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Temptation Rag

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The world of ragtime is the backdrop for a remarkable story about the price of freedom, the longing for immortality, and the human need to find forgiveness. Seventeen-year-old May Convery, unhappy with her privileged life in turn-of-the-century New York City, dreams of becoming a poet. When she meets the poor but talented Mike Bernard, an aspiring concert pianist, she immediately falls in love. But after their secret liaison is discovered, neither is prepared for the far-reaching consequences that will haunt them for decades. Mike abandons his concert career to become "Ragtime King of the World." But as his professional rivalry with the self-proclaimed Originator of Ragtime, Ben Harney, escalates into obsession, he sinks deeper into a life of self-indulgence and moral depravity. May, trapped in an abusive marriage arranged by her parents, struggles to find freedom through her poetry, involvement in the women's suffrage movement, and yet another forbidden relationship, this one possibly more scandalous than the first. Both May and Mike continue to conceal painful truths until a chance meeting offers the opportunity to make a life-changing choice. From vaudeville's greatest stars to the geniuses of early African American musical theater, an unforgettable cast of real-life characters populates this richly fictionalized historical saga.

Temptation Rag: A Novel is a Medallion Honoree of the Book Readers Appreciation Group.

Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is author of the historical thriller The Beauty Doctor, Finalist for the Eric Hoffer Book Award, National Indie Excellence Awards, AZ Literary Awards, and Medallion Honoree of the Book Readers Appreciation Group. Her second novel, Temptation Rag, is based in part on the life of her husband's grandfather, Mike Bernard, who won the title "Ragtime King of the World" in 1900.

410 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2018

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About the author

Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard

3 books278 followers
Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is an award-winning author of historical fiction. Her Amazon Kindle bestselling novel SISTERS OF CASTLE LEOD (2023) is the haunting, emotionally charged story of two sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition, and the impossible leap of faith that could finally bring them together.

“Heartbreaking and redemptive, inspired by a true story of two very different, equally passionate sisters who were both destined to forge new paths for women in a tumultuous time. A richly imagined and thoroughly engrossing tale that will have readers quickly turning the pages.” --Megan Chance, bestselling author of A SPLENDID RUIN

In researching her novel, Elizabeth traveled to Scotland to tour Castle Leod and meet with the 5th Earl of Cromartie, grandson of one of the sisters, Sibell Lilian Mackenzie--countess, spiritualist, and romantic novelist. Lord Cromartie talked about the mystery of the fifteenth-century castle’s resident ghost, The Night Watchman, which plays a role in the novel. Elizabeth’s exploration of the psychic realm, key to Sibell’s life and character, led her to London and the Spiritualist Association of Great Britain, where she met with several psychics who attempted to contact the departed countess. But Elizabeth’s travels to the Highlands and London were only the beginning. Upon her return, she spent three years on further research and writing. Telling the story of the Mackenzie sisters in Sibell’s voice, Elizabeth deftly transports readers to another time and place, introducing them to two incredible women who, in many ways, were ahead of their time.

"This expertly written novel is a beautiful example of how historical facts can be researched and transformed into a work of art. To say this novel was difficult to put down would be an understatement. From the first page, I knew this would become one of my favorite historical novels." --Sublime Book Reviews, 5 stars

Elizabeth's novels have received honors including: Editors' Choice, Historical Novel Society (2023); Gold Medal, 2023 Maxy Awards; Silver Medal, 2023 Arizona Literary Contest; Finalist, Eric Hoffer Book Award; Finalist, National Indie Excellence Awards; Gold Medallion, Book Readers Appreciation Group; and Discovered Diamond emblem.

TEMPTATION RAG: A NOVEL. The world of ragtime is the backdrop for a remarkable story about the price of freedom, the longing for immortality, and the human need to find forgiveness. From vaudeville's greatest stars to the geniuses of early African American musical theater, an unforgettable cast of real-life characters populates this richly fictionalized historical saga.

THE BEAUTY DOCTOR. In 1907, a young woman’s quest to become a physician entangles her in a web of treachery that challenges her most cherished beliefs about a doctor’s sacred duty and threatens to destroy all she loves. Set in New York City, this gripping historical thriller delves into the early practice of cosmetic surgery.

Elizabeth is a summa cum laude graduate of Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois) and a former public relations executive. She and her family live near Phoenix, Arizona.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Amy Bruno.
364 reviews527 followers
February 18, 2019
Ragtime comes alive in Bernard's Temptation Rag: A Novel!

Temptation Rag follows the lives of May Convery, a socialite who dreams of becoming a poet, and Mike Bernard, a determined musician who eventually becomes the Ragtime King of the World, and their relationship over the course of decades. We also get POVs from the supporting cast of characters so that the readers get a rounded view of the their lives, the times and most importantly, the music.

I haven't read any books set during this time or featuring the Ragtime music scene so I found all it quite fascinating. Bernard has a great way of setting the scene and making the reader feel like they are really there.

In addition to the music, Temptation Rag touches on the racial tensions of the time, and the plight of women as they fight for their rights. It's a story of passion, grit, ambition, love, and hope. It was an intriguing read that I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,582 reviews393 followers
November 7, 2019
Temptation Rag is the story of the people who brought Ragtime to the mainstream, fueled its epic rise, and for a while glided on the coattails of faddism until the next big thing came along--Jazz.

It is the story of racism and Anti-semitism, the quest for fame and the fickleness of the public, the entertainment industry's birth, and the growing power of women over the early 20th c.

In the Gay Nineties, no one knew how big Ragtime would become, how Tin Pan Alley would be filled with white songwriters cashing in, appropriating African Americans' music that sprang right out of the rhythms of Africa.

Southern and white, Ben Harney was credited as the originator of Ragtime. Tom Strong gave him Ben his talisman ring; soon afterward Ben saw Tom hanging from a tree. Ben took the sounds he heard and brought them to Tony Pastor's New York City vaudeville house where respectable white audiences soon embraced this new sound.

When classically trained, nineteen-year-old pianist Mike Bernard was hired as Pastor's music director and heard Harney perform he imitated his sound and perfected it, his fame eventually outshining Harney.

Mike always wanted Harney's ring. Sure, he was the Ragtime King, but he knew he copied from Harney. Mike wanted everything Ben had--his girl, his career, his fame, and that ring.

Readers met the forgotten stars of a hundred years ago, like Will Marion Cook, a classically trained black violinist. "No black man ever got what he got on account of luck," Cook tells Strap who is hoping to ride Harney's coattails to fame. J. Rosamond Johnson's African American operas caused rioting in the streets. Mentioned are the early sheet music publishers like E. T. Paull and Waterson, Berlin, and Snyder (Yes, THAT Berlin--Irving). Scott Joplin, today famous, was only known by a few musicians as the authentic 'real deal.'

Then there are the women who loved these men, who were betrayed by these men. The wealthy May who loved and lost Mike and went on to become a suffragette and to challenge racism. The Ziegfield star Dolly who slept her way to the top. The long-suffering and loyal Jessie.


Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard has written a terrific read in terms of plot and characters that also incorporates the great American themes of class, race, and the fleeting nature of fame.

And if you love music, it's a must-read.
Profile Image for Mackey.
1,097 reviews363 followers
March 19, 2019
When I was a little girl I was forced loved to play the piano, but dreaded really never came unto my own musically until my tutor decided, after she had lost all of her hair, to introduce me to Ragtime. At last!! There was something about the syncopated rhythm that found its way into my heart and suddenly, quite literally, overnight my fingers were flying all over the keyboard. Forget hymns, Bach, even Stravinsky, all I wanted was Scott Joplin, Duke Ellington and Tommy Turpin from morning until night. So, when I was given the opportunity to read a historical fictional account of “The Ragtime King of the World,” Mike Bernard, you better believe I jumped at the chance and squealed in delight at the prospect! Not only that, it is written by the wife of Bernard’s grandson. It’s like heaven right here in my ragtime era sitting room. Seriously, can you tell I’m excited yet?

Temptation Rag is told from multiple viewpoints, including in May’s voice and from Mike’s second wife, Jessie. There are multiple timelines as well but the author deftly transitions from past to present, person to person in a way that makes it very clear and the reader never loses the flow of the story line throughout. What is fascinating about the story itself are the characters, many of whom are based on real-life people who were in the ragtime/vaudeville circuit with Bernard. The era is real, the music is real and the social conditions – racism, women’s rights, child labor – which are being discussed throughout, all are quite real. As I’ve mentioned before, this era was a time of great change, socialism was making a huge impact across America. People of both sexes, all races, young and old, were demanding fairness and equality and it was from this turmoil, growth and change from which all of this incredible art and music sprung forth. I’m not sure why we don’t have that now but it was a beautiful thing then. Within this context we have the on again/off again love story of May and Mike. Although the blurb makes it appear that the book is about May, I don’t think we get nearly enough of her story. I wish there had been more but that is my only, very tiny complaint. Despite that, it is a very well researched, incredibly well written, engaging and entertaining tale. I cannot recommend it highly enough regardless of which type of genre you enjoy.

Thank you to Amy at #HFVBTBlogTours @HFVBT and @ EHBernardAuthor for my copy of this amazing book!
Profile Image for Bookroomreviews.com leonardo.
17 reviews4 followers
February 25, 2019
I must admit before reading this book I knew very little about Rag-Time Music. I have heard of Scott Joplin and always just associated Rag-Time with the the type of music in the movie The Sting. But the history of where it came from and who the major players were I had no idea.As I was reading this temptationrag full 4well researched book I planned on googleing the characters I read about in this work of Historical Fiction to see who was real and who was fiction. But guess what? The author already had it covered. At the end of the book is a short section explaining who was an actual historical figure and who was not.She also let us know of some of the “Liberties” she took to help move the story along.There are a few Time Jumps I didn’t really like but to cover the years a guess it was necessary.

The characters are very interesting . The story takes place in New York City and the players in this historical fiction are captivating. It mostly revolved around May Convery who’s life we follow as she grows from a rich heartbroken young woman forced into basically an arranged marriage.She become a successful author and unforgiving to her first love Mike Bernard.

Then there’s Mike Bernard (the Ragtime king) his rival Ben Harney (The self proclaimed originator of Ragtime) and the people around them. African American musical theater actors ,actresses and especially some of the true Ragtime originators play a big part. This is where the author shows the rampant racism of the time. Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard richly intertwine all these characters to make the reader want to keep turning those pages to see what happens next.

If you’re a fan of Ragtime this is a must read. The same goes for those of you that like historical fiction. It’s a fascinating read.
Profile Image for Shomeret.
1,076 reviews243 followers
November 9, 2018
I accepted a free paperback ARC from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard originally intended to write a book focused on male protagonist Mike Bernard who was a prominent ragtime musician and the grandfather of the author's husband. She decided to expand her focus by creating a fictional life for Mike Bernard's first wife, May Convery, about whom almost nothing is known.

This fictionalized May Convery became a published poet and a women's suffrage activist. Her struggle to achieve the independence that allowed her to pursue the life she wanted for herself is important to this novel. Yet I have to say that the critical factor that allowed her to succeed was having been born into a wealthy family. If that hadn't been the case, May's dreams would have died.

I applaud the honest characterization in this book. Mike Barnard is portrayed as a flawed character who mistreated people thoughtlessly and falsified his history. May also became reluctant to share her true self as a result of her experience with Mike. It was difficult for these characters to form meaningful relationships. They were both very self-protective individuals.

Don't read this book if you're looking for a romance novel. There is no HEA. This book is recommended for people who want to know what life was like for women and minorities at the turn of the 20th century in the U.S., and for those who are interested in the history of music.

For my complete review see https://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2018...
Profile Image for Yvette.
766 reviews29 followers
April 2, 2019
What begins as an ill-fated romance between an impetuous and spoiled young woman from a well to do banking family and her talented, ambitious piano teacher who hides his Jewish heritage turns quickly into a portrait of an era.

After marrying in haste, the lives of May Convery and Mike Bernard take widely different paths.  As he abandons his classical training for a bid at Ragtime glory, May finds herself in the unhappy society marriage she had married Mike to avoid.  The trajectories of their lives, both highs and lows, eventually lead to a reunion that is inevitably fraught with emotional hazards.  

While framing the narrative around two fictional characters, the author breathes new life into an interesting set of real Ragtime players, most notably Strap Hill and Ben Harney.  Though it is Strap's story here that is particularly interesting.  Leading off more than a few chapters and interacting with Mike and, eventually, May, Strap's story is skillfully woven through and juxtaposed with those of the white performers. 

In fleshing out this cast of characters and their world, some of whom might only be mentioned in passing if this were a work of non-fiction, the author does not shy away from depicting the racial tensions and other unsavory realities of the musical theater world in the early 20th century.  Along with the casting couch morals of several male characters, Mike included, this makes for a sometimes uncomfortable but ultimately compelling read.

With a mix of fictional and real historical characters, this is a treat for the history buff, the musical theater devotee, and the historical fiction reader.  Definitely one to revisit and dig deeper into with each reread.

This review refers to an Advance Reading Copy I voluntarily received from Smith Publicity for a bookstagram feature on Instagram.  A review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Marcia Fine.
Author 8 books44 followers
August 20, 2018
The cover of TEMPTATION RAG drew me in like no other. May Convery, a wealthy New Yorker of the Victorian era, and Mike Bernard, an aspiring pianist of another class, cross paths and fall in love. The ragtime ride that follows will make you a fan of the music that crossed color lines. The author gives us all the details of a country changing at the turn of the century and the people who encounter racism, corruption and women's desire for the vote. It's a great literary history lesson and a captivating tale based on tremendous research and family history. The poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar, a sensitive African-American writer of the era, are incorporated and add fluidity. A ground-breaking novel, and a story we haven't heard, that will leave the music of ragtime ringing in your ears! I highly recommend this adventure! I was provided with an Advance Reader Copy and was asked for an honest review.
Marcia Fine, Author of PAPER CHILDREN--An Immigrant's Legacy
Profile Image for Ginger Pollard.
376 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2018
This is an enjoyable book based on real life Ragtime musician Mike Bernard. It's full of some quirky characters that were in Mike's life during his colorful career. It also shows that in real life the guy doesn't always get the girl, as few novels do. Not to say he didn't have the ladies, he certainly did! It's a very interesting read that takes place during the end of the 19th century. It kept me reading long into the night. It's not overly long and drawn out, and it's fast moving, but very easy to follow, though there's lots of characters.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kimberly (kimmerthebooknerd).
569 reviews15 followers
September 8, 2018
I love the era of ragtime, but was unfamiliar with some of the names. Temptation Rag is a great introduction! The characters are based on real individuals and some similarities/truths guided the story line. I liked Mike, I despised Mike, I liked Mike... the story is so well rounded that it brings you full circle. I had some hopes for certain characters, but in the end they were not met. I really enjoyed this one as it was different in many ways from the other books I read. It was refreshing. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read for an honest review.
Author 7 books3 followers
January 1, 2020
Mike Bernard is a musician with ambition. Having walked out of his job as piano teacher to May Convery and her sister, the daughters of a rich banker, he applies for a job as musical director at Tony Pastor's Music Hall. Surprisingly, for he is only nineteen, he succeeds and begins making a reputation for himself.

May Convery, two years younger than Bernard, is rebellious and wants to escape the proposed plans for her life which include a profitable marriage. She writes her emotions down as poetry and dreams of the life of the artist – a free spirit. She instigates an affair with Mike, they marry in secret, May falls pregnant but they are found out. May is dragged away and a swift annulment and a subsequent marriage to her original suitor are hastily organised. May is distraught that Mike did nothing to stop these events.

This is so much more than the story of Mike and May. It traces the rise of ragtime music, an essentially 'black' music in 'white' America. Mike's main rival is Ben Harney and they have a frosty relationship throughout.

It is also a cautionary tale: fame is fleeting no matter how great you were in your prime. The threads involved interweave, but are never drawn so tight as to confuse the reader. The characters are clearly defined – especially Mike whose confidence in his abilities are tinged with arrogance but his 'people skills' are most definitely lacking. Also covered are the treatment of black people – musicians especially – and the women's suffrage movement. We see the characters age, mature, fall in and out of love.

All the musicians and promoters mentioned were real people. Mike Bernard was known as 'Ragtime King of the World' and Harney claimed he was (and insisted on being billed as) 'The Originator of Ragtime'. Strap Hill, who introduces each section (or 'Act') was well known as Harney's sideman and the story of Harney's wife is also based on known facts.

It isn't necessary at all to know anything about music - or Ragtime in particular - as the author keeps the technical details to a minimum. And if you have noticed the coincidence of the author's name and the name of main protagonist, that is because the author's husband is the grandson of Mike Bernard.

Additional mention should be made of the cover; bright and attractive and telling you immediately what era the book is set in.

All in all, then, Temptation Rag is a book I can heartily recommend.

(Reviewed on behalf of Discovering Diamnds Blog spot)
Profile Image for Emily.
345 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2018
Historical fiction has always been a genre that I’ve really enjoyed. When I was getting my undergrad, I studied for a degree in secondary education, with an emphasis on History. I loved my history classes, and excelled in the program. It also cementated by infatuation with all types of historical literature (including historical romance…those books are full of well researched facts about the time period!). I don’t read nearly as much historical fiction as I used to do to time constraints and just general business, but I’m always excited when a chance to review one comes across my desk.

The first thing I noticed when I received Temptation Rag was the stunning cover. It immediately drew me in and made me want to know more about this story. I’ve always been a sucker for a good cover, and this was no exception. Needless to say, the story inside this beautiful packaging is just as well put together and stunning. Temptation Rag tells the story of May Convery and Mike Bernard while intertwining itself around the story and uprise of Ragtime music. It was an addicting read, that had me hooked from the very first page.

Temptation Rag was partly inspired by the author’s husband’s own family, and I loved knowing that detail. It made the story seem even more real, and I could picture all the happenings in my head. In addition, the author’s character development is fantastic. Her characters are honest, and far from perfect, especially our male protagonist Mike Bernard. There were times throughout this book that I loved him…and then there were other times that I despised the man. It says a lot about an author’s writing when they can create that type of internal push and pull around a character’s personality and life. It kept me reading late into the night, trying to see how these character’s lives would turn out. Would they get a HEA? Would the get what they are all hoping to find here on earth? I’m not going to give away any answers, as you’ll have to read it yourself to find out!

Temptation Rag is a great read for anyone who wants to read about how life was at the turn of the 20th century, especially for woman and minorities. It also offers a rich insight into the history of music, and taught me a lot of things that I had no ideas about. Overall, this book was fantastically written, a quick read, and an addicting page turner.

Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,374 reviews33 followers
December 4, 2018
May Convery is a young woman living in New York City's upper class neighborhood in 1895. More than anything, May wants to make decisions of her own, including her love life and pursuit of poetry. May plans on going after her dreams beginning by sharing her romantic poetry with her piano teacher and love interest, Mike Bernard. Mike is faking it in the world in order to become a renowned musician. Mike and May's romance comes crashing down quickly as May's parents have other plans for May as Mrs. Theodore Livingstone. Meanwhile, the world is being overtaken by ragtime music. Mike quickly picks up the style and makes a name for himself as the Ragtime King of the World. Mike and May go their different ways, but will never forget what they once had.

Temptation Rag is a look into the lives of some of the real-life stars of the ragtime era and is written by the wife of Mike Bernard's grandson. While the story takes us from 1895 through 1920, the writing gives a good sense of the feeling of the ragtime era. One of the most interesting themes of the book was the cultural appropriation of ragtime music and how it persisted through time. Mike Bernard, crowned the Ragtime King of the World and his competitor Ben Harney, dubbed the creator or Ragtime were both white men. The African-American pianists, such as Scott Joplin, Strap Hill and Otis Saunders had to fight for their recognition. May's story, though fictionalized showed another side of the time period, though part of the upper class, May had no rights. Through time, May participates in the Women's Suffrage Movement, embraced her poetry and befriended African American artists. With this, she was finally able to take control of her life and forgive events of the past. Overall, a sweeping historical novel of the Ragtime era.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Helen Hollick.
Author 54 books520 followers
January 1, 2020
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs

"This is so much more than the story of Mike and May. It traces the rise of ragtime music, an essentially 'black' music in 'white' America."
Profile Image for Becca Evans.
9 reviews
December 2, 2018
So, I'm one of those... those that pick the book by the cover. If it catches my attention, I'll grab it and look at the back. Thankfully, I was sent this book by Smith Publicity. If not, I probably wouldn't have picked this one up!

This book was full of so much! So much everything... by page 17, I was hooked by a forbidden kiss between a piano teacher and his student! Every time I hit a good stride, something HUGE would happen and I'd be hollering, "Who could've known that was coming??" I said that over and over with this book. There was hidden love (& marriage), unknown children, an arranged marriage, a marriage seriously lacking of love, a romance that never could've been accepted during the times, a divorce, music tours/performances, dreams come true, dreams never fully realized... Y'all, it had everything! At times, maybe it seemed a bit too much or a bit too drawn out, but then BOOM! and you're hooked again!


One thing that I did love that it had in it... was that at the end... LOVE absolutely won. Freedom was also quite a beautiful thing near the end.. After years and years of being held captive to what society would accept, she finally found her freedom. What a beautiful feeling (and thing to witness)!
454 reviews11 followers
December 20, 2018
The ragtime era is the backdrop for this historical novel that is based on the author’s husband’s grandfather. Mile Bernard is a musician whose world revolves around Rag. It forces him to make bad decisions in his personal life to remain the King of Rag.

May Covery, a poet, cones from a privileged family and falls in love with Mike when he is her piano teacher. She pursues him and they eventually marry but the marriage is doomed . May’s father interferes and she is forced to move back home. Devastated, she harbors a secret that will change her life. Mike pursues his music and is totally obsessed with Ragtine.

I received this Kindle E book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. Even though I did not like the decisions Mike made, I enjoyed reading about the Ragtime Era and its effect on music, society and race. It was interesting to learn about the history of these times.

Profile Image for Dawnny.
Author 1 book51 followers
November 2, 2018
Mary Convery is tired of her privileged life and dreams of becoming a poet. She meets the very talented Mike Bernard and falls in love. The story is centered around the Ragtime era in the tun of the century. A remarkable story of love, racism and rich in historical issues of the time. An amazing read. I loved it.
I was given this copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Dawn Ruby-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte Book Blog
Novels & Latte Book Club
Hudson Valley NY
Profile Image for Malcolm.
Author 40 books86 followers
May 4, 2019
Temptation Rag immerses readers into a historical novel set during the heydey of ragtime (1895-1919) and vaudeville (1880 - 1920) with a cast of real and fictional characters grappling for love, freedom, and artistry in New York City. Ragtime gave way to jazz and vaudeville gave way to the cinema so, like almost every period in music and theater, the times were short, competitive, and bittersweet as talents and fortunes rose and fell depending on the inequalities imposed by the rich and famous, public taste, and racial/gender barriers.

Bernard's story has a large cast of characters all of whom come across as multi-dimensional in her well-researched tableau. May Convery is a young woman from a rich family, who's briefly smitten with vaudeville theater musical director Mike Gilbert at the beginning of his rise to fame as a ragtime composer and performer. Their lives criss-cross throughout the novel as they did in history in a soap opera basket of emotions that manages to haunt both of them forever.

As May finally comes into her own as an author and a volunteer in many causes, Mike's life while seemingly larger and financially richer appears more brittle. Among all the vicissitudes of a musical career in the public eye, Mike is constantly compared with the popular performer Ben Harney who claims to have originated ragtime itself. Scott Joplin ("Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer" both brought back to public attention in the 1973 movie "The Sting") is in the stratosphere of rag, talked about in the novel but not a character.

May's friendship with African-American singer Abbie Mitchell and African-American composer J. Rosamond Johnson gives strength to a primary theme of the novel: racial/gender inequalities. While the barriers were historically real and are well-shown in the novel, some of May's feelings appear to have been slightly influenced by contemporary attitudes about race relations.

The characters are strong enough and complex enough to pull readers through this well-written story almost as though we're watching their lives play out in modern times on the television news. When the novel's last lines scroll past its readers' eyes and Temptation Rag is stowed away on the bookshelf, May will remain in mind one way or another.
Profile Image for Trish.
558 reviews
March 3, 2019
Temptation Rag is a historical novel that tells the story of May Convery and Mike Bernard over a number of years. May is a 17 year old society girl in New York City. Mike is a ragtime musician. The book also is about ragtime and early African American performers in vaudeville and musical theater.

I was very intrigued by Temptation Rag because of the element of ragtime music. I grew up playing the piano and loved playing Scott Joplin's ragtime songs. Those songs were my main exposure to ragtime; I was not familiar with Ben Harney or Mike Bernard or the other names mentioned in this book. I love music, so I was very curious to learn more! The music history aspect of this story is absolutely fascinating. Although much of the story focuses on May and Mike, there is also the story of Mike Bernard, a classically trained pianist, and Ben Harney, a white musician who has learned ragtime from African American performers.

This novel features many characters, switching back and back from chapter to chapter, and it also sweeps through many years, from 1895 to 1943. I found this interesting and thought the multiple points of view brought something unique to the storytelling. At the same time, I found it a bit harder to build continuity and engagement as a reader because the point of view changed so often.

As a fan of historical fiction, I am very impressed with the wealth of historical details in this novel. The author includes a chapter (Author's Note) at the end of the book with details about which characters were inspired by real people. I was interested to learn more and looked online to read more about the real lives behind these characters. That is a wonderful gift that historical fiction can give a reader ... a glimpse at another time and place that makes readers curious to know more.

Readers who are fans of historical fiction, music history, African American history, and women's history will enjoy Temptation Rag.
Profile Image for Andrea Hicks.
Author 7 books32 followers
June 12, 2019
This novel has everything; a foray into the history of ragtime music by a member of Mike Bernard's family, Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, a story of unrequited love, and the sadness of how black people were treated by those who should have known better. When wealthy 17 year old May Convery falls for her piano teacher, Mike Bernard, he is uncertain how to react. At only 19, he allows her to encourage him into a marriage that she obviously craves because she needs some normality in her life. He goes along with it but caves in when questioned by her father about his intentions. Mike Bernard is a frustrated concert pianist. He is threatened by May Convery's intended husband, a union arranged by their families, that his fingers would be broken if he did not walk away from their relationship. Eventually he turns to Ragtime and becomes the Ragtime King of the World. In this wonderful novel where fact is eloquently entwined with fiction, their lives are documented at a time of great change in the world. Talented black musicians are writing and performing music, and ragtime is the music everyone is listening and dancing to. But at the same time, the black population is afraid because of violent attacks. I am particularly sensitive to reading about these times as my beautiful granddaughter is mixed race and I fail to understand how a human being can inflict such cruelty on another. The thought of her suffering in any way makes me very sad...and not without some anger. I recommend this novel. If you're interested in this time in history I urge you to read it. 5 superb stars!
Profile Image for Nextbookaroundthecorner.
947 reviews10 followers
December 27, 2018
Although historical fiction isn’t my favorite genre, I do enjoy stories with an actual historical background. Having read The Other Einstein and Carnegie’s Maid, I was very excited to read Temptation Rag. And it was a wonderful read. It shows the life of the ton in New York at the beginning of the nineteenth century. We meet May Convery, a rich girl from the upper class of society, who falls in love with her piano teacher: Mike Bernard. They elope and get married, but when Mike is confronted by May’s bethrothed and her father, he cowers and runs away, leaving May with her unborn child.

Mike builds a life of his own as the Ragtime King of the World, having learned this new musical style from Ben Harney. As competitors they often meet througout the years. Elizabeth Huthison Bernard (yes: she is the granddaughter of Mike Bernard) weaves the stories of the lives of May and Mike througout the decades. We see how May joins the Suffragettes (for women’s rights) and befriends African American men and women, despite her husband’s objections. As a poet, she becomes an icon for herself and an inspiration for other women of her time.

Although the story is fictional it is using actual elements from that era and tells you the story of the music of that era and the racism and hypocrisy towards negro’s at that time. A wonderful read. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Profile Image for Stacie.
97 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2019
My first introduction to ragtime music was through the old black and white movies my dad loved to watch when I was a child. By the time that I was in high school, I was more familiar with the classic actors and actresses than I was with any modern-day famous personality. So I dove into Temptation Rag with high hopes; would I love the characters? Would the author do justice to the time era?

Might as well just slap my forehead right here and now, because of course Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard did a brilliantly brilliant job.

Now, for the sake of always keepin’ it real with y’all, I knew who The Ragtime King of the World was (i.e. Mike Bernard) (Yes, he’s related to the author’s husband). I was not aware that May Convery was also an historical figure. Once I figured that out, about two chapters in, then the novel took on a whole new spin. The author immediately picked me up and set me down right in the middle of the time period. She fleshed Mike and May out to perfection and brought them to life, complete with flaws, ambitions, dreams, poor decisions and all that encompasses being a human being. The plot moved quickly, spiraling posthaste to it’s stunning conclusion. I couldn’t put it down, Friends. The cast of characters itself is enough to make this novel unforgettable.

Absolutely beautifully done, and a definite recommend.
70 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2019
I chose this book because it is historical fiction, one of my favorite genres, and the fact that it spans the life of its two major characters. The author was related to the real Mike Bernard and thought this would be a cool take albeit fictionalized account. It also had fairly good reviews. I found that I didn't like or relate to either of the main characters and therefore didn't enjoy the book as much as I had hoped.

May Convery is introduced to us as a 17 year old girl from an affluent family in the late 1890's New York City. I didn't care for May. She made decisions as a young girl that affected the rest of her life then blamed them on everyone around her. She was whiny and irritating.

Mike Bernard was as equally unlikeable to me. He was weak when he needed to be strong, he was self-centered and careless of those around him. Spoiler* he dies of gonorrhea and frankly I couldn't develop any sympathy for him.

Actual singers, composers and actors from the time period are introduced during the storyline. Maybe a story about one of them would have been more interesting.
Profile Image for Mari Kent.
4 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2018

Temptation Rag is one of those rare books full of surprises from beginning to end
Something new for me was learning about the Ragtime era, the Author’s detailed account of that period in American history made me feel like I was transported back in time,
I absolutely loved the Author’s description of the characters, places and the country’s challenges
Although I felt all the characters were fully developed and their dialogue realistic, I especially liked May, for me May represented a women growing up in turbulent times, who was determined to redefine herself along with history. I thought the Author did a magnificent job of portraying May, as some one who valued the "Human Spirit" which allowed her character to demonstrate strength, fortitude, free will and empathy throughout the story, making it easy for me to applaud her wins
There is an organic way the Author tells the story, which I found to be gratifying, stimulating and entertaining
I highly recommend this book to those who delight in an outstanding story line and fancy taking a peek into the past
Profile Image for Kathryn Wood.
Author 3 books13 followers
September 17, 2018
Having received Temptation Rag as an Advance Reading Copy, I was prepared for the usual number of typos and misspellings I often see in ARCs (even in professionally published 1st Editions.) I was amazed to discover none, whatsoever! That is an achievement in itself but, coupled with the smooth writing style and attention to historic detail, I was more than pleasantly surprised with Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard’s musical family saga. Ms. Bernard weaves her knowledge of music (both classical and ragtime) with true historical characters and fictionalized ones into a syncopated symphony of human drama. Through her deft use of character-specific dialogue and seamless descriptions of fashion and architecture, the author wields her literary baton in an efficient and impassioned manner, placing us comfortably (and for the 21st century reader, sometimes, uncomfortably) in the United States from 1895 to 1929. I recommend Temptation Rag for readers interested in the inner-workings of early 20th century America, historically popular music, and the human soul.
3 reviews
October 2, 2018
I was given an Advance Reading Copy of Temptation Rag which was read in about two days...in summation, ENTHRALLING.

Bernard, yet again, has uniquely captured another fascinating story about tenacious women in a transitioning historical era in the late 1800's/early 1900's. (In 2017, The Beauty Doctor was her first publication). In Temptation Rag, fact and fiction intertwine, emerging in a story line that takes one back to a time when May Convery struggled with the lack of women's rights...to love as she chooses, to write poetry that is respected, to cast her voting ballot next to men, and to move beyond all that she cannot control. This account, that spans generations, includes many memorable characters from the ragtime era, including Mike Bernard, who you like, then despise, then like, then disrespect, then question, then...

As I read this, I kept asking myself, "where is this going?" ...as the next event and the next are unexpected. As I turned the final page, my question was answered with the most perfect and unpredictable finality.

This is Bernard's best.
January 28, 2019
Temptation Rag is the second book I've read written by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard and it didn't disappoint. The story, apparently loosely based on the life of a family patriarch, is told through the use of a fictional character, May Convery, and takes place in New York City against the backdrop of American music--rag and jazz. While we are focused on May's experiences and thoughts, Mr. Bernard's life unfolds in an easy-to-follow chronology ranging from the late 1880s through the mid 1940s and is further enriched by the other characters and events of the day.

As in her book, "The Beauty Doctor," Ms. Bernard doesn't sugarcoat her characters--they are as human as any of us, creating a rich and easily understood story for her readers. I look forward to getting to know the next group of characters if she continues to write.
Profile Image for Katherine Hayward Pérez .
1,307 reviews74 followers
December 4, 2018
I'll admit I did not know much about Ragtime music or the era before I requested this.

May is only 17 when she falls for her piano teacher and what follows is a romance they want to keep secret at all costs. Will they be able to or be discovered? What will a future encounter hold for them?

Temptation Rag is so rich in detail that it propelled me forward and there were themes of fighting for your dreams, whether to conform to the ideals of society and those close to you, and social change was present in the book.

By the end of the book I was happy I'd requested it. It gives huge insight into the Ragtime era. 4 stars.


Thanks to Elizabeth Hutchinson Bernard and Smith Publicity for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Johnna Hill.
148 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2018
Seventeen year old May Convery lives the pampered life in New York city. She day dreams of one day becoming a poet. When she meets aspiring concert pianist Mike Bernard, she falls head over heals for him. Their forbidden romance is discovered and the two are torn apart and the consequences will torment them for decades.

This book isn't the kind of book that I would normally read but sometimes its good for readers to step out of their comfort zones. Sometimes historical books can be a bit boring for me but that was not the case with Temptation Rag. I enjoyed reading about an era that I know very little about. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Profile Image for Becky Porter.
225 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2018
#partner | Relationships, racism, ragtime—this character-driven historical fiction set in turn-of-the-century New York touches on all these topics and more. TEMPTATION RAG is a historical saga of the musical and theatre groups in America during the time of vaudeville, rag, and early jazz.

I really enjoyed learning more about this era, and I got swept up in the stories of the individuals, but I wanted the book to end on a little more hopeful note so I am giving it 3.5/5 🌟. Fans of music, historical fiction, and books that address moral dilemmas will be glad they read this novel! Available December 2018. | Thank you @smithpublicity for sending me this novel. All opinions are my own.
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