Book Spotlight : Facing the Music by Andrea Laurence

Facing the Music
by Andrea Laurence

Released:
Sept. 15th, 2014

Publisher:
Pocket Star

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Synopsis:

Five years ago, high school sweethearts Ivy and Blake’s relationship imploded and both their lives were changed forever. Ivy became a rock star and Blake lost not only his dreams of a successful NFL career, but his reputation. Ivy’s angry song about their breakup, called “Size Matters”; hit the top of the charts and Blake became a national laughingstock. He’s salvaged his career and returned to Rosewood to be the high school football coach, regaining his status as town hero and leading the boys to the state championships. 

When a tornado whips through town and destroys the high school gymnasium and stadium, a committee is formed to help rebuild and plan some charity fundraisers. Blake’s grandmother requests that Ivy return to Rosewood for the events. Forced back together for the good of their hometown and their careers, Ivy and Blake have no choice but to put aside their differences, stop running from their pasts, and finally face the music.

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Eighties Fashion Blog

Oh. My. God. Becky! 

Look at Her Dress! It's Just so...Eighties! 

In my new southern contemporary romance, Facing the Music, my rock star heroine Ivy Hudson returns to her hometown to help them rebuild after a tornado hit the high school. She shows up under the impression that she’s doing a charity concert, but the fundraiser committee has a whole lot more in store. In addition to the concert, they’ve planned a county fair and a dance. 

And not just any dance — a second chance retro prom bringing back the glamour and gaudiness that was the 1980s. I’ll admit that I’m a huge fan of the 80s. The music was fun, the hair was big, and the clothes were bright. Not everyone looks good in neon and stone washed jeans, but we rocked it. Over the last few years, I’ve noticed some of the looks coming back in style. I chuckle at the kids who think they’re so original with their hot pink leggings and their fingerless lace gloves. 

Since Ivy will be the honorary prom queen (and her ex, the honorary king) it was important that they have totally awesome outfits for the dance. For inspiration, I went to the internet in the hopes of finding the perfect choices. Jackpot. 

Here’s the description from the book of Ivy’s thrift shop find – 

“Oh my God!” Pepper exclaimed. “I. Have. Found. It!” 

Ivy looked up to see what Pepper had uncovered this time. The strapless dress was made out of a metallic blue lamé that shifted between bright blue, midnight blue, and black in the light. It was gathered around the waist with a giant lamé rose at the left hip. It flowed down into two asymmetrical ruffled tiers that were edged in black lace. If that dress was in her size, it was so hers. 

Her friend Pepper also finds a dress at the thrift store. 

Ivy turned her attention back to the rack. She snatched out a short dress in dark green and held it up. “You need to wear this one,” Ivy said, hoping to change the subject. “It would look good with your red hair.” 

Pepper inspected it with a shrug, letting the uncomfortable conversation drop. For now. “What about the huge bows? It has one on each shoulder and one very unfortunately placed near the crotch.” 

“Your crotch is not that low.” Ivy passed the dress over to the other side of the rack. “I had issues with bows on the butt. This one is fine. Wear that.” 

Even Ivy’s high school rival got in on the 80s fashion fun.

Lydia had on a tight, short, sequined black dress with a peplum that was hot pink on the underside. There was a big pink bow at her hip that would have made her look wide if she wasn’t so petite to begin with. Her hair was teased and sprayed into submission, making a golden halo around her head like a lion’s mane. She looked just like she’d strolled off the set of an eighties music video. 

“Lydia. I’m sorry you missed the excitement this morning, but honestly, you wouldn’t have enjoyed yourself very much. We both know how much you hate it when I’m the center of attention instead of you. I think you’re the winner tonight, though. I see you got C. C. DeVille’s stylist to do your hair. No one will give me a second glance with that train wreck ingrained in their minds.” 

We can’t forget about the boys, either. Prom King Blake and his brother Grant raided their father’s closet. He never throws anything away, so they found these gems... 

“Where did you find that thing?” 

“My dad was the best man in a formal wedding in 1984.” Blake held out his arms and did a little spin on Ivy’s front steps. “What do you think?” 

“I think I’ve never seen you look like that before.” And she hadn’t. The tuxedo was a pale gray, almost silver. The jacket was cut high in the front, about at the waist, with tails in the back. It had a dark blue cummerbund and matching bow tie. “You even got matching accessories to go with my dress.” 

“I rented that part from the formalwear store in Gadsden. I didn’t even know you could still get a cummerbund, but the lady had some in the back.” 

“Nice touch.” 

Blake had been right about his tuxedo. It was awful. It had black pants and a rust-colored jacket with black buttons and piping along the lapel and pockets. The ivory shirt underneath had ruffles down the center with matching rust thread on the edges. 

I’ve shared my character’s embarrassing eighties fashions, but unfortunately, I don’t have any scanned pictures from my own prom I can share. I’ll tell you that one year involved a dress very similar to Pepper’s with teal satin and lace. It was...unfortunate. Instead, I’ll leave you with pictures from the retro 80s birthday party I had a couple years ago. 

Giveaway

-5 ebooks of Facing the Music 
by Andrea Laurence (INTL.)

Now it’s your turn! Tell us about your prom or homecoming dress. Was it awful? Did it have puffy sleeves? Did you go through half a can of AquaNet for your hair? Bonus points if you’re brave enough to post an actual prom photo. I want to see some mall bangs!

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Abouth the Author

Andrea Laurence has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she's working on her own "happily ever after" with her boyfriend and their collection of animals including a Siberian Husky that sheds like nobody's business.

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