Ana Brassfield has her path to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House all figured out until her first love, renowned German dancer Claus Gert, returns to Georgia to win her back. Despite a promising start towards her ballet career and pending marriage to landscape architect, Peter Engberg, Ana wonders if her dreams of dancing at the Met are as impossible as her previous romantic relationship … relationship with Claus.
Then, an on-stage kiss between Ana and Claus changes everything.
Convinced the kiss is more than a one-time mistake, Peter breaks off their engagement. With an old dog crippled by arthritis and dreams deferred but not left behind, Ana moves to Germany to be with Claus. But the ghost of his late wife, Ana’s own feelings for Peter, and the pressure of earning a spot in a large ballet company are a high price for a shot at success. Ana seems on the verge of having everything she ever dreamed of, but will it be enough?
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A Season to Dance (2017) by Patricia Beal is an exquisite stand-alone debut novel. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 253 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very vibrant five-year old, this story took me four days to read. I give this novel 5+++ STARS. This story is a Contemporary Christian Romance.
A Season to Dance is an amazing redemption story. It is a story of seasons: seasons of selfishness, seasons of change, seasons of utter joy and love, seasons of complete disbelief, and seasons of great sorrow. This novel is a roller-coaster ride that took me through every emotion. By the end of this book I was a sobbing mess tearing through a box of tissues hoping my husband didn’t look over at me and my crying, messy face.
The main character is Ana. Ana is a ballerina, and dancing is her entire life. At first, I didn’t like Ana very much. I found her to be rather immature and selfish. But, by the end of the story, Ana transforms into a wonderful woman, wife, and mother. The moments in the story that show Ana’s struggles with God, and her realization that God does truly want a personal relationship with her, were so well written and realistic; they were truly my most favorite parts to the novel. I can remember vividly feeling exactly like Ana a few times in my life, which is why this novel struck me so deeply. The prayers that Ana says by the end of the book are so beautiful, I’m copying them down and making them mine, too. The redemption story is so real, so poignant, and so gripping. I love this book so much!!!
This story needs to be experienced. I will not say a single word about the plot because I do not want to spoil one single second. I truly recommend this book. This is a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
I loved A Season to Dance so much! Patricia Beal’s debut novel beautifully blends together music, romance, drama, and spirituality. Beal’s writing shows much promise in the women’s fiction genre of Christian fiction and I will be ready to read her next release.
A Season to Dance is many things …
… A romantic journey that is propelled by one kiss. It’s the heartbreaking struggle of two seemingly lost loves to Ana, and the agonizing pain of loving someone slowly dying from a debilitating illness.
… An emotional journey, as Ana seeks fulfillment in relationships and career, yearning to perform on the world stage at New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
… A spiritual journey. The characters are human, realistically flawed. Nothing is shown explicitly, but Ana made mistakes in seeking contentment through romantic relationships. But the beauty is how the author shows God’s faithfulness, constant presence, patiently drawing us to Him.
One strength of this novel is the world of ballet and the emotional pull of music and dance. I’m a musician, so this theme was especially appealing to me. The author conveys every nuance of emotion and meaning in performances such as Romeo and Juliet. The dance scenes were some of my favorite parts.
Another strength for me personally was the scenes set in Pine Mountain, Georgia – especially Callaway Gardens. I have visited the gardens many times and Beal vividly conveyed their beauty in the spring, and the garden chapel scene was hauntingly real.
I usually don’t care for love triangles, but A Season to Dance rises far above that theme. I loved the chemistry and drama between Ana, Claus and Peter. I also appreciated the spiritual reminder that our own plans aren’t enough; they don’t bring true fulfillment and peace.
I give A Season to Dance 5 stars – not because it was flawless (sometimes the jumps back and forth in time because a little hard to follow) – but because I enjoyed it so much overall. The blend of the romantic, musical, and spiritual themes resonated with me on every page. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Sometimes broken dreams pave the way to our true calling.
