Review – A Delicate Dance of Souls by Karen D. Hamilton #romance #spiritualgrowth
Synopsis
When souls intersect deeply, but their paths are separate…
After a harrowing experience from his service in the military, Matt returns only to find his marriage to the love of his life is over. In the midst of his darkness, Matt seeks peace camping in Wyoming, where he meets Nicole, an intriguing woman who shifts his perspective, and changes his life forever. As their connection deepens, their relationship uncovers the fears that are holding both of them back.
Matt isn’t the only one with an unresolved love in his past. Waiting in the wings is Sam, Nicole’s business partner and best friend. The pair have a history of more than just catering and event planning, but Nicole has always been afraid of letting Sam get too close.
In this novel of self-discovery, compassion and healing, Nicole and Matt are brought to a greater understanding and acceptance of themselves, and who they are in the world.
Praise
“The mature romance at the center of a delicate dance of souls is infused with spiritual ideas.” – Foreword Clarion Reviews
“The novel has many strengths. Readers will steadfastly follow the characters’ journey of self-discovery… detailed descriptions of the protagonists and their personalities, including imperfections, make them credible and relatable. Infused with spiritual lessons, this story about two lost souls finding their way back to themselves proves a satisfying read.” – BlueInk Review
Review
This is a novel that reaches deep inside your psyche and makes you question what you know or think you know about life and how you perceive events and other people.
Matt and Nicole meet at a campsite and are instantly drawn to each other. Is it physical or something more? Why it appears to be physical, Matt is struggling with PTSD and events that occurred while he was stationed in Iraq that have affected his life and his marriage. Nicole has her own issues from the past that has her scared of commitment with anyone else, especially a friend named Sam. Despite their pasts, this doesn’t stop Matt and Nicole from becoming involved with each other, but at the same time, Nicole is helping Matt overcome his fears with various spiritual techniques. While it may seem that the book is focused on helping Matt, Nicole has her own breakthrough. I found her description of what she was feeling and experiencing interesting.
I did wonder why Nicole and Matt continued to pursue their physical relationship despite Matt’s declarations of love for his ex-wife and Nicole’s interest in her friend Sam. Amanda, Matt’s ex-wife, is quite an amazing character with her strength considering everything that is thrown at her regarding Matt and Nicole. I don’t know if I could have done what she did, however, love does seem to conquer all.
I’m not sure about Sam despite his connection to Nicole. While we know he loved Nicole and wants her in his life, he does seem a bit passive-aggressive towards her and the situation with Matt. I was amazed that Nicole and Sam had few secrets. But perhaps that is what made them good friends and business partners.
There is a side story about two country music stars planning to marry in Cheyenne and Sam and Nicole’s role in planning that wedding. It was a nice diversion from the main storyline.
Overall, while I started this book thinking it was going to be a simple romance novel, I found it to be so much more and it encouraged me to consider the spiritual side of my life. We give this book 4 paws up.
About the Author
Karen D. Hamilton’s path of spiritual growth has spanned decades and has included several teachers with transformative perspectives. She currently lives in Colorado where she loves to weave, go camping, and especially enjoys being with family and friends. Karen hopes her work will give readers a broader and more compassionate view of their own lives. a delicate dance of souls is her first book.