Finalist:
Reader Views Literary Awards
Eric Hoffer Montaigne Award
Eric Hoffer YA Award
Virag Csillag, Net Galley Reviewer (5 stars)
I really enjoyed the second book in the series. I loved the atmosphere of it, the calm and peaceful vibe that filled the book despite all the troubles Marta had to go through. Both 84 Ribbons and When the Music Stops—Dance On reminded me of Jean Webster’s Daddy-Long-Legs somehow. There are no big surprises in the story but it was a great read and I’m really looking forward to the third part.
Trish, Reviewer (4 stars)
I knew before I started this book that there might be less ballet in it as Marta has left her ballet company and moved home to re-evaluate her life after an injury. But I was delighted at how much dance there still was in this one. My favorite part was the adult ballet class that Marta ends up teaching, just point me in the right direction and sign me up for this! I would thrive on it!
I would describe this book as gentle. Maybe it’s the 1950s setting but [it] has a lovely, mellow vibe to it that makes it a nostalgic comfort read for me. I has a heart-warming theme of family and neighbors and friends all looking out for each other. But it still has a lot of depth.
Overall this was an enjoyable follow up book and I really enjoyed discovering what happened for Marta after the music stopped.
Stacie Theis, Beach Bound Books Reviewer. (4 stars)
When the Music Stops—Dance On is a beautifully written sequel to the enchanting first book, 84 Ribbons. Readers follow Marta as she continues to recover from her ankle injury and as she struggles to make tough choices about her future professionally and romantically.
…The array of characters is complex and well developed and the writing flows gracefully across the pages easily captivating readers.
Katie Johnson , Author of Red Flags for Elementary Teachers (5 stars)
When the Music Stops—Dance On, the second volume of Paddy Eger’s teen ballet trilogy, opens very satisfyingly exactly where the first volume, 84 Ribbons, leaves off. Because of injuries, her heroine, Marta, has had to leave the Montana ballet company she was part of, we well as her boyfriend, and has returned to her Washington home.
Eger’s characters are entirely believable, the pace of the story is perfect, alternating in an almost ballet-like way between poses and bourres, as the questions in Marta’s heart are resolved beautifully.
These are perfect books for any dance-crazy young girl and for all girls in middle and high school who hope their dreams can come true.
Sarah Crowley, Net Galley Reviewer (4 stars)
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves the world of ballet. It really sucks you in….
Sandra K. Stiles, Teacher and Reviewer (5 stars)
I loved this sequel to 84 Ribbons. After her injury Marta returns home. At first she just hangs around the house, most days in her robe. She still has an issue with diet pills. Steve has been a big support throughout this whole thing. He is still supportive when she makes a mistake that could ruin their relationship….
At times I felt annoyed at her indecision. I think I felt that way because I am a person who has a difficult time making decisions. Once I’ve made the decision, the commitment is there 110%. I know this is how Marta felt.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who love the world of dance or love to read about the world of dance.
Emily Hill, Author of The Ghost Chaser’s Daughter, and, Jenkins
(highlights from her review)
…a glittering narrative in which every word is impeccable, and every situation researched with the skill of a long-time novelist.
…Heartbreaking situations and odd-ball characters are a part of the colorful backdrop that allows Marta to show off her grace and poise she developed as a young ballerina.
When the Music Stops—Dance On prepares the YA audience for the bittersweet experience of applauding the success of other’s while one’s own dreams seem dashed….
Review by Arianna Violante (age 20) for Reader Views (03/16)
“When the Music Stops: Dance On” by Paddy Eger is the sequel to 84 Ribbons, the author’s debut novel. The story begins with Marta’s return to her childhood home, in need of an extended recovery time before she will be able to return to dance. Marta plans to use her time to work on her recovery. During this time, she has many decisions to make regarding her future as a dancer, as well as her relationship with her boyfriend.
It is hard to go home after being on your own for a while, but Marta does the best she can, and is encouraged when she takes a job with the local community theatre. When her former ballet teacher invites her to teach at her dance studio, Marta’s enthusiasm and energy returns full force. Then over the course of the next several months, a series of events throw Marta’s life into chaos and she is forced to reevaluate her life.
I found “When the Music Stops: Dance On” to be an easy to read standalone novel, though it did inspire me to put 84 Ribbons on my reading list. The characters are realistic and believable, especially for the times. Marta’s character stirred a range of emotions in me. Her depression was hard to deal with at times, but I enjoyed following her on her journey, and cheered a bit when she finally grows up. It was frustrating and eye opening at the same time, to realize that young women in the 1950s did not have all the opportunities available to girls today.
I recommend “When the Music Stops: Dance On” as an entertaining read for all ages, but feel it would be most appreciated by young adults. Dancers and non-dancers will be inspired by this coming of age read.
“CAN AN INJURED BALLERINA RETURN TO HER BALLET LIFE?”
Fresh Review by Claire O’Beara — August, 2015
I loved the marvellous and evocative 84 RIBBONS by dancer and award-winning author Paddy Eger. Now she shows us the next step on Marta’s journey. Marta was a ballet dancer working her way up through a corps, battling to control her weight amid the physical and emotional demands of her chosen career. Having suffered an injury she has had to leave the ballet, at least temporarily. What will she do WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS?
Home from the Billings, Montana dance school, 18-year-old Marta keeps letters to and from friends there like a lifeline. Her mother has a new beau and a busy life. Marta wants to be happy, but she doesn’t know what to do now. This is a 1950s story and choices for girls are limited, so she starts searching out options. She’s living at home, but a place of her own would be better. And a job. And she should go talk to her former ballet teacher, if only she didn’t feel like such a failure.
I swiftly became totally immersed in Marta’s life and could see her stretching in one direction and snapping back as she lost confidence again. Her talents are soon put to good use and she learns about costume and set design for theatre. She also has time for a social life, even though she already has a sort of boyfriend, Steve in Billings. As a girl who never had any time to call her own, Marta is understandably confused about dealing with new situations. She’s certainly not finished with ballet even though it means wearing ice-filled socks.
• • •
WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS is again suitable for teen readers, but the theme is more business-minded so New Adult and adult readers will be just as keen to learn from Paddy Eger’s tale. Read the full review at FreshFiction.com
Benish’s Review from Netgalley ★★★★★ March 9, 2015
I need to confess I did something I hadn’t done since way back when I first discovered the addictiveness of reading. I gorged on this book. Meaning that when I saw I had little time and no guarantee that I would have another reading break for an undetermined period and was unwilling to leave these characters and story to rest, at the 7% mark I started skimming over the book, reading bits and pieces of it until I got a partial picture and was somewhat appeased.
Don’t judge, I know I shouldn’t have done it. I wasn’t even going to start this book for few days because I needed a break from reading. But once I picked this up I couldn’t put it down.
Now that I have fully read this book, I feel free to say I loved it and I have a lot of things to say about it. Let’s see if I don’t mess up my original pre-review.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading this book. It was sweet, provocatively steamy, and absolutely swoony. It gave me some sad tears but mostly huge smiles. It was truly a celebration of the best emotions overcoming the sad, painful and ugly ones.
Benish Khan—Netgalley Reviewer
Holly’s Review from Netgalley ★★★★★ April 16, 2015
I was so excited to be able to read this book because ever since I read 84 Ribbons I wanted more Marta! I am going to try not to compare the two books but I did enjoy 84 Ribbons a little better. I honestly feel it was because I liked Marta as a dancer better and felt there was times in this book that she acted out of character and I didn’t like her as much. I was extremely disappointed that she could not go on as a professional dancer but so is life. I generally just like Marta as a character and liked following her life her drive and passion for ballet is intense and I love it. There were some cheesy moments in the book but overall I liked it and will probably return for the next one. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who has read 84 Ribbons. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.