The Protégé starts with a young cellist, Isabeau Laurent, returning to her home town after three years at university. She is a bundle of nerves when she sets out to see her former guardian and maestro, Laszlo Valmary.

Issy fled to uni after her 18th birthday and hasn't spoken to Laszlo since that night where her world crumbled. Unbeknownst to Issy though, is the fact that Laszlo has been suffering ever since that night as well. Issy is a gifted cellist that has forgotten the happiness that playing can bring her. She returns to the Mayhew with hopes of rekindling that passion in some way. What she was not expecting was to audition for the symphony and pick up a second chair spot. She is also not expecting to, but secretly hoping to, rekindle her relationship with her mentor.

Laszlo has missed Isabeau ever since the night of her 18th birthday and regretted his actions from that night and the fallout that happened. Seeing Isabeau walk back into the Mayhew and his life may just be his second chance. Now if only he could figure out his feelings for his ward and what they mean for them both.

This was an interestingly beautiful read that focused on the relationship and how second chances can always be given when the situation is right. Getting to rejoice in Issy's love of music and what joy it can bring to those who seek it out was wonderful.