DANCING ON ROCKS: A NOVEL

by Rose Senehi

Simmering beneath the skin and hiding around every corner are a family's painful memories of a child who disappeared in the middle of the night 25 years ago.
Nursing her mother back to health wasn't all that drew Georgie Haydock back to the mountain tourist town of Chimney Rock. The summer roils as her mother thrashes in her bed, insisting that the strange woman stalking her store downstairs is Georgie's missing sister. Georgie aches to reunite with the hometown boy she never forgot; yet, she fears all the summer's turmoil will force her to unveil the secret she's been hiding since she was six. Naturalist Ron Elliott doesn't care what Georgie did all those year back. She's the one creature he's always yearned to possess.
Dancing on Rocks weaves through a network of memories, secrets, and mutual dependencies twisting through this isolated community of 112 at the foot of Chimney Rock State Park. Thousands of visitors stream through this tourist destination every week, but in reality, the people in the small village have only each other.

Genres: Fiction, Romance

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Contemporary fiction writer, Rose Senehi, is noted for weaving historical data into her romantic thrillers. FALLING OFF A CLIFF is a story of two women a generation apart and from two different worlds who are driven by passion to heal no matter what dangers they have to face. In the 1920s, Lula Mae clings to a doctor woman as they gallop horseback all over the steep, harsh Blue Ridge Mountains. In the 60s, Nurse Holly travels the same mountain paths to reach the ill and search for the mother she's never known. CATCHING FIRE, awarded the 2019 Historical Book Award by the NC Society of Historians, Inc., tells of the heroism displayed by hundreds of firefighters to extinguish the horrific Party Rock Fire that raged through the mountains surrounding Lake Lure, NC. Woven throughout this tale of two firefighters in love, yet, torn apart by swirling suspicions and mistrust, is the story of a family struggling with its past in the frightening present. CAROLINA BELLE, A Love Story, is her eighth novel and takes place in an apple orchard in Hendersonville, NC. Read this novel, and you'll never look at an apple the same way again. Among her seven "stand-alone" novels that take place in the Southern Blue Ridge are "Dancing on Rocks," winner of the 2014 Indi-Reader Discovery Award for Popular Fiction, "Render Unto the Valley," awarded the 2012 IPPY Gold Medal for Fiction--Southeast., "In the Shadows of Chimney Rock", a finalist for the SIBA 2009 Book of the Year Award, and "The Wind in the Woods", a finalist for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Award. All of her novels are part family saga, part mystery, and part love story.

Reviews

[Jessie Banach · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are looking for a light read that's low on substance and high on its Hallmark or Lifetime value as a made-for-tv type movie setting...this is the book for you. The author obviously did her research well, as I felt like I was reading a history book for Chimney Rock. I simply wish she had spent nearly as much time flushing out the characters, or telling a plausible story. I often had to go back a few paragraphs to figure out what character was talking because they all, male and female, sounded exactly alike. Except the grandmother, and I won't go into the negative face she put on older people in the mountains of NC with all the slang and idioms that peppered every other word from this woman.

As for the story-line, it was predictable from page one as she basically told everyone the "big" secret immediately.

Over all, it's not a *bad* book. It is not a good one, either.

[Bailey Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a cute book located in chimney rock, we bought this book from the author during hendersonville’s apple festival. i liked it but there were some cringey moments

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Georgie Haydock returns to her home of Chimney Rock, North Carolina to help care for her mother who took a bad fall, she is bombarded with memories of home. When she was just six-years-old, her baby sister vanished from their home in the middle of the night. Her mother never recovered and insists that her daughter is out there somewhere.

Her mother has run up credit card debt buying up tracts of land hoping to sell them for a huge profit. The debt has endangered the family general store that has been their livelihood for years. And Georgie's first boyfriend, the rugged and handsome naturalist Ron Elliot she ran out on on years ago with no explanation, wants to rekindle their relationship.

One of the reasons I enjoy reading is that a good story can take me places I've never been and make me feel like I am there. Senehi does just that with her seventh novel. The setting of the actual mountain town of Chimney Rock is a very real character in this story, and I fell in love with the tourist town and its quaint stores and townspeople who know everything about everybody. Anyone from a small town can relate to the wonderful scene where the older women prepare to make sandwiches for the emergency response team who are searching on the mountain for a missing person.

Fans of Nora Roberts' novels should pick up Dancing on Rocks, as Senehi mines similar territory and had gotten better with each successive book. There is a sweet romance between Georgie and Ron, and terrific family stories with Ron and his daughter and Georgie and her mother and sister and sister's sons. Every good novel has a secret and this one has a doozy- what really happened the night Georgie's sister disappeared?

The characters fascinated me, and I especially liked matriarch Dinah, even though her grief over her missing daughter caused her to treat her other daughters in an unthinking manner. She felt so real to me. Each of the characters are well drawn, they all have shade of gray instead of being stock good-or-bad characters.

Senehi discusses the extensive research she did for this novel in the acknowledgments section, which I found so interesting and greatly added to this captivating book. Anyone who likes nature and flora and fauna will get an added dimension of enjoyment to this novel, as Ron's work is also a big part of the story.

Reading Dancing on Rocks will have you heading for Trip Advisor to plan a visit to see this beautiful area of the country for yourself. And if you do, be sure to stop in to the cute little shops for some souvenirs.

[Nikki Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose is absolutely amazing as a person who tends to give really good advice. I highly recommend hearing her read/talk if you ever get the opportunity.

As for her book...I like this story. I liked the overall mystery, and the romance. Ron seemed like a great and very patient guy. Georgie's character grew in both good and bad ways to me. The arch was well done, and the history of Chimney Rock was beautifully woven through the tale. I also love the sense of family pride and togetherness in this. Family, is very important, and we shouldn't give up on our family just like Dinah and Gail's mother.

Although I found the beginning rocky (no pun intended) due to being dreadfully confused about what exactly happened to Shelby. I also didn't like the POV change from Georgie/Ron to Mary. Gail's POV threw me for a loop as well, but as I began to understand the story more, I grew to like her insights. If you like romance stories with a bit of mystery, then this is the book for you.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of Georgie Haydock who returns to Chimney Rock after being gone for 15 years. The tale that is told brings forth memories of the past, guilt, hope and most of the chance of love again. The author does a wonderful job of telling story with her wonderful artistic words. I really enjoyed this book. It was a great read that kept my interest. Well done Rose Senehi. I give it 4 stars.

[Millicent · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this book because it was set in NC--Chimney Rock & the surrounding area. This setting played a major part in the book, but the book was predictable almost from the first. It was a quick & easy read with only one little unexpected blip along the way.

[Kathi Drag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good light reading suitable for a lifetime or hallmark movie. Take it to the beach this summer.

[Sommer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best, not the worst. The story didn't really pick up until after page 100. Georgie came across as bossy, rude, and stuck up to me. A lot of the characters, (Mary, Carrie, Deborah, Ron's nature buddies, and the various auxiliary ladies) were so minor that they didn't need to be introduced, let alone have their own point of view. It was so confusing trying to figure out who was speaking!

I enjoyed the how the nature scenes were woven throughout the book. North Carolina mountain towns are just a short drive from me, and they really are something special.

Most of the characters were flat. The missing sister was not reunited with her real family until literally the second to last page. Ron and Georgie's love story was not really interesting at all.
And a lot of the story was just not believable. Georgie didn't have Ron's phone number to call him after their misunderstanding? Georgie has to tend to her mother as if she's dying, when all she has is a minor foot injury? How did Georgie's ex-husband come all the way from Wyoming to see her on the one day she randomly went back home to Boone? Just so many holes...

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

bought this book when visiting Chimney Rock. this is a light romance with Chim Rock history.
I read it fast so guess I liked it. lady comes home to chim rock to help her mom. finds old beau. can they clear up mystery of long missing baby sister? one conflict resolved too tidily, or was it untidily?! otherwise, would be a good beach read or something light over the holidays.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Unforgettable characters, particularly Georgie Haydock. The author offers a narrative giving a historical setting of the Chimney Rock area with characters that make that region a unique place. The more I read it the more I thought that this could be adapted into a movie. Well written and well researched. Looking forward to reading more of Rose Senehi's work.

[Donna Brackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book, it's well worth your time.

[Buckeyebet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed most of the book because of the local and nature references. The book was more of a romance than I expected.

[Andi Houtsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing on Rocks was a surprisingly engaging read. Focusing on the main character of Georgie Hydock, recently returned to her hometown of Chimney Rock Village at the base of the same-named gorge and famous landmark Dancing on Rocks takes you on a slow observation of southern mountain life in a small tourist town. Georgie has come back to town to help take care of her capricious mother after a nasty accident on her motorcycle leaves her wounded and temporarily physically disabled. Having trained as a nurse, Georgie is perfectly suited for the job. However, her return to her hometown raises up old ghosts like those of her lost and drowned younger sister, a father deceased six months, and a romance tragically ended too soon. All of which she expected but none of which she readily wants to engage in. The past is a place full of memories she’d rather not relive, rekindle or address. Yet small town life has a way of dredging up the most ancient of secrets, reminding us of unspoken bonds that only close physical proximity over dozens of generations can generate. Georgie has no choice but to face her past, confess certain truths, and hopefully find blessing and relief in doing so, not only for herself but for everyone involved.

Rose Senehi knows the people and culture she writes about. In the final pages of this book she discusses how the plot came to be, acknowledging several people upon whom she based certain characters. I appreciated this explanation. Sometimes these little tidbits take away from the overall shine of a story but in this case Senehi isn’t boastful, only illuminating the lengths to which she went in order to compose what turned out to be a historically rich, factually detailed and relevant story. Her characters stand up and off the page, reaching out to engage you, perhaps because they are modeled on real people. I rooted for Georgie and Ron, felt (nominally) sad about Mary, and enjoyed the familial relationships. The mystery surrounding the drowning of Georgie’s youngest sister Shelby plays an active subplot that works well as supporting foundation for the resolutions of many relationships Georgie’s teenage departure from the village cast asunder. This was a wonderful tale of reconciliation and healing set among familiar scenery that captured the imagination being as much a character as the human cast. Senehi’s writing evokes the Blue Ridge Mountains with adroit skill, reminding me of childhood vacations to the area (including a trip to Chimney Rock many, many years ago).

Notwithstanding a few minor editing misses (for instance, Georgie is at one point on the phone with her sister, slamming her fist down on the table next to the phone and then somehow miraculously ends up in the same room with this same sister having the conversation but no longer on the phone), I give Dancing On Rocks high marks. While not a stunner this book was an enjoyable read.

[Harmony Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of The Review Board by Harmony Kent.

