Dance Into My Heart by Maddie James is a clean romance featuring a mid-thirtyish single woman who is reconciled to staying so, and a divorced man with a little girl name Isabella (Izzie) who come to Harbor Falls to rent a storefront that adjoins her. She runs a romance store, Romantically Yours, that features a variety of goods: clothing, jewelry, books, tea, perfumes, et al. He misleads her into thinking her is opening a cafe when in reality it is more a family bar. He calls it Rick's Cafe, after himself. Grace is not happy when she figures it out, but the lease is ironclad and she really had come to like Izzie.

This is a simple romance: no huge secrets, just simple misunderstanding which were easily remedied. Rick was tired of his high-pressure life as a lawyer in Ashville and he needed to spend more time with his daughter. He didn't want her to be raised by babysitters, no matter how good they were. And her certainly wasn't looking for a woman, not after his last experience. He is the typical reluctant suitor, until he isn't. Grace has been hurt and she doesn't intend it to happen again. She has spent ten long years recovering and just because he is good-looking, doesn't mean she is going to get involved. The plot is thin, but that's OK. It is truly a feel-good romance that will make you smile.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Dance Into My Heart by Turquoise Morning, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #turquoisemorning #danceintomyheart #maddiejames

Dance into My Heart by Maddie James

A nice story following the lives of two very different people. One who has a traumatic life change and the other having chosen to make a life moving change. After being on the verge of burn out from life in the fast lane to a career of their choice. Which is A totally different journey for each of them to get to grips with.

A lighthearted read ideal for relaxing if you don’t want anything too much depth to a story. 3.5/5

I adored this story! Gracie and Izzie were both so lovely together and lovable, and although Rick did come across as a bit of an idiot at times, he seemed a really likable guy too. This was a lovely quick read and one I'd definitely recommend

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
This was such an endearing story. Gracie moved back to her hometown after a tragedy. Still grieving for what was, she is having a time moving on and loving again.
In walks Rick, big time lawyer and attractive single dad. These two do not hit it off well to start but both of them find common ground in their pasts.
Izzy (Ricks daughter), I truly believe is who starts to bring Gracie around and Izzie is such a delight. Just when things look to be heading in the right direction the past comes back and causes some issues.
This is a great story and it will have you laughing and crying.
5 stars

Dance into my Heart is a wonderful, sweet novel. The setting in a small North Carolina tourist town is perfect. Both characters have frozen their hearts, refusing to risk hurts that come from love. But with the engaging, rambunctious of a child, they can’t resist the sparks that can heal the the hurts in their hearts and meld them into a whole family unit filled with forever love.

Dance into My Heart, Maddie James

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance,

I wanted an easy light read. Sometimes I want historical, sometimes fantasy, sometimes deep, dark drama but yesterday I was in the mood for a gentle romance. This story is definitely that – but for me a little too sweet and gentle.
The characters and settings are good. I loved the small town camerarderie. Rick's idea of the cafe bar sounded perfect. I know the US is a lot less strict that the Uk about planning but getting all that done in a month. Can that really happen? I so wish it could here, six months would be a good deal, but with council planning., sites visits, 101 forms to fill in it can be far, far longer. Life would be so much easier, more fun if it was only a few weeks.
Gracie has been through such a trauma, and is still recovering. Grief takes different times, some folk need just a few months, others like Gracie still feel after years. Then Rick and Iz come into her life. They turn it upside down, Iz is adorable, precocious as girls that age can be, but fun. And when she talks about her mum that's so sad, poor kid.
Rick feels attracted to her right from the start, even though they get off on the wrong foot. Slowly their lives intertwine and mingle.
I enjoyed the story, but it didn't have me gripped, it was just a little too light, almost twee, at times and I need a bit more drama. There is some towards the end, the sweet spot in books where just as everything seems to come together it falls apart. It isn't really enough for me though. As always though its perfect for others, not everyone wants drama, we all like different things about stories, so though its not a reread for me it could be perfect for you.

Stars: Three, a little light for me, I needed a bit more depth and drama.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

A lovely heartwarming small town story of two people who have suffered disappointment in their lives. Their coming together brings tears and laughter to the reader as the story unfolds. Richard a divorcee is bringing up his six year 9ld daughter Isabella on his own starts a new life in Harbour Falls, renting space from Gracie for a “cafe” but when his ex-wife turns up for a visit this puts Gracie on the move again, Richard and Izzie have to work together. Great holiday read, looking forward to reading more from this author.