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Then She Danced
Winner of the 2017 Contemporary Romance Award from Books & Benches!
Don't let your past steal your future.
Everyone in Kathleen's life thinks she's crazy when she decides to spend her well-earned summer working in a tiny, dusty attic sorting through old church papers, but the peace and quiet of working alone is exactly what she wants.
She's back home again and happy, or as happy as anyone who's left behind a troubled past can be. She has amazing coworkers, a wonderful best friend, a supportive family, and not one single person in her life who knows what she's been through. So, when Kathleen stumbles across an old French diary written by a battered wife, she connects with the story and Emilie.
Kathleen's life changes when she meets Grant, a gorgeous local man with a past of his own. Their connection is undeniable, even for her, and proves that second chances are possible if she can just leave her past behind.
The Islander Romance series
Book I ~ Then She Danced
Book II ~ Then She Sang
Book III ~ Then She Dreamed
"This story is so beautifully written that you can't help but become obsessed with it, especially the parts of the old journal. A story within a story, two fabulous endings, and characters that you will fall in love with." ~ The Artful Reader
"This book is about love and growth, tears and happiness and healing. I was so deeply affected and moved by this story, I had my own laughter and tears." ~ Amazon reviewer
Don't let your past steal your future.
Everyone in Kathleen's life thinks she's crazy when she decides to spend her well-earned summer working in a tiny, dusty attic sorting through old church papers, but the peace and quiet of working alone is exactly what she wants.
She's back home again and happy, or as happy as anyone who's left behind a troubled past can be. She has amazing coworkers, a wonderful best friend, a supportive family, and not one single person in her life who knows what she's been through. So, when Kathleen stumbles across an old French diary written by a battered wife, she connects with the story and Emilie.
Kathleen's life changes when she meets Grant, a gorgeous local man with a past of his own. Their connection is undeniable, even for her, and proves that second chances are possible if she can just leave her past behind.
The Islander Romance series
Book I ~ Then She Danced
Book II ~ Then She Sang
Book III ~ Then She Dreamed
"This story is so beautifully written that you can't help but become obsessed with it, especially the parts of the old journal. A story within a story, two fabulous endings, and characters that you will fall in love with." ~ The Artful Reader
"This book is about love and growth, tears and happiness and healing. I was so deeply affected and moved by this story, I had my own laughter and tears." ~ Amazon reviewer
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2018
172 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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August 4, 2018💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/4/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Winner of the 2017 Contemporary Romance Award from Books & Benches! SPECIAL EDITION eBOOK COVER!
Everyone in Kathleen's life thinks she's crazy when she decides to spend her well-earned summer working in a tiny, dusty attic sorting through old church papers, but the peace and quiet of working alone is exactly what she wants.
She's back home again and happy, or as happy as anyone who's left behind a troubled past can be. She has amazing coworkers, a wonderful best friend, a supportive family, and not one single person in her life who knows what she's been through. So, when Kathleen stumbles across an old French diary written by a battered wife, she connects with the story and Emilie.
Kathleen's life changes when she meets Grant, a gorgeous local man with a past of his own. Their connection is undeniable, even for her, and proves that second chances are possible, if she can just leave her past behind.
Blurb:
Winner of the 2017 Contemporary Romance Award from Books & Benches! SPECIAL EDITION eBOOK COVER!
Everyone in Kathleen's life thinks she's crazy when she decides to spend her well-earned summer working in a tiny, dusty attic sorting through old church papers, but the peace and quiet of working alone is exactly what she wants.
She's back home again and happy, or as happy as anyone who's left behind a troubled past can be. She has amazing coworkers, a wonderful best friend, a supportive family, and not one single person in her life who knows what she's been through. So, when Kathleen stumbles across an old French diary written by a battered wife, she connects with the story and Emilie.
Kathleen's life changes when she meets Grant, a gorgeous local man with a past of his own. Their connection is undeniable, even for her, and proves that second chances are possible, if she can just leave her past behind.
June 7, 2023
This was fine, I enjoyed it casually. It definitely had its faults (the pacing and spelling errors) but it was an easy read and pretty light despite some of the subject matter (that’s more due to it being written badly but shh). I thought Kathleen and Grant were pretty cute, I would have loved to have seen more of their relationship.
June 16, 2018
Then She Danced is the first in the Islander Romance series and it certainly doesn't disappoint at all. This book is so well written that you don't want to put it down and when you're done you have the "book hangover" because it is just that good.
Though Kathleen has wonderful friends and family, no one quite gets why she wants to go through all of these musty papers of the church. She finds a diary written in French about a local lady and how she was a battered wife. Kathleen finds herself immersed and starts translating the story of Emilie, feeling a strong connection to this woman. Most don't realize everything that Kathleen has been through and why she is shutting herself off from the world.
Then she meets Grant and sparks fly. Will she be able to let go of the past and start something new? Are second chances a real thing?
Read this and find out. You won't regret it.
Though Kathleen has wonderful friends and family, no one quite gets why she wants to go through all of these musty papers of the church. She finds a diary written in French about a local lady and how she was a battered wife. Kathleen finds herself immersed and starts translating the story of Emilie, feeling a strong connection to this woman. Most don't realize everything that Kathleen has been through and why she is shutting herself off from the world.
Then she meets Grant and sparks fly. Will she be able to let go of the past and start something new? Are second chances a real thing?
Read this and find out. You won't regret it.
July 14, 2018
This is a beautiful story of regrowth for Kathleen than a romance story. I loved that this was a clean read first off but that didn't take away from the emotions that came forth. This isn't so much about the love from another than about the love she regained for herself and others. She trusted before and it turned all kinds of ugly but she was strong enough to get away and she will survive. With that understanding and now acceptance, She Dances. The soul freeing tribal dance grounds her and gives her the power to release.
I haven't read this author before but I do love a clean read to clean my palate. I love that her characters are real and touchable and the emotions are felt. The loss from his fiance and the loss from her child. They build a special kind of love from their shared loss and heal.
I haven't read this author before but I do love a clean read to clean my palate. I love that her characters are real and touchable and the emotions are felt. The loss from his fiance and the loss from her child. They build a special kind of love from their shared loss and heal.
January 25, 2020
Slow-moving and tender tale of healing love
I 'm volutarily reviewing an ARC of Then She Danced. I like this book. It is a slow, gentle, and bittersweet story of Kathleen, a young Native American woman, and her long-delayed recovery from abuse and loss. A seemingly perfect man is the catalyst that leads her to dismantle the walls of denial and silence which isolate her from friends, family, and life. Grant, the hero, seems at times too good to be true, but overall is a great romantic hero - alpha in a strong but tender way that exactly meets Kathleen's need for respectful support and allows her to rebuild trust. Kathleen and Grant's story is interwoven with the journal of a young Frenchwoman, also suffering spousal abuse, who finds friendship, love, and trust with another woman. Emelie's inspiring story, and the support of friends and family combine with Grant's steadfast love to restore hope, joy, and confidence to Kathleen's life.
I 'm volutarily reviewing an ARC of Then She Danced. I like this book. It is a slow, gentle, and bittersweet story of Kathleen, a young Native American woman, and her long-delayed recovery from abuse and loss. A seemingly perfect man is the catalyst that leads her to dismantle the walls of denial and silence which isolate her from friends, family, and life. Grant, the hero, seems at times too good to be true, but overall is a great romantic hero - alpha in a strong but tender way that exactly meets Kathleen's need for respectful support and allows her to rebuild trust. Kathleen and Grant's story is interwoven with the journal of a young Frenchwoman, also suffering spousal abuse, who finds friendship, love, and trust with another woman. Emelie's inspiring story, and the support of friends and family combine with Grant's steadfast love to restore hope, joy, and confidence to Kathleen's life.
June 25, 2018
A Wonderful Romance!
I loved this book! A story akin to a Sparks romance, Then She Danced had me glued to every page from start to finish.
I loved Kathleen's story! She was a strong, independent woman, trying to put her life back together after a horrific marriage. Her strength and development while finding her way back to herself is admirable.
The relationship between Kathleen and Grant, while fast paced at times, went through its own myriad of challenges, ultimately persevering in the end.
The story of Emilie and Mary, and how even after 70 years later they played a role in Kathleen's recovery wad a nice heartfelt touch.
Overall very well written and I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
I loved this book! A story akin to a Sparks romance, Then She Danced had me glued to every page from start to finish.
I loved Kathleen's story! She was a strong, independent woman, trying to put her life back together after a horrific marriage. Her strength and development while finding her way back to herself is admirable.
The relationship between Kathleen and Grant, while fast paced at times, went through its own myriad of challenges, ultimately persevering in the end.
The story of Emilie and Mary, and how even after 70 years later they played a role in Kathleen's recovery wad a nice heartfelt touch.
Overall very well written and I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
January 4, 2019
At the end of the first chapter, I didn't think I'd like this story so well. I was already unhappy with the editing and really believed that there should have been one final pass by a picky editor to get a nice polish on the book. I was also distressed by the very different take on comma usage that ran throughout the book. (Read that to mean that I thought the comma usage was very, very WRONG! and it drove me nuts! At least run it through Grammerly or ProWritingAid!) Despite these small but annoying flaws, I really loved the characters, the setting, the romance, and the story itself and couldn't bear to give it less than five stars. Anytime I enjoy a story enough to overlook those little annoyances, it means I'll be reading more by this author... and you should, too.
January 22, 2020
I haven’t read a book that takes place way up in NE Canada. The setting was well described throughout the book and seems heavenly and relaxing and restful. I love reading about small towns, and this one was no different. I especially liked learning about the historical aspect - super interesting. These characters were amazing and the writing flowed so well I just sailed through this book. The reading was effortless and natural.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2020
A story of tears and happiness, of love and growth along with a story within the story will make you fall in love with this story. Very well written and holds the reader's attention from start to finish and you'll have a hard time putting it down once you start. A clean read with wonderful characters you'll easily love and when you finish reading, you'll want to read it again. It's that good! This is the first work I've read from this author and she did not disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2021
Newfoundland Indian history
Interesting to learn about local customs. Kathleen is carrying a heavy load by herself and has to learn the importance of family and friends. I liked the way it not just about a romance between 2 people but they were part of a community and caring families. The emotions she went through well described. Good sense of location. Interesting the link with the older story through the journal and the journey that took her on. Well written. Good plot. Sympathetic characters.
Interesting to learn about local customs. Kathleen is carrying a heavy load by herself and has to learn the importance of family and friends. I liked the way it not just about a romance between 2 people but they were part of a community and caring families. The emotions she went through well described. Good sense of location. Interesting the link with the older story through the journal and the journey that took her on. Well written. Good plot. Sympathetic characters.
January 4, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a beautiful story of redemption. Kathleen is slowly rebuilding her life after an
unfortunate past. In the process of helping to catalogue old books she discovers the
journal of Emelie, whose life strangley mirrors hers. It was beautiful to read of the
redemptive power of love and how these women end up coming out of their storms
stronger and with a love that lasts.
This is a beautiful story of redemption. Kathleen is slowly rebuilding her life after an
unfortunate past. In the process of helping to catalogue old books she discovers the
journal of Emelie, whose life strangley mirrors hers. It was beautiful to read of the
redemptive power of love and how these women end up coming out of their storms
stronger and with a love that lasts.
January 23, 2020
Second chances are often what we all need. As she goes through things in the attic trying to recover from her own hurts she discovers others. Then she meets someone that is also trying to recover from their past. They hit it off from the start and it is interesting to read this well-written story with well thought out characters and how their lives intertwine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2020
Then She Danced is the first book in the Islander Romance series and is a heartwarming story.
Kathleen is a great character who has had trauma in her past to overcome. The story of her coming back to the person she needs to be is beautifully written and contains good descriptions of NFLD and the native traditions. There is also some romance.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Kathleen is a great character who has had trauma in her past to overcome. The story of her coming back to the person she needs to be is beautifully written and contains good descriptions of NFLD and the native traditions. There is also some romance.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
August 5, 2018
Heart touching story!
There is a wide range of emotions but the most important one is love. There are many kinds of love and many people to share love with. The tears you will shrewd reading this story will bring healing in your life. You don’t have to experience the e act same thing but heal you will.
There is a wide range of emotions but the most important one is love. There are many kinds of love and many people to share love with. The tears you will shrewd reading this story will bring healing in your life. You don’t have to experience the e act same thing but heal you will.
January 27, 2020
After an abusive relationship with her ex husband, Kathleen is leery of having or starting a relationship with another man. When Grant literally runs into Kathleen he wants to get to know her better. The two learn how to love again in a new way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Janice Godin; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2018
Enjoyable
This was a beautiful story of history, overcoming abuse both in the long past and in the present for two different women, but also the healing from friends, family and new love.
This was a beautiful story of history, overcoming abuse both in the long past and in the present for two different women, but also the healing from friends, family and new love.
August 9, 2018
VERY touching book, with a possible trigger if you've been involved in domestic violence - beautifully written, vivid characters you care about, glimpses into a foreign culture, and a painful, but important, journey for the protagonist.... I loved the book
February 15, 2019
Catch it in full at ♀ Bookworm
This is a first-time author, again, and it’s been sitting on my kindle for a while now... it was probably free too. Again, I know nothing about it, but that’s the beauty of it. Hahaha. Thank you for taking your time reading this review. I will leave you to the summary below and my insane thoughts and the spoilers screenshots we are all used to, by now.
I was expecting a different story altogether considering the title. Here it is what I was expecting: woman survived some sort of trauma, and she’s found release in a dancing studio where she’s highly attracted to the instructor. And a romance would bloom from that alone. With double POV! Alas, you’ll only get the trauma from my prediction. You’ll be disappointed with the lack of double POV, but I guess one can live with it. Overall it was interesting (the journal found) and the connection between a French woman from 1940’s and Kathleen from 2000’s was nice enough to overlook how bad the romantic storyline was. Like, I cracked a smile or two (honestly, the married expecting friend was far more interesting — that’s where the humor was). This book had an intense trauma to back it up, but apparently, after a hug, the walls came crashing down and the butterfly came through.
This is a first-time author, again, and it’s been sitting on my kindle for a while now... it was probably free too. Again, I know nothing about it, but that’s the beauty of it. Hahaha. Thank you for taking your time reading this review. I will leave you to the summary below and my insane thoughts and the spoilers screenshots we are all used to, by now.
I was expecting a different story altogether considering the title. Here it is what I was expecting: woman survived some sort of trauma, and she’s found release in a dancing studio where she’s highly attracted to the instructor. And a romance would bloom from that alone. With double POV! Alas, you’ll only get the trauma from my prediction. You’ll be disappointed with the lack of double POV, but I guess one can live with it. Overall it was interesting (the journal found) and the connection between a French woman from 1940’s and Kathleen from 2000’s was nice enough to overlook how bad the romantic storyline was. Like, I cracked a smile or two (honestly, the married expecting friend was far more interesting — that’s where the humor was). This book had an intense trauma to back it up, but apparently, after a hug, the walls came crashing down and the butterfly came through.
September 9, 2019
I found this story very interesting. I like the love stories good.
I disliked the abusive actions of the men in the stories. These men should have been brought to justice and sent to prison, but of course that another tale.
I disliked the abusive actions of the men in the stories. These men should have been brought to justice and sent to prison, but of course that another tale.
December 4, 2019
Then She Danced
This book resounded with me, as I had similar experiences in my marriage as Emilie and Kathleen. I enjoyed reading about their families who were so accepting and wise in helping the wounded women.
This book resounded with me, as I had similar experiences in my marriage as Emilie and Kathleen. I enjoyed reading about their families who were so accepting and wise in helping the wounded women.
January 29, 2020
This well written book with great characters that are well developed and engaging and the storyline flows smoothly from beginning to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2020
Entertaining
This story is like opening a time capsule. A forgotten journal is discovered and brings life, love and hope into a new perspective. A nice gentle story of accepting the past to create a life in the now with a promise of a fulfilling future.
This story is like opening a time capsule. A forgotten journal is discovered and brings life, love and hope into a new perspective. A nice gentle story of accepting the past to create a life in the now with a promise of a fulfilling future.
August 11, 2018
Enchanting read connecting women across decade. Could not put it down.
August 26, 2018
Not one I could read again
The book was pleasant enough but not really drawn in by the characters or storyline . Think it would be more suited to younger readers
The book was pleasant enough but not really drawn in by the characters or storyline . Think it would be more suited to younger readers
October 13, 2019
Was surprised to learn Janice was from NFLD being a fellow Atlantic Canadian
Loved the plot, characters and felt like I was right in the story, can't wait to read the next book
Loved the plot, characters and felt like I was right in the story, can't wait to read the next book
November 6, 2019
Then She Danced
An interesting story something's I didn't understand I don't know what Mikmak is but the journal was interesting, and another book follows the story on
An interesting story something's I didn't understand I don't know what Mikmak is but the journal was interesting, and another book follows the story on
December 8, 2019
Letting go of the past
An inspiring story as an abused woman learns to let others into her life to help her learn how to let go of the past and live again. A beautiful story.
An inspiring story as an abused woman learns to let others into her life to help her learn how to let go of the past and live again. A beautiful story.
June 30, 2021
So fun to read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews