Review
snippets:
“Melina loves the violin, but learning to play can be challenging. Like now, when she’s trying to play “Winter” and she just can’t seem to get it right.
Her Rumanian teacher, Andrea, is patient and kind, but even she can’t keep the tears of frustration from her young pupil’s eyes. Perhaps it’s time for a magic dose of confidence.
During a visit to the city’s center with her parents, Melina is amazed to hear someone playing “Winter” on a violin. The mysterious stranger, who seems to have something in common with Melina’s teacher, suggests a special midnight wish upon a star.
But, is Melina’s new ability to play “Winter” due to magic or to the practice she puts in as she gains confidence? And, who was that mystery lady?
This is a beautiful book with lyrical text. Vivid descriptions make Melina’s emotions tangible. The accompanying illustrations are a perfect match. They give a charming view of 19th Century Europe.
A lovely addition to any child’s bookshelf.”
--Julie M. Prince, YABooksCentral
"I love children’s books that inspire.
And The Magic Violin inspires and
entertains. The story is set in Belgium and is sweet, well-written and zero’s
in on a huge problem with many children; self-esteem. The illustrations are all
lovely but the cover captivates the reader’s attention. It is so beautiful it
could be framed... The Magic Violin is a
must read, must have for children. They’ll be inspired by the story and the illustrations
will delight them."--
--Andrea Sisco,
Armchair Interviews (www.armchairinterviews.com)
“Filled with old world charm, children will find this
book has a distinctive foreign flavor. Illustrations are reminiscent of earlier
days and the story itself conveys an old-fashioned feeling. The magic of a
European Christmas Eve comes to life through text and pictures in this gentle
tale for music lovers. Young violinists may discover their own dose of self-confidence
in this unique picture book.” –Nancy K. Wallace, Youth
Services Coordinator at Ellwood City Area Public Library
AUTHOR’S BIO
*Author bio:
Mayra Calvani is a multi-genre author and book reviewer. When
she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, reviewing, interviewing authors for her blogs, and playing the violin. Visit her sites and blogs:
Children’s
Books:
www.MayrasSecretBookcase.blogspot.com
Adult Books:
www.thedarkphantom.wordpress.com
www.violinandbooks.wordpress.com (multi-genre)
www.thefountainpennewsletter.blogspot.com (multi genre)
Note: You may add the above bio to my adult books page as
well.
*************
Material for http://www.bookswelove.net/calvani.html
*Book info for The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing:
The Slippery Art
of Book Reviewing
By Mayra Calvani & Anne K. Edwards
Twilight Times
Books
ISBN:
1-933353-22-8; 978-1-933353-22-7
Release Date:
June 15, 2008
Trade Paperback
188 pages, $16.95
Writing/Reference
Foreword by James
A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review
*Review snippets
for DARK LULLABY:
"Mayra Calvani
is a masterful storyteller… Dark Lullaby is complex and
compelling…" –Habitual Reader
"Dark Lullaby is an
atmospheric paranormal horror that grips you from page one and refuses to let
go until you’ve raced, breathless, to the end." –ePinions
"Dark Lullaby is a page-turner. A horror story from the top shelf!
You'll love it." –5 stars from Euro-Reviews
“This is a terrific
horror…” –Harriet Klausner
“Dark Lullaby will capture you with its
rich descriptions, its exotic location, and the need to uncover the dark
secrets hidden within its pages.” –Cheryl Malandrinos,
The Book Connection
*The link you
have for Dark Lullaby that leads to ‘Reviews’ actually leads to the excerpt.
*Dark Lullaby,
book info:
Dark Lullaby
By Mayra Calvani
Whiskey
Creek Press
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-59374-908-8, $5.99
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-59374-907-1, $13.95
September
2007
Supernatural Thriller
Available
from Fictionwise, Amazon, and Whiskey Creek Press http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Dark Lullaby link
to Amazon
Dark Lullaby link
to Fictionwise
http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook52049.htm