The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes

The indie music scene takes center stage in the delightful first The Lillys romance from Axelrod (When Frankie Meets Johnny). At 12, Antonia “Toni” Bennette is sent to live with her estranged father, so that her mother can chase her dreams of stardom unencumbered. Upon arriving in small town Bordon, Pa., Toni befriends 13-year-old Sebastian Quick. Over the next five years, the two bond over their love of music and their awful fathers and make a pact to escape Bordon together. But Seb breaks his promise when he disappears. Eight years later, Toni hopes to save enough money to become a partner at Philadelphia’s The Phactory studio and work toward a more inclusive music industry. Despite her desire to stay out of the spotlight and avoid her mother’s mistakes, Toni takes a gig as a fill-in guitarist for up-and-coming rock group The Lillys in order to raise the money. There’s just one problem: Seb is their manager. And as Seb and Toni grow close once more, the past comes back to haunt them. The second-chance romance is solid, Toni’s search for self-worth will draw readers in, and the distinct personalities of each of the Lillys shine. This is a gift for music lovers. Agent Nalini Akolekar, Spencerhill Assoc. (Apr.)