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Circle Dance
The beautiful Parsenis sisters led charmed lives – or so they thought. Born into a prosperous Greek American family, sisters Nicole and Theodora have achieved the perfect balance between the old world rich in Greek tradition and the freedom of life in America. But when Theodora marries a rich and handsome man from outside the Greek community, events are set in motion that threaten to disrupt the enchanted “circle” of the sisters’ lives.
Headstrong and independent, Nicole plunges into life head-first. Her talent and astute business acumen make her the perfect heir to her father’s empire, but his old world attitudes prevent him from giving the top spot to a woman. Nicole’s world spins out of control when she falls for a married senator who shares her heritage and her dreams.
As the dramatic plot unfolds, the two young women must confront deceit and betrayal and the consequences of their personal choices – while they struggle to preserve the values they cherish.
Set in Baltimore, Annapolis and the tiny island of Ikaria, Greece, Circle Dance gives the reader a view into the lives of a dynamic family that has successfully achieved the American dream without abandoning the customs and traditions handed down through their Greek heritage. Artfully intertwined plots bring generations together in a dance of rejoicing and mourning, loss and healing that will keep readers enthralled until the last frame.
Headstrong and independent, Nicole plunges into life head-first. Her talent and astute business acumen make her the perfect heir to her father’s empire, but his old world attitudes prevent him from giving the top spot to a woman. Nicole’s world spins out of control when she falls for a married senator who shares her heritage and her dreams.
As the dramatic plot unfolds, the two young women must confront deceit and betrayal and the consequences of their personal choices – while they struggle to preserve the values they cherish.
Set in Baltimore, Annapolis and the tiny island of Ikaria, Greece, Circle Dance gives the reader a view into the lives of a dynamic family that has successfully achieved the American dream without abandoning the customs and traditions handed down through their Greek heritage. Artfully intertwined plots bring generations together in a dance of rejoicing and mourning, loss and healing that will keep readers enthralled until the last frame.
- GenresFiction
260 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2004
91 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Constantine
4 books108 followersLynne Constantine is a coffee-drinking, Instagram-addicted fiction author always working on her next book. She is the international bestselling co-author of THE LAST MRS. PARRISH and THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU, and THE WIFE STALKER written under the pen name Liv Constantine. She also writes under the pen name L.C. Shaw. THE NETWORK came out in Dec 2019 and her next in the series THE SILENT CONSPIRACY will be published on Sep 15, 2020.
Visit Lynne at www.livconstantine.com or
www.lcshawauthor.com
Visit Lynne at www.livconstantine.com or
www.lcshawauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 27, 2012
Sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine must be very close, almost thinking as one. In Circle Dance, they have created a seamless classic which takes you on a dynastic journey from the humble islands of Greece to the American Dream of New England. Their story bridges the culture gap from one European country to one corner of the States, but its appeal is universal. America is a cosmopolitan glue pot of cultures from all over Europe and more. The whole country is struggling with the change from historic values. Circle Dance shows this beautifully with a gripping tale of divided loyalties. Lynne does this with humour, “She wondered if men told unattractive women not to worry their ugly little heads,” and emotion, “Broken trust, like fine porcelain when it is repaired, retains forever a hairline crack.” She also takes us on a journey from raw desire, “No, her head screamed, but she heard her voice say yes,” through to genuine and lasting love, “He was so much a part of her she didn’t know where he finished and she began.” It’s a cracking read. Would thoroughly recommend to people of all ages.
January 8, 2014
First I will say that it was a good book. I liked the sisters and the family dynamic. Coming from a close family, I appreciate the Aunts and Uncles being thrown into a family type business. The romances and marriages in here were good too. I just dare to say it was too Greek. The references to Greece and the Isle they were youths in, was over done. I guess if you are Greek or have been there then this wouldnt be an issue. There was one fact that stuck was the converting to being Greek Orthodox. I mean you are getting married to someone who works for you Dad and is not a Greek and he converts so easily. It was glossed over. It seemed like the family was so tight and yet they welcomed an outsider. The sisters being so close never discussed intimate details and that bothered me.
January 23, 2014
This is a book that will leave you thinking about the characters long after you are finished. Sisters Nicole and Theodora share a wonderful bond that help each navigate the difficult personal paths set before them. Vivid, well fleshed out characters made me love this family and I hated for the story to end. The love and loyalty of this close-knit family made me wish they were my own. Pick this up if you want something that will draw you in from the first page and leave you wanting more at the end.
March 26, 2018
Very Good Read
this is the third book I’ve read by these sister authors and I am anxiously awaiting their fourth. Very good books!
this is the third book I’ve read by these sister authors and I am anxiously awaiting their fourth. Very good books!
February 18, 2013
The best part about reading Circle Dance isn't the suspense, though it is gripping, intriguing, and very well crafted. The best aspect of reading this novel isn't even knowing that something will happen, that something is going on in the background and still not being able to put your finger on it. The best part of Circle Dance isn't the familiarity, the relatability, the lovely portraits of people, landscapes, cultures, intimate moments, memories, etc. No, the true connection with this book is born of its ability to touch such a wealth of sentiments, feelings, customs, life experiences...in short, its ability to be so human, to speak to the humanity within each of us. It is tranquil, energetic, enraged, lazy, in love, blind, pensive, open, mysterious--it is a story of life through the eyes of characters we all know in our everyday dealings, in our families, in ourselves.
November 30, 2012
I really loved reading Circle Dance. Being of greek descent I could relate to so much of this story. The closeness of the family and the sisters in particular brings warmth to the heart. Reading about traditions that I also grew up with brought back many special memories. I'm looking forward to reading it again this summer when I am at my local beach and I can look at the sea and imagine I am on the island of Ikaria!
June 18, 2016
A wonderful summer read! Very well written as it draws you in slowly and then you blink and are in a drama full of suspense and intrigue. Also embedded in the story are Greek family culture and tradition told with so much love that it gives you goose bumps. I loved reading about Greek heritage and it really brought out the characters personalities and why they made the decisions they made. Lots of twists in the plot and I particularly liked the ending. A good read.
November 26, 2012
Great read about a wonderful, close family. I enjoyed the intrigue associated with the business sub-plot and it was obvious that the authors did their medical and business research. I loved the family and the strong values they had. It is refreshing to read a book with such old fashioned values and close family ties. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good read.
November 15, 2020
This is one of the books that leaves a long lasting warm feeling in your heart. I absolutely loved the Parsenis family. They had problems, heartbreaks and dilemmas just like most of us but what I loved the most was the love and respect they had for one another. They stick together no matter what! Beautiful story beautifully written.
December 21, 2012
A good read about a Greek family's trials and tribulations of relationships, family ties and traditions. A quick read that will have you smiling to yourself at times and shaking you head at other times.
December 19, 2025
Circle Dance is a beautifully layered family saga that explores love, ambition, and the enduring pull of cultural tradition. Lynne and Valerie Constantine bring the Parsenis sisters to life with warmth and complexity, capturing the delicate balance between honoring Greek heritage and embracing the freedoms of modern American life. Nicole and Theodora’s journeys are emotionally engaging, shaped by personal choices that ripple through family, love, and identity.
What makes this novel especially memorable is its sense of place and generational depth. From Baltimore and Annapolis to the evocative island of Ikaria, Greece, the settings enrich the story and reflect the characters’ inner conflicts. The authors skillfully weave themes of betrayal, loyalty, ambition, and healing into a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive. This is a thoughtful and absorbing novel that will resonate with readers who love character driven stories rooted in family and culture.
What makes this novel especially memorable is its sense of place and generational depth. From Baltimore and Annapolis to the evocative island of Ikaria, Greece, the settings enrich the story and reflect the characters’ inner conflicts. The authors skillfully weave themes of betrayal, loyalty, ambition, and healing into a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive. This is a thoughtful and absorbing novel that will resonate with readers who love character driven stories rooted in family and culture.
April 8, 2023
Theodora and Nicole are close sisters in a Greek family who experience love, betrayal, deceit and are uplifted by their family. Their parents marriage is an example of to what the sisters aspire. The road is paved with a cheating husband, as well as a married lover and sexism.
Circle Dance by Liv Constantine (two sisters of Greek extraction) in many ways, mirrored my family dynamic. I enjoyed the references to the food, the family members, as well as the smattering of Greek words and expression.
Circle Dance by Liv Constantine (two sisters of Greek extraction) in many ways, mirrored my family dynamic. I enjoyed the references to the food, the family members, as well as the smattering of Greek words and expression.
April 7, 2020
I enjoy book clubs because they introduce me to new authors. I didn’t connect with any of the characters as I thought they were poorly written. For instance the mother-in-law, Caroline, was very one dimensional. She was a miserable alcoholic with no life outside her son. Then in one chapter she does a 180 degree turn around in an unlikely time in her life. The plot dragged and by the end of the book I just wanted it to be over.
January 1, 2020
Two sisters, two different personalities. A wonderful story of a tightly-knitted Greek family, overflowing with rich traditions.
A story of love, betrayal - laughs and tears.
I highly recommend this book.
A story of love, betrayal - laughs and tears.
I highly recommend this book.
Read
November 18, 2023DNF I wanted another Liv Constantine mystery. This was rhetorical authors’ first published book, when each sister used her own name. I gave up when the story was clearly family saga. Maybe it’s a decent book but it wasn’t want I wanted to to read.
June 8, 2020
Lovedddddd!!!
I wish there was more. Amazing book. If your greek like me you will loveee it even more. Yasou mou!!
I wish there was more. Amazing book. If your greek like me you will loveee it even more. Yasou mou!!
February 23, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It wasn't quite as riveting as some of their other books, but it was a good read.
December 12, 2025
WOW
What a good book. I have read about 6 of the books by this author. Looking for the next one.
What a good book. I have read about 6 of the books by this author. Looking for the next one.
February 5, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book because it was a relaxing read in such a stressful time. It was a story about living a very ethnic life in America. I related to many of the characters and I particularly loved Yiayia, who reminded me so much of my late mother-in-law. Her wisdom was insightful and her comparison of life to the Greek circle dance was divine! That said, I did feel that some of the characters and actions were a bit 2-dimensional and left something to be desired. Everything ended up all wrapped up in a neat little box with a bow, but I felt like it needed a little more “fluff”.
February 2, 2014
When there is no one there to pick you up, ideally your family should be the one who lifts you up and dusts you off. If you are lucky to have a great family, than reading this book will make you appreciate everything about them. If you don't than this is one of those stories that show you how the love and support of a great family can get you through any obstacle life throws at you. Even though the story is centered around a Greek family, the traditions and values are interchangeable.
Not only was this a beautifully written story but it grabs you from the first chapter and unless someone prys it out of your hands, you don't want to stop reading. From the first page, you get hooked into and become part of the family. Such wonderful storytellers these ladies are, they created characters and storylines that had such depth that you lose yourself in the book. Each character I guarantee you know or you probably see in yourself. The story was so compelling, engaging and intricately woven together that it satisfied all expectations a reader would have in a great book.
Here is a little bit about some of the characters to get you started:
Nick Parsenis - He is the husband of Eleni and the father to Nicole, Theo and Paul. He works hard and runs his own family business. He is what you would want your father to be. He's a committed husband and father who loves his family and is always there when you need him. He has in some thinking a bit of an old school mentality that has made him think narrowly at times but circumstances arise where those walls are broken down. Unfortunately, his thinking caused him to have blinders on that could've cost him his company and its' reputation.
Eleni Parsenis - She is the devoted wife to Nick. She stayed and home and raised her children. She is the type of mother who is devoted to their well-being instilling core values and family tradition.
