First published 2015
Herma possesses an extraordinary gift for vocal mimicry that sets her apart in late 1800s Southern California. Her remarkable talent catches the attention of Fred Hite, a daredevil agent who sees her potential to transcend her humble beginnings in a country church choir. Together they navigate the glittering world of turn-of-the-century opera, moving from San Francisco to the stages of Paris. Herma's voice opens doors to wealth, fame, and the company of luminaries like Puccini and Proust. But her rise through the opulent opera world brings sexual intrigue and moral complexity. The relationship between Herma and Fred deepens as they pursue her career, yet a hidden truth about their connection threatens everything they've built. Their bond becomes both the source of her success and the heart of a mystery that defines their shared journey through an era of decadence and artistic ambition.
Genres: fiction, romance, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, 19th-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, hidden-truth
Setting: Paris, San Francisco, Southern California
Period: Late 1800s
512 pages · Hardcover · The Overlook Press