Cruel Barbara Allen: From Coals of Fire and Other Stories, Volume II. (of III.)

In Victorian England, a young fiddler named Christopher leaves behind the woman he loves to chase fame in London's music halls. He carries nothing but talent and ambition. Barbara Allen, spirited and sharp-witted, remains behind, but inspired by Christopher's dreams, she too flees her circumstances to pursue the stage. Years pass. Christopher composes, struggles, and hears of a celebrated French actress named Mademoiselle Hélène whose performances are causing a sensation in London society. When he finally sees her perform, the revelation cuts through him like a blade: the actress is Barbara. She has become someone new, someone famous, someone he never expected to find. But has she also become someone beyond his reach? Murray writes with warmth and wit about the sacrifices we make in the name of ambition, and the prices we pay when we finally achieve our dreams, and find them changed.