A Season for Tenors,Used

Product Description Love for the famous tenor Paul Concorda compels a young American soprano, Michaeleen, to pursue him by attending an exclusive opera school in Italy. Competitive and talented, she breaks established rules and exposes an illicit relationship in the school's affluent administration. A major scandal results. Struggling in her London debut, she is tenderly rescued by one tenor, and invited to sing in Vienna with another. Her career is established. Yet, her passionate romance with Paul is threatened by his unresolved guilt over his wife's death. At the onset of a brilliant career, Michaeleen is heartbroken and she contracts a rare disease: one that threatens to end her life. About the Author A native of Detroit, Michigan, author Susan Kirkland is an avid reader and an opera lover. She earned a nursing degree after marriage and three sons, and began writing as a hobby An extensive traveler, Susan lives with her husband, John, in Albany, New York. Excerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. A Season For TenorsSusan Kirkland As she spoke he noted her innocence and engaging demeanor. She's nervous, yet, still refined. Classy. Those eyes again, those smiling Irish eyes. They're heavily fringed...black lashes, with a light blue iris. The combination is electric and most unusual. Great hair...full and rich. A curving figure. Small waist. The jeans fit to perfection. Why is it, he thought, that Americans can wear jeans so well? She's dressed almost boyish...yet, she's completely feminine. Enchanting." "...and I was at your Metropolitan Opera debut of Rigoletto." "How well I remember, Michaeleen. I want to sing with you one day, Paul. I wish it with all my heart.' Who could forget a line like that!" Michaeleen blushed pink. "My mother was right," she smiled, "she said you'd never forget me. And Paul, the wish was genuine. Do you think we can sing together one day?" "Absolutely, Michaeleen. But you must finish school first. And in another two years I'm sure..." "No, not two years, Paul. I have only a year's scholarship and enough money for one year. Then I must work. You see, I had to leave my father. He would not support my career, and..." "Yes, Jose told me. He also said that your Mother died. You've had a few difficult years." "And you too, Paul." "Yes, I guess we're both grieving." Their eyes locked just for a few seconds, and there passed between them an understanding, and a flood of warmth bright as sunshine. "Do you have a favorite composer?" he asked. "Puccini," she answered. "I could sing every opera he wrote. The beauty of his music moves me." "What particular role would you like to sing?" "Mimi, of course. And the slave girl, Liu, from Turandot. Her death is so dramatic...beautiful arias. And of course, Madama Butterfly. Manon Lescaut has always fascinated me. But away from Puccini, the role of Micaela in Carmen, and then I'd love to..." Paul interrupted, putting up his hands. "I understand completely." His smile drew her in. "You could sing them all, correct?"She looked at him shyly..."Yes, I want to sing them all." "With that ambition and your excellent start here, you probably will. But all in good time, Michaeleen." He stood, picking up his jacket. "I don't want to keep Treavor waiting with lunch. It's been great seeing you again. The next time we meet may be on the opera stage!" She suddenly stiffened with panic. He's ending our conversation...leaving...I haven't said everything I wanted to say. He saw her eyes widen with fear, looking up at him, her knuckles were white as she gripped the arms of the chair. He met her eyes and a wave of tenderness enveloped him. He wanted to hold her, draw her to him, rock her in his arms...protect her. She's captivating, he thought. "Paul," her voice broke on his name. "Yes, dear," he answered kindly, his eyes alive with interest. She looked like she might cry. "I...we're presenting La Boheme next Friday and