Patricia Beal’s “A Season to Dance” is one of those books that I signed up to review on a whim. It’s not one that I would pick up for leisure reading; being a ballerina never appealed to me personally, and just the thought of such a highly-competitive career makes me cringe. Romances aren’t really my thing, either. Nevertheless, I want to broaden my literary horizons as much as possible within the Christian genre, and that means stepping outside of my comfort zone at times to explore books that I might then be able to recommend to others who would benefit from these stories and draw closer to God through them.
Setting chapter one almost four years later than the progression of the rest of the novel (save for the last couple of chapters and the epilogue), Beal immediately kicks off her debut with an adrenaline rush. This drew me in quickly, especially when I realized that the name of Ana’s husband is cleverly left out of the first chapter. However, after that, I had a difficult time getting into the story, even though it is narrated in the first person by Ana. I didn’t connect with any of the characters and felt rather disappointed in them and in their foolhardy decisions. Then, when a beloved dog dies, I cried because that is one of my deal-breakers in books—namely, I do not read books where dogs die, especially not in emotional scenes like this one. But at slightly past the halfway point, there is a shift that begins to occur. Circumstances begin to develop Ana’s nascent faith, leading her to start truly seeking the God she is so unsure about and wary of, and I was reminded that as Christians we need to plant seeds of faith and trust God to water and grow them, even when we may not perceive any discernible effects.
What at first seems to be a narrative wrought with discontent and unfulfilled hopes gradually transforms into a salvation story that demonstrates the unconditional, never-ending love of God, who is always with us in all seasons. As Ana remarks, “Spotting worked for life too. My husband was my spot. But while in ballet it’s ok to pick a spot that moves, like another dancer, it’s not okay to pick a spot that’s completely unpredictable. As my spot became more and more unpredictable, I could only hope that religion would work. I’d run out of other options.” God will use every situation to draw us to Him if we are willing to open our hearts to Him even a fraction of an inch; all we have to do is respond to Him!
While I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance, to those who enjoy ballet, and to anyone searching for that missing piece of their lives, I do want to give a few trigger warnings. This is a clean novel, but there are: mentions of and allusions to sex, deaths, Huntington ’s disease, and unmarried people living together. “A Season to Dance” includes thoughtful discussion questions to ponder after reading the story, either individually or in a group.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This was my introduction to Patricia Beal’s writing and I’m so glad that I (finally) got the opportunity to read this book that has been sitting in my e-reader for quite a few months. Written from a first person point of view, Ana begins her story from the present but spends most the book walking through the past, setting up the stage for the life and love she has chosen to pursue. Towards the end of the book, Ana comes back to the present time and the reader is able to fully comprehend and empathize with Ana’s thoughts and emotions as she faces another shattered dream. Ana’s pull toward God, even in the midst of broken dreams and hopes, is real and tangible; her conversion and the timing of it is bittersweet and heart-wrenching.
I know nothing about the world of ballet so I learned a lot about the art through Ana and Claus’ eyes. I also know nothing about the art of landscaping design so I learned quite a bit about flowers and plants through Ana and Peter’s eyes. I have to admit that I wasn’t prepared for how the story ended, though it really couldn’t have ended any other way. Filled with love, betrayal, passion, and grief, this story will resonate with any fan of contemporary romance. I received a copy of the book from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This is one of the few books I’ve read that was difficult for me to write a review. Not because the author didn’t do well but because it was an absolute electrifying book that you just have to read yourself.
This book would lead you to the Bible to find God if you haven’t. And if you have it will also lead you back to the Bible and help strengthen your faith.
It is the journey of Ann who tried to fill the God sized gap in her heart and life with man sized things. Nothing had ever been sufficient for Ann in her life. She wanted something to be sufficient for her which took her on many paths, many heart breaks, oceans away.
What kept me reading to the end was how the author depicts God’s pursuit of her. Wow! It was mind-blowing. The love story was not just between her and a man but it was ultimately between her and God.
Second chance has never looked more captivating like it does in this book.
I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.
A Season To Dance by Patricia Beal is a contemporary Christian novel about a journey of discovering the heart of God.
The novel is set in 2008 and 2011 and the reader travels from America to Germany and back again. The physical journey is mirrored by a spiritual journey as the reader sees a character relentlessly pursued by God. God loves us so much that He will persistently pursue our hearts. Only God can truly satisfy. The reader sees the main character filling her life with earthly pleasures. They will never satisfy. Only God satisfies. “I know better than to fight the Holy Spirit of God.” When we ‘feel’ the Holy Spirit’s prompts, we would be wise to listen.
The main character has a passion for dancing. There are a lot of technical details that enable the reader to ‘see’ the dancers. Patricia Beal brings the actions alive with her words.
There are some very touching moments within the novel concerning a character with Huntington ’s disease. Patricia Beal’s words brought a tear to my eyes.
The awakening of a character to the love of God is beautiful to witness. As a flower buds and blooms, so a heart opens towards God.
I enjoyed A Season To Dance. It is a delightful tale that will warm a reader’s heart on a cold December day.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“Behind God’s every no there is a bigger yes.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
My Thoughts on A Season to Dance:
First, go down below and read the thoughts of the author. They. Are. So. Good. Seriously. They really make you think more about what happens in the book and how those things correlate to the author’s life. God’s hand was definitely in the writing of this book by this author.
Ana has her life figured out. She’s going to marry Peter. And she’s going to be in the Metropolitan Opera dancing ballet. Nothing can stop her now as she works to achieve her dream.
Or can it?
When her first love comes back into her life, a German dancer, life becomes a little unclear. They share an on-stage kiss. It’s just part of the dance of course. But Peter breaks things off and life gets complicated for Ana.
She moves to Germany and works for a spot in a large ballet company while competing with the ghost of Claus’ late wife.
Can Ana achieve her dreams? Or will her dreams change? Does she even know what she wants anymore? Maybe God has a say in her destiny and dreams?
I loved visiting Germany through the eyes of Ana. It’s a place that is at the top of my to-visit someday list so that was very nice. I felt like I was there! Another thing that is very detailed and will make you feel like you’re there is the dance. Ballet is described in detail and makes you feel like you yourself are a famous ballerina dancing around the stage.
This is a slow but wonderful read. I recommend the book. While the characters are lost for most of the story none of them are “bad guys” and there really is no suspense. It’s just a good slow romance that also involves being romanced and found by God.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I have never been so frustrated with a character like Ana. She is a strong willed woman who doesn’t really know what she wants. I did enjoy learning about the ballet and how hard it was to be a ballerina. Ana was capable of being great but she was her own worst enemy. Her lack of confidence drove me crazy at times. The author does a good job of letting us see Ana’s struggle with faith. I felt as if she was being torn between the secular world and the Christian world.
I was surprised at the numerous mention of alcohol and premarital sex in the book. Her dream has always been to dance at the Metropolitan, but she quickly put those aside when her heart gets broken. There are two men in her life that are as different as night and day. Claus is a dancer like Ana and they have history together. Right away I didn’t like him and didn’t trust him. He seemed to be shady and along the way we discover lies that unravel a relationship. Deceit, secrets and jealousy run rampant in the story.
Peter was a good match for Ana but something happens to shatter their dream of being together. I did like that he wanted to learn more about God but at times he didn’t want to give himself to someone or something he didn’t believe in. His story for me was very emotional and his unconditional love for Ana is worth mentioning. There is a lot happening in the story and one of the main points is for Ana to give her heart to God. Will she surrender her life to Him ? The story does have a few emotional scenes that made me cry. I did like parts of the story, but couldn’t overlook the harsh language at times and the lack of morals Ana displayed. I would like to have seen the author tell the story in a more compassionate way without actually going into detail about using alcohol and having a relationship before marriage with several people. I also didn’t care for the reference to abortion in the story at all. Did I like the story enough to recommend it? Perhaps I could if I give a warning about the story that is not a clean read and some mature subjects are discussed throughout the book.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
A romance of dance and song and hope!
