The Warrender Saga Series by Mary Burchell

An unknown benefactor had sufficient faith in Anthea Benton's singing voice to pay for her training under the celebrated operatic conductor, Oscar Warrender. She was ecstatic, but her joy was short-lived when she came face to face with the great man. Cold and forbidding, he proved to be a hard taskmaster. She felt her dreams can be coming true... but would she be tough enough to work under such and exacting taskmaster?

WAS SHE ALWAYS TO BE OVERSHADOWED. Although blessed with the voice of an angel. Tessa Morley was exceedingly shy. Her outgoing twin sister, the beautiful bewitching Tania, seemed forever to be in the limelight. When success was the only thing that seemed to matter to her employer, how would the hidden talents of crippled Tessa ever be revealed while she was overshadowed by her beautiful, bewitching twin, Tania? And now it looked as it Tania would ever rob Tessa of the man she loved... moreWAS SHE ALWAYS TO BE OVERSHADOWED. Although blessed with the voice of an angel. Tessa Morley was exceedingly shy. Her outgoing twin sister, the beautiful bewitching Tania, seemed forever to be in the limelight. When success was the only thing that seemed to matter to her employer, how would the hidden talents of crippled Tessa ever be revealed while she was overshadowed by her beautiful, bewitching twin, Tania? And now it looked as it Tania would ever rob Tessa of the man she loved. Tania had always had everything -- would she now win the love of the temperamental Quentin Otway? Only one person seemed capable of rectifying the situation -- the famous Oscar Warrender! less

Antoinette Burney, a more than promising music student, was disappointed,unbelieving and furious when the famous concert pianist Lewis Freemont failed her in an exam, telling her forthrightly that she would never make the grade as a professional pianist. She felt she could never forgive him.But then fate cruelly turned the tables by making Antoinette the innocent cause of the accident that, in destroying Lewis Freemont's sight, destroyed his career as well... moreAntoinette Burney, a more than promising music student, was disappointed,unbelieving and furious when the famous concert pianist Lewis Freemont failed her in an exam, telling her forthrightly that she would never make the grade as a professional pianist. She felt she could never forgive him.But then fate cruelly turned the tables by making Antoinette the innocent cause of the accident that, in destroying Lewis Freemont's sight, destroyed his career as well. Horrified and remorseful, when Antoinette had the chanceto make some sort of amends - by becoming Lewis's secretary - she seized it,and in the process fell in love with him. But what would he do when, asinevitably he must, he discovered who she really was? less

Nicola was looking forward to marrying violinst Brian when he came back from his tour of Canada. However Brian became ill and died suddenly. Months later Nicola had the opportunity to meet Brian's boss Julian a world famous conductor. Nicola finds that she likes Julian very much but is later dismayed to find that Julian is instrumental in Brian's death... moreNicola was looking forward to marrying violinst Brian when he came back from his tour of Canada. However Brian became ill and died suddenly. Months later Nicola had the opportunity to meet Brian's boss Julian a world famous conductor. Nicola finds that she likes Julian very much but is later dismayed to find that Julian is instrumental in Brian's death. Her job as secretary to a world-famous opera singer brought her into contact with a lot of interesting people -- but it also threw her into the company of the one man in the world she had cause to hate! Can she ever forget and forgive? less

Never give up on your dreams… Felicity Grainger is a talented music teacher, with a special gift for helping her students appreciate their art. While she has friends who are celebrated performers, Felicity knows that rather than taking the limelight herself, her own strengths lie in helping other people to reach their true potential. One of those people is Janet Morton, an eleven-year-old girl who is a near-genius when it comes to playing the violin, but has a troubled past... moreNever give up on your dreams… Felicity Grainger is a talented music teacher, with a special gift for helping her students appreciate their art. While she has friends who are celebrated performers, Felicity knows that rather than taking the limelight herself, her own strengths lie in helping other people to reach their true potential. One of those people is Janet Morton, an eleven-year-old girl who is a near-genius when it comes to playing the violin, but has a troubled past. As an orphan, Janet is all alone in the world but for an aunt by marriage, Julia Morton, to whom Janet has taken a very strong dislike. So, problems arise when Janet is awarded a place at a top music school, Tarkmans, where her aunt threatens to become an all too constant presence in her life. Meanwhile Felicity has taken a part-time job at Tarkmans, and begins to realise that Janet is not the only one at odds with Julia. Her suspicions of the other woman, and of her motives, lead her to fear for Janet’s future happiness — and perhaps also for her own. At the centre of events is Stephen Tarkman, the wealthy, enigmatic head of the Tarkman musical trust and school. Felicity’s relationship with Stephen is strained at times, not least because she cannot hide her mistrust of Stephen’s friend, Julia Morton. But as time passes Felicity begins to acknowledge how she really feels about Stephen … Yet just as she does so, disaster strikes. Janet goes missing and in the village nearby, a house catches fire. Will Felicity be able to share her feelings with Stephen and admit the truth behind her suspicions of Julia Morton? Or has she left it, tragically, too late…? Child of Music is the fifth book in the Warrender Saga . Praise for Mary Burchell ‘Extraordinary’ – The Telegraph ‘You’re in for a treat’ – Dream Author Book Blog ‘A unique story’ – Kirkus Reviews ‘…one of Mills and Boon’s most popular authors.’ – The Guardian Mary Burchell was the pen name of Ida Cook (1904-1986). With her eldest sister Mary Louise Cook, she attended the Duchess’ School in Alnwick. Together, the sisters helped 29 Jews to escape from the Nazis, funded mainly by Ida’s writing. In 1965, the Cook sisters were honored as Righteous Gentiles by the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel. Mary Burchell published more than 125 romance novels in total and helped found the Romantic Novelists’ Association, standing as its president from 1966 until her death. less

Every family has its secrets… When Gail Rostall is invited to her good friend Oliver Bannister’s family home, she has no idea he was one of the Bannisters – the most distinguished musical family in the country. Nor had she any idea that Oliver’s brother was the famous composer Marcus Bannister. An ambitious, young singer herself, Gail finds it difficult to convince the frosty Marc that she had not come along simply with the idea to further her career... moreEvery family has its secrets… When Gail Rostall is invited to her good friend Oliver Bannister’s family home, she has no idea he was one of the Bannisters – the most distinguished musical family in the country. Nor had she any idea that Oliver’s brother was the famous composer Marcus Bannister. An ambitious, young singer herself, Gail finds it difficult to convince the frosty Marc that she had not come along simply with the idea to further her career. In fact, before long her feelings for him become anything but professional! With the role of a contralto heroine up for grabs in Marc’s new opera, Gail soon finds herself at the source of family friction. And it suddenly occurs to Gail that she is being asked to keep too many family secrets for the celebrated Bannisters. As auditions loom around the corner, just how will Gail manage to uphold family harmony without jeopardizing her own career…? Praise for Mary Burchell ‘the equivalent of today’s “chick-lit” page-turners’ – Camden New Journal ‘Extraordinary’ – The Telegraph ‘You’re in for a treat’ – Dream Author Book Blog ‘A unique story’ – Kirkus Reviews ‘…one of Mills and Boon’s most popular authors.’ – The Guardian Mary Burchell was the pen name of Ida Cook (1904-1986). With her eldest sister Mary Louise Cook, she attended the Duchess’ School in Alnwick. Together, the sisters helped 29 Jews to escape from the Nazis, funded mainly by Ida’s writing. In 1965, the Cook sisters were honored as Righteous Gentiles by the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel. Mary Burchell published more than 125 romance novels in total and helped found the Romantic Novelists’ Association, standing as its president from 1966 until her death. less

Mary loved music, and was thrilled to be working as secretary to a famous impressario -- but it was another matter when she found herself becoming involved with one of his clients, the celebrated singer, Nicholas Brenner. She told herself firmly that she could never really belong in Nicholas's world and that to fall in love with him could only bring her heartbreak. But how could she stop herself?

After years of hard work and training, Anna Fulroyd’s dream of becoming a professional singer may finally be coming true. In her third year at music college, Anna has just been accepted for the role of her dreams – a once in a lifetime opportunity to join a Canadian tour, organised by the dashing Jonathan Keyne... moreAfter years of hard work and training, Anna Fulroyd’s dream of becoming a professional singer may finally be coming true. In her third year at music college, Anna has just been accepted for the role of her dreams – a once in a lifetime opportunity to join a Canadian tour, organised by the dashing Jonathan Keyne. But when Anna suddenly receives the news that her mother may be dying, she is forced to pull out of the tour before it has even begun – carelessly rejecting Jonathan’s offer in the process. It seems that Anna that she will have to put her dreams on hold indefinitely – that is, until she is asked by the wealthy Teresa Delawney to be her secretary for the Music Festival. Much to Teresa’s annoyance, Anna just may end up being the star of the show… And by chance – or is it fate? – Anna and Jonathan’s paths cross once again, although their encounters are increasingly fraught with tension and misunderstandings. In spite of this, Anna can’t help but think that she may indeed have feelings for Jonathan Keyne… But will they ever be able to iron out their differences? And will Anna finally get the chance to make her dreams a reality? Praise for Mary Burchell ‘You’re in for a treat’ – Dream Author Book Blog ‘A unique story’ – Kirkus Reviews ‘…one of Mills and Boon’s most popular authors.’ – The Guardian Mary Burchell was the pen name of Ida Cook (1904-1986). With her eldest sister Mary Louise Cook, she attended the Duchess' School in Alnwick. Together, the sisters helped 29 Jews to escape from the Nazis, funded mainly by Ida's writing. In 1965, the Cook sisters were honoured as Righteous Gentiles by the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel. Mary Burchell published more than 125 romance novels in total and helped found the Romantic Novelists’ Association, standing as its president from 1966 until her death. less

Fresh out of music college, Joanna Ransome hopes to forge a career as a singer. She’s touched and grateful for the help and interest of old Mr. Wilmore, who she feels she owes everything. He gets her off to a promising start, and soon enough she’s introduced to the great conductor Oscar Warrender. It seems she can’t take a wrong step, at least career-wise. And then she meets Elliot Cheam... moreFresh out of music college, Joanna Ransome hopes to forge a career as a singer. She’s touched and grateful for the help and interest of old Mr. Wilmore, who she feels she owes everything. He gets her off to a promising start, and soon enough she’s introduced to the great conductor Oscar Warrender. It seems she can’t take a wrong step, at least career-wise. And then she meets Elliot Cheam. Cheam is Mr Wilmore’s nephew, and is convinced she’s nothing more than a conniving gold-digger trying to bleed his uncle dry. His hurtful comments niggle away at her, chipping away at her self-confidence and making her worry for her career. She’s determined to prove him wrong – but can she manage to change such a stubborn mind and continue with her success? Remembered Serenade is the ninth book in Mary Burchell’s Warrender Saga. Praise for Mary Burchell ‘Extraordinary’ – The Telegraph ‘You’re in for a treat’ – Dream Author Book Blog ‘A unique story’ – Kirkus Reviews ‘…one of Mills and Boon’s most popular authors.’ – The Guardian Mary Burchell was the pen name of Ida Cook (1904-1986). With her eldest sister Mary Louise Cook, she attended the Duchess’ School in Alnwick. Together, the sisters helped 29 Jews to escape from the Nazis, funded mainly by Ida’s writing. In 1965, the Cook sisters were honored as Righteous Gentiles by the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel. Mary Burchell published more than 125 romance novels in total and helped found the Romantic Novelists’ Association, standing as its president from 1966 until her death. less

Lindley Harding was an opera singer nearing the end of his career; Laurence Morven was a new star – and rival – coming up over the horizon. And Lindley’s daughter Natalie, who loved them both, found herself torn two ways as the bitterness grew between the two men. Was the situation going to ruin her life? Praise for Mary Burchell ‘You’re in for a treat’ – Dream Author Book Blog ‘A unique story’ – Kirkus Reviews ‘…one of Mills and Boon’s most popular authors... moreLindley Harding was an opera singer nearing the end of his career; Laurence Morven was a new star – and rival – coming up over the horizon. And Lindley’s daughter Natalie, who loved them both, found herself torn two ways as the bitterness grew between the two men. Was the situation going to ruin her life? Praise for Mary Burchell ‘You’re in for a treat’ – Dream Author Book Blog ‘A unique story’ – Kirkus Reviews ‘…one of Mills and Boon’s most popular authors.’ – The Guardian Mary Burchell was the pen name of Ida Cook (1904-1986). With her eldest sister Mary Louise Cook, she attended the Duchess' School in Alnwick. Together, the sisters helped 29 Jews to escape from the Nazis, funded mainly by Ida's writing. In 1965, the Cook sisters were honoured as Righteous Gentiles by the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel. Mary Burchell published more than 125 romance novels in total and helped found the Romantic Novelists’ Association, standing as its president from 1966 until her death. less

DIFFICULTIES WERE MEANT TO BE OVERCOME Little did Amanda realize the full meaning of Jerome Leydon's words, although she had taken the famous composer's advice and sought lessons from the gifted Dr. Lewis Elsworth. Lewis had been patiently training her voice for several years. But Jerome wanted instant success for Amanda -- a course Lewis had firmly forbidden. And Amanda needed money desperately. Should she forsake talent for money -- follow her mind of her heart?

She couldn't reveal her true identity Nor could Kate reveal it had been her ambition to become an opera star that prompted her to take a job in London with her famous uncle, Oscar Warrender. Two men were prepared to help her: Carlo, a handsome baritone who saw Kate as a way of furthering his own career; and Van, a musical journalist who seemed to want the best for her -- but on his own terms. She needed them both... but her heart could choose only one.

Although Caroline had a lovely voice and would have very much liked to become a professional singer, she had always put her feelings second to the talent and ambition of her beloved cousin Jeremy, who was going to become a singer himself... moreAlthough Caroline had a lovely voice and would have very much liked to become a professional singer, she had always put her feelings second to the talent and ambition of her beloved cousin Jeremy, who was going to become a singer himself. But when she accompanied Jeremy for moral support, when her cousin went to audition for Sir Oscar Warrender, the great conductor said firmly, ‘It’s the girl who interests me,’ — and before Caroline knew where she was, she had been launched on a musical career of her own. But how was Jeremy going to feel about it all? Praise for Mary Burchell: ‘You’re in for a treat’ – Dream Author Book Blog ‘A unique story’ – Kirkus Reviews ‘…one of Mills and Boon’s most popular authors.’ – The Guardian Mary Burchell was the pen name of Ida Cook (1904-1986). With her eldest sister Mary Louise Cook, she attended the Duchess' School in Alnwick. Together, the sisters helped 29 Jews to escape from the Nazis, funded mainly by Ida's writing. In 1965, the Cook sisters were honored as Righteous Gentiles by the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel. Mary Burchell published more than 125 romance novels in total and helped found the Romantic Novelists’ Association, standing as its president from 1966 until her death. less