"Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams" by Sue Watson is the perfect summer read, quick to go through and full of laugh-out-loud moments. This uplifting comedy follows Laura Watkins, a single mum who rediscovers her passion for dance and love with the help of the charming dance instructor Tony Hernandez. The story beautifully explores themes of courage, dreams, and the importance of living life to the fullest.

The characters are well-developed and their humorous banter makes the reading/listening an engaging and heartwarming tale. Whether you're lounging by the pool or on a beach, this delightful book will leave you smiling and inspired to grab life by the glitter balls. Highly recommended for a fun and breezy summer escape!

Special thanks to NetGalley, Saga Egmont Audio, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #SummerFlingsandDancingDreams #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

I think I missed the mark with this one. I didn’t find it a rom-com and I wasn’t a fan of the narrator. I don’t know I think it was just me.

Summer Flings & Dancing Dreams 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 🎧
@suewatsonbooks
I absolutely loved this audiobook. A mature protagonist, realising her dreams in her 40s and proving that age is just a number! Laura only needed a friend to make her see what she was capable of and Tony proved to be just that. I enjoyed their friendly banter and Laura's dream becoming a reality, (albiet midlife) by resuming her passion for dance. I have always been fascinated with the Flaminco and learned a lot through this book! Tony is charming but cheeky and the banter between him and Laura was so much fun!
Definitely pick it up for your next beach read!

Some books are just not made for the audio version, and this one was definitely of those. I had a lot of trouble with the narrator, I just couldn't get into it.
I honestly thought when I read the blurb that this was going to be funny or whimsical.... I just found it sad and seriously depressing. I don't know, maybe I just didn't understand the point of view the author but I can't recommend this one.

Laura lives alone, works in a grocery and her adult daughter tells her that she does not want to be like her. When a friend invites her to a zumba class, she reluctantly agrees and it changes her life. Not zumba, but the dance instructor who watches her do that disastrous class. She's invited to join his class and becomes his dance partner. Suddenly, she find the passion she's searched for and decides to follow in her parents' footsteps to be a ballroom dancer. This is an inspirational story of rediscovery, of taking chances, and holding onto your dreams. It made me want to stop dreaming and start doing. What a great summer read!

4.5 Stars: Laura Watkins is your average divorcee who is working to make ends meet and raising her daughter Sophie, while also assisting her mother as she transitions into life without her partner. Laura loved her dad and still misses him terribly. Her daughter is dealing with her own turmoil as her marriage was called off at the last minute and now she is off traveling in Europe. Laura realizes that she has nothing much to enjoy about her life. She works all day and comes home to watch television, her favourite show, Strictly Come Dancing, which reminds her of her parents and their ballroom dancing days. It is time for a change, so she attends a zumba class with her friend, which ends up in a disaster. Laura ends up on the floor in front of handsome dance instructor, Tony Hernandez, which starts the changes that bring Laura out of her funk and into a whole new world.

This was a fun story about grabbing life, taking chances, following dreams, challenging your own expectations and doubts, family relationships and dance. The characters were well developed with their own challenges and pasts which made them more real to me. Laura was full of reservations and self-doubt based upon her past and what others had told her. I loved how Tony was able to get her to see she was so much more. Her slowly helped her to self-reflect and see that she could do what she set her mind to. It wasn't easy sailing by any means, but she kept at it. As she began to enjoy life a bit more, she also gets her mother to open up and see glimpses of her past as well. As the relationship between Laura and her mom changes, it reveals secrets which left me smiling. This is an uplifting and encouraging story to show people that if you take a chance on life and dreams, your path may take you places you never expected. One other issue I want to mention is homophobia. There is a situation that my be difficult for some to read, although it is not described, but the result of the incident impacts the story. Overall, this is an uplifting story with humour, dance, relationships, secrets and a great ending to wrap everything up in a wonderful story. I recommend this one to those who enjoy up-lit, women's fiction and what happens when you take the chance and grab hold of opportunities. The audiobook was narrated by Mary Woodvine who does a great job with the story. She gave voice to the various characters, with accents, tone and expression. This is the first time I have listened to her perform an audiobook and will not hesitate to listen to her again. I enjoyed listening to this one and recommend it to those who enjoy listening to their stories.

