Tomorrow, May 22, is National Buy a Musical Instrument Day, and to celebrate, I thought it would be fun to highlight some Bethany House books that keep musical instruments front and center. Some of the main characters inside the pages are professional musicians and music teachers, others are amateurs. Either way, I hope you enjoy this collection, especially if you play an instrument yourself.
A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White
Both violin and bow are visible on this cover (barely), and we love how the instrument draws your attention to the thoughtful gaze of the Edwardian protagonist (and vice versa).
Morning’s Refrain by Tracie Peterson
Each book in Tracie’s Alaska Song series has a fun use of close-ups of instruments to frame the main scene, and we love the glint of silver from this flute.
Playing by Heart by Anne Mateer
This music instructor character doesn’t want to take on a teaching job, but we love the class the ornate piano adds to this historical romance cover.
A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander
Not only does this lovely Belmont mansion novel have a violin, but it also showcases a lovely orchestra performance hall in the background. You can almost hear the music!
Return to Me by Lynn Austin
Let’s go all the way back to ancient musical instruments for this shofar, a horn used in Old Testament times. Maybe not one you’d perform with today, but still cool, especially in silhouette!
The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis
The difference between a violin and a fiddle is in how its played, and this particular fiddle plays an important part in the Amish community during the story.
The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright
So, this piano needs a little TLC, but you can almost hear its haunting melody on this atmospheric cover, can’t you?
What other covers can you think of that feature musical instruments, readers? And what instrument, if any, do you play?
Bethany House Fiction 
I played a violin in grade school 60 years ago.
The first book
I thought of was Roseanna’s!
I love that you have a personal connection to that book, Paula!
Amy Lokkesmoe
BHP Fiction Publicist
Cadence by BJ Hoff and Long Way Gone by Charles Martin! I am teaching myself the Irish Tin Whistle.
Great choices, Elizabeth, and I just looked up that instrument, which I’d never heard of. How fun!
Amy Lokkesmoe
BHP Fiction Publicist
I play piano and French Horn. Technically I can play all instruments but have lost several now. I was a band director/music teacher for 6 year. Unfortunately not all in a row. I focus on piano right now.
That’s delightful, Connie! I’m glad you were able to teach others the joy of music.
Amy Lokkesmoe
BHP Fiction Publicist
I play several instruments. I was a band director/music teacher for 6 years. My main instruments are Piano and French Horn. It’s been several years since I played horn but I use my piano skills almost every Sunday.
I play the piano. It’s such a lovely way to worship the Lord! When I saw this notification, my first thought was Roseanna’s book. I just finished reading it again. The violin is so prominent in it, and since my little sister plays the instrument, I can just hear Willa and Lukas playing as I read those scenes!
I love this, Brianna! Music is a gift, that’s for sure, as are good books like Roseanna’s.
Amy Lokkesmoe
BHP Fiction Publicist