What do you think?
The Summer We Danced
Shall we dance?
After a humiliating divorce and watching her former rock star husband leave her for a model live on reality TV, Pippa is determined to disappear. So she returns to the small Kent village where she grew up to make a fresh start.
Little did she know that would mean saving her beloved childhood dance school or falling for her old school crush Tom too!
After a humiliating divorce and watching her former rock star husband leave her for a model live on reality TV, Pippa is determined to disappear. So she returns to the small Kent village where she grew up to make a fresh start.
Little did she know that would mean saving her beloved childhood dance school or falling for her old school crush Tom too!
384 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 1, 2016
5 - "If you've got it, flaunt it!" Stars!
I really enjoyed this novel, it’s kind of a cross between one of my favorite films Stepping Out in that it’s set around a small town dance school, run by the inimitable Miss Mimi D’Angelo, and the TV Show Strictly Come Dancing, in that it includes a whole host of different characters all bought together by their love of Miss Mimi, Dance and the friendships that it forges.
Told from Philippa Hayes point of view, having returned to her hometown of Elmhurst in Kent, divorced and publicly humiliated by her Musician ex-husband, she spends her first few months in town trying to disappear into the cracks in the pavement. But after a little pushing from her sister she decides to take a tap class in the hopes of getting herself out a little.
"This was supposed to be my fresh start."
As you would expect with a small village, there are a huge amount of characters that are a part of this story, and I really liked that they all had their own attributes, personalities, and involvement with St. Christopher’s Hall and trying to save Miss Mimi’s dance school, it really rounded out the story well as a whole.
"Once you’re in, you’re in for life."
Of course there is the love interest in Tom Boyd, single father, and someone with his own set of challenges that he is dealing with. Through the course of the story you learn more about Flip and Tom’s friendship as children, and in a quick flashback to May 1996, you are given the reasonings into Philippa’s decision to quit dancing and Tom’s involvement in that, although he isn’t aware of that fact until later on in the book.
Embracing your curves is all well and good until somebody is embracing them.
I think the main thing that I really enjoyed about The Summer We Danced is the gradual rebuilding of Philippa’s confidence and awareness of self-worth as she got back into the rhythm of living her life, the more she takes on and the more involved she gets with everything was like reading of another layer of doubt and insecurity that she was clinging to slipping away. Let’s face it as women we all struggle with body confidence, and feelings of insecurity and the author put a really positive spin on it and what can happen when you push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone, and stick up your finger to the rut you were previously in, that you have pulled yourself out of.
This is the first book I have read by this Fiona Harper, it certainly won’t be the last, as I absolutely loved reading every second of it, perfectly enjoyable light and entertaining reading.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I really enjoyed this novel, it’s kind of a cross between one of my favorite films Stepping Out in that it’s set around a small town dance school, run by the inimitable Miss Mimi D’Angelo, and the TV Show Strictly Come Dancing, in that it includes a whole host of different characters all bought together by their love of Miss Mimi, Dance and the friendships that it forges.
Told from Philippa Hayes point of view, having returned to her hometown of Elmhurst in Kent, divorced and publicly humiliated by her Musician ex-husband, she spends her first few months in town trying to disappear into the cracks in the pavement. But after a little pushing from her sister she decides to take a tap class in the hopes of getting herself out a little.
"This was supposed to be my fresh start."
As you would expect with a small village, there are a huge amount of characters that are a part of this story, and I really liked that they all had their own attributes, personalities, and involvement with St. Christopher’s Hall and trying to save Miss Mimi’s dance school, it really rounded out the story well as a whole.
"Once you’re in, you’re in for life."
Of course there is the love interest in Tom Boyd, single father, and someone with his own set of challenges that he is dealing with. Through the course of the story you learn more about Flip and Tom’s friendship as children, and in a quick flashback to May 1996, you are given the reasonings into Philippa’s decision to quit dancing and Tom’s involvement in that, although he isn’t aware of that fact until later on in the book.
Embracing your curves is all well and good until somebody is embracing them.
I think the main thing that I really enjoyed about The Summer We Danced is the gradual rebuilding of Philippa’s confidence and awareness of self-worth as she got back into the rhythm of living her life, the more she takes on and the more involved she gets with everything was like reading of another layer of doubt and insecurity that she was clinging to slipping away. Let’s face it as women we all struggle with body confidence, and feelings of insecurity and the author put a really positive spin on it and what can happen when you push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone, and stick up your finger to the rut you were previously in, that you have pulled yourself out of.
This is the first book I have read by this Fiona Harper, it certainly won’t be the last, as I absolutely loved reading every second of it, perfectly enjoyable light and entertaining reading.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
March 16, 2016
Rating: 3.5/5
This review can also be found on my blog, Dana and the Books.
The Summer We Danced is bursting with rom com vibes.
After being publicly dumped by her rock star husband, Pippa retreats to the small town she grew up in to make a fresh start. Of course it's not going to be that easy. There's a man, there are many feelings, and there's a dance studio in trouble!
I read a wide variety of genres—if I had to choose I'd say sci-fi was my favourite— but even I need a break from spaceships and interplanetary travel. And when I do, I always go for super-cute feel-good stories.
Fiona Harper didn't let me down! The small English town was the perfect setting for this adorable story and Pippa was great leading lady. And the classic movie references scattered throughout the pages was just icing on the cake.
As for the plot, it was totally predictable and I'm happy for that. I wanted a happy ending, I didn't want 403842 plot twists and secrets. That's not how real life works.
One of my pet peeves in novels is children—I generally don't like small children as characters at all. However, Lucy was pretty cute and I didn't find myself inwardly groaning every time she appeared on the page. So I'd call that a characterization success!
Unfortunately, it was a bit slow to start off. I found myself not too invested in the first 50 pages or so and got distracted rather easily. Not much happened plot wise during those pages so once I passed the point and the plot showed up, I did read the rest of the novel quickly.
Thank you so much to Harlequin Mira for sending me a copy!
Pick up your copy for a cozy weekend read at Book Depository.
This review can also be found on my blog, Dana and the Books.
The Summer We Danced is bursting with rom com vibes.
After being publicly dumped by her rock star husband, Pippa retreats to the small town she grew up in to make a fresh start. Of course it's not going to be that easy. There's a man, there are many feelings, and there's a dance studio in trouble!
I read a wide variety of genres—if I had to choose I'd say sci-fi was my favourite— but even I need a break from spaceships and interplanetary travel. And when I do, I always go for super-cute feel-good stories.
Fiona Harper didn't let me down! The small English town was the perfect setting for this adorable story and Pippa was great leading lady. And the classic movie references scattered throughout the pages was just icing on the cake.
As for the plot, it was totally predictable and I'm happy for that. I wanted a happy ending, I didn't want 403842 plot twists and secrets. That's not how real life works.
One of my pet peeves in novels is children—I generally don't like small children as characters at all. However, Lucy was pretty cute and I didn't find myself inwardly groaning every time she appeared on the page. So I'd call that a characterization success!
Unfortunately, it was a bit slow to start off. I found myself not too invested in the first 50 pages or so and got distracted rather easily. Not much happened plot wise during those pages so once I passed the point and the plot showed up, I did read the rest of the novel quickly.
Thank you so much to Harlequin Mira for sending me a copy!
Pick up your copy for a cozy weekend read at Book Depository.
March 22, 2016
4.5 Stars
The Summer We Danced is an enjoyable book that features the glamour of Ginger and Rogers style of tap dancing, a dance school fighting for its future, Pippa's re-awakening as a single person after her humiliating divorce and her old crush Tom, and his relationship with daughter Lucy.
I've read a few of Fiona Harper's books before, and think I am enjoying each new release even more than the previous ones. The setting of a village in Kent, and Miss Mimi's Dance School is a great way to introduce a large amount of characters to the story, by way of the tap class Pippa joins.
Pippa as a child loved dancing, until she suddenly dropped out of lessons as her dance school and its taken being back in her home village to realise just how much she misses dancing. She is encouraged to start tap lessons after sister Candy, persuades her that Pippa needs something more to her life, and that it could be a good way of exercising.
There is no way Candy could have predicted just how much good the return to Miss Mimi's dance school would do for Pippa, as she finds a job there, gains new friends and confidence, and is instrumental in fighting for the survival of the dance school.
Miss Mimi is not as young as she used to be, but still tries to teach all the classes like she used to, and feels as though she is still a spring chicken. She has a colourful stage past, and I loved her spirit and the way nothing would stand in the way of a good dance show.
I also loved seeing the relationship between Tom and Lucy, how it develops as time goes by, partly due to Pippa's influence. Some of what Lucy comes out with would melt the hardest of hearts, and definitely left me feeling all soft and mushy inside.
The Summer We Danced is a sweet, enjoyable light romance that has a lot of heart to it. I loved the writing style and found it a pleasure to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and MIRA for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
The Summer We Danced is an enjoyable book that features the glamour of Ginger and Rogers style of tap dancing, a dance school fighting for its future, Pippa's re-awakening as a single person after her humiliating divorce and her old crush Tom, and his relationship with daughter Lucy.
I've read a few of Fiona Harper's books before, and think I am enjoying each new release even more than the previous ones. The setting of a village in Kent, and Miss Mimi's Dance School is a great way to introduce a large amount of characters to the story, by way of the tap class Pippa joins.
Pippa as a child loved dancing, until she suddenly dropped out of lessons as her dance school and its taken being back in her home village to realise just how much she misses dancing. She is encouraged to start tap lessons after sister Candy, persuades her that Pippa needs something more to her life, and that it could be a good way of exercising.
There is no way Candy could have predicted just how much good the return to Miss Mimi's dance school would do for Pippa, as she finds a job there, gains new friends and confidence, and is instrumental in fighting for the survival of the dance school.
Miss Mimi is not as young as she used to be, but still tries to teach all the classes like she used to, and feels as though she is still a spring chicken. She has a colourful stage past, and I loved her spirit and the way nothing would stand in the way of a good dance show.
I also loved seeing the relationship between Tom and Lucy, how it develops as time goes by, partly due to Pippa's influence. Some of what Lucy comes out with would melt the hardest of hearts, and definitely left me feeling all soft and mushy inside.
The Summer We Danced is a sweet, enjoyable light romance that has a lot of heart to it. I loved the writing style and found it a pleasure to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and MIRA for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
April 8, 2017
The Summer We Danced
This book is a must read for anyone that has romance in their hearts.
Storytelling at it's best.
Very highly recommended.
Thank you to Fiona Harper and Goodreads for the pleasure i derived from reading this wonderful book.
Truly magical.
This book is a must read for anyone that has romance in their hearts.
Storytelling at it's best.
Very highly recommended.
Thank you to Fiona Harper and Goodreads for the pleasure i derived from reading this wonderful book.
Truly magical.
March 21, 2016
This book is just one big warm and fuzzy cuddle of nostalgia. It has old Hollywood musicals, old friends, an old home and the teenage crush that got away. Yet it looks forward to, encouraging all involved to move on to a new life of maybe not bigger but certainly better things. It’s charming and fun and packed with lovely feelings that I enjoyed from start to finish – and every time I had to put it down I was left humming Top Hat and Cheek to Cheek for hours.
I really liked Pippa. Even though she’s freshly divorced and back living alone in her childhood home, heavier than she’s ever been and with an unhealthy relationship with party food, she knows it’s time to turn things around and prove that there’s life after divorce. Of course knowing that and actually doing it are two separate things, but I liked how once she found a goal (organising Miss Mimi’s) there was no stopping her. She’s friendly and kind and capable, and even if life has dealt her a few knocks here and there, she’s very good at picking herself up again. I also really liked that her food issues don’t just magically disappear, and also how she gradually realised she was angry about what had happened with her ex and that she had every right to feel so.
But that side of Pippa is only part of the story, because there’s also her developing friendship with Tom – and even more importantly, her one with Miss Mimi and the dance school. I didn’t take dance classes as a child, but this book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy as if I was reminiscing about a time that never was. Pippa’s memories and emotions towards dancing (and Tom) are so strong that I got thoroughly swept up in the magic of it all.
Because that’s what this book does, it sweeps you up into a place of friendship and comfort and nostalgia, with a little bit of romance, a fair few laughs and a few little heartaches along the way. If you love dance, then you’ll understand Pippa’s feelings, and even if you don’t, I defy you not to at least look up Cheek to Cheek on YouTube when you’re done. Wonderful and feel-good, I loved all the trials and triumphs of this tale, and it’s the sort I could read and enjoy again and again.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I really liked Pippa. Even though she’s freshly divorced and back living alone in her childhood home, heavier than she’s ever been and with an unhealthy relationship with party food, she knows it’s time to turn things around and prove that there’s life after divorce. Of course knowing that and actually doing it are two separate things, but I liked how once she found a goal (organising Miss Mimi’s) there was no stopping her. She’s friendly and kind and capable, and even if life has dealt her a few knocks here and there, she’s very good at picking herself up again. I also really liked that her food issues don’t just magically disappear, and also how she gradually realised she was angry about what had happened with her ex and that she had every right to feel so.
But that side of Pippa is only part of the story, because there’s also her developing friendship with Tom – and even more importantly, her one with Miss Mimi and the dance school. I didn’t take dance classes as a child, but this book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy as if I was reminiscing about a time that never was. Pippa’s memories and emotions towards dancing (and Tom) are so strong that I got thoroughly swept up in the magic of it all.
Because that’s what this book does, it sweeps you up into a place of friendship and comfort and nostalgia, with a little bit of romance, a fair few laughs and a few little heartaches along the way. If you love dance, then you’ll understand Pippa’s feelings, and even if you don’t, I defy you not to at least look up Cheek to Cheek on YouTube when you’re done. Wonderful and feel-good, I loved all the trials and triumphs of this tale, and it’s the sort I could read and enjoy again and again.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
April 10, 2016
The Summer We Danced, Fiona Harper
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
I’ve read a few of Fiona’s books, but not for a while so I looked forward to reading this one. Its been a fun read but it didn’t really engage me in the way others of hers have. She had this kind of easy to read style thats perfect when you just want something light and easy that can be put down and picked up later.
Poor Pippa, bad enough that she’s supported her husband all the while he searched for fame, and then when he found it she was effectively dumped in front of the nation, via a reality show. That must be awful, everyone knowing your humiliation, discussion your affairs that should be private, and she felt she needed to get away.
She returned to the village she was brought up in, and tries to pick up the threads of her life. I can’t imagine how awful, how gutting that must be, when it seems like all the world is [passing judgemnt over you and finding you lacking. she’s put on weight, left herslef and her appearnace and hidden away, and now she decides to go to a dance lesson in the village, still run by her former tutor Miss Mimi, now in her eighties. She loved dancing as a child but it got left behind while she was busy supporting her husband.
There’s a problem with the school and Miss Mimi and Pippa soon finds herself in the thick, trying to save it. Along the way she meets her old crush Tom, back in the village bringing up his daughter. He’s very different to the man she remembered but along the way they become closer, finding their old selves as they work to keep the school afloat.
I didn’t get as engaged with this as I have others by Fiona, somehow couldn’t really get a sense of Pippa, didn’t feel the connection between her and Tom. Maybe I’ve just read too much NA/Drama type romances and didn’t appreciate the subtlety of this one...It was still a fun read, one thats perfect for when you can only read a few chapters at a time and need to put aside.
Stars: Four, a fun read but not one I’d read again
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
I’ve read a few of Fiona’s books, but not for a while so I looked forward to reading this one. Its been a fun read but it didn’t really engage me in the way others of hers have. She had this kind of easy to read style thats perfect when you just want something light and easy that can be put down and picked up later.
Poor Pippa, bad enough that she’s supported her husband all the while he searched for fame, and then when he found it she was effectively dumped in front of the nation, via a reality show. That must be awful, everyone knowing your humiliation, discussion your affairs that should be private, and she felt she needed to get away.
She returned to the village she was brought up in, and tries to pick up the threads of her life. I can’t imagine how awful, how gutting that must be, when it seems like all the world is [passing judgemnt over you and finding you lacking. she’s put on weight, left herslef and her appearnace and hidden away, and now she decides to go to a dance lesson in the village, still run by her former tutor Miss Mimi, now in her eighties. She loved dancing as a child but it got left behind while she was busy supporting her husband.
There’s a problem with the school and Miss Mimi and Pippa soon finds herself in the thick, trying to save it. Along the way she meets her old crush Tom, back in the village bringing up his daughter. He’s very different to the man she remembered but along the way they become closer, finding their old selves as they work to keep the school afloat.
I didn’t get as engaged with this as I have others by Fiona, somehow couldn’t really get a sense of Pippa, didn’t feel the connection between her and Tom. Maybe I’ve just read too much NA/Drama type romances and didn’t appreciate the subtlety of this one...It was still a fun read, one thats perfect for when you can only read a few chapters at a time and need to put aside.
Stars: Four, a fun read but not one I’d read again
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
April 23, 2016
Pippa used to be an excellent dancer. She was so talented that she could have done it professionally, but something stopped her from going through with it. After a painful divorce from a famous rock star Pippa now lives in her hometown again. She feels humiliated and alone. Because she wants to do something that makes her come out of her shell she goes back to Miss Mimi's to take dancing lessons, exactly like she used to all those years ago. Even though Miss Mimi is in her eighties now she still runs the school. She can use a little help and Pippa's return couldn't have come at a better time.
Pippa's teenage crush, Tom, has a daughter who's taking lessons as well. He's a pretty good dancer himself, but hasn't danced for a long time either. Pippa still feels the old attraction and spending time with him is more fun than she ever thought it would be. Now that Pippa is helping Miss Mimi she discovers that there are some major problems. Will she be able to fix them together with some assistance even if it means being around Tom a lot more often than she thinks she can handle?
The Summer We Danced is a wonderful novel about a dancing school that's the center of a lot of people's worlds. Pippa loves dancing and when the movements take over and she stops thinking she's finally happy. She constantly underestimates herself and she needs to rebuild her self-esteem. I enjoyed seeing her grow and find out how amazing she actually is. The dancing and the people she's dancing with are changing her. Tom is a handsome man, but he's also troubled. They're a great match, but there's so much standing in their way. I love how Fiona Harper used their dancing to show how perfect they are together.
Miss Mimi is fantastic. She's a strong lady who lives for her work. She loves being the center of attention, but she's also sweet and has a big heart. She is the heart and soul of the dancing school. I enjoyed reading Fiona Harper's vivid descriptions of the school itself, the moves and the feelings of the main characters. I felt like I was watching a really good show. I liked The Summer We Danced very much, it's such a fun and heartwarming story.
Pippa's teenage crush, Tom, has a daughter who's taking lessons as well. He's a pretty good dancer himself, but hasn't danced for a long time either. Pippa still feels the old attraction and spending time with him is more fun than she ever thought it would be. Now that Pippa is helping Miss Mimi she discovers that there are some major problems. Will she be able to fix them together with some assistance even if it means being around Tom a lot more often than she thinks she can handle?
The Summer We Danced is a wonderful novel about a dancing school that's the center of a lot of people's worlds. Pippa loves dancing and when the movements take over and she stops thinking she's finally happy. She constantly underestimates herself and she needs to rebuild her self-esteem. I enjoyed seeing her grow and find out how amazing she actually is. The dancing and the people she's dancing with are changing her. Tom is a handsome man, but he's also troubled. They're a great match, but there's so much standing in their way. I love how Fiona Harper used their dancing to show how perfect they are together.
Miss Mimi is fantastic. She's a strong lady who lives for her work. She loves being the center of attention, but she's also sweet and has a big heart. She is the heart and soul of the dancing school. I enjoyed reading Fiona Harper's vivid descriptions of the school itself, the moves and the feelings of the main characters. I felt like I was watching a really good show. I liked The Summer We Danced very much, it's such a fun and heartwarming story.
March 27, 2016
This was a delightful story that I greedily devoured. Fiona Harper has created such a lovely storyline that involved community spirit, making new friends, opening your heart to new love. It was inspirational, entertaining, heart warming and just so lovely …
Pippa has returned to her family home following a very public break-up from her husband who left her for a glamour model he met whilst he appeared on a reality TV show. She is heart broken and feeling low and just wants to disappear in this sleepy Kent village she grew up in.
Pippa’s sister encourages her to start dancing again as it was something she loved when she was younger and is hoping the dancing will boost Pippa’s self-esteem. Pippa decides to join a ladies tap class at her old dance school; Miss Mimi’s School of Dancing. She doesn’t expect to see the wonderful, eccentric Miss Mimi still teaching but is overjoyed when she sees Miss Mimi again. Miss Mimi’s dance classes are as popular as ever but unfortunately the dance teacher’s admin skills are non-existent. Pippa soon finds herself working for Miss Mimi helping to organise the admin side of the dance school. Pippa discovers she has arrived at the right time financially for the school and also personally for Miss Mimi as her health begins to cause a concern.
Pippa, with her new found dance friends, decide to rescue the dance school and Miss Mimi by putting on a show. However, Pippa has to overcome her fears and relive the reason she gave up dancing 20 years ago.
I adored this story, it was such a pleasure to read and at the end I felt like I wanted to read it all again. 5/5*
Pippa has returned to her family home following a very public break-up from her husband who left her for a glamour model he met whilst he appeared on a reality TV show. She is heart broken and feeling low and just wants to disappear in this sleepy Kent village she grew up in.
Pippa’s sister encourages her to start dancing again as it was something she loved when she was younger and is hoping the dancing will boost Pippa’s self-esteem. Pippa decides to join a ladies tap class at her old dance school; Miss Mimi’s School of Dancing. She doesn’t expect to see the wonderful, eccentric Miss Mimi still teaching but is overjoyed when she sees Miss Mimi again. Miss Mimi’s dance classes are as popular as ever but unfortunately the dance teacher’s admin skills are non-existent. Pippa soon finds herself working for Miss Mimi helping to organise the admin side of the dance school. Pippa discovers she has arrived at the right time financially for the school and also personally for Miss Mimi as her health begins to cause a concern.
Pippa, with her new found dance friends, decide to rescue the dance school and Miss Mimi by putting on a show. However, Pippa has to overcome her fears and relive the reason she gave up dancing 20 years ago.
I adored this story, it was such a pleasure to read and at the end I felt like I wanted to read it all again. 5/5*
April 8, 2016
Pippa’s story is about perseverance in the face of diversity. Made to look a complete fool in front of the whole nation by her twerp of a rockstar husband, she has become lost in her embarrassment and grief.
The loss of her husband, reputation, home and her figure, all at the same time.That’s enough to make anyone a wee bit depressed.
In an attempt to get back into the swing of life Pippa heads back to her old dance school. and even older dance teacher.
Pippa finds herself battling with old body issues and insecurities. All of that is exacerbated by the fact her old flame Tom has also turned up.
It’s unfortunate that many younger generations will never know the charm, magic and experience of watching a black and white movie of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The beautiful dance routines of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and you truly haven’t seen anything until you've watched the two of them literally glide and hover across the floor.
You can feel the same kind of magic within the pages of this book. When Pippa and Tom dance cheek to cheek, everything and everyone around them disappears just for a minute or two.
The Summer We Danced is about moving on, putting the past behind you and discovering that when one door closes another one opens nearby. It’s romantic and fun with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for free.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Mira Uk and NetGalley.
The loss of her husband, reputation, home and her figure, all at the same time.That’s enough to make anyone a wee bit depressed.
In an attempt to get back into the swing of life Pippa heads back to her old dance school. and even older dance teacher.
Pippa finds herself battling with old body issues and insecurities. All of that is exacerbated by the fact her old flame Tom has also turned up.
It’s unfortunate that many younger generations will never know the charm, magic and experience of watching a black and white movie of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The beautiful dance routines of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and you truly haven’t seen anything until you've watched the two of them literally glide and hover across the floor.
You can feel the same kind of magic within the pages of this book. When Pippa and Tom dance cheek to cheek, everything and everyone around them disappears just for a minute or two.
The Summer We Danced is about moving on, putting the past behind you and discovering that when one door closes another one opens nearby. It’s romantic and fun with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for free.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Mira Uk and NetGalley.
March 1, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the advance copy of this book.
The story centres around Pippa, living on her own in her parents old house. Her ex husband is a famous rock star who cheated on her in a reality TV show. Pippa is feeling sorry for herself having spent Christmas on her own and having put on double her body weight!! A suggestion from her sister prompts her to go back to her old dance school, where she used to dance as a teenager. Here she finds her old teacher Miss Mimi still teaching, but in desperate need for some help running he place. She also bumps into her old friend Tom. A fundraising effort throws her and Tom onto the stage again, but after all these years, can she do it?
I loved this one. First one by this author but will definitely be looking for more. Really connected with the characters right from the beginning, and the story kept me hooked, not just with the story around the dance school but will there be a romance between her and Tom!
Fantastic! Definitely recommend if you like a bit of chick-lit!
The story centres around Pippa, living on her own in her parents old house. Her ex husband is a famous rock star who cheated on her in a reality TV show. Pippa is feeling sorry for herself having spent Christmas on her own and having put on double her body weight!! A suggestion from her sister prompts her to go back to her old dance school, where she used to dance as a teenager. Here she finds her old teacher Miss Mimi still teaching, but in desperate need for some help running he place. She also bumps into her old friend Tom. A fundraising effort throws her and Tom onto the stage again, but after all these years, can she do it?
I loved this one. First one by this author but will definitely be looking for more. Really connected with the characters right from the beginning, and the story kept me hooked, not just with the story around the dance school but will there be a romance between her and Tom!
Fantastic! Definitely recommend if you like a bit of chick-lit!
April 3, 2016
Thanks to the publishers for this Arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have never read any books by Fiona Harper before but i really enjoyed it. It tells the story of Pippa ,who moves back to her home village after she gets divorced. Living alone, and wondering what to do with her time, she takes up Tap dancing with the one and only Ms Mimi. Pippa used to dance as a child and soon picks up the tap steps. After Ms Mimi falls ill its upto the girls to cheer her up. But what can they do. All the while Pippa has her eye on Tom - a man she had a crush on when she was much younger - but could he ever feel the same about her?
This is a lovely light read - it might be a little predictable but still you have to read to the end to find out if you were right or wrong.
I have never read any books by Fiona Harper before but i really enjoyed it. It tells the story of Pippa ,who moves back to her home village after she gets divorced. Living alone, and wondering what to do with her time, she takes up Tap dancing with the one and only Ms Mimi. Pippa used to dance as a child and soon picks up the tap steps. After Ms Mimi falls ill its upto the girls to cheer her up. But what can they do. All the while Pippa has her eye on Tom - a man she had a crush on when she was much younger - but could he ever feel the same about her?
This is a lovely light read - it might be a little predictable but still you have to read to the end to find out if you were right or wrong.
March 1, 2016
This was a lovely feel-good book set in a village around a dance studio that has been there forever. Pippa has returned to her old home after her divorce and to try and gain a bit of confidence, and lose a bit of weight, and she turned to her old dance school run by Miss Mimi, who also taught Pippa to dance when she was a child. Miss Mimi is now in her eighties and Pippa ends up helping her run the school by sorting out the admin side and, after Miss Mimi gets ill, helps her recuperate by helping organise a big 50th anniversary show, along with reconnecting with her childhood crush Tom and his daughter Lucy. Very enjoyable book!
March 24, 2016
After having a horrible humiliating breakup with her husband , Pippa decides to go back home and start her life again while meeting some of her old friends too. When she realises her favourite dance instructor is in need of some help it's just the thing she needs to help get her mind of her personal life!
This was a lovely feel good story , Pippa is a great friend and that is just what some of her old friends need when she comes back to the village . This is a story about friendship, love and going back to your roots. Read this with a big cup of tea and enjoy to the last page .
I received this book from the lovely people over at Harlequin/ Mira UK
This was a lovely feel good story , Pippa is a great friend and that is just what some of her old friends need when she comes back to the village . This is a story about friendship, love and going back to your roots. Read this with a big cup of tea and enjoy to the last page .
I received this book from the lovely people over at Harlequin/ Mira UK
April 8, 2016
Such an excellent book I struggled to put it down as just wanted to find out what happened next such excellent story line and wonderful characters such an easy read with romance and will certainly make you smile. Lucy has left her husband and moved back to the family home she wants to make friends with people so goes back to the dance school and learns tap but does she find love along the way and reunite with an old lover how do they both cope now they have both moved on and both been married. Can Lucy save the dance school as well as the building is falling down and they have money problems. This is a must read.
Read
March 31, 2016When her rock star husband leaves her for a younger model, Pippa goes back to live in her childhood home in Kent. After months spent inside mourning her marriage, Pippa decides to get back into the world by attending tap dancing classes at her old dance school with the now 80-year-old Miss Mimi. Soon, Pippa finds herself busy trying to save the school from failure and trying to deal with her feelings for her teenage crush, Tom. It's a romantic, moving and enjoyable novel, but what I loved most was the character of Pippa. She was strong and never gave up on what or who she wants.
April 4, 2016
Oh what a lovely book! Being a Strictly fan, but with 2 left feet, I love watching and reading about dance.
The story of Pippa's return to her home village, Miss Mimi's dance classes and the lovely Tom's crazy ideas about himself, is a lovely, warm, feel-good read.
Lots of misunderstandings, tentative reachings out and some fabulous secondary characters all make for an interesting story.
Sometimes it does take other people to point out the obvious about ourselves!
Fab book, wish I hadn't finished it so quickly!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Pippa's return to her home village, Miss Mimi's dance classes and the lovely Tom's crazy ideas about himself, is a lovely, warm, feel-good read.
Lots of misunderstandings, tentative reachings out and some fabulous secondary characters all make for an interesting story.
Sometimes it does take other people to point out the obvious about ourselves!
Fab book, wish I hadn't finished it so quickly!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. MetLineRating 4*, Jubilee.
It's the tale of Pippa, who returns to her childhood village after the humilation of her ex=husband leaving her for a reality TV model! It's about friendship, self-belief, finding something you love... and a smattering of smouldering romance. A fun, fabulous read - it's like a big hug!
My thanks to Harlequin for an advance review copy, which I received in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It's the tale of Pippa, who returns to her childhood village after the humilation of her ex=husband leaving her for a reality TV model! It's about friendship, self-belief, finding something you love... and a smattering of smouldering romance. A fun, fabulous read - it's like a big hug!
My thanks to Harlequin for an advance review copy, which I received in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 24, 2016
I love books set in villages, this is set in a village so hit the mark. There is dancing, romance and laughter. Makes one want to take up dancing
April 7, 2016
Review coming 24/04 as part of the blog tour!
Read
May 26, 2024This story is way too similar to another of Fiona’s books, kiss me under the mistletoe. Hence, when I finished chapter 16, I couldn’t continue. The pace is very slow, bored me and there was so little interaction between hero and heroine. This book had over 50 chapters. I don’t think I have the patience to finish this.
November 28, 2018
Just what the world needs 💟
This book is such a feel good read. It takes you out of yourself into a world of characters that are amazing and a brilliant story as well. So well written. 🏡
This book is such a feel good read. It takes you out of yourself into a world of characters that are amazing and a brilliant story as well. So well written. 🏡
September 12, 2026
I am happy to have read this book! Even if it’s not my favorite book by Fiona Harper, I definitely loved it and I couldn’t put it down! And the romance in this books is super lovely! I can warmly recommend this book to any one of you who loves a good rom com!!!
May 9, 2017
I won this book on a goodread giveaway . Strichtly in a novel a really happy upbeat dance themed
romance. A great uplifting summer read with a feel good factor
romance. A great uplifting summer read with a feel good factor
June 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, i read it within a few days as i couldn't put it down! Its very relatable and easily engages you within the characters lives. Great Read. I would recommend.
July 23, 2017
I enjoyed it, a nice easy read
June 3, 2019
Not my usual genre but I enjoyed the tale of dance, romance and misspent youth. Plenty of modern day issues in there!
May 15, 2016
Thank you to Mira for providing me with a copy of The Summer We Danced in return for an honest review.
The setting for the story is Elmhurst, a sleepy Kent village with a fantastic community spirit, and the story centre's around Miss Mimi's School of Dance and the villagers' efforts to save the ailing school.
Pippa Hayes is a likeable heroine who has returned to her childhood home in order to lick her wounds after going through an all too public and humiliating break-up with her now ex-husband, who left her for a glamour model that he met whilst participating in a reality TV programme! She used to love dancing and had hoped to make a career of it until she gave up on those dreams. After hiding away from life and putting on a few extra pounds, Pippa's sister suggests that a return to dancing may be just what Pippa needs. Pippa is generally a positive character, however she has been a bit beaten down by life and is suffering from a lack of self-confidence and lonliness. Throughout the story we see her make new friends, re-connect with old friends and become an essential part of the village.
The supporting characters provide a great backdrop for the story. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Tom and his daughter Lucy develop throughout the book and I found all of the fellow dance students - Donna, Victoria, Dolly, Amanda, Nancy and Ruth - to be likeable and realistic characters. I particularly enjoyed the friction between Pippa and Nancy, which did keep me wondering what secrets their history held.
The wonderfully eccentric Miss Mimi is definitely a show stealer - whafting around in clouds of Chanel No.5, viewing the world through outrageously long false lashes and ignoring everything as mundance as finances and rent (!!), Miss Mimi is a law unto herself! A hard task master when it comes to her students, Miss Mimi has been working a bit too hard resulting in a downturn in both her health and her dance school.
Interestingly, the story definitely focused more on the dance school than on the romantic sub-plot, which is somewhat unusual for this tpye of book. The romance element really only kicks in during the second half of the book and yet the story would still be interesting even had that element been altogether absent. This demonstrates the amount of thought that Harper must have given to the storyline beyond the usual romantic element.
I enjoyed Harper's easy style of writing and found the book to be an entertaining read. The ending is somewhat predictable, yet this is not unusual for books of the romantic fiction (or Chick Lit) variety and I think that the pleasure from these books is largely contained in the storyline rather than the ending.
Overall, The Summer We Danced is a sweet and heart warming story. It is an uplifting tale of friendship, love and community spirit, perfect for a light and entertaining summer read.
The setting for the story is Elmhurst, a sleepy Kent village with a fantastic community spirit, and the story centre's around Miss Mimi's School of Dance and the villagers' efforts to save the ailing school.
Pippa Hayes is a likeable heroine who has returned to her childhood home in order to lick her wounds after going through an all too public and humiliating break-up with her now ex-husband, who left her for a glamour model that he met whilst participating in a reality TV programme! She used to love dancing and had hoped to make a career of it until she gave up on those dreams. After hiding away from life and putting on a few extra pounds, Pippa's sister suggests that a return to dancing may be just what Pippa needs. Pippa is generally a positive character, however she has been a bit beaten down by life and is suffering from a lack of self-confidence and lonliness. Throughout the story we see her make new friends, re-connect with old friends and become an essential part of the village.
The supporting characters provide a great backdrop for the story. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Tom and his daughter Lucy develop throughout the book and I found all of the fellow dance students - Donna, Victoria, Dolly, Amanda, Nancy and Ruth - to be likeable and realistic characters. I particularly enjoyed the friction between Pippa and Nancy, which did keep me wondering what secrets their history held.
The wonderfully eccentric Miss Mimi is definitely a show stealer - whafting around in clouds of Chanel No.5, viewing the world through outrageously long false lashes and ignoring everything as mundance as finances and rent (!!), Miss Mimi is a law unto herself! A hard task master when it comes to her students, Miss Mimi has been working a bit too hard resulting in a downturn in both her health and her dance school.
Interestingly, the story definitely focused more on the dance school than on the romantic sub-plot, which is somewhat unusual for this tpye of book. The romance element really only kicks in during the second half of the book and yet the story would still be interesting even had that element been altogether absent. This demonstrates the amount of thought that Harper must have given to the storyline beyond the usual romantic element.
I enjoyed Harper's easy style of writing and found the book to be an entertaining read. The ending is somewhat predictable, yet this is not unusual for books of the romantic fiction (or Chick Lit) variety and I think that the pleasure from these books is largely contained in the storyline rather than the ending.
Overall, The Summer We Danced is a sweet and heart warming story. It is an uplifting tale of friendship, love and community spirit, perfect for a light and entertaining summer read.
June 21, 2020
Enjoyable story line with believable characters. The dancing storyline stirred up nostalgic memories of my own childhood which was filled with fun and laughter but also insecurities about body image and expectations of other people. Lovely read.
March 29, 2016
Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Pippa has always loved dancing. When she was younger she spent most of her time at Miss Mimi’s Dance School and dreamt of becoming a professional dancer one day. Until she suddenly dropped out and moved on with her life, eventually getting married and forgetting all about dancing. When her rockstar husband takes part in a reality show where he falls in love with someone else, Pippa finds herself going back to the town she grew up, divorced and alone. Her sister convinces her to start tap dancing lessons with Miss Mimi in order to get back out there again and maybe make some friends along the way. It doesn’t take long for Pippa, though, to realise Miss Mimi is having some serious problems and she needs all the help she can get to save the school from shutting down…
This book turned out to be even better than I expected; a truly heart-warming and simply great read which I couldn’t get enough of. Fiona Harper is a wonderful author whose writing style I really enjoy which resulted in me going through the novel quite quickly. The book mainly focuses on Miss Mimi's Dance School and I loved all the dancing and references to old glamorous Hollywood films starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The storyline of the book was great and kept my attention at all times because of the different elements, such as the problems with the dance school and main character Pippa's love life and friends.
Pippa, the main character of the novel, is a great heroine; I instantly liked her and was rooting for her to get a happy ending, while I was also curious to find out more about her background and history. Pippa wouldn't be the same without the lovely secondary characters surrounding her, though. I'm sure I'm not the only reader who fell in love with Mimi, the elderly lady who would do anything to keep her dance school running, and handsome Tom and his cute daughter Lucy. I honestly loved everything about this novel and am sure I won't wait as long with picking up my next Fiona Harper read!
Pippa has always loved dancing. When she was younger she spent most of her time at Miss Mimi’s Dance School and dreamt of becoming a professional dancer one day. Until she suddenly dropped out and moved on with her life, eventually getting married and forgetting all about dancing. When her rockstar husband takes part in a reality show where he falls in love with someone else, Pippa finds herself going back to the town she grew up, divorced and alone. Her sister convinces her to start tap dancing lessons with Miss Mimi in order to get back out there again and maybe make some friends along the way. It doesn’t take long for Pippa, though, to realise Miss Mimi is having some serious problems and she needs all the help she can get to save the school from shutting down…
This book turned out to be even better than I expected; a truly heart-warming and simply great read which I couldn’t get enough of. Fiona Harper is a wonderful author whose writing style I really enjoy which resulted in me going through the novel quite quickly. The book mainly focuses on Miss Mimi's Dance School and I loved all the dancing and references to old glamorous Hollywood films starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The storyline of the book was great and kept my attention at all times because of the different elements, such as the problems with the dance school and main character Pippa's love life and friends.
Pippa, the main character of the novel, is a great heroine; I instantly liked her and was rooting for her to get a happy ending, while I was also curious to find out more about her background and history. Pippa wouldn't be the same without the lovely secondary characters surrounding her, though. I'm sure I'm not the only reader who fell in love with Mimi, the elderly lady who would do anything to keep her dance school running, and handsome Tom and his cute daughter Lucy. I honestly loved everything about this novel and am sure I won't wait as long with picking up my next Fiona Harper read!
April 29, 2016
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/05...
The Summer We Danced is a cute story about finding yourself again, love and dancing, lots of dancing. I think the dancing scenes and references were the part that I enjoyed the most, so if you love dancing yourself or watching old Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies, this is your book.
The story focuses on Pippa, who returns home after her "kind of famous" rock star husband dumped her for a younger model. As you can imagine, Pippa's self esteem is at its lowest and she decides to drown her sorrows with food, something that doesn't really help her loving herself again. What does help her is rekindling her love for dancing, especially when she finds out that her beloved old dance teacher Miss Mimi is still bossing around in her dancing academy.
It took me while to get into the story, I guess because I wasn't sure I liked Pippa. But as the story progressed and we learned more about her, her past and how she gave everything to help Miss Mimi and her school, I started to feel more involved in the story too. Then, there was the love story between Tom and Pippa. They were best friends when they were teens and it was actually a comment from him which made Pippa quit dancing. Something I found a bit silly, but anyway, they meet again after 20 years and apparently there's still a sparkle between them. I didn't really get a vibe from them and their story was done and dusted quite quickly with a couple of misunderstandings thrown their way. This was actually OK because the main plot was saving Miss Mimi's school and that part I really enjoyed. They organised a Hollywood inspired dancing show, which sounded amazing.
All in all, I'd say The Summer We Danced is a light-hearted fun story that has its week points but that delivers what it promises. I enjoyed it but it won't leave a mark. As I said, the best part was all the dancing, which made me check Fred and Giger videos and reminded me how cool those old movies are.
(review copy)
The Summer We Danced is a cute story about finding yourself again, love and dancing, lots of dancing. I think the dancing scenes and references were the part that I enjoyed the most, so if you love dancing yourself or watching old Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies, this is your book.
The story focuses on Pippa, who returns home after her "kind of famous" rock star husband dumped her for a younger model. As you can imagine, Pippa's self esteem is at its lowest and she decides to drown her sorrows with food, something that doesn't really help her loving herself again. What does help her is rekindling her love for dancing, especially when she finds out that her beloved old dance teacher Miss Mimi is still bossing around in her dancing academy.
It took me while to get into the story, I guess because I wasn't sure I liked Pippa. But as the story progressed and we learned more about her, her past and how she gave everything to help Miss Mimi and her school, I started to feel more involved in the story too. Then, there was the love story between Tom and Pippa. They were best friends when they were teens and it was actually a comment from him which made Pippa quit dancing. Something I found a bit silly, but anyway, they meet again after 20 years and apparently there's still a sparkle between them. I didn't really get a vibe from them and their story was done and dusted quite quickly with a couple of misunderstandings thrown their way. This was actually OK because the main plot was saving Miss Mimi's school and that part I really enjoyed. They organised a Hollywood inspired dancing show, which sounded amazing.
All in all, I'd say The Summer We Danced is a light-hearted fun story that has its week points but that delivers what it promises. I enjoyed it but it won't leave a mark. As I said, the best part was all the dancing, which made me check Fred and Giger videos and reminded me how cool those old movies are.
(review copy)
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