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Bannions #1
Reflections
Passions and tempers flare in this classic story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts.
AVAILABLE DIGITALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME
A lifetime of dedication to dance has left ballet teacher Lindsay Dunne with little time for romance. That is until she meets Seth Bannion, the guardian of a talented young dancer in her class. Lindsay finds herself attracted to, and distracted by, the brooding architect. And when they clash over their hopes for the girl's future, Lindsay winds up on the receiving end of a lesson in the art of love.
Includes a preview of Nora Roberts' latest hardcover.
305 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 1983
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,770 books55k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 20, 2024
This is a wonderful very early romance by Nora Roberts, and it barely shows its' age at all. Nora is a wonderful author and even this early work is a great example of what the romance genre is all about. I love the characters and the fire between Lindsey and Seth lights up the book. These two are from different worlds and the conflict is real, but not something they can't overcome. Be prepared for a hefty dose of melodrama, but if you like your romance seasoned like that, you'll love this one.
Lindsay Dunne loved being a ballerina and she was at the top of her profession at twenty-five. It was all she ever wanted and all she ever knew. But it was not without a lot of pain and sacrifice. Three years ago, her mother and father were in an auto accident. He died and she was left with hip problems. Lindsay left New York behind to take care of her mother. She opened a ballet school and is actually very happy in the small town of Cliffside, CT. Her mother wants her to return to her life as a prima ballerina, Lindsay isn't so sure she wants that life anymore.
Seth Bannion's is a world renounced architect whose brother and wife are killed in a train accident leaving Seth as guardian of seventeen-year-old Ruth. They moved to Cliffside to rebuild their lives. Ruth loses her grief in ballet, and she is just as talented as Lindsay ever was and maybe more so. Lindsay wants her to go to New York, but Seth doesn't feel that is the right choice for Ruth at this time. Seth and Lindsay are at an impasse regarding what is right for Ruth, and at an impasse regarding the searing hot attraction they have for each other. Where do they go from here?
Lindsay Dunne loved being a ballerina and she was at the top of her profession at twenty-five. It was all she ever wanted and all she ever knew. But it was not without a lot of pain and sacrifice. Three years ago, her mother and father were in an auto accident. He died and she was left with hip problems. Lindsay left New York behind to take care of her mother. She opened a ballet school and is actually very happy in the small town of Cliffside, CT. Her mother wants her to return to her life as a prima ballerina, Lindsay isn't so sure she wants that life anymore.
Seth Bannion's is a world renounced architect whose brother and wife are killed in a train accident leaving Seth as guardian of seventeen-year-old Ruth. They moved to Cliffside to rebuild their lives. Ruth loses her grief in ballet, and she is just as talented as Lindsay ever was and maybe more so. Lindsay wants her to go to New York, but Seth doesn't feel that is the right choice for Ruth at this time. Seth and Lindsay are at an impasse regarding what is right for Ruth, and at an impasse regarding the searing hot attraction they have for each other. Where do they go from here?
September 12, 2019
Originally published in 1983, this has to be one of Roberts' first romances. Given the era and how early in her career this came, it's remarkably good. That said, it's not great.
Lindsay was fun to spend time with. I really liked her and how certain she is of her goals and what she wants to do with her life. I particularly like that she's willing to stand in the teeth of her mother's ambition for her and I found that remarkable and illuminating of her character.
Seth is a great big glumphing idiot, though. I found his casual manhandling of Lindsay disconcerting in the first scene and that set my teeth on edge. And while he wasn't the heavy-handed brute that set me up to expect, he remained an emotional midget through the entire story.
Which brings me to the biggest problem with this story: the relationship is practically non-existent. They have a handful of encounters and then each decides they're in love, only then they go on and do things that undermine that assertion by not communicating and not trusting.
So it's interesting that the effects of that shallowness carries through realistically. I suppose that's Roberts showing the promise of her eventual career in letting those characters play out in the way they would with such a shallow beginning. At one point Lindsay says something like "Love without understanding or trust is a closed fist" and it broke my heart just a little (just as hers was breaking).
So this ends up with three stars that's not really as grudging as it should be given how shallow that relationship was for most of the story. It did get to a better place and one I trusted to be strong and whole in the end and that's not nothing.
A note about the narrator: The narrator for this, Ashley Adlon, was awful. Okay, she was fine for most of the narration bits. But in dialogs, her women often took on this nasal tone that took me forever to figure out what it reminded me of. I eventually tracked it down to veteran character actor Mary Wickes who I know best as the housekeeper in White Christmas.
This is not a tone you want in your heroine when she's feeling happy.
A note about writing craft: This book showcases Roberts tendency to head hop PoV frequently, sometimes in the middle of paragraphs. A feat she can get away with because the reader is never left wondering whose PoV we're in at any given time and the hop always narrates interesting things the reader is glad to know. No writer should ever do this, but Roberts is a master of the craft and if you wanted to study PoV hopping, her works could be studied at university. This early one is less adroit at it, but it's still well-done and I didn't find it off-putting.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. Frankly, it doesn't stand out at all, except as a turning point in their relationship—and not for the better.
Lindsay was fun to spend time with. I really liked her and how certain she is of her goals and what she wants to do with her life. I particularly like that she's willing to stand in the teeth of her mother's ambition for her and I found that remarkable and illuminating of her character.
Seth is a great big glumphing idiot, though. I found his casual manhandling of Lindsay disconcerting in the first scene and that set my teeth on edge. And while he wasn't the heavy-handed brute that set me up to expect, he remained an emotional midget through the entire story.
Which brings me to the biggest problem with this story: the relationship is practically non-existent. They have a handful of encounters and then each decides they're in love, only then they go on and do things that undermine that assertion by not communicating and not trusting.
So it's interesting that the effects of that shallowness carries through realistically. I suppose that's Roberts showing the promise of her eventual career in letting those characters play out in the way they would with such a shallow beginning. At one point Lindsay says something like "Love without understanding or trust is a closed fist" and it broke my heart just a little (just as hers was breaking).
So this ends up with three stars that's not really as grudging as it should be given how shallow that relationship was for most of the story. It did get to a better place and one I trusted to be strong and whole in the end and that's not nothing.
A note about the narrator: The narrator for this, Ashley Adlon, was awful. Okay, she was fine for most of the narration bits. But in dialogs, her women often took on this nasal tone that took me forever to figure out what it reminded me of. I eventually tracked it down to veteran character actor Mary Wickes who I know best as the housekeeper in White Christmas.
This is not a tone you want in your heroine when she's feeling happy.
A note about writing craft: This book showcases Roberts tendency to head hop PoV frequently, sometimes in the middle of paragraphs. A feat she can get away with because the reader is never left wondering whose PoV we're in at any given time and the hop always narrates interesting things the reader is glad to know. No writer should ever do this, but Roberts is a master of the craft and if you wanted to study PoV hopping, her works could be studied at university. This early one is less adroit at it, but it's still well-done and I didn't find it off-putting.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. Frankly, it doesn't stand out at all, except as a turning point in their relationship—and not for the better.
January 8, 2021
O lectură ușoară, plină de emoție, dans și pasiune.
O pătrundere ușoară în lumea exclusivistă a baletului, a sacrificiului și a spectacolelor de vis.
O dragoste care apune și una nouă, ce abia răsare.
Lindsay și Seth sunt două persoane cum nu se poate mai diferite. El este un arhitect faimos și un cuceritor, luat prin surprindere de viață atunci când devine tutorele nepoatei sale Ruth. Ea este o prim- balerină ce și-a întrerupt brusc cariera pentru a își îngriji mama care-și revine după un accident de mașină grav, în care tatăl ei a murit.
Cea care-i face să se întâlnească este Ruth, o tânără pasionată de balet, talentată, care-și dorește să studieze cu Lindsay.
Deși nu se cunosc în cele mai bune împrejurări, cei doi sunt atrași unul de celălalt fără putință de tăgadă. Dar, ca fiecare îndrăgostit, Seth face gafe care rănesc chiar persoana iubită.
Oare reușesc să își repare relația? Să discute cu seriozitate despre ce își dorește fiecare? Vor avea o a doua șansă la dragoste?
O pătrundere ușoară în lumea exclusivistă a baletului, a sacrificiului și a spectacolelor de vis.
O dragoste care apune și una nouă, ce abia răsare.
Lindsay și Seth sunt două persoane cum nu se poate mai diferite. El este un arhitect faimos și un cuceritor, luat prin surprindere de viață atunci când devine tutorele nepoatei sale Ruth. Ea este o prim- balerină ce și-a întrerupt brusc cariera pentru a își îngriji mama care-și revine după un accident de mașină grav, în care tatăl ei a murit.
Cea care-i face să se întâlnească este Ruth, o tânără pasionată de balet, talentată, care-și dorește să studieze cu Lindsay.
Deși nu se cunosc în cele mai bune împrejurări, cei doi sunt atrași unul de celălalt fără putință de tăgadă. Dar, ca fiecare îndrăgostit, Seth face gafe care rănesc chiar persoana iubită.
Oare reușesc să își repare relația? Să discute cu seriozitate despre ce își dorește fiecare? Vor avea o a doua șansă la dragoste?
March 28, 2021
Mostly I read this because I wanted to read the second one, but I liked it well enough!
January 18, 2012
4 Stars! ~ After a horrible accident took the life of her father and almost that of her mother, Lindsay left the lime light as prima ballerina in a New York dance company. Now three years have passed, and her mother is mending nicely and anxious for Lindsay to return to her career. Lindsay finds that she likes her new life and the little dance studio she opened and although she misses the dance, she doesn't miss the performances. As an architect, Seth see the potential in the old mansion on the Conneticut coast. It's perfect for the safe haven he wishes to create for his newly orphaned neice. Ruth is 17 and esctatic that Lindsay will be her dance instructor. Seth is enchanted with Lindsay's bold honesty, and her whimsical personality. Lindsay fights her attraction for Seth, knowing that he isn't one to settle down. Seth fears that Lindsay will want to return to New York to dance.
Ms. Roberts weaves a very beautiful story. I like the dialogue she writes; it's very normal and true to real people. Seth and Lindsay are like friends, people that I care about. From the first page, you are drawn in to their world and their feelings. Ms. Roberts wrote a sequel; Ruth's story, I think I'd like to read that very much.
I think I've shied away from Ms. Roberts simply because of the volume of her work. So many people rave about her and are shocked that I've never read her books; until now of course. Ms. Roberts has a remarkable talent and I do look forward to reading more.
Ms. Roberts weaves a very beautiful story. I like the dialogue she writes; it's very normal and true to real people. Seth and Lindsay are like friends, people that I care about. From the first page, you are drawn in to their world and their feelings. Ms. Roberts wrote a sequel; Ruth's story, I think I'd like to read that very much.
I think I've shied away from Ms. Roberts simply because of the volume of her work. So many people rave about her and are shocked that I've never read her books; until now of course. Ms. Roberts has a remarkable talent and I do look forward to reading more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2022
I couldn't relate to characters and their bigger than life romance felt unbelievable. Characters should have been more fleshed out.
I liked how this was ballet-related and a smaller town as a setting was lovely.
Story was quite simple but it worked. But I was more interested in Lindsay and to see what she decides to do than in their relationship.
I liked how this was ballet-related and a smaller town as a setting was lovely.
Story was quite simple but it worked. But I was more interested in Lindsay and to see what she decides to do than in their relationship.
January 16, 2011
Far from one of her best, but it was written early in her career. The narrator was painful to listen to, she sounded like she was reading to kindergarteners.
August 25, 2019
I never think I like this one that much, because I think the second Bannion book is a lot better, but this was a pretty enjoyable reading experience, and that's basically all I want from an old category of Nora's. Her dancers are so good.
October 17, 2014
Another oldie from Nora Roberts in the ballet world. I found Seth too much of an enigma for the love story to be convincing.
January 28, 2021
2.5
It was such a romantic cliché. I wanted and expected so much more from Nora Roberts' books. I understand this is an old one and her writing style developed. A LOT.
The plot wasn't very interesting. There was almost no action at all. They only talked, but they didn't seem to understand eachother. 3/4 of the book is just empty talking.
The other part, I got to say I quite enjoyed. I'm talking about the balet part. But it was too short and it lacked the details that I expected from Nora Roberts to give. Again, maybe it's my fault. Maybe I had too big expectations.
I liked, in fact, a character. And that was Nikolai Davidov. The rest of the characters were whimps. "I love you" "hold me". Really ? They didn't even knew eachother for that long and there they do throwing the "love" word in each sentence. Also, Andi and Monica's short part was even more clicheic. Childhood best friend turned lover ?
There was also an attempt at a love triangle... or love square ? But it was really weak and basic.
Why did I finish this book ? I expected something interesting to happen. Did it happen ? Not really.
Do I regret finishing it ? Not at all. The few balet scenes in the end were worth it.
It was such a romantic cliché. I wanted and expected so much more from Nora Roberts' books. I understand this is an old one and her writing style developed. A LOT.
The plot wasn't very interesting. There was almost no action at all. They only talked, but they didn't seem to understand eachother. 3/4 of the book is just empty talking.
The other part, I got to say I quite enjoyed. I'm talking about the balet part. But it was too short and it lacked the details that I expected from Nora Roberts to give. Again, maybe it's my fault. Maybe I had too big expectations.
I liked, in fact, a character. And that was Nikolai Davidov. The rest of the characters were whimps. "I love you" "hold me". Really ? They didn't even knew eachother for that long and there they do throwing the "love" word in each sentence. Also, Andi and Monica's short part was even more clicheic. Childhood best friend turned lover ?
There was also an attempt at a love triangle... or love square ? But it was really weak and basic.
Why did I finish this book ? I expected something interesting to happen. Did it happen ? Not really.
Do I regret finishing it ? Not at all. The few balet scenes in the end were worth it.
January 5, 2023
I picked this book up from a charity shop the other week as I do like Nora Roberts and you can’t beat her romances. She describes relationships with such passion and good writing. I’ve found this to be the case with her more recent books that I’ve read and I can see that her writing and storylines have gotten better over the years, as this one felt a little dated, however it was written in 1983 so it’s one of her earlier books.
Whilst I enjoyed this book, I struggled with the notion that someone can fall in love so intensely, to a point where it seems crippling. The love felt painful and not the way I see love as feeling. Another recurrent theme was that someone can ‘belong’ to another, which felt a bit too literal here. It was just so darn intense. But who doesn’t love a bit of passion and romance here and there? This was ok but I’ll stick to her later books in future I think, this one was a little lacking.
Whilst I enjoyed this book, I struggled with the notion that someone can fall in love so intensely, to a point where it seems crippling. The love felt painful and not the way I see love as feeling. Another recurrent theme was that someone can ‘belong’ to another, which felt a bit too literal here. It was just so darn intense. But who doesn’t love a bit of passion and romance here and there? This was ok but I’ll stick to her later books in future I think, this one was a little lacking.
June 29, 2019
Nota: 4
Pese a que al final del libro ha mejorado un poco, ¡qué suplicio de libro!. Se nota que es de los comienzos de Nora Roberts: Inseguridades, obsesión (rozando el acoso), si-no-si-no-...,...
Pese a que al final del libro ha mejorado un poco, ¡qué suplicio de libro!. Se nota que es de los comienzos de Nora Roberts: Inseguridades, obsesión (rozando el acoso), si-no-si-no-...,...
September 17, 2017
This book was a fantastic read! I dance ballet and reading about another ballerina chasing her dream is absolutely phenomenal. This is my first Nora Roberts book and I really had fun reading it. I recommend this to everyone because it's exhilarating!
June 22, 2018
***3,5***
February 7, 2018
This book is a very sweet read about love, romance and happily ever after. It also gives insight into the hard, often painful and disciplined world of dancers and what they have to give up to become professionals in the world of dancing. The career of being a professional dancer usually has a very short window of time for being one of best or just making enough money to support oneself therefore they have to live and breath dancing while it lasts. This book also touches on the fact that bad things really do happen for a reason. Often a tragedy in our lives happens in order to send us down the path we're meant to be on. Great read.
February 4, 2023
Reflections
3 Stars
Another one of Nora Roberts' earlier works, originally published in 1983, that is a reflection (pun not intended) of its time. Retired prima ballerina Lindsay Dunne has a run-in (almost literally) with overbearing architect Seth Bannion. While the love-hate relationship starts out well with some snarky bickering and sizzling chemistry, it ultimately falls flat as the ending is too rushed.
Like many heroes of 1980s romance, Seth is overly possessive and domineering. There are even a couple of moments when his behavior is borderline abusive. Thankfully, Lindsay has a strong enough backbone to put him in his place, and the resolution of the romantic conflict is satisfying overall.
There is a minor secondary romance between Lindsay's friends, Andy and Monica, but it is so woefully underdeveloped and uninspired that it is barely worth noticing. This is unfortunate as their connection has a great deal of potential.
The next book in this duology features Seth's niece, Ruth, and Lindsay's former dance partner, Nikolai Davidov. I'm interested enough in their dynamic to see how it plays out.
3 Stars
Another one of Nora Roberts' earlier works, originally published in 1983, that is a reflection (pun not intended) of its time. Retired prima ballerina Lindsay Dunne has a run-in (almost literally) with overbearing architect Seth Bannion. While the love-hate relationship starts out well with some snarky bickering and sizzling chemistry, it ultimately falls flat as the ending is too rushed.
Like many heroes of 1980s romance, Seth is overly possessive and domineering. There are even a couple of moments when his behavior is borderline abusive. Thankfully, Lindsay has a strong enough backbone to put him in his place, and the resolution of the romantic conflict is satisfying overall.
There is a minor secondary romance between Lindsay's friends, Andy and Monica, but it is so woefully underdeveloped and uninspired that it is barely worth noticing. This is unfortunate as their connection has a great deal of potential.
The next book in this duology features Seth's niece, Ruth, and Lindsay's former dance partner, Nikolai Davidov. I'm interested enough in their dynamic to see how it plays out.
April 12, 2020
There were so many negative reviews on this book, I almost did not read it. But, then I thought "It's Nora. How bad could it be?" I am glad I did not pay any heed to the comments and went for it. I liked it. The only lack I could find, and which I do not see in the newer books, is more of a back story for the reason Seth is seemingly so cold and standoffish. Still waters run deep, kids. But, I didn't think it was such a detriment to the book that would prohibit me from enjoying the story. Onto the next book in this two-book series which, surprising to me, I missed in my Nora Roberts collection. ;)
March 5, 2019
2.5 ... definitely a romance from the 80s. 🙈 it’s one I read a LONG time ago in the bind of version of both Bannion stories. I only read this to remind myself I had, but also because I loved the other story in that bind up of Nick and wanted the refresher of his back story.
January 16, 2018
Typical Nora Roberts feel good romance. Ideal for a lazy winter read.
June 4, 2024
Oh, those Bannions. Nice story I hadn't read yet.
August 5, 2024
Not as in-depth and engaging as Ms. Roberts’s usual full-length novels IMO, but still a delightful story and I’m glad I read it.
October 23, 2023
Another fantastic novel by the talented storyteller Nora Roberts. Book one of the bannions duology introduces the characters of Lindsey, Seth and Ruth bannion and Nikolai davidov. This book was highly entertaining and enjoyable book to read. I definitely recommend reading this book or any book by Nora Roberts, I have yet to find one of her books that I haven’t enjoyed reading.
Lindsey was a professional ballerina in New York who gave it all up three years ago to come back to her hometown of cliff side to take care of her mother who got hurt badly in an accident that killed her father. She opened a dance studio In town. She has been in love with the cliff side house by the sea since childhood heard that someone had bought the place. One day bumps into a grumpy man who gives her a lift home but forgets to return his coat. In her dance class gets a new student Ruth who idolises her and wants her to continue her training. Ruth’s parents killed in accident living with her uncle Seth who happens to be the grump. Lindsey quickly realises that Ruth is talented enough to go pro. Seth annoys her but she can’t stop thinking about him. They go to dinner together they’re both attracted to each other but they stringly disagree over Ruth’s going to New York for dance. They exchange heated kisses and he shows her what he’s done to cliff side he’s an architect. He tells her he wants her. Ruth sees the attraction between Lindsey and her uncle. Lindsey and Seth continue to clash over Ruth Lindsey wants her to go to New York where she got her training because she’s too talented for the small studio, Seth wants Ruth to have stability. Lindsey mother surprises her by selling the house and moving to California which forces her to think about her future whether she’ll stay in cliffside teaching or go back to New York especially since her old dance partner Nikolai Davidov has been in contact wants her to dance with him again. Lindsey seeks comfort from Seth. On a stormy day classes are cancelled Lindsey gives Ruth and Monica a lift home to Monica’s and on her way home gets into an accident, Seth witnessed it and rushes to her tends to her at cliffside, they make love she’s fallen in love with him but decided not to tell him, they distance themselves when the storm clears and Ruth returns home. Seth further distances himself by the arrival of Nikolai and watches them dance together. Lindsey hurt over his sudden coldness. Ruth dances for Nikolai and he is impressed by her skill wants her to dance for him if she goes to New York. Seth goes away for work but comes back Lindsay’s gives one last try to convince him to let Ruth go with her go New York since she’s going to preform a dance Seth tells her he loves her and doesn’t want her to go but ruins the confession when he accuses her of trying to use Ruth to stay in the spotlight she leaves him angrily and hurt. Three months in New York training heavily for the dance is surprised by Ruth turning up she’s spoke to her uncle about coming to New York and he’s agreed to it, on the night of performance Nikolai and Lindsey preform and afterwards she’s surprised by Seth turning up in her dresser he apologises and they make up Lindsey makes it clear she wants to teach in cliffside that her days as a professional dancer are over. They plan to get married.
Lindsey was a professional ballerina in New York who gave it all up three years ago to come back to her hometown of cliff side to take care of her mother who got hurt badly in an accident that killed her father. She opened a dance studio In town. She has been in love with the cliff side house by the sea since childhood heard that someone had bought the place. One day bumps into a grumpy man who gives her a lift home but forgets to return his coat. In her dance class gets a new student Ruth who idolises her and wants her to continue her training. Ruth’s parents killed in accident living with her uncle Seth who happens to be the grump. Lindsey quickly realises that Ruth is talented enough to go pro. Seth annoys her but she can’t stop thinking about him. They go to dinner together they’re both attracted to each other but they stringly disagree over Ruth’s going to New York for dance. They exchange heated kisses and he shows her what he’s done to cliff side he’s an architect. He tells her he wants her. Ruth sees the attraction between Lindsey and her uncle. Lindsey and Seth continue to clash over Ruth Lindsey wants her to go to New York where she got her training because she’s too talented for the small studio, Seth wants Ruth to have stability. Lindsey mother surprises her by selling the house and moving to California which forces her to think about her future whether she’ll stay in cliffside teaching or go back to New York especially since her old dance partner Nikolai Davidov has been in contact wants her to dance with him again. Lindsey seeks comfort from Seth. On a stormy day classes are cancelled Lindsey gives Ruth and Monica a lift home to Monica’s and on her way home gets into an accident, Seth witnessed it and rushes to her tends to her at cliffside, they make love she’s fallen in love with him but decided not to tell him, they distance themselves when the storm clears and Ruth returns home. Seth further distances himself by the arrival of Nikolai and watches them dance together. Lindsey hurt over his sudden coldness. Ruth dances for Nikolai and he is impressed by her skill wants her to dance for him if she goes to New York. Seth goes away for work but comes back Lindsay’s gives one last try to convince him to let Ruth go with her go New York since she’s going to preform a dance Seth tells her he loves her and doesn’t want her to go but ruins the confession when he accuses her of trying to use Ruth to stay in the spotlight she leaves him angrily and hurt. Three months in New York training heavily for the dance is surprised by Ruth turning up she’s spoke to her uncle about coming to New York and he’s agreed to it, on the night of performance Nikolai and Lindsey preform and afterwards she’s surprised by Seth turning up in her dresser he apologises and they make up Lindsey makes it clear she wants to teach in cliffside that her days as a professional dancer are over. They plan to get married.
August 1, 2024
I liked this book as it felt simple, or rather I was able to follow along with the plot and characters and the setting. Lindsay is a small-town girl who achieved career peak, a really high one, by the time she was in her 20s and we see her in the fall from that peak and what she's done in the meantime. I liked her journey, her reflection as she figures out what is important to her and how she wants to make her mark. And ultimately, despite the wishes and influences of the people who care and love her, she makes the best decision for herself which I applaud. She hadn't been given the chance to close out her NYC ballet career in the way that she wanted and she was able to in the performance she gave with Nick. However, that still affected her relationships and trials with her loved ones and friends. It was interesting to see everyone's POV in this story, of Monica, Andy, Ruth, Nick, and Lindsay. Seth is there and we see her personality and characteristics but there isn't ever a moment when we see his private thoughts on page. I understood his doubts and fears about letting Lindsay go for one performance, and for Ruth as well, but I still felt his request was selfish, and I came to that before Nick pointed it out to Lindsay. Seth wants to provide and safe and loving bubble, essentially, for Ruth and Lindsay in Cliffside, feeling that staying there will provide stability and strength. For Ruth, he made a life-altering choice and fully committed to it, which is what I liked about him. He doesn't make a lot of commitments but when he does, he goes all out. But I disagreed when he kept reiterating that it was his right and choice to keep Ruth in Cliffside so she has stability and comfort as she finishes high school. It's his right to provide a safe environment for her and to nurture her but her identity, her path, is for her to decide. So, I forgave him when he said at the end that he was right. Overall, I liked the book, as I did before because I've read this and the next one. I continually fall in the love with the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2020
Reflections is a very early novel from Nora Roberts ( written in 1983 ).
From the writing style in this book, you can tell, how much
Nora Roberts has improved as an author, throughout her career.
Reflections, had no depth, no soild storyline, to really enjoy the book, and remember the story.
It had potential, but a shame it did not get there.
Nora Roberts has the gift, to make you fall in love with her characters, but not in this book
Lindsay Dunne has little time for romance, she has had a lifetime of dedication to dance.
That is until she meets Seth Bannion, the guardian of a young talented dancer Ruth, in her class.
Lindsay finds herself attracted and distracted to Seth, and when they clash over their hopes for Ruth future, Lindsay winds up receiving the end lesson of love.
Seth, the male lead is supposedly a quiet man of great depth and feeling, but confirmation of that will not be found in this book.
The story focuses solely on Lindsay the main character, hoping the character will pick up tempo, but no such luck.
Nora Roberts ignored the opportunity to develop sexual friction between Seth and Lindsay, the sexual friction for which she is so well known for, and causes the reader to embrace the characters.
I love Nora Roberts dont enjoy giving her a poor review, but she has many many other books to treasure.
I will read the next book in the series, ' Dance of Dreams ' hoping it will make the story worthwhile and complete.
From the writing style in this book, you can tell, how much
Nora Roberts has improved as an author, throughout her career.
Reflections, had no depth, no soild storyline, to really enjoy the book, and remember the story.
It had potential, but a shame it did not get there.
Nora Roberts has the gift, to make you fall in love with her characters, but not in this book
Lindsay Dunne has little time for romance, she has had a lifetime of dedication to dance.
That is until she meets Seth Bannion, the guardian of a young talented dancer Ruth, in her class.
Lindsay finds herself attracted and distracted to Seth, and when they clash over their hopes for Ruth future, Lindsay winds up receiving the end lesson of love.
Seth, the male lead is supposedly a quiet man of great depth and feeling, but confirmation of that will not be found in this book.
The story focuses solely on Lindsay the main character, hoping the character will pick up tempo, but no such luck.
Nora Roberts ignored the opportunity to develop sexual friction between Seth and Lindsay, the sexual friction for which she is so well known for, and causes the reader to embrace the characters.
I love Nora Roberts dont enjoy giving her a poor review, but she has many many other books to treasure.
I will read the next book in the series, ' Dance of Dreams ' hoping it will make the story worthwhile and complete.
January 4, 2021
I was drawn to this book after reading First Impressions. Took me a day to listen to the audiobook. A good read but I find some flaws.
Lindsay, a ballerina by profession, is drawn from her career in the city to her town to take care of her mother after an accident that left her incapacitated and claimed her father. She opens a studio to train ballet. She meets an architect, Seth, who she falls in love with. Seth is cold, egotistic, withdrawn and kinda rough always expecting things to go his way yet he remains a poor communicator.
I loved Lindsay's personality and her determination to succeed. Her authenticity speaks out for her and makes her approachable. I love that she could connect with Ruth even before she opened up. She's able to see Ruth's extraordinary capabilities early on and does all within her means to set her up with Nick, a renowned artist.
I felt that there is no strong connection between Lindsay and Seth. The portrayal comes out as more of lust than love, probably due to lack of communication especially on Seth's side. Overall, it's a good read. Delving into the second book of the series.
Lindsay, a ballerina by profession, is drawn from her career in the city to her town to take care of her mother after an accident that left her incapacitated and claimed her father. She opens a studio to train ballet. She meets an architect, Seth, who she falls in love with. Seth is cold, egotistic, withdrawn and kinda rough always expecting things to go his way yet he remains a poor communicator.
I loved Lindsay's personality and her determination to succeed. Her authenticity speaks out for her and makes her approachable. I love that she could connect with Ruth even before she opened up. She's able to see Ruth's extraordinary capabilities early on and does all within her means to set her up with Nick, a renowned artist.
I felt that there is no strong connection between Lindsay and Seth. The portrayal comes out as more of lust than love, probably due to lack of communication especially on Seth's side. Overall, it's a good read. Delving into the second book of the series.
July 4, 2023
Read as part of the Every Nora Roberts Book in Publishing Order book club. Notes pasted below exactly as written while reading.
Reflections
- Slender and delicate *eye roll* at least she’s a ballerina so I guess that makes more sense but still
- Lindsay is kind of an ass about Andy, hey?
- I’m already bored of Seth but I do like his last name
- Why is he angry she kissed him willingly which is better than any of the books before this one had
- I mean it was going ok until she said no I won’t fuck you and he was like “YES YOU WILL” and got big mad
- I truly do like Ruth. I hope Nora does her story well.
- Another turned down proposition. Anther grab and threaten.
- I just keep rolling my eyes at this guy. He’s not the worst of the worst but he is just an ass and annoying.
- Seth is like “how dare you go for one performance when I’m on love with you” like that’s not completely absurd
- Wow Seth is a dick
- Nikolai is great though
- What a half assed apology, Seth.
- Two stars, one each for Nikolai and Ruth.
Reflections
- Slender and delicate *eye roll* at least she’s a ballerina so I guess that makes more sense but still
- Lindsay is kind of an ass about Andy, hey?
- I’m already bored of Seth but I do like his last name
- Why is he angry she kissed him willingly which is better than any of the books before this one had
- I mean it was going ok until she said no I won’t fuck you and he was like “YES YOU WILL” and got big mad
- I truly do like Ruth. I hope Nora does her story well.
- Another turned down proposition. Anther grab and threaten.
- I just keep rolling my eyes at this guy. He’s not the worst of the worst but he is just an ass and annoying.
- Seth is like “how dare you go for one performance when I’m on love with you” like that’s not completely absurd
- Wow Seth is a dick
- Nikolai is great though
- What a half assed apology, Seth.
- Two stars, one each for Nikolai and Ruth.
June 22, 2019
Vanhempaa Robertsin tuotantoa, joka toimii tällä kertaa sopivan virkistävänä vaihteluna selfhelp-kirjojen kahluun keskellä. Tässä kirjassa pääosassa oleva Lindsay on entinen prima ballerina, joka on joutunut luopumaan urastaan perhekriisin vuoksi. Toisin kuin 2010-luvun Robertsin päähenkilöt, Lindsay on täynnä herkkyyttä ja epäkypsiä ratkaisuja. Lindsay on uhrautuvainen tytär, jonka kautta äiti on voinut toteuttaa omia täyttämättömiä unelmiaan.
1980-luku puskee silmille myös romanssin rakentumisessa; mies on varsin maskuliininen, tekee aloitteet välittämättä naisen vastustelusta tai vastahakoisuudesta ja retuuttaa tätä mielensä mukaan. Ja salaa nainen vain nauttii, kiihottuu ja rakastuu - tämä töksähti omaan silmään ja pahasti. Muutama juonellinen käänne oli myös naurettavan absurdi tai kuin suoraan Stephanie Meyerin Houkutuksesta - mutta annetaan tälle kesähömppälukemiselle sellainen anteeksi. Robertsin on varmaan pitänyt pitäytyä alle 300sivussa.
1980-luku puskee silmille myös romanssin rakentumisessa; mies on varsin maskuliininen, tekee aloitteet välittämättä naisen vastustelusta tai vastahakoisuudesta ja retuuttaa tätä mielensä mukaan. Ja salaa nainen vain nauttii, kiihottuu ja rakastuu - tämä töksähti omaan silmään ja pahasti. Muutama juonellinen käänne oli myös naurettavan absurdi tai kuin suoraan Stephanie Meyerin Houkutuksesta - mutta annetaan tälle kesähömppälukemiselle sellainen anteeksi. Robertsin on varmaan pitänyt pitäytyä alle 300sivussa.
August 14, 2023
Not one of my favorite NR books-I guess it was one of her early books. I might have liked the h better with a different narrator, but I doubt it. The narrator has a high pitched, nasally voice. Very annoying. The h was annoying in and of herself though. When a 17 year old girl comes to her for dance lessons, she continually hammers her uncle (Seth, our H) to send her to New York for training. He tells her that Ruth's parents have recently died and he wants to give Ruth stability for awhile. This seems eminently reasonable to me, but not to her...she keeps on hammering. This seems like something Ruth and Seth need to sit down and discuss, but after meeting them both once (okay, she met Seth twice but the first time barely counts) she pushes and pushes with her opinion. All in all her character seems very immature.
January 28, 2020
Lindsey a prima ballerina called home from her life and career following an accident that took her father and severely injured her mother. Now caring for her mother Lindsey opens a ballet studio in her home town. Suddenly she finds herself in a rainstorm almost run over and falling in a puddle. Hovering over her is a rude, handsome man, Seth. Finding out soon that he the guardian and uncle of a soon to be remarkable ballerina. There back and forth romance got a bit annoying for me. Seth seemed to be domineering, egotistic, rude and dictatorial. He always wants his way or no way at all. Lindsey seemed very mousy. This would have been a much better story if it was longer. It felt choppy, at times and it seemed to be skipping over periods of time. The ending was very predictable.
November 30, 2021
Finding a new dream
I have been a fan of Nora Roberts for years and have never been disappointed in any story written by this prolific author.
In Reflections, Ms. Roberts provides a glimpse into the world of dance and the difficulties associated with working towards being a lead dancer.
The main character in this story feels the loss of it all when she gives up the spotlight to help her mother out. While dealing with the feelings and loss she finds the love she has been waiting for when a former dance partner comes back into her life. Offering her the opportunity to dance again in a performance he has written. In agreeing to work with him she looses the man she has fallen in love with.
A great story with interesting characters about finding new dreams.
I have been a fan of Nora Roberts for years and have never been disappointed in any story written by this prolific author.
In Reflections, Ms. Roberts provides a glimpse into the world of dance and the difficulties associated with working towards being a lead dancer.
The main character in this story feels the loss of it all when she gives up the spotlight to help her mother out. While dealing with the feelings and loss she finds the love she has been waiting for when a former dance partner comes back into her life. Offering her the opportunity to dance again in a performance he has written. In agreeing to work with him she looses the man she has fallen in love with.
A great story with interesting characters about finding new dreams.
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