I loved this book, such a great story! Tony and Lola had such an incredible friendship. Lola's personal growth was fun and beautiful to watch! I laughed out loud many times and smiled so much my cheeks hurt. I will definitely recommend this book!

Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams is a delightful summer offering from author Sue Watson. Supermarket checker Laura has led a simple life, raised her daughter Sophie, and catered to the whims of her aging mother. In the wake of Sophie being left at the altar, she makes some unfortunate comments to Laura about getting a life. While it might have temporarily been hurtful, it was the catalyst for Laura to do just that!

When Laura is led to exercise class by her workmate it is the following dance class by Tony Hernandez that makes Laura come alive. Her youth was filled with music and dance, her parents had been competitive ballroom dancers. That is until her father passed away at a competition. Then music and dance became absent from her life.

Her collaborative relationship with Tony brings forth Laura’s self confidence in spades. When an unfortunate incident puts Tony in a position where he cannot attend the flamenco classes he has prepaid to attend, he sends Laura in his place, absolutely changing her life’s course! Her week in Granada, Spain, is absolutely life changing!

This is such a special tale about friendship, finding oneself, and ploughing ahead towards a wonderful new future. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

📚Happy Audiobook Pub Day!!📚

📖My Thoughts📖

Years ago I read my first British rom-com, and was hooked right away. One of my favorite rom-com authors to read is Sue Watson. I was so excited to have been granted access to this audiobook. I feel as though this book really delivered in the true “Sue Watson fashion”, from laughter (to the point my side hurt), great characters, great storyline, and even those “ooey gooey squishy inside” feelings. I loved the characters and had a special love for the relationship between Tony and Laura “Lola”. This book did come out a few years back, so this was a launch of the audiobook version. I think Mary Woodvine did an amazing job narrating and bringing the characters to life. Overall I really enjoyed this book and to be honest, I think it was exactly what I needed. If you’re in need of some good hardy laughs and a good light hearted story, this is one you definitely need to pick up!
Thank you Netgalley, Saha Egmont Audio and Sue Watson for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is such a fun, lighthearted read. I really enjoyed it. Escapism at its best. Loved the story, loved the characters and the narrator was just perfect

I really enjoyed this book. Laura is a highly likeable and relatable middle-aged woman whose life is stuck in a rut. She has a job which she is tired of, a daughter who has left home to discover the world, and a hard-of-hearing mother who recently moved into a retirement community.

When a friend invites her to a Zumba class, a calamity of incidents occurs. She also meets dance teacher Tony who invites her to take one of his dance classes. Laura has always enjoyed dance and remembers fondly when her parents entered dance competitions. But that was before the accident that changed everything. Nevertheless, Laura wants to make a change in her life and so takes Tony’s class.

Laura not only enjoys Tony’s class but really does well in it. He invites her to be his partner, and soon the two are entering local competitions. As her dancing prowess increases, Laura gains confidence in all areas of her life. A trip to Spain to learn flamenco has Laura (and her alter-ego Lola) has finding romance, and an even stronger passion for dance. The reader is treated to a vacation in Spain with a discussion of the culture, food and wine of the country. I loved it.

I love a story where the protagonist has such strong personal growth. As many of us reach middle age, we start to reflect upon our lives thus far and what we want to change to make us more fulfilled. Laura takes that leap of faith and creates a life outside of what she had always known.

Tony’s character also experiences change throughout the book. Laura and Tony bring out the best in one another – signs of a true friendship. There is a discussion of homophobia in this book and Tony is physically hurt at one point in the story. The author writes this with respect and empathy which I appreciated.

