And the Music Plays On

Miss Margaret, a matriarchal figure in the quirky little southern town of Derby, is a force to be reckoned with by all who cross her path. Viewed by many in town as a prim and crusty elder to be tolerated, if not avoided, Miss Margaret feels her forty years of playing the grand old organ in the Methodist Church has embellished the lives of the congregation with love and joy. In fact, she feels the organ contains a piece of her - the better part of her - that spreads love and joy far and wide within her community. She is in love with the instrument, including every worn and failing piece of it. Not surprisingly, she is shaken to her boots when she learns through the grapevine that plans are afoot to repair and modernize the church, including her beloved organ. This is when the games begin - a tug of war between cherished history and the lure of the new. It is grace and tradition against the new wannabe movers and shakers. But the real battle is played out with wit, cunning and renewed vivacity by the little old lady who has occupied the organ bench for so many years. Far more than mere resistance to change, Miss Margaret and her crony of church ladies, hair stylist, and richly colorful friends set the town on its ear as they fight to preserve all that they hold dear. And the Music Plays On is a microcosm of small town living told with a big dose of humor and wiliness, and a protagonist sure to delight anyone who loves the pluck and tenacity that can arise when still waters are ruffled. An easy and delightful read that will leave you smiling.