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The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival
A twenty-nine year old mother of three has been given a death sentence by her doctor. Diagnosed with stage-four Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, she’s told to make her funeral arrangements and say goodbye to her family. She has always relied on her religious beliefs, but becomes the unsuspecting recipient of what can only be described as miracles. Twenty-five years in the making, Joan, or Joanie, as she is known to friends and family, humbly shares her story of triumph as an inspiration to all.
Included in this edition are some of the amazing Amazon Five-Star reviews, a new forward, a heartfelt message from her oncologist, and as a special treat..., a preview of the next book, "Hearts Ablaze."
Included in this edition are some of the amazing Amazon Five-Star reviews, a new forward, a heartfelt message from her oncologist, and as a special treat..., a preview of the next book, "Hearts Ablaze."
- GenresNonfiction
136 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2015
10 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 20, 2015
This is a beautiful, true story of one woman and her family's ability to cope with a devastating cancer diagnosis. In the end, it is really their faith in God that pulls them through. At several points in the story, death seems inevitable, and then somehow a miracle occurs. At a little over 100 pages, The Dance is a quick read, but in that short time, it will leave a lasting impression on your heart. These are unforgettable people enduring extremely trying hardships. If you or someone you know is facing a cancer diagnosis, this lovely memoir will help them remember that they are not alone.
October 25, 2015
I believe I am a person of faith. I know I believe in God, and I pray, especially through tough times. I know now that I need to take a stronger look into what I think is a strong belief in God, and make it stronger. Joan has made me take that second look at myself. Her story of faith and her journey through what she and her family endured would have put me to my knees (as I did mentally in tears reading this). I don't know if I could have had her strength. I would hope and pray my faith in God, my love in my family like hers would. Thank-you for making me take that second look! I needed it!
October 30, 2016
I met Joan at an author fair in Aurora last month and bought her book after having a brief and lovely conversation with her. She is a special kind of person who has gotten through incredible adversity with faith, family, doctors, and miracles. Her positive attitude and desire to make a difference in the lives of others is inspirational. Her story is filled with both tremendous difficulties and much joy. I finished the book in one sitting as I was intrigued from the very start.
March 30, 2025
The Dance is a true story about high school sweethearts and their deep love for
one another. A story about the unwavering faith of a woman. She’s a twenty-nine-
year-old mother to three small children who endures unbelievable hurdles once
she’s been given a terminal cancer (leukemia) diagnosis.
It’s about her husband’s amazing devotion.
The powerful story unfolds revealing how the amazing power of prayer led to
actual miracles! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and ultimately celebrate with this author.
Ms. Aubele bares her soul. Her writing is very honest and relatable. She has a way
of drawing you in as though you’re a friend traveling the journey with her and the
family’s ordeal. It was bizarre how I saw so many similarities throughout her story
vs. in my own life!
I highly recommend this inspirational read
one another. A story about the unwavering faith of a woman. She’s a twenty-nine-
year-old mother to three small children who endures unbelievable hurdles once
she’s been given a terminal cancer (leukemia) diagnosis.
It’s about her husband’s amazing devotion.
The powerful story unfolds revealing how the amazing power of prayer led to
actual miracles! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and ultimately celebrate with this author.
Ms. Aubele bares her soul. Her writing is very honest and relatable. She has a way
of drawing you in as though you’re a friend traveling the journey with her and the
family’s ordeal. It was bizarre how I saw so many similarities throughout her story
vs. in my own life!
I highly recommend this inspirational read
June 17, 2019
Amazing true story of love, family, and pain! The amazing writer bring you into the story, like you are part of the story! Something I couldn't put down! A must true story!
March 29, 2021
This book is a fast read filled with lessons of hope while placing trust in the Lord.
June 15, 2019
What an amazing story of endurance and encouragement!!! The ability to capture and share your circumstances with others, to let them know they are not alone, to encourage them to engage in a relationship with God, this memoir is an uplifting celebration of life and all of its challenges!! Live life to the utmost, Day in and day out!
February 12, 2021
This is a book about faith and survival. It's a journey about cancer with faith by her side. It is an important book that takes us right along through everything that is Cancer. She carries up through treatment accurately and gracefully. It is inspitational
July 19, 2015
Incredible story of Love, faith, and survival against cancer by a young woman, her husband and family. Quick read but I recommend keep the tissues close by.
August 19, 2024
Imagine being 29 and having a life that you can only dream of. You’re happily married and raising 3 young children. You wake up not feeling well and decide to go to the doctor. What you thought would be a normal visit to the doctor to get what you need to feel better, ends up not going the way you expected. Life makes you go into a medical journey that only God could turn into a beautiful dance. This is what happened to Joan Aubele and her Family in Mrs. Aubele autobiographical book called The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival.
I love the beautiful Testimony that belongs to Joan Aubele in The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival. The Dance is written from a beautiful, raw, and tested place and Mrs. Aubele is not afraid to show the reader how things truly were for her in her medical journey. I love how through the ups and downs, Mrs. Aubele does her best to maintain her positive attitude and hold onto her Faith. Having Cerebral Palsy myself I sympathized with Mrs. Aubele and the physical difficulties she had in her medical journey, because I have some of those difficulties myself. I love how God gave her a wonderful support system in her husband, Carl, her Family, her Friends, and many of the Medical Staff that cared for her. The Dance is a wonderful, truthful memoir about being raw and honest about your life and, at the same time, reminds us how much we are blessed, focusing on what God has for you in the moment. I highly recommend The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival by Joan Aubele!
Have you read The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival? What encouraged you the most about the book?
I would like to thank Joan Aubele for giving me a copy of The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival to review and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
I love the beautiful Testimony that belongs to Joan Aubele in The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival. The Dance is written from a beautiful, raw, and tested place and Mrs. Aubele is not afraid to show the reader how things truly were for her in her medical journey. I love how through the ups and downs, Mrs. Aubele does her best to maintain her positive attitude and hold onto her Faith. Having Cerebral Palsy myself I sympathized with Mrs. Aubele and the physical difficulties she had in her medical journey, because I have some of those difficulties myself. I love how God gave her a wonderful support system in her husband, Carl, her Family, her Friends, and many of the Medical Staff that cared for her. The Dance is a wonderful, truthful memoir about being raw and honest about your life and, at the same time, reminds us how much we are blessed, focusing on what God has for you in the moment. I highly recommend The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival by Joan Aubele!
Have you read The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival? What encouraged you the most about the book?
I would like to thank Joan Aubele for giving me a copy of The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival to review and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
June 7, 2022
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Joan Aubele’s memoir recounts her diagnosis and long journey battling Stage 4 cancer. Expected to last less than a week after her diagnosis, she has survived many years beyond that in remission. She describes the hard truths of cancer in an honest, humble voice, from the days she felt like giving up to the small joys she found in things like sitting outside on her porch and seeing her kids. Interlaced with memories from her childhood and past, she reflects on God’s presence in her life and the ways He has guided her.
This book took me by surprise. Illness is a tricky thing to represent, because there just aren’t enough words to accurately describe it. Joan Aubele focuses on exactly the right things in her memoir, though, and is simultaneously succinct, blunt, and poetic. She shares the hard truths without sugarcoating them, but discusses her joys and love vividly. I love how the book is written in the present tense, because I found myself sharing in the moments, not reflecting back on them.
She represents her faith realistically, as central to her identity and to her healing, while acknowledging the struggles she faces with it. Her struggles are human, as are the people around her, and she treats everyone with grace and forgiveness. God is everyone in this book.
This book is so empowering! I’m inspired by all of the strong women in Joan’s support group, and by all of the people who helped her day-in and day-out. The Dance is absolutely a must-read.
Joan Aubele’s memoir recounts her diagnosis and long journey battling Stage 4 cancer. Expected to last less than a week after her diagnosis, she has survived many years beyond that in remission. She describes the hard truths of cancer in an honest, humble voice, from the days she felt like giving up to the small joys she found in things like sitting outside on her porch and seeing her kids. Interlaced with memories from her childhood and past, she reflects on God’s presence in her life and the ways He has guided her.
This book took me by surprise. Illness is a tricky thing to represent, because there just aren’t enough words to accurately describe it. Joan Aubele focuses on exactly the right things in her memoir, though, and is simultaneously succinct, blunt, and poetic. She shares the hard truths without sugarcoating them, but discusses her joys and love vividly. I love how the book is written in the present tense, because I found myself sharing in the moments, not reflecting back on them.
She represents her faith realistically, as central to her identity and to her healing, while acknowledging the struggles she faces with it. Her struggles are human, as are the people around her, and she treats everyone with grace and forgiveness. God is everyone in this book.
This book is so empowering! I’m inspired by all of the strong women in Joan’s support group, and by all of the people who helped her day-in and day-out. The Dance is absolutely a must-read.
June 12, 2024
💫The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival by Joan Aubele is a memoir that details her life and her remarkable fight with deadly cancer. Joan's life completely flipped upside down in 1990 after giving birth to her third daughter, Natalie, after learning she had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. The doctor informed her husband Carl that she had Stage Four cancer and that she didn't have much time left, advising him to begin making funeral plans. But amazingly, Joan survived and emerged from a weeks-long coma to start a long and arduous path to recovery. Over the years, Joan's health problems persisted, but she found strength in her faith in God and in following the Holy Spirit. Her girls, her devoted husband, and a few close friends became the cornerstones that helped her on her road to recovery.
💫She speaks honestly and modestly about the harsh realities of cancer, from the times she wanted to give up to the little pleasures she discovered in activities like watching her children and relaxing on her front porch. Her reflections on God's guidance and the ways He has been present in her life are interwoven with memories of her early years and past. The Dance honours the human spirit's tenacity and demonstrates how, with the help of loved ones and friends and faith in God, we can triumph over even the most daunting obstacles in life.
💫She speaks honestly and modestly about the harsh realities of cancer, from the times she wanted to give up to the little pleasures she discovered in activities like watching her children and relaxing on her front porch. Her reflections on God's guidance and the ways He has been present in her life are interwoven with memories of her early years and past. The Dance honours the human spirit's tenacity and demonstrates how, with the help of loved ones and friends and faith in God, we can triumph over even the most daunting obstacles in life.
January 24, 2022
After reading Joan Aubele’s book, ‘The Dance’, I’m left feeling inspired and gratified. This story of her life is multifaceted-I found it to fit into many genre’s….spiritual, love & romance, mindfulness…It was especially compelling to follow along as a former oncology nurse, having experienced first-hand the highs and lows of a patient trudging through the devastating diagnosis and the months and years that follow.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
“We can find God everywhere. Look for him in that gentle breeze rustling through the trees, in a breathtaking sunset, a child’s laughter, in a loved one’s touch, or in a spouse’s love and commitment for one another. We can find him in a stranger’s smile, in a friend’s generous compassion, in our mother’s whispers of encouragement.”
“I can’t begin to tell you how important it is to get outside. It renews our spirit and keeps us in touch with nature. There’s something about being surrounded with all of God’s beauty, which creates the perfect setting for us to reflect, and appreciate one’s life.”
Joans writing style is one that draws people into the story…very down to earth, as if you’re old friends. I highly recommend this book to anyone needing a new, fresh mindset. Great read!!
-Kim Ireland
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
“We can find God everywhere. Look for him in that gentle breeze rustling through the trees, in a breathtaking sunset, a child’s laughter, in a loved one’s touch, or in a spouse’s love and commitment for one another. We can find him in a stranger’s smile, in a friend’s generous compassion, in our mother’s whispers of encouragement.”
“I can’t begin to tell you how important it is to get outside. It renews our spirit and keeps us in touch with nature. There’s something about being surrounded with all of God’s beauty, which creates the perfect setting for us to reflect, and appreciate one’s life.”
Joans writing style is one that draws people into the story…very down to earth, as if you’re old friends. I highly recommend this book to anyone needing a new, fresh mindset. Great read!!
-Kim Ireland
February 10, 2025
The Dance is a beautiful, heartfelt memoir about love, faith, and family. It will touch your heart and lift your spirits. Her faith in God and the support of her wonderful husband, family and friends gave her the strength and courage to overcome this horrible disease and live to share her story with the world. She has inspired so many people and like ripples in a pond will continue to inspire so many more.
I'm happy to say her second book, Hearts Ablaze, is just as heartwarming and inspirational as The Dance.
She writes in such a way that it makes Christians, and people in general, want to be closer to the Lord by learning of His miracles and knowing the true power of prayer.
Thank you for sharing your story Joan. You have such a joyful outlook on life, just being around you is inspiring. I'm so glad I know you!
I'm happy to say her second book, Hearts Ablaze, is just as heartwarming and inspirational as The Dance.
She writes in such a way that it makes Christians, and people in general, want to be closer to the Lord by learning of His miracles and knowing the true power of prayer.
Thank you for sharing your story Joan. You have such a joyful outlook on life, just being around you is inspiring. I'm so glad I know you!
January 30, 2023
An amazing story. A truly remarkable read to hear the author's account of all that she and her family endured. I had to take breaks from time to time because the intensity of what she experienced was so distressing to read about, yet so inspiring. I can not imagine how she was able to not only survive, but thrive; how she was able, in a very straightforward manner, to describe her pain and anguish and always, always, the love and support she received from her husband and family members, medical staff and so many others.
It is frightening to think about what she went through, but I am exceedingly grateful that she answered the calling she felt to write about it, thus allowing others to be inspired and perhaps buoyed up.
It is frightening to think about what she went through, but I am exceedingly grateful that she answered the calling she felt to write about it, thus allowing others to be inspired and perhaps buoyed up.
April 20, 2024
Wow. What an Incredible Journey!
I just read this book in a matter of hours between last night and today. What a story of strength in adversity. What a testament to God’s power and grace. I’m in awe of the love and support Joan and Carl continually provide each other. Clearly, the Lord knew what he was doing when he matched these two.
Well written, never boring or maudlin, The Dance is a joy to read.
Thank you, Joan for this wonderful testament, and may God bless you and Carl all the days of your lives.
I just read this book in a matter of hours between last night and today. What a story of strength in adversity. What a testament to God’s power and grace. I’m in awe of the love and support Joan and Carl continually provide each other. Clearly, the Lord knew what he was doing when he matched these two.
Well written, never boring or maudlin, The Dance is a joy to read.
Thank you, Joan for this wonderful testament, and may God bless you and Carl all the days of your lives.
September 28, 2021
Nothing but admiration
What a remarkable woman. Joan fights to hold onto life so she can be there for her young family, supported by her loving husband. She endures the unthinkable with amazing strength and fortitude. She attributes this to her relationship with God. Joan tells her story without self-pity, without resentment, with appreciation of the good things that remain in her life. It makes compelling reading.
What a remarkable woman. Joan fights to hold onto life so she can be there for her young family, supported by her loving husband. She endures the unthinkable with amazing strength and fortitude. She attributes this to her relationship with God. Joan tells her story without self-pity, without resentment, with appreciation of the good things that remain in her life. It makes compelling reading.
October 2, 2022
Not to be Missed!
As an RN, I am amazed that the author survived her medical problems, let alone thrived. What a testament to the medical care she received, her family's love, and her faith. A wonderful book that should give everyone hope, even when faced with tremendous obstacles.
As an RN, I am amazed that the author survived her medical problems, let alone thrived. What a testament to the medical care she received, her family's love, and her faith. A wonderful book that should give everyone hope, even when faced with tremendous obstacles.
April 16, 2024
Joan is a great author and this book is awesome for those who have lost their faith and Surviving on God and what He has to offer.
Joan has been through a lot and her books shows that. She is a survivor and her Faith has grown strong with this and it is a story I wish no one has to go through and pray that if you are going through something that you would read this book.
Joan has been through a lot and her books shows that. She is a survivor and her Faith has grown strong with this and it is a story I wish no one has to go through and pray that if you are going through something that you would read this book.
December 17, 2024
beautifully written and inspiring
Joan, wow! This was a great book, i felt like you were talking to me and as I was reading what you went through i wanted to be your friend and help you too. You are such a blessing and it is a miracle to be here to tell your story.
Thank you so much for inspiring me to be that happy elf everyday.
Karen- From The Heart Florist
Joan, wow! This was a great book, i felt like you were talking to me and as I was reading what you went through i wanted to be your friend and help you too. You are such a blessing and it is a miracle to be here to tell your story.
Thank you so much for inspiring me to be that happy elf everyday.
Karen- From The Heart Florist
August 16, 2020
If you need to be reminded that God still does miracles today or that a Stage-4 cancer diagnosis is a not necessarily a death sentence, you need to read this book. It is a testament to the importance of a positive outlook in the direst of situations. You will also see amazing humans who mirror God’s love.
GOD CAN DO ANYTHING! Never forget that.
https://mylifeinourfathersworld.wordp...
GOD CAN DO ANYTHING! Never forget that.
https://mylifeinourfathersworld.wordp...
March 15, 2023
The Dance
I don't want to give too much away with this one. It's a easy, quick read - love, hope, faith, strength, embracing life even when you feel like it's hell you're being dragged through. And the unconditional love of a spouse.
This is a must read.
I don't want to give too much away with this one. It's a easy, quick read - love, hope, faith, strength, embracing life even when you feel like it's hell you're being dragged through. And the unconditional love of a spouse.
This is a must read.
July 12, 2016
Joan Aubele shares her incredible story of survival through cancer, strokes and being near to death on more than several occasions. Her account of her life during what seems like relentless illness is honest and moving. Joan had a career in business and was an accomplished public speaker before her life changing events. She is an intelligent and articulate writer and her skills in communicating and inspiring others shine through in her book, it is very well-written.
When Joan first became ill, the youngest of her three daughters was just a baby and the extreme changes in her life affected the family as a whole. She talks about the support of her husband Carl, her daughters, her wider family and how they reacted and got through.
Joan has a strong faith which is paramount in her life and an essential element in her recovery. Although I do not share the same faith as Joan I enjoyed her writing on this subject interesting and very moving.
Through sharing her story, her emotions and her powerful positivity Joan Aubele offers hope and inspiration as well as an amazing story. Highly recommended.
When Joan first became ill, the youngest of her three daughters was just a baby and the extreme changes in her life affected the family as a whole. She talks about the support of her husband Carl, her daughters, her wider family and how they reacted and got through.
Joan has a strong faith which is paramount in her life and an essential element in her recovery. Although I do not share the same faith as Joan I enjoyed her writing on this subject interesting and very moving.
Through sharing her story, her emotions and her powerful positivity Joan Aubele offers hope and inspiration as well as an amazing story. Highly recommended.
July 6, 2023
This book was a game changer for me. I have read and reread this beautiful story to reset my focus on the purpose in my faith. Being a Leukemia survivor , I was drawn to this story of her survival and faith. Very honest story of an incredible journey to survive. I found I couldn't put this book down on the first read. I HAD to finish it!
August 8, 2016
I am amazed at Joan's great struggles and great faith! This is an inspiring story for anyone who has suffered and needs encouragement from somebody who made it through some very hard times.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews