A Symphony of Rivals — Roma Calatayud-Stocks

A Symphony of Rivals, the second book in a trilogy, is a compelling historical novel set in 1930s Germany, Austria, Italy, and the United States. Alejandra Stanford Morrison pursues her dream of becoming a symphonic conductor at an unfortunate time when culture and the arts are falling under the influence of Nazism, but through her devotion to music and Beethoven's legacy, she finds a measure of hope and strength. In Berlin, she meets and trains with renowned European conductors, and through her friends Hannah and Ben Adelman she meets art dealer Anton Everhardt, who falls in love with her.

Alejandra's musical talent is a double-edged sword which places her at the center of a dangerous political world, where she attracts the unwanted attention of a high ranking German officer. While attempting to maintain her integrity, Alejandra confronts harrowing situations, which challenge her principles; and, when the upheaval and violence of the Nazi ascendency spreads to Vienna, Alejandra must choose between staying with her family in America or risking everything by returning to Europe in search of her dearest friends.