Unfinished Symphony, by Milda Misevicius

In 1972 New York City, Samantha Caldwell, a spirited and wealthy widow, finds herself captivated by a man she’s never met—a somber violinist whose Stradivarius brings life to the New York Philharmonic Symphony. Determined to connect with him, Samantha enlists her lifelong friend and chauffeur, the elegant and charismatic Otis, to help orchestrate a chance encounter.

Chester Anderson, however, is a man burdened by the weight of profound loss. Haunted by guilt over his wife’s death and wholly devoted to his daughter, Aida, who resides in a special care facility, Chester has long since abandoned the idea of love. Withdrawn and somber, he lives only for his music and Aida’s happiness, shutting out the world. Yet Samantha’s vivacious charm and whimsical determination begin to chip away at the walls he has so carefully built.

As their connection deepens, Samantha’s selfless offer to secure Aida’s future sparks a confrontation that forces Chester to confront his past and his own self-loathing. With Samantha’s unwavering kindness as his guide, Chester discovers that forgiveness is the key to opening his heart—and that love, even after the darkest symphonies of life, may lead to harmony once more.

“Milda Misevicius’s Unfinished Symphony is a story about overcoming grief, confronting the past, and finding love in unexpected places. With an impeccable eye for detail, Misevicius draws us through the beginnings of Samantha and Chester’s relationship, inviting us to consider the complexities of finding love for characters burdened with guilt and loss. It’s a book very much like new love: exhilarating and anxious by turns. You may cheer or weep, but you certainly won’t put it down.” — Kyle McCord, Author of Reunion of the Good Weather Suicide Cult