Exploring complicated issues from a woman’s perspective
Dancing in Quicksand
"A promising first novel that offers a lighter-than-usual take on a deadly serious subject" ~ Kirkus Reviews
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"A promising first novel that offers a lighter-than-usual take on a deadly serious subject" ~ Kirkus Reviews ~
Dancing in Quicksand explores the conflicted relationship between family values and domestic violence.
It's the story of a 40-year-old woman's search to find meaning in her life beyond the ties that bind her to a toxic marriage.
Readers say:
“A triumph”
“Could be a life changer”
“Gripping and intense”
“Strong dose of humor for such a heavy topic”
“Encourage all women to read”
It's Ash Wednesday morning in the mid 1990s. A dense fog is lifting over the Brooklyn, NY streets. Before walking to church to get ashes on her forehead, Irish Catholic Pinch O'Malley makes a life-changing phone call despite her husband's emphatic disapproval.
For the next seven weeks she juggles lies to protect her secret, doubts her faith and questions its leaders, trusts strangers, fears family, and has the scab ripped off an old sibling wound on a sometimes humorous, often terrifying journey to reclaim the sparkle in her life.
Will Pinch listen to the eccentric old woman who speaks the truth in riddles and rhymes or heed the command of a higher source to find joy in sacrifice — and to honor and obey?
Bless me Father, I have not sinned.
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Praise from readers
“Really fine first novel”
“Living in an abusive marriage, Pinch has learned to tread lightly and carefully, to protect herself and her young daughter. But there's always the specter of her husband's anger looming, and the fear that she might sink in that quicksand forever. Well-drawn characters and a compelling, ultimately hopeful story line elevate this really fine first novel.”
“The story holds you”
“I received the book after lunch and didn’t sleep until I was done. The story holds you even after you are done reading.”
“Buy it, read it, and open your heart”
“First I was captivated by the dialogue and later I found myself hearing the voices of these very real characters. Dancing in Quicksand is such a perfect title for this book filled with control, despair, support, and a new life. As a first novel by a wonderful writer it is a triumph!”
“Vivid and descriptive”
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book on so many levels – strong character development, vivid and descriptive prose, and a well-developed plot.”
“Our book club loved this book”
“The book is intensely readable and resonates long after the final page. It was a story that came to life, and the characters were interesting and believable. We encouraged the author to continue the series so that we can find out what happens to Pinch and her daughter and also how Lydia came to be the incredible person she is. I would recommend this book to other book clubs and to individuals who just like a good story.”
“Great fodder for a discussion group”
“Here is the life of a young woman / mother who is undeniably waking up and facing a reality she has spent years denying. Great fodder for a discussion group.”
Quotes from Dancing in Quicksand
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