Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. Unfortunately, this book didn't particularly grab me. Although I was engaged throughout and read it pretty quickly, I did not feel particularly invested in the story, partially, I think, as other than Daisy, I didn't really like any of the characters, and there were too many, and too many storyline threads, to really keep track of, meaning the book felt quite jumbled at times. However, Anderson's use of multiple narratives is effective in moving the story along.

I hadn’t read the book when it was first out, but I have read every single one that was published after that and loved them all. This is by far the best in my opinion. It’s funny, entertaining, heart-warming and soul- wrenching. It keeps you glued to the page wondering who has done what. There’s mystery, sadness, laughter and everything in between. I know it’s going straight into my top ten best reads of 2025. I had no doubt I’d love it and will recommend it to all.
With many thanks to Boldwood, Netgalley and Celia Anderson for an early copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

This is the story of 40 something Molly and her extended family and friends. I'm not entirely certain how to describe the plot but the book itself mentions the term "daytime soap" once, and I think that fits quite well. If you think you're getting a gentle story about a woman in midlife crisis re-evaluating her life, you're mistaken.

There is brazen infidelity, a serious car crash, motherly abandonments, violence, alcoholism, medical content, death and way too much church talk. There are also so many characters that some of them remained elusive to my brain until the very end. The sub plot with Polly, Nick, Kris and Sally felt unnecessary and chaotic, plus the cheaters get forgiven far too easily.

I didn't care about the marital struggles and all that domestic chaos with hundreds of kids running around. I have no idea why this book needed a re-release under a slightly different name. I always get suspicious and think something is wrong if that happens. I normally enjoy Celia Anderson's books because she has older characters in them, but this didn't gel with me. I'd rather not have such a high number of content warnings for what I assumed to be a light-hearted family comedy that is anything but.

Dancing Under the Moon by Celia Anderson was a delightful and heartwarming experience. The story centers around a woman seeking peace and purpose while navigating life’s uncertainties, set against the beautiful backdrop of a small, vibrant village. What I loved most was the relatable characters—each with their own quirks, dreams, and flaws—which made them feel so real and easy to connect with.

The writing style was very approachable, making the story easy to follow, even for someone not used to reading regularly. Anderson’s descriptions of the scenery, the emotions of the characters, and the unfolding events painted a vivid picture without feeling too heavy or overwhelming. It felt like I was right there in the village, experiencing the highs and lows with the characters.

Though I don’t typically read much in this genre, I found myself drawn into the story’s gentle rhythm and emotional depth. The themes of hope, change, and new beginnings were beautifully woven throughout, offering a sense of comfort and optimism. There were moments of humor and warmth, balanced with more poignant and thought-provoking reflections on life and love.

Overall, Dancing Under the Moon is a refreshing and uplifting read. It was a great introduction to this genre for me, and I look forward to exploring more of Celia Anderson’s work in the future. If you're looking for a feel-good, character-driven story with plenty of heart, this one is definitely worth a read.