Showing posts with label dancing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dancing. Show all posts

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Book Review - Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross



Photo Credit - Amazon

Camile Wynn is a dance teacher with a recent string of bad luck. She is excited to get a new student but, becomes wary when she finds out her new student is Rhys McGrath. Rhys McGrath is a reclusive man who lives with his orphaned niece. He wants to learn how to waltz so, he can take his niece to the father and daughter dance. Camile is surprised by Rhys's generous heart because of his cold personality.  When Camile finds out that he might lose custody of his niece, Camile takes matters in her own hands.

I have read a few of Carol Ross's books and have enjoyed them. Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of this book. I am not sure if it's being in the quarantine lockdown but, I got quite frustrated reading this book. I had a hard time relating to any of the characters. I found that Rhys was cold, distant, robotic, and quite boring. I didn't like that Camile was complaining about how she wanted to do things on her own because of a falling out with her parents. She didn't want to accept help even from her sisters even though she was struggling and putting herself in danger. The idea that she spent so much time thinking that she forgot to eat, seemed ridiculous and absent-minded. I didn't like the fact that she complained that her friend had more free time because her parents paid for her bills. Camile could have more free time if she accepted help and not everyone has parents who are either generous or can afford to help their kids financially.

I found it odd that Rhys didn't notice Camile two years ago on their first date. Now, he's besotted for the first time after seeing her for two years. I felt like their relationship bloomed out of nowhere especially when he starts calling her sweetheart and she comments on how great he smells. It felt unnatural and that things were moving so quickly for a woman who didn't like him and a man who is cold to everyone. I can appreciate that the author is trying to include characters from previous novels into her book but, sometimes a scene had too many characters. It was hard trying to remember every character.  I am also disappointed that the author doesn't include any people of color.  I lost interest in the novel around the halfway mark. I think for the time being I am completely over heartwarming novels but, may revisit her books a few years later.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**


BOOK SUMMARY:

She’ll save him a dance…

…if he follows his heart.

Dance teacher Camile Wynn has a new student. Reclusive Rhys McGrath is learning to waltz so he can take his orphaned niece to a father-daughter dance. Camile is surprised by her connection with him, but there’s a generous heart behind Rhys’s awkward exterior. When she learns Rhys could lose custody of his niece, Camile goes behind his back to help him…but will her lies end up hurting him instead?



 

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Book Review - Let's Dance by David Bowie

Photo Credit - Amazon
The illustrated children's book embraces the spirit and mood of dancing through the iconic musician David Bowie's music. The book adapts the lyrics to "Let's Dance" for young fans along with including whimsical artwork. I don't listen to David Bowie and can't name a single song from him. I am not saying I hate his work just that I do not know his work. I felt like fans of the song would like this book more because I felt like the book was boring and had no point. The lyrics were repeated and I felt the artwork of people just dancing got redundant after page 5. I did like that the illustrations were inclusive.


**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Book Review - My Singing Nana by Pat Mora

Photo Credit - Amazon

The cute picture book depicts a family that has a member who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. It shows a child who is adjusting to life with his beloved grandmother who is forgetting things. The story helps instill the values of family, heritage, and relying on happy memories during tough times. A cute read for little ones who has beloved family member with the disease.



 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Book Review - Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center


Photo Credit - Amazon
Cassie Hanwell strives under pressure, especially during emergencies. As she is one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she has dealt with a fair share of them. She can handle other people's tragedies but, any of her own. When Cassie's ailing and estranged mother asks her to move to Boston to help take care of her, Cassie is suddenly thrown into an emergency of her own. 

Cassie finds a new job at an old-school Boston firehouse that is completely different from her old job. The new firehouse lacks proper facilities, equipment, funding, and the crew regularly hazes each other. None of the firemen on staff is happy that their captain hired a lady to be on their shift, even if Cassie comes highly recommended.  

The only person that doesn't mind having Cassie around is the handsome rookie, Owen. Cassie feels drawn to him but, she knows firemen can't date each other and she doesn't believe love is her thing.  However, the more Cassie learns about the rookie, the more she feels her resolve to stay away from him slipping away. Will Cassie open up herself to love even if it means losing the only job she ever loved?

I have read the author's other book, How to Walk Away and enjoyed it. I was excited to read this book as the previous novel was an emotionally captivating book. While, this book delivers a powerful message about forgiveness, love, courage, and vulnerability, I didn't find myself feeling much for the characters. I didn't feel invested in Cassie and had a hard time relating to her. I felt like the story was missing an emotional connection for me like the previous book had. It is a good book if you are a fan of the author but, to me it felt like a giant fluff piece.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**