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The Dance #.5
The Dance Begins
In this short story prequel to Pretending to Dance, psychologist Graham Arnette longs to dance the way he used to, before illness stole his ability to walk. Graham lives on one hundred acres of family land with his daughter Molly and his wife Nora-and with Amalia, a green-eyed beauty with whom Graham shares his hopes and fears. Six-year-old Molly is the light of Graham's life. As he and his extended family turn an old springhouse into a playhouse for her, long buried hostilities emerge that lead to anger and resentment. . . and, ultimately, to the healing power of family love.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2015
460 people are currently reading
1935 people want to read
About the author
Diane Chamberlain
80 books15.1k followersDiane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and (London) Sunday Times best-selling author of 28 novels. The daughter of a school principal who supplied her with a new book almost daily, Diane quickly learned the emotional power of story. Although she wrote many small “books” as a child, she didn’t seriously turn to writing fiction until her early thirties when she was waiting for a delayed doctor’s appointment with nothing more than a pad, a pen, and an idea. She was instantly hooked.
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 29, 2019
THE DANCE BEGINS is a 47 page short story by Diane Chamberlain. This is the prequel to PRETENDING TO DANCE which is being released in October 2015.
I really love Diane Chamberlain. I have read most if not all of her books and have really enjoyed them. I have been anxiously awaiting her next book so this was a nice little treat to tide me over until then.
Psychologist Graham Arnette's only wish is that he could dance with his six-year-old daughter Molly. Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis he can no longer dance and has started to require the use of a cane and scooter due to his declining condition. He may not be able to dance with her in the traditional way, but despite his limitations he is determined to enjoy and share things with Molly.
Graham and members of his family and friends are turning an old spring-house into a playhouse for Molly. The playhouse is on family land. A beautiful place anyone would love to raise a family. However, there are some old hostilities and anger that emerge throughout the project. But this novella shows how healing can begin with love.
I really liked the characters that were introduced. Graham, Molly, Graham's wife Nora and family friend Amalia as well as some other family members. I think most will likely make an appearance in PRETENDING TO DANCE. Graham comes across as such a loving and devoted father. Molly is the cutest and lovable child. I'm excited to learn more about all of them.
I believe this short story is not essential to read in order to enjoy PRETENDING TO DANCE but it provides some additional back story which can provide extra insight into the character's backgrounds. I think it was really well written and I enjoyed it immensely. The pages flew by and I finished it in one short sitting.
I do admit it leaves me wanting more and wish I didn't have to wait to read PRETENDING TO DANCE. However, I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
I really love Diane Chamberlain. I have read most if not all of her books and have really enjoyed them. I have been anxiously awaiting her next book so this was a nice little treat to tide me over until then.
Psychologist Graham Arnette's only wish is that he could dance with his six-year-old daughter Molly. Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis he can no longer dance and has started to require the use of a cane and scooter due to his declining condition. He may not be able to dance with her in the traditional way, but despite his limitations he is determined to enjoy and share things with Molly.
Graham and members of his family and friends are turning an old spring-house into a playhouse for Molly. The playhouse is on family land. A beautiful place anyone would love to raise a family. However, there are some old hostilities and anger that emerge throughout the project. But this novella shows how healing can begin with love.
I really liked the characters that were introduced. Graham, Molly, Graham's wife Nora and family friend Amalia as well as some other family members. I think most will likely make an appearance in PRETENDING TO DANCE. Graham comes across as such a loving and devoted father. Molly is the cutest and lovable child. I'm excited to learn more about all of them.
I believe this short story is not essential to read in order to enjoy PRETENDING TO DANCE but it provides some additional back story which can provide extra insight into the character's backgrounds. I think it was really well written and I enjoyed it immensely. The pages flew by and I finished it in one short sitting.
I do admit it leaves me wanting more and wish I didn't have to wait to read PRETENDING TO DANCE. However, I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
August 18, 2015
In this short prequel, Diane Chamberlain introduces her characters and sets the stage enticingly for her upcoming new novel Pretending To Dance.
Why oh why did she do it??? Can't wait to find out!!!
October 30, 2015
The Dance Begins is a 47-page prequel to Diane Chamberlain’s next novel Pretending to Dance. This is an inspiring short story revolving around psychologist Graham Arnette and his family. Several interwoven themes are addressed in this tale. The first is Graham’s devotion to his 6-year-old daughter Molly. Graham has a neurological disorder that has severely compromised his mobility. Despite this, he is doing well in his quest to stay as active as possible in Molly’s life. Also examined are lingering long-standing issues with other members of his family and his complex feelings regarding a childhood friend Amalia. The importance of devotion, respect and forgiveness in family unity is also explored.
