Dancing Queen

by Charlotte Roth

All her life, Fiona Madsen has dreamed of becoming a dancer—a dream that was shattered on her seventh birthday when her mom told her that dancing was not for “fat girls” like her. Now, at age thirty-five, Fiona is again confronted with her weight issues when the HR department at work kindly encourages her to attend a support group for people with health problems. Here, she connects with Skinny Stu from accounting and realizes the two of them have more in common than she could ever imagine.


To address their issues, Stu suggests the two sign up for a Dancing With the Local Stars competition. After much deliberation and soul searching, Fiona says yes and together they—Fat Fiona and Skinny Stu—embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. But they must overcome one major obstacle first… Fiona’s sister, who’s running for mayor, finds out about the competition and threatens to have Fiona disqualified.Will Fiona withdraw from the competition to protect her sister’s reputation or will she follow her childhood dream of becoming the ultimate Dancing Queen?


Dancing Queen--set in everyday life in Seattle—is a story of hope and finding the courage to be happy with who you are instead of who others think you are.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook

ebook

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Charlotte is a mom, a wife, and an author—in that order. She’s originally from Denmark but moved to Seattle in 2005 with her husband, baby Alfred, and lots of hopes and dreams. The family has since added the twincesses, Emma and Olivia.

When she’s not ‘mom’ (read= doing laundry, making lunches, and solving kids’ world crisis), she spends every second of her free time writing what readers call compelling, fun, and loving stories. Her fiction is often inspired by real life and at times highly personal. Her novels are filled with endearingly flawed (mostly female) characters and emotional complexity. You are what you write. You write what you are.

Learn more on http://www.charlotterothwrites.com/

Reviews

[Joana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the front cover because it's a little different and quirky so I figured I would give it a go. OMG, I read it ALL last night. The plot, the twists, the characters. I loved it all. It's written with so much warmth and humor. And it really shines through how this author knows about people, our feelings, dreams, hopes and challenges in life.
The story follows a big girl, Fiona who all her life has been struggling with her weight and with the nickname, Fat Fiona. When she meets another troubled soul, Skinny Stu, from work and he suggests they sign up for a dance contest, a local Dancing with the stars, she finally steps out of her big baggy t-shirts and follow the dream she's always had: to become a dancer.
No spoilers here but let me just say it was very uplifting to watch the big/small, insecure and challenged pair, Fat Fiona and Skinny Stu, take on the world together.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on the first chapter heading: Fat employee of the month. Hilarious. The main character, Fiona or Fat Fiona as she calls herself, is witty and the story is written with a lot of humor but as you get into the story, you also realize that underneath all this humor and self-irony, there’s a lot of hurt and painful memories of being an outsider, being the fat girl and always being told that you can’t do this and that because your fat. However, the morale of the story is that nothing is black or white, no person is what she or he looks on the outside. We’re all a mix of skeletons in the past and hopes and dreams for the future. It’s not a deep-deep story but it moved me because it deals with the insecurities and problems we all share, but it is also very hopeful and optimistic.

[Tracy Wilkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen is a funny and fabulous tale by Charlotte Roth. The story centres around Fiona. Noe, Fiona has struggled with self image issues all her life. She loves to dance, but was cruelly told to reconsider due to her size. In a world where being a size zero is most women's life goal, Fiona battled with herself every day. Fitting into this superficial world was hard for her. Her and her co-worker, Stu, join a dance competition, and the rest is a beautiful tape of self discovery, self worth, self belief, hard work, conquering seemingly impossible hurdles, and courage. Lots and lots of courage.


As a person who has had a lifelong battle with weight, I totally related to Fiona and her struggles. A tale told beautifully and honestly. A story I cannot recommend enough. 5 stars.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read books by this author so was familiar with her writing style. I read the book based on her name alone and had no idea what it was about.

Funny funny stuff yet emotionally charged as well. The observations of life are spot on and rhe characters are a perfect fit for the story (if you don't have a BFF like Diane, I beg you to find a friend like her). The story is told validating and breaking down stereo types and was entertaining and interesting.

This book was a quick and easy read and I read it cover to cover in one sitting.

I absolutely recommend this to younger cousins and book clubs alike.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this wasn't quite what i thought but i did enjoy it. i like the fact that it's an older lady and she's not perfect, she's normal just like most of us. She had a dream which she never followed through on because of her weight. Like so many of us we feel we don't fit in and stop doing what makes us happy. In the end things worked out with support from some unlikely sources. In this I felt her family was rubbish and to be honest they never really redeemed themselves. Her sister was just a bitch.

[Sara Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a giant fan of chick lit, so I thought this was going to be a bit of a stretch for me to like this book. I gave it a shot though and it turned out pretty good. It in no way made me feel like I need to go out and buy a whole new chick lit library, but I am glad that I agreed to review it for the author. In the end it turned out to be a well written book with a great storyline about stepping out of your comfort zone and ending up better because of it in the end.

This was a great story about Fiona, an over-weight office worker that is thrust out of her own comfortable (big)box when she and a couple other employees are voted to be “special” employees of the month. During a meeting they are encouraged to reach out and gain some support through each other, make friends, join a group activity: All things that Fiona has any interest in doing.

An unlikely friendship is struck between Fiona and a skinny officemate named Stu, who suggests they dance in an upcoming dance competition, similar to Dancing With the Stars. There are many issues that these two have to deal with throughout the story, not only her weight and family relationships but others that I won’t go into right now because **spoilers**.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS STORY

There are characters that you can really care about by the end of this story. The author is good at putting you inside Fiona’s head. The idea of the dance competition as part of the employee of the month thing falls away early on and this becomes more about working through personal issues for the main characters Fiona and Stu. These personal issues and their back stories are what drive the plot and make you fall in love with them.

Speaking of plot: Super cute plot. Like this is something that I would enjoy seeing on TV, and I think others would too, because it seemed very original to me, and it’s what made the story unique. There were a couple twists and turns, and it was loaded with current pop-culture. This will make a great Hallmark movie someday!

It was so funny. Even when it came to the serious parts, it was funny, which makes it light and quick to read. This was also in no way a romance novel. It could have been, but the author kept that predictable element out of the story and it was refreshing.

Also, last but certainly not least, what an adorable cover!!

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT THIS STORY

Ok, I will admit that in the beginning I was put-off by all of the fat talk. Fat Fiona this and fat jokes that and stereotypes about fat women and skinny men. But as I delved even further into the story, I began to really like Fiona and Stu. The fat talk falls away when they are together and while her weight is still an issue, it isn’t the main focus of every sentence out of her mouth. Honestly I couldn’t stop thinking about Kate from This is Us of NBC and I love her and so I really wanted this to work for them.

This book was easy to follow and enjoyable to read, and I think that it had a satisfying ending without it being cheesy. It could also be read in one sitting if one was so inclined. I have read Jane Green and Jennifer Weiner before, and I think that if you liked reading their books you would like reading this one too.

*This book was given to me for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.* Thanks for the opportunity Charlotte!

You can read more of my reviews at theloadedshelf.com

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novel we meet Fiona Madsen who all her life has dreamed of becoming a dancer - dream that is shattered on her 7th Birthday when her mom told her dancing was not for fat girls like her. Now at age 35 Fiona is again confronted on her weight issues when her Hr Department at work kindly encourages her to attend a support group for people with health problems. A unlikely friendship develops between Fiona & skinny Stew from Accounting dept. who becomes marvellously skilled dance partners.
Dancing Queen was a joy to read from the beginning till the uplifting ending. This is the first book I have read from this author & it's impressively written & well executed on both characters dealing with life-altering, self-improvement & self worth issues. An intriguing plot with dreams, & challenges. Characters were splendidly developed with real emotions and flaws. The character's come through alive. This novel is done with with warmth & humour & with plot twists that you won't see coming. A Iaugh out load novel that is encouraging & entertaining at the same time. I volunteerily reviewed an advanced reading copy of this book.

[Charlotte Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars Romantic drama with unique twists!
By T. Sanderson
Love and inspiration can find us in the most unexpected of places. Fiona had grown comfortable in her life as Fat Fiona, the invisible one, the predictable one. But her whole world is turned upside down when she meets Skinny Stu. Not only does Stu pull her out of her comfort zone, he shows her who she really is inside, and helps her find her true potential as a dancer, and a person.

As usual, the road to greatness isn't easy, but through determination, Fiona realizes a childhood dream, mending broken relationships with her loved ones along the way.

This is a story of courage, perseverance, and hope, told in an entertaining and humorous way. The characters are relatable and likable, and several unexpected twists will keep you turning page after to page to connect the dots.

If you enjoy movies like My Best Friend's Wedding, and Hairspray, you'll enjoy this book!

[Atlanta Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read of anything written by Charlotte Roth and let me tell you now after reading Dancing Queen I was in love with Charlotte’s writing. Now I know I normally just read Romance books but sometimes it’s good just step out of your comfort zone or favourite genre and read something new. Dancing Queen to me is much like a Comedy but at the same time I feel like it has such a powerful message that we can all learn from. When picking up this book you learn all about what Fiona has been through and honestly, I really felt for her. What started off as a typical normal day for her seemed to change for her when she gets called to one of the offices for a meeting after work. Now I’m pretty sure that everyone does worry when they get called to any office as most of the time it’s normally for bad news and with recent events happening at Fiona’s work, it’s not her fault to think that there could be a slight chance that she could be getting fired. Luckily, that’s not the case, but things get rather interesting when Fiona and another colleague (Stu) find out that they need to be a part of a support group due to the fact that members of their department had voted that they needed to attend due to their weights. Now Fiona knows that she’s big but she’s extremely offended that she needs to go to a support group due to the fact that co-workers are concerned about her weight or voted for her to go there. Honestly, if that was me in Fiona’s shoes I’d be well and truly offended as you’d think that being in the big (grown up) world that you wouldn’t have to face being told that your either too fat or too slim. However, that’s sadly not the case, and I honestly think that this book reaches out to people in such a way that makes people realise that it’s not okay to offend someone with the way they look or even if they want to achieve their dreams. I honestly am struggling to find the words to describe this book, but honestly it’s such a sweet and heart warming journey that Fiona goes on and it’s one that you don’t want to miss out on. I honestly can’t wait to read more of Charlotte’s work.

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen by Charlotte Roth was a sweet lighthearted read, that had me hook from the first chapter title. In a cheesy way, this book had me at hello.

Not my first read by this author, so I knew going in that this book was going to be well written, witty and fun. I was not disappointed in the least. This book tackles both spectrums of the body image issues. Too Skinny and too fat. As someone who is on their own weight loss journey, I know how hard using the word fat, can be. I connected deeply with Fiona, and the path she walked, and the path she chose to overcome.

I have to say, as fun and as lighthearted this book may have appeared, it got down to the nitty gritty, and shoned a much needed light on the people, that we as a society have considered "unworthy" or "undesirable". Both Fiona's and Stu's backstories are riddled was pain, and mental scarring that have affected their adult life. This book strips away those layers, so we can see the people that lay underneath all that social negativity.

Both Fiona and Stu are phenomenal multi layered characters. I loved both their personalities, and their blunt, straightforwardness to life. Fiona may have called herself a pleaser, but I sided with her BF Diane. Her personality shone bright, and her kind, no BS heart, stole the show. In my eyes, her and Stu where never the underdogs. Stu on the other hand, though came across as quiet and reserved, soon became a quick favourite. He isn't anything but, and frankly, if the author chose, could have him narrated this whole book, and carried the story on his own. Have two such powerhouse characters come together for a common goal, was something I tell you.

And this is where I leave you, cause I might be here forever telling you how much I love and thoroughly enjoyed this unique, fresh book. About real people, with real problems, that learned how to overcome them, in a real life way. So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that you will fall head over heels for not only this book, but for Stu and Fiona.

Happy Reading

-E.A. Walsh

[Diana in SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
Uplifting, fulfilling, and fun women’s fiction

This is the first book by Charlotte Roth that I have experienced, and she is now on my list of favorite authors. I highly recommend this audiobook to any woman who wants some feel-good fiction. Men might like it to, but this novel really touched and inspired me as a woman. It is not preachy and there is very little angst. Don’t expect romance, but the growing friendships and the reconnecting with family were very emotionally satisfying. The audiobook was rather funny as well. The narrator Stephanie Kay was perfect! She did such a wonderful job expressing the humor, emotions, dancing scenes, all the characters, and everything. Her voice also was pleasing to my ear.

Trigger Warning: There was a short description of a sexual assault that happened to one of the characters years before. It was not very graphic.

Fiona is a very overweight 38-year-old accountant who had always had a secret dream to dance. Her mother really tried to squash her dream when she was a child. Now, fate conspires to get Fiona to join a dance competition, and she is tempted to really live life.

For the first two hours, I thought that it would just be a 4-star review from me. The characters were introduced, and there were some slightly amusing moments. At the time, I thought that the story was very nice but too sedate, without zing. However, the audiobook changed into a marvelously wonderful audiobook for the remaining six hours. Once the dance competition started, it became very charming, sweet, and addictive. Now, I really love Fiona, Stu, and their friends; I plan to listen to this again in the near future. The writer has such a lovely flowing style with funny dialogue and cool movie and music references. I love how the reader really gets into Fiona’s head (the entire story is told from her perspective). It is the first book by Charlotte Roth that I have experienced, and I was very impressed. I plan to read or listen to more of this author’s work ASAP.

I received a free audiobook copy as an #AudiobookObsession Reviewer. I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Story & Audible Listen🎧 I❤️Fiona & Stu!
Dancing Queen
By: Charlotte Roth
Narrated by: Stefanie Kay

Wow, what a great book, the story is heartfelt, fun and inspirational. I enjoyed Charlotte Roth’s writing style, the natural flow of the story and how her descriptive details brought me along side the characters. I just adored Fiona and Stu, how easy and natural they were together and the bond they formed. Some may say and unlikely pair but they were perfect for each other. They helped each other become better selves and I could not help but root for them. There were some real laugh out loud moments in this book and some sad ones and others that made me angry, especially her sister. I was happy for Fiona when some things get resolved, I was also heartbroken to learn what she went thru. And Stu was just a hoot, a quirky walking calorie counter and such a nice guy. Diane was fun too as were some of the other secondary characters. This story is the type that will stay with you for a long time, it shows you that it is never to late to follow your dreams. Also don’t let others stop you, if you want something go for it. WTG Fiona & Stu, WTG Charlotte Roth! Thank you for this awesome and inspiring story!

I listened to the Audible edition, Stefanie Kay is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She brings the characters to life, gives each their own voice and personality. She projects the emotions of the characters and drama of the story in her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thanks for the great listen🎧

Thank you 🎧@AudiobookObsession🎧 #AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen
By: Charlotte Roth
5 out of 5 stars

The story Dancing Queen by Charlotte Roth is an amazing book that I loved reading. It is a story that will warm your heart and has inspirational characters. It is a book that drew me in from the very beginning and I found myself getting lost in its pages. I loved reading about Fiona. She is a woman who has always had a love of dancing. She is someone who is confronted with her “weight issues” by those in her workplace. Along with her co-worker Stu she is encouraged to attend a support group to help with “health” issues. Instead of taking a suggestion to try quilting, Fiona and Stu enter a dance competition. Read this story to find out what happens next! This is a story that will bring a smile to your face and at times have you laughing out loud. My emotions went up and down with the characters. There are heartbreaking and heartwarming moments in this book. There is both intense and humorous dialogue. Fiona is a character that I could really identify with how she felt judged about her weight. As I have personally struggled with my weight all of my life, she is someone that I could both empathize and sympathize with. Fiona is a character that I grew to love with each chapter that I read and I wanted her to feel happy with her life. This is a story that will hook you in from the very beginning and won’t let go until you have read the final page. Don’t miss out on a book with a wonderful story to tell and amazing characters. I would highly recommend reading it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about dancing. Fiona Madsen has always loved to dance, but has been held back by everyone opinions since she was seven. When her boss tries to get her and co-worker Stu on a dieting course, they both think it is a waste of time. When they are forced to do quilting as a hobby, Stu finds an alternative they might love; a dance competition in town. What follows is a wonderful adventure about doing what you love and following your dream. Can Fiona dance without worrying about what others think?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn't put down. Well developed characters like Fiona standing up for herself but still struggling with insecurities or Stu as a funny friend who is supportive and kind underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the optimistic Diane or the bright and bubbly Lizzie. Fiona's love of dancing was beautifully written as something that makes your heart fly forever and always. Her struggles with her weight and comfort eating were emotive and relatable and perfectly written.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like in the vivid colours like with Stu's colourful scarves and umbrellas bight and bold against the plain walls of the office and coffee shop contrasting beautifully to put a smile on your face. Or the dance rooms later on filled with life and people and music with piles of colourful costumes everywhere for that true feel to a dance stage performance. Overall, a wonderful read and I would give it five stars.

[Sara ✨ Next Book Review Blog ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

****** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW ******

I was slightly worried when I read the synopsis.... I make snap decisions all the time based on covers or if I've listened (or read), and enjoyed, the author previously. I've enjoyed several of Chatlotte Roth's previous books. I was tickled with Dancing Queen way more than I expected too! It's sweet and light but there's also this contention that's addressed like a billboard sign in Vermont. It's big, blaring and obvious that this book is about body image and the struggle peoplefacw, big or small. It's about the struggle we have within ourselves, our family unit, and even work or social events. I'll tell ya, as a bit girl myself, I am not a fan of the word fat. Its demeaning and I'm way more than a number on a scale. That is exactly what we get from this story.

However, it isn't just a deep story facing those inner demons most people struggle with. I'll tell ya, Charlotte Roth sure knows how to tell a story. This one runs you through a gamut of emotions. Plus their some funness that I was shocked with. I couldn't get enough of it! Then, we have Stu and Fiona's budding chemistry. I couldn't help smiling through the story! I think it's one many are going to enjoy. The narrator, Stefanie Kay was just great. I'm not sure I've listened to her previously but I tend to read around 10 audiobooks a week so I could have listened but I tend to get slightly n and story! I'll be watching for more from both of them.

#AudiobookObsession

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dancing Queen” by Charlotte Roth is a wonderful story about Fiona, a stuck in a rut, overweight 30 something who makes a fast friend out of Stu, a scary skinny man in her office that she meets through some awkward circumstances. Together, this unlikely pair help each other come alive again as they take on a new hobby. I don’t know what I was expecting while I was reading this book, but Charlotte Roth really caught me off guard! I was expecting your generic fat girl finds love story (Not that there is anything wrong with that, those stories make me feel better about my round shape!) but this story is so much more. I loved reading about Fiona’s journey with food and the friends that help build her up. The characters in this story are (mostly) amazing characters that I would love to have as real life friends! The ones that aren’t amazing, felt exactly like people I have in my own life, which broke my heart a little for Fiona. However, this brave woman is no punching bag! Fiona is such a strong, loveable character whom anyone can admire. There is a bit of a twist at the end that literally made me immediately start crying and make a weird emotional noise when I read it because it was so beautiful! So, I give “Dancing Queen” an obvious five stars! Charlotte Roth truly earned them, so do yourself a favor and read this book already!!

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen by Charlotte Roth

5 Stars

Ok so I totally loved this book. It hit some emotions I had buried long ago and I was totally able to relate to Fiona, which just made me enjoy the book that much more.

I loved the characters even the ones I loved to dislike immensely, I wanted to slap a couple along the way, especially that sister, and the Mom at some points. I loved how this story progressed and the strength that ensued by Fiona as the book went on, Lance became one of my favorites towards the end and totally made me smile and that other little twist at the end totally threw me and actually made me tear up.

I've read a few books by this author and I am in love with her writing style, I love knowing when I pick one of her books up that I never really know what I'm going to be reading, which always means a one click for me.

I highly recommend this story and I just know you will fall in love with Fiona and Stu just as I did.

Can't wait for more from this author.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing Queen was a good 4 star read.

Size is just a number, not a reason.

Fiona is obese and finds herself being told by her boss that she has to go to a support group for people with health problems, she is also encouraged to pick up a hobby. She is also joined by a co-worker named Stu, who is too skinny. He finds the perfect hobby for them, a dancing competition.

Dancing brings up memories for Fiona, some sad some happy. Things take a twist when she finds out her sister is also competing in the competition.

I really enjoyed this book, I had several LOL moments. All of the secondary characters added a great element to the story, although I didn’t care to much for mom or sister. I enjoyed the memories that Fiona had about her grandma. This is an inspirational book on getting past your insecurities and moving forward with being happy as you are. This is my first read from Charlotte Roth and I look forward to reading more from her.

[K. Ramjohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what a fun story about believing in yourself, Dancing Queen was a brilliant, refreshing story about two co-workers on the opposite ends of the dietary spectrum who enter a dancing competition and end up finding so much more than just a dance partner. This is not a romance, it is a story about friendship, courage and perseverance. It was hilarious but also emotional as well. You will love these likable and relatable characters. Fiona and Stu were amazing and they brought out the best in each other. There was a range of extended characters who added hilarity to the story and provided balance and support to Stu and Fiona. I absolutely loved this story.
The audible version of this novel was narrated by Stefanie Kay who did a fantastic job with the characters. She brought the story to life and I enjoyed listening to her.
Dancing Queen was my first Charlotte Roth novel and it won't be my last. I loved it and would highly recommend it to everyone.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

[Traci Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and inspiration can find us in the most unexpected of places. Fiona had grown comfortable in her life as Fat Fiona, the invisible one, the predictable one. But her whole world is turned upside down when she meets Skinny Stu. Not only does Stu pull her out of her comfort zone, he shows her who she really is inside, and helps her find her true potential as a dancer, and a person.

As usual, the road to greatness isn't easy, but through determination, Fiona realizes a childhood dream, mending broken relationships with her loved ones along the way.

This is a story of courage, perseverance, and hope, told in an entertaining and humorous way. The characters are relatable and likable, and several unexpected twists will keep you turning page after to page to connect the dots.

If you enjoy movies like My Best Friend's Wedding, and Hairspray, you'll enjoy this book!

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing Queen by​ Charlotte Roth is a little different, easy to read and a little quirky that makes for a light read. It is fun and witty and had me laughing from the very start but there are also a lot of painful memories for our characters which made them all the more endearing to me. It is a story where by people are forced to look at themselves. It’s a story of people who finally do something for themselves. It is a story of pain and passion of being to fat or too thin. It is a story where the main characters are not what society consider the norm. It is a story of it is not always what you see on the outside but what is inside. It is a story of love and acceptance, hopes and dreams.

It is a sweet and heartfelt journey that the characters are on, with the support of their misfit family and friends.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen by Charlotte Roth . This is such a fun read. Fiona Madsen has always dreamed of being a dancer until on her 7th birthday her mom told her "Fat Girls" can't dance. She is again basically told she's fat when her work wants her and her coworker Stu to participate in a support group for people with "Health Issues". She and "skinny" Stu connect over their opposite issues and Stu suggests they enter a dance competition to help with their "health issues". Stu & Fiona realizes they have so much in common and they really hit it off but when all your life you've been told you can't do something and then your own sister threatens to have you disqualified from the competition Fiona wanders if its really even worth trying. This is such a positive body image book and I loved every second of it. You won't be disappointed.

[Erica Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Roth did it again. She wrote Dancing Queen which is a fast steady read with all kinds of humor, sass, and love all wrapped in one. One thing about Charlotte Roth is when I am feeling down I just pick up a book by Charlotte Roth and I find myself in a better mood instantly. This story will keep you giggling all the way through. Fiona is a “fat girl” that was told she could not dance because of it. Her work urges her to join a support group for her weight issues. There she meets Stu. Stu and Fiona become friends. Stu brings this wacky idea to Fiona that they should compete in a local dancing with the stars. That is when the story takes off and let the comedy, friendship, and love dance right in. I will be recommending this book to anyone that needs that release from the tortures of the world around them to join Stu and Fiona in their world of friendship.

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen by Charlotte Roth
Five Stars

Dancing Queen is a heartwarming, witty and entertaining romance by Charlotte Roth. This book had me smiling and laughing throughout the book while at the same time dealing with some serious health issues. Fi and Stu are lovable characters that were brought together in a support group by the HR department of the company that they work for. They are encouraged to take up a hobby like quilting to deal with their unhealthy eating habits. When they find that they both have a love of dancing, after discussing fears of not being able to do it, Stu and Fi decide to enter in a community dancing contest. The antics that follow are amazingly funny and insightful. I love the progression of this story and the growth of the characters. This is my new favorite book by Ms. Roth. If you are looking for a really great romance this is the book for you.

[Erica Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Roth did it again. She wrote Dancing Queen which is a fast steady read with all kinds of humor, sass, and love all wrapped in one. One thing about Charlotte Roth is when I am feeling down I just pick up a book by Charlotte Roth and I find myself in a better mood instantly. This story will keep you giggling all the way through. Fiona is a “fat girl” that was told she could not dance because of it. Her work urges her to join a support group for her weight issues. There she meets Stu. Stu and Fiona become friends. Stu brings this wacky idea to Fiona that they should compete in a local dancing with the stars. That is when the story takes off and let the comedy, friendship, and love dance right in. I will be recommending this book to anyone that needs that release from the tortures of the world around them to join Stu and Fiona in their world of friendship.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen
By Charlotte Roth
5 stars

I loved this book!! This was such a wonderful, easy to read story and I absolutely fell in love with the characters Fiona and Stu! I felt like I could really connect with Fiona, the way in which the author write about her made her feel like she was real. I really felt like I wanted to be there on the side lines cheering her along every step of the way. I was truly inspired by Fiona, her story and her outlook on life. The author cleverly intertwined funny with emotion and explored situations that made you think about how society view and judge people all the time based on what they look like.
I have read a few books by this author now and I do love her fun and quirky writing style. Her stories are entertaining to read and I 100 % recommend them!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen by Charlotte Roth is a five star novel. This book was a fantastic, quick read. I loved the pace of this book and how life for Fiona changes. I love that the job she has has a program to try to help people with their health issues. Whether that is being too heavy or to thin, they have a support group for both at the same time. When Fiona decides to go to group, she is told she needs to find a hobby and that quilting is a great one. After another coworker is encouraged to go to group too, he decides they should join a dancing competition. Fiona just laughs. How could she possibly join a dancing competition when she looks the way she does? She’s been told her whole life that she was too fat to follow her dream of becoming a dancer. Now that she is thirty-five, she really knows she isn’t qualified but skinny Stu is relentless and insists she join with him.

[Gail Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing Queen By Charlotte Roth

Four Stars

I like fun books where people build themselves up. This story start off wrong for me. The fact that they thought it was ok to nominate someone to get help because of their weight was mean and judgmental. The lady could have a medical issue that causes her to be heavy. It could be anything. But the story does have a ok message. Be who you wish to be. Dance even when someone is watching. Build your confidence so high that even the most vile person couldn’t bring you down. Fiona was strong in many ways and you could feel her emotions when it came to her insecurities. I dislike how it’s mostly your family tearing you down instead of building you up. The book was fun and sassy and made me have a little hope that dreams can come true you just have to have the right people in your corner.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen by Charlotte Roth is a fun and inspirational read. Fiona has always been the "fat" girl. She gets paired up with Stu in a healthy life support group. Stu has a crazy idea that the two should sign up for a dancing competition. Fiona has always been told that she shouldn't dance because of her size. Will she stand up and take the challenge?
I really enjoyed the characters and their relatability. The story is fun and deals with body issues in a light way but that doesn't ridicule the subject. The writing is smooth and the story just flowed. I did not want to put the book down and was disappointed to see the story end. I will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing Queen by Charlotte Roth is a heartwarming example of a story that takes body image issues and flips hem on their head.
This boo has everything. Not only does it tackle an issues that is so prevalent in today’s society but it does so with wit and humour. So many times I found myself chuckling at what was going on with the characters and the story.
But at the same time it gracefully handles an issue that most people, not just females, go through. It highlights body weight concerns and the author shows exactly why they should not hold you back.
This was, for me, a surprisingly refreshing read and one I enjoyed more than I expected.