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Ruth Henderson has moved back in with her parents--something she swore she would never do, especially not at the age of thirty-three. But in the face of the mountain of debt left by her late partner, and the fact that her teenage daughter, Maggie, is expressing her grief through acts of delinquency, there was really only one option.
Returning to a house Ruth swore never to set foot in again is bad enough. Add to this an estranged father, whirlwind mother, and David--the boy next door who broke her heart--and it is little wonder Ruth can barely make it out of bed.
But then, reunited with her old friend Lois, Ruth is persuaded to go along to a monthly girls' night. Here she meets a bunch of incredible women and for the first time since leaving home at eighteen, Ruth begins to make some genuine friends.
She also has her first ever date--with the charming Dr. Carl Barker. However, after a disastrous dinner, and an upset Maggie still struggling with her father's death, Ruth promises her daughter she won't go out with any other men. A promise she quickly regrets when David, the boy next door, asks her to dance. . .
Returning to a house Ruth swore never to set foot in again is bad enough. Add to this an estranged father, whirlwind mother, and David--the boy next door who broke her heart--and it is little wonder Ruth can barely make it out of bed.
But then, reunited with her old friend Lois, Ruth is persuaded to go along to a monthly girls' night. Here she meets a bunch of incredible women and for the first time since leaving home at eighteen, Ruth begins to make some genuine friends.
She also has her first ever date--with the charming Dr. Carl Barker. However, after a disastrous dinner, and an upset Maggie still struggling with her father's death, Ruth promises her daughter she won't go out with any other men. A promise she quickly regrets when David, the boy next door, asks her to dance. . .
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2015
8 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Beth Moran
23 books958 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 9, 2023
Being re-released as We Are Family 6/13/23
Moran’s latest is heartfelt from the first page. This is truly a novel to savor, with three-dimensional, realistic characters. The plot is fast-paced, yet also contemplative. Friendship, love and family all in one book — what’s not to like?
After the death of her partner and subsequent loss of their home due to overwhelming debt, Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie have moved back in with Ruth’s parents. Maggie is grief-stricken and acting out, and Ruth cannot seem to pull herself out of depression. Ruth’s mom forces her to get a job and join a monthly women’s get-together, where she begins to make friends and get her life back on track again. Then there’s that handsome man next door, the one that got away ...
Moran’s latest is heartfelt from the first page. This is truly a novel to savor, with three-dimensional, realistic characters. The plot is fast-paced, yet also contemplative. Friendship, love and family all in one book — what’s not to like?
After the death of her partner and subsequent loss of their home due to overwhelming debt, Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie have moved back in with Ruth’s parents. Maggie is grief-stricken and acting out, and Ruth cannot seem to pull herself out of depression. Ruth’s mom forces her to get a job and join a monthly women’s get-together, where she begins to make friends and get her life back on track again. Then there’s that handsome man next door, the one that got away ...
October 11, 2015
Beth Moran was a new author to me and I hadn’t read her previous book, ‘Making Marion’ when I was asked by the publisher to review I Hope You Dance and to take part in their blog tour but I’m so glad that I did say yes. This book was a delight to read and Beth Moran is clearly an author to keep an eye out for.
Our main character is Ruth Henderson. She has recently lost her partner Fraser in an accident. Unbeknown to Ruth, Fraser was heavily in debt and Ruth and their 14 year old daughter Maggie’s comfortable lifestyle comes to an abrupt end on his death when creditors start chasing for money. After leaving her job following a row with her lecherous boss, Ruth reluctantly decides the only way forward is to up sticks and for herself and Maggie to move back in with her parents. Not an easy decision as they had been estranged for some years following a family rift.
Family and friendship are very important in this story. Ruth has lost her confidence and would rather stick to safe, if not very exciting part time jobs rather than put herself in situations where she could fail. There were times initially when I felt a little frustrated with her and I was willing her on to deal with things rather than trying to hide away. Her daughter Maggie is taking her father’s death and the change in circumstances very badly and her bad behaviour, both at school and at home, is yet another problem for Ruth to deal with. At times Maggie’s behaviour was so rude and obnoxious, I had to keep reminding myself that this was a 14 year old girl grieving for her father and feeling vulnerable and lost after having her life turned upside down.
Ruth’s salvation comes into the form of the friends she makes after an introduction by Lois, the pastor’s wife, to a group of women who meet up regularly for a ‘girls night in’ where gossip and secrets can be shared in confidence, "what is said in the house stays in the house". They are a diverse set of characters but they are all kind at heart and the support and help they give to each other, and indeed to others in the community is lovely to see and the situations that these women find themselves in brings some humour to the story.
Events of the past have left their scars on Ruth’s heart but with the help of her new friends Ruth begins to live a little again, however, her daughter Maggie is unhappy at the thought of her mother dipping her toes in the dating pool and makes her feelings quite clear.
I really enjoyed this story of a woman trying to find her way again and get her life back on track. There is a Christian feel to the story as the lives of many characters revolve around the local church and its community activities but this is not overpowering at all and indeed adds to the beauty of the tale. Lois, the pastor’s wife is a breath of fresh air. She is about the same age as Ruth and whilst she is willing to help anyone, she doesn't take any bullshit. Don’t for one moment think that the community feel makes for a too sweet read; there are different elements to this story - family drama, romance and humour and then the story takes a rather sinister turn, which takes it from what could be a lighter read to something darker. The reference to dancing becomes clear during the story and explains the family rift and why Ruth has never felt good enough for her family.
All the characters in this book are excellently drawn and so very believable – I had my favourites; there are those that you will love straight away, others that will make you want to punch them in the face, and then those that grow on you as the story progresses.
This is a warm and uplifting read and definitely one that I am happy to recommend. I would certainly read more by this author.
Our main character is Ruth Henderson. She has recently lost her partner Fraser in an accident. Unbeknown to Ruth, Fraser was heavily in debt and Ruth and their 14 year old daughter Maggie’s comfortable lifestyle comes to an abrupt end on his death when creditors start chasing for money. After leaving her job following a row with her lecherous boss, Ruth reluctantly decides the only way forward is to up sticks and for herself and Maggie to move back in with her parents. Not an easy decision as they had been estranged for some years following a family rift.
Family and friendship are very important in this story. Ruth has lost her confidence and would rather stick to safe, if not very exciting part time jobs rather than put herself in situations where she could fail. There were times initially when I felt a little frustrated with her and I was willing her on to deal with things rather than trying to hide away. Her daughter Maggie is taking her father’s death and the change in circumstances very badly and her bad behaviour, both at school and at home, is yet another problem for Ruth to deal with. At times Maggie’s behaviour was so rude and obnoxious, I had to keep reminding myself that this was a 14 year old girl grieving for her father and feeling vulnerable and lost after having her life turned upside down.
Ruth’s salvation comes into the form of the friends she makes after an introduction by Lois, the pastor’s wife, to a group of women who meet up regularly for a ‘girls night in’ where gossip and secrets can be shared in confidence, "what is said in the house stays in the house". They are a diverse set of characters but they are all kind at heart and the support and help they give to each other, and indeed to others in the community is lovely to see and the situations that these women find themselves in brings some humour to the story.
Events of the past have left their scars on Ruth’s heart but with the help of her new friends Ruth begins to live a little again, however, her daughter Maggie is unhappy at the thought of her mother dipping her toes in the dating pool and makes her feelings quite clear.
I really enjoyed this story of a woman trying to find her way again and get her life back on track. There is a Christian feel to the story as the lives of many characters revolve around the local church and its community activities but this is not overpowering at all and indeed adds to the beauty of the tale. Lois, the pastor’s wife is a breath of fresh air. She is about the same age as Ruth and whilst she is willing to help anyone, she doesn't take any bullshit. Don’t for one moment think that the community feel makes for a too sweet read; there are different elements to this story - family drama, romance and humour and then the story takes a rather sinister turn, which takes it from what could be a lighter read to something darker. The reference to dancing becomes clear during the story and explains the family rift and why Ruth has never felt good enough for her family.
All the characters in this book are excellently drawn and so very believable – I had my favourites; there are those that you will love straight away, others that will make you want to punch them in the face, and then those that grow on you as the story progresses.
This is a warm and uplifting read and definitely one that I am happy to recommend. I would certainly read more by this author.
January 22, 2016
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/1P9LRuL
I Hope You Dance is a wonderful book and I am thrilled to have discovered the writing of Beth Moran. Filled with realistically flawed, often quirky, yet loveable characters, this is a story about relationships – broken and strained relationships, healing, forgiveness, and genuine friendships. There’s tender romance, suspense, poignancy, and laugh-out-loud humor woven throughout.
Faith-based British fiction is a little different than the more conservative style that Americans are used to. For instance, off-color dialogue pops up occasionally and the use of alcohol is prevalent. However, I expected this going in and it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of this great story.
I have always been a fan of British fiction, and loved being transported to the small town of Southwell, England. The cover made me think this would be a lighthearted romance, but was I in for a surprise! The romance between David and Ruth is enchanting, but there’s so much more. It’s easy to think of themes: relationships, friendship, giving, and dance – both literal and figurative. Readers will be able to relate to Ruth’s character and I was immediately drawn to her. Not only did she live with the guilt of a youthful mistake, but she kept punishing herself for of it. In Ruth’s words, “I had abandoned everything my mother had taught me and spent my entire adult life settling and making do. I had not strived, fought, adventured, embraced, journeyed, dared, been inspiring or inspired. I had barely laughed.”
The strength of this novel is the development of various relationships – with family, friends, and God – and it’s moving to walk with these characters as they grow. In the part where Ruth’s father tried to help by giving her some money, I loved her reasoning for hesitancy: “Was it okay to cash in five-thousand pounds’ worth of guilt money, if the person was right to feel guilty? If you took the money, did that mean the debt was paid, they were forgiven, and you couldn’t feel mad at them anymore?”
Some of the things I found especially touching was the group of Christian women who regularly met for girls’ night out, the “yurt” weekend they put together for a couple who needed time away from their kids, and the befriending of senior adults.
I also want to give an example of one of the best parts of this story, and that is Beth’s lyrical writing style. In an emotionally healing scene where Ruth danced with her father, they were “trying not to slip in the waterfall of tears that gushed from our pathetic eyes and formed a lake of wasted time and stupid regrets on the wooden floor between our feet.”
Everything comes to a very satisfying conclusion, but I literally hated to turn the last page and leave these characters. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Kregel/Lion Hudson for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I Hope You Dance is a wonderful book and I am thrilled to have discovered the writing of Beth Moran. Filled with realistically flawed, often quirky, yet loveable characters, this is a story about relationships – broken and strained relationships, healing, forgiveness, and genuine friendships. There’s tender romance, suspense, poignancy, and laugh-out-loud humor woven throughout.
Faith-based British fiction is a little different than the more conservative style that Americans are used to. For instance, off-color dialogue pops up occasionally and the use of alcohol is prevalent. However, I expected this going in and it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of this great story.
I have always been a fan of British fiction, and loved being transported to the small town of Southwell, England. The cover made me think this would be a lighthearted romance, but was I in for a surprise! The romance between David and Ruth is enchanting, but there’s so much more. It’s easy to think of themes: relationships, friendship, giving, and dance – both literal and figurative. Readers will be able to relate to Ruth’s character and I was immediately drawn to her. Not only did she live with the guilt of a youthful mistake, but she kept punishing herself for of it. In Ruth’s words, “I had abandoned everything my mother had taught me and spent my entire adult life settling and making do. I had not strived, fought, adventured, embraced, journeyed, dared, been inspiring or inspired. I had barely laughed.”
The strength of this novel is the development of various relationships – with family, friends, and God – and it’s moving to walk with these characters as they grow. In the part where Ruth’s father tried to help by giving her some money, I loved her reasoning for hesitancy: “Was it okay to cash in five-thousand pounds’ worth of guilt money, if the person was right to feel guilty? If you took the money, did that mean the debt was paid, they were forgiven, and you couldn’t feel mad at them anymore?”
Some of the things I found especially touching was the group of Christian women who regularly met for girls’ night out, the “yurt” weekend they put together for a couple who needed time away from their kids, and the befriending of senior adults.
I also want to give an example of one of the best parts of this story, and that is Beth’s lyrical writing style. In an emotionally healing scene where Ruth danced with her father, they were “trying not to slip in the waterfall of tears that gushed from our pathetic eyes and formed a lake of wasted time and stupid regrets on the wooden floor between our feet.”
Everything comes to a very satisfying conclusion, but I literally hated to turn the last page and leave these characters. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Kregel/Lion Hudson for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 7, 2024
3.5 stars
November 2, 2015
This book is not at all what I expected it to be and I loved that about it! I have firmly reminded myself not to judge a book by its cover, or its summary.
After losing everything she knew, Ruth quits her job and takes her 14 year old daughter, Maggie, home with her to live with her parents. She's got a mountain of debt, she's without her husband, her daughter's angry, and she's only got one person on her side, her mom. With a little bit of scheming, Ruth's mom helps her pick up her life, find old and new friends, and take charge of her future. Along the way she runs into an old flame, meets a new man who is not what he seems, and gives herself a second chance.
I Hope You Dance is a story of hope, happiness, and love. Beth did an incredible job of weaving emotions into this story, from hatred and sadness to happiness and love. Ruth is a great character to read, because after dealing with a pile of bad news, and wallowing for a long time, she finds a way to help others even when she doesn't realize it. She had such heart and I loved that she was helping herself without knowing it. She gave her all to every character, giving everyone chances even when they weren't well deserved. The story itself is full of twists, turns, dark moments, and incredibly bright ones. There was a lot to this story, it definitely isn't a quick read, and at times you feel overwhelmed for Ruth, but you keep pushing. I never felt like any character was a minor character, all brought something major to the story. Ruth's family and friends are such riots, even when bad is happening, and I enjoyed reading their interactions, especially at girls nights. It was also enjoyable to read about Ruth's mom, who has a lot more to her than given credit. It was almost like a story within a story. Yes, there were times when I shook my head, particularly at Ruth when she was being daft, but I smiled as she figured things out.
The community in this story is one that makes it a stand out novel. There's a warm church community, angry townsfolk with histories to delve into, a gaggle of young woman to gossip with, and enchanting new stories at every turn. I felt like I could see the town, the Big House, and all the eccentric characters and their unique clothing. Beth did a great job of bringing every scene to life; from awkward home encounters, pushy visits from a not-so-welcome guy, and yelling matches with her daughter, Ruth's story was like a movie right before my eyes. I can guarantee that anyone who reads this will like at least one of the minor characters and I bet you they will grow on you too. While they don't make sense apart, as a whole they come together to form a lasting bond that picks Ruth up.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to future books from Beth Moran, especially if they involve any of the characters from this book.
After losing everything she knew, Ruth quits her job and takes her 14 year old daughter, Maggie, home with her to live with her parents. She's got a mountain of debt, she's without her husband, her daughter's angry, and she's only got one person on her side, her mom. With a little bit of scheming, Ruth's mom helps her pick up her life, find old and new friends, and take charge of her future. Along the way she runs into an old flame, meets a new man who is not what he seems, and gives herself a second chance.
I Hope You Dance is a story of hope, happiness, and love. Beth did an incredible job of weaving emotions into this story, from hatred and sadness to happiness and love. Ruth is a great character to read, because after dealing with a pile of bad news, and wallowing for a long time, she finds a way to help others even when she doesn't realize it. She had such heart and I loved that she was helping herself without knowing it. She gave her all to every character, giving everyone chances even when they weren't well deserved. The story itself is full of twists, turns, dark moments, and incredibly bright ones. There was a lot to this story, it definitely isn't a quick read, and at times you feel overwhelmed for Ruth, but you keep pushing. I never felt like any character was a minor character, all brought something major to the story. Ruth's family and friends are such riots, even when bad is happening, and I enjoyed reading their interactions, especially at girls nights. It was also enjoyable to read about Ruth's mom, who has a lot more to her than given credit. It was almost like a story within a story. Yes, there were times when I shook my head, particularly at Ruth when she was being daft, but I smiled as she figured things out.
The community in this story is one that makes it a stand out novel. There's a warm church community, angry townsfolk with histories to delve into, a gaggle of young woman to gossip with, and enchanting new stories at every turn. I felt like I could see the town, the Big House, and all the eccentric characters and their unique clothing. Beth did a great job of bringing every scene to life; from awkward home encounters, pushy visits from a not-so-welcome guy, and yelling matches with her daughter, Ruth's story was like a movie right before my eyes. I can guarantee that anyone who reads this will like at least one of the minor characters and I bet you they will grow on you too. While they don't make sense apart, as a whole they come together to form a lasting bond that picks Ruth up.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to future books from Beth Moran, especially if they involve any of the characters from this book.
January 14, 2016
Although I picked this up in a Christian bookshop, it's more a book by a Christian author than a Christian book. You can see the faith thing coming through, but it isn't the main aim of the story and isn't overdone, which I actually rather enjoyed. It's engaging chick lit. It's also written in first person, which isn't always my favourite, but I still enjoyed it. In fact, at times, it became quite unputdownable, with some moments of sadness, humour and high tension.
Don't expect this book to challenge you spiritually - it won't. However, if you want an engaging book with a trickle of faith, lightly applied, then you may well enjoy this. I did.
Don't expect this book to challenge you spiritually - it won't. However, if you want an engaging book with a trickle of faith, lightly applied, then you may well enjoy this. I did.
October 9, 2015
This is one of the most difficult reviews to write, to be honest, because in how many ways can you tell that you loved something so much? I loved and adored this book and I couldn't have enough of it. I have read EVERY single word of this story, didn't skip anything - which unfortunately happens to me more often - I just absorbed this book. It was a wonderful, emotional read full of humour and characters that I was rooting for.
I wanted to read Beth Moran's book for a long time already, just didn't have a chance before, so when the opportunity to read, review and join a blog tour for "I Hope You Dance" came, I didn't hesitate for a moment, only happily agreed and waited impatiently for the novel to hit my doorstep.
For me everything in this book was perfect, right from the start to the end. It was written with such incredible depth, warmth and understanding, and just the right dose of humour - and moreover, my favourite kind of humour, the one with a little irony, where you must be able to read between the lines. What I also adored is the fact that yes, there were some dramas in this story, but they were not too far - fetched and it just sounded so very down - to - earth and true to life. It is a very emotional read, and it's going to tug at your heart - strings, bring some tears to your eyes, but also make you smile. It just feels so incredibly genuine and honest, Beth Moran has one of the biggest talents to write, and each word written by her reads in an easy way and just feels incredibly genuine.
My heart broke few times when reading this story, but I have never lost hope, not for a single second - I don't know how it's possible, but Beth Moran was able to pull this off.
I fell immediately for the main characters, Ruth and Maggie, and their family. The descriptions of the way they were all feeling were just incredible, and the author managed to put into words feelings that I have no idea exist, or couldn't myself to put into words. I could so feel Ruth's pain, her depression and desperation, but even though she wanted to just hide in her old room, under the duvet, she couldn't - with a mother that could run the whole country by herself, nobody could. Ruth's mum, Harriet, was so bossy, but bossy in such a positive and funny way, and I loved her as well. What was also so outstanding about the characters, was the fact that you could indentify with almost all of them, to understand them and their behaviour, especially our lovely Ruth, whom I loved with all my heart, but who needed a great boost of a confidence, some friends and eventually to make peace with her father. And accompanying her on this journey was an utter joy.
There was time that I wanted to kill Maggie with my own hands because no matter what, and I will always stand by this opinion, children are not allowed to dictate their parents how they should live and allow them or not for a new relationship - parents let their children live their own lives, make their own mistakes, so parents are also allowed this, right? Of course Maggie was hurting, targeting her anger at the closes person to her - her mum. I understood that, of course, and even though Maggie could be really unpleasant, I loved her with my whole heart. And my feelings apart, Maggie and her internal battles, her growing up and maturing, her being teenagy - hormonal and her finding a way to show her independence in colouring her hair, it was all so wonderfully, brilliantly captured, as if the author just sat in Maggie's head, her emotions and feelings are so genuinely and realistically described. She was a tough and clever cookie, our Maggie, I loved her banter with her mother and other characters, and I loved how down - to - earth she was, and even though my heart was breaking at her problems at school, I could loudly cheer her on at the way she managed with her fellow students.
The characters felt real and realistic, the situations they found themselves in - too, and I couldn't help but I just rooted for them, kept my fingers crossed for them, and - in short - wanted to hug them and make all the troubles to go away. The plot is complex and there are all the times new things coming, piling up over Ruth's poor head, and truly, I found myself gasping and shaking my head with disbelief, I found myself cheering her or wanting to shake her, but I also wanted to eliminate some of the characters from her life - they really evoke all kind of emotions in me. There were many moments that took me by surprise, and the storyline was incredibly clever, with some unexpected twists, and it kept me on my toes all the time. You know, this was this kind of book that you want to read as quickly as possible to see what's going to happen, but on the other hand you don't want to end, you don't want to leave the characters' lives.
One of the best part in the book (out of many!) were the girls' night. Guys! Give me one such night with such friends and I can die - the feeling of friendship, the total acceptance, understanding were overwhelming! Moreover, whatever is said on the nights, stays between the friends only - and the things that were told were truly, absolutely hilarious! I loved every single girl, I loved their unconditional friendship and the fact that they could so rely on each other, and that they knew no limits when it came to helping each other. And I loved their prayers - they were truly original!
This story perfectly blends happiness and sadness, hope and hopelessness, love and hate, and it's incredibly emotional roller - coaster that is going to stay with me for a very long time and goes straight to the top of my "favourite reads" shelf. It's not a fluffy story but a wonderful, clever and intelligent book about new beginnings and second chances. It has exceeded my expectations, to be honest, I haven't supposed it is THAT good. It has a darker side as well, so unexpected and so serious, and this all written in a beautiful, engaging way - I really can't express how much I loved this story.
"I Hope You Dance" is bitter - sweet, uplifting story, very sharply observed - the family relationships and all the emotions surrounding family life have no secrets for Beth Moran. It's about moving on, leaving past behind. It was so gently written, and told this emotional story in such a realistic way, without hiding anything, with brutal honesty, and without unnecessary twists. This book has managed this what not many books manage - so naturally made me smile, cry, gasp, cheer on and gasp, and I just buy everything that happened there, because for me it could happen in real life.
Yes, I loved this book in the whole. And if you don't know what to get me for Christmas, I'm in a desperate need of a copy of "Making Marion" :)
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
October 10, 2015
4.5
Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...
I love that feeling when you pick up a book from a new-to-you author, not sure what to expect, and then finish the book completely in love with the author’s style of writing – knowing you’ll just have to read more from them in the future. I Hope You Dance is a book that drew me in right from the beginning, with a main character I liked straight away and a story I connected with. Firstly, I picked up this book at the right time because though dancing shoes I do not possess, I’m an avid Strictly fan and loved all the dancing mentions. Maybe a few more mentions of dance early on would have suited but it worked how it was. Honestly, the dancing theme is what initially made me want to read this book but there was far more to it than that and Beth Moran has written a story full of depth, full of characters to root for and full of an emotional story you might not quite be anticipating.
As we meet main character Ruth and her daughter Maggie, we quickly see that things aren’t going great for them. Ruth’s partner and father to Maggie has died, suddenly, leaving behind masses of debts and a teenage daughter on the warpath. Matters are made worse as Ruth becomes jobless too, and her and Maggie head to move in with Ruth’s parents. I wasn’t sure what would happen when Ruth moved back home. You could tell how much she was dreading it, and in one way, I could understand why – because nobody likes to be judged and moving back in with your parents, single, jobless and friendless when you’re thirty-three probably would cause a bit of a stir in a close-knit community. But another issue Ruth had was with the people there that she knew from her past, and I liked seeing her meet some of the people she really didn’t want to bump into – and discovering that some were very different to what she was expecting and not all bad.
There is just nothing really to dislike about this novel. Everything is written strongly, to be engaging and interesting and it’s another book I devoured in one sitting – and it was well worth the day I lost to it. I liked how we read sadness and happiness in well balanced measures – how it was easy to be moved and shed a tear yet a short while later you’d be smiling, and feeling reassured and uplifted. Ok, admittedly I did the shedding a tear part more often but that’s not a criticism! There was also a big serving of unpredictability in this novel which was a pleasant surprise. I never really knew what was going to come next and it made I Hope You Dance more exciting than the typical romance novel.
Another stand out point of this novel to me, other than the brilliant storytelling, was the sparkling set of characters. I loved the group of female friends Ruth made as they brought some well-timed light relief. I really can’t even express how much I loved reading their parts in the story. Some of the things they covered, which were never to be repeated outside of the group, cracked me up and they were just such a loyal, considerate bunch of friends. It was impossible to dislike them and I wanted a slice of their friendship, too. I simply loved seeing Ruth make friends because early on in this book, you see a woman lacking in self-confidence and self-belief – accepting her life slipping because there’s nowhere else for it to go. My heart reached out to Ruth and all I wanted was the very best for her.
The other main relationship I was fascinated with was between Ruth and her daughter, Maggie. They had an understandably up and down relationship, what with Maggie going through that teenage stage and having lost her dad, too. Maggie was at times a bit harsh, a bit expecting of her mother to live life the way she wanted her to. But I seriously did feel for Maggie too and there were stages, especially when she was at school, that I was really willing her on to come through the other side relatively unscathed. I also enjoyed the lighter moments Maggie shared with her mum because it surely wasn’t only anger inside of her.
There are many more things for me to mention that I liked or loved, because honestly I Hope You Dance was just that kind of fantastic book, but I do want to say that I felt like the romance element to this book was written exceptionally and perfectly. I adored it, truly.
Beth has written this book so intelligently, I can guarantee you it’s going to be a far better book than you’re expecting, even if you have the highest hopes for it. I really wasn’t imagining something this hard-hitting but it was hard-hitting in a way which wasn’t overwhelming, only completely rewarding. It made the happier, brighter moments more satisfying and how I wished for Ruth to get a break because she had so much to handle throughout the course of this book, and I somehow wasn’t sure how she could manage yet wholeheartedly believed in her, at the same time. I only have one tiny criticism of this book and that was how I found it a little bit difficult keeping up when everything bad was happening to Ruth all at once. I did sympathise with her so much but at times it made my head spin, also! It only bothered me slightly, though, because I did enjoy how each hardship in Ruth’s life was delivered and developed and how everything combined nicely together (nicely to read, not nicely to endure, in Ruth’s case).
The author really covers it all in this spectacularly good book. Every moment was worthwhile and fulfilling, every piece of the puzzle fit together and the ending of the book was one hundred percent fitting, and enjoyable. I couldn’t get enough of this story – the characters, the highs and the lows. One final thing I loved, if I haven’t mentioned that word enough already, was that Beth kept this book honest. She didn’t breeze over the more emotional moments and the characters didn’t get over them for the sake of moving the book on. It was paced to perfection and every scenario was realistic and easy to imagine. That then made the positive message throughout this glorious book work its magic and I ended up eager to grab life’s opportunities with both hands and make them count. That an author can take her characters on such an emotional journey and still with ease lift the reader’s spirits is a sign of a pretty talented writer to me and Beth Moran is now safely on my list of authors whose books I NEED to read. What a great book!
(review copy)
Read
August 1, 2024Re-released as “we are family”
January 4, 2016
In " I Hope You Dance" which I won through Goodreads/First Reads grieving and penniless after the death of her boyfriend Fraser, Ruth Henderson moves back to the home of her parents in Southwell, Nottinghamshire with her fourteen year old daughter Maggie. With no job or friends, a rebellious grief-stricken teen and a debt load she knew nothing about until tragedy struck, Ruth would rather hide under the covers of her bed than to rise from the ashes of her despair and begin living again.
This touching, delightfully charming and humorous story follows Ruth's struggle as she looks for redemption, fulfillment, hope and faith in her new life. Intricately woven into this mesmerizing plot is Ruth's work experiences; her clash of will with her brokenhearted child; her friendship with five amazing, understanding Christian women; and the rekindling of a love thought lost forever. Set against a background of ballroom dancing Ruth learns to dance again not only as she confronts her worst fears; faces the boy-next-door who betrayed her trust but who she has never stopped loving; and finding forgiveness and a renewed relationship with the father who she thought had spurned her because she was always out -of -step with her family.
Tension and suspense escalate when Ruth agrees to have dinner with Dr. Carl Barker, the son of a client at the Oak Hill Centre not only to have him stalk her but upset Maggie who doesn't want any men in her mother's life. Yet for all the fear, grief and despair that fuels this riveting plot romance energizes its core as love re-ignites between Ruth and her childhood sweetheart David Carrington; blossoms between his father and their sexy, housekeeper Ana Luisa; and draws Maggie to Ruth's friend's foster son Seth. Even when Ruth's parents hit a rocky patch in their marriage their devotion is renewed when they learn to dance together again.
With clever precision Beth Moran creates characters with strengths and flaws that infuse passion, energy and drama into a story you can't put down until the end. The unforgettable cast includes a depressed Ruth Henderson who feels vulnerable and useless, wanting to run from her problems as she did in her youth. But with the interference of a loving mother who is determined to help her resurrect her life Ruth runs a gambit of emotions, finally leaving boredom, loneliness and confusion behind as she learns to live again and to reach for love. Handsome David Carrington is the childhood friend who betrayed her but who still holds a piece of her heart. Full of life, sensitive to Ruth's needs, and unable to forget the love they once shared David doggedly pursues her.
Fourteen year old Maggie born out of wedlock has a sizeable chip on her shoulder and refuses to let her mother date again, fearing her father will be forgotten. She masks her intelligence, kindness and humor behind anger and rebellion. Only when she reaches out to an eccentric old woman and draws close to Seth Callahan, a foster child looking to redefine his life does Maggie's remarkable personality shine through.
I laughed and cried as Ruth Henderson faced each hurtle in a life fraught with challenges. " I Hope You Dance" is a novel I highly recommend and will look for more books by this wonderful storyteller.
This touching, delightfully charming and humorous story follows Ruth's struggle as she looks for redemption, fulfillment, hope and faith in her new life. Intricately woven into this mesmerizing plot is Ruth's work experiences; her clash of will with her brokenhearted child; her friendship with five amazing, understanding Christian women; and the rekindling of a love thought lost forever. Set against a background of ballroom dancing Ruth learns to dance again not only as she confronts her worst fears; faces the boy-next-door who betrayed her trust but who she has never stopped loving; and finding forgiveness and a renewed relationship with the father who she thought had spurned her because she was always out -of -step with her family.
Tension and suspense escalate when Ruth agrees to have dinner with Dr. Carl Barker, the son of a client at the Oak Hill Centre not only to have him stalk her but upset Maggie who doesn't want any men in her mother's life. Yet for all the fear, grief and despair that fuels this riveting plot romance energizes its core as love re-ignites between Ruth and her childhood sweetheart David Carrington; blossoms between his father and their sexy, housekeeper Ana Luisa; and draws Maggie to Ruth's friend's foster son Seth. Even when Ruth's parents hit a rocky patch in their marriage their devotion is renewed when they learn to dance together again.
With clever precision Beth Moran creates characters with strengths and flaws that infuse passion, energy and drama into a story you can't put down until the end. The unforgettable cast includes a depressed Ruth Henderson who feels vulnerable and useless, wanting to run from her problems as she did in her youth. But with the interference of a loving mother who is determined to help her resurrect her life Ruth runs a gambit of emotions, finally leaving boredom, loneliness and confusion behind as she learns to live again and to reach for love. Handsome David Carrington is the childhood friend who betrayed her but who still holds a piece of her heart. Full of life, sensitive to Ruth's needs, and unable to forget the love they once shared David doggedly pursues her.
Fourteen year old Maggie born out of wedlock has a sizeable chip on her shoulder and refuses to let her mother date again, fearing her father will be forgotten. She masks her intelligence, kindness and humor behind anger and rebellion. Only when she reaches out to an eccentric old woman and draws close to Seth Callahan, a foster child looking to redefine his life does Maggie's remarkable personality shine through.
I laughed and cried as Ruth Henderson faced each hurtle in a life fraught with challenges. " I Hope You Dance" is a novel I highly recommend and will look for more books by this wonderful storyteller.
October 6, 2015
I Hope You Dance isn't a novel that I would naturally have chosen to read, but when I was approached by Lion Hudson about a potential blog tour, I was intrigued to know more.
Ruth Henderson has moved back in with her parents, it wasn't something she was ever imagined she would do, particularly not at the age of thirty-three with a teenager daughter in tow. But then life hasn't been particularly kind to Ruth.
She thought she was happy living with Fraser and Maggie, although they never married, Ruth never wanted for anything. When Fraser is unexpectedly killed in a car crash, Ruth discovers that he's been living another life. Something much worse than an affair- he has left her a mountain of debt she had no idea existed.
After quitting her job due to a leery boss, Ruth realises she is left with nothing, except her precious daughter Maggie and reluctantly comes to the conclusion that if either of them are to even begin to move on with their lives then they most move 'home'.
After finding two part jobs and settling Maggie into her new school, Ruth reluctantly throws herself on to the dating scene, with a little help from a dashing local doctor. Quickly she realises that she isn't ready, but Carl is persistent and Maggie is flattered.
So what happens when the boy next door returns? David is the love of Ruth's life. But is he about to be brushed aside in favour of Carl or will Ruth realise that she doesn't want to date at all and is happy and content just to look after Maggie?
I Hope You Dance is full of truly brilliant characters and a wonderful twisty plot that will have certain aspects keeping you guessing.
A real gem of a novel.
Ruth Henderson has moved back in with her parents, it wasn't something she was ever imagined she would do, particularly not at the age of thirty-three with a teenager daughter in tow. But then life hasn't been particularly kind to Ruth.
She thought she was happy living with Fraser and Maggie, although they never married, Ruth never wanted for anything. When Fraser is unexpectedly killed in a car crash, Ruth discovers that he's been living another life. Something much worse than an affair- he has left her a mountain of debt she had no idea existed.
After quitting her job due to a leery boss, Ruth realises she is left with nothing, except her precious daughter Maggie and reluctantly comes to the conclusion that if either of them are to even begin to move on with their lives then they most move 'home'.
After finding two part jobs and settling Maggie into her new school, Ruth reluctantly throws herself on to the dating scene, with a little help from a dashing local doctor. Quickly she realises that she isn't ready, but Carl is persistent and Maggie is flattered.
So what happens when the boy next door returns? David is the love of Ruth's life. But is he about to be brushed aside in favour of Carl or will Ruth realise that she doesn't want to date at all and is happy and content just to look after Maggie?
I Hope You Dance is full of truly brilliant characters and a wonderful twisty plot that will have certain aspects keeping you guessing.
A real gem of a novel.
June 12, 2016
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
I loved this story--so fun and quirky mixed with some very serious topics. Beth Moran is a terrific author that knows how to write with equal parts humor and gravity. After Ruth's partner dies in a car accident and she finds out about all of his secret debt, she and her daughter Maggie must move home. Here, Ruth meets a group of women who teach her what being a friend is all about. She also finds herself again living next door to her childhood love. While she works to establish a life for herself and her daughter she must decide if there is room in that life for one more.
I loved this story--so fun and quirky mixed with some very serious topics. Beth Moran is a terrific author that knows how to write with equal parts humor and gravity. After Ruth's partner dies in a car accident and she finds out about all of his secret debt, she and her daughter Maggie must move home. Here, Ruth meets a group of women who teach her what being a friend is all about. She also finds herself again living next door to her childhood love. While she works to establish a life for herself and her daughter she must decide if there is room in that life for one more.
November 14, 2015
Lovely cover, cute synopsis, but the writing style was not for me. The emotional turmoil, while understandable, was not portrayed in a manner that caused me to sympathize with the character. I have a feeling others will really enjoy this novel; unfortunately, I am just not one of them.
You might want to try it if: you are a fan of sassy, slightly ridiculous characters, and romance novels.
You might want to try it if: you are a fan of sassy, slightly ridiculous characters, and romance novels.
February 24, 2017
A young pregnant teenage mother struggles to make her way with the help of the father of her child. They provide a good life for their daughter but Ruth cannot give her heart. Her heart will always belong to David. In an unexpected turn of events, Ruth finds herself a single mother and with an unsurmountable amount of debt so she returns to the family home to sort things out. At the same time, David is returning home a celebrity but alone. He has never given his heart away because it still belonged to Ruth. A not so friendly blind date turns into a crazed stalker and the friend her retired dad meets turns out to be a homewrecker. Author Moran offers enough challenges and mystery to keep us all involved as the characters work out their lifelong issues.
December 14, 2022
I loved this story. It has transformation, friendship, faith, family, drama and romance and nature and children, oh and it’s very funny too! What more could you ask for?! I thought the characters were engaging and the story was dramatic in places, but also funny and ultimately uplifting and full of hope. I was a bit sad when it ended, and have been thinking about what the characters are doing now, which for me is always the sign of a great book. You zoom to finish it because you can’t put it down, but then it’s sad that it’s over and you wished you read it slower!
February 22, 2022
Soms krijg ik tegen het einde van het boek een brok in m'n keel, zonder dat dat iets te maken heeft met de inhoud van het verhaal. Dit boek was er zo een, het is zo jammer dat hij uit is. Het verhaal slokte me vanaf het begin op en de manier van schrijven maakte dat het boek tot leven kwam, wat mij bij een vertaling maar zelden gebeurt! Een kleine 400 pagina's puur genieten!
September 7, 2024
Dnf.
I tried to like this book but I just couldn't get into it. It might just be that I'm not in the mood for this type of book right now and I just finished a great book that set the bar. But I ended up skimming through a lot of this novel to see if it got better but IMO it didn't. I'm glad for those of you who love this book! But it's just not for me.
I tried to like this book but I just couldn't get into it. It might just be that I'm not in the mood for this type of book right now and I just finished a great book that set the bar. But I ended up skimming through a lot of this novel to see if it got better but IMO it didn't. I'm glad for those of you who love this book! But it's just not for me.
June 26, 2020
A lovely heartfelt book. I hope you can dance is the type of book that no matter what life throws at you, you will get a happy ending. I enjoyed this book, moments of sadness, a little tension in places but lots of love and a joy to read.
November 24, 2020
Had to keep at it the first 150 pages, but then the story got more interesting and I quickly read through to the end. Not your average simple and predictable love story, but actually a story that has a lot more to offer.
February 15, 2023
I may be overdoing the five star rating. It did take me a bit of time to get into the book, but then all the elements of community and family started hitting the right marks. And the impediment to love was an actual, legitimate impediment. so yeah, I'll try to bump up the rating.
July 9, 2019
A cute , easy, and predictable read that had a lot of heart.
July 9, 2019
This was an easy, cute, but predictable read. All of those things aside, the book had a lot of heart and was enjoyable.
January 11, 2020
Superb
Another treat about female friendship and strength . Beautifully written so you care about the characters, with love and humour
Karen B
Another treat about female friendship and strength . Beautifully written so you care about the characters, with love and humour
Karen B
February 5, 2020
And that’s a wrap of Beth Moran’s backlist. For sure an author I’m going to follow.
August 22, 2021
I tried the book but it was not really my kind of romcom drama. I am sure the story is enjoyable and good. But it was too full of characters, twists and 'teenage' tantrums.
November 11, 2023
4,5 ⭐️
April 28, 2025
what a wonderful story of love lost and found again. truly a good read with enjoyable characters and an interesting story line
November 1, 2024
Mooi boek over vriendschap en liefde, maar ook over rouw en moeite. De schrijfstijl van dit boek spreekt mij echter wat minder aan, daarom 3/5 sterren.
May 21, 2023
Gezellig boek. Soms wat langdradig. Maar gelukkig loopt het goed af…
May 12, 2021
I enjoyed this book. A beautiful love story that withstands test of time.
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