Dancing in the Light

Keane-Morrison Family Saga #3

by Anita Stansfield

As trials come thick and fast, Wade finds himself facing devastating loss and a desperate loneliness greater than he ever could have imagined. Thankfully he has a large and loving family, without whose support he could not survive. Ultimately, however, Wade's greatest source of strength comes through his faith and reliance on the Savior's unconditional and atoning love.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Lds, Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance, Religion

423 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Anita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.

"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."

"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."

Reviews

[Allison A]

could possibly cause you to go into depression.

[Nicole]

These books are really a guilty pleasure. I don't find these books to be superior prose but I enjoy reading them because they are quick and give me just the taste of romance I sometimes need.

[Holly]

I was forced to read Dancing in the Light for a class on morality in fiction. I've read a lot of genre fiction in my time, and I thought, "How bad can this be?" The answer: seriously bad.

One of the worst, if not the worst, books I have ever read. The story, the characters, and the writing were badly conceived and poorly carried out. Never, not once, did I ever feel connected to the main character or his actions despite the fact that Ms. Stansfield gives us more than 400 pages listing everything he does, from the laundry to the massive amounts of weeping that he does in this book. That's exactly what this book reads like: a list. First he did this, then this happened, then that was his reaction. Ridiculous.

Finally, I find the whole thing one big exercise in manipulative sentimentality. Poorly done, since at no time did I feel sentimental toward anyone or anything that happened in the book, but still. No sex or drugs or bad language, but unrealistic and deceitful portrayals of the way life and faith work? You betcha.

Deseret Book, I understand that you're trying to market to the squeaky clean LDS audience here, but is this seriously the best you can do? Did any of your editors even glance at this manuscript before you released this garbage to your unsuspecting (and, apparently, largely unsophisticated, considering Ms. Stansfield's wide audience) readership?

I haven't read any of Ms. Stansfield's other works, so I can't comment as to whether Dancing in the Light is typical or whether she was just experiencing an off month when she wrote this. Honestly, I don't plan on finding out any time soon.

[Alicia]

I started this book over a month ago. The first couple of chapters were a little much for me - as in super sad. I just wasn't wanting to read something like that. So late last night when I couldn't sleep out of desperation more than anything, I opened it up and skipped a chapter or two and started reading again. I don't know if it was the mood I was in, or the book. But I ended up reading most of the night away and finished it the next day.

For the most part I think the story was well written. I was interested in the lives of the characters and where life would take them.

I did have some problems with the book - the same old problems I have with just about every Mormon Romance novel. In this case I didn't like how the author used their book as a platform to discuss hypocritical and unkind things done and said by other Mormons. It makes it seem like those kind of things are everyday occurrences, when in fact they are generally few and far between and could happen anywhere, in any religion or association. Because, after all, are we not all hypocrites? None of us are perfect and we all fall short of what we know to be right, kind and true. I could understand one situation being included that would be integral to the story... but it seemed like every single major character in this book was going through some negative experience due to the unkindness, immorality, or nosiness of other members... and all at the same time. It was a little much. And if I were of another faith reading this novel I think it would do more harm than good, giving a disproportionate few of the Mormon faith, and it's people.

[Loni]

Ugh!!! We read some of these books in our book club, and as usual, it was completely cheesy and ridiculous. It's basically the clean version of the typical romance novels. A little too much for me. There are some of her books which are not quite as cheesy as the others - but, it takes a lot of picking through. I know lots of women in the church though who love her books - so, don't count them out if you like cheesy love stories.

[Shyla Landvatter]

Being pregnant i was too emotional to read this series of books! I cried the whole time and finally had to read something else! :) Pregnant ladies can probably relate!:) I'll try again after the baby.

[Alison]

This is the third book in a series about two people who fall in love. This story has romance, dancing, laugh out loud moments, and very serious moments. If you like romance and are LDS I would highly recommend reading this, it is definitely one of my favorite books.

[Michele Nell]

This book was really good until a MAJOR plot flaw. It is not possible for a man to be sealed to more than one woman without permission from the 1st Presidency, even in 2006. I can usually overlook little things because it is a work of fiction but if you are going to try and stay true to the LDS Church and standards, things like this should be taken into account.

[Kirsten]

This would have been around a 2 1/2 for me. The story started out well, but it just got so predictible and sappy. I enjoyed the first books in this series quite a bit, but this one was just too much cheese for me. There were some things that I enjoyed, and if she had made the story a lot shorter, with less velveeta it would have been great.

[Bonnie Mcintyre]

I've decided that I don't really like Anita Stansfield's writing, even though she is one of the number 1 LDS writers. She seems to repeat herself a lot and her stories drag on. They are like a lot of romance stories where the format is the same and you know how they will end. I'm not going to read any more of her books.

[Dianna]

Typical Anita Stansfield. If you like her books you'll love this. I zipped through this in a day, and I think it was my fav of the series so far. Can't decide... Warning, if you're already emotional and prone to easy tears you will DEFINITELY be crying!

[Amanda]

I like Anita Stansfield's book, the stories always captivate me but even so, some times the writing itself is a little cheezy, like details that don't really need to be there. Regardless, I did like the story.

[Ralph]

I enjoyed this book very much. I appreciated the honesty in the relationships, the portrayal of a supportive family network and real life situations, and the hope it brought of connecting with someone who share's one's faith and values.

[Kimberly Yates]

This series started to die down for me. I kind of lost interest after the first two. It's a cute book but definitely not a favorite.

[Berdean]

Crying releaves pent up emotions and its a good thing.
Repentance, and forgiveness changes lives. Listen to your own personal promptings from the spirit, and act upon them.

[Lori]

Continuation of Timeless Waltz series -- wonderful

[Karalee]

So far way GOOD!

[Brooke]

There is a time to mourn and a time to weep a time for happiness and a time to DANCE!

[Heidi]

A really good read! Just as good, if not better than the first! It really pulls at your heart strings!

[Kathy]

One of my favorite series by Anita Stansfield. I enjoyed all 4 of these books!

[Amy]

One more in this series. I like Anita Stansfield but only in doses. She becomes predictable and there are always so much drama.

[Tristen]

I really want to read this book!

[Nickie]

Really good! This is a good series.

[Michelle]

Loved this book, I thought it was great for coping with loss as well as helping the singles as well.

[Susan]

This was a very emotional read for me. I was so glad to get the amazing happy ending, which was also an emotional one.

[Heather]

Wade is one of my favorite characters in the Keane/Morrison saga. I loved traveling with him on his journeys. I related with him. I learned many things with him.

[Christina]

I like the Wade character, and this is a sweet love story. I wish the love story had been more developed, but I really liked the book in general.

[Jennifer]

Own: Book/CD

[Ashley]

A continually amazing story. Overcoming tradgedy and trials. Definitely puts things in perspective for you. Well told.

[Angee]

Another great read by Anita Stansfield. I couldn't put it down!