I listened to the audiobook version of Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams which was narrated by Mary Woodvine. Her performance was easy to listen to and full of enthusiasm and age-appropriate for Laura’s character. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to listen to this audio book in return for an honest review.
Synopsis
Dance like nobody’s watching. Love like you’ll never get hurt…
Laura Watkin’s heart isn’t broken, she’s just forgotten how to use it.

After years on her own, the highlight of single mum Laura’s week is watching Strictly Come Dancing with a glass of Pinot Grigio and a large helping of imagination.

With her daughter Sophie going travelling, Laura knows the time is right to do something for herself for a change. One disastrous Zumba class later and Laura ends up at the feet (literally) of gorgeous dance instructor Tony Hernandez.

A natural dancer and inspiring teacher, Tony rekindles in Laura a passion she inherited from her ballroom dancer father – and with it comes a dream… to make him proud.

But when Tony enters them to perform at the National Dance Festival, can Laura’s new-found confidence survive the test? And with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn Flamenco in Spain, could Laura truly learn to dance like nobody’s watching… and love like she’ll never get hurt?

A laugh-out-loud, uplifting comedy about finding the courage to be yourself, the importance of dreams, and learning to grab life by the glitter balls.
I didn’t get off to a great start with this one. Didn’t feel like it was really my thing. Then something changed. I think I saw myself in the protagonist (I danced as a child, the difference was I hated it, yet was somehow good) from then on in I absolutely loved it. Maybe I recognised the little life that Laura was living too, as a single mum we don’t do things for us. Laura’s journey to discovering her love for dance was quite beautiful, I absolutely loved Tony and the brilliance he brought out in Laura. I think it’d be easy to file this under chicklit/romcom but it has something a bit more special about it. It’s sad, funny, uplifting, and just a complete joy. The writing is beautiful, and I loved the narration too. Now, where are the dancing shoes?! #jorecommends

Name of Book: Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams
Author: Sue Watson
Audiobook Narrator: Mary Woodvine
Publisher: Saga Egmont Audio
Genre: Chick Lit
Pub Date: July 12, 2022
My Rating: 3

This is my third Sue Watson. I absolutely loved the other two ~ "The Resort" and "The New Wife".
I am a big fan of psychological thrillers ~ love stories a bit on the dark side.

This was first published in 2015. I didn’t do my homework, I was attracted to this because I love both the author and I love to dance!
However this story isn’t a thriller, it starts with Laura Watkins our propagandist and mum of Laura (the bride to be who has been left at the altar) ~ more than upset about the cancelled wedding drops an f-bomb; I thought oops this just may not work for me! I have a low tolerance for profanity but thankfully there was not a lot of nasty language in this story.

Story centers on Laura who has devoted her life to her daughter’s happiness (who is now off traveling) is watching ‘ Strictly Come Dancing’ with a glass of Pinot Grigio and decided she is going to do something for herself and is going be back into dancing. Her parents were avid dancers and dancing was an important part of her life.
She decided to first take dance classes and when she ends up with gorgeous dance instructor Tony Hernandez things get interesting.

The titles of the chapters are humorous but I prefer author, Sue Watson’s dark side!

Want to thank NetGalley and Saga Edmont Audio for this Audio eGalley!
This file has been made available to me before the audio publication date.
Audiobook Publishing Date scheduled for July 12, 2022

Middle aged Laura now has time for herself, since her daughter Sophie has flown the nest. Laura is bored in her checkout cashier job, and wishes for something better for herself. She signs up to a dance class, as her parents were dancers, and it is in her blood. She is surprised at how well she takes to it, and soon she is learning new techniques and perfecting her skills. Tony, the instructor becomes close friends with her, and they get on really well together. He helps her to become more confident in her dancing, and this leads to her becoming more confident in the rest of her life too. She goes to Spain, has a bit of romance there, and lots of dancing, and comes back home a new woman. Her and Tony stay close as friends, and from this, they create something wonderful together. Laura's Mum features in the story too, and she is lovely.

The narrator of the book was good, and she was great at doing the different accents.

