Last Dance At Jitterbug Lounge

That Business Between Us #4

by Pamela Morsi

Jack and Claire Crabtree were once happily married, but separate interests have left each one dancing to their own tune. She refuses to move into the brand-new house he built for the family. He spends too much time at work with a colleague whom she considers a threat to any man's fidelity. When Jack is summoned back to Oklahoma to see his ailing grandpa Bud, Claire only makes the trip at the last minute.

Bud and Geri Crabtree danced through life together for seventy years as friends, lovers and devoted spouses. They always knew what mattered most in life—and the laughter and tears come naturally when their family gathers together. And if Jack and Claire can remember the bond they once shared, they might be able to rediscover what's wonderful about love.…

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Book Club, Adult Fiction, Contemporary

400 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

Pamela Morsi was an American writer. She was the author of 29 romance novels, beginning in 1991.

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story switches between contemporary and historical fiction. The contemporary narrative follows the realistic but worthwhile journey of Jack and Claire, a couple in their thirties who are struggling to hold their marriage together, having drifted apart in work and life. The historical fiction follows the development of the unusual romance of Jack's grandparents, Bud and Geri, around the time of World War II.

It's not so common to find a story that shows love's ups and downs and pulling through in spite of all, and this one was like a breath of fresh air. It's not perfect with a few small indiscretions - some of the secondary characters are less than exemplary, yet nothing is described in detail. Since its focus is married life, it's most suited to adults.

References to God and religion occasionally pop up as symbolic reference points for how the characters are doing, nothing very deep but basically good-willed.

Overall it's a worthwhile story about family, love, loss and the hope that comes afterwards, about coping with sickness and beginning again after setbacks, and ultimately learning what is most important in life and living to attain it.

[Sue Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best comfort reads that I have read in a while- I enjoyed the book. A realistic look at two marriages. What I found interesting was how the female author was good at capturing and depicting the two leading male characters. Why women fell in love with them and how the men basic goodness was described. In both marriages there was instant notice by the men of their future wives, and both marriage there was a strong physical attraction and enjoyable sex. The story of the two marriages is told thru one character from each marriage. The grandparents marriage story unfolds from the grandfather thoughts while in a coma from a head injury. He fell when getting up after kneeling at his wife's grave. His grandson and wife are called to come and sit by him during his coma and their marriage is a slump. They are going thur one of those difficlut times that come and go in most/all marriages. The wife is the chief narrator but her husbands views are expressed too. We only hear about the grandmother. All the characters are very appealing, interesting and complex personalities. The younger couple emerge from their bedside vigil and stay in grandparents home with stronger and happeir relationship having gather a greater understanding of their roles in creating this slump and how much they love each other and how to create a loving supportable marriage.
I've made it seem deadly dull but it isn't it is full of odd but wise family and small town characters as well as the wealthy very socially promiment mother and Doctor,stepfater to the younger husband that are a hoot to read about.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has a great story line, and I really liked the connection with the character's. I thought there could have been more details here and there in the book. The end left me wanting to know what happened with the remaining characters however. I really felt like it left you hanging and wondering. All in all though it was a fun likeable read. I am not quite sure what my draw to books that go back and forth between the past and present are, but it seems to be a pattern for me.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very appropriate that I finished reading this book over Veteran's Day weekend. Bud is a World War II veteran who suffers a stroke while taking flowers to visit his wife, Geri, at the cemetery for her birthday. His grandson, Jack, is called from his home in San Antonio and told that his grandfather is hospitalized. Jack's mother takes their three children so his wife, Claire, can make the trip with him. Every other chapter is written in real time and shows the relationship of Jack and Claire as they try to hold their marriage together when faced with a serious crisis to the business that Jack has spent his life building. The other chapters are what Bud is thinking as he is unresponsive in his hospital room. These chapters provide us with a glimpse of what he endured in the war as well as the post-traumatic stress disorder he suffered when he returned. It also showed us the special relationship that Bud and Geri had together. When their son was killed in Vietnam, they took in their grandson so that his mother could finish her college degree. After she remarries and returns to take Jack home to Texas, Bud is grieving over that loss. Geri tells him, "I miss my son. I miss my grandson. I hate what that awful war did to you. But I can't let those things cheat me out of everything that I have. I've decided that I'm going to be happy and like it or not, you're stuck with me, so you're just going to have to be happy too." This novel showed the resiliency of the human spirit and helps us to see that even when bad things do happen to good people, some people can still remain happy in general. Thank you once again to Pam Lynn for lending me this novel from your wonderful collection.

[Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

Newcomer's Club book group - Feb. 2009

I would not have picked up this book if book club hadn't been reading it, but it was worthwhile. Some of the characters were a little cliche, but it was still an enjoyable read.
The message is one that all married couples need to hear at some point...marriage is work. Even when it seems you're each headed in different directions, or when it seems that your spouse isn't the same person you married, it's better to find or create happiness together than to wallow in negativity. And it helps to know that such friction is a normal part of marriage. Sometimes knowing you're not the only couple can help.

[Kim-Lost-In-A-Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beauitful story and it's a bonus that it's beautifully written. I love the connections that are made to the family members. The things that had been unknown become known and help the younger generation of this family not only learn about their family, but also helps them learn about themselves and enables them to reclaim the spark that ignited their love and also find the sparks within themselves as individuals. The bonds of family are strong and they last forever. Sometimes we need reminders of this and reminders of what's important in life. This is truly a beautiful story. It will go on my all time favorites list.

[Elhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while I happen upon a book that finds me wishing the world would stand still and the flow of words could continue on and on.
Neither blockbuster or best seller I cannot recall how this title found its way to my" to read" shelf. Like many Goodreaders it's often a case of getting lost following posted comments and links. There's no intrinsic plot twists, alien life forms or any mystery to solve. This is a story that a reader can relax and just enjoy, a summer beach read without the beach.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have enjoyed this book more at a different stage of my life. A book of family regrets with a relatively happy ending. Make sure you tell those you love that you love them before it is too late.

[Cindy Neary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad in places but well written and interesting

I cried when I read this novel but I kept reading because it was so good. It's really two stories: one about the life of an old man who has lived with PTSD since he served in WWII, the second about his grandson and his grandson's family. Highly recommend.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

*sigh*

Another absolutely wonderful story by Pamela Morsi. Five generations of the Crabtree and Shertz families are represented, but two star in this saga. I loved the back and forth, and the way the past fit into, and shaped, the future for these folks. Insightful, beautiful, and highly recommended.

[Angela Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of family. Being so caught up in your life that your family is on the back burner. Even your marriage. An emergency cal, to come back home changes all that. You learn more of your history from family members who love you. Faults and all. Your view changes on what life should be like. The history of family is beautiful.

[Joann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Choosing an often told story would set up a challenge for an author to have a new way of telling the story or have an unexpected twist. This book has neither and it is written in a very elementary manner. I could like a couple of the characters but not much else about the book.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to read because of my tears. Early in the story I had to pull back and review in my mind whose story I was continuing because it is told in every other chapter. So much about life, a happy marriage, raising children and death is discussed. Just an excellent read. Worth the time

[Sharon Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because the very good librarians at my library had it on an end cap and I read books about WWII. Instead, this is a book about families and love and living one's life. This book was so sweet and good.

[DeAnne Warden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet!

This one really pulled at my heartstrings. I loved Bud & Geri and their love story. This author is now firmly one of my favorites!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat predictable but still a good story of family relationships.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. Liked the characters.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of healing throughout this book. Loved the different veins their lives took.

[Jennie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Retrospectively, not a good choice after reading a book on Southern manners, etc. A good concept, but poorly executed. I did not care for any of the characters. The story drags on. Okay, I do like Bud and Geri, the old couple and we get to see flashbacks to their courtship and married life. But inbetween time, we get to see their grandson Jack and his wife Claire make a mess of their married life. Jack is especially obnoxious. Makes fun of his tight-knit hillbilly family but can't manage to have any kind of close relationship with anyone.
I didn't finish it. In my opinion, Jack needs a good thrashing. His assistant, the typical single, large-breasted assistant that every housewife worries about should stand in line for a thrashing of her own.
I was hoping for some signs of intimacy and tenderness, but the author didn't really deliver. She told us that they loved each other. She told us they were attracted to each other. But she didn't show us any of that. Why did Geri love Jack anyway?
Maybe I'll pick it up again when I haven't been reading about good manners and the like. But I think it will forever annoy me. And I hate being annoyed.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been on a bit of a Pamela Morsi kick lately, so I was excited to pick up one I hadn't yet read, Last Dance at Jitterbug Lounge. And the back cover blurb definitely sounded promising--I've always loved second-chance stories. And I also love life-time love stories--the ones about couples growing old together. Finally, I love stories about families and communities, and ties that bind not out of cruelty or to demand anything but out of love.

Ms. Morsi delivers all those in this beautifully written story. This book really tells two stories--that of Jack and Claire, a present-day hard-working couple on the verge of drifting apart, and Bud and Geri, Jack's grandparents, who met and married around the time of WWII.

Ms. Morsi does a fabulous job of creating very believable characters in this realistic look at two marriages, and the pacing is well done, with the story unfolding as it looks at each character and couple in turns.

I can't wait to continue to read more of Ms. Morsi's work!

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quickly became so caught up in this book that I couldn't put it down. It is a very emotional book that skips back and forth between the memories of an elderly man, Bud, and the current life of his grandson, Jack, whom he has not been close to in years. Bud, who is widowed, has had a stroke and is in a partial coma. He is mostly unaware of what is going on around him, but during this time the events of his life are replaying in his mind. Grandson,Jack, and his wife, Claire, have grown apart in their marriage. When they get a call that Jack's grandfather is in the hospital in grave condition, they travel to be with him. Over the ensuing days, as Bud remains in the hospital, Jack and Claire learn what it means to be part of a large extended family. They begin to understand more about themselves and what is important to them.

[Alexis Villery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Claire Crabtree were once happily married, but separate interests have each left them with the feeling that the other is no longer the one. Claire refuses to move into the brand new house Jack built for the family and she believes he spends too much time with a colleague. Then Jack is called back home to Oklahoma to see Bud, his sick grandfather. Claire follows.

In this story we are split between two separate stories and relationships. Bud and Geri Crabtree (Jack's grandparents) and Jack and Claire Crabtree. This is a story about getting back to your roots and finding out what really keeps a family together. I loved loved loved this story. Saying anything would give everything away so trust me. Characters were wonderful and the problems are something every couple can identify.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really surprised how much I liked this book, but I thought it was really great. It is the story of Jack and Claire, a huband and wife who were deeply in love, but have found themselves drifting apart recently. On a trip back to Oklahoma, where they have been called back to help take care of Jack's dying grandfather, they rediscover what's important to each of them and find a way to reconcile. Running parallel to their story is the story of Jack's grandfather, Bud, and his wife Geri told through memories and flashbacks that Bud has while unconscious in the hospital. Both are wonderful love stories that are beautiful and inspiring. I loved this book and am so glad I came across it.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in a matter of days. It was a real easy read. I enjoyed the way it was written, every other chapter from either the Grandfather's point of view or the grandson's point of view. The story is one I feel I've read before. So many novels revolve around the secrets a family keeps to protect their place in society, or their pride, or any other rationalized reason they conjure up. As for the characters, I felt they were relatable in many ways. Their distraction with the 'important' things in life, setting the right priorities, and lack of showing their love of one another. Typical family issues, that everyone should ponder at one point or another. I'm glad it all worked out in the end, at least for the most part. Feel good novel to pass a short time. So easy!!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was walking through the library, the cover completely drew me in. I admit I'm a total sucker for a great cover on a book. And thankfully, it was better than I had even hoped considering how I accidentally stumbled across it. I enjoyed everything about this novel! It was so sweet and yet so real. The story parallels two couples in two different time periods as they struggle through their marriages and lives together. It was beautifully written and very honest. I really liken this author to how I feel when I read a great Nicholas Sparks book. I can't wait to check out more of Pamela Morsi's other books!!

[Tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is too short for nonsense in a relationship. Husbands and wives aren't perfect, and if you can't get past them not being what you'd hoped you will never let yourself know who they really are, and that would be the real loss. That sums up the book pretty well, we all live with losses in our lives some small some great but what I have learned is if you are with someone who loves you for who you are and you know that they will be there for you when you don't know where to go or what to do, remember the people that REALLY love you will always love you.

[Susy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another 'lite read' that I borrowed from a friend, but a good story told in two voices. One is the aging grandfather who has suffered a stroke & is hospitalized and the other is the narrator telling the stories of the relatives brought together to ensure he's not alone in his last days. Mostly it gave me hope that if I'm in the position of being apparently unresponsive, perhaps I'll hear the messages from family members! Now it's time to read something with "meat". No more trade fiction for a bit!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried for this story. It was not a happy go lucky story. The characters were rich and had me wishing that things had been different and that it could all be nicely wrapped up with a pretty bow. That was not the case. I loved how you got to learn so much about the past and how it was perceived by the different characters. Changes that would come to pass and misunderstandings. In a way I just wished that Bud's grandson gets to read the stories about Bud's life and so understand why some of the things were the way they were.

[suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Not really for the romance part but the characters’ stories. Bud’s to be specific. It was great how the author manages to weave into the present time the story of Bud without making it dissonant. And it’s perfect how flawed every one is.

Very good read especially for married couples, I think, or those contemplating on getting hitched. It’s a wonderful story how love may feel like all giddiness at the start but marriage requires a lot of hard work and compromise on both sides.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I was not sure how much I would like this book. It was a break from my usual reads that tend to have younger characters and usually a lot of fantasy elements... but I was immediately drawn into the story and into the lives of two couples. One couple is in the place in life that I am in right now. Married with children, SAHM... and the other couple was the husband's grandparents. As the story unfolds, we see how life gets in the way sometimes. How we take what should be most important for granted and how our best intentions can sometimes be taken wrong.