5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:
By Morgan Smith
There’s something about the combination of ballet and Christmas that just feels magical, and this story captures that enchantment beautifully. At its heart, it’s about dedication—both to a demanding art form and to family traditions that bring warmth and meaning to the season. The protagonist is a young dancer who must balance her intense training with Christmas obligations, and I found her problems to be really relatable. There's the tiredness from long commutes, the pressure to excel in class, and the subtle yearning for something more than the barre and stage. It's an honest picture of what it's like to be so passionate about an art form while still attempting to stay present in everyday life.
What stood out to me the most was the way the story wove together themes of discipline, sacrifice, and unexpected joy. Ballet is often thought of as cold and unforgiving, but this performance makes it feel warm and lively. A lot of respect is shown for the craft—the hours of practice, the small wins, and the bond that dancers share without saying a word. Simultaneously, the holiday background makes me feel cozy and nostalgic since it reminds me of the small pleasures of family events, customs, and Christmas excitement.
There’s also a journey—both literal and emotional—that takes the protagonist beyond her usual world, and that shift was particularly powerful. She starts to see things differently and get insight into herself and what really counts in those times when she breaks from habit. Though it never in a way that feels forced or prescriptive, the narrative softly examines religion and generosity. Rather, it's about silent realizations—those motionless times when meaning sets in.
With the ideal amount of detail and pacing to keep the pages turning, the language is interesting and smooth. Although the narrative wasn't overtly sentimental, I liked that it nevertheless had a strong emotional impact that persisted long after I had finished reading it. It’s one of those books that leaves you feeling lighter, like you’ve been given a small but meaningful gift. Perfect for anyone who loves ballet, Christmas, or stories about perseverance and heart, this one is a lovely reminder of what really makes the season special.
About the Author
Dawn C Crouch

Dawn C. Crouch is a New Orleans native, author, and former dancer with Houston Ballet. Drawing from her rich background in ballet, she writes both fiction inspired by true events and nonfiction rooted in her experience as a ballet teacher.
She has authored five fiction novels and several scripts, two of which have been optioned, with one earning a top ten spot in the action/adventure category of the PAGE International Screenwriting Competition. Through her brand, Garage Ballet®, she creates instructional nonfiction books that simplify ballet technique and training, as well as engaging novellas featuring a teenage ballerina navigating friendships, family challenges, and the pursuit of her dreams.
Dawn’s storytelling thrives at the intersection of history, urban legend, and the unexpected. She believes real-life events often surpass the limits of imagination, and her work reflects a passion for weaving historically accurate details with gripping narratives. In her world, the only certainty is unpredictability—where everything can change in an instant.
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