We get significant insight into the characters in this short slice of life. For that reason, I found The Dance Begins to be a tasty appetizer for the main course, Pretending to Dance, which I am moving to the top of my huge to-read pile. I recommend this short story to all lovers of contemporary fiction, especially those planning to read Pretending to Dance.
We get significant insight into the characters in this short slice of life. For that reason, I found The Dance Begins to be a tasty appetizer for the main course, Pretending to Dance, which I am moving to the top of my huge to-read pile. I recommend this short story to all lovers of contemporary fiction, especially those planning to read Pretending to Dance.
October 9, 2015
This short prequel to Pretending to Dance has certainly piqued my interest in Chamberlain's latest book. Off to read the book .
December 19, 2016
The Dance Begins is an apt title for this short prequel by Diane Chamberlain. It opens with Graham Arnette’s dream that he is dancing with his six-year-old daughter standing on his feet. How many fathers have cherished that moment? But Graham can no longer walk without a cane; due to a neuromuscular disorder, he often relies upon a scooter to get around. But this psychologist is a devoted father to Molly and he seems to have a strong marriage with his wife Nora. There are tensions, certainly, mostly stemming from long-held resentments among family members and hints of a past relationship with a childhood friend.
Graham, wife Nora, and daughter Molly promise to become fascinating characters in the main event, Pretending to Dance. I expect that Graham’s brother Trevor and family friend Amalia will add drama and possibly some sparks as well. It is Graham who captured my interest in this one. He seems to be focused not on his disability but on his family. He does miss some of the things he was once able to do, but he seems eager to embrace the moments that really matter. Each of us has our own dance in life, and sometimes the choreography changes as we go along. Can we learn new steps and keep on dancing? I suspect that Graham Arnette is figuring out how to do that. I look forward to finding out!
5 stars
Graham, wife Nora, and daughter Molly promise to become fascinating characters in the main event, Pretending to Dance. I expect that Graham’s brother Trevor and family friend Amalia will add drama and possibly some sparks as well. It is Graham who captured my interest in this one. He seems to be focused not on his disability but on his family. He does miss some of the things he was once able to do, but he seems eager to embrace the moments that really matter. Each of us has our own dance in life, and sometimes the choreography changes as we go along. Can we learn new steps and keep on dancing? I suspect that Graham Arnette is figuring out how to do that. I look forward to finding out!
5 stars
August 21, 2015
International bestselling author, Diane Chamberlain returns following sensational, The Silent Sister and Necessary Lies, delivering a tantalizing introduction prequel short story, THE DANCE BEGINS to her extraordinary new book, PRETENDING TO DANCE, coming, Oct 2015---Top Books of 2015! Was fortunate to snag an ARC
Set in the mountains of North Carolina in 1982, outside Asheville in Morrison Ridge, a family owned compound of one hundred acres, we are introduced to the Arnette family. Graham- father, Nora-mother, and six-year old daughter, Molly and their extended family.
This is no ordinary family. Graham a remarkable man, psychologist, and author, with MS. His wife, Nora is a successful pharmacist, and Molly is the light of her father’s eye. They all enjoy their life on their land, and a springhouse (a special hideaway playhouse) for Molly.
Graham has a wonderful outlook on life, even with his disabilities. He believes in Pretend Therapy – visualizing, dancing, literature, and music. Molly loves her dad and lives to make his life as comfortable as possible.
In this inspiring beautiful short story, we get an inside look at the life of a special family and an extended family. A coming- of-age story of Molly, we get a brief introduction of her childhood, with an excerpt included, picking up with Molly, later in life in PRETENDING TO DANCE.
Having read all Diane’s books, and one of my favorite authors, she is known for her keen insights into social issues, emotions, family, and relationships. She once again delves into the tragedies of life, the strong bonds, and healing power of love.
Influenced by the author's former career as a social worker and psychotherapist, she writes suspenseful stories that will touch you, filled with mystery and intrigue. Buy both they will change you, with characters which linger long after the book ends.
JDCMustReadBooks
Set in the mountains of North Carolina in 1982, outside Asheville in Morrison Ridge, a family owned compound of one hundred acres, we are introduced to the Arnette family. Graham- father, Nora-mother, and six-year old daughter, Molly and their extended family.
This is no ordinary family. Graham a remarkable man, psychologist, and author, with MS. His wife, Nora is a successful pharmacist, and Molly is the light of her father’s eye. They all enjoy their life on their land, and a springhouse (a special hideaway playhouse) for Molly.
Graham has a wonderful outlook on life, even with his disabilities. He believes in Pretend Therapy – visualizing, dancing, literature, and music. Molly loves her dad and lives to make his life as comfortable as possible.
In this inspiring beautiful short story, we get an inside look at the life of a special family and an extended family. A coming- of-age story of Molly, we get a brief introduction of her childhood, with an excerpt included, picking up with Molly, later in life in PRETENDING TO DANCE.
Having read all Diane’s books, and one of my favorite authors, she is known for her keen insights into social issues, emotions, family, and relationships. She once again delves into the tragedies of life, the strong bonds, and healing power of love.
Influenced by the author's former career as a social worker and psychotherapist, she writes suspenseful stories that will touch you, filled with mystery and intrigue. Buy both they will change you, with characters which linger long after the book ends.
JDCMustReadBooks
September 18, 2015
Short little prequel to Chamberlain's upcoming novel Pretending to Dance...really looking forward to it!! I am already trying to figure out how all the characters in the novella tie into the upcoming book! sounds like it will be a good one!
September 7, 2015
I enjoyed this prequel to Pretending to Dance. Looking forward to the latest in Diane Chamberlain's releases!
September 25, 2015
This is a compelling little teaser introducing is to the characters in the soon to be released in early October. I found myself drawn in at the beginning, I will definitely be in line to snap up Pretending to Dance.
September 30, 2015
It is 1982, in Morrison Ridge, North Carolina, and Graham Arnette, his wife Nora, and their daughter Molly are just beginning to discover the limitations of Graham's life with Multiple Sclerosis.
But Graham still dreams of dancing with Molly...and in this short prequel to Pretending to Dance: A Novel, we see how Graham finds a way to "feel the dance" with Molly via the zipline over the ridge.
The Dance Begins introduces the characters and draws the reader into their world. A poignant glimpse into what life was like for them before the later years, when the challenges would grow.
But Graham still dreams of dancing with Molly...and in this short prequel to Pretending to Dance: A Novel, we see how Graham finds a way to "feel the dance" with Molly via the zipline over the ridge.
The Dance Begins introduces the characters and draws the reader into their world. A poignant glimpse into what life was like for them before the later years, when the challenges would grow.
October 26, 2015
Interesting taster for the characters in Pretending to Dance. Doesn't seem like a must read though.
January 15, 2021
This was a good opener to a bigger book but definitely is just an introduction; it does not stand on its own. In this book we meet a man who dreams of dancing with his 6 year old daughter. However, he is physically handicapped and unable to walk much, so it is not a reality. He goes to fix up a playhouse for her with some of his family and we get hints of family drama but we don't know much. We meet him, his wife, a family friend who lives with them but nobody likes and his daughter as well as in laws. Like I said, this is just an introduction and got me intrigued enough to read the actual book.
September 6, 2015
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
Picking up a Diane Chamberlain book for me is like curling up with my favourite blanket on a cold winter day. It gives me the comfort that soup and grilled cheese give me when I'm not feeling well. Without fail, her books leave me content and satisfied. When I saw that there was a short story prequel to Pretending to Dance (due out October 6/15) I knew I had to read it.
It's hard to say very much when a story is so short. In fact, I feel like the synopsis almost says too much. I will say that there was enough of a story and hints of secrets (something Chamberlain does beautifully) that I am eagerly anticipating Pretending to Dance so that I can get the whole story. It had me hook, line and sinker. I want to know more.
This short story was a nice little introduction to the characters that I assume we will meet in Pretending to Dance. I can't wait to read more!
Picking up a Diane Chamberlain book for me is like curling up with my favourite blanket on a cold winter day. It gives me the comfort that soup and grilled cheese give me when I'm not feeling well. Without fail, her books leave me content and satisfied. When I saw that there was a short story prequel to Pretending to Dance (due out October 6/15) I knew I had to read it.
It's hard to say very much when a story is so short. In fact, I feel like the synopsis almost says too much. I will say that there was enough of a story and hints of secrets (something Chamberlain does beautifully) that I am eagerly anticipating Pretending to Dance so that I can get the whole story. It had me hook, line and sinker. I want to know more.
