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Dancing in the Rain
After the unfortunate death of her father, Bella Westbrook leaves home against her will to support her mother and crippled sister. Bella soon finds herself awestruck with the magnificence of Biltmore Estate, a castle nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Darby Pierson, a forestry scholar at Biltmore Forest School, learns that his position as class president may be in jeopardy because of his limp. Once he discovers Bella's desire to see the handicapped recover, he meets her faithfully on the terrace for therapy.
More than just a healing takes place. Bella finds the walls of heart breaking down and Darby's uneven gait is now smooth, but the rain has just begun. Darby's dream becomes reality when he is offered a position as a forester in Pennsylvania.
Is their love for one another strong enough to withstand the storm they face? Will they dance in the rain in the midst of their storm?
Darby Pierson, a forestry scholar at Biltmore Forest School, learns that his position as class president may be in jeopardy because of his limp. Once he discovers Bella's desire to see the handicapped recover, he meets her faithfully on the terrace for therapy.
More than just a healing takes place. Bella finds the walls of heart breaking down and Darby's uneven gait is now smooth, but the rain has just begun. Darby's dream becomes reality when he is offered a position as a forester in Pennsylvania.
Is their love for one another strong enough to withstand the storm they face? Will they dance in the rain in the midst of their storm?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2014
13 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 17, 2015
I really debated what rating to give this book, but in the end, I knew that I couldn't give it more then two stars. While the writer has some talent, and I did finish the story the book drove me crazy.
Words and analogies were misused throughout the book. (For example: "The fire in his eyes extinguished just a bit.") I don't like being harsh, but the lack of understanding of the meaning and usage of some words was enough to knock two stars off my rating. Words and analogies were misused in every chapter and took away from my enjoyment of the story.
The other thing that knocked another star off this book from me was that issues were resolved far too easily, sometimes before I knew something was wrong. Bella's mother had an issue and it was resolved by hearing a sermon the next chapter and so on.
I also did not understand a few things about Bella. She talks about having walls around her heart, but she cares about everyone around her, even those who are unkind, that is not proof of walls. The whole thing with Sophia was confusing and by the end of the book, their connection was even more muddled.
There were a couple of positives about this book. The dancing the the rain element was very sweet and was carried well from the beginning to the end of the book (plus one star for that)
The author did keep me reading until the end of the book despite its flaws (one more star for that).
Would I read any more books by Eldridge, maybe, but I think I would wait a couple of years to give her writing and grasp the use of words to mature a little more.
If you are looking for a light, clean read, this book is an okay option.
Words and analogies were misused throughout the book. (For example: "The fire in his eyes extinguished just a bit.") I don't like being harsh, but the lack of understanding of the meaning and usage of some words was enough to knock two stars off my rating. Words and analogies were misused in every chapter and took away from my enjoyment of the story.
The other thing that knocked another star off this book from me was that issues were resolved far too easily, sometimes before I knew something was wrong. Bella's mother had an issue and it was resolved by hearing a sermon the next chapter and so on.
I also did not understand a few things about Bella. She talks about having walls around her heart, but she cares about everyone around her, even those who are unkind, that is not proof of walls. The whole thing with Sophia was confusing and by the end of the book, their connection was even more muddled.
There were a couple of positives about this book. The dancing the the rain element was very sweet and was carried well from the beginning to the end of the book (plus one star for that)
The author did keep me reading until the end of the book despite its flaws (one more star for that).
Would I read any more books by Eldridge, maybe, but I think I would wait a couple of years to give her writing and grasp the use of words to mature a little more.
If you are looking for a light, clean read, this book is an okay option.
November 24, 2015
Dancing in the Rain by Monica Eldridge really was a sweet, poignant story. I quite enjoyed it.
Bella Westbrooke is a young woman working as a maid at the Biltmore House in order to provide for her widowed mother and her crippled younger sister, Ashlynn. As she faces trials and hardships anew, she wonders, how does a broken heart dance in the rain?
This book told a lovely tale. I found the theme of Dancing in the Rain to be a touching one. I felt it keenly; of surrendering, trusting, and letting oneself be healed. Beautiful. I also loved the funny (cute) parallels, like the heart charm! You'll understand when you read it, :-)
Bella was a good character. At times she was hard to understand… a little frustrating; but for the most part I followed her story with interest, sympathy, and hope for her.
Darby was a very nice young man, :-) I liked him, and it was lovely to watch his tale unfold also.
Sophia, Ashlynn, Uncle Morten, and the rest of the secondary characters added a pleasant depth to the story. They were all interesting.
I might mention that Dancing in the Rain could have possibly used more editing. I noticed a sentence here and there that seemed to be missing a vital word…? And also, some scenes didn’t seem very thought out. I don’t know if I’m explaining this right. I know that with my own stories I don’t always have everything exactly figured out, and tend to have to go back and re-write, especially the beginning, so things make more sense/flow better. In any case, it wasn’t a huge deal in Dancing in the Rain. It just made me pause now and again.
There wasn’t any violence in this book. Perhaps an intense/frightening scene or so. I felt that a couple uses of God’s name were a bit careless; but maybe that’s just how I personally perceived it. The romance of Dancing the in Rain was lovely, touching, deep. Though there were a few “heated scenes” as their relationship progressed. Mostly toward the end of the book. Overall, I felt the romance worked out quite beautifully! :-) But it would call for a more mature audience, perhaps 16/17 and up.
The parts about The Light were perfect. LOVE! It’s wonderful when novels have a poignant, spiritual aspect such as Dancing in the Rain had! Just beautiful. It touched my heart.
It was fun to see Bella working at the Biltmore House and how that all ensued. I love books about maids at fancy estates and such, :-) True… there wasn’t a huge amount of “downstairs doings” all in all; but enough… along with some servants’ dances and serving honored guests.
Darby’s whole study and work with trees wasn’t my favorite aspect of this book. But it wasn’t bad… interesting enough I suppose. I would have rather “mother nature” not be used though. That term just makes me want to make a face for some reason, haha!
All in all, Dancing in the Rain was an interesting and charming story. And the ending!! How lovely. I was a bit envious as I read the warm, happy scene! ;-) It was so good to see this tale conclude in such a sweet, satisfactory way. As well as with a hint of what’s to come! Maybe not such good things for some characters… *eyes wide* Anyway, so excited to read the next book in this series!
Bella Westbrooke is a young woman working as a maid at the Biltmore House in order to provide for her widowed mother and her crippled younger sister, Ashlynn. As she faces trials and hardships anew, she wonders, how does a broken heart dance in the rain?
This book told a lovely tale. I found the theme of Dancing in the Rain to be a touching one. I felt it keenly; of surrendering, trusting, and letting oneself be healed. Beautiful. I also loved the funny (cute) parallels, like the heart charm! You'll understand when you read it, :-)
Bella was a good character. At times she was hard to understand… a little frustrating; but for the most part I followed her story with interest, sympathy, and hope for her.
Darby was a very nice young man, :-) I liked him, and it was lovely to watch his tale unfold also.
Sophia, Ashlynn, Uncle Morten, and the rest of the secondary characters added a pleasant depth to the story. They were all interesting.
I might mention that Dancing in the Rain could have possibly used more editing. I noticed a sentence here and there that seemed to be missing a vital word…? And also, some scenes didn’t seem very thought out. I don’t know if I’m explaining this right. I know that with my own stories I don’t always have everything exactly figured out, and tend to have to go back and re-write, especially the beginning, so things make more sense/flow better. In any case, it wasn’t a huge deal in Dancing in the Rain. It just made me pause now and again.
There wasn’t any violence in this book. Perhaps an intense/frightening scene or so. I felt that a couple uses of God’s name were a bit careless; but maybe that’s just how I personally perceived it. The romance of Dancing the in Rain was lovely, touching, deep. Though there were a few “heated scenes” as their relationship progressed. Mostly toward the end of the book. Overall, I felt the romance worked out quite beautifully! :-) But it would call for a more mature audience, perhaps 16/17 and up.
The parts about The Light were perfect. LOVE! It’s wonderful when novels have a poignant, spiritual aspect such as Dancing in the Rain had! Just beautiful. It touched my heart.
It was fun to see Bella working at the Biltmore House and how that all ensued. I love books about maids at fancy estates and such, :-) True… there wasn’t a huge amount of “downstairs doings” all in all; but enough… along with some servants’ dances and serving honored guests.
Darby’s whole study and work with trees wasn’t my favorite aspect of this book. But it wasn’t bad… interesting enough I suppose. I would have rather “mother nature” not be used though. That term just makes me want to make a face for some reason, haha!
All in all, Dancing in the Rain was an interesting and charming story. And the ending!! How lovely. I was a bit envious as I read the warm, happy scene! ;-) It was so good to see this tale conclude in such a sweet, satisfactory way. As well as with a hint of what’s to come! Maybe not such good things for some characters… *eyes wide* Anyway, so excited to read the next book in this series!
November 15, 2016
Dancing in the Rain by Monica Eldridge
Bella Westbrook was 20 years old when her father had passed away. She gain employment as a maid at the Biltmore Estate Mansion that was owned by the Vanderbilt's. Bella was introduced to Edith Vanderbilt and was escorted throughout the home until the woman had found a young maid about Bella's age to show her to her quarters and to the Matron, Mrs. King. Sophia was the name of the girl that took Bella under her wing but in a malicious sort of way. Bella didn't quite no why this young woman had it in for her.
Sophia had snucked up on Bella one day when she was washing the dishes. Bella's uniform was drenched so she returned the favor to Sophia and she was wet head to toe. Well their little tit for tat had cost them and they both had to learn what is was like to work together.
Bella was working in the library by dusting all the books when she had bumped into a young man named Darby Pierson. He was looking for a book that would help his limped foot. Bella had offered her own book to lend him and of her time to help him with exercises like she had with her sister Ashlynn.
As Bella and Darby spent time together they realized they were meant to be together. Also the mystery of Sophia came about during one of her nasty bouts getting either Darby or Bella jealous over each other. Both Sophia and Bella shared the same fathers, Sophia was jealous because Bella had him the longest whereas Sophia didn't have any time since her mother forbade her father to see her. Will Sophia and Bella's new relationship as half sister's improve and will Darby and Bella relationship will become more? Read this fantastic book about relationships.
Bella Westbrook was 20 years old when her father had passed away. She gain employment as a maid at the Biltmore Estate Mansion that was owned by the Vanderbilt's. Bella was introduced to Edith Vanderbilt and was escorted throughout the home until the woman had found a young maid about Bella's age to show her to her quarters and to the Matron, Mrs. King. Sophia was the name of the girl that took Bella under her wing but in a malicious sort of way. Bella didn't quite no why this young woman had it in for her.
Sophia had snucked up on Bella one day when she was washing the dishes. Bella's uniform was drenched so she returned the favor to Sophia and she was wet head to toe. Well their little tit for tat had cost them and they both had to learn what is was like to work together.
Bella was working in the library by dusting all the books when she had bumped into a young man named Darby Pierson. He was looking for a book that would help his limped foot. Bella had offered her own book to lend him and of her time to help him with exercises like she had with her sister Ashlynn.
As Bella and Darby spent time together they realized they were meant to be together. Also the mystery of Sophia came about during one of her nasty bouts getting either Darby or Bella jealous over each other. Both Sophia and Bella shared the same fathers, Sophia was jealous because Bella had him the longest whereas Sophia didn't have any time since her mother forbade her father to see her. Will Sophia and Bella's new relationship as half sister's improve and will Darby and Bella relationship will become more? Read this fantastic book about relationships.
January 3, 2015
Captivating....
I loved this compelling story of struggles, self-sacrifice, and hope. I would highly recommend this book. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one!
I loved this compelling story of struggles, self-sacrifice, and hope. I would highly recommend this book. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one!
February 9, 2015
Ok Read
I thought it was a bit drawn out with Darby and Bella over all I thought it was a pretty good read it was a bit boring in parts of the book.
I thought it was a bit drawn out with Darby and Bella over all I thought it was a pretty good read it was a bit boring in parts of the book.
February 10, 2015
Just dance...
A heartwarming tale of two people who last about everything...from a limp to a lost loved one.....can love bring them together....can they just dance???
A heartwarming tale of two people who last about everything...from a limp to a lost loved one.....can love bring them together....can they just dance???
July 1, 2015
I thought this was a very sweet and enjoyable story. A nice read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews