Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

[Hazel Arnaiz]

The story appears to be a tribute to a mother's enduring and powerful love. It is both a story about the loss of a loved one and a celebration of life.

[Isaac Ozo-okafor]

This book for me is an object of the preservation of the warmest memories of Stephen's past, and experiences received while Merry Ann (the mother ) lived. It makes for a beautiful story that can bring smiles and happiness to anyone.

[Magdalyne chebet]

*Last Dance* by Stephen Manning is a heartfelt memoir celebrating his late wife, Mary Ann. The story traces their journey from love at first sight to her final moments, capturing both joyous and challenging times. What a heartwarming story. It's a sad story to have lost someone close to an illness. It's a must read book.Congratulations on being BOTD!

[Annabell Samuel]

I appreciate Stephen for using this book to celebrate his wife. I'm sure she will be so happy to about the beautiful things Stephen wrote about her. Way to go Stephen.

[Amarachi Stephanie Ejike]

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is emotionally challenging. And if the relationship has been exceptionally excellent, the memories become more of a torment than not.
"Last Dance" by Stephen Manning shares beautiful memories of his late wife, celebrating her life as a lovely woman and a devoted mother. The author's unwavering love for his late wife, Mary Ann, was seen through his memorable name for her as his 'Angel,' every detail reveals how incredibly devoted he was to her even when a family tragedy struck, turning their lives upside down.
The book is professionally edited and will significantly encourage readers dealing with losing a spouse due to illness.

[Brienna Cooper]

Lovely review! I would assume (or hope, at least) that writing this book was therapeutic for the author in getting to reflect on such intimate personal experiences. This fully shows the power that storytelling truly has.

While I enjoyed learning about life in the Manning family, my only dislike was the slow pace, particularly in the first half of the book. Upon the first several chapters, I felt like the story was veering off course. At times, the author devoted too much detail to things that may be uninteresting to a reader. There were specific details about Stephen's job that I felt could have been omitted. For example, drawn-out conversations between him and his boss and the over-explanation of work-related projects. I felt this took the spotlight away from the heart of the story—Mary Ann and his children.

It’s easy to lose interest when things start to drag and I can see how this could de-center the book’s main purpose. Perhaps, the author wanted to include every detail he possibly could for the sake of preserving the memories to the best of his ability? It’d be understandable in this case.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

Stephen Manning's "Last Dance" seems like a touching tribute to his late wife, Mary Ann. The mix of love, family moments, and personal challenges in this heartfelt story makes me want to read about their journey.

[Saloni Gautam]

"Last Dance" by Stephen Manning is a touching memoir that traces the author's life with his wife, Mary Ann. The review successfully reflects the capture of their first meeting in the book, their joyful relationship, frequent relocations, and family life, ending with Mary Ann's illness. Stephen's deep love for Mary Ann, whom he calls his "angel," is a central theme, as he works tirelessly for his family's well-being. The narrative also includes their travel adventures to places like the Swiss Alps, Napa Valley, and Ireland.

However, the book's first half is slow-paced, with excessive details about Stephen's job that detract from the main focus on Mary Ann and their children. Despite this, the portrayal of love and family remains the book's strongest aspect, making it an endearing read. The review justifies the book well.

[Bertha Jackson]

It is a beautiful story about family life and the true meaning of loving someone through thick and thin. Thank you for your informative review.

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

Fantastic review! This sounds like a wonderful, although tragic, story of the love between a husband and wife, and the determination of a woman to live until her son's wedding took place. It should be a good read.

[Laura Ungureanu]

It's lovely that the author would write such a wonderful book about his late wife. Although he lost her, he doesn't only focus on the bad stuff, presenting also their happy moments. I like the fact that he calls her his angel.

[Tarun Yadav 3]

Sounds beautiful but as you said it's a bit slow paced I'm unsure about this book.

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

A story about family and unconditional love. It would be very helpful for readers who are dealing with the loss of a spouse due to illness. The book is a work of love written to celebrate the life of Mary Ann, a lovely woman and a devoted mother.

[Liam Patel]

Your review does a great job of highlighting the warmth and devotion in the book, and it will surely inspire others to read this touching and fascinating story. Thanks for the review; I will definitely add it to my want-to-read collection.

[tarafarah7]

Perfectly-rated and highly-relatable, today's BOTD is an emotional and touching tribute to a wonderful wife, mother, and woman: Mary Ann Manning. Although it may bring some tears, readers will leave with a full heart and a deeper understanding of the strength, unconditional love, and support of family. Thank you so much! I've downloaded my copy!