Dancing with Air

Still Life with Memories #4

by Uvi Poznansky

Serving on the European front, Lenny longs for Natasha, the girl who captured his heart back home. He writes bogus reports, designed to fall into the hands of Nazi Intelligence. To fool the enemy, these reports are disguised as love letters to another woman. This task must remain confidential, even at the risk of Natasha becoming suspicious of him.

When she arrives in London, he takes her for a ride on the Harley throughout England, from the White Cliffs of Dover to a village near an underground ammunition depot in Staffordshire. Once he is wounded in a horrific explosion—the largest to occur on UK soil—Natasha brings him back to safety, only to discover Lana’s letter to him. Now, the one worry that lays heavily on his mind is this: Would Natasha trust him again, even though as a soldier, he must keep his mission a secret? Would their love survive the test of war?

In the past Natasha wrote, with girlish infatuation, “He will be running his fingers down, all the way down to the small of my back, touching his lips to my ear, breathing his name, breathing mine. Here I am, dancing with air.” In years to come, she will begin to lose her memory, which will make him see her as fragile. “I gather her gently into my arms, holding her like a breath.” But right now, during the months leading up to D-Day, she is at her peak, ready to take charge of the course of their story.

If you like wounded warrior romance, military romance, family saga romance or romantic suspense, you will find that this is a unique melding of them all. It is a standalone historical fiction novel about WWII, as well as the fourth volume of a family saga series titled Still Life with Memories, which is one of family sagas best sellers of all time. Do you like this genre, especially when wrapped with a second chance in love with a strong female lead? If so, then this story is just for you.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Military Fiction, Fiction, Amazon

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2016

About the author

Uvi Poznansky is a USA TODAY bestselling, award-winning author, poet and artist. “I paint with my pen,” she says, “and write with my paintbrush.” Her romantic suspense box set, Love Under Fire, and her medical thriller box set, Do No Harm, made the USA TODAY bestselling list. Her romance box set, A Touch of Passion, was the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Awards.

Education and work:
Uvi earned her B. A. in Architecture and Town Planning from the Technion in Haifa, Israel and practiced with an innovative Architectural firm, taking a major part in the large-scale project, called Home for the Soldier.

Having moved to Troy, N.Y. with her husband and two children, Uvi received a Fellowship grant and a Teaching Assistantship from the Architecture department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There, she guided teams in a variety of design projects and earned her M.A. in Architecture. Then, taking a sharp turn in her education, she earned her M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.

She worked first as an architect, and later as a software engineer, software team leader, software manager and a software consultant (with an emphasis on user interface for medical instruments devices.) All the while, she wrote and painted constantly, and exhibited in Israel and California. In addition, she taught art appreciation classes. Her versatile body of work includes bronze and ceramic sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal, pen and pencil drawings, and mixed media.

Books and Genres:
Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance is a suspense series. It includes Coma Confidential, Virtually Lace, and Overdose.

Still Life with Memories is a family saga series with touches of romance. The series includes My Own Voice, The White Piano, The Music of Us, Dancing with Air, and Marriage before Death. Volume I and II are bundled in Apart from Love; volume III-V are bundled in Apart from War.

The David Chronicles is a historical fiction series with a modern twist. It includes three novels--Rise to Power, A Peek at Bathsheba, and The Edge of Revolt--and six art through the ages collections, describing each moment of the story.

Her poetry book, Home, is in tribute to her father. Her collection of dark tales, Twisted, and her Historical Fiction book, A Favorite Son, are both new age, biblically inspired books. In addition, Uvi wrote and illustrated two children books, Jess and Wiggle and Now I Am Paper. For each one of these books, she created an animation video (find them on YouTube and on her Goodreads page.)

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance, some authors take you by storm with in-your-face heat and passion. Uvi Poznansky lets her romance swirl around you until you are engulfed in every moment, every emotion, like floating on a calm sea while allowing waves to occasionally stir the waters. Enter the world of Dancing with Air and immediately feel the deep love, the loss and feel the memories of a young love spreading its wings to soar for eternity.

Lenny and Natasha are in the sunset of their years, have weathered the storms and have loved each other to the best of their ability. Follow Lenny’s thoughts of the ghosts of the past, of an era at war, of his love for his Natasha and her fiery heart and fierce passion. Relive the times she through caution to the wind and crossed an ocean into the bowels of war torn Europe to be with the soldier she loves. See everything through Lenny’s eyes and heart as he both mourns and holds dear the woman Natasha was until her memories faded as time and disease shredded her mind.

Uvi Poznansky has shared a true tale of lifelong and soul deep love and romance in this standalone novel in her Still Life with Memories series. With words that become like a song to the heart, I had tears in my eyes from the very beginning as Ms. Poznansky’s words faded away and I could see these characters as if I were a voyeur to their love. There is nothing better than “feeling” a novel as opposed to just reading it. Uvi Poznansky will bring out feelings you didn’t know you had.

I received an ARC edition from Uvi Poznansky in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Still Life with Memories - Book 4
Publisher: Uvi Poznansky (August 8, 2016)
Publication Date: August 8, 2016
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 150 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Regina Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is the beautiful thread that weaves Lenny and Natasha lives together.

Dancing with Air is a lovely story set in a very unlovely era – WWII. Bad things are happening all around Lenny and Natasha and somehow their love finds a way to thrive in spite of it all. Bombs are falling, danger lurks around every corner and let’s not forget Natasha’s mother – someone very determined to keep them apart.

This book has a wonderful mixture of what Lenny and Natasha’s lives were like back when they were falling in love and the present time, as Lenny tries to deal with his wife’s frightening disease – Alzheimer’s. As the reader, we want everything to be okay for both Lenny and Natasha but know it probably won’t be.

Dancing with Air is a rollercoaster ride of joy and sorrow- such a beautiful experience.

[Anna Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing with Air is a story of deep and abiding love between Lenny and Natasha. While it opens with a challenge this couple faces late in life, we get to start at the beginning. Their love unfolds at a languid pace that poses a stark contrast to the jarring cadence of a world at war. So much is beyond their control as these young lovers are swept away by romance and duty.

Set in Britain during World War II, Lenny and Natasha's story is skillfully interwoven with historical events and provides a vivid representation of life in a dangerously unpredictable world. Told in a lyrical, highly visual style, we're transported back in time. The characters are well-developed, nuanced, and the range of emotions they display is done with tenderness and depth. That's particularly true when Lenny and Natasha are much older and must confront and challenge the boundaries that test the bond between soulmates. I hope you'll read this deftly-written tale that will stay with you long after you finish reading the book.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/9/2018)! 💝

[Mimi Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing with Air is an incredibly well-written, well-researched historical tale that takes place in the WWII era. Surprisingly, the author weaves music throughout the story in a beautiful, enticing way that added a whole new dimension and made it more enjoyable.
A lovely passage - He will be running his fingers down, all the way down to the small of my back, touching his lips to my ear, breathing his name, breathing mine… here I am, dancing with air…
I liked the two main characters, Lenny and Natasha, and felt very sad for Lenny when it became clear he was losing her to a horrible illness, though her body was there beside him. Ms. Poznansky, a master in story-telling, developed the plot in such a way that it kept my interest from page one until the very end. I also appreciated the well-phrased descriptions, especially while in London - in fact all my senses were drawn in as the author created this intrigue. Danger, deception and romance are woven together perfectly and will keep you turning the pages… captivated.

[CA Portnellus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep reading waiting for the exciting parts. So far the characters are uninteresting, predictable and I can only hope for a twist for the betterment of this novel, before I am bored and toss it aside for good.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Love Story

Dancing With Air, a WWII Love Story, From USA Today Bestselling Author, Uvi Poznansky, is the 4th book in the Still Life with Memories series.

As his wife Natasha starts suffering from symptoms of a devastating illness, Lenny returns to the past, as a marine stationed in London, recalling their courtship.

‘He will be running his fingers down, all the way down to the small of my back, touching his lips to my ear, breathing his name, breathing mine… here I am, dancing with air…’

Natasha, a concert pianist, misses Lenny, and she follows him to Europe, where she performed for the troops.

Lenny has flashbacks of what his and Natasha’s lives were like back then when they were falling in love while coping with the present, as he tries to deal with his wife’s frightening disease.

But Lenny’s role overseas is more than it appears. His D-Day reports, written as letters to another woman, are filled with misleading information to help fool the Nazis.

Will Natasha discover the letters? And if she does, will it tear them apart?

Bombs are falling and danger seems to lurk around every corner, and even though bad things are happening all around them, their love somehow seems to find a way to survive.

Each book in the series is told from a different point of view, but each can easily be read as a standalone.

The author tells a beautiful and unique heartbreaking story of love and loss and how those special moments can keep love alive in your heart.

Definitely a five star read!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written love story!

Dancing with Air opens years after Lenny and Natasha’s tumultuous relationship takes place. They are married and he is losing her once again– not because of the war, instead a dreaded disease is taking her mind to a place he cannot follow.

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel reading this book as my grandmother passed away after years of dementia, but that’s only a small part of the story and is treated with grace and kindness.

Instead, we are treated to a love story that is at times both poignant and humorous. Lenny falls for a young pianist he sees shortly after injury in a training exercise. This line stood out for me:

I was enamored with Natasha even before laying eyes on her.

Poznansky, Uvi. The Music of Us (Still Life with Memories Book 3) (p. 22). Uvi Poznansky. Kindle Edition.



She played a beautiful rendition of God Bless America and had every soldier in the theatre eating out of her sixteen year old hand, Lenny included.

Knowing how besotted Lenny was, his friend wrote her a letter just before he left on his tour to Hawaii (and the subsequent bombing of Pearl Harbor).

Natasha writes Lenny back, thinking he’d sent the first letter, and so their relationship begins.

There are many undercurrents running through this book, from the death of Lenny’s friend, then later his father, to Natasha’s mother who thinks no man is good enough for her daughter. And under everything, is the threat of war.

Lenny and Natasha are separated time and again by their respective careers, but nothing will stop their growing love for one another.

This is romance in its truest form, I loved it!

I give Dancing with Air 5 lovely kisses

[Tara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing with Air by Uvi Poznansky is a book writen with the elegance and grace that only few possess. They beauty within the pages of this masterpiece flow with a style that cannot be matched. The work of Uvi Poznansky is outstanding in every way. I highly recommend this book and this author to those who have an appreciation for fine literature.

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*
My Recommendation:
This was my first introduction to the writings of Uvi Poznansky and I must say I was delighted. Dancing With Air is a poignant tale of love which begins during World War II between Lenny and Natasha. Most of the story covers their life in England, East Anglia, which held significance to me as I had been stationed there myself in the early 1980’s. The descriptions were superb and in my mind’s eye, I saw the white cliffs of Dover through the words on the page.

What I liked most about the book is the retelling of their memories, mostly by Lenny. The entire story is shadowed by a tragic illness that has Natasha in its grips. The reader feels Lenny’s pain at the possibility of losing his beloved wife. Seldom have I read such a depth of emotion portrayed by both characters. I found it easy to become wrapped up in the events that happened in the past and the present. I shed many tears, some in joy, and some in sorrow.

The fact that this book was the fourth in the series did not matter, other than the fact that I now want to read the complete series. I must add another feature of the story I really enjoyed. Uvi Poznansky threaded the lyrics of songs throughout the novel, which given the time frame, was a huge part of life during World War II. We’re so used to our world of immediate social media connections that we forget how people really bonded back then. For me, the songs added the “ring of truth,” to their romantic memories. Those songs connected both characters and allowed the reader a peek into their romance and the love that blossomed from it.

I read this novel quickly because it was the kind of story that drew me into the lives of the characters. Lenny’s story of his time in the Marines is filled with mystery and intrigue. Natasha leads the life of a concert pianist on tour in Europe. Their joining as partners in life is what will touch you the most. If you love romance novels with a touch of history and realism, you will love Dancing With Air. I know I did.

My Rating:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

[Angela's Book Addiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dancing with Air by Uvi Poznansky is a historical fiction, military romance that takes place during World War II. It's the fourth book in the Still Life with Memories series, but can definitely be read as a standalone novel. This is the first book I read by the author and I did not feel like I was missing out on anything revealed earlier in the series.

I enjoyed reading Lenny and Natasha's wartime love story. It is told entirely through Lenny's perspective as he recalls his involvement in a special military mission and remembers how Natasha used to be before Alzheimer’s began advancing upon her mind. The story was well written and thought-provoking.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and World War II is one of the subjects I especially enjoy reading about. Dancing with Air is a beautiful love story between Lenny, a marine stationed in London, and his girlfriend Natasha, a pianist who arrives to Europe to perform for the troops and to re-unite with Lenny. After one of her performances, Natasha tells Lenny about the grand piano that used to be in the lobby of the hotel but was destroyed during a bombing. Natasha says it was “fortunate” that the piano used to be there because people crawled under it, and the piano “saved their lives.” That detail immediately made the concept of war real to me.

The romance between Lenny and Natasha is bittersweet both because of the tension of the war and because the story is a look back, years later, at the way Natasha used to be, before Alzheimer’s disease started slowly taking her away from Lenny.

The writing is beautiful and engaging, and even secondary characters are realistic and interesting. I loved Mrs. Babcock, the woman with whom Natasha is staying while in London. Mrs. Babcock is “prudent,” as evidenced by her dress made out of “industrial blackout cloth” and decorated with lace from “some old pillowcases.” Her image is both comical and appealing, as she invites Lenny in while they are waiting for Natasha. She chats with him easily, referring to him and Natasha as “lovebirds” and complaining about an overabundance of carrots and scarce supplies of other food. I found her interactions with Lenny humorous and a welcome respite from the tension of war around them. Probably, humor is how real people coped with the war.

Another secondary character I really liked was the fisherman whom Lenny and Natasha meet during their trip to the White Cliffs of Dover, foreshadowing Lenny’s next trip to the area, during D-Day. The conversation between the fisherman and the young couple is full of symbolism and foreshadowing. For example, he warns the couple of the dangers of the cliffs, “They can crumble anytime.” He goes on to discuss the significance of the area for England, going back to the times of Julius Caesar and naval battles of the past. With the fisherman’s help, their visit to the shore becomes “a strange rehearsal” of their future wedding. I loved the extended moment of their time together with the fisherman as they started a fire and cooked the fish. It was a very realistic description of one of those simple moments in life that we tend to remember forever. A wonderful book. Highly recommended.

[Dolores Ayotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing with Air (Still Life with Memories Book 4) by Author Uvi Poznansky

I have read and reviewed several books by Award Winning Author Uvi Poznansky and she never ceases to amaze me with her creative abilities. Although, “Dancing with Air” is the 4th novel in the Still Life with Memories series, it is not my first encounter with the protagonists, Lenny and Natasha and the in depth view of their relationship.

Lenny is and always has been deeply in love with Natasha. She is equally smitten with him. In the present, Natasha now suffers with Alzheimer’s and as Lenny is taking her to her Doctor’s appointment, he mentally and wistfully reminisces about their youthful and passionate past. He dwells on his time overseas as a marine during World War II and how Natasha, a gifted concert pianist manages to volunteer her talent to entertain soldiers serving overseas. She succeeds in making her way across perilous waters on a liner from the United States to Britain to join him. Lenny is caught up in a unique spy operation which could clearly be misunderstood by the love of his life…

I could go on and on about this compelling romance novel and the challenges this young couple faced as their innocent love matures into a life long relationship but it is suffice to say that Author Uvi Poznansky never disappoints her readers. Her work is well-written, well-researched, and spellbinding. I loved this fictional novel laced with romance and historical intrigue!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Not-Perfect...

[Charles Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lenny Kasminsky is a young Marine serving in England during WWII. His mind and heart, however, are with his only love, Natasha, waiting for him in New York. Lenny is recruited by the high command to write a series of bogus love letters designed to mislead the Nazis as to the actual site of the Allied invasion of Germany. When Natasha comes to London to be with him, he has to write the letters to another woman in order to maintain their credibility. After he’s injured in an explosion, and Natasha is tending him, she discovers one of the letters, setting their relationship back—but, only temporarily.
Dancing with Air by Uvi Poznansky is the fourth volume in her Still Life with Memories series, which tells the story of love in war through the various eyes of a unique family. This war romance, however, can be read as a stand-alone book, a story that deals with the vagaries of personal relationships in time of war and beyond as Lenny tells his story up to the present day, when he has to face an even greater challenge; his Natasha is slowly losing her memory and touch with reality, forcing him to remember his life and all the opportunities he missed.
A heart-warming story that moves from interpersonal relationships and traumas to the horror and uncertainty of war in a seamless manner. This is not your typical romance novel.

[Paul Douglas Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of Uvi Poznansky’s books in fact I have read everything she has written. I first became a fan after reading snippets of her work online.


Her romantic disposition and luxuriant style of prose left an indelible mark upon me. A comfortable one that I didn't want to let fade. Luckily her stories and the characters within them stay with the reader long after the final page.


Dancing with Air is the forth instalment from her series entitled Still Life with Memories.


Reading it transported me back in time and, to a place I am familiar with, England and London. It is clear that her research of 1940s fashion, music and general attitudes is thorough. This shows in her work and is perhaps what makes it easy to fall back into the world she has created with ease.

After reviewing so many of Uvi Poznansky's books I find it hard not to repeat myself. Often I’m not sure what to praise, the writer or the words. So this review is a bit of both. If you are considering reading her work, consider no longer.


The last chapter in Dancing with Air is particularly poignant. To quote Uvi Poznansky herself, it " choked me like a lump of unshed tears”.

...fünf Sterne..

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the months leading up to D-Day, Dancing with Air, a military romantic suspense novel, flawlessly engaged this reader from page one until the very end. This WWII historical fiction read is a standalone and the fourth volume in a continuing family saga. But you don’t feel disconnected in any way if you haven’t read the previous books. This talented author has managed to incorporate military romantic suspense, family saga, with a strong female lead in a love story that doesn’t disappoint. The two main characters, Natasha and Lenny, are portrayed realistically and had me rooting for their survival together through constant obstacles constantly thrown in their path. The beginning and ending smoothly transitions in and out of Alzheimer’s disease with heart wrenching and heart warming conversations. The author, Uvi Poznansky, has written an emotion-filled, convincing chronicle of love that left me wanting more.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving and evocative novel working with the theme of Alzheimers and memories. While confronting the possible diagnosis of Alzheimers' for his wife Natasha in the now, Lenny remembers their life and love together, most notably their time in England during World War II. Both their lives are clearly ones to remember, underlining the tragedy of the disease.
On some level this is a deep and involving love story, while on another it is of fascinating historical value: we learn about Natasha's life with the USO, an morale boosting entertainment unit for the troops, hear about Lenny's intelligence operation and witness life in wartime England. The characters are engaging as is the plot.
Knowing the characters in the series from previous novels, this shift of scenery and perspective is particularly rewarding and makes me want to recommend the entire series to you. Literary writing at its best.

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has a talent for capturing an entire life's full of pain, love, memories etc within one sentence. Ultimately this book is about loss. But the reader is apt to totally forget this fact once embroulied in the love story between very unlikely lovers.

This book can be read as a stand alone. No if's, but's or maybe's about it and still, this glimpse into how Lenny became Lenny is like a force of nature. Not full of bluster and thunder, but subtle like a trickle of water burrowing a canyon spotligting as a subplot why we are here. Not to change the world but to be forever changed in the world by love.

Do you think I may be laying it on a bit thick? No. Grab a copy and read it and you will see for yourself that this bit that I wrote is not near enough or well voiced to convince you of the genius that is Uvi Poznansky.

[Jan Romes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only way to describe this book is that it's a 'work of art'. The author painted an incredible picture with her words in this historical romance set in WWII. I absolutely loved Lenny and Natasha's characters. Lenny's loyalty to both Natasha and his country were exceptional. Natasha shared her gift of music with the troops to boost morale. She won me over on so many instances in this book but especially in one particular scene when she allowed her intuition to rule the moment and not her emotions. The author presented Lenny and Natasha with many situations that could've ended their relationship, but their love triumphed. Ms. Poznansky did an awesome job with this story.

[Perry Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first review of Uvi Poznansky's work. It is the 4th book in the series. First the Narrator Don Warrick performed well. I could understand and follow with clarity and emotion as he read each character.

The story about a women who was very forward thinking and adventurous for the time is refreshing. The male lead wants to serve his country and does so admirably. The story is an easy listen and is not very long at only 5hr 22min.

I wasn't expecting much substance from the title or book cover but was surprised. This is not a sappy love story but a grounded story of love in wartime.

I would listen to the other books as well if they are like Still Life with Memories.

[Cindy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading more of this saga of Lenny and Natasha. Watching from the sidelines as Natasha grows into a woman scared but willing to try standing on her own. The love between the two of them is so apparent. Both know each others hearts and are willing to do anything to be together. The descriptions of the war activities and Natasha's growth are captivating. It hurts your soul to watch her fade and watch Lenny as he struggles to deny that it is happening. Uvi has again written a page turner.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who are the real heroes of World War II? In this book we find a young Marine who with his talent for writing, is able to influence the course of history. The female character, Natascha, is a talented pianist. She is fearless and courageous as she follows her love to England and even though the journey in wartime is a dangerous one, she feels the need to prove to her mother and herself that she is independent.
A story set in wartime London gives us a view of the private life of a Marine and his love for his fiancé and his country.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautifully written book by Uvi Poznansky! I am hoping to read more of her work in the future. I am really enjoying getting to know Lenny and Natasha in this series, they have such a beautiful love!

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love that began in a moment, thru war, life changes, and for them personally. Would it be there at the end. There son has left, the memories that was so real, now fading. A potent story of a love, thru this couple is revealed and captivating for readers.

[Laurie Bellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think these need to be read in order but this was an interesting look at a case of early onset Alzheimer's disease.

[Chu-Salyer Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book about war, love, and growing old together. It was sad to see and I cryed when Natasha was starting to lose her memory. And how Lenny still takes care and loves her.

[Jacki Prettyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful writing

Poignant story from WWII full of love, memories, continuing to love when the mind forgets. Enjoyed every word. Glad I got to read it.

[Maria]

FREE today (January 01, 2021) on Amazon.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads As A Stand-Alone In A Series Of Stories About Lenny And Natasha. The Flashback To World War II Is A Fascinating Tale Of Espionage With A Backdrop Of Romance! Fans Of The Notebook May Enjoy This Book.

This is the fourth book in the Still Life with Memories series, a five book series with a sixth brief book bite. I have not read the first books in the series and cannot comment on the series as a whole to this point; however, this book reads well as a stand-alone. Fans of The Notebook may enjoy this book, as some aspects are reminiscent of that story.

This is the story of Lenny and Natasha. It opens and closes when they are somewhat older. Lenny has become the caretaker of Natasha, whose memory has been slipping for some time. She has few lucid moments, and it weighs heavily on Lenny. They do not yet have a diagnosis for her condition. Lenny longs for his teenage son, who quit school and is travelling abroad, to return home to him. They have a complicated relationship, however.

The bulk of the book is a flashback to a time before Lenny and Natasha marry. Lenny reflects back to a time when Natasha was at her peak. She was a successful Russian pianist, and he a would-be writer enlisted in the Marines in World War II. After taking time out to return to New York because of his father’s illness and death, Lenny is called back into service. He had spent time with Natasha while in New York, and the young couple was crazy about one another. Duty takes him to London, and love inspires Natasha to hazard a trip across the dangerous waters of the Atlantic and join a USO tour in England, bringing her to Lenny.

Lenny’s talent has caused him to be recruited to join a secret mission to mislead the Germans. He has been tasked to write love letters with false information about the Allied forces in an effort meant to misdirect German intelligence, whose spy network had infiltrated the British postal service. With Natasha’s arrival, Lenny is ordered to find another woman to write letters to, as Natasha’s presence eliminates her as a credible recipient. His friend Ryan’s ex-girlfriend happened to have had eyes for Lenny back in New York, and though Lenny was devoted to Natasha, he could come up with no other option and was forced to begin a correspondence with Lana. The fact that he cannot divulge the truth to Natasha weighs heavily on his conscience, and the possibility of her discovering the letters has him living in fear.

The war story is a fascinating tale of espionage with a backdrop of romance. It is nicely written. The plot is complex. The characters are unique and authentic. The story is written in first person in Lenny’s POV. I rate the book four stars.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing With Air: A WWII Love Story is the sequel to The Music of Us, another Lenny and Natasha story mainly narrated by Lenny. I had the privilege of reading The Music of Us last month and was very excited to continue exploring this couple’s journey going forward.

I find the premise of exploring the honest human condition fascinating, and Ms. Poznansky achieves this with skillful prose and intelligent dialect. When we first begin reading, Lenny is getting ready to take Natasha for an X-ray of her brain, as her doctor suspects she is suffering from the onset of Alzheimer’s. Their son, Ben has left home, and Lenny is troubled about how he will manage Natasha’s care if she has this disease, while exploring his inner honesty to the extent of worrying who will care for him. I completely understood his 'predicament' having cared for a seriously ill spouse in real life.

The vivid narration, as Lenny reminisces about the past while living in the present, allows the reader to physically and emotionally absorb exactly how he is feeling. For example, while Natasha is getting dressed for the day in the present, she becomes agitated while looking through the gowns she wore during her piano concerts - the descriptive scene gave me the chills.

This particular event also coincides with the day the couple will find out for certain…

Okay, I’m zipping it, as I don’t do spoilers. Suffice to share a quote from Lenny’s military days, “It’s wrong when you have regrets for something that hasn’t happened yet.” Getting into Lenny’s head during WWII while serving in the UK was a jolting experience for this reader: Natasha’s leaving her home, the spy games, the unspeakable. This is a sequel worthy of your consideration, and I promise you won’t be disappointed – it’s a thriller, romance, and espionage read all in one, plus the historical accounting of two precious souls is paramount.

One more thing: Although I empathized with the present-day Lenny’s concerns and values, I found the dry humor and naivety of the younger Lenny endearing.

Five golden stars were awarded for a gripping read with so much to offer I was sad when it ended. Bravo, Ms. Poznansky. I enjoyed the story’s many surprises that made this tale truly compelling.