Last month I received notification that Sonata of Elsie Lenore has been awarded a Medallion of appreciation by indieBRAG (Book Readers Appreciation Group).

It’s encouraging to know that the second in my series of piano novels was received well by an international team of readers. They gave the novel high marks in various judging categories and recommended inclusion in the list of recommended IndieBRAG books. The medallion tells readers who are looking for a great book that Sonata of Elsie Lenore is well worth their investment of time and money. It’s gratifying to me that Elsie Lenore joins her sister book, Sundrop Sonata with this distinctive award.

Though not all of the BRAG readers leave comments, here are a few they shared.

“I found this an interesting book to read.”

“What a wonderful book. I was gripped right away and the story held me spellbound throughout.”

“I was with Stefano all the way, willing him to succeed or terrified he’d lose.”

“An original and interesting story with well developed characters and settings.”

“I loved it, loved the connection to the music, as I play piano myself, although far from concert standard, and I liked that a piano could be so loved that it had a name.”

“Sonata of Elsie Lenore is a delightfully original work.”

“I found the passages of technical description of piano restoration fascinating and the settings in Cuba vivid and engaging.”

“The climax is splendidly effective.”

With humility and gratitude, I extend thanks to the team of anonymous readers around the world for endorsing Elsie Lenore. In this unprecedented year of 2020, in which the arrival of a deadly virus ground all our usual activities to a halt, it’s hard to focus on once-upon-a-different-time hopes and dreams.

And then there was the 2020 election. After the vicious campaigning, the uncertain and contested election results, the realization that we are more divided than ever before, this little award is a breath of fresh air. Perhaps we all could use a little diversion right now.

But then we must move forward and synthesize a new future if we are to survive the chaos, the crisis, the hatred, and division which plagues the world at the present time.

If you are looking for good books to read, note those adorned with the IndieBRAG seal. And be sure to leave reviews to support the work of those of us who plunge ahead, groping blindly, but with undying hope, to forge a new pathway into an unknown future. May the words of those with benevolent hearts find a way forward for all of Earth’s inhabitants.