Rating: 
Summary: Poetic prose -- Very highly recommended
Review: "Life doesn't just happen to us. There is one spectacular moment when it happens for us. It happens to change us somehow, to pick us up just when we're heading in the wrong direction..." And therein lies the magic of THE LAST SLOW DANCE by Mary Gauden Hughes. This talented author captures that searing magical moment on which all of one's destiny hinges, drawing it into every moment of the novel in a lovely musical harmony.When Mary Livingston enters Michael's life, everything changes. His house becomes a home, his girls happily sharing their days at the supper table. Mary claims she's only passing through, a writer gathering stories, searching for that one special story to tell. As Mary loves writing, so does Michael McCain loves his music, dreaming of breaking into the big time. When he at last reaches his dream, as successful star Abby Rhodes invites him along to open her shows, Michael must reevaluate his life, his priorities, and his dreams. THE LAST SLOW DANCE flows with a poetic grace, the language's lyricism mesmerizing the reader. THE LAST SLOW DANCE moves like a great river with hidden currents of meaning below the reflective surface. If you enjoyed James Waller's BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, you'll love THE LAST SLOW DANCE with its positive ending and inspirational message. Very highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: The Last Slow Dance will speak to you.
Review: Among the underlying themes in Mary Gauden Hughes' moving novella, The Last Slow Dance, is the idea that fate has a way of bringing people into our lives when we need them most. Perhaps the purpose is not apparent at first, but when we reflect back, it becomes obvious that the person was there at a turning point when we were struggling. Such was the case when a young bandleader, Michael McCain, rescues Mary Livingston, the Freshman Ball Queen, from embarrassment when her father fails to appear to lead her through the traditional last slow dance. Following this brief encounter, Mary and Michael's lives follow different directions. She subconsciously seeks to locate him over the intervening years; surprisingly, she doesn't even recognize him when their paths cross again. As the story unfolds it becomes apparent that destiny has intervened a second time. Mary reappears when Michael is trying to balance the trials of being a single father with his wish to become a famous musician. She quickly helps give him focus, but when the relationship between them deepens, new complications surface. Over the years, each makes personal sacrifices for the other's benefit resulting in ironies reminiscent of the young couple in O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi. Human relationships are the key to this thought-provoking story. We may see it from different viewpoints based on our own experiences. Some may be drawn to the father/daughter relationship, while the one between friends-turned-lovers may speak to others. Some readers may look back and see how their lives were redirected at a difficult moment by the influence of a friend. Treat yourself to this delightful novella; see what pathways the story may reopen for you.
Rating:
Summary: The Last Slow Dance will speak to you.
Review: Among the underlying themes in Mary Gauden Hughes' moving novella, The Last Slow Dance, is the idea that fate has a way of bringing people into our lives when we need them most. Perhaps the purpose is not apparent at first, but when we reflect back, it becomes obvious that the person was there at a turning point when we were struggling. Such was the case when a young bandleader, Michael McCain, rescues Mary Livingston, the Freshman Ball Queen, from embarrassment when her father fails to appear to lead her through the traditional last slow dance. Following this brief encounter, Mary and Michael's lives follow different directions. She subconsciously seeks to locate him over the intervening years; surprisingly, she doesn't even recognize him when their paths cross again. As the story unfolds it becomes apparent that destiny has intervened a second time. Mary reappears when Michael is trying to balance the trials of being a single father with his wish to become a famous musician. She quickly helps give him focus, but when the relationship between them deepens, new complications surface. Over the years, each makes personal sacrifices for the other's benefit resulting in ironies reminiscent of the young couple in O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi. Human relationships are the key to this thought-provoking story. We may see it from different viewpoints based on our own experiences. Some may be drawn to the father/daughter relationship, while the one between friends-turned-lovers may speak to others. Some readers may look back and see how their lives were redirected at a difficult moment by the influence of a friend. Treat yourself to this delightful novella; see what pathways the story may reopen for you.
Rating:
Summary: Marion from Virginia
Review: I certainly have enjoyed "The Last Slow Dance." It would be a great movie as it would be interesting for young folks as well as older folks. It is so nice to read a book that doesn't have unnecessary and unwanted descriptions. It is a book that you can be proud of. Keep more books coming!
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Summary: We need to be reminded
Review: I have long used a simple test to help me stay focused on what is important in life: When trying to decide what matters and what doesn't, I ask myself, if I should die, is this something I would want to be remembered for. It is so easy to lose sight of what is important in this life: the relationships we have with those closest to us. In The Last Slow Dance, Mary Gauden Hughes gently reminds us of this with fresh language, earthy characters and an interesting plot. Without being preachy, she gives us this gift and nurtures things that sometimes are forgotten in our rush and hurry world: faith, hope, courage.
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Summary: Marion from Virginia
Review: I read this book in one sitting! What an excellent, uplifting story of life and love. This author's writing style is beautiful and easy - it flows so well - you just can't put it down. If you liked The Bridges of Madison County, you will also love The Last Slow Dance. I look forward to more books by Mary Gauden Hughes.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Uplifting story
Review: I read this book in one sitting! What an excellent, uplifting story of life and love. This author's writing style is beautiful and easy - it flows so well - you just can't put it down. If you liked The Bridges of Madison County, you will also love The Last Slow Dance. I look forward to more books by Mary Gauden Hughes.
Rating:
Summary: The Last Slow Dance
Review: In this novella the author offers an intimate and close-up portrait of a musician with genuine dreams and a desire to find meaning in his life. As Michael McCain struggles with problems associated with divorce and parenting, he is trying to build a career that will not only enable him to make a living but will also jive with his artistic spark--not an easy task in the often rancorous music industry. Enter Mary. In a style reminiscent of writing by Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans, the author's lyrical handling of this simple character's impact on the world sets everything in balance for Michael. With Mary as his center, the truly important things become clear. At the same time, she brings an unexpected twist into his life which creates a heart-thumping race Michael must win in order to keep from losing her forever. What I want to see next is the movie version of this book . . . and more stories like this one from an author who is destined, most certainly, to create them.
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Summary: The Last Slow Dance--Food for Thought
Review: Step Outside the Boundaries
From an interview with Mary Gauden Hughes by B. Lynn Goodwin When Michael McCain first sees Mary Livingston in THE LAST SLOW DANCE, he is enthralled. They seem destined to be together. The more they learn of each other, the more they realize that fate guided them into each other's lives for a purpose. Good writing comes from the heart and Mary Gauden Hughes's novella shows a unique slant on the human condition. Michael McCain is torn. He would love to follow his dream especially when Abby Rhodes offers him big opportunities in the music profession. Traveling writer, Mary Livingston, is holding him back, but also moving him forward along a different path. She comes into his life looking for an extraordinary story and leaves a profound impact on his daughters and him. Michael digs deep into his soul causing us to look into our own. His introspection, refreshing in a man, leads him through an amazing journey of self-discovery and gives the reader hope. Hughes focuses on Michael's moments of discovery. She allows him to be vulnerable. She gets inside Michael's head, sharing his thoughts in a way that makes the reader reflect on her own aspirations and fears. THE LAST SLOW DANCE leaves a strong message of hope and leaves the reader feeling in control of her life. Hughes creates some wonderful images and captures the imagination. Learn about her journey to publication in the interview below.
Rating:
Summary: Great Reading!
Review: The book is hard to put down! I am the kind of reader that looses interest easy but not with this book. The story is great and it relates to real life. The characters seemed like people I knew and I couldn't wait to see how things would turn out. The message in the story is one that all families can benefit from.To me this book could be enjoyed by all age levels. I hope that the author has more books to come. A sequel to this one would be good!
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