Forest Dancer

by Susan Roebuck

Work to impress, dance to express.

It’s a long way to go to create a new life for yourself.

Classical ballerina, Flora Gatehouse, has no choice but to take a risk. Having failed an important ballet audition in London, she moves to a small cottage in a forest just outside Lisbon, Portugal, her only inheritance following her father’s death.

Soon, Flora is involved in village life, where fate takes a new twist when she becomes attracted to forest ranger, Marco. But they are off to a shaky start.

Can Flora find acceptance in a foreign land, in a magical place that harbours secrets and heartache?

Genres: Portugal

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2018

About the author

Susan Roebuck was born and bred in the soft south of the UK but was exported to Portugal after meeting her husband in London. She now lives overlooking the mighty Tagus River which is a wonderful source of inspiration.
She loves being in her adopted country and believes that Portugal has a huge heart, which the world should know more about. Portugal also doesn’t appear in many English-language novels and Susan hopes that, now, that will change.
"Joseph Barnaby" is about a farrier who, in order to avoid a deadly vendetta against him, finds solace in the island of Madeira.
“Forest Dancer” is her fourth novel but it is her second one set in Portugal (in the forests near Lisbon).
“Rising Tide” was her first book (third one published) set in Portugal, in a tiny fishing village on the beautiful, rugged Alentejo coast. One of the themes of this book is man against the sea.
They are both contemporary romance/suspense stories.
Her first novel was “Perfect Score”, set in 1960s USA and is a LGBT romance/suspense covering many social issues of the time – including having to cope with dyslexia.
“Hewhay Hall” is a dark fantasy which won the EPIC (Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition) Award in 2013 in their horror category.
Do pop over to any of her social media sites and say hello. Susan loves to hear from readers.

Reviews

[Tiffany PSquared · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flora's dreams of being a prima ballerina take a back seat when her father's will is read and she discovers that she has inherited an already-occupied little cottage in a remote village in Portugal.

This book had every opportunity to be a great love story and the perfect vehicle for a sweet humanitarian story as well. However, it fell short of both. At the end, the story could have benefitted by at least one more chapter or at least an epilogue because the "resolution" was so abbreviated.

I wanted to enjoy this book because it had a promising premise; however, it never did click with me.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Cat Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.*

[Isabella May · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunningly beautiful book...

But for all that it is equally humorous and packed to bursting with fantastically colourful characters and situations. Gil Morais deserves a sequel all of his own. What a scream! What an imagination Susan Roebuck has!
The village life culture of Portugal - as well as its language, flora and fauna, and foodie delights - are also depicted so evocatively that you feel you are really there. Reading this book from my home in neighbouring Spain, I just want to jump in the car and drive non-stop across the border to devour pasteis de nata... And then there's the dancing, which the author choreographs with the skill of a Ballet Master.
Such an enjoyable novel. I didn't want it to end!

[Catherine Cavendish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portugal - which has been the author's home for many years - is, from what I remember, a sunny place with an amazing, rocky coastline where the Atlantic Ocean batters the shore, the food is fresh, delicious and plentiful and the countryside has an air of magic about it. In Forest Dancer, Susan Roebuck has captured that magic perfectly. The forest of the title is under threat from fracking and sabotage. Newly arrived classical ballet dancer, Flora, soon finds herself in the thick of a campaign to save it. But there is a lot more going on under the surface in this apparent backwater, lying so close to the busy capital city, Lisbon, but seeming almost to exist in a different world.

Flora is staying in a cottage owned by her late father and she quickly finds herself involved in a mystery surrounding a woman called Dina and her sick child called Raquel. Is Dina what she appears to be? Can Flora save her child?

Flora is also drawn to the forest ranger, Marco, and here things become increasingly complicated. Flora has some potentially life changing decisions to make and, meanwhile, the forest weaves its beauty and magic all around her.

I felt this beautifully crafted novel weaved a spell and it hooked me. I could almost taste the deliciously fresh food and feel the sun on my face. The trees, and the ethereal presence that dwells within their midst, is haunting and magical and I didn't want this story to end. Full marks for an excellent read.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flora is a ballerina who finds herself inheriting a cottage in Portugal. As it happens, she fails an audition and so it seems like the time is right to see for herself what she has inherited. She didn't realise that the cottage was occupied though! What is the story with Dina and Raquel, and how does Marco fit into it all?

