From Mourning to Dancing

Together, they find comfort in each other's chaos.

Jared Tomlin had it all—a promising football career and dreams of going pro—until one tragic night leaves him gravely injured. Now, the only bright spot in his world is time spent with Sammy, the best friend of his former crush. But when her unexpected kindness stirs feelings he didn’t see coming, Jared’s life reaches a whole new level of complicated.

Sammy “The Bull” Ballard has always been strong-willed, loyal, and fiercely independent. But on her 18th birthday, a life-changing revelation about her birth parentage turns her world upside down. As she struggles to reconcile the truth, she finds unlikely support in Jared, the boy whose own brokenness makes her feel a little more whole.

Together, Jared and Sammy navigate heartbreak and healing, caught between friendships that both shape and challenge them. Through their shared struggles, they discover the redemptive strength of faith and find the courage to face their uncertain futures.

TROPES & KEYWORDS

Friends-to-Lovers
Slow Burn
Friendships
MCL Injury
Adoption
Missionary Work
Unconventional Families

Early Reader Praise

Jim H.

Allison W.

Alyssa E.

"The character work is quite nuanced and well thought out. I think one particular highlight here is her depiction of teenage behavior. This book specifically captures teenage life within a specific culture with accuracy, sensitivity, and compassion."

Alyssa E.

Allison W.

Alyssa E.

"As always, another wonderfully written book by Heather! I love her detail and loved getting to see The Renewed Hearts series continue with another set of perspectives! This book can be easily read on its own, but I HIGHLY recommend reading the whole series and reading how God can change your world. Looking forward to the next one!"

Allison W.

"This is the second book in the series and it's just as sweet and heartfelt as the first. The characters are perfectly flawed and completely believable. You want to root for all of them! Camacho does a wonderful job keeping the story moving and the reader engaged."

Orlando C.

Allison W.

"Jared and Sammy are a great new set of protagonists, very distinct from Kevin and Sarah, but also along for the ride are the rest of their close circle. Touched on briefly in the previous book, this time they play bigger roles, bringing a nice support to the main characters. With their unique personalities and drama, they are a nice addition that I found myself enjoying and engaged with."

Philip R.

Orlando C.

Philip R.

"Heather has done an excellent job detailing the lives of these characters as their stories cross paths with Kevin and Sarah from her first book. The relationships of this circle of friends continue to grow, and I was excited to see their inclusion."

Mary T.

Orlando C.

Philip R.

"Through its compelling narrative, the story offers poignant examples of unwavering relationships—both within families and among friends—illuminating the strength found in genuine connection. The conversations between adults and teens unfold with striking honesty, evoking moments of deep, heart-tugging reflection, leaving a lasting emotional impact."

From The Editor

Cara Reents of Reents Editing

"I had the pleasure of working with the wonderfully talented Heather Camacho as an editor for From Mourning to Dancing. Camacho’s latest novel tells the story of Sammy and Jared, whom readers had the privilege of meeting in From Graves to Gardens. The pair’s relationship grows as they each come to terms with why God might let bad things happen and how He redeems all things for good. Jared grieves the loss of his father and a possible football career. At the same time, Sammy struggles to come to terms with the dynamics in her own family after learning who her biological mother really is. Amidst familial turmoil and searching for identity in grief, their love blossoms, and their eyes turn to God.

This story is a beautiful balancing act of the mountains and valleys of life. It does not sugarcoat life’s hardships with a love story. Rather, it displays the universal truth that both joy and suffering expound on one another. Jared and Sammy have greater access to love because they know hardship and walk with one another through it.

From Mourning to Dancing reminds us that it is okay to be broken-hearted for those we love. In fact, it makes us love even harder. Camacho shows this through themes of grief, forgiveness, friendship, identity, and looking to God even when there is doubt in your heart. I adored being a part of Jared and Sammy’s world and am incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to work with Camacho as she put so much of her heart into creating it.

I strongly believe that anyone could pick up this book and connect to a piece of it. Spend some time getting to know Jared and Sammy, and see what you might also learn about yourself!"

--Cara Reents of Reents Editing

Releasing April 2, 2025