This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read, in my life. To endure so much at once and to have your faith tested time after time...... and always come out on top. This is a fictional story, but it's realistic. I can relate to both Dylan and Maggie in so many ways. Their story made me sit back and look at my own life and my struggles and my relationships. What I can work on and what I need to let go of. This is a reminder for me that He is always there. Everyone has struggles in their life, that is life. This was an eye opener for me for sure. A reminder that it's okay to be broken, even more than once. A reminder of something I say all the time to my kiddos... "Everything happens for a reason. Even if we don't understand it or it". Don't lose sight of Him, he will always get you through the most toughest of times. favorites5 s Deena Adams326 80

I enjoyed this debut novel by Charles Martin. Since it's over twenty-five years old, some of the writing style isn't up to date with today's publishing standards, but Martin's word smithing talent still shines through. A tragic story with a hope-filled ending, just what I enjoy reading. I'm looking forward to the sequel, Maggie, to find out how the main character continues to grow.2021 contemporary emotional ...more5 s Arlene587 8

One of Martin's best. They are actually two books in one. The first is Maggie and the second is The Dead Don't Dance. Love, love it. Looking for more books by this author.3 s TracyAuthor 1 book4

I really enjoy Charles Martin and his books. They are stories of love and relationships, and the hurting that happens in all of them. The love story of Dylan and Maggie is beautiful. I felt they were my friends, along with Amanda and Amos. Martin's writing is engaging and I couldn't put this book down. I would have given this book 5 stars, but I did not the ending. I was part of this story and I felt it just ended....I wanted more. This book is The Dead Don't Dance and the sequel Maggie, together in one read.2 s Patricia Brandt9

Let me start by saying that I enjoy Charles Martin's books. I just have one issue with the last two that I have read. I think that he needs some input from medical professionals. In this book I was distressed to see his explanation for the stillbirth and Maggie's complications. There is absolutely no reason that the physician would have been unaware of the babies size and weight and the difficulties that would cause. This would have called for a c-section. This of course would have finished off the story but there are other medical issues that could have been used that would have been more plausible. The book that I read before this one (Long Time Gone) also had some significant medical inaccuracies. I guess that being a 50+ year nurse has left me a little jaded. I can't watch shows ER without hollering at the TV either.1 Nancy WalkerAuthor 3 books6

Another excellent Charles Martin book. This is a story about a couple in love, a birth, an isolated cabin, a tombstone, mountains, a river, bitter cold, sweating, near-death experiences, two best friends; a teacher/farmer and a sheriff, Ebony, and ivory, Packed with suspense, romance, tears, joy, fear, anger, redemption - a rollercoaster of nearly every human emotion. A page-turner. I highly recommend this book.1 Kevin Harris50 5

You need to read Charles Martin. He writes great stories that blend faith, friendship, love and commitment. I am not a big fiction reader, but have read all of Charles' stuff beginning last year. 1 Robyn Spencer45 1 follower

*I flagged this for a very minor spoiler* Maybe 2.5 stars. This is 2 books published together. I wanted to them. I d the story lines. The second book was a little over the top as far as believability but it was ok. The writing, in my opinion, is incredibly frustrating. I hate it when an author is fixated on a particular word or phrase and it gets repeated too much. That speaks of poor editing, and it happens several times. Once in each book, the main character’s wife is in danger of losing her life, and he thinks “You’re not sticking that in my wife” (or maybe you’re not putting that in my wife - I don’t remember for sure). Seriously - the dude’s wife is going to die without medical intervention, and he’s upset over the use of a catheter tube?? It’s stupid. My biggest complaint about these books probably sounds petty, but the author is *obsessed* with the topic of urination. It drove me crazy. My opinion may very well be wrong here, but it seems typical of books this. It is published by Thomas Nelson, which is a “Christian” publishing company. So, this story is about a married couple, so there are plenty of mentions of their marital relations, but nothing graphic. It seems the author makes up for this not being able (allowed, I assume - they must have standards to keep their customers happy) to be more edgy by constantly mentioning that a character is urinating. Or needs to. Or did. Or whatever. It’s really ridiculous. I’ve read potty training books that mention it less. Guess what - everybody has to go. We get it. We don’t need to know a character’s bathroom habits every day of his life. It’s brought up so often, it feels juvenile. With 75% less of that, more believable situations, and less flowery language, this book would have been much much better. It’s annoying because I the characters and I wanted to know their story. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review danny mullins39

Dylan and Maggie as far as I can tell are a Caucasian couple who live in a community of African Americans along with one other Scottish man with a whole lot of money and only the couple for friends. The author seemingly drags in other characters as he writes without giving much thought to how they actually fit in the story. And by the way, too much action in the simple life of a country couple. I honestly thought this book would never end and what else could happen to the couple. I did not the coon dog hunt, brutally hard to read. I skipped over the bloody part. I personally don’t think coon hunting is a true sport. It’s more murder of innocent animals and low self-esteemed men with a need for any blood except their own. This story could have been good, but it was the author didn’t know when to stop his words and the story just goes on and on he was caught up in a lie. I never did understand why their home was burned too. There was not a good lead way into the room in the barn. It was hard to follow as to exactly where the couple was sometimes (barn loft or burned out home) . This may have been because I had lost interest in the on and on kidnapping and loses in the story. Yet, even with all of his writings there are still lose strings through out the story.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review Lana647

I'm only 100 pages into the book, and I'm already giving this a 5 star rating. I've never given a rating before finishing a book before. But this is just so good! It's poignant and tender and heartbreaking. These characters are so well written they practically leap off the page into real life. I can't wait to read the rest!

Update: I've finished the book, and it's still a 5 star review for me. This is actually 2 books in one. The first, The Dead Don't Dance, tells the heartbreaking story of a young couple who learn early in their marriage what "in sickness and in health" means. The second, Maggie, explores what "for better or for worse" entails. While there are some unpolished details, the prose is beautiful in its simplicity. I thought the action of the second book was a little contrived and somewhat of a departure from the slower pace of the first book, but it was still an enjoyable read.

This book delves into faith, love, friendship, and community. I highly recommend it! There are a couple of minor foul words (crap) used in the sense of a very large pig with an attitude problem. The other curse word is edited out (d__n). I appreciate the wholesomeness of this. There are also a couple of references to sex between a married couple who have a wonderful, strong and healthy relationship, but it is very chaste.

I look forward to reading more of Charles Martin's work soon. Kids RN425 2

Exhausting and exhilarating

These two stories are hard to read because of all the pain and sacrifice contained within. Once read, however, the reader is filled with hope and gratitude that the author shared his uncommon gift with us. I am not a religious person and I expected to be turned off by the thread of faith throughout the stories, but I was not. The faith of the characters was beautiful and woven as simply part of their lives, not as a testament to their superiority. Maggie and Dylan are phenomenal characters, but there is also a supporting cast of people who amaze on a regular basis. The very best of them is the eccentric Bryce, who is scary and mysterious, but shows us his humanity in a very satisfying and loving way. This book will make you laugh and cry and count your blessings, no matter how you feel about God. This is a great read to be treasured for a long time. Margie272 1 follower

a rollercoaster

So much happens in these two books, the Dead don’t dance, and Maggie. A heartfelt story of a man and his wife struggling to have a baby. There’s some great characters, Amos, the neighbor and best friend, and crazy Bryce, the veteran with demons of his own, but also a heart of gold. Just when you think things are going well, whammy - there’s a setback. I loved Dylan’s interaction with his students at the community college. My only criticism is that, at times, it was too predictable. There’s a lot of things about life for a southern man - trucks, John Wayne movies, guns, southern boils, and coon hunting. Amos and Dylan also reminisce about childhood experiences, rafting down the river Huck Finn and playing cowboys and Indians. As a woman I found it hard to connect to these stories and actually put off by some of them. Sharon Alexander299 2

Decent Reaf

I fell in love with Bryce. He was a great character and I.would to have been his friend. Dylan is quite an anomily. He is strong, good, honest and trusting. He is also patient to a fault, and what men dream of becoming. In other words, he isn't quite real... But you want him to be. And the wife...Maggie...was irritating. She was portrayed as loveable and kind, but in reality, she was not. She was hopeless and selfish and broken, and it took a very long time for her to become real. I got tired of her behavior long before she came to herself. Even then, it was not her decision to have faith. So was the story good? Yes. Was it his best work? No. Would I.recommend it? Yes, but don't start here. Holly292 1 follower

Just read it. This is actually 2 of Martin’s books in one and I’m glad I read them back to back, but MAN it put me through an emotional wringer. Maggie and Dylan live on a farm in rural South Carolina and dream of being parents. Tragedy comes and the story is a picture of Dylan’s refusal to give up on his wife. I love the relationship they have with their neighbors and the way they constantly show up for one another. I really love the relationship Dylan has with his students in the first book and would have loved to have seen more of that in the second, but with everything else going on in the second book it may have taken away from the plot. Regardless, I just loved this book! Jackie661 25

"Down Where My Love Lives" includes The Complete Novels of "The Dead Don't Dance" and "Maggie", by author Charles Martin.

Heart-wrenching story of a young couple who radiated love and were intent on starting their family. Through so much trauma and life hitting them square in their face, what kept them sane and moving forward in hope, only God knows.

Wonderfully written, well developed characters, unusual settings brought this novel to my top list of best reads this year.

I intend to read Charles Martin's other novels. Highly recommended! Ruth788 1 follower

Life and love portrayed in this book (actually two books) will rip your heart in two and piece you back together. Not sappy, not pretend, not tv pretty, but the real deal -- between best friends, between husband and wife, and between these two and their close-knit community. There a bit of religion in there but I wouldn't call it preachy or pushy, just pivotal to the overall story. The whole thing just seemed so possible. I'm so glad Mr. Martin didn't give up on his dream of writing books; today's crazy world need all love and friendship it can get and his books give us some of both. Connie S. Jones584 3

Down Where My Love Lives / Maggie

Charles Martin can write. I've read 3 of his books and everyone of them leaves me wishing the story wasn't ending. Dylan and Maggie's story is a wonderful adventure of a very strong love between a man and his wife. Actually it's a love between friends and neighbor's as well. With a faithful animal or two thrown in to the mix of great characters. Sometimes we all have to climb a lot of hills to end up in the comforts of the valley. The story made me smile, laugh, and cry. Thank you Charles Martin for the journey. Jennifer Barten396 1 follower

I am so glad this isn't my first book by Charles Martin. If it had, it might have been my only.
This wasn't his best book by any means.
He is way too wordy and there was a lot of characters that are in the book for just a little while, making it a long read that drags.
I also really majority of his storylines but the second book in this is so over the top. I just kept rolling my eyes at how much kept happening to them.
I did the main characters and character development but that didn't make up for the rest.own Loretta Campbell7

Down Where My Love Lives Review

This is another one of Charles Martin 's books that I've read the second time. Someday I'll probably read it again. His books are that good. He does have a way with words . ;-) I love the emotion, the drama, and passion of his stories. I think about them awhile after I finish reading them.

I would recommend this book to any adult reader, male or female who loves to read a good story. It might make you think you've only half experienced your life, maybe been coasting on idle too long.



Cyndee Aerts61 1 follower

Good first novel

I started with THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US, so it's obvious that Martin has matured as an author. This is a good first one, though the characters sometimes seem one dimensional. Things are a bit contrived (Pastor John, etc) but the threads of Maggie and Dylan are real and intense.

I'll keep reading Martin's books. I his style.

SEND DOWN THE RAIN was wonderful. Kristi Fleming224 31

3.5 rounded up to 4**** "Down Where My Love Lives" is Charles Martin's debut novel. Honestly, as I was reading I thought this must be one of his earlier books because his style is not as developed as it is today. That being said, the story is very good with so much emotion and his characters are so well developed you feel they are friends and family. A very fast read that I thoroughly enjoyed. This novel is broken down into two novels 1. The Dead Don't Dance and 2. Maggie. Don't make the mistake I did and purchase all three! EEK! Joyce Bell21

This is an amazing and beautiful book!! (It is actually two books). Charles Martin 's books never fail. It is a story of love, faith and friendship. It makes you laugh and cry. Maggie and Dylan go thru many horrible things in the book, but they are always there for each other. They have several friends who also having bad things happening, but they all care and help each other. I have read many of Charles Martin's books and they all are wonderful. Lois J. Clark1 review

A must read. This was a book of love, a book of life, death, understanding,

This was a book of love a book of life death understanding, not understanding but mostly a book about God and love. Seldom do we get a book which shows the deep love two people can have for one another and both of joy and sorrow we can bring with God visible throughout the book. I smiled. I cried. And I did not want to put it down. Thank you Rachel638

Just so sad. I have a hard time reading books this- because honestly real life presents enough opportunities for me to walk through real stories this, and for my heart to break for those who are suffering.
So, I can take books these in small doses. It is well written, thoughtful, and hope is woven throughout. There is a lot to love here. 2018 Judy G Spivey366 6

Captivating, holding you in the story until the e d.

A love story that will draw you in and wrap its arms around you. Thank you to my friend who recommended Charles Martin's books. Weaves you into the story, fishing South Carolina couple and a journey of Lo e pain a d redemption. Margaret Jones89

Just so you know this is two books - "the Dead Don't Dance" and "Maggie" about the same characters. It is one of Martin's earliest books. It is good for an early book but I have enjoyed his more recent works better. I think the stories could have been written with fewer pages. I loved the setting and it is mostly a love story with some beautiful characters. Diana Bird4

Charles Martin is Trying to Kill Me

I just don’t know how many times I can survive having my heart ripped out, given back to me, only to have it wrenched from me again—and I keep coming back for more, hanging on every word and marveling at every word. I can’t read his books fast enough. Susan D Jones13

Charles Martin never disappoints

This was another excellent wholesome novel by this author that made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with the characters. His writing reflects good moral behavior and proves good writing doesn’t put have to be full of foul language and explicit sex to convey deep feelings! T787

Unbelievable! I have to say that Charles Martin is one of my all time favorite authors. His books move me every time. Dylan and Maggie's love story is an emotional roller coaster but beautifully written and hard to put down. Lydia Kass1,603 15

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