REVIEWS BY READERS
[Disclaimer: Learning to Dance in the Rain – Surviving Grief, Internet Dating, and Romance Scams was published September 2026. It was previously published as Book II (two) and third version. The content is the same in all three books.]
Kevin Perez
September 3, 2026
A Beautiful Reminder That Hope Can Rise From the Hardest Storms Learning to Dance in the Rain by Shelby Wagner is an incredibly courageous and heartfelt book. Shelby takes readers through grief, loss, new beginnings, internet dating, and the painful reality of romance scams with remarkable honesty and strength. What touched me most is the way Shelby transformed some of life’s most difficult experiences into lessons that can help others. Her story is not simply about surviving heartbreak—it is about finding the courage to keep living, loving, learning, and believing that better days are still ahead. This is an important and timely book, especially for anyone navigating life after loss or entering the world of online dating. Shelby’s wisdom, vulnerability, and resilience shine throughout every page. A deeply moving, empowering, and ultimately hopeful read. Shelby Wagner has truly learned to dance in the rain—and she shows readers how they can do the same. Highly recommended!
Peter Brown
September 3, 2026
A Powerful Story of Resilience, Hope, and Finding the Courage to Begin Again Learning to Dance in the Rain by Shelby Wagner is a deeply moving, courageous, and remarkably honest memoir that stays with you long after you turn the final page. Shelby opens her heart and shares a journey through profound grief, the challenges of starting over, the vulnerability of internet dating, and the painful reality of romance scams—all with incredible honesty and resilience. What makes this book truly special is that it goes far beyond being a memoir. It is a powerful reminder that even after life brings unimaginable loss and difficult storms, it is still possible to find hope, rediscover joy, and open your heart to new beginnings. Shelby’s willingness to share both her struggles and lessons learned makes her story incredibly relatable and meaningful. I especially appreciate how the book transforms painful experiences into wisdom that can help others. Her insights into online dating and romance scams are eye-opening and serve as an important reminder to protect our hearts while also protecting ourselves.
Shelby Wagner has written a beautiful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Learning to Dance in the Rain is inspiring, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting. It reminds us that we may not be able to control every storm life brings, but we can choose how we move through it—and sometimes, we can even learn to dance. A truly deserving 5-star read and a wonderful book for anyone who has experienced loss, is searching for a new beginning, or simply needs a reminder that hope can be found even after the darkest storms. Highly recommended!
Robin K., Educator, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics –
Five Stars“Wagner offers much-needed insights into grieving to heal and strategies to protect oneself financially, emotionally, and physically. Mingling narratives with topical discussions and documentary evidence, Wagner has created a resource/memoir that captivates the reader and propels him/her through some painful education toward a positive end.”
Nicole Bent, Host of the “Oh Hell No!” Podcast
Five Stars“Learning to Dance in the Rain II” is a must-read for all generations. It shares lessons of life that we can and will be able to relate to at some point in our lives. Living in the 21st century, technology is a part of everything we do, and this book is an excellent guide on how to protect ourselves and our parents from romance scams that have caught so many people off guard. Thank you, Shelby, for sharing your personal and intimate stories with us to help us make better choices as we navigate our way through this life.”
Margaret Gildersleeve Dunstan
Five Stars“I just finished reading your first book and it was great! A page-turner that gets you thinking about life, positivity and coping when life isn’t so fun! Even if you haven’t lost a spouse. I recommend this book!! Thanks, Shelby Wagner!” –
Eleanor Vale, attorney and author of “Secrets of Dating and Mating After Medicare” – Five Stars
“A Very Powerful Book.”
“I was first intrigued by its title. Clearly, it was going to be about overcoming obstacles. In this case, learning to live life again after the passing of one’s spouse. Wagner divides her book into three parts. First, “The Rain,” – where she sustains the loss of her spouse. Second, “Learning to Dance,” – where she evaluates herself in her senior state of life, in her 70s. Third, “Dancing” – where she actually re-enters the social world of dating and mating. I related to the first two parts of the book and found them honest and heart-warming. It brought back my memories of my own loss of my spouse after 44 years of marriage, when I was in my 70s.
The Fourth part, “Be Careful,” is actually a continuation of part Three. It is a detailed explanation of Wagner’s internet dating experiences. She describes how she was victimized by false “lovers” trolling the internet, looking for senior citizens. I think she has properly emphasized the dangers of believing everything you are told and what you read. I was not a person who needed to read “Be Careful” because I just knew one needs to be careful relating to any stranger. But this section really brought home to me just how skilled these fakers are. It’s actually a business.The same faker would flirt with Wagner under a different name and profile. Wagner makes it clear that it might have been bots at work, not even a human.”
Judith Cooper Hall
Five Stars“I found this book very insightful and filled with important information regarding what to look for when participating in the dating scene, especially as a senior woman. It provides valuable tools and strategies when communicating with people on social media. Since I had been defrauded of a lot of money in a dating scam. I can only wish I had been aware of these tools years before. Ms. Wagner is a gifted writer. I hope she continues to share her experiences in the future.”
Larry Darling
Five Stars“It is a good book for women who are widowed and looking for resources to be sure of the men they are trying to meet. It gives good advice.” – Larry Darling*****
June Kaye Davis, Author of “Secrets Best Shared”
Five Stars“As a happily married woman of forty-eight years, I found this book enlightening. Several of my friends and relatives are widowed or divorced, and they are starting the dating scene….again. This book helped me become aware of their journey through loss, trials, depression, and finally, the success of living again and becoming whole. This book covers many subjects that women of all ages will probably go through at some point in their lives. It is a must-read that will help readers understand a woman’s journey through life.
Linda Rehmeyer, Music Teacher
Five Stars“An interesting and very helpful read for all widows!!!!! This book is full of good advice and insights concerning grief and starting over. Most of us are sort of scared to enter the dating scene after the loss of a spouse, but the book gives you some good insight as to how to do it and what to do to avoid the scammers who are lurking out there. You can learn a lot from her experiences with online dating. The book was interesting and a very good read.”
Daniel …
Five Stars“A must-read! Great insight. This is now one of my favorite books. Helped me see things from a different perspective.”
William Milton
Five Stars“It’s time to move on!”
A very interesting book about an elderly lady, suddenly alone, contemplating what to do with the rest of her life. She boldly enters the world of Internet dating. Her first date was horrible; she fell prey to a scammer because of her kind heart. It did not stop her from trying to find someone to spend the rest of her life with. She gives very good advice to those who want to follow in her footsteps. If you think yourself alone and lonely, this book will inspire you to move on and find something that makes you happy.”
Sarah
Five Stars“Fantastic book, full of inspirational knowledge that I haven’t found anywhere else.” –