Nora Roberts

Dance Upon the Air (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)

When Nell Channing arrives on Three Sisters Island, she dares to hope she's found refuge from the life of terror she has left behind. But even in this quiet sanctuary, Nell remains alert to danger. Concealing her true identity, she takes a job at the local bookstore-café - and begins to explore her feelings for Sheriff Zack Todd. As Nell starts her new life, she discovers that the island suffers under a terrible curse. It can only be lifted by the descendants of the Three Sisters, the witches who settled on the island in 1692. Haunted by her past, and with the help of two gifted women, Nell must find the power to save her home, her love and herself...

Number 1 in series

Dance Upon The Air

Colleen

3.5 Stars

This review contains minor spoilers.


I read this trilogy years ago because my mother enjoyed them. I needed something light after the trainwreck that was The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, and this came to mind. 

Nell Channing is on the run from a dark past when she finds her way to Three Sisters Island. There she discovers that she has a magical link to the island's history as well as finding the chance for a new life. Although this was a little frothy, it also had deeper themes about finding strength and overcoming abuse. 

I definitely forgot that the magic in this book is super cheesy. It was all very new age zen stuff that made me roll my eyes. The magic aspect of this book leans towards disappointing. And it is almost more of a subplot. It helps Nell self-actualize, but it is more of a catalyst to building confidence and help her face her past.

Nell was a not my favorite heroine, but Zack was such a sweetheart. (view spoiler)[I did not like the way she led Zack on. I understand why she was gun shy, but she went far, far past the point where she either needed to trust him or back off. (hide spoiler)] I liked some of the other characters as well although Mia was my least favorite. She was just too perfect.

It was a sweet story with a nice message underneath. Although I strongly question Roberts' knowledge of cooking. I had to laugh at the (unintentionally funny) scene where she describes making a pie and a jack-o'-lantern from the same pumpkin.


RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars

Renee Delcourt

I will be completely honest... I went into reading this book, even though I liked the concept of the book, thinking I was not going to like this book.... Because I was very against Nora Roberts. Yes that is my only reason. I have well and truly eaten my words and really enjoyed this book. 

The book isn't perfect... As much as I enjoyed it Zack really rubbed me the wrong way sometimes. He tends to be very uncaring of how his behavior can trigger Nell's trauma and almost seems to treat her like she should get over it. I also was mildly frustrated with how time would lapse and you would have no idea it lapsed till someone reference how Nell had been on the island for whatever amount of time. 

I truly enjoyed the vibes of the book, small town, sea side landscapes, tight knit community, baking, magic... I mean this book was a mix of all my favorite themes. I will definitely be reading the next book and will be thrilled to keep trying Nora Roberts books, even though I think I'm having an existential crisis.

Leaving you spellbound every step of the way, bestselling author Nora Roberts takes you to Three Sisters Island, where a fabled lighthouse beckons three young women to seek their true destinies.

Dance Upon the Air

b.andherbooks

I'm a closet Nora Roberts aficionado, and I love to binge sometimes, especially in the summer. I believe I read this series a way long time ago, but we received these gorgeous new editions at my library so I'm giving it another go.

I also recently finished her Cousin's O'Dwyer series, set in Ireland, and man do these two series share a lot of plot points (even magical incantations). I'm pretty over "so mote it be." BUT, that said, I vastly prefer this series as Roberts spends far less time with the old Salem witches the modern women are based off of, and a lot less time on the magic. Roberts excels when she focuses on characters.

Katharine Lumley

Joy Bush

Molly Shipley

Hanna Tillmanns 

Rhiannon Mansfield

Ruby Marris

Olivia smith 

Tina Rawls

Pursuing a daring dream of musical stardom, a young performer meets a high player in the industry whose professional dealings have made him a ruthless businessman, and whose fear of getting too close makes him resist an uncontrollable attraction. Reissue.

Dance to the Piper

Ainhoa Marcos Camps

Sandi King

Shay Henrion

Michaela Lee

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author-the first book in the reissued Three Sisters Island trilogy is a tale of friendship, fate, and the mysterious ways of the heart.

Tameka Young

In "Dance to the Piper," professional dancer Maddy O'Hurley shows a ruthless businessman the importance of love.

Dance Upon the Air (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)

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