Dancing Up a Storm

by Lynellen D.S. Perry (Editor), Derinda Babcock, Kathrese McKee

A boxed set / anthology featuring the winners of the 2015 "Storming the Short Story" contest, which was hosted by The Woodlands (Texas) chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Table of Contents:

“When I'm Gone” by Angela K. Couch
First Place Romance
Summer 1942. Just before the competition that could launch their careers as professional ballroom dancers, Elaine Mathews’s partner, James Larson, gets drafted into the army. Now, with her dreams and the man she loves hanging in the balance, Elaine must acknowledge what she’s most afraid to lose.

“Dancing in the Rain” by Marion Ueckermann
Honorable Mention Romance
Their outdoor wedding planned for the middle of Africa’s rainy summer, chances are it’ll pour on Mirabelle Kelly’s bridal parade—after all, she is marrying Noah Raines. To make matters worse, the African Rain Queen, Modjadji, is invited to the wedding. Mirabelle must shun her superstitions and place her faith in the One who really controls the weather.

“Dancing Hands” by Derinda Babcock
First Place Contemporary
Morgan hears, Toby doesn't. Their two worlds intersect and expand when the language of the hands allows them to sing, dance, and heal.

“Teething Troubles” by Elizabeth Pina
Honorable Mention Contemporary
When dancing is replaced by diaper changes, Todd's life becomes one problem after another. Is it the beginning of the end for him and Maria, or just the teething troubles of a young marriage?

“Fred & Ginger” by Steve Hooley
Honorable Mention Contemporary
When a new dance studio opens in his small town, Fred's boring life is totally disrupted. And even worse, the new owner, Ginger, reminds him of his late wife. When Ginger asks Fred for help, can he move out of his comfort zone and onto the dance floor of a new life?

“Last Waltz” by Toby Quirk
Honorable Mention Contemporary
In the summer of 1969, the backlash from the war in Vietnam spread through cities and campuses all over America. The homecoming ball at West Point was about to become engulfed in the violence.

"The Confession” by Kathrese McKee
First Place Speculative
Christine accepts one last assignment on Earth with her news crew to revisit treasured memories. Arrested as a spy, she has the option of dancing to her captors' tune or deciding what her confession will be.

“Night Dance” by Gretchen E. K. Engel
Honorable Mention Speculative.
Kati is hired by a wealthy woman to find the cause of her son's illness. Lonan believes his parents want his younger brother to be their heir apparent and begins a search for his birth parents. The quest forces him to reconcile his past with his present.

“The Dance of the Light Brigade” by Steve Hooley
Honorable Mention Speculative
Penult 666 has nearly destroyed the Earth and is moving in for the kill shot. David Benjamin's brigade of six hundred is chosen to lead the counter attack, a suicide mission. Can Benjamin set aside his personal pride in the brigade's performance and make the ultimate sacrifice to save the Earth?

Proceeds from the sale of the anthology will be donated to the Scholarship Fund of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

170 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2016

Reviews

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing Up A Storm: 9 Christian Short Stories offers nine unique and well written stories: two romances, four contemporaries, and three speculatives.

My personal preference runs to the romances and romantic contemporary stories. When I’m Gone, Dancing in the Rain, Dancing Hands, Teething Troubles, and Fred and Ginger fall into those two categories. Each writer had a unique voice, believable characters, and a plot that moved well, some with a twist or two. I found them delightful. The other contemporary, The Last Waltz, was almost a romance with a unique ending.

Not being a fan of speculative fiction, I found The Confession and The Dance of the Light Brigade a little difficult to negotiate. When we’re so far into the future, it confuses me. On the other hand, Night Dance was interesting – intriguing even. Having been reared on fairy tales, I generally feel at home with ogres, trolls, gnomes, elves, pixies and fairies.

Dancing up a Storm provides a wide variety of reading entertainment. The main similarity between these stories is that they are written by authors whose passion shows, always a delight to the reader.

Please note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of 9 Christian Short Stories has something to offer for everyone. Each author gives a unique story that involves faith and "dance". My favorite story is "Dancing Hands" by Derinda Babcock, in which a deaf man and a hearing woman connect through dance and emotions. This book is a quick read and easy to follow. These stories have won awards.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories written by the finalists of a short story writing contest, and it is a wonderful collection of short stories that I thoroughly enjoyed. The stories cover a variety of genres so there is something included for any reader. It is a quick and easy read and each story, though different, is a wonderful story of faith and a reminder that even during the storms there is a reason to dance. I was given a copy of this collection in return for an honest review.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sit down in your favorite chair with your favorite beverage and watch these authors dance up a storm in this anthology of Christian short stories.
I enjoyed the stories, that covered a variety of genres all faith based.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I'm Gone by Angela K Couch is set in 1942 America. It's a sweet story set over the two and a half weeks before James has to leave for the draft. The reader can really empathise with James dancing partner Lainy as she goes through conflicting emotions. Through it all God is faithful.
Dancing In The Rain by Marion Ueckermann is a wonderful story set in South Africa about the preparations for Noah and Mirabelle's wedding. The reader can sense their excitement and shares their fears. Superstitions needs to be released and replaced by trusting in the God of the universe that all will be well.
Dancing Hands by Derinda Babcock is a beautiful love story. Toby is deaf and is shunned by people who gossip about him. Morgan sees his pain and befriends him. Morgan has pain in her life too. The reader experiences a little bit of life from the point of view of a deaf person. It is wondrous to see that our great God does not need to be worshipped with voices. He can be worshipped with hands.
Teething Problems by Elizabeth Pina is a tale around those first difficult months of having a baby. It is easy to empathise with the tiredness, hard work, lack of time and the total love that a baby brings. Love, prayer and good friends are what gets you through.
Fred And Ginger by Steve Hooley is written in the first person from the viewpoint of seventy five year old Fred. It is a touching tale of a man trying to move on in his grief. Fred's life ground to a halt two years earlier when his wife Jenn died. Now it's time to be brave and try to live again.
The Last Waltz by Toby Quirk is set in the 1960's at West Point, with the backdrop of the Vietnam war. The story reminds the reader that life is more than what we can see. It is a spiritual battle against the forces of evil. In order to stand firm and fight the powers of darkness, one must be immersed in God's word. Only then will one be able to distinguish good and evil.
The Confession by Kathrese McKee is set in 2215 and written in the first person of Christine from her prison cell. Her captors want her to relinquish her faith. She needs to hold on to the word of God.
Night Dance by Gretchen E K Engel is a fantasy tale. There is the theme of searching for ones identity.
The Dance Of The Light Brigade by Steve Hooley is another story set in the future with a battle taking place in space.
I really enjoyed reading the short stories in Dancing Up A Storm. It is a long time since I dipped into short stories. They were all excellent. My favourites were the first six, as I am not into futuristic genres as I often get confused. I can highly recommend reading them all.

I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dancing Up A Storm: 9 Christian Short Stories”
By: 9 Incredible Christian Authors

9 Authors have set out to give us heartwarming, emotional stories that remind us that God never gives us more than we can handle nor does He give us what we cannot handle. All because He is with us all the way!

This collection of short stories are packed with emotions and powerful heartfelt love that only God can provide us. Each story reminded me that I can handle more than I think I can. Keep Him close to me and I can conquer any storm. From true love battling the times of war to true love battling the lost of loved ones, these stories touch your soul in ways that will build strength within. The stories of Bridgett and Tony, Fred and Ginger, Elaine and James and many more has hit many storms on their journeys of love and life but each one reminded me that even in my own life, to keep dancing, to keep your head held high, that you are loved and you can win all battles. Dancing in the storm will make you stronger, will bless you and will bring peace to your heart and soul.

I really enjoyed this set of short stories by each author and I think you will too. Join me on February 15, release day, and add this collection to your library and Be Blessed!

I had received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing Up a Storm is an eclectic romantic mix from both male and female romance writers weaving a common thread “I have not given you the spirit of fear, but of power and love” and a common motif - dance. The romances are broad in setting from historical, to contemporary and speculative.

While most romance short stories discuss the theme fear of love or commitment, these short stories explore the motif of dance in intriguing ways. Is dancing in the rain on your wedding day - good or bad luck for your marriage? Do hands dance when signing to a deaf loved one? Will a dance competition and masquerade ball give a senior citizen a second chance at love? Can one embrace one’s differences with adoptive parents, while finding one’s birth parents? Based on Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” will the precise chorography of 600 space pods save the planet earth from annihilation. “Theirs is not to reason why, theirs is but to do or die.”

The romantic short stories in Dancing up a Storm each with a unique setting, well developed characters, and unexpected twists and turns plots was an intriguing, enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Linda Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine Christian fiction short stories in a collection. Fun, entertaining and inspirational. The first two, WHEN I’M GONE and DANCING IN THE RAIN were in the romance genre, and being a tom-boy I couldn’t get into them, but romance fans will enjoy them.
The four stories in the contemporary genre were my favorites. In TEETHING TROUBLES Elizabeth Pina made everyday family scenes come alive and grab my attention. The strength of FRED AND GINGER was in the brilliantly developed characters, drawing me into their lives and struggles. THE LAST WALTZ, a very authentic sixties-era piece, offered lots of great dialog and action on the military posts of West Point and Fort Benning. DANCING HANDS might have been my favorite; a story where a deaf man, isolated by small-town bigots finds compassion and purpose in a lovely young waitress.
The speculative story CONFESSION was great, a journal of a female prisoner, maybe a martyr. The last two speculative stories were well written, but not my type of entertainment.
All-in-all this is a great book for folks who like Christian fiction, and for readers who want to explore some stories outside their routine choices.

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon Frankel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not generally a reader of fiction, but I read this anthology of nine short stories in one evening and enjoyed it immensely. The stories varied from romance to science fiction to fantasy and a few areas in-between, appealing to a broad spectrum of people.

“Dancing Hands” by Deride Babcock drew me into the world of deaf culture; “The Last Waltz” by Toby Quirk brought me back to my hippie sixties; and “The Dance of the Light Brigade” by Steve Hooley catapulted me into outer space. These were my favorites, but depending on your own tastes there are six others to choose from that may be yours: a World War II romance, an elf and pixie world, and a young couple’s struggle are just a few of the venues you’ll be visiting when you read this book.
If you’re looking for some good light reading on a cold winter evening on the couch, or on a sunny afternoon at the beach, you won’t be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Judith W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I thought the individual stories in the book Dancing Up A Storm, a collection of nine Christian short stories, were well written, followed the Dancing theme, and with the exception of one, intertwined the Christian beliefs of the characters through out the stories. I generally enjoyed reading most of the stories, although three of the nine were not my genre of choice and would not have completed reading had I not committed to review....i.e. Fairytale, Sci Fi, and futuristic genres.
My favorite story was “Dancing Hands” by Derinda Babcock. This story is well written by Ms. Babcock who captures the readers attention immediately and continues with a warm and compassionate story.
“The Last Waltz” by Toby Quirk takes you back to the tumultuous days of the Vietnam war. The story is well written, keeps your interest and knocks your socks off with a surprise ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.”

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of 9 short stories featuring the finalists in the 2015 "Storming the Short Story" contest from The Woodlands (Texas) chapter of the ACFW. Each is an entertaining and inspiring Christian story built, some quite cleverly, around a dancing theme. The very first story "When I'm Gone", a romance set during WW2, became a favorite as did "The Confession", a moving collection of letters written on paper scraps as a Speculative story. Both of Steve Hooley's stories made my favorite's list although they were very different in tone and theme.
I'd have no qualms sharing this sweet anthology with a teenage granddaughter. These short stories are all well written light reading, perfect for curling up with in a comfy chair for a nice break; but bring a box of Kleenex, as you settle in with with your cocoa, you may need it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

These 9 Christian Short Stories are unique stories by different authors with a story that involves faith and "dance". My favorite story is Dancing In The Rain Dancing Hands, and Fred and Ginger. This book is a quick read and easy to follow. These stories all have won awards. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. When I'm Gone: Elaine and James story is remarkable but sad. After years of practicing together their world falls apart right before their big day. The author has you interested from page one to the end.
2. Dancing In The Rain: Watching Mirabelle and Noah plan their wedding with his mother will have you smiling. This is a very cute story from being to the end.
3. First Place Contemporary Dancing Hands: Morgan and Toby's story is amazing. Morgan couldn't stand the way people acted around Toby. Toby's life was so much better after meeting Morgan. Watching their relationship grow is beautiful. You won't be able to stop reading this book.
4. Honorable Mention:Contemporary Teething Troubles: Todd and Maria are a special couple. Todd is feeling like Maria has no time for him because she is so busy with Alyssa. When Todd goes out and meets Pat his life changes. Pat is like a angel who walks into their lives when they are struggling.
5. Fred and Ginger: Fred was lost after losing Jen. When Ginger came to town to open a dance studio he is upset about her sign. Watching Fred gradually change will have you on the edge of your seat.
6. The Last Waltz: Tony and Jake have been roommates for years. The way they help each other is amazing. When Tony starts having visions he talks to Brother MacDonald. Amazing story but it ends with a sad ending.
7. First Place Speculative The Confession: Christine is a very strong woman. Her Christian beliefs causes her pain. She never stops praying even for the man causing her pain. This is a sad but amazing story.
8. Honorable Mention: Speculative Night Dance: Kati never expected she would be hired to be a spy by Lonan's parents. Lonan and Kati's relationship grows from the first night she worked at his house. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
9. Honorable Mention: Speculative The Dance Of The Light Brigade: Benjamin was a amazing leader. The way he handled emergencies was truly remarkable. Daniels life changed because of Benjamin being a hero to all of them.

[Jessica Dowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review. Dancing Up a Storm is a sweet anthology of short stories. Each of the stories contained dancing as a major or minor part of the plot. It was interesting to see how the different authors included this theme in their stories. There is a lot of variety in the stories, which I appreciated. In addition to the varied genres, it contains stories with characters you don't normally see. Dancing Hands is about a couple getting to know each other through sign language. Fred and Ginger features a widower in his 70's learning to make friends again.

However, my favorites, the ones that made me wish there were more to the story, were two of the speculative fictions: The Confession by Kathrese McKee, and Night Dance by Gretchen E.K. Engel.

In The Confession, a reporter on a mission to Earth writes to her husband on Mars colony. Christine has been captured by members of "The Holy Religion" who try to get her to renounce her Christianity. This was a futuristic sci-fi story, which normally is not my cup of tea. However, the setting, where Mars is the new world and Earth is the old world and both are inhabited by humans, intrigued me. I liked the way the author illustrated the spiritual parallels between clinging to an old world and clinging to an old life. The character development was believable, and beautifully unfolded, which is difficult to do in a short story.

The Night Dance is about a gnomish nurse who helps an adopted son of elves find out about his true heritage. The setting is an industrial fantasy world, which I found intriguing. I enjoyed the two main characters, though I would have liked to get to know them better, as well as some of the supporting characters. I would love to see this turned into a full-length novel.

Overall, this is an enjoyable anthology of very creative short stories that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a fun read.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of nine Christian short stories that are built around the theme of dancing. These are the winners from a contest that the publisher held.

My thoughts:
For the most part, I enjoyed these stories. I loved how each author chose to use the theme of dancing in a different way. Some used it in a literal sense as in the characters were dancing while others used it in a more metaphorical sense as in the characters had to decide whether or not to do the right thing. There is something for everyone here - historical romance, contemporary romance, general historical/contemporary fiction, fantasy, and futuristic. Some of the stories I really wished were longer. Others, I didn't really care for. My favorites were probably "When I'm Gone," "Dancing Hands," and "Night Dance." It was a quick read.

I received the Kindle version for free from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of all genres, short stories, Christian Fiction

Overall Rating - 4 stars

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of short stories, many of them very inspiring. The first few stories were beautiful romances, and I especially enjoyed the story of Mirabelle and her wedding, where she worried about it raining on her wedding day, and she discovers what really matters. "The Confession" made a strong impression on me, with Christine, a journalist, jailed and persecuted for her faith. It was intense, the letters she wrote home to her beloved, Jon-Michael, as she prepared to die. And in an entirely different type of story, "The Dance of the Light Brigade" was a favorite, as the space soldiers fought to save earth and the last survivors. It was an amazing story of bravery.
Overall, this was a good book, with a fun dancing theme throughout the group of stories. I recommend "Dancing Up A Storm". You will enjoy it. Thanks to the publisher for providing this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love themed anthologies. When I received a complimentary copy of "Dancing Up A Storm: 9 Christian Short Stories" from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review I was elated. The nine stories in this genre array included two romances, four contemporaries, and three speculatives. Each story followed the "dance" theme, yet were uniquely different and compelling. I related to three of the stories immediately because of my life experiences. That was extraordinary. I didn't expect to appreciate the speculative stories because that's not a genre I typically read. To my surprise and delight, they were quite enjoyable. In a collection there's always a favorite and mine was "Dancing Hands" by Derinda Babcock. I wasn't ready for this story to end. I recommend "Dancing Up A Storm" — and all its ways to dance.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look forward to reading this anthology every year. Last year the stories were all about storms, and this year they are all based on the theme of dancing. There are a variety of genres, with a little something for everyone.

This year's collection made it very difficult for me to pick favorites...nearly all of them were my favorites, which I am sure speaks to the quality of the winning writers. I do have to admit, however, that "Teething Troubles" is the one story I have read more than once.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of Christian short stories revolves around the themes of faith and dance and is a smorgasbord of styles and genres ranging from romance to social commentary to science fiction. From laughter to tears, past to future, and earth to beyond, these writers took me on some wonderful journeys. Of particular enjoyment were "When I'm Gone" by Angela Couch which brought back memories of my parents and Toby Quirk's "The Last Waltz" which brought back memories of my own past. All in all, it is a thoroughly entertaining, easy to read book which I would recommend to anyone. I had received a free advance copy of this book.

[Ryan Gilmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this anthology of award winning Christian fiction authors. The stories are easy to follow and read, yet each provides a theme with enough depth for thoughtful reflection. The length of the stories makes it easy to finish a couple in one sitting.

The spiritual themes are obvious, Scripture is quoted and reflected on, and characters use their faith to interpret their situations. Christian readers will certainly enjoy this book.

If you enjoy fiction short stories, you will definitely enjoy this collection!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it interesting to see the different interpretation of each author on the theme of " dancing " . In general I do not enjoy Fantasy or Sci Fi genres and this book was no exception. I did, however, find all the stories easy to read and being South African related most to " Dancing in the Rain" as it was set in this country. I was disappointed in most of the stories at the lack of Christian content and challenge to live the Christian life.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

From romance to science fiction to fantasy I think you will find this book one that you will enjoy.. I like all Christian fiction genre and I found it all in this book. What a diversity of Christian Short Stories. I liked that they all were the authors unique way of "Dancing" Up A Storm! Perfect name for this collection. Thanks to the publisher for providing this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhonda Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading each short story in this collection. The main thing they all had in common was dancing. It was interesting to read how each author took that one common theme and created a unique story. This was a nice break from my normal reading of a 300 page or more book. I felt like this is a good mixture of stories to satisfy the heart and mind of all who read it. I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Ed Schrock]

If you enjoy short stories with a strong punch as well as a good message, here’s a book for you. These stories bear messages that will stay with you for a long, long time, bringing you strength and warmth.
Populated with characters with whom we mingle and worry and live our lives, these tales become our biographies.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of nine short stories. They cover several genres--some of which were my cup of tea and some were not. But even the ones that were not my cup of tea were well written so feel the book still earned a five star rating. Most of these I will want to read again. They did have some awesome spiritual threads in them.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Up A Storm": 9 Christian Short Stories is a collection on nine short stories that are about dancing. I really enjoyed reading these stories. I hope this isn't a spoiler alert but all the stories end on a happy note, yes the pun is intended. At first some of the stories don't seem to be happy stories at all but I really encourage you to keep reading.
There was one story "Night Dance" that I am not sure should have been included in a Christian collection, I say this because it was about elves and gnomes. But it was a good story. The other eight stories all quoted Scripture and mentioned the Bible.
This is a collection of different genres, so I am sure everyone could find one or more of the nine stories to enjoy.
The one I could most identify with is the "Teething Troubles". Teething Troubles is something that all of us experience in one way or another. To find out what I say that read "Dancing Up A Storm"
I am giving "Dancing Up A Storm" five stars and I was given a arc pdf file by the publisher Chalfont House for my honest review. These opinions are mine own.

[Diane E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Up a Storm is a delightful metaphor used in these stories both literally as well as figuratively for living a life. The 9 short stories are populated with characters who are engaging, warm, and Christian people. The situations are realistic, humorous at times, and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this set of stories.
I was provided a copy of the book to be an early reviewer.

[Chuck Stecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing Up a Storm is a very delightful read with stories for nearly every reader. Each of the authors wrote form a different style and yet all the stories blended with a wonderful flow. From military to romantic, the book is refreshing and worth the time to read and enjoy.