I really enjoyed this book, which would make a great summer holiday read. It is a lovely book, which is uplifting and easy to read. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Laura’s daughter Sophie was stood up at the alter. Sophie was mainly upset because she doesn’t want to become like her mom and marrying this doctor was her ticket out of here. Laura was deeply hurt by this comment but in reality she understood because she is a checkout girl in her 40s and still single. Her friend convinces her to join a Zumba class where she feels like she is failing until a handsome, but gay, man comes to her after class and talks her into taking his easier dance class. Laura’s parents were professional ballroom dancers so she tries the class to see if any of their passion rubbed off on her. Throughout the classes the dance instructor Tony becomes her closest friend and proves to Laura she is an amazing dancer and gives her a nickname Lola. Tony wants to learn a particular dance with her but Lola just can not get it down so Tony decides she needs love in her life. Lola attempts at love but each time fails miserably but got enough out of the relationships that she was able to master the dance.
This was an easy read with some funny areas about a middle aged woman trying to figure out who she is in life and what her purpose is. Mary woodbine did a great job at narrating this story. I also love to listen to stories that have a narrator with an accent. The story seemed to drag on in some parts though but overall it was cute.
Special thanks to netgalley and chatterbox audio for providing the audio arc in return for an honest review.

Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams by Sue Watson
Narrated by Mary Woodvine

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Dance like nobody’s watching. Love like you’ll never get hurt…
Laura Watkin’s heart isn’t broken, she’s just forgotten how to use it.

After years on her own, the highlight of single mum Laura’s week is watching Strictly Come Dancing with a glass of Pinot Grigio and a large helping of imagination.

With her daughter Sophie going travelling, Laura knows the time is right to do something for herself for a change. One disastrous Zumba class later and Laura ends up at the feet (literally) of gorgeous dance instructor Tony Hernandez.

Now that Laura's daughter is away travelling, Laura is looking for something to do for herself - following in her parent's footsteps she joins a dance class. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narration was enjoyable with a good pace. The plot flows well and towards the end a few additional secrets are revealed.

Rating 4/5

How do I find words to express how much I loved this book? Absolutely fantastic from the first few paragraphs which instantly set the scene for Laura and her daughter Sophie and the type of life Laura has had and the hint that she wants. and definitely desrves, more right up to the end when ……. Sorry no spoilers.

I am really hoping Sue Watson writes more about Laura and that the delightful narrrator Mary Woodviine will be on hand as she was brilliant!

A perfect rainy Sunday, curled up on the sofa with the audiobook version of "Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams". Before I knew it, the book was finished, and I had barely moved at all.

This really is a story all 40ish women, who feel tired, demotivated, and bored, ought to read.

I laughed a lot, I cried a little, and I just loved the way the book left me upbeat and ready for tomorrow (the dreaded Monday).

Thanks so much for a brilliant story!

**please note due to low rating I will not be leaving a public review for this book as I have not paid for it.**

Narrator 5 stars
Great voice

Story 2 stars

The writing was very good, but unfortunately for me I didn't take to the characters which ultimately stopped me from being absorbed into the story.

This is my first time trying this author and even though I didn't like this particular story I would definitely try this author again as she is clearly talented

Although I'm not a fan of romance, I am a fan of Sue Watson and jumped at the chance to listen to this soon to be released audio book of a book actually published in 2015. As a woman of a certain age I too am trying new things as is main character Laura, so this one was right up my alley.

It's a quick novel without a lot of angst and is perfect for the beach. Divorced, at the age where her child can manage and form her own life, Laura steps out of her comfort zone and into the arms of dance instructor Tony. The banter and wit of the author is clear and enjoyable. This one flows quickly and is a fun romp for those of us old enough to relate.

Narrator Mary Woodvine did an excellent job voicing the characters and delivering the full range of emotions the reader experiences through Watson's well developed characters.

Happy to recommend this one to women who want to feel hope and perhaps encouragement to be adventurous.

Thank you to Netgalley and Saga Egmont Audio for allowing me to listen in advance of the July 12, 2022 release date in exchange for my honest opinions.