Playing by Heart
Emilia Salvini dreams of marrying a man who loves music as she does. But in 18th-century Milan, being the 'second sister' means she'll likely be sent to a convent instead. Emilia's only hope is to prove her musical talents crucial to her father's quest for nobility. First, though, she must win over her music tutor, who disdains her simply for being a girl. Too late, Emilia realizes that her success could threaten not only her dreams for her future but her sister's very life.
At its core, Playing by Heart is the story of two teens struggling to follow their true calling, even when it conflicts with their father's selfish goals. This sweet historical romance is recommended for ages 12 and up. The novel was inspired by two amazing sisters who were far ahead of their time--composer Maria Teresa Agnesi and mathematician Maria Gaetana Agnesi. For information about them, see this website Carmela created.
Playing by Heart has received a number of awards, including the Independent Author Network Award for Outstanding Young Adult Fiction and the Catholic Arts and Letters Award (CALA) for Children's/Young Adult Fiction. Additional awards and accolades are listed in the right sidebar. See below for review excerpts. For links to additional reviews, see this page.
The revised 2025 edition of Playing by Heart contains Book Discussion questions for use by book clubs, classroom teachers, and homeschooling groups. Carmela is inviting reading group participants of all ages to join her "25 Book Clubs Challenge." She would love to visit your reading group to share the true story of the amazing sisters who inspired Playing by Heart and to answer questions you may have about the novel or her writing process. For details, see the Book Clubs page.
The new edition of Playing by Heart containing Book Discussion questions was scheduled for publication on Sept. 8, 2025. Unfortunately, due to a distribution glitch, the paperback is currently only available from Amazon, along with the ebook, here. The paperback should be available at these and other online retailers by Sept. 12, 2025:
The ebook is also currently available at Barnes & Noble, and it will be added to other sites in the coming weeks.
Note: the cover of the new edition features the title in blue font to distinguish it from the prior edition, which may be available used from some online sources. (The ISBN for the 2025 edition is 979-8-9994352-1-7.)
Teachers and homeschooling parents: download a FREE Teacher's Guide for Playing by Heart containing book-related student activities along with the Book Discussion questions here.
Review Excerpts
"Martino's romantic read features lovable characters and is vibrant in setting and detail. . . . The attraction between Emilia and Antonio is sweet and innocent, and readers will hope for their relationship to blossom. All in all, Martino's latest is a sweet and pleasurable read."
—Booklist
"Particularly of interest is the description of the lavish balls held in Italy; sumptuous clothes and fancy carriages come alive, as does the hustle and bustle of such events—and the pressure."
—The Historical Novels Review
"I found the writing lucid, the characters well developed, and the story straddling the YA/adult genre."
—Leslie Lindsay, Midwest Book Review
"The characters in this book are interesting and very likable. Topics covered are family ties, vocation and feminism. Being a historical romance will enable this book to be appealing to a variety of readers. So much of the history of Italy is noted in this book that it could be a selected read for high schools."
—Catholic Press Association
"This novel explores many themes relevant to modern readers, especially the role of women in a society where they are asked to play gender-defined roles rather than fulfill their own dreams. Martino is able to accomplish this by filling her novel with a page-turning plot, relatable and engaging characters, and descriptions of Italy and court life that fill the reader's imagination."
—Italian Catholic Bollettino
"This well-researched novel will leave you feeling like you time-traveled to 18th century Italy, but Playing by Heart's story of young women trying to fulfill their potential and find their place in the world is timeless."
—Today's Catholic Homeschooling
"I read this novel in a single sitting! The story of sisters Emilia and Maria Salvini is riveting, rich, and like a lovely piece of music, impossible to forget."
—Louise Hawes, author of The Language of Stars and The Vanishing Point
"Authentic, strong character voice, rich and detailed historical setting, and an intriguing plot all come together to create a can't-put-it-down book. The story provides a look into the fascinating world of 18th-century Italy in a way that no history book ever could. The fact that Playing by Heart is based on the lives of extraordinary real women who were quite ahead of their time makes it a must-read addition for school libraries everywhere. Carmela Martino's writing style blends the historical facts with the emotional family life details in a way that creates a dramatic, beautifully written novel that will capture the hearts of readers of all ages."
—Roxanne F. Owens, PhD, Chair, Teacher Education, DePaul University
"A beautifully composed tale of love, faith, and family! Playing by Heart is sure to win the affection of its readers."
—A. J. Cattapan, author of Angelhood and 7 Riddles to Nowhere
"Playing by Heart is as lyrical as the gifted musicians that inhabit its pages. Carmela Martino, in an impeccably-written story, captures both the grace and refinement of 18th-century Italy and the timeless dilemmas to which the modern reader can relate—the pressure of familial expectations and obligations, living in the shadow of a sibling, the desire to direct one's own destiny, and love tested by time, distance, parental resistance, and class."
—Carolyn Astfalk, author of Ornamental Graces and Rightfully Ours
"Set in 18th-century Milan, Playing by Heart is a symphony of romance and faith with an undercurrent of social commentary. Will Maria and Emilia's father sacrifice their futures on the altar of his own ambitions to join the noble class? Carmela Martino's novel for teen readers explores family ties, vocations, and discernment of the best ways to use God-given gifts. Cue up some Vivaldi or Pachelbel and settle in for an intriguing tale."
—Barb Szyszkiewicz, Editor at CatholicMom.com
"Carmela Martino has created a historical heroine contemporary readers can relate to. Emilia struggles to be her own person and pursue her own dreams while still meeting her need to please her family, friends, and society in general. The fact that Martino was able to do this while immersing the reader in Milan in the eighteenth century is astounding. One doesn't feel overwhelmed with description, yet it's easy to imagine Emilia's world. Little tidbits of detail reveal the extensive research that must have gone into the writing. A glossary aides in understanding this remarkable time and place."
—Gayl Smith, MLS, retired K-12 Teacher/Librarian