My rating is 4.5 stars
A Season to Dance is a beautiful story with evocative imagery that brings the lovely settings vividly to life.
Debut author Patricia Beal, according to her author notes, spent years carefully crafting this story, and it shows. Deeply emotional, it follows Ana’s journey through dance, despair, hope, and redemption.
Dance and music fill the pages! So many insights as to the behind-the-scenes life of a professional dancer are brought to light. I appreciated so much that Ana was not the perfect prima ballerina but instead one who was compelled by everything within her to dance – despite the fact her body was not the right “type” for dancing. The melodies flowed through the narrative and I could practically see the performances.
The bird songs in the gardens Ana visited echoed through my mind as visions of flowers and trees danced there as well.
Even as Ana outwardly rejected God, He was never far from her thoughts. And no matter how far she ran from her pain, He was continually wooing her to come to Him. Her salvation was not instant, as with many people, it took significant time for the truth of what a relationship with Jesus means. Not a life of ease and freedom from problems but a life of peace and forgiveness and hope!
This is a must-read for any lover of dance. Readers who love stories of hope, redemption, and romance will enjoy reading of the power of salvation shared here as well.
Read my review of A Season to Dance by Patricia Beal at AmongTheReads.net
The first thing that caught my attention was this beautiful cover! I don’t often pick up contemporary stories and I thought it would be fun to step out of my normal and delve into something completely unknown. So, I accepted a blind reader challenge from Just Read Tours. I didn’t know what book I’d be receiving, thus the blind challenge. The book arrived wrapped in paper, and that kept the mystery just a little longer!
I enjoyed reading the story. The characters are unique and held my attention. There were just enough unexpected twists that kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next. I enjoyed learning about the ballet and gained a new appreciation for what the ballerina’s go through in preparing for a show.
Had it not been for the fact that this book was chosen for me, I may have not picked it up and that would have been sad indeed. The only thing I would have liked to have seen more of in this story is a stronger Christian theme. There are several adult situations throughout the book so this isn’t one that I would personally recommend to younger readers.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book through Just Read Tours for a Blind Read Challenge. Thoughts and opinions are my own.)
3.5 stars
“I cannot lose him again.”
Beginning at what could be the end of a story is a risky venture for a debut, but in this case, it works beautifully, for the opening chapter sets the emotion tone for the entire story. In between graceful intensity, there deep pain resides and in spite of endless amounts of love, tragedy still manages to mar the melody. Certainly, and hopefully, there will be a “season to dance”.
Ana Brassfield has worked tirelessly toward her goal of dancing onstage at New York’s famed Metropolitan Opera House, and after a stunning performance of Romeo and Juliet in Georgia; paired with a renowned German dancer Claus Gert, she is optimistic about her future. However, in a cruel twist of fate, one kiss and some cleverly placed innuendos appear to have ruined everything.
As Ana and her used-to-be fiance Peter Engberg part ways, she rekindles a first love. But at what cost? It will take some very high highs and some very low lows for Ana to discover that there is a love above all loves that was born out of great sacrifice.
This isn’t just a story, it’s a testimony!
I received a copy of this book from JustRead Blind Tours. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
A Season to Dance is a captivating debut novel by Patricia Beal. It is a story of a ballerina who loves and is loved by two men and who finds true love as she finds faith in God. This is an emotional and passionate story that gives insight into the world of ballet as Ana’s story is told. The characters are strong and yet are portrayed with their flaws and foibles too. The story draws the reader in and doesn’t let go as Ana reaches for her dream and makes choices that reap consequences. I was given a complimentary copy of the audiobook and narrator Maryann Carlson does a wonderful job giving voice to the characters and telling the story, which makes for an enjoyable listening experience. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.