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The Prodigal Ones #2
The One Who Danced Away
MAX
He wants to correct the past by doing for her what he was unable to do for his sister.
When Jenna Marquez dances her way back to Max Owens' life, her presence triggers memories of his secret past. Pressured by his new position as youth pastor of their church, Jenna's vulnerability as she deals with her father's sickness awakens in him a protectiveness for her that he had only ever felt for one other person in his life. Will his care and conviction draw her to him or push her away?
JENNA
She wants nothing to do with religion, but this pastor makes her want to believe in True Love.
After Max discovers her passed out in somebody else's front lawn, he awakens a yearning in her to believe that love may not be safe, but if it exists, it is worth pursuing. He coaxes her to return to her childhood home to look after her father, and somehow, makes her want love even if she can't see herself falling for him. Will she remain blind to their chemistry or will she free fall -- like she does with her aerial hoops -- and find herself caught by the arms of Love?
He wants to correct the past by doing for her what he was unable to do for his sister.
When Jenna Marquez dances her way back to Max Owens' life, her presence triggers memories of his secret past. Pressured by his new position as youth pastor of their church, Jenna's vulnerability as she deals with her father's sickness awakens in him a protectiveness for her that he had only ever felt for one other person in his life. Will his care and conviction draw her to him or push her away?
JENNA
She wants nothing to do with religion, but this pastor makes her want to believe in True Love.
After Max discovers her passed out in somebody else's front lawn, he awakens a yearning in her to believe that love may not be safe, but if it exists, it is worth pursuing. He coaxes her to return to her childhood home to look after her father, and somehow, makes her want love even if she can't see herself falling for him. Will she remain blind to their chemistry or will she free fall -- like she does with her aerial hoops -- and find herself caught by the arms of Love?
Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 11, 2018
3.5
A short story that is definitely "Christian" fiction as it is centered mainly around a church group. Since it was so short I kept reading. Not exactly my cup of tea but no regrets for the time spent reading it.
Content: Clean
A short story that is definitely "Christian" fiction as it is centered mainly around a church group. Since it was so short I kept reading. Not exactly my cup of tea but no regrets for the time spent reading it.
Content: Clean
February 22, 2018
Before I begin, let me preface this review by saying how much I appreciate redeeming stories and an honest portrayal of people who grew up in the Christian faith and walked away due to outgrowing it, being stifled by the rules, seeing the hypocrisy and much like the Prodigal son's parable coming home and being welcomed back to the love that once felt overbearing.
Let's be honest here. Everyone who grew up in the Christian faith have experienced their time in the desert without God and then found themselves on their knees to pray for forgiveness. At some point, we've all been there. Yes, our circumstances differ. Our deserts look different and our times spent wandering varies from person to person.
This was such a sweet short story on that parable. Both Jenna and Max had their time in the desert. Both knew hypocrisy and pain. I appreciated and love the realness of doubts that author Joanna Alonzo paints. Did God just say that? What am I going to do? All these whys and hows remind us to be still and to discern His voice from the noise. Well done and I can't wait to read about the other stories in this collection.
***I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.***
Let's be honest here. Everyone who grew up in the Christian faith have experienced their time in the desert without God and then found themselves on their knees to pray for forgiveness. At some point, we've all been there. Yes, our circumstances differ. Our deserts look different and our times spent wandering varies from person to person.
This was such a sweet short story on that parable. Both Jenna and Max had their time in the desert. Both knew hypocrisy and pain. I appreciated and love the realness of doubts that author Joanna Alonzo paints. Did God just say that? What am I going to do? All these whys and hows remind us to be still and to discern His voice from the noise. Well done and I can't wait to read about the other stories in this collection.
***I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.***
June 17, 2020
Ms Alonzo has become a personal favorite of mine. She writes amazing young adult books that are so captivating, life-changing and inspiring.
I really enjoyed this book. I got a whiff of Jeana and Max from book 1 The One Who Rocked Away and I have been looking forward to this book 2.
Awwww...
My heart went out for Jeana. Life had tossed and turned her and she hid her pain and let go only when dancing until Max showed up. The transformation that the both of them went through leading into God's purpose was so amazing and heartwarming.
Max the young pastor. I admired how he held his head high and dived into the role God had for him with all humility and gusto. I loved how he choose to turn his pain into a ministry and help people.
The lives of Max and Jeana made one thing clear to me, God is still in the business of changing lives no matter how far or deep they've fallen.
I recommend this book to everyone especially teenagers and young adults and to those who love them.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. I got a whiff of Jeana and Max from book 1 The One Who Rocked Away and I have been looking forward to this book 2.
Awwww...
My heart went out for Jeana. Life had tossed and turned her and she hid her pain and let go only when dancing until Max showed up. The transformation that the both of them went through leading into God's purpose was so amazing and heartwarming.
Max the young pastor. I admired how he held his head high and dived into the role God had for him with all humility and gusto. I loved how he choose to turn his pain into a ministry and help people.
The lives of Max and Jeana made one thing clear to me, God is still in the business of changing lives no matter how far or deep they've fallen.
I recommend this book to everyone especially teenagers and young adults and to those who love them.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
March 6, 2018
Crazy Jenna was a wonderful story. Easy to read, pleasant and enjoyable. I liked the honesty. Since I was raised in the church, I can relate and understand the hypocrisy of the church, and why many of the kids walked away from Christianity, as they saw it only as a religion, not a relationship. It's a true story, I have friends that this has happened to. In fact, both of my brothers' stories are similar to this.
Joanna is a really talented writer. The writing was beautiful and well done. The plot was good, the only thing I would say is that it seemed a bit rushed in parts. I wished Ms. Alonzo would have expounded on some parts and ideas. But overall, this is a beautiful story, coming from a beautiful heart, obviously. I will be buying Joanna's other books for sure, I can't wait to see what else she has to offer! Well done, well done indeed!
Joanna is a really talented writer. The writing was beautiful and well done. The plot was good, the only thing I would say is that it seemed a bit rushed in parts. I wished Ms. Alonzo would have expounded on some parts and ideas. But overall, this is a beautiful story, coming from a beautiful heart, obviously. I will be buying Joanna's other books for sure, I can't wait to see what else she has to offer! Well done, well done indeed!
March 7, 2018
I had no idea what to expect with this book, but after reading Calysta and the Beast I was super excited to start. . .
And Crazy Jenna did not disappoint! It was so beautiful. I loved the characters, and they felt so real, like I could've met them along the way. I like how the problems and questions they deal with are everyday issues, especially dealing with the church and Christianity itself. But yet still finding redemption in Christ and a true testament to what happens when we put God back into focus in our lives and churches.
It was also beautifully written. I've fallen in love with her books and I need more lol
And Crazy Jenna did not disappoint! It was so beautiful. I loved the characters, and they felt so real, like I could've met them along the way. I like how the problems and questions they deal with are everyday issues, especially dealing with the church and Christianity itself. But yet still finding redemption in Christ and a true testament to what happens when we put God back into focus in our lives and churches.
It was also beautifully written. I've fallen in love with her books and I need more lol
March 15, 2019
A quick read that was well worthwhile.
Read
March 30, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/30/2018)!💝
This is a story
About growing up in church,
And rebelling against it.
About breaking a heart,
And finding a way to mend it.
About hearing God’s voice,
And trying to obey it.
About avoiding expectation,
And learning to defy it.
This is the story of an unlikely couple,
Max and Crazy Jenna,
Who from Sunday School to adulthood,
Ventured to and from the prodigal’s path,
And ended up finding each other.
This is a story
About growing up in church,
And rebelling against it.
About breaking a heart,
And finding a way to mend it.
About hearing God’s voice,
And trying to obey it.
About avoiding expectation,
And learning to defy it.
This is the story of an unlikely couple,
Max and Crazy Jenna,
Who from Sunday School to adulthood,
Ventured to and from the prodigal’s path,
And ended up finding each other.
January 14, 2020
This book was poorly written and didn’t hold my attention. I almost didn’t finish it, but decided to only because it was so short. Don’t waste your time on it.
May 3, 2024
This is the 2nd book in the series about prodigals and romance.
Jenna's home life has been difficult. To cope, she danced - in the rain, in a costume, and as a kid, it didn't matter if she was good, only dancing helped her. Her mother drove a wedge between her and her father, which he partly deserved, but her behavior in the book is narcissistic and her presence scarce. As a college student, Jenna took outside classes in dance to get better at it. She is noticed by a man that wants to pressure her to have sex before marriage but by now, Jenna knows better. She made that mistake in high school, after prom, and her boyfriend began - as all men seem to once they get what they want before marriage - to become increasingly distant until he finally broke up with her by text at the end of theor senior year.
Max was a mostly closet troublemaker in high school. One of the offputting things for him and his friend Jeremy, younger brother to Serene Stone, was the legalistic and self-righteous Mrs. Peterson, who had been teaching younger kids in Sunday School for years - and turning them away from God at a rate that would have had most of my pastors counseling her and removing her from the teaching position if she continued alienating children. She had a daughter, and Max thought perhaps she was The One, until he started spending time with her. It turned out they were opposites and totally incompatible and on the advice of his pastor, Pastor Max had broken up with her. She was broken hearted and her mother, who had loudly condemned him for not seeking her and her husband's blessing before dating, now went after him for not marrying their daughter - who would later realize that they'd have been miserable married. Apparently, to her parents, a few dates was an engagement and a promise of marriage.
Max finds himself mediating Jenna's relationship with her dad, who has a rare form of cancer that is literally eating him alive. As he tries to bring them together and minister to them, Jenna comes to the Lord. I love the part where Jenna, distressed over her dad's surgery, finds release in dance in the rain, using the monkey bars at the chuldren's wing as props for her acrobatic dance, and Mrs. Peterson gets upset with her (like she gets upset with everyone constantly), and instead of getting angry at her, Jenna gives her a hug, gets her all wet, and tells her she may not like or understand Jenna, but "God gets me!" - as she excitedly puts it. She moves on to her father and ignores the reprovals a stunned Mrs. P tries to throw at her once she recovers from the nerve Jenna had to hug her. What a beautiful way to answer a legalistic and angry woman!
My only bafflement with the series is Mrs. P. Everything else makes sense, but through 2 books, she has driven kids from Jesus in the stories, and they have told the pastor and their parents that they want out of her class, that they are tired of her legalism and self-righteousness, that it is driving them away from the Jesus they thought they had given their hearts to, ppand by the time many of them are of an age to go to youth classes, these kids have given up on church and are either closet or overt troublemakers to the adults. The kids know who has turned from real Christianity, and yet she is still "teaching" Sunday School and modeling God as a capricious and angry God Whom they can never please. She is also easily fooled by a false return to Jesus, as she was by Nolan in the first book of the series when he playacted at worship, and she got sucked in when most of the kids knew he was faking it. Had I acted that way I would not have been permitted to teach Sunday School. To drive kids away from church is the last thing most pastors want. If there is a prodigal, she is certainly one of them and I don't know whether her husband's in agreement with her or if he's henpecked, as we used to call it.
Jenna's home life has been difficult. To cope, she danced - in the rain, in a costume, and as a kid, it didn't matter if she was good, only dancing helped her. Her mother drove a wedge between her and her father, which he partly deserved, but her behavior in the book is narcissistic and her presence scarce. As a college student, Jenna took outside classes in dance to get better at it. She is noticed by a man that wants to pressure her to have sex before marriage but by now, Jenna knows better. She made that mistake in high school, after prom, and her boyfriend began - as all men seem to once they get what they want before marriage - to become increasingly distant until he finally broke up with her by text at the end of theor senior year.
Max was a mostly closet troublemaker in high school. One of the offputting things for him and his friend Jeremy, younger brother to Serene Stone, was the legalistic and self-righteous Mrs. Peterson, who had been teaching younger kids in Sunday School for years - and turning them away from God at a rate that would have had most of my pastors counseling her and removing her from the teaching position if she continued alienating children. She had a daughter, and Max thought perhaps she was The One, until he started spending time with her. It turned out they were opposites and totally incompatible and on the advice of his pastor, Pastor Max had broken up with her. She was broken hearted and her mother, who had loudly condemned him for not seeking her and her husband's blessing before dating, now went after him for not marrying their daughter - who would later realize that they'd have been miserable married. Apparently, to her parents, a few dates was an engagement and a promise of marriage.
Max finds himself mediating Jenna's relationship with her dad, who has a rare form of cancer that is literally eating him alive. As he tries to bring them together and minister to them, Jenna comes to the Lord. I love the part where Jenna, distressed over her dad's surgery, finds release in dance in the rain, using the monkey bars at the chuldren's wing as props for her acrobatic dance, and Mrs. Peterson gets upset with her (like she gets upset with everyone constantly), and instead of getting angry at her, Jenna gives her a hug, gets her all wet, and tells her she may not like or understand Jenna, but "God gets me!" - as she excitedly puts it. She moves on to her father and ignores the reprovals a stunned Mrs. P tries to throw at her once she recovers from the nerve Jenna had to hug her. What a beautiful way to answer a legalistic and angry woman!
My only bafflement with the series is Mrs. P. Everything else makes sense, but through 2 books, she has driven kids from Jesus in the stories, and they have told the pastor and their parents that they want out of her class, that they are tired of her legalism and self-righteousness, that it is driving them away from the Jesus they thought they had given their hearts to, ppand by the time many of them are of an age to go to youth classes, these kids have given up on church and are either closet or overt troublemakers to the adults. The kids know who has turned from real Christianity, and yet she is still "teaching" Sunday School and modeling God as a capricious and angry God Whom they can never please. She is also easily fooled by a false return to Jesus, as she was by Nolan in the first book of the series when he playacted at worship, and she got sucked in when most of the kids knew he was faking it. Had I acted that way I would not have been permitted to teach Sunday School. To drive kids away from church is the last thing most pastors want. If there is a prodigal, she is certainly one of them and I don't know whether her husband's in agreement with her or if he's henpecked, as we used to call it.
January 25, 2025
Stop of forgiveness, betrayal, heartache and the best HEA!
I'm going to start with Max a kid who had a very rough childhood. When his best friend leads him to Christ at age nine they start attending church to. His best friend was the pastor's kid. The pastor's family became an extension of Max's family at a time when he really needed it. It's just Max and his mom and his mom isn't very present in his life. It will all be explained later. And trust me there is a reason his mom is like that. His family has some secrets they don't share with anyone. If I was in his shoes I'm not sure I would either. Max & his best friend cut school & love pulling pranks. When he looses his scholarship to college because of it though he has no other way to go. The pastor's wife & daughter decide they will pay Max's way through college if he can keep up his grades. Now Max's best friend, Jeremy, had started to doubt God before they went to college. It was easier to get to their party lifestyle when no one was there to make them go to church. Jeremy kept sliding further from God. Max still believed he was a Christian he was just twisting his beliefs to have fun. He had no idea Jeremy didn't want to be a Christian. One night Jeremy calls Max to tell him his mother died. That was all it took for Jeremy to hate God & Max to get his life back on track. In fact, he decides to become a pastor after the funeral. Jeremy disappears & starts trying to run from God.
Jenna is a girl they we to church with who got stuck with a nickname Max never intended anyone to hear. This name makes her not even want to go to church with her dad. Her mom usually stayed home. Her mom had a lot of baggage when it came to men. She seemed to get her own self esteem men. And then Jenny's dad had an affair a woman from church. Leaving her mom to constantly give Jenna bad advice on men that traumatized her until she was saved in her twentys. Jenny's parents divorced & she moved to another city. Jenna unfortunately gave her virginity up her senior year to a guy who texted her he was breaking up after graduation. This leaves her a mess after four years together with the guy. The only way she feels safe, loved, & confident is with a guy. Her college roommate turns out to be a girl she went to church with. She is not happy about it. Rachel the roommate is a very religious person. Jenna wants nothing to do with God. She gets into another bad relationship that lasts a year. He has violent tendencies she finds out while trying to break up with him after he cheats on her. Jenny's dad gets cancer & she spends the summer with him trying to reconnect. Max and Rachel help put on a play that she & the youth help with. Jenna draws closer to God & becomes a Christian.
Max & Jenna start to see each other as more than a brother/sister relationship. They start praying for each other & their futures. God helps them what he has planned for their lives. However, not without a few secrets revealed.
I'm going to start with Max a kid who had a very rough childhood. When his best friend leads him to Christ at age nine they start attending church to. His best friend was the pastor's kid. The pastor's family became an extension of Max's family at a time when he really needed it. It's just Max and his mom and his mom isn't very present in his life. It will all be explained later. And trust me there is a reason his mom is like that. His family has some secrets they don't share with anyone. If I was in his shoes I'm not sure I would either. Max & his best friend cut school & love pulling pranks. When he looses his scholarship to college because of it though he has no other way to go. The pastor's wife & daughter decide they will pay Max's way through college if he can keep up his grades. Now Max's best friend, Jeremy, had started to doubt God before they went to college. It was easier to get to their party lifestyle when no one was there to make them go to church. Jeremy kept sliding further from God. Max still believed he was a Christian he was just twisting his beliefs to have fun. He had no idea Jeremy didn't want to be a Christian. One night Jeremy calls Max to tell him his mother died. That was all it took for Jeremy to hate God & Max to get his life back on track. In fact, he decides to become a pastor after the funeral. Jeremy disappears & starts trying to run from God.
Jenna is a girl they we to church with who got stuck with a nickname Max never intended anyone to hear. This name makes her not even want to go to church with her dad. Her mom usually stayed home. Her mom had a lot of baggage when it came to men. She seemed to get her own self esteem men. And then Jenny's dad had an affair a woman from church. Leaving her mom to constantly give Jenna bad advice on men that traumatized her until she was saved in her twentys. Jenny's parents divorced & she moved to another city. Jenna unfortunately gave her virginity up her senior year to a guy who texted her he was breaking up after graduation. This leaves her a mess after four years together with the guy. The only way she feels safe, loved, & confident is with a guy. Her college roommate turns out to be a girl she went to church with. She is not happy about it. Rachel the roommate is a very religious person. Jenna wants nothing to do with God. She gets into another bad relationship that lasts a year. He has violent tendencies she finds out while trying to break up with him after he cheats on her. Jenny's dad gets cancer & she spends the summer with him trying to reconnect. Max and Rachel help put on a play that she & the youth help with. Jenna draws closer to God & becomes a Christian.
Max & Jenna start to see each other as more than a brother/sister relationship. They start praying for each other & their futures. God helps them what he has planned for their lives. However, not without a few secrets revealed.
March 17, 2018
Crazy Jenna had hints of awesomeness and I'm still looking forward to reading Joanna Alonzo's retelling of Beauty and the Beast (Calysta and the Beast). With that being said, however, I did have some issues with this novella.
While the plot was interesting, I think it would have worked far better as a full-length novel than as a novella because there were so many time jumps. The time jumps made me feel disconnected from the story because I couldn't experience any character development - I could only read about it.
I did think the characters were written well, and the dialogue was pretty good, so that was nice. And when I read in the author's note at the end that certain events in the novella that I thought were kind of unrealistic actually happened in real life...well, that made me smile. Overall, I'd still recommend giving Crazy Jenna a try, especially if you're a fan of sweet romance. It's a quick read and you'll probably end up enjoying it more than I did.
While the plot was interesting, I think it would have worked far better as a full-length novel than as a novella because there were so many time jumps. The time jumps made me feel disconnected from the story because I couldn't experience any character development - I could only read about it.
I did think the characters were written well, and the dialogue was pretty good, so that was nice. And when I read in the author's note at the end that certain events in the novella that I thought were kind of unrealistic actually happened in real life...well, that made me smile. Overall, I'd still recommend giving Crazy Jenna a try, especially if you're a fan of sweet romance. It's a quick read and you'll probably end up enjoying it more than I did.
May 19, 2020
The One Who Danced Away by Joanna Alonso.
This is the third book I am reading by the author,Joanna Alonso.
I love the three major characters, Max,Rachel and Jenna (Crazy Jenna). Each person made this book so interesting.
One thing that struck me while reading this book is that nobody is beyond redemption. I understood Jenna’s reaction at bad boy Max suddenly saved and becoming a campus pastor. I totally understand that! I will repeat it again,nobody is too big or small to get redeemed by God.
This book has some good dose of humour and flashbacks to years when the characters were younger.
Some scenes is this book were emotional. I could handle them because they had an element of human reality in them.
The words are easy to understand. Simple and well written.
The author has a good amount of balance between the past years and the present year of her book characters. I commend her for that.
I love how the people in the church rallied round to help each other. That’s what true Christianity is all about. Being there for the other person in trying times.
This is a good book you won’t want to miss.
Isn’t the title catchy? You really need to read to know who actually danced away!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the third book I am reading by the author,Joanna Alonso.
I love the three major characters, Max,Rachel and Jenna (Crazy Jenna). Each person made this book so interesting.
One thing that struck me while reading this book is that nobody is beyond redemption. I understood Jenna’s reaction at bad boy Max suddenly saved and becoming a campus pastor. I totally understand that! I will repeat it again,nobody is too big or small to get redeemed by God.
This book has some good dose of humour and flashbacks to years when the characters were younger.
Some scenes is this book were emotional. I could handle them because they had an element of human reality in them.
The words are easy to understand. Simple and well written.
The author has a good amount of balance between the past years and the present year of her book characters. I commend her for that.
I love how the people in the church rallied round to help each other. That’s what true Christianity is all about. Being there for the other person in trying times.
This is a good book you won’t want to miss.
Isn’t the title catchy? You really need to read to know who actually danced away!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 21, 2020
I just finished reading Ms. Alonso's newest book and I have to say it is really a great story. The characters are the same ones that were in her first book, The One That Rocked Away. That book brought us into the lives of Nolan and Serene. This book is a stand alone but it is nice if you have read the first book so you can know more about the charactersThis one takes a closer look at "Crazy Jenna",
and Max. Although we do learn more about Rachel and Max's best friend Jeremy. I thought this book was a really good example of what the youth and early 20's are like and how they treat each other. The back and forth of the chapters allows us to see what the characters were like in their younger years and how they change as they get older especially when they have to deal with difficult or exciting times in their lives. This is a true to life story showing some people of the church as well as members of society and their different reactions to how they deal with life. I really appreciate that the author doesn't try to portray that even though a person is a member of the church doesn't mean they have a love relationship with Jesus or that they are perfect even if they are Christian's.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
and Max. Although we do learn more about Rachel and Max's best friend Jeremy. I thought this book was a really good example of what the youth and early 20's are like and how they treat each other. The back and forth of the chapters allows us to see what the characters were like in their younger years and how they change as they get older especially when they have to deal with difficult or exciting times in their lives. This is a true to life story showing some people of the church as well as members of society and their different reactions to how they deal with life. I really appreciate that the author doesn't try to portray that even though a person is a member of the church doesn't mean they have a love relationship with Jesus or that they are perfect even if they are Christian's.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
July 27, 2020
i received an ARC for an honest review.
To start with, I had read Crazy Jenna before and loved it- so this extension was brilliant!
I have a HUGE crush on Max, and I when I grow up, I wanna be like Jenna!
The Characters were real and endearing, while the story itself was heartwarming and wholesome. Joanna does not fail at bringing hope and life into our struggles, highlighting the realities we face in our churches, but also bringing forth the message of grace and unconditional love. Plus... I'm pretty sure I've met Mrs.P before..... *wink* haha
I am a big fan of Joanna's work, and I was not disappointed with this read. It came at the perfect time too; with everything being so crazy during lockdown, TOWDA was the perfect read to keep me going. I also love the way Joanna speaks about art, music and dance in her work. As a musician I find it relatable, and with my husband being a dancer, he related to the way Jenna felt about dance.
And as I've said, I wanna be like Jenna. There was actually an occasion where I was out in public waiting for my lift home from work, and felt the sudden urge to just dance right there. If only i was brave like Jenna. *wiping tear*
I look forward for the next book in this series! :D
To start with, I had read Crazy Jenna before and loved it- so this extension was brilliant!
I have a HUGE crush on Max, and I when I grow up, I wanna be like Jenna!
The Characters were real and endearing, while the story itself was heartwarming and wholesome. Joanna does not fail at bringing hope and life into our struggles, highlighting the realities we face in our churches, but also bringing forth the message of grace and unconditional love. Plus... I'm pretty sure I've met Mrs.P before..... *wink* haha
I am a big fan of Joanna's work, and I was not disappointed with this read. It came at the perfect time too; with everything being so crazy during lockdown, TOWDA was the perfect read to keep me going. I also love the way Joanna speaks about art, music and dance in her work. As a musician I find it relatable, and with my husband being a dancer, he related to the way Jenna felt about dance.
And as I've said, I wanna be like Jenna. There was actually an occasion where I was out in public waiting for my lift home from work, and felt the sudden urge to just dance right there. If only i was brave like Jenna. *wiping tear*
I look forward for the next book in this series! :D
June 2, 2020
I loved this story, just as I loved book 1. (They are independent reads, but the main characters from each have small parts in the other.) This is a clean, Christian romance, but it is just as much a story of faith-building journeys and conversion. Christian community and fellowship play such an important role, too. There are many characters in the book, and I could see the potential to get a little confused. However, I think having so many named characters is essential to the messages of the book. The author reveals bits about the main characters as needed, and it is quite dynamic. I love how each chapter is titled "The One Who" fill-in-the-blank. The author also jumps around chronologically in a very intentional way, but she clearly marks this for the reader when needed (e.g., "Five Years Ago"). I received a free copy in exchange for my review, and all opinions are my own. If you enjoy faith, romance, and a story that is not just fluff, this should be a great choice for you!
May 1, 2022
The One Who Danced Away was such a sweet story! I loved Max and Jenna, and how through all of life's journey, they found God and each other. I definitely loved watching Max's heart for the youth as well as the journey to his finding his calling as a pastor. And "Crazy Jenna", ha, she was such a unique character. She was definitely refreshing and brought a new perspective to the story, but what I enjoyed the most from her character was her innocence and childlike view of life coupled with her dancing and what it meant to her. Now, I'm not sure about the dancing in the ending (though I do understand what it represented), but other than that, I think it was beautiful and wholeheartedly agreed with Max and his statement on the déjà vu moment.
Overall a Clean/Sweet Christian Fiction Romance that deals with the topics of family loss, questioning God and wandering away from Him, virginity loss, and addiction (among other things) in a beautiful, compassionate way, always pointing back to the Author of all healing and restoration. ~ 4.75 stars
Overall a Clean/Sweet Christian Fiction Romance that deals with the topics of family loss, questioning God and wandering away from Him, virginity loss, and addiction (among other things) in a beautiful, compassionate way, always pointing back to the Author of all healing and restoration. ~ 4.75 stars
October 7, 2025
I LOVE this series!
I love the imperfect church moving towards loving and forgiving people the way Christ would. I love the way the characters seek God in all things and the reminder that God is greater than the pain, shame, regret, loneliness, loss, fear, anger, hurt, etc. I love the imperfect people making mistakes and learning how to make it right and how the characters become strong on their own before they can become perfect as a couple.
I love the wonder and awe he feels towards her and how safe they feel with each other and the classier reminder that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. How we have value inherently and how we treat others matters and true Christians should love and accept everyone where they are and encourage us to be better instead of shaming or criticizing. I loved this community. I loved catching up with characters from previous books and see how everyone is progressing. Love it!
I love the imperfect church moving towards loving and forgiving people the way Christ would. I love the way the characters seek God in all things and the reminder that God is greater than the pain, shame, regret, loneliness, loss, fear, anger, hurt, etc. I love the imperfect people making mistakes and learning how to make it right and how the characters become strong on their own before they can become perfect as a couple.
I love the wonder and awe he feels towards her and how safe they feel with each other and the classier reminder that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. How we have value inherently and how we treat others matters and true Christians should love and accept everyone where they are and encourage us to be better instead of shaming or criticizing. I loved this community. I loved catching up with characters from previous books and see how everyone is progressing. Love it!
May 20, 2020
Beautiful story of a life walking with God and learning to follow His lead. I love the twists and turns in relationships in this story of how God uses everything, even our painful past, for good, to bring about the plans He has for us. In this story, you get a glimpse of God working behind the scenes while the human actors are seeking to follow God day by day. What I loved the most is the picture of dancing as a way of communing with God. I love the idea of dance as a way of praying.
A quote from chapter 19 says ‘where she couldn’t express herself with words, Jenna danced to connect to a God who, for most of her life, seemed distant unless she was in fascinated motion.’
One note, this is a book where you want to stick it out. For the first half of the book, it just seemed like a story of a group of friends and their interactions. However the second half is worth the wait. That is the part that pulled me in emotionally. Which is actually fittings as the premise of this story is the slow burn of a long friendship between the 2 main characters.
A quote from chapter 19 says ‘where she couldn’t express herself with words, Jenna danced to connect to a God who, for most of her life, seemed distant unless she was in fascinated motion.’
One note, this is a book where you want to stick it out. For the first half of the book, it just seemed like a story of a group of friends and their interactions. However the second half is worth the wait. That is the part that pulled me in emotionally. Which is actually fittings as the premise of this story is the slow burn of a long friendship between the 2 main characters.
January 29, 2024
The One Who Danced Away is the deep gritty romantic story of Max and Jenna. Alonzo has written a book with prodigals but also with people who are broken and people who break people. It’s a beautiful story of redemption; God’s eternal powerful, restoring and renewing redemption and the redemption of followers of Christ learning to focus on their life giving relationship with God and to not operate in destructive straight-laced religion.
Quotes:
““My ex brought me back to God. My desire to bring Jeremy back with me was what led me to become a pastor.” “What does that mean?” Jenna frowned. “Like your main aim was to convert him to Christianity?” “Not at all.” Max made a face. “He’s a person, not a project.””
"God gave His Son to restore and renew you. That’s our wonderful story of grace. You and I are His wonderful story of grace.”"
Quotes:
““My ex brought me back to God. My desire to bring Jeremy back with me was what led me to become a pastor.” “What does that mean?” Jenna frowned. “Like your main aim was to convert him to Christianity?” “Not at all.” Max made a face. “He’s a person, not a project.””
"God gave His Son to restore and renew you. That’s our wonderful story of grace. You and I are His wonderful story of grace.”"
May 18, 2020
Beautiful Christ-Centered Fiction
This book is the second in a series. I read this book a couple of years ago. It was good then, but the author has reworked the series into a thing of greatness. This is a Christ-centered story of love and forgiveness on both the human level and the Divine. It pushes the fact that all of our sins have been erased in the blood of the lamb and we are all, once again, innocent and pure. Several of the main characters have heartbreaking home lives and find support in families that belong to the local church. The story takes the reader on quite the emotional rollercoaster. I love what the author has done to make this series new and plan on reading all of the episodes. I received this ARC for free from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This book is the second in a series. I read this book a couple of years ago. It was good then, but the author has reworked the series into a thing of greatness. This is a Christ-centered story of love and forgiveness on both the human level and the Divine. It pushes the fact that all of our sins have been erased in the blood of the lamb and we are all, once again, innocent and pure. Several of the main characters have heartbreaking home lives and find support in families that belong to the local church. The story takes the reader on quite the emotional rollercoaster. I love what the author has done to make this series new and plan on reading all of the episodes. I received this ARC for free from the author and this is my honest opinion.
June 1, 2020
Like the first in this series, The One Who Danced Away is an inspiring journey of faith. The characters of Jenna and Max are well developed. I love that we see their flaws- turning away from God, questioning the hypocrisy of Christianity and dealing with the pain of their past. With the help the faith community and each other they come to the the understanding that when God is in charge everything will work out. Max and Jenna's love story is sweet and uplifting. I was thrilled to receive an early copy of this book for my honest opinion. I highly recommend this series and am looking forward to reading the next installment.
June 20, 2020
BLOWN AWAY!
Dear Joanna Alonzo for allowing God to give you the wisdom in writing your novels. This is my 2nd time reading your books and I JUST LOVE THEM! You have done an amazingly beautiful job with your novels. Bless God for you. I'm glad I'm not only the one who believes God is interested in who we marry and when God chooses, He NEVER makes a mistake. Your books are romantic, challenging, hold-your-breath kind, and happily ever after, but most special to me, is it's so Inspirational and CLEAN. LOVE IT! THANK YOU!
Dear Joanna Alonzo for allowing God to give you the wisdom in writing your novels. This is my 2nd time reading your books and I JUST LOVE THEM! You have done an amazingly beautiful job with your novels. Bless God for you. I'm glad I'm not only the one who believes God is interested in who we marry and when God chooses, He NEVER makes a mistake. Your books are romantic, challenging, hold-your-breath kind, and happily ever after, but most special to me, is it's so Inspirational and CLEAN. LOVE IT! THANK YOU!
August 14, 2023
Good but
I liked the theme and story. However, had to force myself to persist in reading it. Not sure why felt so hard to get through it all. Loved Jenna. Maybe it was the constant time switches? It has a lot to commend it, in how the characters grow in godliness and in how God leads them. It shows how great an impact our lives can have on others, without us being aware of it. Is good in showing how differently we can worship and pray. Good, but for me, hard to get through it all.
I liked the theme and story. However, had to force myself to persist in reading it. Not sure why felt so hard to get through it all. Loved Jenna. Maybe it was the constant time switches? It has a lot to commend it, in how the characters grow in godliness and in how God leads them. It shows how great an impact our lives can have on others, without us being aware of it. Is good in showing how differently we can worship and pray. Good, but for me, hard to get through it all.
May 19, 2020
This was a good second installment in the Prodigals series. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and watch their journey from the past to hope and a future. I appreciated seeing the characters from the first book sprinkled through and I’m excited for the next book to see how Nova and Grant got to where they are.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 20, 2020
Love, love love. It was so good to get caught up with these wonderful characters. I was so happy to see Max and Jenna's story. The journey these two took from childhood to adulthood was so inspiring. This book had me crying and laughing . If you like clean stories full of heart and faith, I highly recommend 'The One Who Danced Away'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
May 22, 2018
I started - and was able to finish - a fun, "crazy" novella called Crazy Jenna while taking my bus ride to work this morning.
This is supposed to be book one in the "Growing up in Connect" series. However, I recently read book 2 - Rocking Serene, first. I am so glad that I read it in this order though.
I think Crazy Jenna is fantastic. I really enjoyed reading this novella.
This is supposed to be book one in the "Growing up in Connect" series. However, I recently read book 2 - Rocking Serene, first. I am so glad that I read it in this order though.
I think Crazy Jenna is fantastic. I really enjoyed reading this novella.
May 18, 2020
I loved this book. It is part of a series, but it can stand alone and make perfect sense. I liked how Max and Jenna become friends, but don't see each other THAT way. Together, they grow as they overcome hurts of the past. People CAN change, and this book shows nothing but proof of that. God is the Great Healer!
May 19, 2020
This is a well written book that holds your attention. It's a wonderful story about how God can change people, if they will let him. I enjoyed reading Max and Jenna's story and look forward to the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.
June 2, 2020
I was part of the beta team for this amazing book. It hooked me from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. Joanna did an amazing job touching on delicate topics in a graceful way. I highly recommend this book and series!
August 27, 2023
Not-so-crazy Jenna
I enjoyed this short story about Jenna and Max. Their story shows how sometimes we make judgments about people that hurt, but when we take our broken pieces to God, He can make all things new.
I enjoyed this short story about Jenna and Max. Their story shows how sometimes we make judgments about people that hurt, but when we take our broken pieces to God, He can make all things new.
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