Life Can Change in an Instant!! But, do we want it to???? Don't forget to enter the Giveaway!!

"Dance and be Glad"

 By Melissa Wardwell

About the Book

Jillian Matthews is a widowed mom and owner of a dance studio in a small farming community. When her husband died nine years ago in the desert of the Middle East, a piece of her died as well and she lost all joy in the day to day blessings. Tiny dancers and her daughter, Katie, are her main focus until an old flame, Michael Emerson, waltzes back into her life, awakening things she thought dead and gone.
Dr. Michael Emerson told himself he was happy with his bachelorhood after a messy divorce. He thought his life as an ER doctor and yearly missions work left  no room for a wife and family. When tragedy strikes and he is left with an unforeseen situation, he must evaluate his life and make some major changes.

My Thoughts: 

I always enjoy reading Inspirational Romances , however this author managed to create one that had me totally engaged from the first page on. Usually , the story has to build in its plot before grabbing my attention.  The topic dealt with , is one that shows us how life can change in an instant, resulting in lives being totally changed. The theme of forgiveness and hope for a brighter future, shines bright and clear throughout the rocky roads that the individuals travel on their journey through life. Ms Wardwell has a unique talent of writing that gets the reader involved immediately, both with her character and plot development.

I have to admit that I immediately fell in love with the main characters. Each had their own set of problems and ways of dealing with them. They were very easy with whom to identify. I felt deep empathy with them as they fought their way through many heartbreaking events. God's presence was evident as they battled their unique demons,whether it be grief, confusion or the desire to achieve happiness. The author showed a keen understanding of the personal, emotional upheavals that one can just not avoid in life. I truly enjoyed getting to know Ryan, a fine young man, who had to deal with so many challenges all at once. It is unusual to see these feelings from a man's prospective. Ms Wardwell did an excellent job of describing a Christian man and how he had to deal with struggles that we hope we never experience. 

The plot moved at a steady pace with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of the chair. I found myself puzzled as to how all of these problems could possibly work out as a happy ending. Again, the message of forgiveness and second chances comes through loud and clear. God has a plan for our lives. Do we always like or want it??? No, but then again, we need to have willingness to follow the unknown path, with Him by our side. 

The setting was so well presented that I could see these older homes restored to beauty in a small town atmosphere. The presence of a dance studio filled with little giggling girls was the perfect addition to capture attention. Am I able to dance through heartache?? Can the characters in the story follow the example of the children???  

I highly recommend this book. Definitely, a five star book!!

Now, I am impatiently waiting for Melissa Wardwell's next creation!!

**This book was supplied by CelebrateLit and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Don't forget to enter the Giveaway!

About the Author:

I am an independently published author of Christian romance.I wear many hats from one day to the next. I am a devoted wife, basketball and dance mother, teacher, taxi service, friend, caregiver, daughter, sister, and now, published author. Seeing all that is enough to make my head spin. But more importantly, I am the Daughter of the Most High King.

I was raised in and still reside in a little farm town in Mid- Michigan called Corunna. It’s quiet and simple, just the way I like it. If I can’t live out in the country among the corn fields and trees then living in this small town works for me.  My husband and I have been together since high school and have 3 children, all of whom we homeschool. It has been quite the journey, but I couldn’t ask for a better life.

I decided to give writing a try because I needed something to occupy my down time, but after reading my first draft of my first book, What God Brings Together, I then understood that God had a much bigger plan.  God does not give His children a desire just so that it can go to waste. I never anticipated the journey God would put me on through writing, but I am excited to see what He has in mind for the future.

I have always felt a call to reach out to women and mothers, to encourage them in their lives. So naturally, all my stories revolve around women who are mothers: single mothers, widowed mothers, young mothers, married mothers, and even women who have a mother’s heart but no children of her own.

My greatest hope is that each story touches your heart, gives you hope, or just gives you a moment away from the chaos of life. Lord, knows we have earned it.

To read other reviews of this book, take a look at the Blog Tour:

Blog Stops

July 12: Blossoms and Blessings

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