Testimonials: Overtones - musical novel with romantic overtones

Linda Weltner, Marblehead, MA, author of "No Place Like Home" and "Family Puzzles"

Unni Hoel has written a symphony in words, a composition, which strikes thrilling chords of romance, passion and betrayal. In her skilled hands, "Overtones" becomes an ensemble performance by father and daughter, husband and wife, lover and beloved, all of whom share an abiding love of music that swirls through these pages. You will put down this book with the same feeling of exhilaration with which you leave a stirring concert. Bravo!

Jane Fehr, Willow Street, P.A.

Great story with a musical background. In a sensitive and often inspiring symphony of words, Unni Hoel has written a beautiful first novel. Fraught with the conflict of an impassioned father determined to make a virtuoso of his daughter, and the equal determination of the daughter to live her own life, this book takes the reader from the beauty of overtones to the depths of despair and back again. Tanya, whose mother was a concert pianist, is reared by an overprotective and dominating father, Gustav Ritter, a music professor, and a loving, understanding nanny, Dagny. As Tanya grows from a four-year-old into a ravishing, talented beauty, her love for music and her feelings for William, a charming French violinist and conductor complicate her life. Julius, a protégé of her father, Felix, a professor of archeology at Harvard, and Abe, a black jazz musician lends another depth to the story. The characters are well developed and intertwined. A remarkable first novel from this American/Norwegian author. "Overtones" is sure to become a favorite of its readers.

Marta Lindahl, Gothenburg, Sweden

I have finished your book and it was great! I am mighty proud to have a friend who is an author. You have many strings on your lyre.

Torhild Wendelbo, Rauland, Norway

Unni Hoel has written a book that has intense drive and excitement, with the character's destinies fused together and with excellent insight into their social and mental nuances. "Overtones" fascinated me from the very first and the characters became my friends as undertones played along like a Hardanger fiddle's lower strings.

Brit Aabakken Peterson, Wash.D.C.

Filled with admiration and wonderment, I put down your Book "Overtones". Perhaps you didn't anticipate my feelings of awe at your musical and literate accomplishments? But, you taught me more than you probably ever expected. Your superb use of the English language and your expert knowledge of music truly overwhelmed me! Congratulations on fulfilling a labor of love!

Nancy Cone, Batavia, IL

Unni Hoel has written a real page-turner with an astonishing array of characters. I liked all the musical references. To write a novel takes a special skill few of us have - and I say Congratulations!