the radio?! You can never go wrong with Bruce. 🙂
Aw, thank you Paige! Bruce and Cruising is a great combination. Singing at the top of your lungs and not caring that anyone can see you at a red light. A bold wink to the driver beside you, and it makes for a fabulous story when you get home! Thank you so much and good luck in the giveaway.
Cat, you are a girl after my own heart. Music, music, and more music. As you know, I am totally inspired by music when I write and love every song you’ve shared in your tales. Thanks so much for this great interview and even though you say you are not musical we all know that you are. The written word is your instrument and the melodies you sing and play on that instrument stay with us long after they come alive in your stories. ~ Jen
We speak of melody and that reminds me of your WIP to come: Darcy’s Melody. You are our songbird, Jen! I’m so happy that you stopped by to comment. Your kind words touch my heart. *blushing* Thank you, girlfriend! I am truly touched.
It was wonderful to read this post! My father had a rich Irish tenor voice and
loved music deeply, all kinds of music,
and passed that gift on to me. Thank you
for linking my literary and musical lives and for this giveaway.
Hi Susan! It is great to meet you. I love that this post called to mind your father and his singing and music appreciation. Music has that way about it. My earliest recollection of my father singing – yet boy as an adult I admit that his voice is terrible – was when I was in the crib. He made up a song for just me and it is my earliest recollection of any memory. I held onto the crib, standing and rocking back and forth as he sang “Baby make a nonny with a beedy bop.” A tiny thing to get to me sleep with my bottle, but oh the memory of it! Thank you for reminding me and for commenting. Best wishes in the giveaway.
What a great interview..we can tell you love music and the music you pick to go with your stories add so much context to the stories. Music has always been important in my life also. I played the violin for many years until a shoulder injury made playing impossible. I really miss playing with the Orchestra and must now content myself with the piano.. being older than you I remember listening to the 40’s music all the time on the radio and I love the big band music.. they really knew how to draw out the heartstrings.. I love Doris Days Sentimental Journey. We listened to Opera every Saturday afternoon on the radio, love Madam Butterfly. we also are big musical fans..Oklahoma South Pacific I think of Darcy when I hear Some Enchanted Evening, and all the other greats..even now the radio is always on or I’ve got a CD going, the house or car always has music playing. country, modern, classical etc.. you name it we listen to it all. I love your stories and look forward to reading more from you.
Hi Carmalee! I had no idea that you played instruments, but I did know that you loved Big Band era music. My Dearest Darling and The Very Thought of You had us sharing so many tunes to carry Will Darcy through war. Doris Day. I love her, too, and love that she, like Peggy Lee, began their musical journeys with Big Band leaders. Like you I grew up on Musicals. Now, about the radio … let me tell you about an experiment DH and I had for 3 years. No TV, no cable, no wifi, no dial up. Just radio, but DH did had a smartphone through work and some nights, we’d listen to an online station that had oldie radio shows. Music was our only outlet for 3 years straight. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Good luck in the giveaway. Hugs!
What a wonderful posting! What a great guest author, and what an interesting concept of writing a story with a particular song or soundtrack in mind. I love that.
The ‘Flower Duet’ is probably one of the most overused and familiar pieces of music known to commercial use. And yet….I never get tired of hearing the piece, and whenever it comes on the radio…..I listen to classical all the time…..I am completely transported, nearly stopped in my tracks, deer in the headlights captured, until I listen to the entire piece. And then I’m sad because it’s over, longing to hear it again. I’ll go get the book if only for that scene of our favorite hero hearing that piece of music and…..is he falling in love to that song????
Hi Michelle! Great to meet you. Thank you so much for commenting. I completely agree with you about the Flower Duet. To watch the divas perform the piece is as spellbinding as the music itself. This is the video that i link to used when writing DoC. It may be the one linked to the YouTube soundtrack. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf42IP__ipw Now, as for Darcy… I think he falls in love even before hearing that piece. It all begins with a sketchbook in Lizzy’s orchid hothouse …
Good luck in the Giveaway!
You’re so right, Cat, about the connection between music and story development! I do that all the time–drive around listening to the same song over and over, and spinning out a tale from the mood evoked by the music, or from parts of the lyrics. Lately I’ve been working with the music of your namesake, Cat Power, to develop a story about a reluctant pagan healer. And I “soundtrack” specific scenes in stories as well. Such an aid to creativity! I loved your post.
Hi Abigail! I LOVE that you do just what I do. Are we obsessed? LOL It’s a good obsession I think, because it allows the scene to form. I did that in Denial of Conscience with the song “Madness” by Muse. The video took place at a train station. The scene in the book was on a speed train. I listened to that song every chance I had! Obsessively. Best wishes with your upcoming work. I hope the muse and a creative Cat helps to take you exactly where you want to go! Thank you so much for sharing your writing process with me!
Having read & loved the kindle edition, I would love to own a paperback copy of your latest) & now, seeing there is a CD must have a copy. My father did not allow any music other than Country while I was growing up, but now I have ecletic tastes and play music almost continually (unless I am watching TV or a movie). Our song was I love how you love me. Cat, WWII books? I will have to look for them. Are they under your name?
Hi Sheila! Great to see you here. You are such a sweetie to want the paperback! Country has a great deal of diversity. DH and I love Bluegrass and Southern Rock. BG Alison Krauss and her angelic voice is one of our favorites. “I Love How You Love Me” Bobby Vinton!! Another romantic song, great lyrics: “And when I’m away from you I love how you miss me. I love the way your touch is always heavenly. But, darling, most of all I love how you love me”
My WWII books are now being edited for publication. I’ll keep you in the loop! Thank you so much and good luck in the giveaway!
This is such an interesting concept! I have a son that has a bachelor’s degree in music (he sings) and thinking of him always involves the sound of music. I wish I had the wonderful gift you do to put in words the stories inspired by music!
Hi Tere! Thank you so much for commenting! I love to hear about your children. What a gift it is to sing. Does he perform or teach? Can we see him on YouTube? You must share on VPP sometime. You are very kind, but I am positive that you possess the best gift of all – motherhood. That love is a perfect song and an inspiration.
He performs, and he’s got some videos in YouTube, including his participation in an opera in Spanish called Don Gil de Alcala, where he plays the Chamaco. It’s kind of fun. The link to the playlist for the whole opera is http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL274DBBAE1776BOEE. He also appears in other videos, his name is Carlos Arturo Soto Garcia.
The link does not work, let me see if this one does… https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL274DBBAE1776B0EE
Tere I am SO Impressed! Carlos is super talented and so handsome. I found this one too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brU4tmb4GkU
Thank you! I’m her fan number one. That’s my daughter with him, they sound awesome together but she works in marketing and doesn’t like to sing for an audience, except among family and friends.
What a delightful and wonderful post which resonates with me greatly. I grew up during the 50’s and the music from that era and the 40’s when I was born is meaningful, emotional, and true. The songs, music and singers were talented and special. Saturday afternoon we listed to opera which I learned to appreciate. My father sang, and his heroes were Caruso, Mario Lanza and he knew how this would influence me. Your talent and creativity is wonderful to know about and your writing sounds amazing. Wishing you happiness, enjoyment and success.
It’s lovely to meet you Annie! What great memories about growing up with your father’s influence of music. It sounds like it united you as a family. I don’t know from where you hail, but you paint the picture of a warm Italian family from South Philly where Mario Lanza was from.
I’m with you! IMHO the music of the 40s and 50s is the absolute best! In fact, I adore the Frank Sinatra of the 40s when he was still The Voice before becoming The Chairman of the Board! And Mario Lanza has had his role in both my WWII stories and will appear in my upcoming Christmas story, Villa Fortuna. That’s expected because our dear girl is Italian American. 😉 I’m enjoying some wonderful Doo Wop from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, NYC. Dion and the Belmonts playing in the background of the novel.
Thank you for your thoughtful wishes and for commenting. Good Luck in the giveaway!
My preferred listening music is “Early Music”, pre-1800. However, certain songs can still bring me back to certain places and times. Just yesterday “Sweet Home, Alabama” came on the oldies station and I immediately had to stop. “You know,” I told my husband, “that was the biggest song of the year back in 1976 when I was at Osan AFB (South Korea). OK, Hall & Oates Witchy Woman was right up there, too.” We almost went to war that year. I still remember it to this day. Then, American Pie back in the year I graduated from college, 1972. Seems like yesterday. I absolutely love the music of the 30’s & 40’s. There has not been anything noteworthy for a long time now — except the Rolling Stones, James Taylor, Carole King, Annie Lennox, Joni Mitchell (really — that’s about all I can think about).
Hi Julia! Great to meet you. I love how a song has taken you to that place and time years ago. American Pie! Yes! Music is different now, but there are gems hidden within a flood of others. I love how singers such as Michael Buble brought back the singers and standards of forty years ago. There is a talk radio guy I listen to and he has this interesting take on “the difference two generations makes.” One of his lines is “From Ella Fitzgerald to Lady Gaga.” I have to laugh at that one. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing and commenting. Thank you for your service to our country and best wishes in the giveaway!
I always go away from your posts thoroughly entertained and today I add music in my head. Wonderful post. Having enjoyed Lucky 13, I look forward to your Darcy in DoC. Thank you for the giveaway!
Hi Becky! You are a sweetheart! Thank you. I’m tickled that you enjoyed L13 and its music and I hope you have a chance to enjoy DoC too! Good Luck in the giveaway and thank you for commenting.
Loved reading this post thank you for the giveaway
Thank you Sydney! I’m so glad you stopped by. Good luck in the giveaway!
Books and music have been my soulmates since I was a young child. They put me in a place other than where I may be in another wrd as another person whenever the need is there. They have been my lifelines. I hope all future generations have that same advantage. Thanks for the giveaway. I can relate to what you do.
Hi Louann! You hit the nail on the head! Both together transport you to worlds far away. Happy places. 🙂 Thank you so much for your comment. Best of Luck in the giveaway
Great review. I love Springsteen and especially Thunder Road. I can appreciate how certain songs can inspire stories. I have always enjoyed listening to music in fact I am convinced I couldn’t drive without it. Thanks for the giveaway I would love to win the ebook.
Hi Glynis! I know just what you mean! Driving and singing go hand in hand. Sometimes my best plot bunnies show up in the car. Thank you so much for commenting. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Wow! Such incredible comments. I’m excited to delve in and answer them all, but first I want to thank our generous hostess, Meredith for inviting me to AR. It is always so much fun to visit, and lo and behold I find out that she is a Sound of Music lover (gee, there’s a surprise! LOL) Discussing my muse-ical seemed a no brainer here, where I was sure many would have such great stories to share. Thank you all and a big hug to Meredith for her overall awesomeness. 🙂
I loved Lucky 13 and have been looking for to DOC for some time now. I too love music and use it as inspiration for creativity. I do photography as a hobby (mostly my kiddos) and when I work on editing a session I have to have gentle music on like Sarah McLachlan or Jewel.
Thank you for the giveaway!!!
Hi Shannon! I’m so happy that you had such a great time with L13. It was a blast to write and dance to. I hope DoC doesn’t disappoint. The music evokes such a different feeling than L13 and my upcoming one, too, will get your feet movin. What a fabulous hobby you have especially when your children are the subject. How wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing and best of luck!
Loved this article! I turn up Godsmack and think about the boys plane jumping every time I hear it… I love your writing, don’t bother putting me in the drawing, as I buy your books the minute they come out.
Hi Kari! Great to see you here! You are the sweetest! That’s a great scene and I always think of you thinking of it when I hear it. LOL The sequel will have a great soundtrack, too. if I can just move past chapter 14! 🙂 See you soon in VPP ?? Hugs and kisses
Love your post, Cat. I have been a musician for 43 years, and I often “see” my life set to music. I’ll listen to a song I really don’t like just to hear the saxophone riff or a beautiful string section. When I’m riding (not driving) in a car, I look out the windows and imagine a movie soundtrack.
Music always plays a part in my writing, too.
Hi Robin! Thank you so much for commenting! I can absolutely concur! The songs we have to endure because they fit a scene, embodying maybe turmoil or angst, in our books and life. I’m not a Heavy Metal girl, yet DoC has two songs on the soundtrack, one Kari mentioned above, the other plays in Darcy’s helmet on the motorcycle. Yikes! But there you have it, they set the tone of the scene.
I LOVE to hear that so many authors use music as their muse, and what a wonderful tidbit to know that your talent extends beyond your gifted writing! Thank you for sharing! Good Luck in the giveaway. 🙂
I love how music infuses your life… When I read modern P&P stories, there’s usually a song or two that pops up in my head when I think about the story or a scene.
I do love music myself, it’s so fascinating how words sung in a song can relate to you in a specific situation and every time you hear it and can conjure up memories or emotions. Looking forward to reading your latest book!
Hi Dung! Great to see you here. I love that songs pop into your head when you read moderns. That happened with one of Lucky 13’s readers and she shared it with me. It’s the closing line of this post. from Queen’s “Breakthru.” You are so right, evocative lyrics are universal, applicable to all of us at any given moment in our lives. Sort of how we feel about Pride and Prejudice.
Thank you so much, sweetie and good luck in the Giveaway!
I have really liked this post, Cat.
Music has similar effect on me. I am 29 and if a song “touches” me, it does not matter if it is classical, from the 40s, the 80s or from 2015. Lately I have been “soundtracking” a couple of novels that I love. One day I will post about it.
By the way, I am a total crazy lover of the film and soundtrack of “The sound of music”, I know the songs both in Spanish and in English. I
I will just leave here a couple of pieces that has always moved me, they are just beautiful and I can never get tired of: Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major” or “Lifted” by Lighthouse Family (as I said, I do not mind the type of year of the song, it is just what it provokes on me).
By the way, I really need to read you, I have not done it yet!
An open question not only for Cat: what bok do I have to read first? I mean, Cat’s books.
Hi Ana! Another SoM fan!! Woot! Canon in D Major! Awesome. That piece is featured in Denial of Conscience and is included on the CD giveaway. 🙂 I adored the baby strings quartet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaSqRCLDe6M I have never heard “Lifted” but I like the beat and lyrics. It sounds much like Seal, one of my favorites.
Ah,so you ask a tough question, which to read first. Both Lucky 13 and Denial of Conscience are very different. L13 a light, Jaff Chick Lit that includes an actual chapter by chapter blog where Lizzy talks about her dating experiences. It’s a feel good book. Now, DoC is hot, fast, and very 007 Bond-esque. Two totally different feels. My upcoming book will also release during the holidays, definitely another RomCom. All three have soundtracks! I suppose it all depends on your mood, but whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you so much for sharing, Ana! Great to meet you. Best wishes in the Giveaway. 🙂
Cat, where do I purchase the CD of the soundtracks?
Hi Sheila! Unfortunately, I can’t sell it because of copyright, but if you sign up to spotify for free on the internet, you can listen to all the soundtracks,https://open.spotify.com/user/flcatgirl/playlist/6z2d8A9uAMbsBof06JGFJ4 Or even listen to them on YouTube: . https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMwQhEBi-Q_nl4AxG1hd55qZIN9hswXSq
Thanks so much for the inquiry! Hugs,
OK, thanks for the information. I will make the connection.
Well, I have read both of her books and posted reviews both on Amazon and on Goodreads. I loved both and make sure you check out the link for the video of the tango: see below. (I post as SL Majczan Owl Lover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As0QHcUSGYY Assassin’s Tango – sent to me by Cat…thank you, Cat. It is so romantic and sexy. Please read both books and check out the song list on Spotify for Lucky 13.
Aw, thank you Sheila! I love that tango video too. FYI, hopefully, I’ll be back to AR around the holidays and have a CD of L13 and for the “Oldies” lover, holiday and Italian-American favorites from my upcoming book Villa Fortuna. 🙂
I should explain that the tango is the dance Darcy steps in to partner with Elizabeth in the beginning of DOC. Dances, then departs to get on his Harley and leave – sizzle!
Tango, so hot and passionate!
Maybe I will start with DOC 🙂