Review of "Porcelain Keys"

Rating: 5 + Stars

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Review: Without a doubt, Sarah Beard's debut novel, "Porcelain Keys," is one of the most captivating books that I have read recently.  Emotional, graceful, fragile, and strong, this young adult novel transcends boundaries of age and becomes a novel that adults will fully appreciate and enjoy.  Music plays a prominent role in "Porcelain Keys," and the plot soars with its own lyrical melodies.  Beard proves adept at crafting three dimensional characters with scars and secrets that are slowly brought to light.  Like a song that grasps you from the very first note, "Porcelain Keys," grabs you on the first page.  From the moment I read the opening scene, I was engaged in Aria's journey that swept me away on the notes of her life, both the highs and the lows. 

Beard treats readers to not only a love story, but a life story.  The budding relationship between Aria and Thomas is a central part of the novel, but the story transcends far beyond a romance.  Beard constructs a plot full of imagery, detail, and emotion.  I sympathized with the characters, especially Aria and Thomas, whose feelings were raw and multi-faceted.  They both have struggles to overcome as they begin their transitions into adulthood.  Those struggles are painful to witness, but make the song of this story much more poignant and memorable.

"Porcelain Keys" is not a light-hearted story; it is a novel with substance and soul.  Sarah Beard writes on her website that she began writing this novel 6 years ago and shares her inspiring story behind "Porcelain Keys" (read more at www.sarahbeard.com) Her efforts give readers a book worth reading and recommending, and I will certainly anticipate reading more books from Sarah Beard in the future.  

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Sarah Beard. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Summary from Sarahbeard.com: Aria's life is full of secrets--secrets about her mother's death, her father's

volatility, and her dream to go to Juilliard. When Aria meets Thomas, he draws out her secrets, captures her heart, and gives her the courage to defy her father. But when tragedy strikes and Thomas disappears, Aria is left alone to transform her broken heart's melody into something beautiful. Porcelain Keys is a captivating love story that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

Book Trailer: 



Book Information:
Title: Porcelain Keys
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Pages: 352
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (February 11, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1462113966
ISBN-13: 978-1462113965

Author Bio: SARAH BEARD is the author of Porcelain Keys, a YA contemporary romance. She has a degree in communications from the University of Utah and splits her time between writing and raising three energetic boys. She is a cancer survivor and a hopeless romantic. She enjoys reading and composing music, and lives with her husband and children in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can follow Sarah on twitter at @authorsarahb, or at facebook.com/authorsarahbeard. Her website is www.sarahbeard.com.