This short story was a nice little introduction to the characters that I assume we will meet in Pretending to Dance. I can't wait to read more!
August 11, 2015
Grade: A
Suffering from MS and barely able to walk, Graham dreams of being able to dance with six-year-old Molly standing on his feet. Despite his declining condition, he refuses to overprotect his spirited daughter or interfere with building a recreation house with the help of his brothers, one who is working on a plan that just might make Graham's wish come true.
Diana Chamberlain doesn't know how to write anything lower than five star books, and THE DANCE BEGINS is no exception. She was one of the first authors to release prequel short stories, and she does it better than anyone else by making those stories integral, but not necessary to the enjoyment of her novels. For readers who want a little more back story to PRETENDING TO DANCE, which will be released October 6th, THE FIRST DANCE will whet your whistle.
Suffering from MS and barely able to walk, Graham dreams of being able to dance with six-year-old Molly standing on his feet. Despite his declining condition, he refuses to overprotect his spirited daughter or interfere with building a recreation house with the help of his brothers, one who is working on a plan that just might make Graham's wish come true.
Diana Chamberlain doesn't know how to write anything lower than five star books, and THE DANCE BEGINS is no exception. She was one of the first authors to release prequel short stories, and she does it better than anyone else by making those stories integral, but not necessary to the enjoyment of her novels. For readers who want a little more back story to PRETENDING TO DANCE, which will be released October 6th, THE FIRST DANCE will whet your whistle.
August 14, 2015
This book is the prequel to Diane Chamberlain's latest book, Pretending to Dance. Even though it is less than 50 pages, the author does an amazing job introducing the characters and setting to us, setting the stage for the upcoming novel. I already love Graham, Amalia and Molly and I felt like I was with them on the ridge where they live. Looking forward to reading the next part of this story!
August 26, 2015
Beautiful. I was lucky enough to read this short story after reading an ARC of Pretending to Dance. It was so nice to have just a little more to discover about the story & characters after finishing the book, which I loved. And it opened up some questions for me too. I hope this is not the last we hear from these characters!
August 11, 2015
Since I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Pretending to Dance a few weeks back, I relished the opportunity to revisit the characters I had come to love!
August 14, 2015
I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of Pretending to Dance! The Dance Begins was a great prequel to Pretending to Dance,I highly recommend both books!
August 13, 2015
UGH! I can't wait until October. It so too long. I want it now.
January 8, 2016
Left me wanting more
What a beautiful sweet story! Diane Chamberlain's writing always leaves me wanting more. I can't wait to dig in to Pretending to Dance!
What a beautiful sweet story! Diane Chamberlain's writing always leaves me wanting more. I can't wait to dig in to Pretending to Dance!
August 18, 2015
perfect little prequel to pretending to dance.
August 19, 2015
A teaser for Diane's new book 'Pretending to Dance' which after reading this I a going to start immediately.
September 7, 2015
Beautiful short story which is a prequel to Pretending to Dance releasing on October 6th and that I cannot wait to read! Good introduction to the characters and story line.
October 28, 2015
Looking forward to reading more of these characters' stories !
August 29, 2015
This was an excellent short story prequel to Chamberlin's new novel Pretending to Dance which is scheduled for release this fall. I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the book.
August 16, 2015
5 stars
June 27, 2025
Psychologist Graham longs to dance the way he used to before he was stricken with Multiple Sclerosis.
In this short and sweet prequel to Pretending to Dance (4 stars), his family helps make his dream come true.
Location: Morrison Ridge (Swannanoa), North Carolina
Own on Kindle
In this short and sweet prequel to Pretending to Dance (4 stars), his family helps make his dream come true.
Location: Morrison Ridge (Swannanoa), North Carolina
Own on Kindle
September 9, 2015
This was a prequel to Chamberlain's Pretending to Dance. It tells the story of a man who has MS and lives with his pharmacist wife and daughter, Molly, who is the shining star in his life. They live on a compound where he grew up and his mom, brother, and sister have homes along with their families.
I am not sure whether this was just too short to allow development of the characters and storyline but it was just not the quality that I have come to expect of Chamberlain. I did find the first section of Pretending to Dance much better than the prequel.
I am not sure whether this was just too short to allow development of the characters and storyline but it was just not the quality that I have come to expect of Chamberlain. I did find the first section of Pretending to Dance much better than the prequel.
August 13, 2015
A great teaser - I need more lol. Looking forward to the full book.
August 31, 2015
Can't wait for the sequel ... Roll in October
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews