PINTEREST
BLOGLOVIN
GOODREADS
Lottie Daniels is dancing up the altar in Canada when she realises her whirlwind wedding is a big mistake. Chad isn’t the right person for her at all! And, in that moment, Lottie goes from dancing bride to runaway bride.
Much to her brother’s relief, Lottie decides to return to Bramblewood in the UK. But life has more surprises in store for her. After rescuing both a donkey and a little old lady called Doris – all with the help of a handsome stranger! – Lottie suddenly becomes a big part of Doris’s life.
From broken dreams to second chances, Lottie finally has a chance to rebuild her life. When her friends suggest she takes part in a dance audition she refuses point blank but it soon becomes clear that destiny has other plans.
You are guaranteed to fall head over heels with this sweet and charming romance.
Publisher: Orion Dash
Format: Ebook | Paperback (31 August 2023)
Source: Ecopy to review via Netgalley
MY THOUGHTS
My thanks to Annette for the tour invite and to the publisher for the copy to review. Annette has featured on this blog before, with a guest post for her debut Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe and then with my reviews of her subsequent books The Cosy Little Cupcake Van (plus a guest post) and Poppy’s Christmas Wishes. It is always a genuine pleasure to read her books and I’m delighted to share my thoughts on the latest, Lottie’s School of Dance. Although all the books are standalones, there are some characters that do briefly reappear and it a nice feeling of familiarity to catch up much loved characters (Posh Panniers and the Signal Box Cafe anyone?).
For Lottie’s School of Dance, we are back in Bramblewood, an idyllic sounding English village. However, the story begins in Canada, where Lottie is about to get married to Chad, which doesn’t end well. You dodged a bullet there Lottie! Luckily for Lottie her brother and his fiancee live in Bramblewood and offer her a temporary home whilst she gathers her life and emotions together.
Whilst trying to rescue a donkey from a ditch, Lottie has her first encounter with the handsome Italian Marco and Denni’s elderly owner Doris. These two characters form a huge part of the story and I fell in love with them both. Doris treated Lottie like a surrogate granddaughter and the affection and respect between them was just wonderful. Marco had a reputation for being a cad together with deeper rooted issues.
It’s not just dance that is at the centre of Lottie’s story but there is a fabulous community spirit in Bramblewood with friendship and support in abundance. All ages came together through dance which together with the romance element was captivating.
Lottie is conflicted by an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, both pulling her in different directions. Her intentions to return to her Canadian home are weighed against the life and friendships she has built in Bramblewood and of course her dreams for her dance school. Not everything was straightforward however, there were obstacles to overcome both professionally and personally.
There was so much about this book to love including the superb writing injected with warmth and humour throughout and the cast of engaging characters (well mostly!). The competitive edge of the dance competition sat alongside community kindness and of course there is the romance element, a will they/won’t they situation. This story is all about second chances and all the way through I was hoping that everyone would get theirs. It’s a gorgeous uplifting story and one to recommend.
Annette Hannah is a Liver Bird who relocated to leafy Hertfordshire in the 80’s and now lives near a river with her husband, two of their three grown up children and a crazy black cocker spaniel. She writes Romantic comedies in settings inspired by the beautiful countryside around her and always with a nod to her hometown.
She worked in Marketing for many years as a qualified Marketeer which she loved as it tapped into her creative side.
As an avid reader, she began to review the books she read, became a book blogger and eventually plucked up the courage to fulfil her life long dream of writing a book.
For four years she was a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s new writers’ scheme, during which time she wrote a book a year.
After signing a two book deal with Orion Dash in 2020 she graduated to full member of the organisation and is also their Press Officer.
She loves long walks along the river, travelling to far flung places and spending time with her friends and family.
FOLLOW THE AUTHOR : Website | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads | Amazon UK
