Can you believe this is book # thirteen in the Eternity Springs series? I admit that I only discovered this series recently, but the stories that I have read are charming feel-good romances and A STARDANCE SUMMER is another wonderful entry to the series.
Lili Howe's life is not going the way she planned. Betrayed at her job and then dismissed by her family she has had enough and decides to join her friends camping at Stardance Ranch. Her friends might be seniors, but they are fun and feisty. One night they talk Lili into joining them by skinny dipping one starry night. And wouldn't you know it, her childhood crush Brick Callahan is one of the owners. Brick has had some changes in his life as well including finding family and his roots. She knew him as Mark and he was her brother Derek's best friend. Brick can't believe the pesky Lili has grown into a fine looking woman. Sparks fly between the two of them but neither wants anything long-term. Right? He's been burned by love and doesn't believe and Lili has a future that she needs to come to terms with and decisions to make.
This is a story of life changes and growth by Lili. She goes from living in her brother's shadow and spreads her wings at the ranch. Besides the blossoming romance between Lili and Brick, there is the strong friendship under the mentoring guidance of her older friend Patsy, a woman who leads a full life under her own terms. She is the heart of the Tornado Alley Cats and they really live their lives. Patsy encourages Lili how to embrace change and to enjoy life again, on her own terms. This secondary part of the story is touching and the bonds between their friendship is lovely.
Long-time readers will love this new addition to the Eternity Springs series and see what some of the previous residents have been up to. Brick has had a lot of big changes in his life including another big branch in his family tree. His life may be full of chaos, but he really loves being part of the Callahan family. Lili is the bright spot in his life but can he convince her to stay? Their connection is slow-building and true. They both learn to change and adapt together with the promise of a wonderful future together. Readers will enjoy Brick and Lili's story which is full of fun, self-discovery, change, family, home and of course, love. I am looking forward to my next visit to this charming town.

After a demoralizing work situation blows up in her face, Liliana Howe asks her parents for help and support. When they minimize her difficulties and hurry on with their day, Lili decides to do something totally out of character. She joins the Tornado Alleycats, a women’s camping group, and heads off to Eternity Springs with the other ladies.

The Alleycats are mostly retired ladies with a great sense of fun and adventure. Lili wants to be like them, but the campsite owner completely discombobulates her. It’s Mark Christopher, now known as Brick Callahan…her brother’s best friend and her middle school crush, who broke her heart when he began dating Tiffany Lambeau all those years ago.

I loved the Alleycats, with their great capacity for enjoying life. I didn’t so much love Lili and Brick. Lili choosing “flight” instead of “fight” when not only her career, but her reputation was on the line – and Brick still carrying the torch for Tiffany, after how many years? I realize there needs to be some conflict to get to the HEA, but I thought this was a bit drawn out. The book was all right, but I wasn’t drawn in to the storyline.

The very first time I read the blurb of this book I was immediately intrigued ,so when I got the chance to read this book , I was so excited .This book was fantastic ! I loved Brick and Lili , this story was sexy , addicting , heart felt and swoon worthy . Seeing Brick and Lili fall in love was just amazing and I felt that they got the perfect story . Iam so eager to get my hands on the next book in the eternity springs series , I know its going to be fantastic . I just loved everything .We got see Brick and Lili face somethings that have been been in there way for years , for Lili it was her need to constant seek her parents approval and for Brick it was finally letting go of his ex , in so many ways this helped bring to them closer and I loved that . This is my very first Emily March book and A Stardance Summer was just such a fantastic read .If you are looking for a sweet , sexy , fun , heartwarming read that will have your eyes constantly on page then you should definitely pick up a copy of A Stardance Summer .

There is a lot going on in this book. It opens with Lili Howe going to her parents for help with a problem she is having and them being dismissive towards her. They come around very much later in the story but you get the feeling that is the way she has always felt. She decides to join the Tornado Alleycats, which is an all-women’s camping club and she is the youngest at 29. Once she makes the drive from Oklahoma to Colorado, and the StarDance Ranch she sets up her trailer and discovers that the camp ground is own by her brothers best who lived next door to Brick Callahan, but had a different name when he was living next door. Yes she had a crush on him but he fell head over heels for another girl in town who broke his heart and she got to watch it from the front row. Now he has a three date only policy yada, yada, yada. That is why he is named Brick. This book felt slow when reading, and there was a lot going on. When you finished one thing you were being led to another which took a while to get to, and sometimes even that was slow. The characters were good and there are a lot of them especially when his family shows up. You do feel like you went through summer, but when you get to the end you are left with some unanswered questions. That is the way I took it maybe others will look at it differently but I felt wanting some closer on some of the things that were happening during the story. Overall good characters and good scenery.

Lili and the Alleycats were wild and crazy and awesome! I loved them so much. Lili and Brick were such a sweet old friends reunified story. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other again and learn to truly love.

What a delightful find! I'm always so thrilled when I discover a 'new to me author' who I so enjoy and I realize has a treasure trove of other books just waiting for me. This was my experience reading Emily March's latest, A Stardance Summer. This is thirteenth in the Eternity Springs Series, but new readers can totally jump in and feel right at home with these characters. One chapter in and I knew I'd be reading many, many more in this series, as well as other Emily March titles.

A Stardance Summer is a perfect summer read, the one you search for every year, but is often illusive. Lili Howe is at a crossroads. At twenty-nine she comes face to face with the realization that her career, ever striving for a higher rung on the corporate ladder, was never her dream, but simply a way to please her parents and keep up with an over-achieving older brother. She is abruptly shaken when she is framed for embezzlement and a DUI after getting to close to some damning information at work. The tipping point comes when her parents don't believe her innocence and won't back her desire to fight back. Devastated, Lili makes a decision that seems rash but it's something I'm going to entirely admit to dreaming of...she drives away right then and there, buys a truck and camper, and goes to meet up with an all girls camping club in Colorado for the summer. Hello, YES, and can I come too please?!? I did an audible cheer for this girl! Emily March had me, hook-line-and-sinker. I was all-in for Lili's journey of self discovery. Don't we all need a little vicarious escapism?

Arriving at Colorado's Stardance Ranch Lili gets a bit more then she bargained for when she realizes the Camp director, Brick Callahan, is her brother's childhood best friend who she had a massive crush on, and truth be told never got over. As she is embraced by the members of the camping club, all much older then she, they seem set on fixing her up with her old friend. Things never go smoothly however, and despite a crazy attraction there are obstacles, missed opportunities, misunderstandings, a lot of mixed signals, and an old love and nemesis named Tiffany. The warmth of these characters, the very real nature of what they experience, the enduring relationships, along with the stunning Colorado wilderness, made this such an enjoyable, immersion read for me. I can't wait to experience more of this series, and other titles from Emily March. I strongly recommend this sweet summer book!

I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from St Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions.

A Stardance Summer is the third of Emily March’s Eternity Springs books that I’ve read and my admiration for her storytelling on continues to grow. Her character are well developed and relatable and her story lines aren’t about quick and easy fixes. I seem to find myself completely eager to immerse myself into life in Eternity Springs and in this case, camping at Stardance Ranch with Lili Howe and the Tornado Alleycats.

Our hero in this story is Brick Callahan. In the past stories that I’ve read he was always an interesting secondary character and I’m happy we get to know him better. He’s certainly had a complex upbringing and his life in Eternity Springs is almost a second act. He and Lili have a past, a loose connection through her brother so when she shows up at his camp intending to stay for the summer, it’s obvious there’s a reason, fate maybe, that brings them together. but Brick spends this life deep in denial, making this an great read about the reluctant suitor.

I immediately took to Lili. My heart ached for her situation. She feels quite alone, lacking the support of her family, she takes the”flight” option in the fight or flight scenario not knowing that her unrequited crush from her childhood now lives there. The thing about Lili is that she is far more brave and self sufficient then she realizes. She’s genuine and quickly endears herself to the ladies in the Tornado Alleycats and the entire community of Eternity Springs.

This is a story centered on the nature if unrequited childhood crushes and two people suddenly given the opportunity for a second a chance they didn’t even know existed. True to March’s story-telling A Stardance Summer is heartfelt and inspiring and a story I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters of Eternity Springs are enchanting and I look forward to going back in the series as well as going forward. 5 Stars!!

This was an emotionally enjoyable read. I've started this series quite a ways in but I picked up right away on the Angel aspect of the story. This story deals with betrayal both personal & professional as well as a childhood crush that's just gotten stronger as the years went on. I loved the women of the Callahan family, they spoke their minds & never seemed to mind or fear budding into the lives of their family members & the men of the family were honest with their feelings & never seemed embarrassed to publicly say that they had been fools to almost lose out on the women in their lives. I enjoyed the hilarious Tornado Alleycats ladies, they were truly a hoot with their antics & daily get togethers & the constant flirting that they did with Brick. Liliana was a wounded character that needed time to grow & get past the hurts that she'd been dealt. Finding herself at Brick's RV camp was surprising & the idea that she might just have a chance with the one man she's loved was even more surprising. For Brick love wasn't an option in his life anymore, seeing Liliana all grown up was a shock but how he was drawn to her was even more of one. Now the angels of Eternity Springs are fast at work making magic for Liliana & Brick. Definitely recommend it's a cute story.

Liliana Howe and Brick Callahan aka Mark Christopher grew up together. Actually, Mark was Lili's brother, Derek's best friend. They were older than her and she was always the pesky little sister. Now, Lili is all grown up when Brick spies her in his RV park. Lili's career is shot because of her boss' betrayal and she wants some downtime.

Brick had been betrayed by his former long-time girlfriend, Tiffany. He doesn't do long-term romantic relationships anymore. He won't date a girl for more than three dates. That way they don't get all serious about the relationship and he can move on without guilt. Lili is different, though. He san see long-term written all over her and it scares him. She is also his best friend's little sister. Both are strikes against her in his eyes. Can he learn to trust again? Can Lili figure out her future plans and not have Brick be a part of them? You will just have to read the book to find out.

There were a couple of sex scenes in the book but they weren't graphic. The language was clean and the story was sweet and had some depth with the secondary characters.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Stardance Summer by Emily March

Book Synopsis: 

Return to the beloved small town of Eternity Springs.
Brick Callahan enjoys every minute of chaos at his campground, Stardance Ranch, especially after the Tornado Alleycats arrive for an extended summer stay. The members of the all-female glamorous camping club are primarily seniors—active and adventurous, friendly and fun, until he discovers Liliana Howe  The last person Liliana expects to find running an RV resort is her high school crush. Now What?

Book Review:   
I want to state something right off!  I am not a big fan of romance novels.  

HOWEVER, I did like this book and when I grow up I am going to join the Tornado Alleycats and wander through the United States with them.  The romance is there for those who love romance.  Ms. March did a great job in developing the characters in this story and Lil and Brick do a lot of growing up , emotionally in this story.  

Although the book is part of a sequel, this book can be read as a stand alone and you really won't miss having read the first book.

When Lili decided to spend the summer with her friend and her camping group the Tornado Alleycats, the last person she thought she would ever run into was Mike Christopher - her childhood crush and her brother's best friend, except now he went by Brick Callahan. Mike broke her heart when he invited Tiffany up into his treehouse, instead of her. Now years later, memories and heartaches are visiting her again. Tiffany once again is stealing what should be hers and now it looks like she is about to spend a summer with the one guy she always fantasized about.

After Mike's heart was broken by his first love, he now was in Colorado trying to prove to his father, he has what it takes to be a part of the Callahan family. When he sees Lili among the, what he was told was mostly an all women, senior citizen camping group, he was more than surprised. But where had this gorgeous woman in front of him been hiding and why hadn't he noticed her sooner?

Although this is the 13th book in this series, you do not have had read the other books in the series. I loved Brick and Lili. The book definitely has peaked my interest in the series and I will definitely be adding the rest of the books to my TBR.

Eternity Springs has always managed to be just what someone needs at that moment: healing, growth, self-reinvention. And again, we have a heroine in need of a life-changing boost that will allow her to find her happiness. Lili hasn’t been the best – struggling in her family of overachievers and never feeling enough, she knows that it is time for her to get off the hamster wheel of other people’s expectations and find her own purpose. But those expectations and the implied or overt censure she gets from her family mean that making change will begin with a new place. Not quite ready to take that step, she joins an all-female camping club, hoping for some girl-power support and a chance to find a path.

Brick is content in Eternity Springs: he’s adjusted his expectations to ‘fun only’ with women, not willing to allow himself to feel too much, or let them get too close. A bit of stuck is Brick – he’s got rules (lots of them) and expectations for himself – all meant to keep him from pain. But, reconnecting with Lili – even though she’s his best friend’s sister and thus out of bounds, is something that is too tempting to pass over. Even as much as he tries. Repeatedly.

There was so much going on in this story: the push-pull between Lili and Brick, the repeated insets from couples from earlier stories, and the gradual growth of Lili as she finds her own purpose in life: not dependent on Brick. The fact that I had read a few of the earlier books helped in my understanding and recognition of the repeated comings and goings throughout the story, but there were times when it almost felt like filler – distracting from the connection that was building, but never quite felt complete. At points, I longed for Lili’s perspective especially as Brick was so hot and cold – and it must have been both frustrating and confusing. I know it was for me. What emerged is the connections: some lasting, others less so, that are in everyone’s lives; and the lessons that can be learned.

Best read if you have familiarity with the series, as there are many characters that make a return appearance: this did give a sense of the town and it’s effects, but quickly became rather overwhelming as so many of these characters were just checking in and moving on, distracting from the couple-hood of Lili and Brick. Fans of the series will love these moments, and those who’ve read a few books (like me) will find an interest in reading some of their stories, while wishing that Brick and Lili had provided more of a connection that tugged at the heart.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=”http://wp.me/p3OmRo-9bd/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

As my first read by this author, I was excited, but as it was the thirteenth of its series I was perhaps a tiny bit wary, wondering if I’d get the same pleasure I would had I read the previous books and gotten to know the characters better. Having finished it, I can say that it was an unfounded fear on my part. There were several characters that I’m sure had their books before, but the only thing their presence made me feel was curiosity about their stories.

A STARDANCE SUMMER felt like a second chance romance. Even though Lili and Brick technically never had the chance of their first romance, they knew each other from when they were young, and Brick was Lili’s brother’s best friend. So yep, this is another kind of couple I love to read. Falling in love with your best friend’s brother/sister trope.

Although they’ve known each other from way back, Lili and Brick certainly get to really know each other and become friends and something more after they meet at Stardance Ranch. I saw a vulnerability in Lili that I liked, but she also had a crazy streak that had her joining an elderly camping club and taking off without letting anyone know of her whereabouts. I liked her character, she was a good girl through and through, but that didn’t stop her from being brave enough to be a little bad.

And Brick was fun to read. He was a flirt, but in the best, charming way possible. At first his family tree concerned me, having this big bunch of people walking around, Callahan men and women, birth fathers, adoptive parents, but after a few pages I got the clan covered. Brick and his extended family was one of the best things about this book-not counting the romance, of course- as I love such groups in romances.

This was a sweet story of second chances and taking a leap of faith. And for those who like their stories on the sweeter side rather than steamy, this one will be right up their alley.

I’m adding four spoonfuls of this story into my hodgepodge, and see if I can track down some of those Callahans before they became the meddling family members they were in Lili and Brick’s book.

"JUST BETWEEN US" review feature of A Stardance Summer at The Romance Dish:

One day about twelve years ago, Christina Dodd hosted a new-to-me author by the name of Geralyn Dawson at the multi-author Squawk Radio blog. I was intrigued by her humor and charm and set out in search of her books. It took only one story to have me glomming everything I could get my hands on. In 2006, Dawson moved from historical westerns to modern-day romantic suspense with the release of Give Him the Slip and the introduction of the Callahan brothers. She reeled me right in and held tight through the next two books as the stories of Luke, Matt, and Mark Callahan unfolded. Then she took a break from writing, leaving hordes of readers (including me) desperate to know what really happened to the missing fourth brother, John Gabriel “Gabe” Callahan. In 2011, Dawson returned to writing with a new pseudonym and launched Emily March’s beloved Eternity Springs series with Angel’s Rest, Gabe’s long-awaited story. The Callahan men and their wives have appeared periodically throughout the Eternity Springs series but now, with the publication of A Stardance Summer, the fourteenth book in the series, the spotlight once again shines upon their family. This time, the hero is Brick Callahan, son of Mark, and the first of the next generation to get his own story. I adored him. How about you, Janga?

Janga: So did I, PJ. Brick is a fascinating character in his own right, plus there is the Callahan connection. I confess that I am a big fan of second-generation tales, and I’ve been longing for this one since Brick first appeared in the series. Brick’s personal history gives the term “blended family” a new definition. All his names reveal pieces of who he is: Mark Christopher, the boy he was; Chris Callahan, which combines his two family identities; and, finally Brick Callahan, the stubborn, independent, honorable man he is. With all the larger-than-life Callahans in Brazos Bend, it made sense to me that Brick found his piece of paradise and his independence in Colorado. I love that Emily March gives us all these tiny vignettes that show what a loving relationship Brick has with all of his family. Especially memorable for me was that poignant moment when Brick thinks that his three mothers—his birth mother, his adopted mother, and his stepmother—have all been angels in his life. Another favorite is the scene where the Callahan brothers advise him on his love life. Then there’s Branch’s heart-attack threat to push Brick into giving him great-grandchildren. And having the Colorado Fourth of July Callahan family bash to balance the Texas Christmas tradition is perfect. I also think having Liliana know him as Mark Christopher, grow to know him as Brick Callahan, and fall in love with all the parts of who he is was a stroke of genius on March’s part. I don’t know about you, PJ, but I smiled every time Brick came up with another nickname for Liliana.

PJ: Oh, I did too! I think my favorite was Freckle-Sticks. Only someone who had grown up knowing Lili as his best friend’s pesky little sister could have gotten away with that. Lili really tugged at my heartstrings. While I thoroughly enjoyed her journey to love with Brick, for Lili, her summer in Eternity Springs is also one of growth and self-discovery - almost a coming of age even though thirty is looming on her horizon. For the past twenty years, she’s been diligent in her efforts to be logical, controlled, and never step out of line. My heart ached for her when, after doing everything right, it all fell apart with betrayal both at work and at home but I cheered when she finally took a stand and hit the road to discover just who Liliana Howe really was. Destination: Stardance Ranch RV Park where her landlord and friend, Patsy, and the Tornado Alleycats were spending the summer. Did you love Patsy as much as I did, Janga? I want to be an Alleycat too!

Janga: I think we are Alleycats at heart, PJ, although I’ll leave the skinny dipping and the fire-engine red hair to Patsy and her cohorts. She really is a wonderful character. I love that she is in her seventies and still living life to the fullest despite the challenges life throws at her. Colorful older women characters are fairly common in romance fiction, but I can remember only a rare few who have been as vividly drawn as Patsy. From her past as an exotic dancer to her marriage to a man ten years her junior to her writing career, her hundreds of friends, her matchmaking plans, and her Sundays in church, she marches to her own drummer. Yet she seems so real I want to give her a hug. She is just the example Lili needs. And, in this novel that is about all kinds of families, I also think she and Lili are definitely “family” to one another, don’t you?

PJ: I do agree, Janga. Whether family by blood, by marriage, or by choice, Emily March brings the characters in A Stardance Summer together with purpose and love, as she has done with each of the Eternity Springs books. It’s one of the components of this series that I most enjoy, along with the spiritual element that the beloved character of Celeste brings to each book. I admire March's ability to add depth to her stories through her characters' journeys of spiritual awakening without venturing into religion or inspirational territory.

Humor, Heart, Family, Love: all integral components of an Emily March novel that solidify her place on our auto-buy lists and place her books on our keeper shelves. Just between us, if you have not yet read A Stardance Summer, you’re missing out on a wonderful story that will make you smile, laugh, possibly shed some tears, want to drop-kick a few characters off the nearest cliff, sigh with satisfaction, and ask how long you’ll have to wait until Emily March’s next visit to Eternity Springs. However long the wait, you can be sure we’ll be there, ready to reconnect with favorite Eternity Springs citizens, meet new ones, and join them on another heart-tugging journey to love.

As a fan of all of Emily March’s Eternity Springs books, this book returns to the characters we all love, and the story keeps you filled with hope and promise even when things are not looking too good. As with any Eternity Springs storyline, the protagonist must work through a multitude of problems, but with the help of Celeste we know all will turn out in the end. Our protagonist, Lili, finds Eternity Springs at the lowest point in her life, but runs into her first love, Mark, who is now known as Brick. As they work through the obstacles facing each of them, we find faith in knowing there are angels watching over them, and can continue to believe in a better tomorrow. Another delightful read by Emily March!

I came into this book with crazy high expectations. I had loved the last 2 books (Christmas in Eternity Springs and Reunion Pass) and expected to fall in love with this book in just the same way. Plus, I love the best friend's little sister/big brother's best friend trope. With all of that put together I just knew this was going to be on of those books that just pulled me in and didn't let go. But it wasn't.

I mean I liked it. I'm not sure it's possible for Emily March to write a book that I don't enjoy. I loved catching up with the town of Eternity Springs and all the people I've met over the previous books. I haven't been with the series from the beginning so there are a number of couples whose stories I haven't read. It is never confusing but always makes me want to go catch up immediately! I liked Lili a lot. She's in a tough spot after an entire life of being the good girl and doing what she was supposed to do. Now she's in trouble and it seems like no one is in her corner except for her landlady, Patsy, who may have been one of my favorite characters in this book along with the rest of the all female camping group, the Tornado Alleycats. I also really liked Brick. He's a good guy. He's part of his community, he's working hard to make his RV park work. He's had some bumps but isn't angry or bitter though he's not particularly interested in relationships since a bad breakup years ago. Lili and Brick are good together. She's still recovering from a childhood crush she had on him but she actually sees him for who he is and not this ideal she's developed in her head which is my usual problem with childhood crushes. They have a shared history and they both need a friend. It seems natural when it turns to more.

So what was it that kept me from falling in love with this one? Tiffany Lambeau. She's Lili's childhood nemesis and Brick's high school sweetheart and she's just so awful that I groaned every time she was mentioned. A lot of this is really personal as I'm not a fan of flashbacks back to school days or high school sweethearts. If this doesn't bother you at all you're going to love this book. If you're like me and would rather high school stay far far in the past than this is still worth reading though it might not be quite as much of a home run. The story and the characters are wonderful and I always enjoy a visit to Eternity Springs.

'A Stardance Summer' BY Emily March is book 13 in the "Eternity Springs" Series. I have been jumping in and out of the series so for me this can easily be a standalone series.
Just as the other books I have read this was a sweet romance that warmed your heart! I cannot recommend this book enough if you are looking for a sweet and easy read.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

A wonderful addition to the Eternity Springs series.
‘A Stardance Summer’ is a fast, fun and very enjoyable read. I love the setting and the characters (especially Celeste) in this series and this one is no exception. By the time you finish the book, you will be wanting more and feel like you are part of the Eternity Springs family. I can’t wait for the next one! Highly Recommended.

This was the first book I've read in this series and although there were a lot of characters that were in previous books that I was just meeting for the first time I still really enjoyed this book. Occasionally I was a bit lost on who was who and if I'd read the earlier books in the series I'm sure I would have enjoyed the brief scenes with the characters from earlier books. Still for jumping into the 13th book in the series I ended up really liking this book and it made me want to go back and read the earlier books in the series.

I really liked Lili and I thought her growth through the story was wonderful! Yes, she was running from her problems but I loved that she had the courage to completely start over and figure out what she really wanted. I thought Patsy and her camping group were a lot of fun and I loved the relationship between Patsy and Lili. I do have to admit that I wasn't as crazy about Celeste and the whole angel thing - I just don't see someone talking in encouraging sayings the way she did so that part just threw me out of the story.

I also really liked Brick (Mark) although I would have liked to get to know his character a bit more and I wish there was more to his reticence then I got hurt once so I never want to be in a relationship again. The romance was VERY slow burning and although I really enjoyed it I also wish Brick and Lili had spent more time together as a couple. There were a lot of little story lines and characters that were thrown in and didn't seem necessary (like the famous actress).

I also really hate it when a book talks about a woman as "wild" or a "ho" because she has a one night stand with a man. It's completely fine for the man in the book but not the woman and that drives me nuts. It's something that was minor in this book but I wish author's would stop doing that.

Overall, this was a lovely, humorous and enjoyable story with interesting and likable characters. So I definitely think I'll be going back to book one to read about the characters in Eternity Springs.