 When I was in middle school, I was invited to an ice skating rink. I had been skating on wheels for years, both around my driveway and at the local rink but ice skating is VERY different. I struggled to stand and couldn't skate. It was a frustrating day. Needless to say I never did it again. Seeing the amazing skaters at the Olympics, I often felt bad about not being more determined to try. The Olympic skaters were able to evoke emotion through their dance on the ice. It was magic and beauty in motion. Their movements told a story and Author Grea Warner tells a romance through the two characters who step onto the ice in her latest release THE DANCE. Set in the 1980's, I was captivated as I fell in love with Noah, her hero, who has just started his dream of a career in the NHL. But it was Cate that I could relate to. She was much like a younger me. Her dreams, her wishes, and her hopes were all easy to relate to. I wanted Cate to find what she wanted. If you haven't read books by Ms. Warner, you are missing an emotional read. One that hits all the right spots and THE DANCE is no exception. It's a page turner and one you won't be able to put down. Now available in ebook and paperback, be sure to pick up your copy today! Blurb: Stepping onto the ice was frightening. Doing so required trust … and not just that of her feet. It also involved Cate’s head and heart. Trusting meant she had to forget what happened in the past. At twenty-two years old, Cate Lentz is starting to understand Noah’s comparison of skating to a dance. The same, she realizes, can be said about life itself. You have to release the walls surrounding you in order to feel light and free. You also need the right partner. With the NHL rookie at her side, Cate is beginning to see a new and exciting life-canvas in front of her—similar to the paintings she creates in her art studio. But as smooth as ice is, everyone tumbles and falls sometimes. When her ex, Leo, makes a reappearance in Cate’s life, his mental instability creates such turmoil and heartache that it’s hard for her to stand back up. Can she find a way to dance again after tragedy strikes? Pulling at heartstrings and dealing with realistic issues, The Dance is a gripping tale that travels the reader back to the year 1980. This emotional story will leave you with a true appreciation for being both independently strong but also grateful for those who are by your side … no matter what. EXCERPT For the next couple of minutes or so, all thoughts, besides trying to remain upright, left my brain. It wasn’t that I had never skated, but it had been years before, and then only a few times in the winter. Roller skating was definitely more popular in high school, but once I was in college, both forms of skating were far from my focus. “You are going to let go of the wall at some point, eh?” A couple feet away, Noah smiled to show he was teasing in a lighthearted way. “Wait! You aren’t supposed to hold on to it?” I could be equally as funny, but I physically wavered even more so, having to skate and talk. “Think of it as a dance.” “Yeah, right. I don’t think I am going to be the next Dorothy Hamill.” “You don’t know …” “Uh, yes, I do.” I nodded with an accompanying involuntary leg wobble. “What I meant a-boat a dance is …” He was doing perfect, effortless figure eights next to me. “It’s like in middle school, where everyone stands against the gymnasium wall and looks across the vast space. No one takes the first step because it’s scary to put yourself out there, eh?” Noah cleared his throat. “I mean, that’s how it is in Canada.” “Yeah. I think that is worldwide,” I agreed, recalling the awkwardness of the few dances I had been allowed to go to during my teen years. “But once you take the first step, you’re glad.” Not only were his movements full of energy, but his positive speech was, too. “It’s fun. A little nerve-racking at first … sure. But there’s someone there with you.” buy links |
