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Last Dance: And a Loving Mother Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 351 ratings

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Last Dance is a gripping story of how a loving family deals with many great successes life has to offer but also how a family deals with some significant tragedies. Including the loss of a son and the devastating effects of breast cancer on a Loving Mother. It's a wonderful journey through the development of a family and a strong influence on that family by a 'Loving Mother'. Mary Ann's final dance with her son at his wedding was a tribute to her strength and will power to get to that dance floor. Mary Ann lost her fight with breast cancer just 72 hours later. A video of that precious moment went viral on YouTube and was titled 'Mother's Last Dance'. If you google Mary Ann Manning's Last Dance you will see a number of tributes to Mary Ann from around the world and a well-written article on Today.com.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
351 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story touching, beautiful, and inspirational. They describe the book as well-written and a good read. Readers also mention the pacing is incredible and precious.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

17 customers mention "Heartwarming story"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the story touching, beautiful, and moving. They describe it as an inspirational read and a tribute to a life well-lived. Readers also mention the author does a fantastic job of telling the story of his soulmate.

"What an incredible love story. Steve does a fantastic job of telling the story of his soulmate who was taken from him too soon...." Read more

"...This story was truly enduring. With each word I read it's clear how special she was as a mother and wife...." Read more

"...This is an authentic life story to be savored." Read more

"...The Last Dance delivers the touching story and makes a strong case for, the still important, family relationships and values instilled by his..." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and a good read. They also say Mary Ann Manning is admirable.

"If you like true life stories then this is a great book!" Read more

"...Rest in peace Mrs Manning. Worth the read." Read more

"I wish i could give it more than 5 stars! This book is incredible. The characters are well developed along the way.Buy it, Read it. : )" Read more

"...I found it to be well written and such a good read." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book incredible, precious, and a celebration of loving individuals.

"...It is a very special tribute for an obviously very special woman...." Read more

"...This book is a celebration of loving individuals and the power of family to give meaning to life." Read more

"Precious!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024
If you like true life stories then this is a great book!
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2020
What an incredible love story. Steve does a fantastic job of telling the story of his soulmate who was taken from him too soon. It is a very special tribute for an obviously very special woman. Steve recaps their love story in great detail from the moment he laid eyes on her to the moment she took her last breath. Steve and Mary Ann created a long lasting legacy with their strong family. This book is a treasure for the entire family and anyone who reads it. I finished the book in tears feeling the famiy’s loss. The way Steve and his family gets through the loss of his son and his soulmate is gut wrenching and truly inspiring. Every patriarch/ matriarch should take the time to write their family’s story the way Steve did. The moment I finished reading it, I put the book down and immediately gave my wife a big hug.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2023
I liked this book but I have to admit that initially as I got further into it, I did not love it and was thinking I would likely rate it 3 stars. Obviously my feelings changed somewhat...
It was the constant repetition of the phrase (and its variations) and the italic print "a Loving mother" that quickly got old and became somewhat irritating. It was and is nothing against Mary Ann personally but after a while I began wondering just WHY the author felt the need to say that CONSTANTLY! I WILL say having lost my own wonderful mom just 3 months ago rather suddenly to cancer probably has made me more sensitive about these things because I found myself thinking "There are PLENTY of 'loving mothers' out there who are deeply bonded to their children and look at raising them as the highest calling they could have. They give their children the very best of themselves whether they are wealthy like the Manning's or comparatively poor and living in some inner city apartment." I wondered just why this seemed so very unusual to Mr. Manning that he seemed obsessed about pointing it out? Perhaps it was his grief along with great love for his dear wife. Understandable.
The family is blessed to have known that depth of love and it is wonderful the adult children are carrying on their mother's legacy of love, strength and devotion! I hope Mr Manning can find love again someday if the Lord is willing and that they all will welcome her to the fold.
The photos really added to the story and like many have said, when I watched the video it was with tears in my eyes -- just as there were tears at the photos of the dance in the book. Mary Ann was so very weak and exhausted but for her son, found the strength to dance with him on his wedding day even though she was so fragile it looked like Ryan was literally holding her so she didn't fall. I'm sure he cherishes those moments as does the entire family! Rest in peace Mrs Manning.
Worth the read.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2020
This is a book every young couple should read. I had the pleasure to call Steve Manning a business associate and friend. I unfortunately never had the privilege of meeting his wife Mary Ann.... I so wish I had. They both dedicated their lives to their family and children. Mary Ann was the consummate mother for whom I think many young moms today should pause and learn by her example. I never met her in life but I so wish I had having read this wonderful book. I have but her on my short list of people to meet in heaven. What a wonderful inspiration to all she was and the consummate loving mom and wife. I’m sorry for Steve for his loss but there are now two bright stars in heaven... read this wonderful story and learn about the wonderful determination of a loving mother!
12 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2021
I appreciate the authors deep love he and Mary Ann shared, but the reading was slow and phrases such as "my little sweetheart", too repetitive, lovely story for the Manning family history.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2021
Mary Ann has something special, a beautifully written book by her loving husband, Stephen. A story that the grandchildren will appreciate as they get older. A book they will be able to share with Mary Ann's great grand children. This story was truly enduring. With each word I read it's clear how special she was as a mother and wife. It's also clear, Stephen's love for his wife and their family is truly in his soul. Happy times, truly sad times, the bond of appreciation and love will keep the family to stay on the course of strength. I highly recommend this story. You will not be disappointed.
10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2021
Steve Manning has written an authentic book. Beyond veracity, writing authentically requires enough courage to be exposed to the reader, and to be somewhat vulnerable from the effort. Authenticity tests not only the writer but the reader as well. When we read an authentic work we have to have the courage to face facts and what they mean--we don't have the luxury of superimposing our personal biases and interpretations on the author's sense of events, personalities, time, and place. This is an authentic life story to be savored.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2021
I finished this book awhile ago but I remember reading how awful it was for Maryann, the wife of Stephen in this book, "Last Dance". Stephen worked and constantly changed jobs to make more money. These employment changes had the family moving all the time. Maryann was so disgusted one day, that she stated to Stephen that she felt like a "single mother". So sad as she gave so much to her kids. Stephen was never around. Then Maryann gets very ill and Stephen is no where to be found. I just found this book to be so sad for Maryann. She left working to bring up a family alone. Stephen was a very selfish person who thought about himself and himself only. Was not an enjoyable read to me.
10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Seetha E
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, inspiring... lots to gain for couples
Reviewed in India on August 23, 2024
Last Dance is a touching story of a couple navigating marital life beautifully well, particularly raising a family while balancing work and personal life. Author Stephen Manning shares the story of his wife, Mary Ann, who played a crucial role in their marriage and family life.

The book highlights the importance of open communication, trust, and consensus-building in a family. It features intense emotional moments. It is recommended for mature readers, nonfiction enthusiasts, and those interested in insights into family life.
David Sharp
5.0 out of 5 stars "Last Dance" - a Labour of Love
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 29, 2020
Steve Manning wrote about and dedicated this excellent book to his dear wife Mary Ann.
It is a wonderful true story loving crafted and beautifully written about his loss, his family, the "Last Dance" and the truly remarkable person he shared his life with, Mary Ann.
I think his decision to tell this story must have taken a considerable amount of personal strength and I'm glad he did as it is inspiring in every sense.
I enjoyed the humour, the tales of their meeting, their house moves and growing children, the school sport and soccer trips that took them both in many different directions every weekend.
Although I never met Mary Ann through this lovely book I believe I did.
Be inspired please read this book, it is a true story of real love.