A Time to Dance

Keane-Morrison Family Saga #2

by Anita Stansfield

Life seems like it can't get any better for Alex and Jane Keane -- a temple marriage, two adorable children and another one on the way, a promising career, and a beautiful home. Then, within a few short days, their safe and happy lives are turned upside down when they learn that their young son, Barrett, has a life-threatening illness. And as if that were not enough, the revelation that Alex has a half-brother threatens to tear lives and families apart.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Lds, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Religion, Novels

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2006

About the author

Anita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.

"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."

"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this book for one of my English classes, and I thought that it was one of the dumbest things that I have ever read. There's just about no internal struggles, as everything magically gets solved or the Spirit tells the dad that everything it alright. There were several things that happened in the course of the book that could never happen in real life. Did she not do any research?

And in just about everything that the main character does, he is guided by the Spirit. He always has to make sure that it's the right thing to do by God, and God always tells him. What happened to thinking for yourself? I understand that we're supposed to pray to God about the things that concern us, but God doesn't solve every problem for us.

I found the book very shallow, and will never read another one of her books again. Maybe I'm just be overly critical, because I am an English major, but I feel like my own stories have more depth than this one did.

[Shara Ogilvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read hardly any LDS fiction, and I've never read this author before. At first I was practically gagging on the syrup, and was totally shocked with what I thought was flat character development. But by the end, Anita Stansfield makes up for flat characters and lots of syrup with some great insights. A good book overall, but not a great book.

[Dixie Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books brought back a lot of feelings to me, because it reminded me of my time in the hospital with my grandson Eric, who had Leukemia. I have a very tender spot for anything that brings this out.

[Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, but the story could be discouraging to some, but inspiring to others.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great book about forgiveness, not judging and learning about the atonement of Jesus Christ; what it does for all of us. It was a great book. I loved this series!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. At times it seemed to be a little slow but then it would pick back up. I really enjoyed the relationship the family had with one another.

[Monta]

I like this one better than the first, I just wish the main characters would have some character flaws to make them more realistic...no one is this perfect!

[Leslee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunely the boy in this book is fictional:( haha

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This seris is one of my favs...i could read them over and over and over again. You have to read all four :)

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered that if you read an Anita Stansfield book really fast, the corny dialogue and atrocious editing doesn't bother you so much. Or at least, it's easier to pass over it without hyperventilating. Except for one detail: every time Alex referred to Barrett as "the child" it drove me absolutely crazy. What good parent refers to their child as "the child," especially one who donates his bone marrow to his son to save his life? "My child" could work, but not "the child." Argh.

Sometimes I think Stansfield sits at her desk and plots out the best way to ruin a character's life. I can just see her thinking, "Let's see, we could start off with a fire, then I'll give a precious five-year-old leukemia, kill off an already grieving mother's dad, and what else? oh--I'll throw in an illegitimate, suicidal half-brother to the mix!"

Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if that WAS her intention--to force characters through intense trials so that it could open up some good teaching opportunities.

When I look at Stansfield's novels from a literary perspective, I cringe and curse (in a Mormonized way, of course). Her novels make the Twilight books look literary. However, I think her main purpose is to help her audience understand the gospel in a more deep and abiding way. I think with all of her books that I have read, I have learned something new about the gospel, or thought about something in a way I had never thought of before. This book certainly helped me put my life back into perspective.

So on that count, Stansfield succeeds. I may not like her writing at all, but she succeeds in getting her message across--which is to the greater good anyway.

[Chelsey M. Ortega · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book (Timeless Waltz) and fell in love with the story and Anita Stansfield as an author. I was disappointed with this second book in this series of hers. I admit, I feel a little guilty not liking this one since it is all about their son having leukemia; and of course I wanted it to end well. But I feel like it was a bit cliche to have Jane struggle with her faith in this one when Alex struggled in the last one. Also there were too many focal points: losing their house, leukemia, Alex's half brother; it was too much for one story. Maybe I'm being too critical since I haven't gone through something like that, I don't know... But my personal opinion is that Stansfield should have left it at Timeless Waltz. Not every story has to become a trilogy or a saga. Some stories are perfectly fine being just one book. I have yet to read anymore after this one, and I'm not sure if I will.

[Kedra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of this series and at this point in time I am not sure I can read the other two. This book was okay. THe reason why I didn't love it is because I felt like she talked about the same thing the whole book long. I found myself wanting to skim through the book until I got to the end. I did want to know what was going to happen, so that was good. I just picked up the third one and already by page 5 there is so much drama and I can tell its going to be a lot like the 2nd book. How much drama can happen to one family and does she have to drag out one situation the whole book long????

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author incorporates two stories into this novel. I enjoyed how she tied the two together, however, I felt a little like Jane got lost in the shuffle as Wade becomes more of her husband's focus. I guess if I were Alex, I might become more involved in my brother's life if I were having to experience a heartbreak excruciatingly painful as the possibility of losing my son to cancer. It would be easier to focus on something else to ease the pain somewhat. I loved when Jane receives a priesthood blessing and is told to replenish herself. As women, we often forget to take care of ourselves. And, I loved that Alex got her to dance again.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look how lazy I am. I cut and paste other's reviews:

"In this case, if you have lost a family member to cancer, lost a parent, or spent time with your child in a NICU, don't read it. I've experienced all three. Because of that, I have a hard time reading about sick children and someone losing their father. I cried most of the way through the stupid thing, because I'd experienced some of these sitations. Stansfield does have a great way of playing with your emotions and tugging at the heartstrings."

Too perfect characters. (Standard Anita Stansfield). But I did cry a lot in this book. Had some good thoughts and some good feelings though.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy the moments in life that are calm and peaceful, because they don't last very long. And usually there is something huge in the horizon.

Alex and Jane are facing the biggest trial of their life yet, and that is only the beginning of the web of trials and blessings that are instore for them.

"Why" is a common question many people ask when things get hard, but don't forget to ask:
"What can learn?"
"Who can I lean on?"

Answers come to Alex and Janes' families in ways they never expected and in ways that will shape everyones futures.

[Kimberly Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a tear jerker. After reading this I wanted to just hold tight to my children and never let go. I learned that each moment with my children is precious and should never be taken for granted. Even when they make me upset I try to take a moment and think that If something ever did happen to one of them I want to know that I was the best mom that I could be and that they always felt complete love.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this one better than the first. It is touching to have a romance novel in which the two main characters are married and need to re-connect. I also liked the appearance of Wade - consequences that come years after the sin and accompanying repentance process.

I cried while reading, which is unusual for me. Children dying is too much for me.

This 4-book series is one of my favorite among the modern-day books written by Anita Stansfield.

[Angee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down!! It was interesting to have everything from Alex's point of view, but I enjoyed it. Barrett's situation was hard to deal with though, and I found myself grabbing a tissue often. There was A LOT of drama, which made it seem unreal at times. Gave me lots to think about concerning forgiveness and God's grace. Very touching and warm. I can't wait to read the next in the series!

[Shauna · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I weren't captive in a car while driving through the desert, I never would have made it through this book. A few years ago I gave up on Anita Stansfield and this just confirmed that decision.

Some people may like this but darn it, can one couple really have that many bad things happen to them and then all of a sudden happily ever after? I listened to the audiobook so the narrator may have influenced my dislike. Next drive I'm sticking with my itunes playlists.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book (thanks Brigitte)! Maybe it's the uplifting, encouraging reminders of Christ and what he does to heal us, warn us, and lift us. I guess my life parallels in some ways and I've felt so many of the same things going on with this family. I admit that everytime my husband walked in the room when I was reading this I was crying again! I love the message that the Atonement is a healing power is so many ways!

[Shawn Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly don't know what to rate this book. It was probably the saddest book I have EVER read. Kid with cancer -- that is all I have to say and you will probably get why I cried through the whole book. It makes you so grateful when the loved ones in your life are healthy. It was probably good for me to read so I can have perspective on how lucky I am, but I don't think I will ever bring myself to read it again.

[Diane Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grew on me. I got it from a friend and had not read the first book in the series so that maybe why it took me a while to connect with the characters. Once I did it was hard for me to put the book down. I understand the shock and fear of seeing bruises on your child's body and the waiting for the diagnosis. My daughter had ITP not Leukemia but there was that brief time when we weren't sure. It was a touching story of heart ache and despair dealing with a terminally ill child.

[Britney · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could give it 2.5 I would. It took a long time for this book to get interesting. Once it did I liked it a lot, and even cried a few times but the beginning dragged on and on...don't you hate it when the author of #2 assumes you didn't read the first one and recaps it way way too much by adding too much detail from before?

[Maggie]

The moving sequel to Timeless Waltz assures there is indeed "a time to weep, and a time to laugh: a time to mourn... and a time to dance. You will love this sequel to Timeless Waltz. It shows us what we have to bear and that we can find the Atonement and what it has done for each and everyone of us.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one- and wow did it make me grateful for the health of my family! I did like how they were very real though, not so stoically faithful that they never questioned...they did struggle, but in the end they relied on their faith and the trials brought them closer instead of tearing them apart.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series about two people who fall in love. This story has romance, dancing, laugh out loud moments, and very serious moments. If you like romance and are LDS I would highly recommend reading this, it is definitely one of my favorite books.

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book. My son has also had leukmia and I thought a lot of the details with the disease and treatment were incorrect. It was draining on me to read. A friend told me to stop reading because she had read it and it wasn't any good. I was glad to let it go.

[Melinda Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story made me cry. It was hard to read how life can be so difficult for other people. Yet it was also very great because the came through their trials even stronger. It was through Christ and I loved that! Great book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm on my 3rd time reading this series I love them so much and get reminded about the atonement and forgiveness every time I read. Such a wonderful book would recommend for everyone to read them.

[Kaylyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of the series, book 2. A must read!