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Water Lily Dance
An imaginative, stunning historical novel wrapped in a second-chance romance by the bestselling author of Essie’s Roses, Michelle Muriel. Three brave women, centuries apart, risk everything for love in this healing, magical story of self-discovery, artistic freedom, and the friendships that pull us through the darkest times back into the light.
“. . . [a] warm, passionate, and life-changing story. Imagination is at the heart of this superb novel, imagination that builds, rends, and immortalizes. Muriel offers a story beyond words – exquisitely sad, loving, and healing historical fiction.” — Historical Novel Society
Chance is not a word to toss in the air. It’s a word to take in, a word to give yourself.
Missouri, 2014. Sophie Noel, an emerging artist and daughter of renowned artist Josephine de Lue, holds an extraordinary imagination, but a year after the unexpected deaths of her father and husband, she cannot imagine a way to “move on” from loss—or the buried childhood memory trying to resurface that may hold the key to her second chance at life? To cope with grief and the temptation to leave it all behind, Sophie escapes into a painted world of color and light, venting her anxiety to an old childhood friend—an imaginary one: French Impressionist artist, Claude Monet.
Paris, 1989. Celebrated French artist Josephine de Lue has always believed in the magic of Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France. So when her daughter’s estranged American father takes ten-year-old Sophie for a visit, Josephine never imagined this garden of light would cast a shadow that would follow Sophie into adulthood. A mother leaves a legacy and one last portrait for her daughter. A confession that may bring Sophie the peace and purpose she searches for, or one that may push her closer to the edge.
Paris, 1865. A daring shopgirl, Camille Doncieux, is captivated by the rebirth of Paris and the rebellious artists who wage war against tradition and the government’s censorship at the annual art exhibition at the Paris Salon. Behind the windows of her father’s luxurious dress shop, Camille plots a rebellion of her own after meeting three bold artists determined to change her life forever: Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Frédéric Bazille.
From an eclectic town in Missouri to the stunning backdrop of 19th-century Paris at the height of the Impressionist art movement, Water Lily Dance is an inspiring tribute to the unrelenting creative spirit and the lengths we travel to lose and find ourselves across the generations. A moving portrait of loss, love, and second chances.
“A brilliantly penned and original novel showcasing the extraordinary talent and genuine flair of a distinctive narrative storytelling style . . . [a] riveting read from beginning to end . . .” — Midwest Book Review
“. . . [a] warm, passionate, and life-changing story. Imagination is at the heart of this superb novel, imagination that builds, rends, and immortalizes. Muriel offers a story beyond words – exquisitely sad, loving, and healing historical fiction.” — Historical Novel Society
Chance is not a word to toss in the air. It’s a word to take in, a word to give yourself.
Missouri, 2014. Sophie Noel, an emerging artist and daughter of renowned artist Josephine de Lue, holds an extraordinary imagination, but a year after the unexpected deaths of her father and husband, she cannot imagine a way to “move on” from loss—or the buried childhood memory trying to resurface that may hold the key to her second chance at life? To cope with grief and the temptation to leave it all behind, Sophie escapes into a painted world of color and light, venting her anxiety to an old childhood friend—an imaginary one: French Impressionist artist, Claude Monet.
Paris, 1989. Celebrated French artist Josephine de Lue has always believed in the magic of Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France. So when her daughter’s estranged American father takes ten-year-old Sophie for a visit, Josephine never imagined this garden of light would cast a shadow that would follow Sophie into adulthood. A mother leaves a legacy and one last portrait for her daughter. A confession that may bring Sophie the peace and purpose she searches for, or one that may push her closer to the edge.
Paris, 1865. A daring shopgirl, Camille Doncieux, is captivated by the rebirth of Paris and the rebellious artists who wage war against tradition and the government’s censorship at the annual art exhibition at the Paris Salon. Behind the windows of her father’s luxurious dress shop, Camille plots a rebellion of her own after meeting three bold artists determined to change her life forever: Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Frédéric Bazille.
From an eclectic town in Missouri to the stunning backdrop of 19th-century Paris at the height of the Impressionist art movement, Water Lily Dance is an inspiring tribute to the unrelenting creative spirit and the lengths we travel to lose and find ourselves across the generations. A moving portrait of loss, love, and second chances.
“A brilliantly penned and original novel showcasing the extraordinary talent and genuine flair of a distinctive narrative storytelling style . . . [a] riveting read from beginning to end . . .” — Midwest Book Review
426 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2019
42 people are currently reading
2378 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Muriel
3 books204 followersMICHELLE MURIEL is the award-winning, bestselling author of the #1 historical fiction bestseller ESSIE’S ROSES, WESTLAND (Essie’s Roses 2), and WATER LILY DANCE. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, magna cum laude, and worked as a professional actress, a member of Actors' Equity and The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for twenty years, doing theater, voice-over, and commercial work. Michelle transferred her skills in complex character development and historical research into writing heartbreaking, heart-mending historical, literary fiction. Her novels poetically explore the secret sides of life, stories told from multiple points of view by strong female characters in history harboring secrets and breaking norms fighting for freedom. She is also a songwriter and musician. Michelle lives in Missouri with her husband. To learn more about Michelle and her books, visit the author's website: MichelleMuriel.com
#1 Amazon Kindle Bestseller
Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner Southern Fiction
Top 100 Amazon Bestseller
You can learn more about me at https://www.michellemuriel.com
#1 Amazon Kindle Bestseller
Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner Southern Fiction
Top 100 Amazon Bestseller
You can learn more about me at https://www.michellemuriel.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 20, 2019
Water Lily Dance is exquisitely-written, a transformative novel of grief and healing. This isn’t just a book you will read—it is a book that will live inside you with its beautiful images and depth of emotion.
In the contemporary timeline we are alongside Sophie, who has lost her father, her husband, and her mother, and is losing herself in her grief. Sophie is lost in painful memories, escaping the pain of her past in a world of color, sharing her intimate thoughts with her imaginary friend, Claude Monet.
The historical timeline transports us to 1865, Paris, a time of rebellion and rebirth. There we meet Camille Doncieux, an independent young woman swept up in the world of Claude Monet and his peers.
Reading this book was at times like reading poetry. The writing was lyrical and beautiful. The imagery was stunningly beautiful, involving all of my senses. But it was my heart that was touched most of all.
In the contemporary timeline we are alongside Sophie, who has lost her father, her husband, and her mother, and is losing herself in her grief. Sophie is lost in painful memories, escaping the pain of her past in a world of color, sharing her intimate thoughts with her imaginary friend, Claude Monet.
The historical timeline transports us to 1865, Paris, a time of rebellion and rebirth. There we meet Camille Doncieux, an independent young woman swept up in the world of Claude Monet and his peers.
Reading this book was at times like reading poetry. The writing was lyrical and beautiful. The imagery was stunningly beautiful, involving all of my senses. But it was my heart that was touched most of all.
September 20, 2020
This book had two storylines. The author told the modern day story of Sophie who has lost her husband, father, and finally, her mother in a relatively short amount of time. We travel with her on her journey through grief. After a slow start, I really enjoyed Sophie’s story. The other storyline follows Claude Monet’s first wife through the beginnings of their relationship. I did not enjoy this part of the book. Sophie and her mother are artists who are somewhat obsessed with Monet and his garden in Giverny, France. This is the tenuous connection between the two storylines. I would have enjoyed a book that was solely about Sophie much more than having to plow through the other storyline.
August 12, 2019
A story of heartbreak, loss and second chances, Michelle Muriel gives us a beautiful story of three courageous women, centuries apart. Two timelines – one in 2012 Missouri and the other in 1865 Paris. The link between the two – artist Claude Monet and his garden.
The strength of the book lies in its relationships, especially those between mothers and daughters. I found several “pearls of wisdom” throughout the book, the greatest being “My dear, we do not move on from grief; we move through it.” The book is one of great emotion often presented subtly and quietly.
Thirty-five-year-old Sophie is grieving the loss of her father, husband, and mother over a short time span. The loss of her mother was especially difficult for her as there was an enchantment between Sophie and her mother – i.e., instead of lullabies there were stories of sleepy fairies who “know the right berries to use to invite sweet dreams”. Sophie tries to bear her grief alone and finds herself unable to trust. Thus, she often seeks solace with her imaginary friend, none other than Claude Monet.
Eighteen-year-old Camille is torn between the loving bond she has with her father and sister and her socially unacceptable love with Monet. Like Sophie, Camille is stubborn yet courageous. She is adamant that “I do not need a man to tell me who I am…to give me purpose.” But when family secrets are revealed she is left shaken.
Muriel writes with a heightened sense of smell, taste, and sight thus drawing the reader in. The characters are endearing. Delightful Annabel was probably my favorite but I also loved Renoir – who was considered a “player” by others, but Camille saw his beautiful heart. I felt a sense of resolution and contentment as I bid these characters adieu.
The strength of the book lies in its relationships, especially those between mothers and daughters. I found several “pearls of wisdom” throughout the book, the greatest being “My dear, we do not move on from grief; we move through it.” The book is one of great emotion often presented subtly and quietly.
Thirty-five-year-old Sophie is grieving the loss of her father, husband, and mother over a short time span. The loss of her mother was especially difficult for her as there was an enchantment between Sophie and her mother – i.e., instead of lullabies there were stories of sleepy fairies who “know the right berries to use to invite sweet dreams”. Sophie tries to bear her grief alone and finds herself unable to trust. Thus, she often seeks solace with her imaginary friend, none other than Claude Monet.
Eighteen-year-old Camille is torn between the loving bond she has with her father and sister and her socially unacceptable love with Monet. Like Sophie, Camille is stubborn yet courageous. She is adamant that “I do not need a man to tell me who I am…to give me purpose.” But when family secrets are revealed she is left shaken.
Muriel writes with a heightened sense of smell, taste, and sight thus drawing the reader in. The characters are endearing. Delightful Annabel was probably my favorite but I also loved Renoir – who was considered a “player” by others, but Camille saw his beautiful heart. I felt a sense of resolution and contentment as I bid these characters adieu.
November 17, 2019
BOOK REVIEW:
Water Lily Dance by author, Michelle Muriel
A passionate, sensitive narrative of life-changing bonds and secrets- love, loss and second chances. An emotional look into the lives of three women, their connection throughout time, adversity, and heart-break. A story that transforms grief into healing- the darkness into light.
Ms. Muriel has penned a truly captivating, moving tale that will embrace the reader as if looking deep into a work of art, and understanding its meaning.
From 19th Century Paris to small-town Missouri, Water Lily Dance transports you on a journey during a time of aspiring artistry, fascination, enchantment and one woman's grasp at emotional balance through an imaginary friend- the artist, Monet.
This lyrical, historical look into the delicate balance of love, hope and life itself, will touch your heart with its beauty, it's poetic imagery, and its unexpected way of linking the past with the present.
I thank the author, for my personal, signed copy of Water Lily Dance- a story that has left the senses enriched.
5 Stars
#WaterLilyDance
#MichelleMuriel
#LittleCabinBooksLLC
Wild Sage Book Blog
Novels and Latte Book Club
Water Lily Dance by author, Michelle Muriel
A passionate, sensitive narrative of life-changing bonds and secrets- love, loss and second chances. An emotional look into the lives of three women, their connection throughout time, adversity, and heart-break. A story that transforms grief into healing- the darkness into light.
Ms. Muriel has penned a truly captivating, moving tale that will embrace the reader as if looking deep into a work of art, and understanding its meaning.
From 19th Century Paris to small-town Missouri, Water Lily Dance transports you on a journey during a time of aspiring artistry, fascination, enchantment and one woman's grasp at emotional balance through an imaginary friend- the artist, Monet.
This lyrical, historical look into the delicate balance of love, hope and life itself, will touch your heart with its beauty, it's poetic imagery, and its unexpected way of linking the past with the present.
I thank the author, for my personal, signed copy of Water Lily Dance- a story that has left the senses enriched.
5 Stars
#WaterLilyDance
#MichelleMuriel
#LittleCabinBooksLLC
Wild Sage Book Blog
Novels and Latte Book Club
April 22, 2020
Family secrets and Art
Thank you for this Kindle copy that I won through Goodreads Giveaways. I really felt like I fought my way through this book but I think it may have been because of my quarantine brain. I got tangled up in dialog. I really like the concept and loved the last 10%. This book also has a character that could receive an award for Worst BFF ever!
This is a book with dual timelines, one modern and one mid to late 1800's. The modern timeline has an artist reeling with loss who is trying to find herself again. The earlier timeline is a young French woman coming of age during the beginning of the Impressionist movement.
This book is 420 pages long. I recommend it especially to people interested in artistic painting and the Impressionist masters. Monet is a major part of both timelines.
Thank you for this Kindle copy that I won through Goodreads Giveaways. I really felt like I fought my way through this book but I think it may have been because of my quarantine brain. I got tangled up in dialog. I really like the concept and loved the last 10%. This book also has a character that could receive an award for Worst BFF ever!
This is a book with dual timelines, one modern and one mid to late 1800's. The modern timeline has an artist reeling with loss who is trying to find herself again. The earlier timeline is a young French woman coming of age during the beginning of the Impressionist movement.
This book is 420 pages long. I recommend it especially to people interested in artistic painting and the Impressionist masters. Monet is a major part of both timelines.
January 3, 2020
Loved this book!! Great way to begin 2020!!
September 3, 2019
WATER LILY DANCE by Michelle Muriel is a beautifully-written and heart-wrenching story of love, loss and second chances. It is told in two timelines, one in 19th-century Paris and the other in a Missouri town in 2014. In the present day timeline, aspiring artist Sophie Noel has lost her father, her husband and her mother in a short period of time. Now alone and struggling to cope with her overwhelming grief, Sophie loses herself in her memories of the past, both good and bad, and only finds comfort in her imaginary discussions with famous artist Claude Monet. The second timeline in the story takes the reader to Paris in the 1860s where Camille Doncieux, an independent young woman, defies her parents’ and society’s expectations and takes up with Claude Monet and his rebellious friends that are shaking up the conservative art world with their Impressionist movement. Claude Monet’s life and his well-known garden become a link between the past and present timelines in a most unexpected way. The story tells of the lives of several women, who, although they live centuries apart, share common bonds of friendship, love and family. I loved the lyrical writing and vivid descriptions of the settings and artwork. I felt totally immersed in the world of the characters and was sorry to see their stories come to an end. Even the secondary characters were wonderfully-portrayed. I truly enjoyed this moving and emotional story of family, love and hope and I highly recommend it!
October 20, 2022
A splendid look into the world of art and artists! “Water Lily Dance” is an engaging tale that escalates to a wonderful story of love and courage. You will feel the tremendous courage of the woman in this dual timeline tale.
Paris, 1865...Camille is charmed meeting artist, Claude Monet, in her father's dress shop. Monet joins a group of artists that go against tradition at the annual art exhibition.
Missouri, 2014...Sophia, a new emerging artist, tries to cope after the death of both her mother and husband within a year. To help with her loss and anxiety, she revisits her childhood imagery friend, Claude Monet.
I enjoyed learning about the art pieces by artists mentioned throughout the story. It made the story come alive when researching the actual art pieces online. Even though the story didn't grab me right away, I continued to read, and I'm so glad I did. Michelle Muriel has a flair for setting detailed scenes to give the readers a front row seat. If you are an art enthusiast, or enjoy dual timelines, I highly recommend this novel.
~This book was given to me from the author giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
Paris, 1865...Camille is charmed meeting artist, Claude Monet, in her father's dress shop. Monet joins a group of artists that go against tradition at the annual art exhibition.
Missouri, 2014...Sophia, a new emerging artist, tries to cope after the death of both her mother and husband within a year. To help with her loss and anxiety, she revisits her childhood imagery friend, Claude Monet.
I enjoyed learning about the art pieces by artists mentioned throughout the story. It made the story come alive when researching the actual art pieces online. Even though the story didn't grab me right away, I continued to read, and I'm so glad I did. Michelle Muriel has a flair for setting detailed scenes to give the readers a front row seat. If you are an art enthusiast, or enjoy dual timelines, I highly recommend this novel.
~This book was given to me from the author giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
August 22, 2019
Water Lily Dance is more than a mere novel that happens to revolve around an Impressionist artist. It is a wonderfully written, sometimes a bit wordy, but nevertheless, moving portrayal of the strength and resilience of women, centuries apart. This reviewer was delighted that, shortly after reading this novel, I was able to visit an exhibit entitled, The Impressionist’s Eye, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Author Michelle Muriel’s writing is so vividly descriptive throughout the entire story, that I too felt as if I could hear Claude Monet and his contemporaries whispering in my ear. This novel is also a great reminder, specifically for women readers, that we can move through and overcome grief and other obstacles, if we just give it, and life, a chance.
A full review can be read on Feathered Quill Book Reviews. I received a free copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed above are my own, and I have not been unduly influenced to write this review.
A full review can be read on Feathered Quill Book Reviews. I received a free copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed above are my own, and I have not been unduly influenced to write this review.
October 29, 2019
Author Michelle Muriel has written a stunner. It's lyrical prose is a delight to the senses. It is a story about love and grief and new beginnings. I found myself hypnotized by the characters who crept into my heart and left me with a feeling of deep love and remembrance of love lost. This book is so beautiful. Michelle Muriel has written an unforgettable story.
September 1, 2020
It's probably a lovely story, but life is too short to read books you can't get into. I found the language too "flowery" and poetic and not enough substantial story. Maybe I am too impatient. I am surprised at how many very good reviews have been given for this book.
March 22, 2020
Language was too flowery for me, way too descriptive. I ended up skimming a lot of it, trying to find the "secrets".
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews