Fairy Fingers is a delightful and enchanting tale of love, loss, and redemption. The story follows the life of a young woman named Jessie, who discovers a hidden talent for playing the piano and soon becomes a renowned musician. However, her newfound success comes at a cost as she struggles to balance her artistic ambitions with her personal relationships.

The author, Anna Cora Mowatt Ritchie, has crafted a beautifully written novel that captures the essence of the Victorian era with its lush descriptions and vivid characterizations. Jessie is a complex and compelling heroine, whose journey from obscurity to fame is both poignant and inspiring.

The novel is filled with richly drawn characters, from the enigmatic pianist Carlo to the conniving Madame de Campan, each adding depth and complexity to the story. The themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of artistic excellence are explored with sensitivity and nuance, making for a truly engaging read.

Overall, Fairy Fingers is a captivating and moving novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and romance. Anna Cora Mowatt Ritchie's storytelling talent shines through in this enchanting tale, leaving readers thoroughly satisfied and wanting more.

Book Description:
Madelaine is the poor cousin of the aristocratic de Gramont family in France of the 1850’s. She is cherished by the beautiful young Bertha and secretly the beloved of the handsome Maurice, but she is barely tolerated by the haughty old countess. When her uncle’s scheming manages to cause a serious rift within the family, Madelaine finds she must rely on the skill of her “fairy fingers” and make her living as a seamstress. She winds up as the sought-after couturier “Mademoiselle Melanie” in Washington, D.C. and has an opportunity to help the now financially-imperiled de Gramonts. - Summary by Kelly S. Taylor