Overture is Book 1 of the Alouette trilogy and covers the period 1897-1914.
The story is very is loosely based on the life of Emma Calvé, an opera singer born in the Aveyron, a rural area of Southwest France. Almost unknown today, she became one of the brightest stars of her generation.
She has a burning ambition, but everything conspires against her dreams.
France, 1897. Born to a modest farming family, Marie-Thérèse has a remarkable singing voice and wants to become a professional singer. But too many obstacles, including her parents’ opposition, stand in her way. And, through no fault of her own, she makes a dangerous enemy of the local landlord.
When the family circumstances change suddenly, Marie-Thérèse and her mother must move to Paris to work in her aunt’s restaurant. Her ambitions rekindle, but the road to success is paved with setbacks until a chance meeting gives her a precious opportunity.
She is close to achieving all her dreams, but the ghosts of the past come back to haunt her and threaten Marie-Thérèse’s life as well as her career.
Overture is the first in a trilogy set in France, starting in 1897 and finishing at the end of World War II.
Overture is now available in Kindle and paperback formats, and free in Kindle Unlimited, from Amazon.
Praise for Overture
“I love the way Vanessa Couchman effortlessly breathes life into history, and her latest novel, Overture, is no exception...I’m now looking forward to the second installment, and continuing this story with the characters I’ve come to know and care about.”
BookMuse (Top 1% Goodreads Reviewer)
“I couldn’t put this book down. It’s engrossing, fascinating and beautifully written.” Books are Cool
“The characters were very well developed and the book was a delight to read from cover to cover.” Donna’s Book Blog
“Vanessa Couchman has the ability to bring history to life and this book was no exception.” The French Village Diaries
“I was sorry when I reached the end of this beautifully-written and engaging story.” Liza Perrat, author of the Bone Angel Trilogy
Vanessa Couchman 