I received a PDF copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

Dancing on Rocks is a fictional book set in the Chimney Rock area of NC, and it is obvious from the outset that the author has done her research. The opening is strong and sets the reader up to expect a gripping read; unfortunately, it then fails to deliver. The “big secret” is given away right at the outset, and the pace is slow. The characters all read as the same, with no great personality differences hitting the reader to differentiate them, and there are a lot of names to get used to in a short space. The point of view moves between a lot of different characters throughout the book, even the more minor ones. All of which made it difficult for me to connect with any one of them enough to actually care what happened. The only reason I finished this book is that I had been asked to give it an honest review. I really wanted to enjoy this read, but I ended up bored with it and had to force myself to continue. The writing style is passive, and there are many hiccups along the way. One such example is using contradicting actions, such as “slowly glancing over his shoulder.” By definition, a glance is a quick look, and there is nothing slow about it. The majority of actions are delayed with “starting to” or “began to,” instead of just getting into it. Filter words abound, especially “he or she knew,” which again puts something in the way of the character and the action. The narrative is also full of “telling” rather than “showing.” I don’t want to be “told” someone is angry, I want to be shown: what mannerisms show that particular character’s mood? How can you tell he or she is annoyed? And if someone has just made a demand within dialogue, I don’t then need a dialogue tag that “tells” me “she demanded,” because it’s just been shown. While the character development is shallow, the book does give a lot of depth to the history of Chimney Rock and its surrounding area, and the scene setting is done in detail, so it is easy to imagine yourself alongside the river, or walking through the tall trees. If this amount of attention and depth were given to the character and plot development, this would be a cracking read. I give it 5 out of 10 TRB stars, which equates to 2.5 stars on other rating scales.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in smalltowns can be quite difficult for two reasons - one there is often not much happening and many feel destined that one day they will escape the boredom of the smalltown and do wonders , the other is that often smalltowns are simply quite small and everybody knows everybody and their business. For Georgie, she had always dreamed of leaving the smalltown and she did when she got older and became a nurse and never looked back as the town also held bad memories of the past as when Georgie was younger , she was supposed to be looking after her younger sister Shelby when Shelby disappeared and the town believed that she had drowned and Georgie always blamed herself for the accident. Twenty years later, Georgie's mother has been in a motorbike accident and hurt herself and so Georgie has returned home to help out a bit with her mother's shop as her sister has children which she is busy with. Being back in town means though that Georgie must confront her past which means remembering what happened to her sister. Georgie's mother though has always believed that Shelby never died and that she is alive somewhere. Imagine though the shock when a girl turns up out of the blue claiming to be Shelby ? Where has she been all these years and what really happened that day twenty years ago ?
Dancing on Rocks reminded me of the book The Face on the Milk Carton crossed with the MTV Show Finding Carter with a hint of Steena Holmes's series Finding Emma. Dancing on Rocks is the perfect read for those fans of stories of children being missing and now found.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Dancing on Rocks by Rose Senehi through the Goodreads Giveaway.....what a gift I received. Rose Senehi has a true gift of being able to transport a reader into the lives, mindset and thoughts of the characters, their pain, joy, fears and sense of reflection. In addition....she is gifted in letting the readers truly see this wonderful town of Chimney Rock in their minds. Her attention to the detail of this wonderful town and it's residence is remarkable!

Not only is the story captivating.....it leaves a reader wanting to get into their car and get to Chimney Rock and experience the magic of this town and it's people. I can't thank Goodreads and Rose Senehi enough for this wonderful reading experience. I am looking forward to reading every one of her books and can't wait for the next journey she takes us on. Thank you again....

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing On Rocks is a fascinating romantic read that will leave you falling for more. Rose Senehi, has a talent for creating believable characters, intrigue, and an addictive love story! Georgie Haydock heads back home to Chimney Rock to nurse her mother back. There is a man who is deeply attracted to Georgie and he will do everything he can to have her as his woman. But with things from Georgie’s past keep her from the man who wants her. Will everything turn out okay in the end? Will this man let Georgie’s past keep him form going after her? I highly enjoyed reading this contemporary fiction novel from the beginning! I definitely would recommend others to hurry up and pick up this incredible novel and stunning plot that will keep you reading all night. This is one of the best romances readers will read! I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and after reading it I plan to go back and read her earlier books. The book takes place in Chimney Rock and her setting is as much a part of the book as her characters. You can tell that she knows and loves this part of North Carolina. Her main character is Gerogie, who left Chimney Rock right after high school to help her forget the mystery of her sister who disappeared at four years old. As the story story begins, she has gone back home to help care for her ailing mother and sees the former love of her life in town. The rest of the book is all about finding her way home and finding love. Its a fun read and really makes you want to pack a bag and take a trip to the NC mountains!

[Alexandra Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading this wonderful book by author Rose Senehi. If you're a fan of books in which the setting is as much a character as the people, then this book is for you. The town of Chimney Rock, NC is beautifully depicted in this cross genre piece. While the book has a literary feel, there's mystery and romance to keep the reader engaged. The characters are believable, but just quirky enough. Think Twin Peaks without the otherworldly strangeness. The charm of the town literally drips from the pages. It is obvious that Ms. Senehi adores this place and has made it a part of her soul. And when an author does that, you know that the book is going to deliver. I highly recommend this read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

This book was a good read, but it didn't jump out at me and make me want to keep reading and reading. I think it picked up more speed towards the end and its very obvious that the author did her research very well. I did like this book, but it was very slow paced for me personally. It could have been me and not the book! I still say give it a try! =) I will definitely still be passing this book along! I think other might enjoy it more then I did.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had just come home from a vacation in Chimney Rock ,where I purchased this book from the Author herself ,at a craft fair. It was the last of four stand alone series about the Blue Ridge Mountains. Now I wished I had bought the others. I loved the way everything kept moving along and places that the author described were places we went.
As a matter of the boat guide that took us out into Lake Lure probably read this book because of the things he shared about the history.
This book had tragedy and love,all about Family, Which is exactly why I loved it.

[Michelle Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Nice story line and characters that I could relate to. A good friend gave me this book for Christmas and I was very touched by such a thoughtful gift. So, I was going to find value in the book regardless of content. But---- I truly liked it and have started another Rose Senehi book. The setting for this book was Chimney Rock NC and because I am resident of Charlotte and have visited Chimney several times the story line had more personal connections and value. It is a shorter but by no means too simple,stand alone story to enjoy.

[Karen E. Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a goodreads contest. From the first page you have an idea what the story is going to be based on. Rose Senehi has a wonderful way of presenting her characters as real, you share their emotions and journey. If you do not like tragedy turned around, forgiveness and patching up past wounds, close to an inspirational movie that is not heavy with action, you can skip this one. I enjoyed the story and the message of forgiveness and opening up to love. Despite the past, it is possible to heal and continue loving life.

[Debbie Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a first-reads winner. I really enjoyed reading the book. It had romance, mystery, suspense. The author went into a lot of detail on the beautiful setting of the story. It makes you want to see the area in person. I am glad it could be read as a stand-alone novel even though it is part of her Blue Ridge series. I would recommend the book and will look to read other books in this series by Rose Senehi.

[Paul Steinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing on Rocks is a wonderful blend of romance, mystery and a loving look at a landmark area in North Carolina. The characters are wonderful and full of life. I loved Ron's essential nobility matched against Georgie's combination of toughness and frailty. The challenges within Georgie's family will ring especially true. The level of description is lush and consistent from start to finish. Even the female villain experiences doubts and guilt. Rose Senehi is a gifted writer.

[Diana Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads win. In past years we spent summer vacations in this area at a resort named "High Hampton". I have fond memories of being there and actually hiked Chimney Rock. The author did a wonderful job with this novel. I loved the characters, the story and everything about it. It was the first book I had read by Rose Senehi, but I certainly would love some her others. I'd say it was one of the best I've read all summer.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another great read from Rose Senehi! I feel like I just spent an extended stay in Chimney Rock, NC. Rose is really good at placing you right in the midst of her setting, watching it all unfold! Her historical research is really interesting, her mystery aspect keeps you turning the page and her characters become friends you cheer on! Loved this book!

[Rich Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't normally my type of book but I have to say I really enjoyed this.I think it really excelled as it described the locations and the history of the region.I actually want to visit this region based on reading this book.The story keeps you engaged and comes to a satisfactory conclusion. Full disclosure I won this book through goodreads for an unbiased review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodread give away :
Dancing on Rocks written by ROSE SENEHI
Is a tale of strong family connections sense of belonging and Hope for new beginnings ! It was a delight to read and written well! This book would be a great pick for book club read . Thank you for giving me this book and for the time I spent in Chimney Rock :-)

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read, with quite a bit of local history surrounding Chimney Rock, NC. It explores the psychological and physical impact of abuse and loss of loved ones. Certainly, the impact can be extreme as it is in a number of characters. Still, life goes on and, in this book, it mostly ends well.