The Music Makes the Man (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798986611105)

In 1983, when big hair, neon colors, and MTV are all the rage, Luke Cavarelli dreams of leaving Pittsburgh and jumpstarting his band, The Steel City Boys. He's always admired confident singer Tony Bellano, but following in the rock idol's footsteps is frustrating. While the band searches for a record deal, Luke's best friend and bandmate Ryan, a self-proclaimed ladies man, teases about Luke wanting to settle down one day. Just as Luke falls in love with Samantha, a dreamer and photographer, the band scores a record deal and leaves the state. Tony Bellano, who is signed to the same record label, would rather mock Luke than befriend him. Luke had hoped that Bellano would appreciate a fan, but Bellano instead feels threatened by the competition. A battle of the bands ensues; Bellano will stop at nothing to sabotage Luke, even if that means destroying a friendship and a marriage. As Luke grapples with his past insecurities, Ryan, after a near tragedy, battles his nicotine addiction and Samantha faces the consequences of her materialistic impulses. Luke's faith and loyalty are challenged to the point where he must either confront Bellano or lose himself and his passion for the music that fuels his identity.