What We Set in Motion

by Stephanie Austin Edwards

Set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, What We Set in Motion is a coming-of-age novel that will appeal to anyone who has ever risked everything to pursue a dream, or wondered what their life would have been like if only they had. Nadine Barnwell is a spunky heroine who learns that no matter how far we travel, or how many obstacles we face on the way, the search for our true selves is always the longest and most difficult journey. Filled with a rich cast of characters—starting with the wonderful protagonist, Nadine, whose love of dance takes her far from her childhood home—this is a deeply compelling novel of loss and redemption, secrets and revelations, connections severed and restored.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2024

About the author

Stephanie, a former dancer and Broadway Costumer, is a writing teacher, novelist and consultant. After attending public school in Beaufort, SC, and college in California, she had a twenty-two-year career in New York Theater. She has worked with such talents as Liza Minnelli, Michael Jackson, Lauren Bacall, Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, Hal Prince, Stephen Sondheim, and Michael Bennett. When not writing, she can be found shagging or cruising down the river with her husband Paul Coffman.
Her novel, What We Set in Motion, won a Best Submission Award at the Atlanta Writer’s Club Conference and a Gold Award for cover design from TheBookDesigner.com.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern fiction is one of my favorite genres and I'm thrilled when I find a new to me author in this genre. I met Stephanie Edwards at the Pat Conroy Literary Center in Beaufort, SC, where she is a docent. Because she met Pat in high school, she had lots of great stories to share about him. As with all readers, our discussion soon turned to books that we both enjoyed and I found out that she had her first book on display in the shop so I bought a book and I loved it! The writing is so well done that I found it difficult to believe that this was her first novel and I hope that she continues to use her talents to bring us more books in the future.

The story begins in the 1970s when Nadine is about to graduate from college. Her goal is to go to NYC with her boyfriend (an actor) and pursue a career in dance. Her father, a rich controlling man in Beaufort, SC, forbids her to go and ties are cut between them when she moves to NY. In NY, she finds life much more difficult than she anticipated - it was almost impossible to find a decent apartment or a waitressing job to pay the bills while she took dance classes. This is a real coming of age novel with a brave and determined heroine. I loved Nadine and her determination to succeed despite the set backs. I laughed with her and cried with her. She is a character that I won't soon forget.

I loved this novel and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy strong characters and a wonderful story line.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Austin Edwards' What We Set in Motion is a fast-paced coming -of- age story set in 1970s New York. Readers can't help but root for protagonist Nadine Carter Barnwell as she pursues her dream of being a dancer. Waiting for this Southern girl is a conga line of men who want to do more than dance with nubile newcomers. Housing and economic obstacles also complicate this resilient woman's journey. Fraught with danger and illuminated by moments of joy, Nadine's passage into adulthood is a pleasure to witness as she attempts to create a life of purpose and self-assertion. Strong female characters and memorable settings make this novel a pleasure to read!
Pamela Main
Instructor of English
Technical College of the Lowcountry

[Lynn Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, this was an unputdownable read. From the first word, I was drawn into the story of a young woman who chased her dreams despite the pull of family, tradition, and the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry. Descriptions of New York City, the world of dance, and the world of theater come effortlessly alive, immersing the reader before they even realize it. It is a beautiful coming of age story, one of love, loss, and redemption that lingers long after the last page is read.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I found this book a bit too far fetched. The story line created some good characters but they disappeared and they all showed back up near the end, to finish up the story.
It wasn’t a bad book, I definitely wanted to know what happens, but it wasn’t a book that I couldn’t wait to be able to get back to reading.

[Kathryn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest portrayal of the conflict women continually face when determining the paths in their lives as they search to discover just who they are themselves-and not what others want them to be.

[Lauri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just could not really relate to the characters in the book. The story was okay. The editing could have been improved.

[Linda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book as thoughtful and captivating as What We Set in Motion. Edwards’ has a way of drawing you into the life of Nadine, to the point that you almost feel you are next to her for every step of her journey. And what a journey it is. I’m not a dancer, have never been to New York, and have only visited South Carolina for vacations, and I still felt each moment as though I were there. Decisions made years ago come back to haunt and have the potential of destroying everything Nadine holds dear. However, the wisdom of Aunt Amelia guides Nadine down the right path every time. For a debut novel, Edwards has surpassed all expectation; she has a way of capturing human emotions on paper like few others. I am eagerly anticipating whatever this author publishes next.

[Glenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it from start to finish. As the author spent over 20 years in New York City as a dancer, it begs the question as to whether at least parts of this are autobiographical. A thoroughly engaging story of a young girl's determination to fulfill her dream of dancing professionally in the big city, you will enjoy going along for the ride. It is notable that this is Edwards' debut novel and I would think surely we will see more by this author. An interesting and satisfying story with a strong and lovable heroine.
I recommend it highly.

[Tim Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a hopeful "coming of age" journey for the main character, Nadine. Though there are challenges that someone less determined or less bold might never overcome, you root for this young woman as if she were your own young relative or friend. The story is an inspiring reminder of what it means to be full of life and passionate about the things you most value. The book moves quickly, as it draws you into a colorful and satisfying narrative that unfolds in two very different worlds.

[BB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it over a weekend. Although not a thriller, I couldn't put it down. Enjoyed the characters and Nadine's story, a young woman who leaves the security of her home in the lowcountry to pursue a career in dance in New York City. The settings and the characters are familiar and realistic as well as the heartaches and achievements she experiences. A good read, I recommend it.