First of all, many thanks to author Gail Priest for reaching out to me about her novel Soul Dancing. Gail’s a loyal Tartlet, and she offered to send me a review copy of her book since she knows I love women’s fiction and supernatural stories.
Well, Gail, let’s remove all the suspense – I loved Soul Dancing. I’m so glad you sent it my way!
What’s Soul Dancing about?
We meet elderly main character Shirlene at the very beginning of Soul Dancing, just as she’s about to slip off this mortal coil. Shirlene takes a quick sojourn to the afterlife, then unexpectedly finds herself back on “earth”. Another twist? Her soul, her essence, her whatever has taken up residence in a strange young woman’s body.
Oh, and that new body? It’s in the middle of giving birth.
What follows in Soul Dancing is a whirlwind of drama, mystery, grief, motherhood, romance, and healing as Shirlene navigates her second chance at life.
What I loved about Soul Dancing
Soul Dancing sucked me in from page one with its unique opening scene. Talk about beginning a story en medias res. I don’t think you get any more “in the middle of things” than dying one minute, more-or-less being reincarnated, then giving birth a few moments later in a brand-new body. Whew! That captivating intro sets us up for all the twists and turns that take place in Soul Dancing.
I never knew quite what to expect with this novel, which was really great. The premise of the novel is pretty complex, with souls “dancing” in between bodies. Although it’s a fantastical concept – and this is completely agreed upon by everyone in the book – Priest makes it believable and accepted. She does an excellent job of keeping things grounded and focused so you don’t lose track of what’s happening. That’s pretty darn impressive.
Priest’s writing flows easily, is enjoyable and immersive. I really leaned into the characters of Shirlene and Rain, who previously “owned” the body that Shirlene comes to inhabit. The dynamic between Shirlene and best friend Hattie is really sweet, and I was so invested in the love triangle between Shirlene, her ailing husband Stan, and her new paramour Cameron. And, if that sounds complicated – yes, it is. But it’s delightful, too.
I also loved that the heroine of Soul Dancing is in her golden years. Despite her new youthful (and hot!) bod, Shirlene’s very much an old soul. She has 80+ years of experience and wisdom under her belt. However, her rollercoaster journey through motherhood, new romance, and medical setbacks proves that life throws you curveballs at any age.
Is Soul Dancing a scary book?
There’s nothing stereotypically “scary” about Soul Dancing. There are definitely some intense and emotional scenes, but most of them are between real, living people. There are no jump scares or anything like that.
While this book is marketed as supernatural women’s fiction, I don’t necessarily think “supernatural” is the right fit. That word calls to mind ghosts, demons, vampires, and other creepy things. Soul Dancing lands more solidly in the speculative fiction genre. Meaning, Shirlene’s world is the one we know and (mostly) love, but it contains some fantastical elements that bring in some magic and wonder. In this case, one of those elements is the ability for a person’s soul and personality to slip into a different body after death.
Should you read Soul Dancing?
Pick up Soul Dancing if you’re looking for a sweet romance with lots of twists and turns and more than a tinge of the ethereal. It’s a heart-warming, inspiring, and unique read I’m happy to have added to my list.
What’s the book-inspired recipe for Soul Dancing?
Check back in for the book-inspired recipe: Quick and Easy Philly Cheesesteaks.
CJ, What a creative mind your friend Gail Priest who wrote Soul Dancing has. With your description I can’t wait to read it….
Thanks,
Elle
Hi Elle! This book was SO much fun. I hope you get a chance to read it. 🙂