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Cantique
After discovering sheet music from a long-lost production of Song of Solomon, novice dancer Colette Larsen is thrust into the elite world of professional ballet. Sparks fly when she meets James Brennan, the fun-loving soloist tasked with choreographing a new pas de deux to the music, but Colette is forced to watch from the sidelines as he rehearses with the company’s prima ballerina. As Colette’s relationship with James deepens, so does her need to find the purpose beneath her latent passion for dance—a purpose that manifests in new friendships, rediscovered talents, and in the pages of Song of Solomon.
Humorous and heartfelt, this debut novel reveals a lighter side to ballet that resonates with dancers and non-dancers alike. Cantique’s heroine is witty, whimsical, and highly relatable as she navigates love and dance in the midst of a quarter-life crisis.
What readers are
"The novel is more than a simple love story... It’s a journey of self-discovery and a tale that reminds us to pursue our passions... Cantique is suitable for a broad range of readers, young adult and up, dancers and non-dancers. Certainly many adult dancers, much like my own students, could see themselves in Colette’s story."
- Leigh Purtill, Dance Advantage
"I don't think I've ever related more to a protagonist. Love the story, love the message, love the characters, love the writing. Love it all."
- Hannah, Overland Park, KS
"A feel good, quick read for adult ballet dancers..."
- BalletForAdults.com
"There were so many moments where the main character experiences or feels things that I have literally experienced or felt in my ballet journey… It just felt good to read this, and I think adult ballerinas in particular will find this very satisfying."
– Jana Carson, Ballerinas by Night
"The plot is unique, engaging, and extremely well structured… I found the overall story of Colette discovering the music and bringing it to life very compelling. A lovely mixture of art, history, and her self-discovery."
– Megan Records, New Jersey
"It’s romantic and funny and moving… grounded in reality but still has a little bit of that fairytale that we are all looking for when we pick up a book."
– Emilie B., Kansas City, MO
Humorous and heartfelt, this debut novel reveals a lighter side to ballet that resonates with dancers and non-dancers alike. Cantique’s heroine is witty, whimsical, and highly relatable as she navigates love and dance in the midst of a quarter-life crisis.
What readers are
"The novel is more than a simple love story... It’s a journey of self-discovery and a tale that reminds us to pursue our passions... Cantique is suitable for a broad range of readers, young adult and up, dancers and non-dancers. Certainly many adult dancers, much like my own students, could see themselves in Colette’s story."
- Leigh Purtill, Dance Advantage
"I don't think I've ever related more to a protagonist. Love the story, love the message, love the characters, love the writing. Love it all."
- Hannah, Overland Park, KS
"A feel good, quick read for adult ballet dancers..."
- BalletForAdults.com
"There were so many moments where the main character experiences or feels things that I have literally experienced or felt in my ballet journey… It just felt good to read this, and I think adult ballerinas in particular will find this very satisfying."
– Jana Carson, Ballerinas by Night
"The plot is unique, engaging, and extremely well structured… I found the overall story of Colette discovering the music and bringing it to life very compelling. A lovely mixture of art, history, and her self-discovery."
– Megan Records, New Jersey
"It’s romantic and funny and moving… grounded in reality but still has a little bit of that fairytale that we are all looking for when we pick up a book."
– Emilie B., Kansas City, MO
- GenresFiction
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2017
11 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 20, 2020
I'm not going to summarize the plot because plenty of people are doing that. I enjoyed the ballet part (as an adult returner to ballet and pointe), but the religious overtones were heavy handed, and the characters and romance were shallow and not particularly well developed. It's more of a fantasy fulfillment novel, which is fine when you want that.
March 31, 2020
In the interest of full disclosure, I read this as part of a selection from a book club I joined which picks books that are ballet-themed or have some connection to ballet. The book does do a nice job of depicting ballet classes for adult beginner students. Having never been a professional dancer, I cannot speak to the accuracy of the depictions of the “life behind the scenes” of a ballet company though. Because I love ballet and enjoyed the descriptions of it, I ended up giving the book two-stars, but I could have as easily gone with one. However, this is probably because I dislike romance novels, which is basically what this story is, and to make matters worse, it’s a particularly saccharine love story with elements of Christian religion blended into it. If you like ballet, overly sweet love stories, and a bit of Christian preachiness, then you might enjoy the novel.
June 10, 2019
This is the best book I have read in a really long time. The characters are so life like that I want them to be my friends. The story was beautiful and it seriously everything I want in a book. Absolutely lovely!
August 6, 2017
I was surprised and delighted by this novel. The central romantic story takes place against the most unexpected and interesting backdrop of a ballet company in a Midwestern city. I don't know anything about ballet, but Joanna Marsh brings it to life with her descriptions of both amateur classes and professional performances. I came away feeling a tiny bit more knowledgeable about this specialized passion.
The romance is charming, with two likable but un-idealized young characters finding their way over emotional and practical hurdles towards deep and lasting love, and the subplot involving a rediscovered piece of lost music forms a rich thread throughout the story.
But I think what I loved the most about Cantique was the beautiful evocation of passion and creativity in a young woman who loves dance even though she knows she started too late and will never be a professional. I absolutely adored the fact that this novel didn't go to stardom or New York or the expected American dream of glory, but to a true and deep commitment to art and creative work for its own sake.
The romance is of the "clean" variety, with some religious or spiritual overtones, which I found refreshing and pleasant. It's a well-written, well-edited, and thoroughly enjoyable novel that I recommend highly to anyone who enjoys a romance with a bit of spiritual depth.
The romance is charming, with two likable but un-idealized young characters finding their way over emotional and practical hurdles towards deep and lasting love, and the subplot involving a rediscovered piece of lost music forms a rich thread throughout the story.
But I think what I loved the most about Cantique was the beautiful evocation of passion and creativity in a young woman who loves dance even though she knows she started too late and will never be a professional. I absolutely adored the fact that this novel didn't go to stardom or New York or the expected American dream of glory, but to a true and deep commitment to art and creative work for its own sake.
The romance is of the "clean" variety, with some religious or spiritual overtones, which I found refreshing and pleasant. It's a well-written, well-edited, and thoroughly enjoyable novel that I recommend highly to anyone who enjoys a romance with a bit of spiritual depth.
April 24, 2019
Cantique-Inspiring adult ballet beginners! A clean and romantic love story.
Cantique is a wonderful book! As an adult ballet beginner it can be hard and at times you need a boost! This book does just that! It is inspiring and encourages you. It opens up your mind to the possibility that you CAN absolutely do something you love and put you heart into something like Ballet, even if you didn’t get the chance to start out young. It is also a very sweet love story. It is also a CLEAN love story. Which is 100% appreciated. A wonderfully inspiring book!!!
( Note: There are probably like 2 bad words in the book and a kissing scene or two- but NOT in detail and I would not consider it inappropriate). A clean love story.
Cantique is a wonderful book! As an adult ballet beginner it can be hard and at times you need a boost! This book does just that! It is inspiring and encourages you. It opens up your mind to the possibility that you CAN absolutely do something you love and put you heart into something like Ballet, even if you didn’t get the chance to start out young. It is also a very sweet love story. It is also a CLEAN love story. Which is 100% appreciated. A wonderfully inspiring book!!!
( Note: There are probably like 2 bad words in the book and a kissing scene or two- but NOT in detail and I would not consider it inappropriate). A clean love story.
January 17, 2021
I really enjoyed the ballet bits (especially the thoughts and feelings on being an adult ballet dancer) and the beginning of the book. But what was a promising story turned into some sort of very sugary romance mixed with a pretentious preachy tone on morals and christianity. The main character's both internal and external conflicts are basically solved because she somehow rediscovers her faith, when really what she needed was some good therapy!
I've enjoyed books before that covered spiritualityy/religion, but in this case, it was poorly done and it made the book a bit shallow and boring. It seemed to me that the author was more preoccupied in conveying her beliefs than telling a good story.
I've enjoyed books before that covered spiritualityy/religion, but in this case, it was poorly done and it made the book a bit shallow and boring. It seemed to me that the author was more preoccupied in conveying her beliefs than telling a good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
If you are an adult beginner in any discipline of dance, you should definitely read this book! I'm always on the hunt for books on that particular topic, but not many exist; the only other one that comes immediately to mind is Raising the Barre, a memoir. It's so incredibly satisfying to read about a main character who is dealing with the same thoughts about her dance experience that I've had over and over (frustration, envy, joy... even the part where you imagine what would have happened if you'd started earlier, and follow that thought all the way to its logical conclusion). Although I'm not a student of ballet, the descriptions of class felt familiar and authentic (especially the very advanced-level class *wince*).
December 21, 2020
Beautifully written and hard to put down. The characters are likeable and well-developed. Though the book is centered around an adult ballet beginner, there’s so much more to Colette’s story and journey that many people will be able to relate to. Plus, I wasn’t expecting the love story and I’m a sucker for romance novels so that was a sweet surprise. As some other reviews mention, there are some religious undertones, but I personally appreciated them and didn’t mind them at all. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and can’t wait for the sequel
January 17, 2019
It’s not often you can find a story that allows you on a journey of self-discovery while building such beautiful relationships.
Cantique is a love story for everyone. A non-traditional love story. A love of self. Friendships. Romance. And yes, family. Adding a passion for dance and music that speaks to the soul. This book was so well written. I’ve read It twice already.
Cantique is a love story for everyone. A non-traditional love story. A love of self. Friendships. Romance. And yes, family. Adding a passion for dance and music that speaks to the soul. This book was so well written. I’ve read It twice already.
November 9, 2018
A light and free novel of dance
This story was a pleasant diversion and the dance terminology was a delightful addition. A sweet romance. Colette's personality fluctuated a bit too much, but conveyed the temerity of youth.
This story was a pleasant diversion and the dance terminology was a delightful addition. A sweet romance. Colette's personality fluctuated a bit too much, but conveyed the temerity of youth.
July 13, 2019
Good page turner. Great read for dancers especially but non-dancers will enjoy it as well. Good morals.
September 28, 2023
This is such a pretty novel, lovely to read. I really enjoyed every page! There aren't many books out there that center around amateur ballerinas but I wish there were more.
March 2, 2025
I was disappointed with the heavy handed religious overtones and traditional gender roles, and I felt that the writing was somewhat juvenile.
October 7, 2025
As an adult returning to ballet it was so nice to read about that POV. The story was so sweet, innocent and I loved that the story wasn’t afraid to include God. Bravo
January 12, 2020
There are few books that made me want to squeal with glee while I was reading, and this is one of them! This book took me completely by surprise. After devouring tons of ballet-related books, I stumbled upon this one (thanks, Amazon). I loved it! Cantique is incredibly readable and entertaining; I wanted to simultaneously devour the whole thing and to savor it slowly. I don’t know how to describe it, exactly, but there’s a warmth about this book, something heartfelt.
Colette is a main character that I could completely relate to. I’m an adult beginner in ballet—I started at 18—and many of her thoughts and experiences mirrored my own. Even her anxiety was relatable, as I struggle with that, too. I really enjoyed reading about her class experiences and life. But what is most commendable is that I related to all of the characters and they felt like real people. Even characters who at first seem stereotypical (like Alex) have hidden depths and multi-faceted personalities. I fell in love with the world and the people that Joanna Marsh created, and I didn’t want the book to end.
This book has a very cute romance in it, but it’s also about art, passion, and creativity. It’s about commitment to and love of an art form for its own sake. It’s a journey of self-discovery and a journey of . Cantique is well-written and compelling, and I recommend it to anyone who has ever been truly passionate about an art form and decided to pursued it.
Colette is a main character that I could completely relate to. I’m an adult beginner in ballet—I started at 18—and many of her thoughts and experiences mirrored my own. Even her anxiety was relatable, as I struggle with that, too. I really enjoyed reading about her class experiences and life. But what is most commendable is that I related to all of the characters and they felt like real people. Even characters who at first seem stereotypical (like Alex) have hidden depths and multi-faceted personalities. I fell in love with the world and the people that Joanna Marsh created, and I didn’t want the book to end.
This book has a very cute romance in it, but it’s also about art, passion, and creativity. It’s about commitment to and love of an art form for its own sake. It’s a journey of self-discovery and a journey of . Cantique is well-written and compelling, and I recommend it to anyone who has ever been truly passionate about an art form and decided to pursued it.
June 14, 2022
As an adult ballet learned, I loved the ballet setting! It was really positive to read a perspective that i related to.
I did enjoy this book, but the characters were a little immature and I struggled to connect with the main character. Half of the plot was about her misplaced jealously and lack of self confidence. I found myself getting frustrated with her because a lot of her problems were internal but she took it out on other characters and had external resolutions. For that reason I didn't feel like she had significant growth as a character.
There were some odd quirks, too. For example, there was a line where they were like "this composer was racist, it's sad for him that no one wants to listen to his music now" It was a little bizarre to think that a performing arts hall would say such a thing nonetheless announce it as a way to introduce a piece of music for a paying audience. I almost couldn't believe I read that line.
There was also a lot of gender stereotypes and some outdated subplots that had purity undertones (there was a subplot where one of the bosses at her job in the costume department was being very judgey about a coworker that got pregnant). It wasn't offensive by any means, but it turned me off a little bit.
Also there was a Christian conversion that came seemingly out of nowhere. Within 2 chapters she went from "I wasn't raised religiously, do you think this will be a problem in our relationship?" to "I had a profound religious experience and am a Christian now." I absolutely have nothing against a spiritual experience or a conversion (I am Christian) but it was so sudden with barely any description of her internal experience or new relationship with religion. I'm not really sure it added anything to the book but to reinforce the wishy washy nature of the main character.
All of that being said, I did enjoy this book and I loved the beautiful ballet descriptions, but I really struggled with the things outlined here. It was a nice quick and light read that did a great job of using ballet terminology correctly - so if that's what you're looking for and none of the other issues bother you, you may really enjoy this book!
I personally did enjoy the sequel more, and all being said would continue to read Marsh's future books. There were some similar issues, but it had much more sustained and realistic plot/character development that really made me feel a part of the story.
I did enjoy this book, but the characters were a little immature and I struggled to connect with the main character. Half of the plot was about her misplaced jealously and lack of self confidence. I found myself getting frustrated with her because a lot of her problems were internal but she took it out on other characters and had external resolutions. For that reason I didn't feel like she had significant growth as a character.
There were some odd quirks, too. For example, there was a line where they were like "this composer was racist, it's sad for him that no one wants to listen to his music now" It was a little bizarre to think that a performing arts hall would say such a thing nonetheless announce it as a way to introduce a piece of music for a paying audience. I almost couldn't believe I read that line.
There was also a lot of gender stereotypes and some outdated subplots that had purity undertones (there was a subplot where one of the bosses at her job in the costume department was being very judgey about a coworker that got pregnant). It wasn't offensive by any means, but it turned me off a little bit.
Also there was a Christian conversion that came seemingly out of nowhere. Within 2 chapters she went from "I wasn't raised religiously, do you think this will be a problem in our relationship?" to "I had a profound religious experience and am a Christian now." I absolutely have nothing against a spiritual experience or a conversion (I am Christian) but it was so sudden with barely any description of her internal experience or new relationship with religion. I'm not really sure it added anything to the book but to reinforce the wishy washy nature of the main character.
All of that being said, I did enjoy this book and I loved the beautiful ballet descriptions, but I really struggled with the things outlined here. It was a nice quick and light read that did a great job of using ballet terminology correctly - so if that's what you're looking for and none of the other issues bother you, you may really enjoy this book!
I personally did enjoy the sequel more, and all being said would continue to read Marsh's future books. There were some similar issues, but it had much more sustained and realistic plot/character development that really made me feel a part of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews