The Secret Chord

by Virginia Hale

Overview

When Kate York accepted a temporary position as the music teacher at her former Catholic boarding school, St. Joan of Arc, she expected to deal with rowdy adolescents, strict nuns, and memories of her intense friendship with her old roommate, Tilly Wattle. The last thing Kate expected, however, was for Tilly to show up as the substitute teacher.



The last time the two had seen each other, Tilly had her heart set on joining the sisterhood of nuns that had raised her as an orphan. Tilly longed for a simple life devoting herself to God while Kate longed for a simple life devoting herself to Tilly. Now, twelve years since she forced herself to say goodbye, Kate realizes that she never really got over her sweet, beautiful friend—or the secret kisses they shared as girls.



In her heart of hearts Kate believes that Tilly can match her passion with equal intensity. When Tilly steadfastly refuses to talk about their past, what choice does Kate have but to try to control her own longings and concentrate on renewing their friendship?



But what if Kate isn’t the only one desperate to hide her true feelings…

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781642470437
Publisher:	Bella Books
Publication date:	07/23/2019
Pages:	286
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Virginia Hale lives in Sydney, Australia, and is currently working on her master’s degree in Children’s Literature. When she isn’t writing or studying, she is dreaming up trips to New York City and Boston. Echo Point—set in the heartland of the Blue Mountains, Australia—is her debut novel.

Editorial Reviews

"Tilly had longed for a simple life and devoting herself to God. Kate had longed for a simple life and devoting herself to Tilly."



Rarely do I feel like a book so emphatically resonates with me. All of the pieces have to come together just right. And they did. This was so very complicated. There was longing that I felt in my bones. Deep feelings so heavy they were destined to be revealed. Interactions charged with want. Emotions ran the gamut. Virginia Hale is such a talented writer. She showed us this beautiful relationship between two women. No telling. Showing us with looks, words, and touches. I read a ridiculous amount of books and so few of them can make me feel what the characters are feeling. I loved. I ached. I desired. I hoped.


And who hasn't ever felt this way but never had the words as eloquent to describe?


"It was hard to throw Tilly a buoy when she was in desperate need of a lifeline too."


I didn't even have to finish this book to know it was going to be one of my all-time favorites. Not a single complaint. I loved all of the author's decisions and direction. I'm feeling like this review is inadequate because I can't find the right words to say how much I loved this.


I recommend this to everyone. Romance, second chances, feelings of unrequited love, religious guilt, emotional affair, infidelity, slow burn, will they/won't they, and ferries.—NetGalley - Carrie K.

From the Publisher