I first experienced a Diane Chamberlain novel in the fall of 2014 and I connected with her brilliant style of writing immediately and continued to read her ever since without disappointment…. consistently delightful. ~Sheila
Molly and Aidan are preparing to adopt a baby. While there is the normal fear and anticipation between the couple as they hope for the best, Molly carries secrets from her past that she feels could ruin everything if they came to light. Thus begins a journey of present time Molly, and alternating chapters of 14-year-old Molly…. and everything that happened that 14th year and led to the possible destruction of everything she holds true in present day….
It has been a while since I have listened to a Diane Chamberlain book. In this new world I live in, I need to consider topics carefully before I go into a book, watching out for my own personal tragedies that would hit to close to home. When I first looked at the synopsis for Pretending To Dance I was uncertain if this book would be a safe one for me, yet the subject matter and of course the fact that it is the amazing Diane Chamberlain drew me in. I am glad I did.
There is something about Diane Chamberlain’s books. They always carry something in them that you do not see coming, yet told in such a way that you are not necessarily looking for the “WOW”moment until it is revealed. That is what happens in this book and I was delighted to see that Diane Chamberlain had not lost her touch, nor did I in my experience of reading her. Author and reader are truly a match here.
I enjoyed the past story line of Young Molly and the references to Judy Blume’s book, Forever (a banned book by the way…. but most of Judy Blume’s writing – if not all, are.) As I listened on (yes, I once again enjoyed Chamberlain’s book in audio format) I was impressed by the elements of comparison that was placed into this story line that tied close to the Blume book. This held a different feel for me than past Chamberlain books, but one that I found fitting.
If you have not read Diane Chamberlain I would highly recommend this author. This is my first audio book of the year and I am have a feeling it may wind up on my best of 2016 list.
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 12 hours and 45 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
- Audible.com Release Date: October 6, 2015
- Publisher: Macmillan; Air Iri OME edition (October 8, 2015)
Other Diane Chamberlain books I have experienced:
The Secret Life Of Cee Cee Wilkes
Book Journey 
Great review Sheila. I have this on my book shelf. I am a fan of Chamberlain’s novels too.
Great post!!
You write beautiful reviews….thanks.
I wasn’t that thrilled with this book, but I do love Diane Chamberlain’s books.
Thanks for sharing.
I loved this book, and it was one of my Top Ten Favorites for 2015. I liked the mention of Forever, which led me to choose to read and review it for Banned Books Week.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I am a reader of Diane Chamberlin too. She is one of those authors, I almost don’t have to read the synopsis to pick it – she writes so well. This book is sitting on my shelf. I can’t wait to read it.
Oh, this sounds wonderful! I’ve put it on my wishlist!
Oh love that this was good on audiobook too. I see it is on a number of top books for 2015 lists. I loved it too although not being a Judy Blume reader missed obviously on those finer points.
Diane lives near me so she always comes to my local Indie bookstore on book release day. I remember she mentioned that she was shocked when she listened to the audiobook that Amaliee’s (sp?) name was mispronounced! I wonder if it was re-recorded before it was released? It was supposed to be Ah-molly.
Ooh, a favorite of the year already!
I read this about two months ago and it was very good.
I love that one of your first books of the year will probably be on your favorites list!
I first discovered Diane Chamberlain in 2014 and was so happy to learn she had a backlist, and more novel to come. What I love most about her writing is that unexpected something. If you know her writing, you know there is something unexpected to come, and yet you can never piece what it is together yourself.
I’ll have to check this one out at some point. Thanks for sharing!
I have not read any of Diane Chamberlain’s books, but I definitely will put this on my TBR.
This has been on my TBR list for way too long!
This was my first Diane Chamberlain but a lot of US bloggers had talked about her previous books. I hadn’t heard of her at the time but was really glad I read this as I loved it as well.
I’ve just read Necessary Lies by her. I really liked it. I’ll have to put this one on my list.
I love Diane Chamberlain’s writing and would love to read this. Thanks for the wonderful review and recommendation.