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Dance with Me
Kaci MacLaren’s ballet dreams came crashing down in one catastrophic moment. For three years, Kaci has steadfastly guarded her heart to keep it from thinking she will ever dance again, somehow pushing what she really wants under what she needs to do to be successful in life. Then a chance walk down a side street ignites the fire to dance once again. Can Kaci keep her passion reined in, especially when the studio owner's son seems determined to drag it out of her no matter what she tries to keep it under wraps? Josh Garrison hates to dance. He has ever since he was made fun of for it ten years ago. But Josh is in dire straits financially, and if he has to dance to make life work, maybe he has no real choice. Unfortunately, his partner in this venture is a headstrong, obstinate former prima ballerina who loves to dance but absolutely refuses to let herself love it. She want to focus on steps and technique when his spirit has always wanted only to soar on the dance floor. Can two polar opposites in life find common ground when they hit the dance floor together? Find out in USA Today Best Selling Christian Author, Staci Stallings, contemporary Christian Romance, “Dance with Me.” *~* “Dance with Me” is a contemporary Christian romance novel filled to the brim and overflowing with real romance. The dance sequences create a poetry all their own, and the relationship between Kaci and Josh is both magical and challenging. Both have their way of dancing and living, and they are determined to prove their way is the only way. However, as the masks come off and their true realities begin to be unveiled, what appeared to be differences just might not turn out to be so different after all. Inspirational, hopeful, and heartbreakingly romantic, “Dance with Me” will surely find its way into reader’s hearts and onto their to-be-read-again-and-again shelves.
519 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2017
845 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Staci Stallings
72 books581 followersA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
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Blurb:
Kaci MacLaren’s ballet dreams came crashing down in one catastrophic moment.
For three years, Kaci has steadfastly guarded her heart to keep it from thinking she will ever dance again, somehow pushing what she really wants under what she needs to do to be successful in life. Then a chance walk down a side street ignites the fire to dance once again. Can Kaci keep her passion reined in, especially when the studio owner's son seems determined to drag it out of her no matter what she tries to keep it under wraps?
Josh Garrison hates to dance. He has ever since he was made fun of for it ten years ago. But Josh is in dire straits financially, and if he has to dance to make life work, maybe he has no real choice. Unfortunately, his partner in this venture is a headstrong, obstinate former prima ballerina who loves to dance but absolutely refuses to let herself love it. She want to focus on steps and technique when his spirit has always wanted only to soar on the dance floor. Can two polar opposites in life find common ground when they hit the dance floor together?
Find out in USA Today Best Selling Christian Author, Staci Stallings, contemporary Christian Romance, “Dance with Me.”
Blurb:
Kaci MacLaren’s ballet dreams came crashing down in one catastrophic moment.
For three years, Kaci has steadfastly guarded her heart to keep it from thinking she will ever dance again, somehow pushing what she really wants under what she needs to do to be successful in life. Then a chance walk down a side street ignites the fire to dance once again. Can Kaci keep her passion reined in, especially when the studio owner's son seems determined to drag it out of her no matter what she tries to keep it under wraps?
Josh Garrison hates to dance. He has ever since he was made fun of for it ten years ago. But Josh is in dire straits financially, and if he has to dance to make life work, maybe he has no real choice. Unfortunately, his partner in this venture is a headstrong, obstinate former prima ballerina who loves to dance but absolutely refuses to let herself love it. She want to focus on steps and technique when his spirit has always wanted only to soar on the dance floor. Can two polar opposites in life find common ground when they hit the dance floor together?
Find out in USA Today Best Selling Christian Author, Staci Stallings, contemporary Christian Romance, “Dance with Me.”
September 22, 2018
AWESOME!!!!!!
This was an awesome atory. God does wonders with a person when they turn themselves over RoBinsons and mercy. It's amazing how God can change a person when they allow Him to work in their life.
This was an awesome atory. God does wonders with a person when they turn themselves over RoBinsons and mercy. It's amazing how God can change a person when they allow Him to work in their life.
June 10, 2017
Read this book!!!
You will not regret reading "Dance With Me"! Absolutely the best book I have read in a long time. Exactly what I needed.
Josh and Kaci are precious. I love their story. I would write too much if I started sharing about them. But, I will share my favorite character...Mr. Wallace. I loved this man, his stories, his analogies, his grace, his truth, his trust. His "empty bowl" hit me incredibly hard, brought me to tears.
Buy this book! Read it! Such a wonderful story! You will LOVE it!
Thank you, Staci, for writing another beautiful story! You spun this one out of the studio!
You will not regret reading "Dance With Me"! Absolutely the best book I have read in a long time. Exactly what I needed.
Josh and Kaci are precious. I love their story. I would write too much if I started sharing about them. But, I will share my favorite character...Mr. Wallace. I loved this man, his stories, his analogies, his grace, his truth, his trust. His "empty bowl" hit me incredibly hard, brought me to tears.
Buy this book! Read it! Such a wonderful story! You will LOVE it!
Thank you, Staci, for writing another beautiful story! You spun this one out of the studio!
May 27, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
"The only way you get whole, to be whole in yourself, is to get right with God, let Him love you whole and then you’ve got a shot at actually loving other people.”
“Well, think of a relationship like a treasure box. Most people think when you finally get the treasure box by getting married, that’s going to open it up, and voila, everything you’ve ever wanted is going to be in there. But relationships and marriage aren’t about what you get out of them. They’re about what you put into them. You put things in to the treasure box, not take them out.”
“Love isn’t about what you get, Josh. It’s about what you give. That’s why filling that bowl is so incredibly important. If your bowl is empty, then you have nothing to give.”
“Sometimes it’s the things we don’t have to do that make the most difference.”
“Scars are a sign of hope. They show that you’ve been through stuff, that you weathered it and came out on the other side. In fact, I think the most powerful witness we have to give others is what you do and how you live with the scars you’ve sustained. Everyone out there has wounds, Josh. Some maybe not as bad as the ones you had, some far worse. And everyone is desperately clinging to the hope that somehow, someday, those wounds will heal, and they can be whole, and their life can take on new meanings. You don’t get through this life with no scars. There are things that happen, sometimes really traumatic things, things that literally cause a break from who you used to be. And those things hurt, and they change you. But you get to decide if you stay broken or if you let God put you back together. No one else can decide that for you. And then, you decide what those scars are going to mean. Are they going to mean you have more compassion for other people going through tough times, or are you going to grow hard and use your hurts as a justification for hurting other people? You choose that. You choose what your wounds mean, and you choose what your scars mean too. The more you choose to let your scars be the reason you are more loving in the world, the more the universe, God, will help you in that aim. But the more you choose to let your wounds and scars be the reason you hurt others and cause pain and trauma in the world, the darker and more broken the world around you will become. There’s a verse in the Bible, don’t ask me where because I’m not good with that stuff, but it says, ‘I put life and death before you. You choose.’” He put both hands out in front of him. “You choose, Josh. Are you going to live or are you going to die in the darkness you’ve been existing in? You choose.”
"The only way you get whole, to be whole in yourself, is to get right with God, let Him love you whole and then you’ve got a shot at actually loving other people.”
“Well, think of a relationship like a treasure box. Most people think when you finally get the treasure box by getting married, that’s going to open it up, and voila, everything you’ve ever wanted is going to be in there. But relationships and marriage aren’t about what you get out of them. They’re about what you put into them. You put things in to the treasure box, not take them out.”
“Love isn’t about what you get, Josh. It’s about what you give. That’s why filling that bowl is so incredibly important. If your bowl is empty, then you have nothing to give.”
“Sometimes it’s the things we don’t have to do that make the most difference.”
“Scars are a sign of hope. They show that you’ve been through stuff, that you weathered it and came out on the other side. In fact, I think the most powerful witness we have to give others is what you do and how you live with the scars you’ve sustained. Everyone out there has wounds, Josh. Some maybe not as bad as the ones you had, some far worse. And everyone is desperately clinging to the hope that somehow, someday, those wounds will heal, and they can be whole, and their life can take on new meanings. You don’t get through this life with no scars. There are things that happen, sometimes really traumatic things, things that literally cause a break from who you used to be. And those things hurt, and they change you. But you get to decide if you stay broken or if you let God put you back together. No one else can decide that for you. And then, you decide what those scars are going to mean. Are they going to mean you have more compassion for other people going through tough times, or are you going to grow hard and use your hurts as a justification for hurting other people? You choose that. You choose what your wounds mean, and you choose what your scars mean too. The more you choose to let your scars be the reason you are more loving in the world, the more the universe, God, will help you in that aim. But the more you choose to let your wounds and scars be the reason you hurt others and cause pain and trauma in the world, the darker and more broken the world around you will become. There’s a verse in the Bible, don’t ask me where because I’m not good with that stuff, but it says, ‘I put life and death before you. You choose.’” He put both hands out in front of him. “You choose, Josh. Are you going to live or are you going to die in the darkness you’ve been existing in? You choose.”
December 19, 2017
2.5 stars.
I’m not sure how to describe my feelings about this book. It is way outside my usual reading genres, but I got it free on kindle and thought I’d give it a try. I liked it enough to finish it. I liked the characters and I felt pulled into their world. I could easily visualize everything. About 2/3 of the way through, though, I started getting a little bored. I’m not sure why there are so many pages. It didn’t seem like there were superfluous scenes or anything. In any case, I started to feel the time investment wasn’t matching up to the enjoyment I was getting from the story.
Overall, it’s a sweet story that fell a little flat for me. These characters worked through some major issues, which could have added depth and interest, rather quickly. The dancing aspect was an interesting touch.
I’m not sure how to describe my feelings about this book. It is way outside my usual reading genres, but I got it free on kindle and thought I’d give it a try. I liked it enough to finish it. I liked the characters and I felt pulled into their world. I could easily visualize everything. About 2/3 of the way through, though, I started getting a little bored. I’m not sure why there are so many pages. It didn’t seem like there were superfluous scenes or anything. In any case, I started to feel the time investment wasn’t matching up to the enjoyment I was getting from the story.
Overall, it’s a sweet story that fell a little flat for me. These characters worked through some major issues, which could have added depth and interest, rather quickly. The dancing aspect was an interesting touch.
August 1, 2017
This was a delightful read ... typical Staci Stallings style.
In Dance with Me, Staci tells the story of Kaci MacLaren, a prima ballerina who has suffered a devastating career-ending injury. Her future looks bleak because dance was her whole life. But one day Kaci sees a sign on a window for a dance school upstairs. Silly, she thought, I don't need ballet lessons. I just want to dance! But she goes upstairs anyway.
Enter Josh Garrison, son of the dance studio owner. But Josh hates dancing, even though Kaci soon discovers he is an excellent dancer ... of all types ... including ballet. But sparks fly the minute they meet each other.
That's all I'm going to say. You'll have to get the book and read it yourself. I can guarantee you a good reading adventure.
In Dance with Me, Staci tells the story of Kaci MacLaren, a prima ballerina who has suffered a devastating career-ending injury. Her future looks bleak because dance was her whole life. But one day Kaci sees a sign on a window for a dance school upstairs. Silly, she thought, I don't need ballet lessons. I just want to dance! But she goes upstairs anyway.
Enter Josh Garrison, son of the dance studio owner. But Josh hates dancing, even though Kaci soon discovers he is an excellent dancer ... of all types ... including ballet. But sparks fly the minute they meet each other.
That's all I'm going to say. You'll have to get the book and read it yourself. I can guarantee you a good reading adventure.
May 27, 2017
The subject of dance is typically not my favorite because it's not my strength. I can walk, skip, and hop, but I'm not gifted in the art of dance.
"Dance With Me" is a very good book, telling the story of two young people with dance backgrounds. Both have pasts that they'd rather forget. Both are in situations that they'd like to change. Dance brings them together in ways they had not foreseen.
I don't have to tell you to read it. If you've read Ms. Stallings work before, then you know that you can expect good writing and satisfying endings. If you've never read her work before, pick up any book and start. I'm sure you'll enjoy them as much as I have.
"Dance With Me" is a very good book, telling the story of two young people with dance backgrounds. Both have pasts that they'd rather forget. Both are in situations that they'd like to change. Dance brings them together in ways they had not foreseen.
I don't have to tell you to read it. If you've read Ms. Stallings work before, then you know that you can expect good writing and satisfying endings. If you've never read her work before, pick up any book and start. I'm sure you'll enjoy them as much as I have.
July 2, 2017
It was much different than I expected, but touched me. The story is about an injured dancer finding her passion in life despite her injuries. A young man that went down the wrong path and seeking to find a different path. I loved the journey to God as it felt organic and real.
I loved this quote from the book, "Scars are a sign of hope. They show that you've been through stuff, that you weathered it and came out on the other side."
It went on, but this one in particular spoke to me as sometimes I feel we like to pretend that life is perfect or a mess. We don't like to be "healed, with scars". This story demonstrated the healing and how it is not always perfection in the journey.
I loved this quote from the book, "Scars are a sign of hope. They show that you've been through stuff, that you weathered it and came out on the other side."
It went on, but this one in particular spoke to me as sometimes I feel we like to pretend that life is perfect or a mess. We don't like to be "healed, with scars". This story demonstrated the healing and how it is not always perfection in the journey.
March 17, 2023
Remarkable
This is technically a sweet romance, but it is anything but sugary. It is deeply religious, but the god parts are seamlessly inserted and integral parts of the plot.
The characters are beautifully drawn and equally in need of the emotional growth the other spurs on, so that the story is balanced. The three sub-themes of music, dance, and parent-child relationships are woven with the primary theme of personal development in a complex plot with several important secondary characters.
This is neither a quick nor easy read. It is a fascinating, moving story. Like a delicious, satisfying meal, it will stay with the reader for a long time.
This is technically a sweet romance, but it is anything but sugary. It is deeply religious, but the god parts are seamlessly inserted and integral parts of the plot.
The characters are beautifully drawn and equally in need of the emotional growth the other spurs on, so that the story is balanced. The three sub-themes of music, dance, and parent-child relationships are woven with the primary theme of personal development in a complex plot with several important secondary characters.
This is neither a quick nor easy read. It is a fascinating, moving story. Like a delicious, satisfying meal, it will stay with the reader for a long time.
November 11, 2017
A very romantic lovely story
An injured ballet dancer who was at the top of her career when disaster struck, is unhappy in the field of study her father selected for her as an alternative career. She tentatively enters a dance school with a view to possibly getting involved with her great passion again as a dance teacher.
Her employer has a delinquent son. She had trained him to be an exquisite dancer but he could not take the taunts.
I don't want to spoil the beauty of this lovely story by telling more. Read it. It is beautiful!
An injured ballet dancer who was at the top of her career when disaster struck, is unhappy in the field of study her father selected for her as an alternative career. She tentatively enters a dance school with a view to possibly getting involved with her great passion again as a dance teacher.
Her employer has a delinquent son. She had trained him to be an exquisite dancer but he could not take the taunts.
I don't want to spoil the beauty of this lovely story by telling more. Read it. It is beautiful!
May 29, 2018
This was a sweet book about past disappointments, recovery, and finding yourself from 2 different characters. While Kaci was an upcoming Prima in the ballet circuit, tragedy strikes and a new "future" has to be determined. Then there is Josh who grew up hard and has come through many obstacles. Then the 2 meet - not at all pleasant at first.
It is a nice story of how people can love each other and not let the past keep them from becoming a "new" being. It is only with a kind and Godly heart that all bad things of the past can be forgotten and you can be free for new beginnings.
It is a nice story of how people can love each other and not let the past keep them from becoming a "new" being. It is only with a kind and Godly heart that all bad things of the past can be forgotten and you can be free for new beginnings.
September 23, 2020
This book was too amazing for words. It was so beautiful and fantastic and everything that I don't have anymore words to describe it. Kaci was so strong after what she had been through and though in the beggining she tried to push Josh away, she eventually realized he was the right one for her, despite what anybody said. She was brave and went after what she wanted in life. Josh, *sigh*, I absolutely loved him, she beat all the odds because he wanted to be a better person and wanted to be someone that deserved Kaci. Their love was just so pure and real, and that's exactly what I want
October 3, 2020
A classic love story
Another beautiful love story from one of my favorite authors. I especially loved the connection this story had with the biblical story of Jacob & Rachel. I was just teaching that story to my own young kids just days before I read about it again in this book. Being married for 18 years, I'm still trying to figure out what God is trying to teach me through it, but I know it was not just a coincidence that God brought that story to my attention twice in one week.
Another beautiful love story from one of my favorite authors. I especially loved the connection this story had with the biblical story of Jacob & Rachel. I was just teaching that story to my own young kids just days before I read about it again in this book. Being married for 18 years, I'm still trying to figure out what God is trying to teach me through it, but I know it was not just a coincidence that God brought that story to my attention twice in one week.
March 4, 2018
I did not favour the build up or language used to describe the relationship between Kaci and Joshua. It was not lewd but just not all that good cheesy, feel good relationship build up because mind you, I do like a good 'cheesy' love story. The little things for example, the way they repetitively told us "dance with me,"- ehhh. However, what resonated with me was Josh's transformation. I saw anger, confusion and disappointed melt away to peace, love and happiness and that is so beautiful!
November 11, 2017
Powerfully moving. Staci's novels always contain depth, emotion so deep and moving that you can't help but ride alongside the characters ups and downs. Kaci and Josh's characters start off rough and the reader watches each tiny bit of transformation as they grow personally and in love. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, but wished it to have speed up a bit.
December 18, 2017
Wonderful!
As with other books she has written, this one kept me reading until the end. I love how Kaci and Josh brought out the best in each other. She didn't judge him and with the help of his boss was able to give guidance and answers to questions everyone has at some point. They pulled each other out of the dark and helped them see the future!
As with other books she has written, this one kept me reading until the end. I love how Kaci and Josh brought out the best in each other. She didn't judge him and with the help of his boss was able to give guidance and answers to questions everyone has at some point. They pulled each other out of the dark and helped them see the future!
April 16, 2018
Loved it : )
As a former Class I gymnast who tore her PCL, but continued to dance, I could totally relate to Kaci. It is easy to lose yourself when you lose your dream and everything you've ever known & worked toward. I loved this beautifully choreographed story, so real with lifes little trials & disappointments, but leaves you filled with hope. Loved it.
As a former Class I gymnast who tore her PCL, but continued to dance, I could totally relate to Kaci. It is easy to lose yourself when you lose your dream and everything you've ever known & worked toward. I loved this beautifully choreographed story, so real with lifes little trials & disappointments, but leaves you filled with hope. Loved it.
August 1, 2018
Another hit Staci Stallings
Many words of wisdom in this book. Cried and laughed. Staci's way with words made this story come alive in my mind. Without giving the ending away I felt cheated that a major event in the character's lives was skipped over. This book gave me hope. Highly recommend this book.
Many words of wisdom in this book. Cried and laughed. Staci's way with words made this story come alive in my mind. Without giving the ending away I felt cheated that a major event in the character's lives was skipped over. This book gave me hope. Highly recommend this book.
July 20, 2019
Never disappoints
Stallings captivates her audience every time! She magnificently takes you into a new world where you fall in love with the characters! This book made me want to put my dancing shoes on and fly. God is full of miracles and second chances. He gets the glory each time she writes. Do yourself a favor and curl up with a cozy blanket and enjoy.
Stallings captivates her audience every time! She magnificently takes you into a new world where you fall in love with the characters! This book made me want to put my dancing shoes on and fly. God is full of miracles and second chances. He gets the glory each time she writes. Do yourself a favor and curl up with a cozy blanket and enjoy.
May 23, 2017
This book was a quick read. The characters were enjoyable from the beginning. God worked miracles in both Kaci and Josh's lives. It was a heartwarming story to hear where they came from and to see where they headed. A very good story.
August 27, 2017
Clear and precise.
I greatly enjoyed this tale of redemption healing and love. The common theme to me was realizing we are responsible for choices we make and the consequences that follow, however it's never too late to change!
I greatly enjoyed this tale of redemption healing and love. The common theme to me was realizing we are responsible for choices we make and the consequences that follow, however it's never too late to change!
October 14, 2017
Made me want to dance...
Another excellent book by Staci Stallings. A story full of God's redemption, with true to life characters, who keep you twirling until the last page... love the epilogue !
Another excellent book by Staci Stallings. A story full of God's redemption, with true to life characters, who keep you twirling until the last page... love the epilogue !
November 18, 2017
Kindle freebie, new to me author. I’ve been wanting to try her books for a while. Enjoyed this...it’s just different enough to not quite be run-of-the-mill. The dance aspect was fun and I️ liked Josh’s character growth.
November 26, 2017
Tender Love Story
Enjoyed following Josh and praying for him along his path. Kace was loving Christian influence in Josh’s live that makes a big difference. Good Christian story.
Enjoyed following Josh and praying for him along his path. Kace was loving Christian influence in Josh’s live that makes a big difference. Good Christian story.
December 17, 2017
Excellent book
Could not see what was coming most of the time with this book. Enjoyed the way the writer portrayed different people in difficult circumstances making choices that often have lasting problems to face.
Could not see what was coming most of the time with this book. Enjoyed the way the writer portrayed different people in difficult circumstances making choices that often have lasting problems to face.
February 26, 2018
Nice
Very endearing characters and good story line. A little too predictable and filled with references to dance. Not being a dancer it got boring at times. There was a solid message of how God changes lives if we allow Him.
Very endearing characters and good story line. A little too predictable and filled with references to dance. Not being a dancer it got boring at times. There was a solid message of how God changes lives if we allow Him.
May 4, 2018
Uplifting and full of hope
I enjoyed the journey of both characters. This is a Christian book about how God can still love you no matter where you come from and help you find peace in him. Enjoy the story.
I enjoyed the journey of both characters. This is a Christian book about how God can still love you no matter where you come from and help you find peace in him. Enjoy the story.
July 22, 2018
Claimed forever by love
It was a very clean and lovely book. Showed true love in action and that you can be whatever you want to be when you truly love someone.
I will recommend it to everyone who want something clean and romantic to read. Including family and friends.
It was a very clean and lovely book. Showed true love in action and that you can be whatever you want to be when you truly love someone.
I will recommend it to everyone who want something clean and romantic to read. Including family and friends.
January 28, 2019
Great Christian romance
I really love this book. The only criticism that I have is that it is too long and drawn out. Making a book longer doesn't always make it better. The sermons were some of my favorite parts (never thought I would say that). They were so interesting.
I really love this book. The only criticism that I have is that it is too long and drawn out. Making a book longer doesn't always make it better. The sermons were some of my favorite parts (never thought I would say that). They were so interesting.
February 17, 2019
Dance with Me
Dance with Me
Deeply moving story of two broken, empty souls finding themselves and reclaiming their hearts. Their love is mirrored in their dance which is beautifully written and takes the reader along for the ride. The epilogue wraps everything up wonderfully.
Dance with Me
Deeply moving story of two broken, empty souls finding themselves and reclaiming their hearts. Their love is mirrored in their dance which is beautifully written and takes the reader along for the ride. The epilogue wraps everything up wonderfully.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews