The Soldier and the Swan

by Catherine Brooks

She gave up the stage for love.

Now the man she married barely looks at her.

For readers who love emotionally intense historical romance, forbidden love, and impossible choices, The Soldier and the Swan is set in World War II–era San Francisco, where duty collides with desire and one woman must choose between the life she vowed to protect and the one she can’t forget.

San Francisco, 1943: Vivienne Hartley, the city’s prima ballerina, gave up the spotlight to care for her war-wounded husband, Charlie Sterling. The man she married—once full of laughter and life—has become a stranger, and no matter how hard she tries, she can’t reach him.



When Charlie’s younger brother, Danny, returns home on furlough, he brings warmth back into the Sterling home. His blunt honesty cuts deep. She used to be more than his brother’s nurse.



An audition for Swan Lake offers a way for her to reclaim a part of herself she thought she’d lost. As rehearsals consume her, Vivienne finds herself caught between duty and desire. She fights to hold her marriage together, but nothing seems to bring Charlie back. Her growing attraction to Danny blurs the line she swore she’d never cross.



Charlie needs her.

But Danny wants her.



Honor is everything in a time of war. But keeping her vows may mean losing herself forever.

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 26, 2026

Reviews

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
The Solider and the Swan by Catherine Brooks
Publication date: 26th May 2026

Thoughts
One of my favourite ARCs so far this year! This is such a compelling story that follows the life of a post war wife. This was such a masterpiece of a listen, tbe vibes, the setting and plot I just couldn't stop till I got to the end, while this deals with the aftermath of war and mentions war throughout the book it isn't actually based around the war. I was instantly hooked from the getgo, I knew it would be emotional but I wasn't expecting to cry or feel every emotion under the sun. The author's descriptive writing made it even more emotional, you know a character is well written when you start off not liking them then end up feeling for them or at least understanding their side of things. I genuinely think I won't forget this book for a long time to come especially after the way things ended for Charlie 😭💔 safe to say a new author unlocked and I can't wait to read whatever comes out with next!

Plot Summary
In 1943 San Francisco, former ballerina Vivienne Hartley has put her dreams aside to care for her war-injured husband, Charlie, whose trauma has changed him completely. When Charlie’s younger brother Danny returns home, his presence reignites emotions Vivienne thought she’d buried. As she pursues a chance to dance again in Swan Lake, she finds herself torn between loyalty to her husband and feelings she can no longer ignore.


Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC

My Bookstagram

[Lauren W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Soldier and the Swan is a compelling story that balances the beauty of ballet with the heavy toll of post-war life. I loved the character depth—especially Viv’s struggle between prima ballerina and caregiver, and the "meddling" mother-in-law who actually turns out to be well-meaning. The romantic tension between the two brothers against the Swan Lake backdrop was a highlight, even if the dialogue felt a bit too modern for the 1940s. A few romantic sections felt slightly underdeveloped—which might just be the audiobook's translation—but overall, it was an enjoyable, atmospheric read.



3.75-4/5 (truly couldn’t decide where I landed here)


*ALC (thank you, Bridgeport Press/NetGalley)

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given ARC copy by author.

I loved the book right from the beginning. Story really grasped me and I truly cared about what was happening with the characters. I think for me, I would rate this book around 3.75-4 because I was expecting more from the war aspect of the story. The author does mention the war a few times in some off hand remarks but the story is not really about or relevant to the war (aside from Charlie’s injuries) I also felt this story really could have been written throughout any time in history and had more of a modern feel to it. However, I enjoyed the story and have already spoken to friends who are waiting for it to publish so they can read it.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivienne was San Francisco’s prima ballerina when she gave up her career after her husband was injured in the war. Although they had a whirlwind romance and married before he deployed, the man who returned was nothing like the man who left. Despite losing the use of his legs, Charlie refuses to look at her, let alone touch her, and after 8 months of being treated as nothing more than a nurse, Vivienne has lost herself. When the ballet announces that they will be performing Swan Lake, Vivienne decides to audition, hoping to reclaim a piece of her identity, and when Charlie’s brother Danny returns from the Pacific Front on furlough, he encourages her to chase her dreams. But rehearsals aren’t the only thing getting intense, and as her connection with Danny grows, she finds herself torn between honouring her vows and following her heart.

I received an early copy of this audiobook from Netgalley and I was blown away with the author’s debut. The story was woven together beautifully, truly bringing readers to war-time San Francisco, showing not only the class disparity, but also the lifestyle changes that came with the war. As far as the main characters go, Charlie came off as cold and indifferent towards Viv, which made it hard to watch her suffer, and while living with such a debilitating injury had to have been hard, it wasn’t fair to punish her for it. He allowed his mother to constantly berate her and treat her like the help, rather than his wife, which makes it even more surprising when Danny stands up to both of them on Viv’s behalf. Vivienne is not only starved for love but also for companionship, having left her entire life behind for her husband, and while I’m not saying she should have been unfaithful to Charlie, how much did he expect her to give of herself before she broke? Danny was the epitomy of the tortured solider, fighting his inner demons from the war, while also battling between his love for his brother. his duty to his family and his desire for Vivienne.

The juxtaposition of Viv’s life with the dual roles of Odile and Odette added an extra element to the story, as she fought her own curse. Much like in the ballet, she sacrificed to give others what they needed, leaving nothing for herself. In this tale of love, honour and duty, there could be no villains, nor victors.

[Hannah Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bridgeport Press for an ARC of this book!

I loved this book from the first page! I appreciated all of the ballet references and how accurate the authors research was. There are so many WWII novels, but I enjoyed the uniqueness of this one. Even the details of Vivienne’s pointe shoes and her using rosin and lambs wool for her blisters.

I really enjoyed this perspective of how hard it is post war to get any kind of normalcy back. Vivienne and Charlie had quite a few hurdles to get over with his injury and the state of his marriage and the difficulty of having his mom too involved in his care. Things get more complicated when Charlie’s brother, Danny, comes home from the pacific. The relationships in this book are painful to read at times. It had me wanting to free Vivienne from the prison she found herself in at times. The lack of affection, care, and love she had while part of this family was devastating to read. Her first love, ballet, was clear with the juxtaposition of the writing between her two worlds.

Heather Daniel did a phenomenal job with this audiobook. I loved the changes she made per character and how easily she moved in and out to each person as the book progressed. She did a really great job on most of the ballet terms and pronouncing them correctly. You could definitely hear her commitment to the research as she studied for this book.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Solider and the Swan is an excellent story if you are looking for something that is full of intrigue and struggles of the heart if you are not looking for a dramatic love story. I will say I enjoyed this because sometimes you need a break from the classic love stories and this novel actually provided that kind of outlet. The characters were very well drawn out and their struggles they went through were very relatable.

During the war we are introduced to Vivienne who not only struggles with her career as a ballet dancer but also as a caregiver for her husband Charlie who was injured during the war. When his brother Danny comes home from a furlough he sparks feelings that have been absent for so long and when an audition for Swan Lake opens a door for opportunity Viv really does wonder if it is possible to have it all in life. But with these open opportunities comes great responsibility and sometimes they can comd tumbling down if the wrong move is made.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1943 San Francisco, The Soldier and the Swan by Catherine Brooks introduces readers to Vivienne Hartley, a talented ballerina with a promising future. However, her dreams were shattered when her husband returned from the war, paralyzed from an injury. He’s also become emotionally distant. Her days are consumed with the grueling demands of being Charlie’s primary caregiver while living under the critical eye of her mother-in-law, Eleanor. Then, Danny Sterling, Charlie’s brother, enters the picture. He’s on leave from the war and has a few demons he must work through. He’s a bright spot for those around him, but for Vivienne, he’s both infuriating and an unexpected comfort at times. As she navigates her issues, she gets a chance at a professional comeback when she auditions for Swan Lake. As the lines between duty and desire blur, Vivienne must navigate her commitment to her husband, her growing feelings for his brother, and her own need for freedom. Will Vivienne’s dream of returning to dance finally come true? Will her husband ever give her the attention she so craves? Or will Danny become her one true love?

The Soldier and the Swan by Catherine Brooks is the kind of read that pulled at my emotions from the first chapter. The writing is descriptive without feeling overwhelming. I have so much empathy for Vivienne. She’s a layered character, but she’s so real. I could really feel her exhaustion as she tried to balance her marriage and her career. I also found myself wishing her mother-in-law were an ally instead of a foe. If she were a friend, I’d remind her of a famous quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Watching the complicated dynamic between Vivienne, Charlie, and Danny was frustrating, heartbreaking, and oh-so-addictive. I was genuinely at a loss about who I wished she would end up with. Fans of historical fiction and stories of secret longing will love this complex yet enjoyable book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sumi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped.

Viv is trapped in a life outside of her beloved ballet world, where she is shrinking under the expectations of her mother-in-law and her husband Charlie, who is dependent upon the two women after World War Two sends him home badly injured. Viv feels herself feeling smaller until her brother-in-law, Danny, comes for a furlough from the Army.

He vocalizes things that have been pushed to the back of her mind, enough to motivate Viv to embrace ballet again, to relearn her identity in time for Swan Lake auditions. No more put-downs other than Viv's own body rebelling from the strict and all-encompassing demands of being a world-class ballerina. Danny sees the fire and passion in Viv's eyes matching that of his own.

The emotions of resentment, duty, and honor put me through a roller coaster, and I read this book over two days. The shortages of the war are evident (e.g. that borrowed gown meant for dancing after all of Viv's pretty dresses were moved along, the allotment of fuel for the car), but Mrs. Sterling, aka the mother-in-law, wears the public reputation as if her life depends on it. NOTHING will deter her from making sure that Charlie is given the best care, and if making Viv feel insignificant and extra is the price, so be it.

Danny and Viv fight and exchange harsh words, but their passion cannot be doused. Viv is willing to create a life of her own when events implode, truths come out of hiding, and old resentments are laid to rest. I enjoyed the segments where Viv does make a stand for herself, and no one seems to know how to address this vibrant creature other than Danny.

This seems to be a standalone and there is a HEA, but the Kleenex box is handy to have nearby at times.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tiffany Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I was going to rate this 4 stars until chapter 38 had me sobbing in my car for the entirety of the chapter + a little of chapter 39. I mean SOBBING, my eyes were puffy, I kept having to blow my nose....my feelings were properly hurt. Even writing this I'm getting teary eyed. Also I want to point out that this is a debut novel, and Catherine Brooks did so exceptionally well. Generally I give more grace for debut novels and that wasn't even necessary in this case.

I do think that Charlie could and should have lived. There was no reason for him to have died in order for this to be a HEA. But perhaps the author didn't see a way for his character to live a life of meaning while disabled, but I don't think that's the case since she made those closest to him seem completely okay with him being disabled. I just think that this book could have still been HEA and Charlie could have survived to see his family happy and meet his niece. Sigh, big cry. Also back then, Danny was now the only son and child left of Eleanor. He would have been called back stateside or been put in an administrative position out of harm's way but that wasn't mentioned and he wasn't back in time to witness the birth of his daughter.

My biggest gripe with this book is pretty minimal, the author kept harping on Viv being worried she didn't shave her legs. But in 1940s shaving legs was new in its commonplace and I don't think ppl would have been as self conscious about it.

The interpretation of Swan Lake by Helena was very lovely as well and it mirroring her life and relationships was also well done. I do wish that some of the ballet terms and sequencing were better done though. Nevertheless, this did make me look up when PNB will be dancing to Swan Lake again.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bridgeport Press for the ALC.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

I went into this book only knowing that it was a historical fiction with romance. I came out in total awe. I was immediately thrown back to the time of close to the end of World War II in San Francisco. The FMC is now the main caretaker of her injured soldier husband along with his mother. The mother frustrated me so, and the way it was written truly conveyed that feeling. You feel the frustration, loneliness, loss of future so deeply, but the strength and resilience is also there. She is a prima ballerina hoping to go back to the stage, yet struggles between the grueling ballet practice/rehearsals and looking after husband; the guilt is palpable.

Then along comes Danny. A breath of fresh air.

I won't go into too much detail, but the story of these two...it is really hard to put into words. The emotions are high, just are the stakes - every time I left them, I couldn't stop thinking about them, even now.

This book was brilliantly written, draws you in immediately, and is emotionally charged. I don't give out 5 stars lightly, but this one is a 4.8 for me (but that could have been my misunderstanding of the end).

If you love historical romance, I definitely recommend and I will be looking for other books by the author.

Thank you for giving my an advanced copy.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A BITTERSWEET STORY OF FORBIDDEN LOVE

SUMMARY
In 1943, Vivienne Hartley was a prima ballerina with the San Francisco Ballet when she fell in love with and married Charlie Sterling, a handsome soldier. But shortly after they married, she had to give up the spotlight to care for Charlie, who was paralyzed in the war. Living in her husband’s wealthy and overbearing mother's home is difficult, and she can’t seem to do anything right, according to her mother-in-law, Eleanor Sterling. Charlie is so buried in his crossword puzzles and self-pity that he doesn’t notice the horrible way Eleanor treats Vivienne..

When Charlie’s brother, Danny, also a soldier, returns home after two years away with battle fatigue, he brings warmth and laughter back to the Sterling home, at least for Vivienne. The two have never met. With Danny’s encouragement, Vivienne auditions for Swan Lake and even lands the lead. But as rehearsals consume her and Danny pursues her, she must fight to keep her marriage vows.


REVIEW
The Soldier and the Swan is an emotionally intense WWII-era historical romance. It’s a bittersweet story of forbidden love and impossible choices. The writing is seamless and well-structured, and the characters are well drawn. I loved how the ballet Swan Lake was woven into the story.

For me, the back-and-forth tension of Vivienne and Danny's relationship, while necessary, was tiresome and unending. Every time the two met, the same conversation was repeated, over and over again. Despite that, I like the way the story was eventually resolved.

I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator’s voice, tone, and pacing. It was a nice listen. This will be a good listen for a day at the beach. Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed here are my own.


Publisher Bridgeport Press
Published May 26, 2026
Narrator Heather Daniel
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

[Ridzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Netgally copy. I'm a big fan of complicated love stories and this one delivers on so many things but not quite all the way.

Yays 👍
- Ballet references pull you into the world of grace is rich and so well defined
- FMCs inner conflict is real and you can feel her swinging between hope and despair for her marriage
- The conflict at the heart of this story is captured well, both for the FMC and MMC
- For a while the end did seem unpredictable and HEA out of reach which adds to the intrigue

Nays 👎
- FMCs character started off as quite erratic and unlikeable, specially when the MMC shows up
- The depiction of disability and mental health is callous at best and used as a sort of justification but doesn't land as deeply
- Without spoilers there is usually only one way a story like this ends, but in this instance it felt more tragic because the secondary MMC had genuine moments of hope. I couldn’t help but feel let down with how it was handled
- The book didn't feel era appropriate and definitely missed a lot of historical scene setting. it could have been a 2000 something setting at a modern war and we wouldn't have been able to tell the difference

Verdict 🪒
Good bones but the prose and character work could be better to make it a more enjoyable read.

[Jordan Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to get an arc for this book It happened in a non-traditional way. I met the author because she was friends with one of my regulars at my store and she and the regular customer walked in, and I told her how much I loved reading and she sent me a link for her book and she is definitely one to watch out for cuz she is talented.



I just finished this book I loved it 100%. This book is a historical fiction/drama set in 1943 during world war II. In this book our main character Vivienne Is Hartley Is a beloved dancer who had to give up her career to help take care of her injured husband who has returned home from the war. I love this book so much because we see the main character and the other characters struggle with their their circumstances in their sense of belonging as well as navigating love and finding peace in decisions That they have made and ultimately will make. This is probably my favorite book of the year so far. I can't wait for everyone else to read it.

[Karis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!

An emotional masterpiece straight from the stage of life! I was drawn into the story by the detailed and complex characters immediately from the first chapter.

Vivienne is an orphan raised on the ballet stage to become a star. When her recent husband returns home for war forever changed her life is in upheaval. Trapped in the home she shares with her mother-in-law and husband she realizes she needs to have more to her life than being a nurse. Returning to ballet sparks life back into her, when another life changing event occurs. Her husband’s brother returns home and the chemistry is palpable. Caught in a love triangle, the past and present collide. With only one clear vision in her future, she has to choose between the life she has been handed and the life that is true.

I couldn’t put this down and HAD to finish it tonight. Every twist will keep you on the edge to see will the swan succumb like Swan Lake or spread her wings and fly?

[Enchanted Bindings Reading Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given an ARC copy by author.

This book was a perfect literary balance of love, lost love, sensuality, strength, weakness, triumph, pain, and suffering.

The emotional and physical toll the characters endured was portrayed with raw honesty and beautiful eloquence. I loved how the author showed so many sides of the story — the heartbreak, the healing, the vulnerability, the passion, and the fight to keep going even when life has taken too much.

From the very beginning, this author snagged my attention and never let go. I found this book incredibly hard to put down, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the ride.

The ending was absolute perfection.

There was soldier PTSD, emotional wounds, and the kind of pain that lingers — but there was also heat, connection, tenderness, and those delicious hot-and-bothered moments that brought the story to life in a whole new way.

And the ballet? Oh, the ballet danced to a whole different song in this one.

This was emotional, sensual, powerful, and beautifully written. I loved it, and I will definitely be waiting to see what flows next from this author’s pen.

Amazing job!

[Alyssa Knappenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no notes for this book. The story was so perfect that I will be thinking about it for a while. I normally don't read historical fiction, but as someone who used to dance and loves ballet, I found myself interested in reading this book.

Vivienne Hartley was a prima ballerina when she met, fell in love, and married her husband Charlie in war time. Charlie was injured in war and was paralyzed. Viv gives up dance for 8 months to take care of him, until Danny, Charlie's brother returns from war. His return turns on a spark in her, both in her career and in herself. She decides to go back to dancing and gets a part in Swan Lake. I love how connected Swan Lake was to the story. Vivienne's story was so beautiful that I found myself engrossed in the pages, not being able to put this book down. I definitely foresee myself reading any future books by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Jessica Ehmcke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the Author for the gifted Advance reader Copy of The Soldier and the Swan

This was such a beautiful read. This is the authors debut novel, I look forward to reading more by this author.

Historical Romance
Forbidden Romance
Love Triangle

Vivienne was a rising Ballerina in the public eye, she falls for Charlie a war soldier and they marry shortly after meeting. Suddenly life changes for both Vivienne and Charlie when Charlie is injured in combat. Vivienne's ballet career is put on hold to help care for Charlie. Vivienne and Charlie are living with Charlies widowed mother. Life becomes very repetitive, lonely, and hopeless for Vivienne until Charlies brother Danny returns home from war on furlough. Suddenly Vivienne feels seen again.
Vivienne's resilience to life's tragedies is empowering. Life can be so cruel at times.

[Dorothy Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given an ARC copy by author.

This book was a perfect literary balance of love, lost love, sensuality, strength, weakness, triumph, pain, and suffering.

The emotional and physical toll the characters endured was portrayed with raw honesty and beautiful eloquence. I loved how the author showed so many sides of the story — the heartbreak, the healing, the vulnerability, the passion, and the fight to keep going even when life has taken too much.

From the very beginning, this author snagged my attention and never let go. I found this book incredibly hard to put down, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the ride.

The ending was absolute perfection.

There was soldier PTSD, emotional wounds, and the kind of pain that lingers — but there was also heat, connection, tenderness, and those delicious hot-and-bothered moments that brought the story to life in a whole new way.

And the ballet? Oh, the ballet danced to a whole different song in this one.

This was emotional, sensual, powerful, and beautifully written. I loved it, and I will definitely be waiting to see what flows next from this author’s pen.

Amazing job!

[Cindi Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole world was in turmoil with World War II, and that turmoil demanded sacrifice.
Vivienne had a life full of promises and dreams. She offered up so much for those she loved. But because of this she became a ghost among the living. Only one person could see who she really was; and that was a person forbidden to her.

I fell in love with these characters from the very beginning. The backdrop of World War II added to the romanticism of this story. Catherine Brooks did an amazing job of delving into the complex emotions of Vivienne. I do wish she would’ve been a little more thorough with the perspectives of Charlie and Danny. It would’ve been more impactful to have a better understanding of the trauma they were both going through as well.

The narration was top notch! Overall I would absolutely recommend this story to others! Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook Arc.

[Emily Harp · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Soldier and the Swan is a beautiful novel written about love, sacrifice, family and duty. The story is told through the innermost thoughts and experiences of Vivienne Hartley a prima ballerina turned war wife and then caregiver. She brings the reader into a story that is intimate, raw and emotional, but also one of hope and strength. It is hard not to feel for her and ultimately root for her.
After reading though, I am very torn— The dialogue, the character experiences and the feel of the story did not convey the 1940s. To be clear, this did not take away from the eloquence of the writing or engagement in the story, as long as you adjust your expectations.

Thank you NetGalley and Bridgeport Press for the advanced audiobook!
All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Skye Rosey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so raw, it spoke to me in a way that most books fail to do. I cannot rate it highly enough! Viv was in a no-win situation, something that could happen in real life, and it becomes extremely hard to judge her as the story progresses. I couldn't read it fast enough, wondering how she'd get through it all. What a sad beautiful tragic love story, just like Swan Lake itself--but in this version, thank goodness, there is a hopeful ending!

P.S. I first read this as a manuscript in progress and was blown away. I am so happy to see it finally in print so you can all have a chance to read it!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short book that explored the complicated family relationship between two brothers, the wife of one and mother of the two sons. The story takes place during World War II, but in reality could have happened at any time period, involving a disabled man injured during the war, his young , talented ballerina wife, a brother on medical leave and a meddling mother who has no use for her daughter in law. This story was heartbreaking at times, gut wrenching, showed the intensity of ballet and the involvement Vivianna had for her craft. I enjoyed this book, but I hoped for more character development and the ending seemed to tie together at bit too nicely

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this novel is a poignant and uplifting read. Perfect for fans of historical romance who appreciate emotional depth, complex characters, and a love story that proves even the most wounded hearts can find peace and happiness. The romance unfolds with a gentle intensity. Rather than feeling rushed, the relationship develops organically. Each character is developed so deeply, that you’re truly left feeling you knew each of their pain and trauma intimately.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Zammy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for the arc
1.5⭐️
I can’t write the way I want to without spoiling the book, even though I liked the storyline and was excited to read it. I can’t say how much I’m disappointed with this book. One of the huge red flags were that how’s the story is build in WWII, it still read as if was written in modern times, some of the phrases the characters used made me feel like I was reading a contemporary book. Also the relationship in the story was rushed, it didn’t have that much of build up tension to help with the romance. Anyhow I can’t write more or else I’ll spoil the book.

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the ballet parts. The struggles the FMC endured were fine very well and you couldn't help but feel for her. But, you wouldn't have known it was set during WWII if the author hadn't specifically told you. The writing made it feel more contemporary. Also, I did not like how everything worked out so perfectly. It didn't feel right, or consistent, with the vibe of the book.

The audiobook narrator did a wonderful job.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[STACIE BENICH · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a first novel, the writing is simple and easy to read. One of those books you don’t want to put down. The characters feel human and flawed, which makes the story engaging.
The novel tells the story of a young ballerina whose life changes in ways she never expected. It explores love, loyalty, and how life can take unexpected turns.
Overall, this is a heartfelt debut about love, loss, and difficult choices.

[Crystal Reutov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been drawn to a good soldier love story and I'm obsessed with the ballet. This book gave me both of those so of course I had high expectations. I was not disappointed. If you're wanting a soft and sweet read, this isn't that book. This book showed the grit and struggle of war life for both spouse and partner. The way the story tied into the ballet of Swan Lake was tastefully done. This book wasn't about being away at war, it touched on the wars one faces once home.

[LAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong fan of Swan Lake, this book was everything. I loved how the FMC's story aligned with the ballet story itself. The yearning and angst, the symbolism....I cannot believe this was a debut! I listened to the audiobook along with reading it and the narration was fantastic as well. I can't wait to see what else the author comes out with in the future.

Thank you to Bridgeport Press and Catherine Brooks for the advanced copy for an honest review.

[Lauren Browne · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: If you were a dancer who loves historical fiction, you will love this book. It follows the journey of Vivienne in 1940s San Francisco as she finds herself again through dance and through love. I enjoyed the parallels of Sean Lake and her story with Danny through out the book. I thought the writing was lovely and am so grateful to have read it before the release!

[Marielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given ARC by author. This book was okay for me. The love story and its dilemma were interesting, but I mainly skimmed through all the ballet scenes. The MIL is absolutely horrid, and I had a hard time believing everything could be patched up in a lovely bow by the end.