What do you think?
Rate this book
Dancing in the White Room
Dancing in the white room is slang for skiing or boarding in deep powder snow. The dancer is PD Bell, one of the best extreme skiers on the planet. Mallory Prescott, the woman who lives with him and loves him, is used to Bell’s exploits. A patrolwoman at Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid, New York, Mallory is no stranger to risk, but this time Bell is taking on the West Rib of Denali, highest and most dangerous mountain in North America. It’s a descent that has never been done, though it’s been tried. Five years ago, Bell tried it. The attempt nearly killed him. Five years ago he promised Mallory he wouldn’t try again. Over the six weeks in which he’s gone, Mallory begins to question her relationship with Bell. Does he really love her? Is he in it for the duration? What has loving him cost her? Mallory’s life choices are thrown into stark relief when her daughter Emily takes a terrible fall. Together with her lifelong friend, Creech Crèches, she must work her way through a maze of uncharted territory at a hospital miles from home. Dancing in the White Room is the story of the love we keep, the price we pay for that love, and the forgiveness it takes to hold on to what is precious.
This book is currently out of print. Check back for republication details.
This book is currently out of print. Check back for republication details.
222 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2014
1 person is currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Ute Carbone
17 books107 followersAward winning author Ute Carbone pronounces her first name Oohtah, but doesn't spell it that way. She lives with her husband in Southern NH, where she spends her days drinking coffee, eating chocolate, walking in the woods, and dreaming up stories.
There's been a long list of things I've wanted to be. Some of them were fanciful- ballerina, trapeze artist, world class ski racer. Some more serious-doctor, oceanographer, bookstore owner. Some I've actually accomplished- teacher, mother, workshop leader.
I've always loved to read books but for most of my life I never would have imagined myself writing them. Oh, I scribbled. I wrote songs for my guitar when I was a teen. I kept a journal in college. When my children were small, I began to write poetry. I joined a poetry group. I got a few things published. Then, in a writing workshop, I began writing fiction A seed got planted. The stories I wrote got longer and longer until one day I found myself writing a novel. I finished the novel in fits and starts and wrote another one. Then another. Each time, I learned a little more about the art and craft. of storytelling.
Each time, I got to enter a brand new world. Through my characters, I've gotten to be a lot of things, from a shark researcher to an 1850's heiress to a ski patrol woman. Who knows what's next? Writer, it's the perfect job for the girl who wanted to be everything.
PS If you're looking for my romantic comedy, check out Annie Hoff. All my romantic comedy, both the old favorites and some new titles, are now under my new name,.
There's been a long list of things I've wanted to be. Some of them were fanciful- ballerina, trapeze artist, world class ski racer. Some more serious-doctor, oceanographer, bookstore owner. Some I've actually accomplished- teacher, mother, workshop leader.
I've always loved to read books but for most of my life I never would have imagined myself writing them. Oh, I scribbled. I wrote songs for my guitar when I was a teen. I kept a journal in college. When my children were small, I began to write poetry. I joined a poetry group. I got a few things published. Then, in a writing workshop, I began writing fiction A seed got planted. The stories I wrote got longer and longer until one day I found myself writing a novel. I finished the novel in fits and starts and wrote another one. Then another. Each time, I learned a little more about the art and craft. of storytelling.
Each time, I got to enter a brand new world. Through my characters, I've gotten to be a lot of things, from a shark researcher to an 1850's heiress to a ski patrol woman. Who knows what's next? Writer, it's the perfect job for the girl who wanted to be everything.
PS If you're looking for my romantic comedy, check out Annie Hoff. All my romantic comedy, both the old favorites and some new titles, are now under my new name,.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 29, 2014
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Dancing in the White room is a book filled with human turmoil; finding your own way but still be with the one person you care about.
We meet Mallory, a young mother that leads a very adventures life on her skies at Lake Placid. Her partner in life, PD Bell, is a adventurer, world renowned champion jumper; always looking for the next thing, which took him away from home for long periods of time. At first she didn't have a problem with it; excepting him for who he was, but as their daughter grew older, the responsibilities ever increasing, leaving her alone and overwhelmed; his times away started to leave a void and she reflects on her own choices and the reasons why she still needs to stay with him.
When an accident struck leaving little Emily, age four, in hospital; more questions were raised. With the death of one of his team mates and bad weather that left them without any contact, she had to find a way to go back to him. Doing some introspection, even listening to some truths from caring parents that would eventually leads her to her future.
Emily, a four old child with all the energy of that age was fearless, doing things that would stop any caring mother's heart. A delightful child that you love from the moment you met her in the book.
Considering who her parents were you could only summarize that she would be more than a hand full.
A story filled with human emotions as Mallory tries to find her own way, her heart, but mostly the man she loves. Creech, a life long friend she loves dearly always stayed with her. At times when Bell had to be there, but wasn't, he filled the gap and you got the impression that these two belongs together. That the love they shared were bigger than just friends, and in all honesty I really hold my breath, hoping that Creech would find happiness.
A very realistic book filled with believable characters and the turmoil most couples face when challenged by life. Trying to find your own footing, remain true with yourself and still do what your heart desires.
A great story I enjoyed.
Dancing in the White room is a book filled with human turmoil; finding your own way but still be with the one person you care about.
We meet Mallory, a young mother that leads a very adventures life on her skies at Lake Placid. Her partner in life, PD Bell, is a adventurer, world renowned champion jumper; always looking for the next thing, which took him away from home for long periods of time. At first she didn't have a problem with it; excepting him for who he was, but as their daughter grew older, the responsibilities ever increasing, leaving her alone and overwhelmed; his times away started to leave a void and she reflects on her own choices and the reasons why she still needs to stay with him.
When an accident struck leaving little Emily, age four, in hospital; more questions were raised. With the death of one of his team mates and bad weather that left them without any contact, she had to find a way to go back to him. Doing some introspection, even listening to some truths from caring parents that would eventually leads her to her future.
Emily, a four old child with all the energy of that age was fearless, doing things that would stop any caring mother's heart. A delightful child that you love from the moment you met her in the book.
Considering who her parents were you could only summarize that she would be more than a hand full.
A story filled with human emotions as Mallory tries to find her own way, her heart, but mostly the man she loves. Creech, a life long friend she loves dearly always stayed with her. At times when Bell had to be there, but wasn't, he filled the gap and you got the impression that these two belongs together. That the love they shared were bigger than just friends, and in all honesty I really hold my breath, hoping that Creech would find happiness.
A very realistic book filled with believable characters and the turmoil most couples face when challenged by life. Trying to find your own footing, remain true with yourself and still do what your heart desires.
A great story I enjoyed.
July 11, 2014
I will be honest here and go for full disclosure -- I personally know the author, and listened to her writing and reading this story to us every week while attending our writing workshops together years ago. She had me interested in her plot-line from the first and she made me care about what happened to the main character Mallory and her daughter Emily. We really didn't get to know PD Bell other than through flash-backs and at the end of the story.
Spoiler alert on next sections:
So flashing forward to Ute's fairly recent publication of the book, and through practice of my own writing, I have a much finer appreciation for her clarity and craft.
Mallory, intentionally on Ute's part, felt troubled about her love for Bell and had commitment issues. The real story, as I see it, wasn't that she was so overwhelmingly worried about Bell's return from his battle with the mountain, (ok, maybe she was worried a bit), but that she had to find a way to commit to him in her heart. Of course she can't come to that conclusion without a massive dope slap to the noggin, so going through a medical disaster with her daughter mostly alone save for family and a close friend, Creech, and then nearly losing Bell to the mountain, the death of his friend being a stand-in for her loss of him, finally showed her the path to her own and her daughter's happiness.
Ute can drive her characters to the brink of disaster and bring them back with such breathtaking aplomb, that you don't throw the book across the room after you're done, instead, you celebrate another well-written story from this up and coming author, while you make yourself a restorative cup of tea.
Spoiler alert on next sections:
So flashing forward to Ute's fairly recent publication of the book, and through practice of my own writing, I have a much finer appreciation for her clarity and craft.
Mallory, intentionally on Ute's part, felt troubled about her love for Bell and had commitment issues. The real story, as I see it, wasn't that she was so overwhelmingly worried about Bell's return from his battle with the mountain, (ok, maybe she was worried a bit), but that she had to find a way to commit to him in her heart. Of course she can't come to that conclusion without a massive dope slap to the noggin, so going through a medical disaster with her daughter mostly alone save for family and a close friend, Creech, and then nearly losing Bell to the mountain, the death of his friend being a stand-in for her loss of him, finally showed her the path to her own and her daughter's happiness.
Ute can drive her characters to the brink of disaster and bring them back with such breathtaking aplomb, that you don't throw the book across the room after you're done, instead, you celebrate another well-written story from this up and coming author, while you make yourself a restorative cup of tea.
Read
October 17, 2019Skiing was a big part of my younger self's life and, in writing this book, I conjured up a lot of wonderful memories about those times. But I don't think you have to be a skier to like the book. It is, first and foremost, a love story, about the worth of a relationship and the cost of holding on to what the heart finds precious.
I hope you'll love these characters as much as I do.
June 26, 2014
The imagery in “Dancing In The White Room” is phenomenal!
Read full review in the 2014 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
February 18, 2015
Using the ski slopes--both competitive and recreational--Carbone creates a fascinating look into what it means to grow up and take responsibility for your decision. Good Read
March 19, 2020
The gap in Mallory and Bell’s relationship is wide, wider than she anticipated. They are both veterans of the slopes but living with a ski addict, she will never understand his obsession and list of injuries from the circuit. Why would he go back for more?
As Bell tempts fate at every chance, Mallory contemplates his devotion. Time and time again. Will she ever get him to stay home with her and their daughter Emily? Deep in her heart, she realizes there’s just some challenges that can’t be forgiven. Thank goodness, she has a network of loved ones she can depend on in those times when she needs them the most.
Yet it’s an accident in Mallory’s very own backyard that puts life into perspective for her. Not only does she find herself with new inner struggles, but a major decision regarding her future.
The author’s use of geography and description puts the reader right in the heart of the action. Thank you Ute for such a delightful read.
As Bell tempts fate at every chance, Mallory contemplates his devotion. Time and time again. Will she ever get him to stay home with her and their daughter Emily? Deep in her heart, she realizes there’s just some challenges that can’t be forgiven. Thank goodness, she has a network of loved ones she can depend on in those times when she needs them the most.
Yet it’s an accident in Mallory’s very own backyard that puts life into perspective for her. Not only does she find herself with new inner struggles, but a major decision regarding her future.
The author’s use of geography and description puts the reader right in the heart of the action. Thank you Ute for such a delightful read.
May 14, 2014
Dancing in the White Room is a drama that follows Mallory who is an avid skier. She has lived with PD Bell for the last several years. PD is a legend in the skiing world and together they have a five year old girl, Emily. There are a lot of other characters in this story that I won't get too far into right now. Creech is Mallory's best friend and ex-boyfriend, Adam is Creech's younger brother who has also always had a crush on Mallory.
PD has this thing.....he has to ski Denali. The only problem is, the last time he tried it, he ended up the hospital for a long time. After that particular incident, he promised Mallory that he wouldn't try it again. But 5 years later, he is determined to finish it. Where does this leave Mallory? And when the unthinkable happens, what choices will she makee? It's all in her hands from there, so many lives will be changed by the decisions she makes.
This was a very emotional book. You get to see every aspect of Mallory and really feel the same things that she feels. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was very pleased with how it ended.
PD has this thing.....he has to ski Denali. The only problem is, the last time he tried it, he ended up the hospital for a long time. After that particular incident, he promised Mallory that he wouldn't try it again. But 5 years later, he is determined to finish it. Where does this leave Mallory? And when the unthinkable happens, what choices will she makee? It's all in her hands from there, so many lives will be changed by the decisions she makes.
This was a very emotional book. You get to see every aspect of Mallory and really feel the same things that she feels. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was very pleased with how it ended.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews