I Hope You Dance: A July Wedding Story

A Year of Weddings 2 #8

by Robin Lee Hatcher

Meet the people who make it all happen—the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples—as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Can two left feet lead to one perfect romance?

Grant Nichols is a genius in the kitchen and a klutz on the dance floor. But his friend’s wedding is shaping up to be a shindig the likes of which Kings Meadow has never seen—including dancing. Lots of dancing. Then he learns that a local dance teacher, Skye Foster, is offering dance lessons for the wedding party. The first lesson is free, so what does he have to lose?

A former rodeo queen, Skye Foster teaches children ballet and tap during the day, but with the popularity of ballroom dancing and her own love of Country Swing, she’s been teaching adults in the evenings.

Grant comes from a family of ten siblings. He was the second oldest and believes he's had his fill of little rug rats. He’s happy with his bachelor state, despite the fact that he’s given up his ladies’ man lifestyle. Even he admits to his wilder nature and has been trying to clean up his act, with God's help.

Skye, on the other hand, loves being around kids. She would love to find the right guy and settle down to have half a dozen children of her own.

Grant and Skye are no match on paper. But when they step onto the dance floor, they create a melody all their own.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Fiction, Audiobook

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2015

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

Be sure to follow Robin on BookBub so you'll receive new book and special deal alerts:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/robin...

Reviews

[Robin Hatcher]

I loved writing this story. I loved the way the couple fell in love, perhaps because I do believe in love at first sight. My dad proposed to my mom on their second date. I know couples who married within weeks of meeting and then were married for 50 or 60 years. Ah ... romance.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Hope You Dance by Robin Lee Hatcher is one of the Year of Wedding novellas from last year and it can also be found in the Kiss The Bride collection that came out in May of this year. It also falls in the middle of her Kings Meadow series, but it’s fine to be read as a stand-alone.

I was intrigued by Skye when I first met her (as a minor character) in one of the Kings Meadow books, and so I’ve been eagerly waiting for a chance to sit down and read this novella where she’s in the spotlight instead of the background. Her story and Grant’s is a love-at-first-sight romance, sweet and fairly free from conflict. Lots of romantic moments as well as some humor (at Grant’s expense – those poor two left feet!). I also enjoyed the “mentor” aspect to the story, with Grant (still relatively new at following Jesus) going to godly men for advice and discipleship. This is something I very much loved about the Kings Meadow series too. Being only 74 pages, there’s not a lot of “meat” to this novella, but it’s there in more subtle ways – like Grant’s faith journey, etc.

Bottom Line: I Hope You Dance is sweet and romantic and a great choice if you’re looking for a quick read to escape the stresses of life. While it may be predictable and while the romance does progress pretty speedily, it is, after all, a 74-page novella and both of these elements are to be somewhat expected. Robin Lee Hatcher, as always, creates characters that make you smile, and her writing is spot-on and engaging.

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is classic sweet romance. Robin Lee Hatcher excels at creating memorable characters with true-to-life struggles and she delivers that here even with the shorter word count. And, oh my, the toe-curls!!!! And yay for a solid faith thread even with the novella length.

As a relatively new Christian struggling to get things right, Grant has distanced himself from his past, content with the single life. He's not looking for romance. Definitely not the happily-ever-after kind. Skye longs to create a family unit complete with oodles of kids and her hopes of meeting the man of her dreams just might have come true when she meets Grant. What follows is sheer romantical bliss!

[Cindy Chen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I Hope You Dance an extremely short and quick read–I finished it in less than an hour. Though I have to say that I really wanted to get this book over with. I have never felt so eager to close a book, and it made me guilty to think about it this way because I personally understand what authors go through to go about writing a book. I’m all for supporting authors and their hard work, but this book seriously makes me question how this author is published traditionally and why indie authors get so much backlash on their book quality as I’ve definitely read better indie books than this one. So let’s get down to it, shall we?

I love romance books. I do. I especially like the clean ones, the ones that are actually romantic. So no, I never caught on to Fifty Shades or Twilight. I preferred the standalone romance novels with cheesy, grandiose gestures and innocent friendships that blossom. I prefer the novels that are not quite romance books but have more substance to them. I Hope You Dance–well, it is certainly the former, as it is a very clean romance (being a Christian novel), but the latter? Not so much. I Hope You Dance is just about Skye and Grant and how they fell in love. To me, their romance “blossomed” in just a matter of days (I believe the book said they met for a few weeks… but it was only days after the first kiss that Grant proposed…). I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at multiple scenes in the book. It wasn’t just the fact that the entire plot in I Hope You Dance was clichéd–because I like clichéd–but there was a lack of something else. The book had just a single note to it. There was no backstory, no history for any character besides the obvious familial background. I didn’t feel connected at all to the characters, I couldn’t root for them, and honestly, I found the pair to be even a bit ridiculous.

Moreover, there is no real conflict in I Hope You Dance. Other than the small fight Skye and Grant had over how many kids they wanted about 15 pages before the end of the book. (Here, I rolled my eyes again.) But I guess you can say that Grant can’t dance and Skye can, so that’s another conflict for ya.

I feel like I should’ve known better when I read the book synopsis–the last line was sorta ridiculous and I should’ve expected this from the book. I guess if you’re a die-hard romance reader or you like books that have no complexity in plot or characters, then you’d like this one.

Basically… another book that wasn’t quite for me. Another disappointing book from Booklooks…. maybe my luck will be better next time.

For those reasons, I Hope You Dance received a rating of 2/5. It wasn’t entirely unreadable, but it wasn’t enjoyable at all, either.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I Hope You Dance was okay. The romance was WAY too quick and the story kind of boring at times. I feel like the only conflict in the novella was their disagreement on having kids someday and even that wasn't that big of a deal. All in all, it wasn't terrible, but I didn't love it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Hope You Dance: A July Wedding Story by Robin Lee Hatcher
Kings Meadow Romance #2.5
A Year of Weddings 2 #8
95-page Kindle Ebook

Genre: Romance > Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance Clean Romance; Christian Fiction, Novella

Featuring: Idaho near McCall inspired by Garden Valley, Western Setting, Dance Instructor, Horses, Montana, Cowboys, Opposites Trope, Discussion Questions, Advertisements

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️👰‍♂

My thoughts: 🔖Page 49 of 95 Ch. 7 - I was hoping to stay up past midnight to get new releases, but I'm sleepy, and this story is just okay.

This one is pretty straightforward, a dance instructor has classes for wedding parties, instalove and such. It was just okay for me. There were characters from the Kings Meadows series but no spoilers, just the names of two couples.

Recommend to others?: Maybe. It's pretty middle of the road and it's part of a series.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!! (Wish i could rate it 10 Stars!!)
Review:
This book was about a dance instructor who teases engaged couples how to dance their first dance at their wedding reception and how the instructor fell in love with love and with her one male student.

The characters, plot and setting were so good to read!! This was set in summer and in July which is perfect for Romance a thon this month!!

Can't wait to read more by this author in the future!!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this story. However it just didn’t feel really developed. I understand that it is a novella, but the story just felt rushed. Literally as soon as the characters meet they feel in love and there wasn’t really a conflict. For like three pages the characters disagree on a topic. This story was fine but just didn’t feel fully fleshed out.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye Foster is the one that wedding parties go to to learn how to make that magical first dance one to remember. Skye has lived in King's Meadow for as long as she can remember and she's always dreamed of finding the special man to swing her around the dance floor, but in a small town where everyone seems to be marrying up, there aren't many options.
Until one day when she meets Grant Nichols on the street, he's a groomsman in the upcoming wedding of Buck and Charity. He's a cowboy with two left feet, but when he meets Skye he begins to think that learning to dance isn't such a bad idea, it's losing his heart that he'll have to watch out for!

Grant is a skilled cook, with just a cast iron skillet and a fire he can create a meal to awe those around him.

This is a fun up-beat, fast-paced read, and if you have read the King's Meadow series you will probably be familiar with so many of the characters already. When I saw that this book was about Skye I downloaded it and read it within the hour!

Overall, a great read, I loved how Grant and Skye both trust God and while marriage is a thought in their minds, they aren't desperate or anything. I really like reading this story from Skye and Grant's point of view, and seeing King's Meadow through their eyes. It was a sweet satisfying read that you won't want to miss!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

While usually I am excited to read any new Year of Weddings novella, Robin Lee Hatcher’s romantic contribution, “I Hope You Dance,” had me especially excited, since it adds another story to her series of Kings Meadow romances. (Note: though it is part of a series, it can easily be read by itself.) I remembered Skye Foster and Grant Nichols from the preceding book, Whenever You Come Around, and I am very glad these two characters got a chance at romance in their own story. Skye and Grant initially cross paths when an upcoming wedding requires Grant to take dance lessons from Skye. Grant undeniably has very little skill for dancing, but equally undeniable is the attraction and connection between him and Skye. Their relationship develops easily and sweetly - though not without a natural problem or two - and provides an excellent addition to both A Year of Weddings and Kings Meadow Romances. Overall, “I Hope You Dance” is an excellent and quick romantic read and fans of either series won’t want to miss it.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “I Hope You Dance” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

[Brooke (i blog 4 books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed many books by this author, but this book just didn't click with me. It's a novella, so I understand that the plot must move along quickly. However, it felt that the relationship between Grant and Skye moved too fast—from 0 to 100 in 2-3 weeks! Additionally, there just wasn't enough spark/conflict/drama to cause me to wonder "what's next." The only conflict between the two was a disagreement about how many children they wanted to have, and it was resolved without much real thought or conversation.

I did enjoy the visit back to King's Meadow. What a delightful little town! And the focus on Grant's life before and after he began following God was spot on. It was a true blessing to read about a man who was actively seeking to follow God and make significant changes in his life.

While this book wasn't my favorite, I will definitely read more from this author in the future. (Note: This is a sweet, clean read.)

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, easy novella to read. It can stand alone, however, it is also connected to the King’s Meadow series. I liked these characters and thought that the storyline was a good one.

Since it is a novella, the plot has to move quickly and the romance and characters are not able to be as fully developed as in a full-length novel. However, even though this romance moves at lightning fast speed, I thought it was fun.

I also think that I Hope You Dance is a good peek into the King’s Meadow series. I have read books two and three of this series and really enjoyed both of them. If you are looking for a quick, easy, and romantic story, then I Hope You Dance may be just what you are looking for.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at: https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 3 out of 5]

For not having read any of the other books in the author's parent series, this was a decent read. It was a quick read, funny in spots, and easy to connect to the main characters. They fell in love rather fast for my tastes, but they were even aware of it in the book! The hero had his priorities skewed a bit, and wound up running away from the heroine, rather than discuss it with her, which made him a good bit of a coward in my eyes. Other than that, this was a decent way to spend the morning.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet, pleasant story where the characters are nice and fall in love quickly. It's cute how they get along so well, but I missed the sparks that some romantic tension can bring. The plot climaxes when they finally realize they have different plans for children in their future family and it puts their relationship at risk. I liked how Grant turned to men he respected to get their advice and perspective. An easy, light read.

(Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye is a dance teacher who dreams of dancing with a cowboy. Grant is to be a groomsman in a wedding and has to take dancing lessons from Skye. Though he's got two left feet, they soon find themselves in love and wanting the same things. Or do they? It takes a trip home and a stern talking to to figure it out.

Loved Robin Lee Hatchers contribution to the Year of Weddings series.

[Kirby]

I hadn't personally read Robin's Kings Meadow series when I picked this one up, but I enjoyed the fact that it can basically be read as a stand alone without feeling like you're missing out on too much previous information. I really liked both Skye and Grant as characters, and loved how much the western type of lifestyle has come to mean to both of them. The small town setting was the perfect fit for this story, and I'm sure anyone who has read the previous books would enjoy the pop up appearances from previous characters. I thought this was a cute and clean romance read that was pretty quick to get through.

However, even with this being a novella length story, I felt the romance was really rushed and the reader didn't get much of a chance to want to truly root for the couple. It had insta-love vibes, and I'm never a fan of that. I also felt that the main conflict that arises was resolved much too quickly, and I missed the drama and chaos that felt like it was missing when everything wrapped up. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of a focus on Skye and Grant actually trying to work through their big problem, and instead it kind of felt like everything was just glossed over in time for a happily ever after ending.

I enjoyed it and am glad I had the chance to read it, but it's definitely not my favorite from the Year of Weddings collection, and I don't think I'd be in a hurry to reread it.

Final Rating: 3/5.

[Linda R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye Foster has her heart set on marrying a cowboy and having a half dozen babies. Ever since she was six years old, Skye has believed no wedding is complete without dancing. Today, Skye owns her own dance studio and has offered to give lessons to the wedding party of a friend.

Grant Nichols comes from a family of ten brothers and sisters. He’s happy with his life and, maybe someday he will decide to get married, but he does not want any kids of his own. When he cannot attend dance practice on the nights scheduled, Grant asks Skye if she will teach him privately.

I Hope You Dance is a novella in the Kings Meadow series by Robin Lee Hatcher. It is also part of three summer love stories, Kiss The Bride, with two other authors, and the Year Of Weddings novella collection with eleven authors. I enjoyed reading more about Kings Meadow.

I purchased a paperback copy of Kiss The Bride, of which this novella is a part. I also received a free copy of From This Moment On, of which this novella is a part. I volunteered to read it and write a review.

[Rachel Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was probably my least favorite story out of all the ones so far in this "series", which makes me sad because I have previously read and enjoyed books from this author.

I don't know what exactly it was that I didn't like. First, the romance happened way too quick, even for a novella. It was not realistic in any way, and I did not find it cute. Not to mention, Grant wants no kids, and Skye wants a lot, which of course meant a huge conflict when they managed to sit down and actually talk.

The characters just felt flat for me. I wasn't sure what the plot was, or what was supposed to be happening. All in all, this story was just a flop for me. While I'm sure others will find it cute and romantic, I did not.

I received a copy from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet little story. I liked how Grant was determined to be a better man and referred to himself before accepting Christ as 'BC Grant' (Before Christ). I also liked how Skye wanted to trust in God's provision and timing in her life, even if it meant her dreams of having a family were delayed.
I really enjoyed the Kings Meadow setting, and will be going back and reading the earlier books in *that* series at some future point as well.
Though I did like Grant and Skye together as a couple, there were parts of their relationship that were SUPER rushed . . . I'm like 'whoa! slow down there, people!' (lol)
All in all, though, I did like this installment in the second 'Year of Weddings' series.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of three summer love stories, “I Hope You Dance”, is a wonderful reminder that God has not “forgotten” us singles! In the midst of the everyday routine of life, God is working and His timing is always perfect.

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.” - Psalm 37:3

[Darla Damron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute wedding story about a dance instructor and her student. Not much tension but easy to listen to. The narrator did a good job with her voice and kept the story going.

First book I have read by this author but not my last!

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clean romantic mind candy, but a bit sweet. I'm glad it was a novella and I was finished with it quickly. It was way too predictable and a bit sappy. It was a clean filler between more meaningful books.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautifully written novella. Short and direct, very inspiring...

Skye Foster and Grant Nicolas fell in love...as soon as the met and never settle for anything less. With God's help, they were able to communicate clearly and reach perfect happiness!

Highly recommended. 😍

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok but the insta-love and immediately getting married when they don't even know basic things about each other (like how many children they each want) is ridiculous. Nothing great to listen to/read.

[Becca Brandner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super short and sweet; Christian romance is always light and fluffy.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Year of Weddings Series 2
Book 8
**Audio book

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope you can dance

The book was a fine book to read was very quick. There was a lot of depth to it but it was a good fast read if that’s all you’re after.

[LaShunda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light weight novella of a simple love. Not my favorite but not my least favorite.