Unforgettable

When I Fall in Love

by Trish Perry

Rachel Stanhope tries to see the good in everyone. But Josh Reegan tests even her good graces when they meet outside her Arlington, Virginia, dance studio in 1951. He's attractive, yet his cynicism and cockiness are hard to tolerate. A journalist and former World War II Air Force pilot, Josh considers ballroom dancing a frivolous waste of time. Although Rachel's confident nature is a refreshing challenge, he wouldn't tangle with her if his newspaper hadn't assigned him to cover her studio's competition in New York City. Between the melodrama of ballroom antics and the real drama of political corruption, Rachel and Josh have their hands full. The last thing either of them expects is mutual need and support. But once they stop dancing around the truth, the results are unforgettable.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian Romance, Christian, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction

319 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2011

About the author

Award-winning novelist Trish Perry has written more than 26 inspirational romances and devotionals for Harvest House Publishers, Summerside Press, Barbour Publishing, Winged Publications, Mountainbrook Ink, Summerside, Broadstreet Publishing, and Worthy Inspired. She has served as a columnist and as a newsletter editor over the years, as well as a 1980s stockbroker and a board member of the Capital Christian Writers organization in Washington, D.C. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and holds a degree in Psychology.

Trish’s latest contemporary romance, Why She Never Told Me, released March 2024.

Reviews

[Janie Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to venture out of my comfort Zone a bit and read Unforgettable. This is a romance novel set back to 1950 when things were much much different than they are now. I was pleasantly surprised with this book that is was not your normal heated romance. It was more an innocent read, and it made the book a little more unforgettable, no pun intended.

We start out with Rachel, dance instructor in her own dance studio. She is pretty strong, and also a pretty believable character. She was little hesitant in some areas that was a bit annoying at times, it made her appear to be just a little wishy washy. So she has her own business, this dance studio, :::enter Josh:::: Both cocky and cynical, Josh is a pretty hard core reporter. He takes pride in his job and thinks that what Rachel does is a frivolous waste of time pretty much. They butt heads on occasion throughout the story, they go through some things that they both must overcome.

Overall the story was just ok really, it did not blow me away, but it was a fast fun read. it was actually better than I anticipated so that is always good. This is a first time read for me with this Author as well. Her writing style is very fluid and easy to follow. Although I did feel like the story lacked a little depth. We do not get a very good glance into the characters back stories. But this gets a solid 3 star.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book!! I may be biased, being a fan of Dancing with the Stars, but I could not put Unforgettable down! To be completely honest, I only put it down when absolutely necessary - i.e. rushed midnight bathroom trips. You know you're reading an excellent book when time passes without you realizing - and before you know it you can hear the birds chirping outside, and morning light spilling through your windows. The story was brilliantly told - sweet, charming, and witty! I did not expect this book to be as humorous as it was, but I found myself laughing uncontrollably at moments. Not only were the two main characters well written, but the entire cast of characters combined to make a beautiful story. The dancing element, as I mentioned before, was a bonus. As was the fact that the novel took place in the 50's - so the dialogue was speckled with fun lingo from the era.

All in all - a GREAT book, wonderful story, beautiful characters.
I highly recommend!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun story! I read it last year and decided to visit it again to see if I'd like it as well the second time. I did! Rachel and Josh dance around one another (pun intended) as they try to figure out if the attraction they feel is worth pursuing. They certainly have a spark between them! But they've both been hurt before so they're a little hesitant. And the dancing! Granted I know absolutely nothing about ballroom dancing, but Ms. Perry seems to have done her homework regarding all the moves and proper stances and whatnot. Ballroom dancing seems quite fun actually. I've never tried it, but I might be able to do it if I had a patient teacher like Rachel seems to be. Rachel desperately wants her studio to do well and by hiring some new teachers and dancing in competition again, she is well on her way. Josh on the other hand makes a few mistakes and gets stuck in the Styles and Leisure section of his newspaper. Needless to say, he doesn't take this well and proceeds to use his frustration to anger Rachel, which he doesn't mean to do. But he can't seem to say the right thing, and keeps putting his foot in his mouth again and again and again. Rachel is much the same, reacting to Josh's comments badly and having to apologize herself. So they have quite a time of it initially, but there is no denying that they both feel that attraction. They certainly can't deny it to themselves!

Josh also has to deal with trying to get sources to back him up on one of his articles, which will put him back in his editor's good graces. But of course, that's not a simple thing to do either. All of this takes place in the 1950s. A time when ballroom dancing was evidently quite popular. And trying to find sources for articles is a little more difficult with no internet to help. (I'm so used to being able to google something quick, that to imagine life without this ability is kind of hard now.) With dancing and research for stories and romance all tied in a bow, this is a sweet and cute way to spend a few hours of your time. It will make you smile!

[Maggie Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Stanhope runs a dance studio in Arglington, VA. When our story begins, she is waiting outside for her assistant to arrive with the keys. The girl had stayed late the night before to practice some moves and it looks like she just might cost Rachel a slew of refunds on her pre-teen dance class if she doesn’t show. While Rachel waits with one of her students, two new pupils show up escorted by their Cary Grant lookalike father. Make that uncle, a fact he makes clear to Rachel right away, along with his opinion that dance is essentially a waste of time.

Josh Reegan can’t believe his luck. A beautiful single woman is at the dance studio, appropriate for him in every way. Thinking she is associated with the kids rather than the venue he vents his frustrations about the arts and the frivolity they represent only to learn that Rachel is the teacher! But of course she can’t understand that as a former fighter pilot and current investigative journalist his life is all about taking risks and battling corruption wherever he finds it, not cha -chas and foxtrots.

In spite of this difficult beginning, Rachel and Josh find themselves enjoying running into each other while grocery shopping, eating at local diners and generally running about town. Can they turn this attraction into something more in spite of their differences?

I loved the light hearted tone of this book, as well as the time period (1951) and the fun world of dance competitions and studios. I struggled a bit with Josh, who remained (imo) self-absorbed and had perhaps an inflated sense of the importance of what he did

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much more than a historical romance. Rachel is not the typical 1951 woman. She's unmarried and the owner of a dance studio. The book delves into her plight to create a successful business in a society where women are still considered unequal in many ways. One of her biggest critics is Josh Reegan, former Air Force pilot and current journalist, who thinks dance is a silly waste of time.

As their lives become intertwined as Josh is asked to cover the dance competition, the storyline becomes not only a romance but a determination to succeed: Rachel with her dance studio and Josh with his desire to return to political reporting. Will achieving their dreams cost them true love?



Christian fiction fans, especially historical fiction lovers, will love this trip back in time to a beautiful era in America.

[Diane Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, No, Maybe so….

What do you when your “perfect match” seems less than perfect? Rachel and Josh’s first encounter doesn’t go well and the interactions that follow seem to end on less than a perfect note. However, the attraction is mutual and the challenges they encounter would test any relationship. Through honesty and sincere forgiveness, wounds of the past can be overcome and new love can grow.

Trish brings out human imperfections in her characters one can relate to. Her writing clearly portrays the struggle of trying so hard and yet coming up short. The story is smooth flowing, filled with lively action, and many twists and turns.

Unforgettable is a wonderful story that will warm your heart, lift your spirit, and let you dream.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNFORGETTABLE is an older book that finally crossed my reading path. I couldn’t wait to start it as Ms. Perry’s beach fiction and her tea shop fiction are some of my favorites. This one has a slightly different flavor, a hard-core reporter, sniffing after a story that will make—or break—his career, and a dance studio owner who is struggling to get over a painful past and win her father’s approval.

Josh stuck his foot in his mouth quite a lot, but I love the humor in this book when he begins to think of Rachel’s name as “Sorry, Rachel” and calls himself an “ox.” My heart was in my throat at the end of the book as it came upon the scenes that would make or break Josh’s and Rachel’s dreams.

If you missed UNFORGETTABLE when it first came out as I did, then please pick up a copy now.

[Rachel Wynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real. Sweet. Involving. Humorous.

A soldier back from Wold War Two. A dance teach with a dream. A snippy man with strong wit. A determined lady. A journalist trying to tell the truth. And a wonderful story!

Rachel words as a dance teacher right after the Second World War has come to a close. One morning she is waiting outside her shop for her students to arrive when a handsome man walks up and proceeds to criticize who ever runs they pointless dance studio.... Josh is just back from a war torn life and can't see why anything so trivial as dancing should exist.

Wonderful little book! I loved it and even bought a copy for a friend of mine.

[Jane Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book! The first Trish Perry novel I've read and I'll be reading more! Set after WWII in a dance studio. A lovely story of change and the discovery that the best dancing partners are treasures.

[MLOW]

Unforgettable

4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, simple love story. It flowed wonderfully, had sweet characters... definitely a feel-good read. I look forward to more from this author!

[Lj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place right after WWII, two single people, a fighter pilot and dance teacher, both with different passions meet. The banter between the characters was sweet and the storyline entertaining. I much enjoyed Unforgettable.

[Patty Wysong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book swept me away. Loved it!!

[Tressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amzing! Its very dis criptive and heart captivating! It's a must read!

[Ralynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it such a good book I really liked it

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a very fun read that had me smiling and laughing...some cringing too. :) I'd recommend it for a fun read!

[Baily]

I was swept away by the romantic dancing and the fiery passion between Rachel and Josh. Rachel with her strong independent self gets involved with a reporter who challenges her life style.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unforgettable is a wonderful, historic romance set in the very early 1950’s. It was a time of new beginnings for many people in the USA. Rachel is running a fledgling business. Josh is a war hero and he is flying high as a hotshot reporter. Sparks fly from their first meeting and not necessarily in a good way.

I love this story, the setting and the characters. If you enjoy historic romance, don’t miss this one!

[KL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know before reading that this is by a Christian author, so of course the asides trying to show how wonderful god is completely missed for me. The writing was really well done, which sucked me in. But the story still not so subtly focuses on stereotypical gender rolls and tradition Christian “values.”

[Amy Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read. Boy meets girl story. If you like light romance, you will enjoy this book.

[Ashalay]

It was pretty good. You know, your typical romance novel, but I loved how careful both Rachel and Josh were being with their hearts before they decided to be romantically involved. No one really takes the time to get to know one another as friends before they start dating anymore, so it was really refreshing! And don't even get me started on him opening the door for her!!! Ah, such a gentleman!!!

Well done, Trish Perry!!!

[Teressa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very sappy. If you are into corny sappy stories, this will be a "go to". The reader can gather where Perry was trying to go with her heroine however I believe both lead characters could've had better character development in a longer book. The character development seemed rush which is a bit understandable considering the book was short.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny. It held my attention. It is not an evangelical book, but it is clean. I enjoyed the story. It is different from most being published now. I appreciated the historical context. Well-done, likeable characters. Very believable.

[Katri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish I could say the title applies to my feelings for the book, but, alas, 'tis not so.

[Kristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was forgettable

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Pretty good. Enjoyable read.
When I Fall in Love Series.