Another Dance

by Angela Youngers

One year after the loss of her husband, Jason, Annie Obless struggles with grief while raising her two young children. Her therapist insists that her healing is being halted by her inability to open up and share details of Jason’s death. Longing to move forward, but disinterested in a traditional support group, she enrolls in a ballroom dance class, seeking an escape from the constant flashbacks of her former life and the still-present flood of guilt.

At the first night of Ballroom Basics, Annie meets Milo Warner, the handsome, enigmatic instructor who is eager to have a dance partner to help lead the class. As she attempts to master a variety of dance steps and juggle her responsibilities as a mother, Annie reluctantly begins to explore friendship and flirtation after Milo reveals his own experience with love and loss.

In spite of her therapists’ warnings about starting a new relationship, a potential romance and the possibility of moving on drives Annie to seek solace in Milo as their connection deepens and intensifies. Can her time with Milo help her come to terms with who she is and who she needs to be for her children, or will Annie find herself opening up to more than she had planned?

328 pages, Hardcover

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Angela Youngers is a high school English and speech teacher in the Des Moines metro where she lives with her husband Jeremy and her two children, Tobias and Aubriana. She has her Bachelors of Education degree in Theatre and Communication Education from the University of Northern Iowa, an English endorsement, and her Masters in Education from Viterbo University. Angela has enjoyed having an audience, whether willing or captive, since singing in her father’s band at the age of five, performing in her first theatrical play as a freshman in high school, and teaching in the public school system since 2008. Angela has directed numerous plays; coached several events for IHSSA speech teams; written original ensembles and adapted several theatrical works for performance; encouraged and mentored students’ original writings; and worked to constantly foster a love of reading, writing, speaking, and performing in her students. She values communication, empathy, and creativity, and she believes the sharing of stories to be one of the most important human experiences.

Angela loves reading; singing and dancing in her kitchen; attending her son’s soccer games; jamming out to the car radio with her daughter; having late night tea and deep talks with her husband; sending exasperated yet comical texts and memes to her friends; and, of course, writing whenever she is not grading student work or taking care of her family.


My writing is a personal endeavor and is in no way affiliated with my school district of employment.

Reviews

[Kari Fokken]

Although the book addresses heavy topics — loss, grief, starting over — it was still a juicy summer read. Believable characters, snappy dialogue, and just enough sizzle. Can’t wait for Angie’s next book!

[Brenda Klaassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was suggested by another librarian to me. The story is full of emotions. The characters were real-world. The author surprised me with a few twists in the story. I can't wait until later this month when I have a chance to meet the author.

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Youngers’ “Another Dance” takes readers on an emotional journey where the main character, Annie Obless, must find a way to heal, rediscover herself, and navigate the complexities of love. The ballroom dance class becomes the backdrop in this novel, that explores themes of grief, resilience, and second chances.

The story opens with Annie Obless sitting in Dr. Collins’ office, reflecting on his questionable fashion choices rather than confronting her own emotional turmoil. While she easily talks about her two children, six-year-old Thatcher and four-year-old Penelope, and their strides in moving forward after the loss of their father, Annie remains stuck in her grief. This opening scene sets the tone for the story’s exploration of mental health, emotional avoidance, and the challenges of finding a path forward after devastating loss. The added touch of chapter titles, each named after intricate ballroom dance steps, creates a thematic and symbolic thread throughout the novel.

Youngers tackles very weighty issues of mental health, suicide, substance misuse, and drug abuse with sensitivity and nuance. Annie’s reluctance to open up in therapy reflects a realistic portrayal of emotional barriers. But the gradual unveiling of her struggles brings readers into her world and her personal journey, especially when she decides to use ballroom dancing as her catharsis.

Ballroom dance becomes a metaphor for Annie’s healing process, representing balance, rhythm, and partnership. The dance class scenes between her and Milo are described in vivid detail and bring energy into the narrative. This serves as a stark contrast to Annie’s initial emotional turmoil and stagnation. Readers witness Annie’s gradual growth, which is believable, and it makes her struggles and triumphs deeply relatable.

Milo Warner is an enigmatic dance instructor, who brings a blend of charisma and vulnerability. He becomes a guide and a mirror for Annie’s journey. The portrayal of Annie’s children and how they cope with the loss of their father, adds emotional stakes that ground the story in the realities of a parent trying to parent through grief.

The novel’s structure flows smoothly, balancing inner reflection with lighter, more hopeful interludes. The chapter titles, tied to ballroom dance steps, enrich the storytelling and provide a unique stylistic touch that fans of literary symbolism will appreciate. The topic of substance misuse and suicide could benefit from a deeper dive to add more layers to the narrative. Also, it would be nice to know more details of Milo’s backstory regarding his experience with loss. This could enhance his role as the catalyst for Annie’s growth.

Although the connection between Annie and Milo is heartfelt, some elements of their relationship follow familiar romance tropes. Introducing more tension or unexpected developments in their dynamic could elevate the story’s impact.

Nevertheless, “Another Dance” will resonate with fans of women’s fiction who appreciate character-driven narratives that tackle emotional and mental health issues. Also, fans of romance novels that emphasize personal growth alongside love stories will find much to enjoy. This book is particularly well-suited for those finding ways to deal with grief, as it provides an empathetic lens through which to explore healing.

Angela Youngers balances heavy themes with moments of joy and hope in “Another Dance,” delivering a story that is both emotionally resonant and deeply satisfying. The unique integration of ballroom dance as a metaphor for life’s rhythms and complexities makes this novel a standout in its genre. With its relatable characters and meaningful themes, “Another Dance” is sure to captivate fans of introspective women’s fiction and heartfelt romance.

[Ann Hanigan Kotz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Dance is a must read for anyone who loves romance or women's literature or a good story. Annie, the main character, finds herself in one of the lowest times of her life: she's a widow, a mother raising two kids by herself, and a woman who is questioning the death of her husband. Should she have seen his suicide coming? Her therapist recommends an outside activity, and she signs up for a dance class. Her instructor, Milo, is one hot sexy man; and Annie starts to live again.

I am not generally a romance reader, and I was delightfully surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I couldn't wait to return to the story and find out where this romance takes the main character. The novel is well written with many twists and turns. The character is well developed and realistic. The author does a nice job of exploring the themes of love, loss, and trust. The writing is smooth and adds to the enjoyment of the book.

[Alyxandram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told from Annie’s PoV, mothers everywhere can relate to the struggles with raising children and the toll they can take. It’s important to take time for yourself. I loved the build up to the romance part. The story telling was very compelling, raw, and real. Told with flashbacks to show the trauma she’s been through, it’s like you’re in her head but not in an overwhelming way. Very relatable and transferrable to other situations. I will say I’m a fan of a happily ever after and while there IS one it wasn’t quite the one I was hoping for. However, there could TOTALLY be a second book and I’d read it

[Natalie]

DNF at just past the halfway mark. I wanted to like this book, but found I was taking issue with too many aspects - how does she not have any friends (not a one)? How was she not creeped out having this relative stranger show up at her house (despite not having given him her address)? Why is there so much commentary on her body (made by herself and others)? I will say that I have a hard time being immersed in stories that center suicide and this one doesn’t let up, so that was ultimately the reason I decided to put this one down.

[Gina Sedore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me all the feels! Don't assume this is a simple romance novel based on the gorgeous cover. This book is so much more. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but do be prepared for a more complex story than your Hallmark romance offers. With subjects of depression, addiction, and the pressures of being a superwoman, this novel is beautifully written as the main character learns about forgiveness and the different types of love and purpose we all have in our lives.

[Stacy Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I was drawn in to this right away. Picking up as much as could even if it was just a chapter at time. It is the story of how unpredictable life can be and how we navigate these journeys. I found myself relating to Annie’s feelings with all the ups and downs. I also loved how it ended! ❤️❤️

[Michelle Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical romance but soooo much more.