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Dancing in the Rain: Stories to Shelter the Soul
Wayward wandering exposes the characters in these stories to storms created by their own or others' choices.
Candace West – McDonald’s Farm
Eleanor Bertin – Who Sends the Rain?
Angela D. Meyer – Rekindling Her Dream
Deb Elkink – Clanging Symbols
Sara Davison – The Poppy
As they deal with the consequences, will they seek shelter in God, finding healing and redemption in the only One who can provide it?
Candace West – McDonald’s Farm
Eleanor Bertin – Who Sends the Rain?
Angela D. Meyer – Rekindling Her Dream
Deb Elkink – Clanging Symbols
Sara Davison – The Poppy
As they deal with the consequences, will they seek shelter in God, finding healing and redemption in the only One who can provide it?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2023
5 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Candace West
11 books248 followersWoolgathering Down the Story Trail
Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. At twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.
Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. At twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 7, 2023
It is a good thing I don’t have to choose which story is the best!!!
This is a fabulous collection of stories- love, loss, healing == and above all God’s grace shines through!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
This is a fabulous collection of stories- love, loss, healing == and above all God’s grace shines through!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
June 29, 2023
the Maker of the Rain still creates
I always read collections by the Mosaic authors. Not only are they filled with good stories, each one has a powerful message. My favorite was the one about the guy who tutored the Japanese boy. They were all excellent!
I always read collections by the Mosaic authors. Not only are they filled with good stories, each one has a powerful message. My favorite was the one about the guy who tutored the Japanese boy. They were all excellent!
June 9, 2023
This is a thought provoking collection of stories, some short some long, the main characters of all have pasts they regret - from bullying others at school, to abandoning Christianity for other religions (only to find them empty), abuse, alcoholism, cheating, abandoning wife and kids, rejection, self-hatred... None of these were beyond forgiveness and it was only through forgiveness of self and others, that healing and restoration could take place. Were the hurts magically gone? No the consequences of sin still linger but with God and praying Christian friends and family, there is hope for tomorrow.
June 8, 2023
Heartwarming Stories
Wonderful collection of short stories/novella. These stories heartfelt, heartwarming, wonderful stories who will tug on your heartstrings. I love each stories they had loss, love, and forgiving. They was all well written and wonderful characters. Page turner and kept my interest.
Wonderful collection of short stories/novella. These stories heartfelt, heartwarming, wonderful stories who will tug on your heartstrings. I love each stories they had loss, love, and forgiving. They was all well written and wonderful characters. Page turner and kept my interest.
May 28, 2023
The latest Mosaic Collection of wonderful stories is inspiring and entertaining. The five authors wrote their short stories with rain being a common theme, representing cleansing, healing, renourishing the soul and healing crises of faith. I highly recommend this collection!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
May 27, 2023
Stories as varied as the authors. So we’ll written and fun to read. Mosaic stories are always some of the best writing. I was glad to read this anthology and I know others will enjoy it too.
June 22, 2023
This inspiring collection of short-stories/novellas by five authors is a heart-warming summer read. Although the stories vary widely in genre and style, each one leaves me with a sense of hope, "stories to shelter the soul."
May 21, 2023
A mix of short stories and novellas by both Canadian & American writers, set in both Canada & the USA. Irregardless of the length of the stories, they all deal very well with characters that are struggling and searching for truth and forgiveness.
In the case of the story Poppy by Sara Davison, it tells the backstory of a minor character that is mentioned in the first 2 books of an already existing trilogy. It explains why some of the major characters are the way they are.
In the case of the story Poppy by Sara Davison, it tells the backstory of a minor character that is mentioned in the first 2 books of an already existing trilogy. It explains why some of the major characters are the way they are.
May 20, 2023
Amazing collection of short stories/novella. Each one draws you in from the first page and continues till your done.
Each main character has faced something bad from their past. They must learn to forgive themselves before they can ask for forgiveness and learn to live happy.
These stories will melt your heart. I recommend that they should be read by everyone who needs a little pick me up.
Each main character has faced something bad from their past. They must learn to forgive themselves before they can ask for forgiveness and learn to live happy.
These stories will melt your heart. I recommend that they should be read by everyone who needs a little pick me up.
April 30, 2023
Review only on Poppy by Sara Davison.
What a great story and a continuation of the first two books in the Rose Tattoo Trilogy. Each of the first two books were about the brothers Cash and Jude and this is about their estranged father Eric. Very moving. I can always tell how well developed the characters are when I can’t put the book down and, more importantly, when it draws out emotions from me like crying happy and sad tears (I’m not a crier), cheering, and just plain smiling while I’m reading.
I look forward ti the rest of the stories in this anthology as well.
I received a copy of the novella from the author. I was not required to leave a review and the opinions are all my own.
What a great story and a continuation of the first two books in the Rose Tattoo Trilogy. Each of the first two books were about the brothers Cash and Jude and this is about their estranged father Eric. Very moving. I can always tell how well developed the characters are when I can’t put the book down and, more importantly, when it draws out emotions from me like crying happy and sad tears (I’m not a crier), cheering, and just plain smiling while I’m reading.
I look forward ti the rest of the stories in this anthology as well.
I received a copy of the novella from the author. I was not required to leave a review and the opinions are all my own.
June 4, 2023
McDonald’s Farm by Candace West
Candace West introduces her readers to some fantastic characters in McDonald’s Farm. The story is well-written. The developing relationships between the characters left me hoping that West has more stories planned for them.
Charity and Gilbert have an interesting history. Gilbert is blind and when he comes to apply for the groom position at McDonald’s Farm he doesn’t realize who Charity is.
McDonald’s Farm is a wonderful novella.
“Who Sends the Rain?” By Eleanor Bertin
“Who Sends the Rain?” deals with the sensitive topic of bullying and how its effects can be felt years later. In this story we revisit Myra who has appeared in previous stories by Eleanor Bertin.
What I loved most about this story is the reconciliation between Myra and God.
“Who Sends the Rain?” is a modern-day prodigal story.
Rekindling Her Dream by Angela Meyer
Angela Meyer tells more of Josie’s story. I have enjoyed Josie’s story up to this point and was happy to have it continue in “Rekindling Her Dream.”
Rekindling Her Dream is a story about trust. Josie has a difficult time with trust, with good reason. She has finally decided she trusts Daniel enough to become his wife. Then something happens which makes her trust waver.
“Changing Symbols” by Deb Elkink
The mid-seventies were a difficult time for many. In “Changing Symbols” Deb Elkink focuses on a recent college grad who sets out to find himself. Doran isn’t sure what he believes and goes to Japan to find the peace and tranquility of the Japanese people. His job while in Japan is to tutor a young man so that he can pass his English exams. Along the way he is challenged to the return to the Christian faith he previously committed to.
“Changing Symbols” could also be considered a reconciliation or prodigal story.
The Poppy by Sara Davison
Sara Davison continues the story of The Rose Tattoo trilogy with this novella. The “trilogy” consists of two novels (one more coming out) and five short stories or novellas found in Mosaic Anthologies.
The Poppy focuses on the story of Eric and Leanne. It is also a story about reconciliation and building trust. Readers who have enjoyed The Rose Tattoo stories will enjoy this continuation.
As usual for Mosaic books, the stories are about families. But they are also about reconciliation, trust and relationships.
I recommend librarians read the stories first. They are written for Christian adults and not all content may be appropriate for a K-12 Christian school library.
I received a complimentary copy of Dancing in the Rain. This is my honest review.
Candace West introduces her readers to some fantastic characters in McDonald’s Farm. The story is well-written. The developing relationships between the characters left me hoping that West has more stories planned for them.
Charity and Gilbert have an interesting history. Gilbert is blind and when he comes to apply for the groom position at McDonald’s Farm he doesn’t realize who Charity is.
McDonald’s Farm is a wonderful novella.
“Who Sends the Rain?” By Eleanor Bertin
“Who Sends the Rain?” deals with the sensitive topic of bullying and how its effects can be felt years later. In this story we revisit Myra who has appeared in previous stories by Eleanor Bertin.
What I loved most about this story is the reconciliation between Myra and God.
“Who Sends the Rain?” is a modern-day prodigal story.
Rekindling Her Dream by Angela Meyer
Angela Meyer tells more of Josie’s story. I have enjoyed Josie’s story up to this point and was happy to have it continue in “Rekindling Her Dream.”
Rekindling Her Dream is a story about trust. Josie has a difficult time with trust, with good reason. She has finally decided she trusts Daniel enough to become his wife. Then something happens which makes her trust waver.
“Changing Symbols” by Deb Elkink
The mid-seventies were a difficult time for many. In “Changing Symbols” Deb Elkink focuses on a recent college grad who sets out to find himself. Doran isn’t sure what he believes and goes to Japan to find the peace and tranquility of the Japanese people. His job while in Japan is to tutor a young man so that he can pass his English exams. Along the way he is challenged to the return to the Christian faith he previously committed to.
“Changing Symbols” could also be considered a reconciliation or prodigal story.
The Poppy by Sara Davison
Sara Davison continues the story of The Rose Tattoo trilogy with this novella. The “trilogy” consists of two novels (one more coming out) and five short stories or novellas found in Mosaic Anthologies.
The Poppy focuses on the story of Eric and Leanne. It is also a story about reconciliation and building trust. Readers who have enjoyed The Rose Tattoo stories will enjoy this continuation.
As usual for Mosaic books, the stories are about families. But they are also about reconciliation, trust and relationships.
I recommend librarians read the stories first. They are written for Christian adults and not all content may be appropriate for a K-12 Christian school library.
I received a complimentary copy of Dancing in the Rain. This is my honest review.
June 9, 2023
Each story in Dancing in the Rain features an experience of cleansing rain that renews the soul. Candace West writes 'McDonald's Farm'. Eleanor Bertin writes 'Who Sends the Rain?'. Angela D. Meyer writes 'Rekindling Her Dream'. Deb Elkink writes 'Clanging Symbols', and Sara Davison writes 'The Poppy'.
Each of the stories in Dancing in the Rain could be a separate book, and the e-book took me longer than expected to read through. I had been expecting shorter novellas. The authors are a group of writers who have published several anthologies together in the past.
Five writers, Five unique styles
Each author has her own distinct writing style. Although all the stories feature rain as a cleansing, renewing experience, there isn't a lot of further commonality. Settings range from Vancouver Canada to places in the States, to Japan. Writing styles range from light and easy to follow to relatively heavy and more serious. Forgiveness, hope, and second chances are threads that link the stories.
As a Canadian writer myself, I was interested in the fact that there are Canadian authors and settings included in the anthology. I was already Facebook friends with Deb Elkink. Her story particularly stood out to me because it is based in Japan in the 1970s and is centered around cross-cultural experiences. As a traveler, ESL instructor and international homestay host, I could relate to the interesting differences in cultural thinking and symbolism. Whereas that story occurs in Japan, the others are all in North America.
Anthologies provide an opportunity to get to know new authors. I found each story appealing in its own unique way.
Each of the stories in Dancing in the Rain could be a separate book, and the e-book took me longer than expected to read through. I had been expecting shorter novellas. The authors are a group of writers who have published several anthologies together in the past.
Five writers, Five unique styles
Each author has her own distinct writing style. Although all the stories feature rain as a cleansing, renewing experience, there isn't a lot of further commonality. Settings range from Vancouver Canada to places in the States, to Japan. Writing styles range from light and easy to follow to relatively heavy and more serious. Forgiveness, hope, and second chances are threads that link the stories.
As a Canadian writer myself, I was interested in the fact that there are Canadian authors and settings included in the anthology. I was already Facebook friends with Deb Elkink. Her story particularly stood out to me because it is based in Japan in the 1970s and is centered around cross-cultural experiences. As a traveler, ESL instructor and international homestay host, I could relate to the interesting differences in cultural thinking and symbolism. Whereas that story occurs in Japan, the others are all in North America.
Anthologies provide an opportunity to get to know new authors. I found each story appealing in its own unique way.
June 7, 2023
I loved to play in the rain when I was little but who says an adult can't enjoy standing in the rain? Playing in the rain? Or dancing in the rain? This new Mosaic Collection of novellas is titled Dancing in the Rain and all of them share the common theme of experiencing the cleanliness that is associated with rain and water. There are also joint focuses on pain and loss that are often the result of poor choices and selfish acts. Sadness is present but the overwhelming emotions are love, forgiveness, and healing. And yes, feeling free to dance...even in the rain!
I recommend Dancing in the Rain to all who enjoy stories laced with emotion and inspiration, and it's perfect for people who love to read but are limited on time. Each short novella can be read in a short amount of time, making this collection perfect for summer reading!
I received a digital copy from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Please check out my full review at https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
I recommend Dancing in the Rain to all who enjoy stories laced with emotion and inspiration, and it's perfect for people who love to read but are limited on time. Each short novella can be read in a short amount of time, making this collection perfect for summer reading!
I received a digital copy from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Please check out my full review at https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
May 27, 2023
Dancing In The Rain is the most encouraging anthology I’ve read. It honestly is filled with stories that shelter the soul. Each is a picture of God’s grace working in the hearts of hurting people through individual writing styles.
Running through a gamut of heart deep emotions the characters deal with real guilt, bitterness, insecurities, and more that we can all relate to. Yet as they navigate through life each one finds there’s hope in the faithfulness of God. The journey may twist and turn but the destination is worth the pain and as refreshing as dancing in the rain. God never leaves us where we begin. He’s in the restoration business, and He’s an expert.
Sara Davison is one of my favorite authors. Now I have some new ones. I highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy courtesy of the Mosaic Collection. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Running through a gamut of heart deep emotions the characters deal with real guilt, bitterness, insecurities, and more that we can all relate to. Yet as they navigate through life each one finds there’s hope in the faithfulness of God. The journey may twist and turn but the destination is worth the pain and as refreshing as dancing in the rain. God never leaves us where we begin. He’s in the restoration business, and He’s an expert.
Sara Davison is one of my favorite authors. Now I have some new ones. I highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy courtesy of the Mosaic Collection. This is my honest opinion of the book.
June 6, 2023
Poppy by Sara Davison
Wow. If you’ve just picked up this book, stop. You have to go read the first two books in this series: Lost Down Deep and Written in Ink. I PROMISE, you will not regret it. Powerful stories of love and redemption woven through a romantic suspense whirlwind. That all said, this story was a powerful one of Hope. Gut wrenching grief, perspectives being reordered, and family growing stronger. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve read the first two books - since their release, actually, but I know I’m going to be rereading them again soon. Davison always weaves such a masterful tale through these powerful romances and stories. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see what she has in store for these characters.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Wow. If you’ve just picked up this book, stop. You have to go read the first two books in this series: Lost Down Deep and Written in Ink. I PROMISE, you will not regret it. Powerful stories of love and redemption woven through a romantic suspense whirlwind. That all said, this story was a powerful one of Hope. Gut wrenching grief, perspectives being reordered, and family growing stronger. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve read the first two books - since their release, actually, but I know I’m going to be rereading them again soon. Davison always weaves such a masterful tale through these powerful romances and stories. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see what she has in store for these characters.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 27, 2023
How does one pick which story is the best? You can’t. I loved each story. A great reminder through loss, healing and love, God’s grace continues to shine through. Each of the authors wrote short stories with a common theme of rain. Rain represented healing and cleansing of the soul through crises of faith. Highly recommend.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
June 7, 2023
Five fabulous stories about how God shelters us in our most trying times. If we would just turn to him and trust Him, He will guide us in the way we should go. Whether our storms are coming out of our past or is based on our current situation, He is an always present help. These stories really warmed my heart and increased my trust in God's ability to be an always present help.
June 17, 2023
I received this as an advanced reader copy! It was absolutely lovely collection of stories! I will read as many of these as I can!
June 21, 2023
Encouragement
Five short stories, each laced with personal struggles and finding hope and grace in the end. Promising the same for each of us if we will reach out to Him.
Five short stories, each laced with personal struggles and finding hope and grace in the end. Promising the same for each of us if we will reach out to Him.
December 29, 2023
Another heartwarming, touching, and thought-provoking collection of fiction from the Mosaic Collection authors!
November 9, 2025
Dancing in the Rain has five short stand-alone stores that are full of emotion and heart. Bertin’s story is about Myra Hardy who was in A Whisper of Peace: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology IV. Meyer continues her story on Josie who has been in other Anthologies. Davison’s story is part of The Rose Tattoo Trilogy. They each have topics of forgiving yourself and others. I’m looking forward to more of the Mosaic Collections in the future.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
October 17, 2023
What a beautiful set of stories about the goodness of God!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews