I’m delighted today to be participating in the Cedar Fort Publishing virtual book tour for THE STRENGTH OF BALLERINAS by Nancy Lorenz.In celebration of the release of her YA novel, Nancy is hosting a tour-wide giveaway for a couple of amazing prizes. Please see the end of the post for more details on that. Now for my thoughts on this delightful book.
THE STRENGTH OF BALLERINAS by Nancy Lorenz
Kendra wants only to dance for the Manhattan Dance Company. Her dreams are crushed when her family has to relocate to Napa Valley from New York. Faced with fitting into a new school and still pursuing her dream of dancing, Kendra has many challenges to overcome.
Helping care for her autistic brother in her single parent household, Kendra begins to adjust and find her place in the new setting. But when she receives news of her own health issues, her life changes forever. The choices she makes and the decisions she pursues turn her life upside down while giving her more determination than ever.
THE STRENGTH OF BALLERINAS deals with the hard work, discipline and dedication it takes to be a ballerina. But the author also gives readers a deeper story dealing with the issues this teenager must face and conquer not just with her dream to dance, but with family and friends. The turmoil and uncertainty of starting over in a new school, making new friends and being accepted from a teenager’s viewpoint are well developed throughout the story.
Lorenz has created well-developed characters that evolve as the story unfolds. She highlights the many highs and lows teenagers deal with daily. She blends desire, family, friends and understanding into a fascinating read. The story flows smoothly and the setting draws you in.
A love or enjoyment of the ballet is not necessary to appreciate this story. THE STRENGTH OF BALLERINAS deals with striving for your dreams, even as they change due to circumstances beyond your control. This is an enchanting and inspiring story you won’t be able to put down.
The Strength of Ballerinas by Nancy Lorenz, Sweetwater Books, @2014, ISBN: 978-1462114528, Paperback, 256 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Nancy Lorenz currently teaches as an English adjunct at several colleges. She worked in publishing, public relations and in network television. She studied ballet in New York City at numerous studios, including open level classes at American Ballet Theater in the 1980’s, and continues to study ballet for the sheer love of it.
Nancy recommends that you love what you do, but also to branch out to the many subjects out there yet to discover. The more you learn, the more you can bring back into your art.
For more on Nancy and her writing, please visit her website and blog. You can also connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This giveaway is tour-wide and hosted by the author. The prize for one lucky winner will be a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of THE STRENGTH OF BALLERINAS.
To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, please be patient.
Thanks so much for stopping by today during Nancy’s tour. Have you or someone in your family ever dreamed of being a ballerina? Have you ever thought about the hard work and discipline that goes into being a ballerina? Do you hear music and feel like twirling when you look at the book cover?
*This post contains affiliate links. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hi Mason and Nancy ... This appeals to me ... something I'd happily pick and read if I needed to fill some time and wanted an interesting story, when I was under stress or waiting for others with serious problems. Good luck - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, it is a most interesting story. I enjoyed that it was told from the teenager's view point and dealt with the emotions youth have to go through when a move is made.
DeleteMason - Thanks for sharing this. Gifted dancers make it look so easy that it's easy to forget how much strength it takes. It's hard work that requires so much discipline.
ReplyDeleteMargot, you are so right about the gifted dancers. They make it seem as though it's not a bit of trouble in the world to make all the moves and jumps. I can't image the long hours and hard work that goes into just one dance routine.
Deletesounds like a heartwarming book and the cover is lovely! I much prefer such books for teens than the irresponsible fantasy ones
ReplyDeleteDez, the cover is lovely and the book is inspiring. I agree this would be an excellent book for teens.
DeleteMy daughter wanted to be a ballerina. She started dance lessons at the age of three (she's thirteen, now.) She got really good at it, but unfortunately she's had a lot of back and foot injuries. It's not easy being a dancer!
ReplyDeleteSherry, the hard work and dedication that dancers put in is amazing. I can only image all the injuries a dancer could sustain. Sorry your daughter didn't get to follow her dream, but as the protagonist in the book found out - sometimes the dream changes and becomes something even better.
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