Dancing in the Ring


Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
349 Pages
Reviewed on 07/17/2023
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

This is my third published novel. Like the main characters, Catherine and Robert, I’m from Detroit, Michigan. My story’s based on my actual great aunt and uncle—both lawyers in the 1920s and 30s. It is their love story with each other, as well as with Detroit, considered to be Paris of the West back in its heyday. My father used to tell me about them a lot over the years. He always encouraged me to write their story. I now understand the meaning of ‘never say never’ because I finally did write about them in this work of Historical Fiction.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Dancing in the Ring is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, interpersonal drama, and social issues subgenres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience owing to some use of explicit language and moderate sexual situations. Penned by author Susan Sage, this is a captivating historical fiction novel set in 1920s Detroit, a vibrant era that serves as the backdrop for the passionate love story between our central pairing, Catherine McIntosh and Robert Sage. As law school students with big dreams, Catherine and Bob navigate their personal aspirations alongside their deepening connection to each other. Bob, known as the 'battling barrister,' balances his boxing career with his pursuit of legal education. The couple's commitment to social justice causes earns them both admiration and notoriety in legal circles and local social scenes.

Author Susan Sage skillfully portrays the resilience and determination of Catherine, who defies societal expectations to become one of the first women in Detroit to obtain a law degree. The author captures the spirit of optimism that permeated this post-traumatic era, only to be shattered by the arrival of the Great Depression. As the economic crisis takes hold, Catherine's and Bob's lives are profoundly affected, putting their relationship to the test. Sage's vivid descriptions transport readers to the vibrant streets of 1920s Detroit, immersing them in the lively speakeasies and dancehalls of the time. The characters are richly developed, their complexities and struggles brought to life on the pages. Susan Sage's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this book a delightful and thought-provoking read for fans of historical fiction. Overall, Dancing in the Ring is a compelling tale of love, resilience, and navigating the challenges of a changing world that I would highly recommend for drama and historical fiction fans everywhere.

Frank Mutuma

Things were hard for women in the 1920s, with discriminatory laws on important issues such as voting. Even after acquiring an education, Catherine has to cope with discrimination in the male-dominated legal field. Her friend Grace had it worse; she was fired because of her skin color. Uncle Gerry had supported Catherine throughout law school, not only financially but also emotionally, encouraging her at every turn. Robert Sage was a boxer and law student when he met Catherine. Soon after, they were inseparable and became a couple. Catherine passes her bar exam, but Bob has to retake it after failing twice. To discover how their lives turn out as a married couple and Catherine's obsession with Bob's dreams and fire nightmares, get a copy of Dancing In The Ring by Susan E. Sage.

One of the most admirable things about Dancing In The Ring by Susan E. Sage is the themes covered by the book. Issues such as social justice and equality will capture many readers' attention. I loved how Susan explored the problems of women, motherhood, and careers and how society perceives such things. The book's narration is steady and reader-friendly, and the reader will be keen to read the subsequent chapters as the flawless plotline unfolds. The characters are well-developed and realistic, and the vivid descriptions of events will intrigue the reader. Susan has also captured the emotions of the characters expertly. The world has made a lot of progress on the issue of equality, but there is still much to be done. I highly recommend this book.

Keith Mbuya

It was on an afternoon in September 1922 that the ravishing beauty Catherine McIntosh (Kate) set her eyes on the most handsome man she had ever seen in the form of Robert Sage (Bob). Before they knew it, the two love birds had fallen head over heels for each other. Dubbed the “Battling Barrister”, Bob had made a name for himself in the local boxing world, paying for his studies at the Detroit College of Law with money earned from the sport. At the age of twenty-four, Kate was among the few women in her class certain to graduate from the Detroit College of Law. With the hot flame of love burning between Bob and Kate, they shared the same dreams and a future in the competitive and unforgiving legal world. Get yourself Susan E. Sage’s Dancing in the Ring to discover what happens to Bob and Kate.

Susan E. Sage’s Dancing in the Ring will appeal to lovers of character-driven historical personage novels. The author bases the plot on a tale of love, passion, sacrifices, romance, family, friends, and legal matters. The subtle tone of the storyline kept me guessing the next move. Susan captures the emotions of the dynamic role players in a clear and down-to-earth manner, uniquely crafting their qualities. This coupled with the use of soul searching allowed me to connect with the characters and understand them. I loved how contrasting the complex characteristics of the protagonists made them authentic. Kate is a loving, delicate, intelligent, yet fierce, and ambitious woman.