I liked the character of Flora, quite a lot. She was a kind and gentle soul who embraced her new life in Portugal; the descriptions of village life, and the food, made me want to go and visit Portugal too! She comes across Marco, who is a forest warden and who takes his job very seriously indeed. What is his story exactly and can these two ever get their wires uncrossed?

I was enchanted by Flora and her gift with the children and dance, it sounded just magical, especially when she had the forest as a backdrop. What I wasn't really sold on was Marco, I thought he was pretty rude and I didn't feel any real attraction between him and Flora. The character of Gil was pretty funny, but kind of awkward as well and I was a little confused by him too.

Anyway, I enjoyed reading this book, 4 stars from me.

[Kamini Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally use this description for a book, but the first adjective that springs to mind is "lovely". I liked the characters and the ones that were "bad" were more humorous than evil.

[Katharine Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was engrossed by this beautiful story. I loved the setting, the characters felt real and the plot lines were cleverly drawn together. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author

[Heidi Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully crafted tale about the magic of love, whether it be romantic love, sisterly love love between friends or even love for a bird who bites you on the nose! The story has moments of pain blended with moments of happiness and is told with great skill. The author's style is a pleasure to read and I knew from the first page that I was going to really enjoy this book. I've never been to Portugal, but after reading Forest Dancer I feel like I have - and now I want to go there for real.

[Georgina Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the mystical and magical feel of this book, the story had an ethereal quality to it which I really liked. When I was was reading it I felt transported to another world and the characters really stood out for me. A lovely tale which I really enjoyed

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical and mysterious. A combination of doing the right thing, or what one feels is the "right thing" and following your heart, as well as falling into situations and having to survive them. Tangled complications and outright deceit make for a fascinating study of human behaviors.

Flora, Gil and even Marco are pretty sure they know which path in life will make them happiest.
Of course life always throws up obstacles to test our dedication to our dreams. For Flora,her awakening comes when she is dismissed from her role as a supporting ballerina as she is trying to move into a more prominent role. Her father has recently died and the reading of his will is an eye opener. He must have had some reason why he did not choose for his children to inherit equally. When she arrives in Portugal to view her inherited home things get very complicated when she finds it NOT vacant.

This is a story about dreams and love, of various kinds, loyalty and injustice.
It may not be everyone's idea of a light, breezy beach read, but it has its own endearing qualities.

[Susan Lodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up late last night to finish this novel as I didn’t want to leave the adorably quirky characters of this Portuguese village.
This novel immerses you in atmosphere as the plot unfolds. Sometimes mystic, sometimes heartlessly real, the themes in this story keep you hooked. The authors knowledge is displayed in her exquisite details of the ballet and the Portuguese way of life.
Leaving the rivalry and rigours of the Royal Ballet Flora travels to Aurora, in rural Portugal to investigate the strange legacy from her late father.
There is plenty of witty and funny dialogue throughout - and some fascinating characters. Marco, smoulders as the short-tempered hero, and protector of the forest. And Gil the mixed-up movie star had be laughing out loud. Oh, and not forgetting Boris of course – a crazy parrot.
A sensitively written and beautifully choreographed romantic tale. Loved it! Sue Roebuck is an author to watch.

[Ute Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had only one word to describe Susan Roebuck’s latest novel, Forest Dancer, that word would be enchantment. Ballerina Flora Gatehouse moves to a small town in Portugal to heal her wounded body and soul. Once there she finds a forest filled with mystery, a new love, and whole townful of caring and somewhat quirky people. With a touch of love and a hint of whimsy, Roebuck reminds us of the magic in the world and touches on the wonder we often forget.

[Barbara Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I really enjoyed this story. It made me feel like I was there in the little town of Auora. Easy to read!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book, with a main character, Flora Gatehouse who you engage with from the beginning of the novel. The descriptions of Lisbon, Portugal are so real that you feel like you are there with Flora. As the blurb says, the book is full of secrets and heartache but you have to keep reading to discover how Flora’s life will turn out after it takes a dramatic turn away from ballet in London to a small village in Portugal. I was hooked from page one, and felt a real connection with Flora from the beginning of the novel. Definitely recommend this book.

[Sue Purbrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet, easy read about a young woman discovering herself after her father leaves her a seemingly unfair inheritance. Flora finds herself in Portugal where she meets new friends, attracts the attention of two totally different men and realises that her dream of being a star ballerina may not be her true calling. She finds herself being pulled into the lives of her new friends and as she does she starts questioning her path in life. Despite the slightly overblown writing style and some stereotypical characters, this is a fun read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing around the truth without talking

I had a hard time caring about Flora and Marco, a hard time making myself read this book. Marco the forest ranger and Flora the dancer, although passionate and caring people, would not sit and talk together...until... NO, no spoilers.

[Gabrialle Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

New!

Very interesting presentation of life changes. Includes ecology, loss of ability at young age, new love, new family, sexual orientation discovery and more. Well written and developed characters. Loved it!

[Miriam Drori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful story, told with feeling. The main character, Flora, was well-portrayed and the other characters slotted well into the story.

The writing was excellent, except for the odd time I felt a phrase didn't really mean what it was supposed to mean. And sometimes small details in the plot seemed unlikely.

But I'm nitpicking. You probably won't notice any of that.

[Gary Bonn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Read

Such atmosphere and immersion. You will be transported into the, very varied, scenery and breathe the scents. It's always a joy to be in the hands of a writer who can whisk you away like this.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Sue Roebuck's lovely evocative writing brought back happy memories of Portugal and made me want to go back.

[Sue Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of the book, I was unsure whether I would get into the story as it centres around Flora and her burning desire to be a top ballerina. I am ashamed to say that what I know about ballet dancing would fit on a postage stamp. Luckily the plot becomes so intriguing that I found myself eagerly turning the pages. I loved Flora and I so wanted her to achieve her ambition and find true happiness. No spoilers here, but this story captivated me right until the end. The dark ‘threat’ running throughout added to the suspense. Along with the magical theme, serious issues of greed, jealousy and risk run nicely along.

[The TBR Pile *Book review site* · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a traveler, this story might be a bit weighty for the backpack-inclined, but if you're the type who packs lightly and doesn't mind 'getting lost' on your travels, Forest Dancer is a heartwarming and whimsical journey. ​

FULL REVIEW - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...

[Joan Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life has been a bit harried for me lately, so I relished the moments I could break away to read Sue Roebuck’s Forest Dancer. Her novel transported me to Portugal, where ballerina Flora Gatehouse inherited a cottage from her father. Flora’s having a tough time because she failed an audition in London. But Portugal and the characters Sue created turn out to be just what Flora — and me — needed.

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classical Ballerina Flora is at a crossroads in her life, both professionally and personally. The death of her father and the fact that her dancing career isn't progressing as it should sees Flora re-evaluate her life. Back problems force her to take the rest her body so desperately needs and when her father's will is read, Flora discovers that while he has left her siblings with very lucrative properties, he has left her an old family holiday cottage in Portugal. While understandably shocked by this, Flora is confident that her father would not have done this without good reason so she makes the trip to Portugal not only to rest but to make a decision about the direction her life needs to take. However, upon arriving at the cottage Flora is surprised to find it is already occupied. And, one of the residents is a very sick little girl. Throw into the mix her moody and extremely attractive father and Flora's life begins to take her in an altogether different direction that she could ever have imagined.

I really enjoyed this book. It had two elements that I love............Portugal and ballet. I've visited Portugal a couple of times and found it to be a beautiful place and I recently dipped a toe into adult ballet lessons. I failed miserably with dancing but it didn't stop me loving it!

I will admit to instantly disliking Marco when I first encountered him in the book. He was very moody but reading further into his story I could see he had good reason to be. He's a complex and passionate character with a fiery but protective temper and wants to look after those he loves. He's committed also to caring for his beloved forest which is at risk due to a mining company wanting to drill for gas. I did like Flora though sometimes she tried to hard to please everyone but had such a kind heart that it made it difficult not to like her. She seems to be placed in an impossible situation about what to do about the cottage and its residents. She is soon completely caught up in village life and we see a new Flora blossom, her confidence building.

Susan Roebuck has managed to create a wonderful sense of place with the village of Aurora. The villagers, both local and ex pats add a lovely feel of home, friendship and loyalty. It was easy to fall in love with such a beautiful place with the forest representing the heart of the village, breathing life into everything. There is an array of colourful characters all adding substance and authenticity to this novel and I really enjoyed getting to know them all. This is a fantastic book with some mystery and suspense thrown in too. At the heart of it all is love............for friends, family and one another. And, a sense of finding a place where you belong. Definitely a recommended read from me.

[Nik Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flora is a ballerina with back trouble who, having failed an audition, goes off to Portugal to claim the village cottage left to her by her late father. It has all the ingredients to keep the reader turning the pages: interesting and varied characters, an exotic setting, mystery, corruption, humour and conflict.

