Reflections / Dance of Dreams

Bannions #1-2

by Judith L. Fabry

Includes Bonus Novel Dance of Dreams


Lindsay Dunne had traded one career for another without leaving the dance behind. Then she met architect Seth Bannion, an intensely private man who loved his haven on the Connecticut coast.

He loved the private Lindsay but feared that her need to dance would take her away from him. Only after learning to trust could he move with her in the perfect pas de deux of love.


Dance of Dreams:
Ruth Bannion knew that handsome Russian emigre Nikolai Davidov never thought he'd meet his match - until she gave the enigmatic man a piece of her mind! But could she ever hope that her lifelong dream to dance would lead to a waltz down the aisle with Nick?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Adult, Chick Lit, Harlequin

503 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Chiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books. TO me this is Nora Roberts at her romantic best. Her characters always project such passion. I also loved that they centered on dance a passion of mine

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how both Seth and Nick were such powerful and passionate men. In the first book I love the small cozy town and how Seth and Lindsey meet in the rain. I also loved their first time after the snowstorm and lindsey's conflicting feelings over her future; ballet or a family with Seth. I remember when she wakes up and she hears their daughter crying and she realizes it's actually the cat, and she's want that life and family with Seth so bad, but she's afraid. Thw whole ballet world is fascinating and the Ruth and Nick's really offers close insight into it. Nick's controlling tendency irked me at times, but it is just his character. I love he is such a charmer and he's been with so many women, yet now that he loves Ruth he becomes clumsy, and it's adorable!! I love how their first time was so passionate and Ruth was a virgin, because she always knew she was his. I love how Nick blurts out that he loves her and accidently demands she move in with him because he can't bear barely seeing her! I also liked seeing Seth and Linseys and their kids because you can see their happily ever after. These two stories were so touching and a definte repeat read for the future!

[Kistal · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I remember reading this book when I was kid. I was probably 11 or 12. And I stole it from my mother's room and she caught it in my room and got upset and ripped the book in half. And I remember her telling me the book was too mature for me.

It was probably my first romance novel I ever read. Haha

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections~ I absolutely loved this book. It was a cute and quaint romance novel revolving around the love for dance. As a dancer myself I really enjoyed this magical backdrop. I am not one to usually read romance novels unless it is a romance/mystery novel, but I really enjoyed this cute light read. I read it while sick in bed and it's the perfect feel good dreamy read. It would be a great summer book for the beach or a curl up under a blanket Christmas break read. I have a fascination with big old mansions in books, and loved reading about Cliff House as the house Lindsey grew up exploring. An old mansion and romantic ballet backdrop, what more could I ask for!

Dance of Dreams ~ I was thrilled when I began reading the second story in this novel and realized that the main character was Ruth from the previous story, how charming. I thought that was such a cute idea to use the same characters. I loved how we got to see what Lindsey and Seth had been up to in the years that had passed between the first and second story. I really liked this story, but of the two, the first one 'Reflections' was my favourite. I loved how much dancing/ballet was incorporated into the second story. I loved Nora Roberts use of characters, a great line up in this book. I also thought it was a nice subtle touch that little Nijinsky, her cat, he featured in the second story too. Overall, a great collection, loved them both!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly one of my favorites, I can't tell you how many times I've read this. Final read before it finds a new home.

[Maggie Spealman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this novel! It was actually a combination of two shorter books called Reflections and Dance of Dreams. Both were beautifully written with a wonderful look inside the lives of professional dancers. Although I enjoyed both stories, I preferred the latter of the two. Each book has a different trope and both have an undeniable charm that persuades you to keep reading. Book one follows Lindsay Dunne in an enemies to lovers type romance and book two follows Ruth Bannion in a friends to lovers style trope. As a former dancer, I loved the ballerina themed romance in this novel and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light romantic read for the end of summer! Please be advised that there is occasional adult language and content.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Nora Roberts. I definitely didn't hate it and will look into reading some of her other novels.

Here are some of my thoughts: I know the book was written in 1983 and times were different. Perhaps her more recent novels have a different tone. But I found the men in these novels (Seth and Nick, though mainly Nick) to be very aggressive and controlling. I almost got Christian Gray vibes from their behaviour (minus the sex dungeon). Lindsay and Ruth gave the appearance of having a backbone but then became meek all in one breath. I found the relationships felt a little toxic...and incredibly rushed. I don't read a lot of romance so perhaps that is the formula - boy meets girl and they fall in love instantly and get married within 3 months. Who knows. As I said, I don't read a lot of romance but I will give some of Nora's other books a try and see if things have evolved over the decades.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both books, Reflections and Dance of Dreams, are about the ballet, which I found riveting. On the other hand, the story lines were weak - not much action. Reflections got off to a great start and then dwindled from there. The segue into Dance of Dreams was smooth but did not pick up the pace. As usual Ms. Roberts characters are good, the dynamics between the hero and heroine are tight and charged, and the research was great, but somehow both books, originally published in 1983, lacked a certain something one grows accustomed to getting from Ms. Roberts.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually I like Nora Roberts, but this one was a stinker. I only got about 1/3 of the way through and just couldn't force myself to go on. Yuck...didn't like the characters, just flat and boring. Or in the case of the "hero," mean, rude, and a know-it-all. BUT! when she looks into those smoldering eyes (or whatever the description was) she just can't help herself and finds him suddenly fascinating and kiss-worthy. yuck. But then, she must keep a professional distance until she goes to his ever fascinating cliff house, etc. etc.

[Boo Boo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best Nora Robert's books that I have ever read. Both stories have wonderful and lovable charachters. This book is all about love, the ballet, and the choices two women have to make that changes the way they look at life, love, and again ballet. After reading this I actually am drawn to go watch a ballet. Not only are the love stories great, but the way you're drawn into the dancing aspect is great too. Kudos to Nora Roberts.

[evilqueen21 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of my fave by Nora. There seemed to be no real connection to any of the characters and the story was just meh...

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflections and Dreams is a composite of two books from the Language of Love Series by Nora Roberts:

REFLECTIONS: Lindsay Dunne returned to her hometown three years ago to help out her mother after an accident left her mom injured and her dad dead. She left behind a successful ballet career.
Seth Bannion has recently moved to town and brings his niece, Ruth, to Lindsay's ballet school. Lindsay sees great promise in Ruth and wants her to go to New York where she can get better training but Seth is against it as Ruth is still recovering from the death of her parents.

Nora Roberts is well-known for bouncing between the hero and heroine's point of view within the same paragraph (and doing so very well) and yet we get no insight into Seth's thinking in this story at all. Lindsay keeps Seth at arms length anytime Seth pushes for their relationship to become more serious. She would run off as if frighten and then the next time she and Seth were together greet him with great affection. I found it confusing and didn't think any valid reason was given for the behavior.

DREAMS (Dance of Dreams): Ruth Bannion moved to New York at 17 to study ballet. She went with the blessing of her Uncle Seth and his wife, Lindsay (her former dance teacher). Ruth's new teacher and mentor in New York is Nikolai Davidov. Lindsay's former partner. It's now five years later and Ruth and Nikolai are rehearing the ballet that Nick created. Their relationship also seems to be changing as Ruth wonders if he'll ever look at her as a woman and not a teenager.

The biggest conflict, besides their age difference, seems to be that Nick isn't sharing with Ruth the plans for a TV special he has been asked to star in and choreograph. These are characters we first
met in "Reflections" getting their own story.

[Cruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author: Nora Roberts
First published: 1983
Length: 185 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Connecticut.
Sex: Infrequent, closed doors.
Hero: Architect
Heroine: Former ballerina now running dance studio.

Enjoyable for what it is - a 1980s Harlequin with a sweet, uncomplicated romance. Confident heroine, caring but reticent hero. Developing relationship with Love At First Sight. Some sweet, closed door sex.

Albeit remarkably similar to Roberts’ Taming Natasha.

It was a likeable romance with light angst and approachable characters.

Will be interesting to see what happens in Book 2 - Ruth all grown up and falling for Lindsay’s dance partner and Ruth’s mentor, Nickolai Davidov.

The Bannions:
Book 1 Reflections - Lindsay Dunne and Seth Banning
Book 2 Dance of Dreams - Ruth Banning and Nikolai Davidov

References:
Author's website: http://noraroberts.com

(Read in Reflections ISBN 9781743568545)

-CR-

[Bonnie Staughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could have given this book a 3.5. This book is actually 2 stories--Reflections and Dance of Dreams.

I really enjoyed Reflections. The story of a ballerina who always loved to dance but was motivated by her mother who was also a dancer. When her mother is injured in a car accident, Lindsey comes home to care for her. She opens a dance studio in town and meets Seth through her new student Ruth. Someone who reviewed this previously said that they would have liked more background on Seth. I agree. He has his dark moody side and traveled over the world as an architect. He had a background story that wasn't revealed. A shame.

Dance of Dreams continued the story with Ruth being encouraged by Lindsey to go to New York and study with Lindsey's mentor and dance partner Nickolai Davidov. Both of these people are strong and high spirited and I wasn't comfortable with all of the arguing and then making up.

I enjoyed the ballet references but the dealing with such strongly opinionated people was a bit much.

[Connie Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling nostalgic last night and picked this off the shelf. I read it when it first came out in 1983 when I was the age of the heroine Lindsay. Very different reading it again when my children are older than Lindsay.
The story centers around Lindsay, a ballerina, who has left the glam and glitter for a small town in Connecticut to open her own studio while caring for her mother. In drives Seth and his niece, Ruth, who also wants to be a ballerina. Mixed in there is Nicholai Davidov, a Russian ballet dancer and former partner of Lindsay. He wants her to return to the glam and glitter for one more performance as the star in a ballet he has written. But, can the relationship that has grown between Lindsay and Seth survive it?
Now to pick up the follow-on book to this one, Dance of Dreams, which is Ruth's story.

[Darlene Wilson]

Reflections
A lifetime of dedication to dance left Lindsay Dunne little time for romance. That is until she meets brooding architect Seth Bannion, the guardian of a talented young ballerina in Lindsay's class. As Lindsay and Seth clash over their hopes for the girl's future, passions flare…and Lindsay receives a crash course in the art of love.
Dance of Dreams
Prima ballerina Ruth Bannion has always been in awe of her demanding, mercurial mentor Nickolai Davidov. But when they are partnered in a sensual new ballet, they must fight hard to control the rising attraction between them. In the end, though, it is up to Ruth to teach the guarded Nickolai the tender dance of love.

[Cathie McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections:

Lindsey came home unexpectedly. She lost a lot but she didn't have closure. Seth came to town to help his niece heal. Ruth is the common denominator. She is so talented. I could feel my heart break for Lindsey. She's finally got closure but at what cost?

Dance of Dreams:

Ruth is an amazing ballerina. Davidov is renowned for his dancing. Both are tough. Both want the other but neither can verbalize their hearts. Sparks fly when Davidov demands Ruth move in with him. He is clumsy when it comes to his heart.

[Fedora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and half stars.

Includes Reflections and Dance of Dreams.

Reflections is about Lindsay Dunne and Seth Bannion. Lindsay was a prima ballerina on the verge of explosive success when a family tragedy changes the course of her life. Seth is the guardian of one of her most promising students.

Dance of Dreams is about Ruth Bannion (yes, Seth's niece from Reflections) and Nickolai Davidov, her mentor and dance partner.

Fun reads set in the ballet world.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple but definitely showing its age.
Though interesting to get Nick and Ruth’s story, I just found this bland and not one to reread.
I had read the Stanislaskis series many years ago but had never picked this up.
Rereading the series I grabbed this from my library.
The age of the stories shows very much.
Not sure I liked Lindsay or Seth that much and found there was little to no passion between Ruth and Nick, no matter the arguing they did.
Plenty of passion in regards to ballet though.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a sweet, quick read, but I wish Seth's POV was told. He was basically in the story just to be the love interest even though it was clear he had a very interesting story. Instead of going deeper into who he was he just became "the guy". I think if he had a POV in the book I would have gotten a better sense of who he was and it would have been easier to love him

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just started reading Nora Roberts books and this one which has both books together, is one of her older books but a delight to read. Especially if you enjoy and love the world of ballet. It gives you a look behind the curtain. The strain and hard work of ballet dancers wrapped up in a love story. I really enjoy her writing.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Lindsay and Seth's story because it was dance meets real world. I found the story plausible and very enjoyable.

Ruth and Nick was a little less enjoyable bbecause it was somewhat predictable.

I miss when the author does not give a snippet of the characters near future. I just hope other books in the series will tell more of their stories then.

[Lovely Loveday]

Graceful Hearts (Bannions #1-2) by Nora Roberts is a lovely romantic read that is sure to take your breath away and leave you wanting more. The characters are well-written and develop at a smooth but steady pace. Not only are the love stories great, but the way they draw you into the dancing aspect is great too.

[Taylor Barron · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 stars. Nobody can bring characters to life like Nora does. I love how in-depth she is with the careers and passions and frustrations of a person's life. That is what I like best from these two stories. However, I felt as if Seth Bannion was not up to par. Too much was left blank or murky about his wants, fears, background, etc. That took away greatly from the first story, Reflections.

[Wendy Schlegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always like to read a Nora Roberts book. I haven't read one of her romance books in awhile so it was quite entertaining. I always enjoy her characters and it was interesting to get a glimpse into the world of ballet.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ballet, and it's dancers, are the main plot background in these two books. I loved them when read in the 1980's and still enjoyed them today. No one does passion better than Nora Roberts, she has a grip on the banter between the sexes and I really like that.

[Kate McMurray]

This is really two category romances bound together. The first (Lindsay/Seth) is... fine. The conflict is a little contrived. I liked the second (Ruth/Nick) a lot better, although because of the length of the book, the ending felt a little rushed.

[Eva Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to get into it, the first story at least. But once I did, I really liked it. Fun because I haven’t read anything dance themed 🩰 The second story was a lot more fast paced, but overall it was a good book and full of romance

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two books in one so it took a little longer to read. The books are about the same characters so it flowed well from one to the other. Both were cute love stories.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

very basic storyline - was okay