THE GIRL WITH STARS IN HER EYES

Narrators Alexander Cendese and Tamika Simone jointly perform this contemporary romance set amid the East Coast indie rock scene. Antonia and Seb bonded when they were music-loving teenagers in small-town Pennsylvania but haven't spoken in several years, ever since Seb left for the city, leaving Toni behind. Simone clearly distinguishes between Toni's inner dialogue of self-doubt and her no-nonsense public exterior. She convincingly delivers Toni's conflicted reactions to an unexpected reunion with Seb when she's asked to fill a spot in an upcoming girl band. Cendese's vibrant delivery showcases the way Seb hides relationship insecurities behind his cocksure band-manager image. Together Simone and Cendese set the stage for relationship sparks and drama when Toni and Seb find themselves working for the same band. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2021]