While waiting for her flight from London to Lisbon, she finds herself in an overcrowded airport lounge, ‘so she sat on the floor and whiled away the time watching knees go by, trolleys bashing into each other, and braiding pieces of her hair, a habit she’d had from childhood. If she did it for long enough she ended up looking like she’d plugged herself into a light socket, and she was halfway there now’ (p18). Here, she meets a handsome Portuguese man, Gil Morais, the darling of daytime TV in his country. ‘Latin Lothario, she decided.’ (p19)

We will meet Gil again, frequently, as he evolves a crackpot plot to ensnare Flora…

Flora’s arrival at the cottage is a surprise to the people who are living there: Dina and her young daughter Raquel. Reluctant to turf them out, Flora finds accommodation at a nearby bed and breakfast place run by an English woman, Elizabeth. The only other resident is Sally, an old widow with a pet blue bird, Boris, who is partial to biting the columella of people’s noses – enough to bring water to the eyes!

Another person of interest is Marco, a strong silent type working as a Forestry Commission warden. He’s not keen on men in Armani suits, particularly if they’re investigating the viability of setting up a fracking plant in the forest. An Armani suit: ‘First sign of a villain, in his opinion.’ (p23)

Apparently, there’s a saying in ballet: ‘Work to impress. Dance to express.’ (p121) And Flora does just that, taking on the task of teaching the local school children to dance in a tableau that involves protesting against the proposed fracking.

Gil’s crazy ideas about the local standing stones suggest a threat to Flora but in fact provide light amusement instead. Raquel is endearing and her plight, when revealed, is touching.

Inevitably, Flora and Marco are drawn to each other, yet misunderstandings and deceit muddy the waters for most of the book; and thus keep the reader turning the pages!

I enjoyed the humour and the affectionate descriptions that brought the characters and the village alive.

[Sally Stackhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a contemporary novel set mainly in a small village in Portugal. The story centres on Flora, a ballerina in London trying desperately to break through in the hard world of ballet dancing. She has the talent but somehow never quite gets the big parts.

She inherits a small cottage in Portugal and decides to go there for a short time while she recuperates from the disappointment of failing to obtain a coveted position in the ballet company and also to help her back recover.

This is where the book becomes rather muddled. The rather eccentric characters that live in the village encompass English ex-pats and the residents alongside a beautiful patch of forestry. Add in to the mix romantic mix-ups, characters who lie to get what they want and a sub plot of fracking and political bribery with a rather spurious crazy parrot and a young girl with a life-threatening disease.

It was an OK read but the threads could have been woven in better.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the rolling hills of Portugal the picturesque village of Aurora is the place where
Flora's father owned a cottage. But Flora receives a shock when she discovers that a
family are already living there.

This is the first of many surprises for Flora as she tries to help the family and their young
daughter who is ill. She is wary of the father Marco, who is arrogant and sullen with no sense
of humour and they don't hit it off at first due to some misunderstandings.

The style of writing is very simply told as Flora is drawn more and more into village life, there
are magical standing stones, colourful characters, a weird and annoying little pet bird, a TV
star who wants Flora for his own needs, and a captivating forest.

I really loved Flora's life in the village and this magical story.

From Carole's Book Corner

[Camila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book attracted me because of the dance and foreign country narrative, two of my favourite things. But the story felt short. It was a good example of telling and not showing, some of the characters didn't seem to spend any time together or have any chemistry and yet it was said they had chemistry or were related which then made it all okay. But because it wasn't showed, I didn't feel any urgency to know what would happen and I had a hard time believing all those relationships.

*This book was given to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are my own.*

[Sally Mcdonagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flora is left reeling when her father dies and her ballet master suggests that she takes some time off with her back. Following the reading of her father’s will she’s left with a cottage in Portugal where they used to holiday before her mother’s death. Without having to work she sets off to Portugal. Once there she discovers that her cottage is inhabited by a family. Flora does not want to put them out so she goes to live in a guesthouse. Flora is quickly accepted into the community and when the forest and village is threatened by fracking she helps the locals to put a festival together by teaching the children to dance.
Enjoyed the book.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forest dancer

Observation and description where dialogue is used, it reads like the characters talk to each other, creating a vivid strong setting for the story.

[J.S. Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, heart-warming story, largely set in a vividly described rural Portugal, for readers of romance.