Keeping the Beat
Author: Marie Powell & Jeff Norton
Publication Date: April 4th, 2017
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Pages: 368
Formats: Hardcover, ebook
Synopsis: It was supposed to be the best summer of her life. Instead, seventeen-year-old Lucy finds her best friend, Harper, shot dead in an LA swimming pool. How did things ever go so wrong? The story circles back to trace the steps that led to this disaster.
Only Harper McKenzie could have taken five girls from their school and reinvented them as Crush, the top prospect to win the international talent contest Project Next. As soon as the band finds its footing, it scores a huge win in the UK semifinal. Next stop, LA!
The girls will spend a luxurious summer in Hollywood, living as reality TV stars while they prepare for their performance in the Project Next final. With a mansion to themselves, they’re the toast of the town … living every girl’s dream come true.
It’s way too late when Lucy discovers that Harper’s heart has never been in Project Next at all. Joining the competition was just part of Harper’s elaborate ruse to reconnect with her no-good ex-boyfriend. Harper will risk anything — from her friendships to the band’s reputation — to get him back.
Meanwhile, the other members of Crush are throwing themselves headfirst into sex, drugs and rock and roll. With the band in crisis and the final approaching, Lucy must decide whether she wants to play to Harper’s beat or set the rhythm for the rest of the band.
This fast-paced story takes unexpected twists, unraveling the mystery of Harper’s murder and exploring the complicated relationships among members of the band. Writing team Marie Powell and Jeff Norton — with many years in the entertainment business between them — deliver one-part wish fulfillment and one-part cautionary tale as they go behind the scenes to reveal what no one sees on “reality” TV.
Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads
Jeff Norton is an author, writer-producer, and founder of AWESOME. He creates compelling characters, amazing stories, and immersive worlds for all ages, in all media. He is the author of the high-tech thriller ‘MetaWars’ series from Hachette, ‘Memoirs Of A Neurotic Zombie’ from Faber, and the upcoming ‘Stomp School’ picture book series from Little Tiger Press. He also creates and co-writes with other talented authors, such as the best-selling ‘Princess Ponies’ series with Julie Sykes (under the name Chloe Ryder) for Bloomsbury and the young adult novel ‘Drummer Girl’ with Bridget Tyler.
Jeff is an Executive Producer of the pre-school television show ‘Trucktown’ based on Jon Scieszka’s best-selling books. Through his production company, AWESOME, Jeff is developing a slate of high-concept television shows for kids and adults.
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3 winners will receive a finished copy of KEEPING THE BEAT, US Only.
Week One:
9/11/2017- Books,Dreams,Life– Excerpt
9/12/2017- Wonder Struck– Review
9/13/2017- Confessions of a YA Reader– Excerpt
9/14/2017- Lattes & Paperbacks– Review
9/15/2017- The Autumn Bookshelf– Interview
Week Two:
9/18/2017- Adventures Thru Wonderland– Review
9/19/2017- books are love– Interview
9/20/2017- Rachel’s Book Reviews– Review
9/21/2017- BookHounds YA- Guest Post
9/22/2017- Here’s to Happy Endings– Spotlight
This cover is awesome. I love that this is actually about a reality show that exists right now and isn’t some weird made up reality show. If that makes any sense lol.
It does! I thought that was a pretty neat aspect, too. I really love the cover of this one as well!
I really enjoyed this book! It is such an interesting concept and I loved the band aspect of it. 🙂
Yay! I’m glad to hear that you liked this. Unfortunately I haven’t gotten the chance to read it just yet, but I’m really looking forward to it. It doesn’t really seem like there are enough books that have a heavy influence on music or bands. I can’t wait to read this!
This is a great cover! I think many teens will relate to the music theme.
Dianna recently posted…Why I Want to Read Banned Books – #giveaway $10 Amazon Card
I agree – this book definitely sounds like something that will get a lot of attention!
This is up my alley!
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Supporting Cast Members Who Stole the Show
It sounds like such a fun and upbeat read!