When Swans Dance

The Love Birds #2

by Katie Eagan Schenck

A new business. The wedding of the year. But when a health scare jeopardizes their plans, can Steven and Rose learn to dance or will this be their swan song?

Fresh off the closing of his late mother's estate, Steven is ready to start the next chapter of his life—marrying Rose. Though he struggles to find that ever elusive work/life balance, he's optimistic about the future of his new law practice.

One double shift too many makes Rose an unhappy nurse, but all that overtime will not only help fund her upcoming nuptials, it might earn her the coveted head nurse position as well.

But when Steven suffers a health emergency, suddenly all of their plans—and finances—are thrown into a tailspin. Postponing the wedding makes the most sense, but Steven won't hear of it. Rose fears if he doesn't slow down, he'll make her a widow before she ever becomes a wife. As questions arise over whether they'll ever take that walk down the aisle, can a pair of swans help them find their way back to each other?

When Swans Dance continues the emotional saga of The Love Birds women’s romantic fiction series. If you like spunky heroines, tenacious heroes, and stories of rekindled love then you’ll adore Katie Eagan Schenck’s bittersweet tale.

Buy When Swans Dance to learn the steps today!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2024

About the author

Katie Eagan Schenck, writes sweet romance and women's fiction that warms the heart and gives all the feels. When she's not writing fiction, she's either working on regulations for the federal government or binging Hallmark movies. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter, and their three cats.

Reviews

[Mary Tilghman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will this couple make it to the altar? All the signs say no. Even though Rose, an ambitious, caring nurse, and Steven, an overworked attorney (is there any other kind?), express undying love for one another, one thing after another seem to make their nuptials unlikely.

Katie Eagan Schenck’s WHEN SWANS DANCE is more women’s fiction than romance, since these two lovebirds think they have already found their happily-ever-after. But the romance feels are all there. Get out your hankie and be prepared to sigh, cheer, and get good and mad.

I felt Rose’s pain when Steven ignored her pleas to slow down and pay attention to her. He’s consumed by work, a particularly vexing client, and worries about paying his bills while his sainted fiancee manages to juggle work, wedding planning and his health issues.

I loved the will-they-won’t-they premise of this pre-wedding novel. The characters are well drawn. While I hoped I knew what was coming from the beginning, there was no guarantee. The author tosses in plot twists here and there to keep readers turning the pages.

Get out your pom-poms to cheer this bride to her wedding day. It’s a tough battle with a stubborn groom like Steven. She’s going to need all the support she can get.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to continue the Love Bird series but somehow managed to read this book last after I received and finished When Doves Lament.

Rose and Steven were planning their wedding at the same time Steven had been working at getting his Law Practice up and running. So much seemed to have happened in the last year with Stevens mom getting sick then passing away, as well Lanie coming home to help with their mothers estate and Rose being constantly worried about him and his long hours at work. Eventually, things become too much and Steven has a medical event that leads to an accident.

Will the wedding still be a go or will they need to cancel? As I was reading the story I was getting tired of Rose and her constant nagging or at least it felt like it to me. The author could have incorporated more of a story line without the same things constantly being rewritten.

If I had read this book in the proper order I not likely would have read the last book. After reading this series I came to the conclusion that although I finished the series I felt maybe it was just too much.

[Robin Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose and Steven are met with some obstacles as they make their way towards husband and wife. Steven is a workaholic who needs to learn some balance. They are both great characters with lots to read about. A sweet and fun book.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am putting this book aside at approximately half the way through. The characters are annoying me too much to continue at this point. Hopefully I will pick it up again later.

They are supposed to be in love, but are more concerned about the wedding than about the marriage. I might be too old fashioned, but the wedding does not have to cost a fortune and put couples to a financial breaking point.

Health and sustaining love are more important than creating an event that is not affordable.

I read book one and was introduced to the main two characters of this book. I liked them more in the first book. If I had not read book 1, I don't think I would have even gotten to half the way through book 2.

The plot is written well, it is obviously just not written for me. I am sure other readers will enjoy it that are not sensitive to the financial issues in the plot.

I am marking the book read and 3 stars at this point, just to clear it from my to be read list.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of overcoming trials, learning and setting boundaries, giving as well as receiving, and the strength and fortitude of true love. Steven and Rose grew and developed all of those things throughout this book. I loved the example of the swans dancing. What a beautiful analogy.. It is definitely a touching and realistic look at life. We never know what obstacles we will face and the strength we need to overcome the things thrown in our path. I appreciate that this book is a clean and wholesome romance.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story!
It is a clean romance depicting a couple grappling with the possibility of permanent disability after a medical incident.
It is realistically written with well rounded characters that draws you into the book.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of StoryOrigin and this is my voluntary review.

[Jon Kaczka · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Swans Dance by Katie Eagan Schenck is the heartwarming sequel to When Cardinals Appear. In When Swans Dance, we return to the charming town of Cedar Haven and its beloved inhabitants. While Lanie's love story was the focus of the first book, the sequel shifts its spotlight to her brother Steven and his fiancée Rose as they navigate wedding planning and life's challenges.

With her cast of compelling characters, Schenck weaves an uplifting tale brimming with hope. Settings like a rehab center, which might seem bleak in another writer's hands, are transformed into warm, inviting spaces filled with delightful people thanks to Schenck's skillful storytelling. Readers will find themselves rooting for Rose and Steven, whose relationship makes this novel a truly feel-good story.

As an added bonus, the book offers intriguing tidbits about rural healthcare, subtly woven into the narrative.

If you're looking for a charming love story set in a cozy town, I highly recommend When Swans Dance. I can’t wait to read the next book in the trilogy, When Doves Lament.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really fell in love with this story. Steven and Rose are almost husband and wife but life has a curve ball. This was so well written, I could feel all the feels with these two. This was an amazing story.

[Eliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expected more grovel from both parts.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, well written story of romance. Can Katie’s marriage be saved. Life is busy and time has to be made for each other. How will things turn out for them. Couldn’t put it down.

[Katie]

"Steven and Rose are looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together. But when a medical crisis overturns all their plans, will their love be strong enough to carry them through? This romance explores the true meaning of love and commitment in a way that is heartwarming, thought-provoking, and unforgettable."
—Irene S., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing