5 stars!!

Tommy Timoreaux is loving retirement. He has just finished his new studio when old twinges of being on stage begin to form in his psyche. He talks to the old band and except for one musician who passed away and was replaced by his grandson, the team is all for a reunion tour. He is further encouraged by their manager, Jason Robiski. He is the son of their original manager and is a whirling dynamo. However, he receives a call from Raylene, his lead singer. She is going through a terrible medical problem and cannot go on tour. She suggests instead that Tom give his daughter, Christine the chance to go on stage. Tom is not so sure. Their relationship is better, but he’s not sure she’s ready for a tour since she hasn’t done anything like that before.

When the old gang gets together, they talk about old times and are excited to be back on stage. They are a little rusty around the edges, but still energetic and rarin’ to go.

When Christine, X and Rogelio join the group, magical things happen. They blend in beautifully and everyone is surprised and astounded when Christine sings some of her own compositions.

This book gives the reader a view of the music world from the inside out. It is filled with song lyrics and artistic interactions between people. It tells the story from the glory of performing for an audience to the machinations of some unscrupulous types behind the scenes. Tom brings up an interesting point that the music scene hasn’t ever changed – from Beethoven to present – they all had their followers and hangers-on. The others agree with him. When the group finally begins the concert tour, the crowds go wild. It is heartening and a triumph.

This book is very well written and plotted. It is a vision of the past and absolutely delightful. I truly enjoyed it. I remember “those days” very clearly and I loved every minute of it. Recalling it was absolutely wonderful. This is my first Robert Yehling novel, but it certainly won’t be my last! I immediately went to Amazon to look at his other books.

I want to thank Netgalley and Open Books Press for forwarding to me this nostalgic and wonderful journey into my past.