Theo - She is one of the daughters of Eleni and Nick. She is young, beautiful and smart. She has been working for the campaign of a senator whose has some secrets that potentially can ruin his family and hers. She married the man of her dreams that turns out to be the man of anyone's nightmares. She is taken on an emotional roller coaster that lands her trying to unspin tangled webs of deceit.
Stewart - He is the husband of Theo. He on the surface is smart, ambitious and has promise in her father's company to move up. In reality, he is not what he seems. He has been keeping some secrets that potentially can damage his relationship and her father's company.
Nicole - She is one of the daughters of Eleni and Nick. She is independent and ambitious. She sort of breaks the tradition in some many ways. Looking for love in all the wrong places, finds her heart and her head in conflict. While volunteer for her sister's job, she encounters what she thinks is Mr. Right and ends up going down a road that challenges everything she ever believed in. While working for her father's company, she discovers information that exposes the wrongdoing of someone close to the family that has dire consequences.
That was a little to get you started. This story has all the goodies: drama, deceit, love, loss, tragedy. I'm telling you that this is one if you love a great story, add to your reading list. Once you start reading, I promise you will not stop. It will all come full circle in the end. Since this book was rich in tradition, I leave you with one word to celebrate this awesome book: OPA!
Not only was this a beautifully written story but it grabs you from the first chapter and unless someone prys it out of your hands, you don't want to stop reading. From the first page, you get hooked into and become part of the family. Such wonderful storytellers these ladies are, they created characters and storylines that had such depth that you lose yourself in the book. Each character I guarantee you know or you probably see in yourself. The story was so compelling, engaging and intricately woven together that it satisfied all expectations a reader would have in a great book.
Here is a little bit about some of the characters to get you started:
Nick Parsenis - He is the husband of Eleni and the father to Nicole, Theo and Paul. He works hard and runs his own family business. He is what you would want your father to be. He's a committed husband and father who loves his family and is always there when you need him. He has in some thinking a bit of an old school mentality that has made him think narrowly at times but circumstances arise where those walls are broken down. Unfortunately, his thinking caused him to have blinders on that could've cost him his company and its' reputation.
Eleni Parsenis - She is the devoted wife to Nick. She stayed and home and raised her children. She is the type of mother who is devoted to their well-being instilling core values and family tradition.
Theo - She is one of the daughters of Eleni and Nick. She is young, beautiful and smart. She has been working for the campaign of a senator whose has some secrets that potentially can ruin his family and hers. She married the man of her dreams that turns out to be the man of anyone's nightmares. She is taken on an emotional roller coaster that lands her trying to unspin tangled webs of deceit.
Stewart - He is the husband of Theo. He on the surface is smart, ambitious and has promise in her father's company to move up. In reality, he is not what he seems. He has been keeping some secrets that potentially can damage his relationship and her father's company.
Nicole - She is one of the daughters of Eleni and Nick. She is independent and ambitious. She sort of breaks the tradition in some many ways. Looking for love in all the wrong places, finds her heart and her head in conflict. While volunteer for her sister's job, she encounters what she thinks is Mr. Right and ends up going down a road that challenges everything she ever believed in. While working for her father's company, she discovers information that exposes the wrongdoing of someone close to the family that has dire consequences.
That was a little to get you started. This story has all the goodies: drama, deceit, love, loss, tragedy. I'm telling you that this is one if you love a great story, add to your reading list. Once you start reading, I promise you will not stop. It will all come full circle in the end. Since this book was rich in tradition, I leave you with one word to celebrate this awesome book: OPA!
July 15, 2016
Two sisters raised in prosperous Greek American families. One sister marries a man outside of the faith, one falls in love with a married man who shares her faith and heritage. She can't seem to have the same feelings for a Greek man the family loves and wishes she would marry. He is always there for her though..... She can't figure out why her Father is stepping over her experience and knowledge of the business and her work in the family business to put someone else ahead of her as head of his company. Every time she says something negative about him, her Father defends him, he doesn't investigate. As things progress, she finds out that there is much going wrong in the business and she starts to investigate on her own, her Father can't tell her anything he's had a heart attack. I can't say anything more it will sour the story for you. I lived 13 years of my life with a Greek man and did a lot with his family.
The circle dance done at many festivals and weddings I am so familiar with as well as the little words thrown in here and there of the Greek language. I really enjoyed thinking back on that time of my life as I read about the circles in the lives of these Greek sisters. I really liked that there was a good mystery going on, suspense in the story line an not just another romance novel.
I loved the book and it was a fast read. It was sent to me, I believe I won it through Good Reads, in exchange for an honest review. I like the cover and I liked the story line. I've been lagging on sitting down and writing this review my apologies to the author. I was away with my Grandmother when I finished it and didn't get to sit right down and write the review then. I can't remember when I finished it, I believe two or three weeks ago. I usually try to write them soon after reading.
Description as shown here on Good Reads: The beautiful Parsenis sisters led charmed lives – or so they thought. Born into a prosperous Greek American family, sisters Nicole and Theodora have achieved the perfect balance between the old world rich in Greek tradition and the freedom of life in America. But when Theodora marries a rich and handsome man from outside the Greek community, events are set in motion that threaten to disrupt the enchanted “circle” of the sisters’ lives.
Headstrong and independent, Nicole plunges into life head-first. Her talent and astute business acumen make her the perfect heir to her father’s empire, but his old world attitudes prevent him from giving the top spot to a woman. Nicole’s world spins out of control when she falls for a married senator who shares her heritage and her dreams.
As the dramatic plot unfolds, the two young women must confront deceit and betrayal and the consequences of their personal choices – while they struggle to preserve the values they cherish.
Set in Baltimore, Annapolis and the tiny island of Ikaria, Greece, Circle Dance gives the reader a view into the lives of a dynamic family that has successfully achieved the American dream without abandoning the customs and traditions handed down through their Greek heritage. Artfully intertwined plots bring generations together in a dance of rejoicing and mourning, loss and healing that will keep readers enthralled until the last frame.
The circle dance done at many festivals and weddings I am so familiar with as well as the little words thrown in here and there of the Greek language. I really enjoyed thinking back on that time of my life as I read about the circles in the lives of these Greek sisters. I really liked that there was a good mystery going on, suspense in the story line an not just another romance novel.
I loved the book and it was a fast read. It was sent to me, I believe I won it through Good Reads, in exchange for an honest review. I like the cover and I liked the story line. I've been lagging on sitting down and writing this review my apologies to the author. I was away with my Grandmother when I finished it and didn't get to sit right down and write the review then. I can't remember when I finished it, I believe two or three weeks ago. I usually try to write them soon after reading.
Description as shown here on Good Reads: The beautiful Parsenis sisters led charmed lives – or so they thought. Born into a prosperous Greek American family, sisters Nicole and Theodora have achieved the perfect balance between the old world rich in Greek tradition and the freedom of life in America. But when Theodora marries a rich and handsome man from outside the Greek community, events are set in motion that threaten to disrupt the enchanted “circle” of the sisters’ lives.
Headstrong and independent, Nicole plunges into life head-first. Her talent and astute business acumen make her the perfect heir to her father’s empire, but his old world attitudes prevent him from giving the top spot to a woman. Nicole’s world spins out of control when she falls for a married senator who shares her heritage and her dreams.
As the dramatic plot unfolds, the two young women must confront deceit and betrayal and the consequences of their personal choices – while they struggle to preserve the values they cherish.
Set in Baltimore, Annapolis and the tiny island of Ikaria, Greece, Circle Dance gives the reader a view into the lives of a dynamic family that has successfully achieved the American dream without abandoning the customs and traditions handed down through their Greek heritage. Artfully intertwined plots bring generations together in a dance of rejoicing and mourning, loss and healing that will keep readers enthralled until the last frame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
Nicoletta “Nicole” Sophia Parsenis (Greek sister, Parsenis Contracting), & Theodora ”Theo” Parsenis (Greek sister, U of NC) were from the aristocrat & wealthy.
Later Stewart Elliott (U of California; MBA, Gilman U), & Theo got engaged at Christmas.
Nicole was hired as VP Marketing. Her boss is McKenzie Winters (60+).
Senator Demetrios donates time & money to The Special Olympics.
Michael (Nicole’s BF, lawyer) is his mgr. for the Manor Hills condominium construction project.
Theo had been taken to the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.
Nick Parsenis, Eleni Parsenis, & Stewart Elliott (Theo’s husband) all arrived.
Dr. Silvers, had some bad news for Eleni.
Dr. Logan said Brian Miller (patient), has missed a bunch of his appointment.
What is S.E. Supply Company all about?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Later Stewart Elliott (U of California; MBA, Gilman U), & Theo got engaged at Christmas.
Nicole was hired as VP Marketing. Her boss is McKenzie Winters (60+).
Senator Demetrios donates time & money to The Special Olympics.
Michael (Nicole’s BF, lawyer) is his mgr. for the Manor Hills condominium construction project.
Theo had been taken to the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.
Nick Parsenis, Eleni Parsenis, & Stewart Elliott (Theo’s husband) all arrived.
Dr. Silvers, had some bad news for Eleni.
Dr. Logan said Brian Miller (patient), has missed a bunch of his appointment.
What is S.E. Supply Company all about?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
March 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The key for me is getting a good "visual" on what I am reading. In Circle Dance, the character development and story line are solidly crafted and believable. You can see and know the characters, flaws and all. The plot(s) with twists was engaging and fun to follow. The wonderful, large and supportive Greek family, with the history and strong traditions, were so well portrayed that I was inspired to look up more information about Ikaria. I hope that Nicole and Theodora will find some new intrigue and return in print soon. They, like the authors, are a great team.
April 11, 2014
A taste of a Greek family legacy with love, life's lessons, and betrayal.
This story had a rather slow start but it becomes worth the effort to persevere. The family dynamics, the lessons passed from the first immigrants to present day family members, are well presented and teach valuable concepts that are needed to find happiness today. The peek into a Greek family is interesting and shows how support and love were given. Innocence, love, and their loss adds to the growing suspense and mystery. A good read.
This story had a rather slow start but it becomes worth the effort to persevere. The family dynamics, the lessons passed from the first immigrants to present day family members, are well presented and teach valuable concepts that are needed to find happiness today. The peek into a Greek family is interesting and shows how support and love were given. Innocence, love, and their loss adds to the growing suspense and mystery. A good read.
December 27, 2012
This is a real page turner with compelling characters and intriguing plot lines. I loved this family and cheered and mourned for them. Sisters Nicole and Theodora depend on each other for emotional support as they both struggle to find the strength to overcome circumstances that threaten to destroy their happiness and that of those closest to them. The love and closeness of this larger than life family left me wanting to know more. I hated to see it end. Wonderful book that I highly recommend.
January 18, 2014
Being Orthodox, I could relate well to the story and I understood the characters and what motivated them. I wasn't expecting the storyline with Stewart and while predictable and somewhat distracting to the story of family, I still enjoyed the book a lot.
January 4, 2015
The book was good; however, it I did not think it was as good as most of the reviews. I loved the family dynamics, the sister’s relationships and their extended families. But I felt that most of the plot was just mediocre.
May 29, 2007
These authors should be ashamed. Not only is this book trite and contrived but it glorifies extramarital affairs to the point of exhaustion. I hope these authors never put pen to paper again.
November 25, 2012
Having grown up in this era, I was personally able to understand, appreciate & relate to many aspects of the story. I found it extremely interesting, suspenseful, & well-written.
January 2, 2013
I really enjoyed the book, sent me back to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" the characters were vivid and the Greek culture was put into words beautifully.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews