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The Last Father-Daughter Dance: A Short Story
For a father and daughter, it’s a journey through the four seasons in a poignant short story about memories and everlasting love by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Wingate.
Olympic silver medalist Kalista Brooks has built a successful life in California, complete with a thriving sports technology company and a handsome fiancé. But when her father’s heart condition takes a critical turn, she rushes home to Atlanta. There, her father makes a surprising request: to relive favorite memories from all four seasons in just one month at their old farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
With help from the community and her long-lost sidekick Calvin Calhoon, Kalista creates a tapestry of cherished moments—dogwoods in bloom, homemade blackberry jam, autumn bonfires, and a magical winter evening that will live forever in her heart. But as father and daughter share these precious weeks together, Kalista discovers that time has a way of revealing what matters most. In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she grew up, she learns that sometimes the sweetest seasons of life come when we least expect them.
Olympic silver medalist Kalista Brooks has built a successful life in California, complete with a thriving sports technology company and a handsome fiancé. But when her father’s heart condition takes a critical turn, she rushes home to Atlanta. There, her father makes a surprising request: to relive favorite memories from all four seasons in just one month at their old farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
With help from the community and her long-lost sidekick Calvin Calhoon, Kalista creates a tapestry of cherished moments—dogwoods in bloom, homemade blackberry jam, autumn bonfires, and a magical winter evening that will live forever in her heart. But as father and daughter share these precious weeks together, Kalista discovers that time has a way of revealing what matters most. In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she grew up, she learns that sometimes the sweetest seasons of life come when we least expect them.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
5350 people are currently reading
6058 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Wingate
57 books13.5k followersLisa Wingate is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Before We Were Yours, which remained on the bestseller list for over two years. Her award-winning works have been selected for state and community One Book reads, have been published in over forty languages, and have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide. The group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa and six others as recipients of the National Civics Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. She lives in Texas and Colorado with her family and her deceptively cute little teddy bear of a dog, Huckleberry. Find her at www.lisawingate.com, on Facebook at LisaWingateAuthorPage, or on Instagram @author_lisa_wingate
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,357 reviews
December 6, 2025
Amazon Prime Bonus Read - December 2025
Was quite enjoying it, then came a very abrupt ending???
Was quite enjoying it, then came a very abrupt ending???
December 9, 2025
This is a sweet, Hallmark-style story with a beautifully predictable ending. It was just what I needed. So, I went ahead and cried and enjoyed it completely.
December 1, 2025
Amazon First Reads, December 2025
“In a universe filled with sound bites, the act of sitting down with a story quite possibly matters more than ever. Long may we continue to imagine new worlds, and long may the people we meet within them help us to understand and value the people we meet beyond them.” (Lisa Wingate)
That quote is the final paragraph found in the Author’s Notes and Acknowledgement section of her short story, THE LAST FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE. I’m glad I read the notes first, I often do as it gives me an insight to what the author intended when they were writing this particular project.
Kal, aka Kalista, is an Olympic athlete with trouble. Her dad is extremely ill and her business is on the edge. Her partner/fiancé needs her, she wants to be with her father, she should be training for the next Olympic Games, but there’s a twinge…
Cal is an old friend and track team member of Kal’s. Her father was their coach and helped him out along the way, even after moving away from the area. They run into each other at the airport while she’s coming home to help dad and he’s heading out to work an huge job. The reconnection is brief but real and loaded with possibilities.
Dad’s health and prospects take a turn for the worse. He and Kal head for the family farm in the Blue Ridge mountains to relive good days gone bye and make new memories, hoping and praying he will find recovery and become strong enough for surgery to prolong his life.
Thru the magic of mountains, memories and the love and caring of old friends, Kal and her dad experience a lifetime of love and living that culminates in THE LAST FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE.
Recommended for everyone📚
“In a universe filled with sound bites, the act of sitting down with a story quite possibly matters more than ever. Long may we continue to imagine new worlds, and long may the people we meet within them help us to understand and value the people we meet beyond them.” (Lisa Wingate)
That quote is the final paragraph found in the Author’s Notes and Acknowledgement section of her short story, THE LAST FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE. I’m glad I read the notes first, I often do as it gives me an insight to what the author intended when they were writing this particular project.
Kal, aka Kalista, is an Olympic athlete with trouble. Her dad is extremely ill and her business is on the edge. Her partner/fiancé needs her, she wants to be with her father, she should be training for the next Olympic Games, but there’s a twinge…
Cal is an old friend and track team member of Kal’s. Her father was their coach and helped him out along the way, even after moving away from the area. They run into each other at the airport while she’s coming home to help dad and he’s heading out to work an huge job. The reconnection is brief but real and loaded with possibilities.
Dad’s health and prospects take a turn for the worse. He and Kal head for the family farm in the Blue Ridge mountains to relive good days gone bye and make new memories, hoping and praying he will find recovery and become strong enough for surgery to prolong his life.
Thru the magic of mountains, memories and the love and caring of old friends, Kal and her dad experience a lifetime of love and living that culminates in THE LAST FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE.
Recommended for everyone📚
December 30, 2025
Advance copy thanks to kindle first reads 😊
This is a bittersweet read, especially for me. There were some really good bits scattered throughout this book and I really enjoyed the storyline. The ending just felt rushed and somewhat abrupt. After reading some of the other reviews I don’t seem to be alone in this. I’m totally fine with this being a short story but felt the transitioning scenes at the end passed a little too quickly. Maybe even just a few more pages would have helped! A decent story regardless.
This is a bittersweet read, especially for me. There were some really good bits scattered throughout this book and I really enjoyed the storyline. The ending just felt rushed and somewhat abrupt. After reading some of the other reviews I don’t seem to be alone in this. I’m totally fine with this being a short story but felt the transitioning scenes at the end passed a little too quickly. Maybe even just a few more pages would have helped! A decent story regardless.
January 13, 2026
the setup…
Kalista (Kal) Brooks is an Olympic medalist in training for her third Games when she’s called to come back to her family home in Atlanta because of devastating news about her father. His heart is failing and they just learned that “Coach” isn’t physically eligible for a heart transplant. Though she has a thriving and demanding business with her partner and fiancé in California, Kal makes the decision to spend this time with her father at their old family farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
the heart of the story…
By the way, Kal runs into Calvin (Cal) Calhoun, a childhood friend, at the Atlanta airport who she hadn’t seen since high school. He triggers the beginning of some great memories of those times (and their special bond) so when her father wants to relive the best of the four seasons in one month, Kal and the town rise to the occasion. There was something magical and transforming about it all, awakening some repressed and endearing memories for Kal and giving Coach a reason to look forward to each day.
the narration…
Sarah Naughton is such a pro, her performance understated so as to not add drama to an extremely emotional story. I loved how she just let the writing shine through.
the bottom line…
I have a personal connection here as I had to make the same decision about leaving my home and spending time with my mother in her final year. Kal’s last dance with her father was extremely moving and symbolic, the scene beautifully orchestrated. I had my own moment with my mother and I felt this so deeply. Thanks for such a lovely story and I hope it might be the opening for more with these characters.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Kalista (Kal) Brooks is an Olympic medalist in training for her third Games when she’s called to come back to her family home in Atlanta because of devastating news about her father. His heart is failing and they just learned that “Coach” isn’t physically eligible for a heart transplant. Though she has a thriving and demanding business with her partner and fiancé in California, Kal makes the decision to spend this time with her father at their old family farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
the heart of the story…
By the way, Kal runs into Calvin (Cal) Calhoun, a childhood friend, at the Atlanta airport who she hadn’t seen since high school. He triggers the beginning of some great memories of those times (and their special bond) so when her father wants to relive the best of the four seasons in one month, Kal and the town rise to the occasion. There was something magical and transforming about it all, awakening some repressed and endearing memories for Kal and giving Coach a reason to look forward to each day.
the narration…
Sarah Naughton is such a pro, her performance understated so as to not add drama to an extremely emotional story. I loved how she just let the writing shine through.
the bottom line…
I have a personal connection here as I had to make the same decision about leaving my home and spending time with my mother in her final year. Kal’s last dance with her father was extremely moving and symbolic, the scene beautifully orchestrated. I had my own moment with my mother and I felt this so deeply. Thanks for such a lovely story and I hope it might be the opening for more with these characters.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
January 17, 2026
What?? That's the tough thing about short stories, they really always leave you hanging. But it was a beautiful story about a father daughter relationship and possible end of life issues. A nice, quick read, it was a good one.
Thank you to Net Galley and Amazon Original Stories for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Amazon Original Stories for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 17, 2026
realistically more of a 3.5 probably but it made me tear up so i’m rounding up. i love reading about familial relationships and as someone who’s close with her dad, this story was so bittersweet. simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking. also really enjoyed the writing & will def be looking into more by this author 🫡
thank you to netgalley & amazon original stories for the arc! all opinions are my own. out now.
thank you to netgalley & amazon original stories for the arc! all opinions are my own. out now.
December 7, 2025
I got this short story from Amazon First Reads this month. I am so glad I did! I wasn't sure what to expect, but I truly didn't expect to get choked up over a short story. But I did! This was so beautiful. I loved watching the FMC making memories with her dad. It was beautiful but heartbreaking. I got teary-eyed near the end. Quick read and so worthy of giving it a go!
December 5, 2025
Sweet short story. Slightly let down by the ending. A little more closure would have been nice.
December 4, 2025
This holds the makings of a great fiction novel, but didn’t feel right as a short story format
January 24, 2026
The Last Father-Daughter Dance by Lisa Wingate is a contemporary women’s fiction novel set in the Texas Hill Country in modern day. The story focuses on family, forgiveness, and the complicated relationships between parents and their children as they grow and change. The small-town Texas setting adds warmth and emotional depth, grounding the story in everyday life. It’s heartfelt and reflective, with a strong focus on family bonds and the moments that quietly shape who we become.
January 1, 2026
A saccharine novella about an Olympic silver medallist who returns to her home town to care for her ailing father and reconnects with an old friend. This was fine, a bit too sentimental for my taste but the characterisations were good, although the ending was very abrupt and not exactly fulfilling.
January 3, 2026
A young woman goes home to take care of her ill father....love grows and memories are created.
December 5, 2025
Sweet short read from Amazon first reads. It leaves much to interpretation and I like that.
January 14, 2026
If you’re in the mood for something short but emotionally full, The Last Father-Daughter Dance by Lisa Wingate is a gentle, beautifully written contemporary short story about love, memory, and the kind of goodbye you never feel ready for. The plot is simple in the best way: Kalista is spending time with her father as he nears the end of his life, trying to make the most of what’s left. Along the way she reconnects with an old friend, Cal, and it’s Cal (and his family) who help Kalista create something meaningful—one last moment that feels like a gift instead of just loss.
What really worked for me is how Wingate writes grief without drowning the reader in it. It’s tender and honest, but still warm. Kalista’s love for her dad is right there on the page—quiet, steady, and so real it made my chest ache a little. You can feel the weight of time in every scene: the things that are said, the things that aren’t, and the way everyday moments start to matter more when you realize they’re numbered.
Cal and his family were a lovely addition. Sometimes a “helpful side character” can feel convenient, but here it felt earned—like the kind of unexpected kindness that shows up when life is at its hardest. Their presence adds hope without turning the story into something unrealistic or overly sweet.
Also: this story feels like the start of something bigger. The emotional core is strong, the characters have history, and the ending left me wanting more in a good way—not because it’s incomplete, but because I genuinely want to spend more time with these people. I’m really hoping Wingate turns this into a series, because I’d happily follow Kalista and Cal into whatever comes next.
If you’ve ever sat beside someone you love near the end, this one may hit close to home. But it’s also a reminder that even at the hardest times, there can still be small moments of light.
What really worked for me is how Wingate writes grief without drowning the reader in it. It’s tender and honest, but still warm. Kalista’s love for her dad is right there on the page—quiet, steady, and so real it made my chest ache a little. You can feel the weight of time in every scene: the things that are said, the things that aren’t, and the way everyday moments start to matter more when you realize they’re numbered.
Cal and his family were a lovely addition. Sometimes a “helpful side character” can feel convenient, but here it felt earned—like the kind of unexpected kindness that shows up when life is at its hardest. Their presence adds hope without turning the story into something unrealistic or overly sweet.
Also: this story feels like the start of something bigger. The emotional core is strong, the characters have history, and the ending left me wanting more in a good way—not because it’s incomplete, but because I genuinely want to spend more time with these people. I’m really hoping Wingate turns this into a series, because I’d happily follow Kalista and Cal into whatever comes next.
If you’ve ever sat beside someone you love near the end, this one may hit close to home. But it’s also a reminder that even at the hardest times, there can still be small moments of light.
January 3, 2026
Wow! I loved this bittersweet short story and only wish I had this relationship with my dad. Well done!
January 18, 2026
I knew this would make me cry 😭
January 5, 2026
I chose to start my 2026 reading journey with this Amazon First Reads short story by Lisa Wingate. I am a big fan of her novel “Before We Were Yours” and this story did not disappoint.
Kalista Brooks is an Olympic silver medalist. Things seem to be going well for her until she finds out her father’s heart is failing. So, she goes home to see her father, who requests to go to their old farmhouse in the Blueridge Mountains, and celebrate the four seasons.
Throughout the journey, Kalista learns that this much-needed time with her dad was also much-needed for self-reflection.
This may be a short story, but it packs a punch and brings all the feels.
Kalista Brooks is an Olympic silver medalist. Things seem to be going well for her until she finds out her father’s heart is failing. So, she goes home to see her father, who requests to go to their old farmhouse in the Blueridge Mountains, and celebrate the four seasons.
Throughout the journey, Kalista learns that this much-needed time with her dad was also much-needed for self-reflection.
This may be a short story, but it packs a punch and brings all the feels.
December 28, 2025
This makes me a tad nervous to try her books. I get this was a short story, but it was lacking. I wanted more, but I also felt like this wasn’t thought through enough with the contradictions? I don’t know!
We have a father and daughter relationship that this story revolves around. The father is waiting for a heart transplant, but doesn’t follow doctor’s rules and order so ends up not qualifying for the surgery. While I could understand to a degree, it felt like it wasn’t in line with who the character was as a coach who for a career instructed and taught others in a capacity. It’s felt quite contradictory. Also, while I get it was a short story, the romance…. What even was that ending. Sorry I did not enjoy this one. And now I’m just nervous about her others…
We have a father and daughter relationship that this story revolves around. The father is waiting for a heart transplant, but doesn’t follow doctor’s rules and order so ends up not qualifying for the surgery. While I could understand to a degree, it felt like it wasn’t in line with who the character was as a coach who for a career instructed and taught others in a capacity. It’s felt quite contradictory. Also, while I get it was a short story, the romance…. What even was that ending. Sorry I did not enjoy this one. And now I’m just nervous about her others…
December 2, 2025
I was convinced this was going to be a 5 star read but what was that ending?! Is this going to be developed into an actual novel because…???
January 7, 2026
I'm bummed that this was only a short story, it would be SO good as a full novel. The relationship between Kalista and her dad was so sweet and heartbreaking. The Cal-leaguers part was so sweet, there just needs to be a book about all of the Calhoons.
"Life goes by while you’re chasing things, Kalista. All the forks in the road... You’ll never be at that same place again. Stop. Look. Think. Choose your path. Choose your people. Hang on to what makes you laugh, what makes your heart good. Let the rest go by the wayside and move on without wondering what anybody else will think."
Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Wingate, and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC!
"Life goes by while you’re chasing things, Kalista. All the forks in the road... You’ll never be at that same place again. Stop. Look. Think. Choose your path. Choose your people. Hang on to what makes you laugh, what makes your heart good. Let the rest go by the wayside and move on without wondering what anybody else will think."
Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Wingate, and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC!
January 9, 2026
Jokes on you ... I totally planned to cry today.....Wingate seems to be fairly good at making that happen so I knew going in, Id cry... maybe not broken heart tears but there would be tears none the less.
This story is short but I think it's powerful. There is power in memories and there is an undeniable strength that comes from the love shared between a parent and a child.
The story is beautiful and the narrator is fantastic, there are even hints at a second chance romance but that's all it is... a tease. The story ends pretty abruptly and that's what kept it from being 5 stars for me.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This story is short but I think it's powerful. There is power in memories and there is an undeniable strength that comes from the love shared between a parent and a child.
The story is beautiful and the narrator is fantastic, there are even hints at a second chance romance but that's all it is... a tease. The story ends pretty abruptly and that's what kept it from being 5 stars for me.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
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January 10, 2026The Last Father-Daughter Dance is a loving and tender short story portraying the powerful love between a father and daughter. Beware the realness of this one as her writing brings to light just how precious and short our time really is.
Kalista Brooks has found success in her life and it has taken her far from her childhood home and family. As life happens, she learns her father’s health has taken a sudden turn threatening his longevity. For this reason, she returns to the Blue Ridge Mountains where the memories that shaped her come flooding back.
This 48 page story spans a month filled with lasting moments, and a father-daughter recreating shared memories of his daughter’s growing up. These memories are made more vivid with the descriptions of the dogwoods blooming, the autumn bonfires and a magic of a cozy winter. Lisa Wingate has the talent of using written words to make scenes vivid, complete with warmth, nostalgia, and love.
I suggest you take your time as you read about family, home, relationships and the way life has of showing one the things that truly matter.
My only complaint is that it seemed a bit rushed but then it is a SHORT story after all.
Kalista Brooks has found success in her life and it has taken her far from her childhood home and family. As life happens, she learns her father’s health has taken a sudden turn threatening his longevity. For this reason, she returns to the Blue Ridge Mountains where the memories that shaped her come flooding back.
This 48 page story spans a month filled with lasting moments, and a father-daughter recreating shared memories of his daughter’s growing up. These memories are made more vivid with the descriptions of the dogwoods blooming, the autumn bonfires and a magic of a cozy winter. Lisa Wingate has the talent of using written words to make scenes vivid, complete with warmth, nostalgia, and love.
I suggest you take your time as you read about family, home, relationships and the way life has of showing one the things that truly matter.
My only complaint is that it seemed a bit rushed but then it is a SHORT story after all.
Review of advance copy
The Last Father-Daughter Dance by Lisa Wingate (2026) [reading Dec. 2025]
57-page Kindle Ebook story pages 6-52
Genre: Inspirational, Family, Short Story
Featuring: Titled Chapters, 2023, Atlanta, Georgia; Athletics, Fictional Blue Ridge Mountain Town near Brevard, North Carolina; Olympian, Coach Dad, Heart Disease, Second Chance Trope - Childhood Crush; Spring, Father-Daughter Relationship, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Family Dynamics, Author's Note, Author's Links
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett
Books and Authors mentioned: Our Town by Thornton Wilder, The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🦋🌺🥧🏃♀️🏃♂️💃🏻
My thoughts: 📘 I saw Lisa Wingate and got happy, I did not realize this was an advanced copy. Thank you Prime.
Lisa Wingate's books typically take time to build. This story has all of the bones for a good read, but as it was building emotionally I didn't think there was time to hit the sweet spot, but I was wrong. I was all set to give this 4 stars, then I got to the last chapter and there it was. I hope this story is continued in a novel or series, I loved the characters and community.
Recommend to others: Yes. If you don’t have Prime Reading, be on the lookout for this one next month. It's short and sweet but it may give you the feels.
Memorable Quotes: What’s really wrong, Kal? he’d ask then, and wait for me to finally fess up about something life altering, like bombing the math test and worrying that my grade in the class might make me ineligible to run track. I can help you, he’d say, and hold up a palm for a high five. Cal-leaguers all the way, right? Even back then, I probably would’ve laughed at the insider reference to our secret society from the fourth grade, which included several Calhoon cousins, a Callaway, a Callahan, and by loose association me, due to my nickname, Kal. In the days of lining up in alphabetical order, my last name, Brooks, placed me right before all the C names, so the group of us was bonded. Cal-leaguers all the way, I would’ve said to middle-school Calvin on the bleachers, and then slapped his palm and perhaps told myself I could no longer study with Calvin—he’d developed a crush on me lately, but I only liked him as a friend, and besides, I was middle-school dating some jock who could squash Calvin like a gnat. Present-day Calvin wouldn’t have that problem.
At fifty-two, he is only beginning to show hints of gray in the chestnut-brown hair that’s a match for my own.
In a universe filled with sound bites, the act of sitting down with a story quite possibly matters more than ever. Long may we continue to imagine new worlds, and long may the people we meet within them help us to understand and value the people we meet beyond them.
57-page Kindle Ebook story pages 6-52
Genre: Inspirational, Family, Short Story
Featuring: Titled Chapters, 2023, Atlanta, Georgia; Athletics, Fictional Blue Ridge Mountain Town near Brevard, North Carolina; Olympian, Coach Dad, Heart Disease, Second Chance Trope - Childhood Crush; Spring, Father-Daughter Relationship, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Family Dynamics, Author's Note, Author's Links
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett
Books and Authors mentioned: Our Town by Thornton Wilder, The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🦋🌺🥧🏃♀️🏃♂️💃🏻
My thoughts: 📘 I saw Lisa Wingate and got happy, I did not realize this was an advanced copy. Thank you Prime.
Lisa Wingate's books typically take time to build. This story has all of the bones for a good read, but as it was building emotionally I didn't think there was time to hit the sweet spot, but I was wrong. I was all set to give this 4 stars, then I got to the last chapter and there it was. I hope this story is continued in a novel or series, I loved the characters and community.
Recommend to others: Yes. If you don’t have Prime Reading, be on the lookout for this one next month. It's short and sweet but it may give you the feels.
Memorable Quotes: What’s really wrong, Kal? he’d ask then, and wait for me to finally fess up about something life altering, like bombing the math test and worrying that my grade in the class might make me ineligible to run track. I can help you, he’d say, and hold up a palm for a high five. Cal-leaguers all the way, right? Even back then, I probably would’ve laughed at the insider reference to our secret society from the fourth grade, which included several Calhoon cousins, a Callaway, a Callahan, and by loose association me, due to my nickname, Kal. In the days of lining up in alphabetical order, my last name, Brooks, placed me right before all the C names, so the group of us was bonded. Cal-leaguers all the way, I would’ve said to middle-school Calvin on the bleachers, and then slapped his palm and perhaps told myself I could no longer study with Calvin—he’d developed a crush on me lately, but I only liked him as a friend, and besides, I was middle-school dating some jock who could squash Calvin like a gnat. Present-day Calvin wouldn’t have that problem.
At fifty-two, he is only beginning to show hints of gray in the chestnut-brown hair that’s a match for my own.
In a universe filled with sound bites, the act of sitting down with a story quite possibly matters more than ever. Long may we continue to imagine new worlds, and long may the people we meet within them help us to understand and value the people we meet beyond them.
December 7, 2025
I wasn’t ready for this one to end!
January 8, 2026
Lisa Wingate's THE LAST FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE is a heartwarming and poignant short story that delves into the intricate themes of memory, the selfless sacrifices made within families, and the importance of cherishing what truly matters in life.
Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, the narrative captures the bittersweet essence of family bonds, the seasons of life, and the lasting impact of shared moments that shape our lives.
About...
Kalista "Kal" Rose Brooks is an Olympic silver medalist runner training for her third Games in California. Her life is busy; she is engaged to her business partner and co-managing a thriving sports technology company that is currently teetering.
Kalista’s mother calls her home to Atlanta with devastating news: her father (affectionately known as "Coach") has a critical heart condition—congestive heart failure—and is not eligible for a heart transplant.
At the airport, Kalista runs into Calvin "Cal" Calhoon, her childhood friend and former track teammate whose life was shaped by her father. This chance meeting rekindles a bond from their youth.
Instead of remaining in a clinical setting, Kalista's father asks to spend his final weeks at their old family farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Because he likely will not live to see another year, her father wishes to relive memories of all four seasons in just one month. With the help of Cal and the local community, Kalista recreates these seasonal hallmarks at the farm:
A journey through the four seasons:
~Spring: Dogwoods in bloom.
~Summer: Making homemade blackberry jam.
~Autumn: Large community bonfires.
~Winter: A "magical winter evening" that serves as the story’s emotional peak.
During this time, Kalista puts her training and business on hold. The experience forces her to reassess her values, realizing that her relationship with her father and the people who truly support her are more important than her professional accolades or the pressures from her fiancé.
My thoughts...
In Lisa Wingate’s captivating short story, the father-daughter dance emerges as a poignant symbol that beautifully illustrates the importance of presence over performance. This heartfelt moment serves as a reminder to cherish the legacy of love over the fleeting nature of worldly achievements. Its depth of meaning is intricately interwoven through various thematic layers, highlighting the profound connections that bind us and the enduring impact of choosing emotional richness over superficial success.
~The Fulfillment of a Final Wish
~Prioritizing What Matters Most
~Healing Old Wounds
~A Tearful, Joyful Goodbye
Ultimately, the magical winter evening dance Kalista creates for her father at their Blue Ridge Mountain farmhouse is the story's emotional peak and most significant season, serving as a symbolic "last dance" that honors their bond and allows Kalista to find internal resolution even as she faces an impending loss.
With the invaluable assistance of Calvin and the dedicated members of the local community, they embark on a remarkable journey to create an enchanting winter wonderland in the span of just one month. This magical evening serves as the perfect backdrop for the poignant tale—the final father-daughter dance.
It symbolized the realization of their heartfelt desire to forge one last, unforgettable memory together, a profound moment to cherish before the inevitable farewell. The air is filled with twinkling lights, gentle laughter, and a bittersweet sense of love, encapsulating the beauty and fragility of their bond.
Themes:
~Presence Over Performance
~The power of memory, wisdom, and legacy
~Prioritize Happiness Over Expectations
~The Stop, Look, Think rule
~Unspoken Love and Community
~Self-Discovery and authenticity
~Embrace the Seasons
~Going Back to Move Forward
Her father's wise advice ultimately empowers Kalista to find internal resolution and peace, choosing a future aligned with her own values even as she prepares for his passing.
The central takeaway of The Last Father-Daughter Dance is an important reminder to prioritize "people over things" and to be fully present in the current moment, rather than perpetually chasing future achievements.
Recs...
Readers who enjoyed the poignant, family-centered themes of The Last Father-Daughter Dance may enjoy other emotional, character-driven fiction, including novels by Catherine Ryan Hyde, Kristin Hannah, and Patti Callahan Henry.
Other Lisa Winage books exploring family:
~Before We Were Yours
~The Prayer Box
~The Book of Lost Friends
The audiobook...
I had the distinct pleasure of immersing myself in the pages of the book while also experiencing the audiobook, brilliantly narrated by the award-winning and immensely talented Sarah Naughton. Her captivating voice added an extra layer of emotion, transforming the story into a truly magical and beautiful experience. It was an unforgettable performance that resonated deeply within me, leaving a lasting impression.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 01, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Jan Newsletter
Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, the narrative captures the bittersweet essence of family bonds, the seasons of life, and the lasting impact of shared moments that shape our lives.
About...
Kalista "Kal" Rose Brooks is an Olympic silver medalist runner training for her third Games in California. Her life is busy; she is engaged to her business partner and co-managing a thriving sports technology company that is currently teetering.
Kalista’s mother calls her home to Atlanta with devastating news: her father (affectionately known as "Coach") has a critical heart condition—congestive heart failure—and is not eligible for a heart transplant.
At the airport, Kalista runs into Calvin "Cal" Calhoon, her childhood friend and former track teammate whose life was shaped by her father. This chance meeting rekindles a bond from their youth.
Instead of remaining in a clinical setting, Kalista's father asks to spend his final weeks at their old family farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Because he likely will not live to see another year, her father wishes to relive memories of all four seasons in just one month. With the help of Cal and the local community, Kalista recreates these seasonal hallmarks at the farm:
A journey through the four seasons:
~Spring: Dogwoods in bloom.
~Summer: Making homemade blackberry jam.
~Autumn: Large community bonfires.
~Winter: A "magical winter evening" that serves as the story’s emotional peak.
During this time, Kalista puts her training and business on hold. The experience forces her to reassess her values, realizing that her relationship with her father and the people who truly support her are more important than her professional accolades or the pressures from her fiancé.
My thoughts...
In Lisa Wingate’s captivating short story, the father-daughter dance emerges as a poignant symbol that beautifully illustrates the importance of presence over performance. This heartfelt moment serves as a reminder to cherish the legacy of love over the fleeting nature of worldly achievements. Its depth of meaning is intricately interwoven through various thematic layers, highlighting the profound connections that bind us and the enduring impact of choosing emotional richness over superficial success.
~The Fulfillment of a Final Wish
~Prioritizing What Matters Most
~Healing Old Wounds
~A Tearful, Joyful Goodbye
Ultimately, the magical winter evening dance Kalista creates for her father at their Blue Ridge Mountain farmhouse is the story's emotional peak and most significant season, serving as a symbolic "last dance" that honors their bond and allows Kalista to find internal resolution even as she faces an impending loss.
With the invaluable assistance of Calvin and the dedicated members of the local community, they embark on a remarkable journey to create an enchanting winter wonderland in the span of just one month. This magical evening serves as the perfect backdrop for the poignant tale—the final father-daughter dance.
It symbolized the realization of their heartfelt desire to forge one last, unforgettable memory together, a profound moment to cherish before the inevitable farewell. The air is filled with twinkling lights, gentle laughter, and a bittersweet sense of love, encapsulating the beauty and fragility of their bond.
Themes:
~Presence Over Performance
~The power of memory, wisdom, and legacy
~Prioritize Happiness Over Expectations
~The Stop, Look, Think rule
~Unspoken Love and Community
~Self-Discovery and authenticity
~Embrace the Seasons
~Going Back to Move Forward
Her father's wise advice ultimately empowers Kalista to find internal resolution and peace, choosing a future aligned with her own values even as she prepares for his passing.
The central takeaway of The Last Father-Daughter Dance is an important reminder to prioritize "people over things" and to be fully present in the current moment, rather than perpetually chasing future achievements.
Recs...
Readers who enjoyed the poignant, family-centered themes of The Last Father-Daughter Dance may enjoy other emotional, character-driven fiction, including novels by Catherine Ryan Hyde, Kristin Hannah, and Patti Callahan Henry.
Other Lisa Winage books exploring family:
~Before We Were Yours
~The Prayer Box
~The Book of Lost Friends
The audiobook...
I had the distinct pleasure of immersing myself in the pages of the book while also experiencing the audiobook, brilliantly narrated by the award-winning and immensely talented Sarah Naughton. Her captivating voice added an extra layer of emotion, transforming the story into a truly magical and beautiful experience. It was an unforgettable performance that resonated deeply within me, leaving a lasting impression.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 01, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Jan Newsletter
January 6, 2026
Thank you to Amazon Prime First Reads for the advance copy.
The Last Father-Daughter Dance is a tender, beautifully written short story that gently explores love, memory, and the quiet ache of saying goodbye.
Lisa Wingate captures the bond between a father and daughter with such warmth and care, weaving the passage of seasons into a story that feels both intimate and timeless. The idea of reliving cherished memories over one meaningful month is heartfelt and poignant, and the setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains adds a layer of softness and nostalgia that perfectly complements the emotional core of the story.
As someone who lost my dad ten years ago, this book resonated deeply with me. It was comforting and heartwarming—but also unexpectedly emotional. I found myself tearing up more than once and feeling that familiar tug of missing my dad, especially in the quieter moments filled with reflection and love.
While short, the story packs a strong emotional punch. This is a lovely read for anyone who cherishes family stories, believes in the power of memory, or has ever wished for just a little more time with someone they love. 💙
The Last Father-Daughter Dance is a tender, beautifully written short story that gently explores love, memory, and the quiet ache of saying goodbye.
Lisa Wingate captures the bond between a father and daughter with such warmth and care, weaving the passage of seasons into a story that feels both intimate and timeless. The idea of reliving cherished memories over one meaningful month is heartfelt and poignant, and the setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains adds a layer of softness and nostalgia that perfectly complements the emotional core of the story.
As someone who lost my dad ten years ago, this book resonated deeply with me. It was comforting and heartwarming—but also unexpectedly emotional. I found myself tearing up more than once and feeling that familiar tug of missing my dad, especially in the quieter moments filled with reflection and love.
While short, the story packs a strong emotional punch. This is a lovely read for anyone who cherishes family stories, believes in the power of memory, or has ever wished for just a little more time with someone they love. 💙
January 26, 2026
I had received this copy from Amazon Prime’s First Reads and didn’t initially jump at it. After completing Before I Forget, I was in a book hangover ready to jump into my next read with a similar premise. I was lucky to see I had this one already. This was a sweet concept with a very similar situation to make the most of a terrible situation as well as strengthen family bonds. It almost feels like a crime how short this was— i couldve used more! The ending was something else but not nearly enough to stop where it did! Now I have questions .. 🤣💒
January 9, 2026
This was a lovely little audiobook that I flew through in a blink. The Last Father-Daughter Dance is short, emotional, and exactly what you’d expect - in a good way.
Lisa Wingate is very good at writing stories about family, memory, and emotional life moments without being overly sentimental. This short story centers on a father and daughter spending intentional time together at the end of his life, and it’s sweet without being over-the-top.
A huge part of why this works so well as an audiobook is Sarah Naughton. She’s the perfect narrator with her warm and steady voice, exactly right for a small, intimate story.
If you’re looking for a quick, emotional listen, I definitely recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Amazon Original Stories for an advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lisa Wingate is very good at writing stories about family, memory, and emotional life moments without being overly sentimental. This short story centers on a father and daughter spending intentional time together at the end of his life, and it’s sweet without being over-the-top.
A huge part of why this works so well as an audiobook is Sarah Naughton. She’s the perfect narrator with her warm and steady voice, exactly right for a small, intimate story.
If you’re looking for a quick, emotional listen, I definitely recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Amazon Original Stories for an advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 10, 2026
i really enjoyed the book, but the abrupt ending let the book down. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
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