Uptempo, Down

by Hannah Rae

Sunshine, surf, and this is what the beachtown of Moonglow, North Carolina, has to offer.

It also offers an annual music festival that, for the first time ever, Flannel Lobster will be headlining. Having grown up vacationing in Moonglow, Finn Gregory used to dream that his band would someday be invited to perform at the event. When Flannel Lobster is asked to be the headliner, however, he experiences a euphoria he’d never allowed himself to imagine.

But then a distracted driver navigating Crescent Way veers off the road and two of the band’s members find themselves out of commission. Bert’s arm is in a sling; Bas’s brain is concussed. Will the show go on? Finn wants it to—needs it to—and finds himself relying on the magic of Edna McCloud’s cupcakes.

Known as a cupcake witch by some, Edna has a unique ability to combine flavors in a way that benefits those in need. Finn discovers her at just the right point in his life, but in addition to falling in love with the baker’s sweet convections, he finds himself falling for Edna as well.

A love story every bit as sweet as sugar, the band’s week at the beach is composed of both highs and lows… with music and cupcakes at the center of everything.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2024

About the author

When she was in the fourth grade, Hannah Rae couldn't fall asleep one night. She climbed out of bed, padded down the hallway to her parents' bedroom, and said, "Mom, I can't sleep." To which her mother replied, "Make up a story in your head." So Hannah created a cast of characters, and a setting, and a plot... and to this day, the first thing she thinks about when she snuggles under the covers each night are those characters and that setting. But the plot is always changing.

Reviews

[Hannah Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short chapters, a salty summer setting, and a love story to boot! What's not to love?

I had fun writing this one. And if you can even believe it, I had fun editing it too! From start to finish, this particular novel underwent a lot of change, and I'm very proud of the final product.

In the realm of the Hannah Rae Literary Universe, this particular installment is Finn's story. You'll get to visit with the rest of Flannel Lobster as well, of course, but the focus is Finn. And Edna, whose magical cupcakes will cause you to salivate, no doubt!

[Mary McDannell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uptempo Down is the perfect summer read! Taking place in a beach town in North Carolina, the story focuses on Finn, a recurring character in Rae's novels featuring the band, Flannel Lobster, and Edna, a local baker. The story has all of the ingredients for a summer read: romance, a quaint beach town, music, and magic! Definitely pack this one in your suitcase or pool bag this summer!

[Haley Orner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO good! It's short chapters were nice since we get to see many perspectives of the same events continuously. Of course, this is another good read to see more of Bas, Bert, and Lucy's lives, but having Finn as one of the main characters was a nice thing to see. Also, this book will make you want to eat cupcakes so badly. Thank you for a great read.