Book Description:
A hidden treasure. A centuries-old mystery. And a growing love built on lies.
Archaeologist Elizabeth Jensen’s life is defined by the dirt and history of her South African dig sites. But her greatest discovery isn’t found in a trench—it’s right there in her house. When she inherits a family piano linked to a Boer War mystery, she refuses to sell, determined to protect the history and the family ties the heirloom represents. She didn’t count on Carl Von Henselt’s determination to own it.
Sophisticated and charming, the German concert pianist claims to be captivated by the piano’s history. In reality, he’s hunting for the key to a legendary treasure. His plan is simple: romance the archaeologist, find the key, and leave. But he’s not the only one with a hidden agenda. Lizzy isn’t sure she can trust him and has a plan of her own.
As they sift through the echoes of the past, a real connection takes root. For Lizzy, Carl could be the man God intends for her, the man she’s waited for. For Carl, Lizzy is a reminder of the man of integrity and faith he could be. As the mystery unravels, they must both decide if finding the treasure is worth the cost.
Will their secrets and deceptions bury their chance at love, or can they find the courage to step into the light and trust the future God has planned?
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading The Piano, a standalone contemporary romance novel from the late Marion Ueckermann set in South Africa and Germany in 2012. The Piano was the first book Marion wrote and Autumn Macarthur worked with Marion’s family to edit and publish it.
Lizzy is an archaeologist and post grad student who lives in Pretoria, South Africa. She’s working on a dig with her professor and colleagues searching for South Africa’s lost treasure. Gold and diamonds were reportedly hidden from the British during the Boer Wars. Lizzy has inherited her family’s beautiful heirloom piano that was made in Germany.
Carl is a world traveller and wealthy concert pianist from Berlin, Germany. His ancestor built pianos and Carl has found a journal from the late 1800’s that inspires him to search for a specific piano. Carl travels to South Africa to meet Lizzy in person and take a closer look at her piano.
Carl and Lizzy’s meet cute is tense and awkward. They can’t ignore the romantic sparks flying between them but they’re strangers who are hiding secrets and have trust issues. Their romance is fun and sweet as they’re forced to work together to solve multiple mysteries connected to Lizzy’s piano.
I loved the story setting and learning more about the history and culture in South Africa and Germany. The side characters were fascinating and I especially loved Carl’s mother. It took me a little while to warm to Carl and I appreciated seeing his journey back to faith in the story.
The mystery plot was complex and kept me guessing. There were unexpected plot twists and the characters weren’t able to escape the consequences of keeping secrets and not being truthful. Forgiveness themes are explored and I loved the story ending.
I recommend The Piano to readers who like contemporary romances set in South Africa and Germany with characters from different worlds, instalove, complex mysteries, archeology, an heirloom piano, family secrets, and strong faith elements in the story.
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