September 2015
When the Music Stops: Dance On is the 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.
Marta returns home after her devastating injury. She spends much of her time in deep depression over the loss of a professional dance career. When her mom finally convinces her to visit Mrs. Holland at the dance studio, Marta discovers a brilliant opportunity awaiting her. However, she must make some difficult choices, ones that will effect the rest of her life. Will Marta uncover the happiness that has been there all along?
The continuation of Marta’s life after professional ballet is a heartwarming story of self discovery and personal growth that ultimately leads to a fulfilling life full of new hopes and dreams. When the Music Stops: Dance On is a wonderful sequel to the author’s first book, 84 Ribbons. I greatly enjoyed Marta’s story as she experienced the ups and downs of growing up and rejoiced when she blossomed into a confident young woman with a bright future. The array of characters are complex and well developed and the writing flows gracefully across the pages easily captivating readers.
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
May 2015
I have waited ALMOST an entire year for the sequel When the Music Stops by Paddy Eger. It was well worth the wait. I read the entire book in one sitting today…my Kindle app says that it took me about 3 hours. I am obviously off my game reading that slow. haha.
Since it had been a while between books, it took me a little bit to re-acquaint myself with the characters, but it was not really much of an issue. Being a sequel, it is REALLY hard to talk about the book and what choices are made and how Marta continues on her journey without giving anything away. I mean, I can’t tell you about her relationship with Steve, I can’t tell you about her professional dance career choices, I can’t tell you about teaching- I CAN’T TELL YOU ABOUT ANYTHING! It is insanely hard to write a review on a sequel. They don’t teach you how to do this in college. Read the full review at brunettewithbrains.com
Anna Swenda — Brunette with Brains
She moves her characters skillfully through their paces. Heartbreaking situations and oddball characters are a part of the colorful backdrop that allows Marta to show off the grace and poise she developed as a young ballerina.
—Emily Hill,
Author of The Ghost Chaser’s Daughter
5.0 out of 5 stars When the Music Stops
The continuation of Marta’s life after professional ballet is a heartwarming story of self discovery and personal growth that ultimately leads to a fulfilling life full of new hopes and dreams. When the Music Stops: Dance On is a wonderful sequel to the author’s first book, 84 Ribbons. I greatly enjoyed Marta’s story as she experienced the ups and downs of growing up and rejoiced when she blossomed into a confident young woman with a bright future. The array of characters are complex and well developed and the writing flows gracefully across the pages easily captivating readers. I highly recommend picking up a copy.
5.0 out of 5 stars Young woman finds her “Plan B”
Those of us who’ve been around for more than a couple of decades probably know that our “Plan A” doesn’t always work out. Then we’re left adrift, wondering what to do with our life. When the Music Stops tells the story of an eighteen-year-old young woman already in need of a “Plan B”.
This well written YA novel is the second in a series of three. In the first book, 84 Ribbons, Marta achieves her lifelong ambition to be a professional ballet dancer. Then, during her first season with the Intermountain Ballet Company in Billings, Montana, she sustains an injury that ends her career.
When the Music Stops is well paced. It kept my interest all the way through. I highly recommend it, especially for pre-teen and teenage girls.
5.0 out of 5 stars When the music stops
I believe this book about a young ballet dancer can be read as a standalone. However to get the best from it you should read Marta’s journey from the start. In 84 Ribbons we see the dramatically difficult path to becoming a corps member capable of dancing solo roles.
Anyone interested in the performing arts, or fitness training, will enjoy this busy tale and learn from it. I also like that Marta’s friends from the first book don’t drop her while she’s injured. She has to adapt to having a social life, when her entire life has revolved around training, but now she finds time for the romance she richly deserves.
When The Music Stops is suitable for Young Adults, New Adults and adults. Well done Paddy Eger for living up to the challenge she set herself with the first excellent book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Sequel
I loved this sequel to 84 Ribbons. 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.
5.0 out of 5 stars Kristi’s Book Nook
This sequel to 84 Ribbons picks up with Marta coming home after the injury that cost her a career of ballet.
Author Paddy Eger has created a wonderful story for readers who love ballet and the dance. Part love story and part coming of age, readers will enjoy the story as the character learns to overcome tragedy. Readers will find this book well written and an engaging coming of age story.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for the Tweens
Eger’s characters are entirely believable, the pace of the story is perfect, alternating in an almost ballet-like way between poses and bourrees, and 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.
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book
I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. It’s been awhile since I’ve read something that was hard to put down. I find the characters to be so interesting & fun. I can’t wait to read the final installment!