April 2019 Book of the Month
A Symphony of Rivals
by Roma Calatayud-Stocks
Published by: Calumet Editions
ISBN-10: 9780998731933
ISBN-13: 978-0998731933
ASIN-13: 0998731935
SYNOPSIS:
A Symphony of Rivals, the second book in a trilogy, is a compelling historical novel set in 1930s Germany, Austria, Italy, and the United States. Alejandra Stanford Morrison pursues her dream of becoming a symphonic conductor at an unfortunate time when culture and the arts are falling under the influence of Nazism, but through her devotion to music and Beethoven’s legacy, she finds a measure of hope and strength. In Berlin, she meets and trains with renowned European conductors, and through her friends Hannah and Ben Adelman she meets art dealer Anton Everhardt, who falls in love with her.
Alejandra’s musical talent is a double-edged sword which places her at the center of a dangerous political world, where she attracts the unwanted attention of a high-ranking German officer. While attempting to maintain her integrity, Alejandra confronts harrowing situations, which challenge her principles; and, when the upheaval and violence of the Nazi ascendency spreads to Vienna, Alejandra must choose between staying with her family in America or risking everything by returning to Europe in search of her dearest friends.
BIO:
Award-winning novelist and composer Roma Calatayud-Stocks holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music and Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and post-graduate studies in creative writing from the University of St. Thomas.
Roma is the author of two historical novels, A Song in My Heart, and the recently released, A Symphony of Rivals. She’s currently working on the third installment of the series, An Ode to Joy. And in line with her life passion and commitment to bring forth the contributions of all cultures through the arts, Roma’s narratives, set to music, provide a window to locations across the world, while also addressing poignant issues, politics of the era, and history.
Calatayud-Stocks released two albums, “A Song in My Heart,” to accompany her debut novel, A Song in My Heart, and “Carnival of Life.” With classical, jazz, and Latin musical influences, the albums, performed by an acoustic ensemble, showcase her original songs and instrumental compositions.
“An Extraordinary Fusion of Music and Literature,” Book Reviewer List.
Roma has twenty years of experience in various roles at arts organizations, including Friends of the Minnesota Orchestra, Film Society of Minneapolis St Paul, MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Vocal Essence, and Walker Art Center. She has toured the United States to present her work at universities, libraries, women’s clubs, and book fairs. Roma lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Tom.
Author webpage: https://romastocks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RomaStocks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Romas-Music-Prose-746749525530153/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4emvr1p7Fc
April 2019 Conversations Book
The Taco Stand
by Tim S. Vasquez
Published by: Toodaloo Publishing Company
ISBN-10: 1732647208
ISBN-13: 978-1732647206
SYNOPSIS:
A story of hard work and the love of family, Tim Vasquez’s colorful tale, The Taco Stand, gives young readers a closer look at what matters most. The story explores what happens when Isabel, known throughout Phoenix for her sensational, crave-able tacos, gets an offer to take those tacos mainstream and open a franchise, but the offer comes at the expense of time with family. As Isabel mulls her options and debates exactly just how much family time is truly worth, young readers will develop a better understanding of the fact that there are some things in life you simply can’t put a price on.
BIO:
Husband. Father. Coach. Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. Part-time Wordsmith.
Tim S. Vasquez’s casual, easy-to-read writing style has collided with his vast life experiences to create his long-awaited first book, The Taco Stand. Tim is the owner and operator of his family’s restaurants, Someburros and Isabel’s Amor, where he strives each and every day to honor the legacy of his Nana Isabel and Tata Poncho.
Author webpage: https://www.thetacostandbook.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Timmyv1993
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmyv93/