What a pleasure to be on the blog tour for author and friend Annette Hannah’s latest book Lottie’s School of Dance.

It’s too long since Annette featured here on Linda’s Book Bag when I reviewed Poppy’s Christmas Wishes. Prior to that I reviewed Annette’s The Cosy Little Cupcake Van here and Annette has also featured here when I reviewed her debut novel Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Café and we stayed in together to chat all about it.

Published by Orion Dash on 31st August 2023, Lottie’s School of Dance is available for purchase here.

Lottie’s School of Dance

Lottie Daniels is dancing up the altar in Canada when she realises her whirlwind wedding is a big mistake. Chad isn’t the right person for her at all! And, in that moment, Lottie goes from dancing bride to runaway bride.

Much to her brother’s relief, Lottie decides to return to Bramblewood in the UK. But life has more surprises in store for her. After rescuing both a donkey and a little old lady called Doris – all with the help of a handsome stranger! – Lottie suddenly becomes a big part of Doris’s life. And in return for her company and doing bits around the farm, Doris offers her the barn to run her dance classes.

From broken dreams to second chances, Lottie finally has a chance to rebuild her life. And with an exciting dance audition to prepare for, who knows what might happen next?!

You are guaranteed to fall head over heels with this sweet and charming romance.

My Review of Lottie’s School of Dance

Lottie’s about to get married.

Lottie’s School of Dance is a lovely story, being entertaining, engaging, humorous and romantic. Indeed, I think Annette Hannah has found her voice in this genre very very clearly. There’s always a warm sense of community in her books and a strong sense of loyalty and friendship that I find so uplifting in what is often a depressing and aggressive world. Lottie’s School of Dance is the kind of uplit we could all benefit from. I loved the way characters I’ve met previously in Annette Hannah’s books popped into the narrative but anyone reading this book could do so perfectly happily without ever having read other books by the author.

Equally, I so appreciated the age range of the characters because many, like Doris, are older but show that they still have life, interest and vitality. They prove that romance isn’t merely the domain of twenty to thirty somethings. That said, I was totally invested in Lottie’s story and found myself more than a little in love with Marco too. I thought using Denni as a catalyst for much of the action was inspired. Who couldn’t help loving him? You’ll have to read Lottie’s School of Dance for yourself to find out why! 

I do have one issue with Lottie’s School of Dance because Annette Hannah appeals to the reader’s senses and has such glorious references to food and taste that, frequently, reading the book made me ravenous. However, given that she also made me want to get dancing too in order to burn off the calories I think I consumed just reading about Lottie, I’ll forgive her. I loved the reference to real singers and songs because they added a layer of authenticity to the story. The descriptions here are totally convincing.

I think what I enjoyed so much about Lottie’s School of Dance is the way it made me feel. There’s drama and tension resulting from the dance competition, but there was never a moment when I thought things wouldn’t resolve themselves satisfactorily, and in the present climate of war, climate change and general negativity, this book gave me sheer respite and escapism. I highly recommend that you give yourself a break from life and simply enjoy meeting Lottie for yourself. It’s a gorgeous story.

About Annette Hannah

Annette Hannah is a Liver Bird who relocated to leafy Hertfordshire in the 80’s and now lives near a river with her husband, two of their three grown up children and a crazy black cocker spaniel. She writes Romantic comedies in settings inspired by the beautiful countryside around her and always with a nod to her hometown.

She worked in Marketing for many years as a qualified Marketeer which she loved as it tapped into her creative side. As an avid reader, she began to review the books she read, became a book blogger and eventually plucked up the courage to fulfil her life long dream of writing a book.

For four years she was a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s new writers’ scheme, during which time she wrote a book a year. After signing a two book deal with Orion Dash in 2020 she graduated to full member of the organisation and is also their Press Officer. She loves long walks along the river, travelling to far flung places and spending time with her friends and family.

You can find out more by visiting Annette’s blog or website and following her on Instagram and Twitter @AnnetteHannah.

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