While the Daffodils Danced

While the Daffodils Danced is a compelling story that eloquently portrays love, loss, and friendship seen through the eyes of the main character, Cara. Through her, readers will experience an array of emotions as she comes to terms with where life is taking her.

The story opens with the turmoil and loss Cara must confront when she decides to give her newborn daughter up for adoption. Whereas readers will easily identify with the logic behind her decision, her emotions and the emotions of the secondary characters are what bring to life the dynamics of family and friends. As Cara deals with her grief, a casual encounter offers her a second chance at love. However, before Cara’s heart can fully embrace this new man, he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime and must choose between Cara and his dreams. True to life, love does not always win and Cara is once again left alone. Thus she begins again, rebuilding her life and her dreams, all the while never forgetting the daughter that she will never know. As an artist, Cara uses the canvas to express her varied emotions. Her muse lives within the daffodil fields of her childhood; through them she sees the resilience, beauty, and fragility of life. As she attempts to embody these elements in her painting and in her life, Cara’s life will take many unexpected turns.

While the Daffodils Danced is an excellent story that is sure to touch every woman’s heart. The emotions reflected in this story are poignant. The author uses simple scenes to focus the attention on the emotion and depth of the plot. Readers will be amazed at the realistic interactions and foibles of the characters. The humanity Ms. LaMarche has captured is astounding. The main character may be Cara, but this story is rich with additional characters that enhance the story. The evolution of the characters is well done and believable. The growth of the individuals ensures that their lives will stay with you even when you have finished reading this book.

While reading this book, the Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken” comes to mind. The concept that every decision, event in life, has a reason and consequence is deeply moving. Ms. LaMarche builds this belief beautifully into While the Daffodils Danced. Readers will be moved to tears, jubilant, and inspired by this heartrending tale.

Reviewed by: Amanda