Until the Beat Stops

by Stella Mowen

Inspirational, intelligent, romantic and empowering – a book that renews a sense of joy and hope in the inevitable.

Follow James Franklin as he documents the inspirational story of Lilac Hawthorn and her four best friends as they build a startup designed to remind each of us to embrace every day as the beautiful gift it is – filled with music, art and everlasting moments.

Live, Love, Believe, Create … Until the Beat Stops.

*15% of book proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer foundation.*

Genres: Fiction

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2014

About the author

Stella is an American author, producer, and visionary leader in the entertainment industry. She is best known for producing the episodic show Legends (2018), her Amazon best-selling novel Until the Beat Stops (2014), and being a HuffPost Contributor. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she now divides her time between Los Angeles and New York City while working on her sophomore novel. She graduated with a degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida and founded the non-profit The First Hill. Outside of writing, Stella spends her time listening to records, practicing yoga and meditation techniques, while relishing in each day with old and new friends—embracing the now.

Reviews

[Kate Anslinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then I read a book that stays with me forever. Until the Beat Stops is one of them. I feel so deeply affected by this cast of characters and their journey to such a powerful, life-changing system. I will admit that I was a bit lost in the first few pages, but as soon as the story picked up pace and I knew where I was with the characters, I was consumed.

Each chapter was bookmarked with quotes and images that led me into a mixture of emotions and bled into the next chapter in a fitting manner. The story was beautifully written and offered so many inspirational thoughts and emotions and I found myself equally attached to the six main characters. I loved the layout of the chapters and how they bounced between the past and the present. It's not often that I read a book that really makes me stop and think, but Until the Beat Stops stayed with me throughout the day and I found myself questioning that "what if's." What if there really was as system that allowed us to be connected to our loved ones after they passed and gave us the chance to hear their voices and receive messages from them long after they are gone. This book floored me and I think it is definitely one that will stay with me "Until the Beat Stops." I would love to see more from this author. Stella Mowen has a way of creating beauty out of words.

[Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out Kritters Ramblings for the full review

James Franklin is a documentarian and is hired to follow these five friends and entrepreneurs who created this community/website to allow people to create a lasting memory for their family members during their lives and after they are gone. James interviews all of the friends individually to get the history of The First Hill and the book concludes at a party where the five friends come together to spend time together.

I thought this was a new way to do a friendship story and I enjoyed the different approach. With having an outsider narrate and provide the story, I did feel a little removed from the story and not as connected as I would have been if one of the friends had told the story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told through the eyes of the narrator (AKA a film documentarian), this story takes you on a journey that weaves between present day and past events of five best friends. The overarching theme is one of friendships and how they are like bridges. You must always be repairing the bridge, one brick at a time, or else it may crumble beyond recognition - but it is never too late to start over and build a new one. The story takes you through love, loss and celebration. A MUST read (or gift) to all your friends - new and old.

[Yijen Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Until the Beat Stops" is a beautiful story that delves into a subject that most of us avoid -- death. The book explores the subject with charm, and offers a way to embrace, accept and find an ongoing way to connect with lost loved ones. If the First Hill company that Stella Mowen describes in the book really existed, it would no doubt be successful.

Overall, an imaginative work that manages to explore a tough subject with tremendous grace.

[Kayce Hughlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to sink into this book, but wow! once I was in I couldn't wait to see where Stella Mowen was taking her characters. Complex. Interesting. Vibrant. Witty. I loved the sprinkling of quotes throughout the book. They kept me grounded and inspired. And I loved the vivid scenery in Chicago, Seattle, and France. Great debut novel!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with vivid prose. The story of these friends was so relatable that I felt as if I could have been a part of this group. The characters just popped off the pages with so many lovely and fun references that filled me with emotion flashing me back to when I was young and trying to navigate through the muddy waters of early adulthood.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told story, about a fictional based organization, that would be so valuable in today’s world.
The short chapters and the thought provoking words interspersed in the story, along with lovely photographs, make this book and all of its characters, one to savor.
I hope this will only be the first, with more to follow, from Stella Mowen.

[Aimée · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems tucked within this thoughtful narrative, absolutely priceless. Thank you, Stella.

[Rachel Trindade · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book desperately needs an editor. Filled with grammatical errors, it was difficult to get through because of the distractions. Each character is young, beautiful, rich, and perfect. Unfortunately it is hard to relate to characters like this. While the premise of the book and the business idea were great, it was just too unrealistic.

[Whitney Sprague]

DNF for the moment.
I may revisit this at another date, but right now, I just can't do it.
I like the premise of this story, but everything felt so scripted and artificial.
It felt like the author was doing everything within her power to be profound, which is something that I can appreciate, but I just wasn't buying it. Plus, an editor was sorely needed and the misplaced and obvious lack of commas hurt my very soul.

I don't know. Maybe some day this will stir some inspiration within me.