Cadence Lavigne has been the principal ballerina for Footlights Theater Group for fifteen years, but at age 30, mysterious symptoms lead to an epic collapse on stage. In the spotlighted aftermath, her expertly crafted mask begins to crumble alongside the career she’s dedicated her life to. All the while, her old dreams of mystical creatures and darkness are resurfacing.
Addax Nightingale has spent most of his adulthood running from the past and the shadow in his nightmares. Cursed to live a loveless life, he’s just returned from his travels—again—to his coffee shop where he imbues drinks with his healing magic. He tells himself everything will be fine…except the sentient cottage he’s been avoiding is calling to him more insistently than ever before.
When Cadence’s best friend convinces her to take a hiatus at her family’s home, impossible things begin unfolding. Objects move on their own, wild critters wander inside, and the forest calls to her, luring her in more each day. Her health continues to decline, complicated by the avoidant, secretive man who winds up at the cottage with her. Together, they must learn to open their hearts again, or let the shadows of the past destroy them.
K. V. Meadows is the proud wife and the mother of two young children. With both children on the Autism Spectrum, and one with multiple disabilities, she longed to see more disability inclusion in fantasy.
When she's not poring over words, plotting, or spending hours upon hours making playlists and Pinterest boards for multiple interests, K.V. enjoy spending time with her family, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and playing video games.
Thank you to the author for the free copy of the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
This was actually really unexpected for me even though I've read her other books. It surpassed my expectation for sure! I loved the story and watching as we got the glimpses from everyone, as well as watching as every little thing started to click. It's a sorrowful tale but it's also filled with beauty. I can't say I know how the characters feel in the situations, but I can relate in another way. I know what it's like to be down on myself especially with something that I cannot change. I loved the mixture of real world and magic in this story as well which gave it it's own sense of wonder and beauty between the darkness.
The author does such a fantastic job with conveying emotion and really dragging you into the story and I just love the time I take to sink into her books. The characters even though magical are relatable, they have real issues and overcome obstacles. Much like we, ourselves do. This is another book that I'll keep recommending! It's also easily a book that will be placed on my shelf alongside the other 2.
I am beyond grateful to have had the chance to ARC read this Beautiful story. This is my first introduction to K.V. Meadows and I'm so glad it was. This isn't usually my go to read but it stole my heart. It was complicated yet Beautiful with a splash of magic. So beautifully written. I'm in love with the characters and really hope their stories continue. I know there's a special sister/best friend I'm dying to have her own story. I can definitely say this won't be my last K.V. Meadows book I'm officially hooked. Thank you for allowing me a sneak peek into this world you created. I hope it won't be the last time I get to visit the magical place.
Brownies and hobgoblins and foxes, oh my. This was breathtaking. I absolutely loved it! 5 stars, hands down, and oh so satisfying!
So, bear with my wild, perimenopausal brain, but as I was reading I felt like if John Hughes directed a modern, very loose retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream with Center Stage and Jim Henson/80's/90's style fantasy inspiration and Labyrinth and Willow vibes, this would be it. In all the best ways possible. Dance of the Copsewood was stunning and beautiful.
The characters were dynamic, perfectly imperfect, and loveable. I loved their personalities. I loved their story arcs. And I loved the disability rep portrayed in two of them.
This was a slow burn with a dreamy atmosphere. It was cozy, sweet and thoroughly enjoyable. Just like dancing in the rain.
So glad I requested an arc from the author, and I can't wait to read more from her!
KV Meadows always puts so much heart into her books and I love it. Her representation of disability across her books allows the reader to really see the resilience and determination. This book is a lot more cozy than her other books and isn’t typically what I would pick up for reading but her writing style always keeps me engaged along with the characters. Cadence and Dax are the sweetest and I was rooting for them from the beginning. River is my favorite character with all of her positive energy and quirks.
Most accurate rating would be between 4.25-4.5! I don’t love star reviews and rounding down felt inappropriate.
Also thank you to the author K.V. for the ARC!
This book was emotional & real with disability rep and references to the characters’ traumatic experiences, but it still had fun and cozy vibes. A blend of modern world and light magic, with self-discovery at the forefront! Very much enjoyed! Really wanting a cottage getaway now.