Wednesday, October 21, 2026

My Thoughts on The Last Noel by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, and Kimberley Woodhouse

About:

Christmas novellas from three award-winning suspense authors

The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.

"Do You See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker

Oakleigh Wright's estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gang seeks?

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh

Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?

"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse

When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the "friendly" competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?

My Thoughts:

This was just what I needed and didn't know it. I really enjoyed these three fast-paced romantic suspense stories, taking place during the Christmas holiday. First off, the characters are unassuming and quite shocked to be in for the ride of their lives. And I was curled up in my chair with a hot drink all in for it.

All three of these stories deal with couples who have had a romantic pasts with one another and all of a sudden are thrust back into each other's lives unexpectedly, and with a bit of danger thrown in for all of them. I really enjoyed the freshness of all these stories, the season and the danger that seems like it would have clashed but made the stories all the more memorable.

From an ex calling her boyfriend in desperation to help her as she and two children that are left in her care because danger is seriously stalking her. To a woman finding her ex-fiancé bleeding on her doorstep, seriously that was a shocking scene. To a woman that has been through a terrible ordeal, and recovery finds out her ex has turned out to be her cooking competition, with a bit of danger on their heels. This was a great holiday read.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

My Thoughts and More on The Stand-In by Kit Hawthorne

The Stand In JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Stand-In by Kit Hawthorne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Stand-In
Author: Kit Hawthorne
Publisher: Highsmith Books
Release Date: October 13, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance

He reinvented himself. Now the truth could cost him everything.

For years, Halverson Ramsay Ford cultivated a reputation for brilliance and reckless arrogance. But after a devastating accident leaves him with a permanent limp, the notorious biotech genius disappears from public view…and emerges as a very different man.

Intelligent, sensitive, and scarred by a past betrayal, librarian Tamryn Page has no interest in falling for a charming billionaire—especially one with Hal’s history. Yet the man she comes to know is thoughtful, vulnerable, and kind, with a love of history and literature to match her own.

But the relationship is built on a lie. And when the truth comes to light, it threatens to destroy not only the future of Hal’s company, but the trust of the only woman who has ever truly seen him.

Now Hal must choose whether to step out from behind the identity he created—or lose the woman he loves forever.

About the Author

A lifelong resident of the American South, Kit Hawthorne lives on a Texas farm that’s been in her husband’s family for two centuries. She used to play in a Celtic folk band, and the only sport she understands is Highland games.

Connect with Kit by visiting kithawthorne.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoy it when a story pulls me in, especially leaving breadcrumbs about what is actually going on behind the scenes. The title intrigued me. I have read other stand-in books that dealt with brides or grooms. I thought at first this may have a similar storyline. No, no it doesn't and the story pulled me in all the more as I was trying to figure out what was actually happening. Especially with all the scientific research and talk that Hal was a part of.

Here we have two characters, Hal and Tamryn whom the author totally fleshes out. Getting to know their past and present so well, like a puzzle being put together to show a beautiful picture. Their hurts and dreams shattered to the rebuilding of new future. Possibly together? Then the secrets come out. Wow. This was a unique story that I got sucked into from the very beginning, for the romance, the healing, and the revealing.

I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a copy of The Stand-In and a $30 Amazon gift card!

The Stand-In blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 19, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 26, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Monday, October 19, 2026

My Thoughts and More on Belle's Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep

About the Book

Book: Belle’s Christmas Carol

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release Date: September 1, 2026

While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they’ve ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

With characters from Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this festive historical romance Christmas novella of family and second chances from Michelle Griep is set in Victorian England and perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and Mimi Matthews.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a fantastic story that took a minor character from A Christmas Carol, though it was Scrooge's love and give her her own story. Especially at Christmas. Isabelle Beaumont, or Belle for short, is a character that came to life right off the pages. She has a heart for orphans, would like to marry one day, and is a woman who will stop at nothing to help those in her care. She has a little bit of a hard time accepting help from others like her father or a certain handsome barrister by the name of Rafe Munro.

Rafe is a very busy man himself, trying to clear someone of a murder charge that person did not commit, when he comes across a startling secret. He will not let that secret stay buried and sets off to the Haven House orphanage to find his answers. Only he finds chaos and pandemonium as circumstances has led to a dramatic change of leadership. However, Rafe is not one to give up, even though he doesn't have the time, and Belle fascinates him to no end.

This was a fun continuation of A Christmas Carol character and the first one that gave me Belle's story. I am glad the author wrote her story because it had always bothered me about what happened to her after she and Scrooge broke their engagement. In author Griep's imagination, she gives us a story worthy of Belle and with such witty and great dialogue too.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Michelle Griep is an award-winning author known for her captivating historical romances. With a keen eye for detail, she pens tales that transport readers to the past where they’ll experience romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters. When she’s not writing, you can find her in her garden scaring away armadillos.

More from Michelle

Why I Gave Scrooge’s Belle Her Own Christmas Carol

Guest post by Michelle Griep

I’ve always been suspicious of characters who appear just long enough to break your heart and then vanish without so much as a forwarding address. Belle from A Christmas Carol is one of those.

Scrooge, of course, gets the full treatment. Ghosts. Doom. Moral terror. A dramatic overnight transformation. Turkey delivery. The works. And yes, yes, it’s all very moving. But Belle? Come on. All she gets is one aching goodbye and then is shoved neatly into Scrooge’s past. So, excuse me, Mr. Dickens, but I have questions.

What became of the woman who loved Ebenezer before greed got to him? Did she regret walking away? Did Christmas ever sting? Did she build a fine, sensible life or did some little corner of her heart still ache for him or not? That wondering became Belle’s Christmas Carol.

In my story, Belle Beaumont unexpectedly inherits Haven House, a struggling London orphanage with fire damage, muddled ledgers, eccentric staff, and children who are more than rambunctious. Naturally, Belle decides she will set everything to rights and give the children the most splendid Christmas imaginable because—like me—apparently the woman has never heard of pacing herself.

Then along comes Rafe Munro, a handsome barrister searching for a missing child, and Belle’s tidy plans start to change. Oh, did I mention he’s single? That’s because I wanted Belle to be more than Scrooge’s lost love. I wanted her to have grit, flaws, hope, purpose, and a future all her own.

Because sometimes the story doesn’t end with goodbye. Sometimes that’s where the real story begins.

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , October 7

The Avid Reader, October 7

She Lives To Read, October 7

Texas Book-aholic, October 8

Devoted To Hope, October 8

Betti Mace, October 9

Inkwell Inspirations , October 9

The Lofty Pages, October 9

For Him and My Family, October 10

Romances of the Cross, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 12

The Vine and The Branch, October 12

Maureen’s Musings, October 13

Fruitfully Planted, October 13

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 13

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 14

Mornings at Character Cafe, October 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 15

Simple Harvest Reads, October 15 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, October 16

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, October 16

Vicky Sluiter, October 16

Devoted Steps, October 17

Lily’s Corner, October 17

Holly’s Book Corner, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Blossoms and Blessings, October 19

Pause for Tales, October 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/KNJXt/belles-christmas-carol-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

My Thoughts on Cascade by Linda K. Rodante

About:

A fresh start in the Tennessee mountains was supposed to bring peace. Instead, it brought a killer.

Crista Henson fled to a quiet Tennessee town to rebuild her shattered life, trading her past for a fresh start as a vacation planner and a deeper reliance on God. She wants peace. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a deadly web of secrets with enough suspects to challenge Hercule Poirot himself. She never planned on playing amateur sleuth—and she certainly didn't plan on Sid Martin.

Sid is running from his own devastating past, swearing off the wilderness forever. But when a friend lures him back, a desperate cry for help and a brutal attempted murder force him to confront his guilt and his fears.

As their investigation expands and danger closes in, can Crista and Sid narrow the suspects in time to prevent their own demise?

My Thoughts:

Wow. I am going to have to say that both Crista and Sid are having bad days when they meet each other for the first time. Not a meet cute in any way, no they meet over a bleeding man as danger continues to mount when nature decides to show itself in a form of a bear. Well, I will say reading these first few chapters really had me sweating for these two. Life sometimes feels like a series of misfortunes, though I must say I have never had to go through anything like them.

Both of these characters have come to Tennessee to get away from problems and memories, to start over in what was supposed to be a more peaceful environment. They were not even running away, just trying to get closer to their maker. Well, they did that just not in the fashion they were expecting. And they got closer to one another.

This is a bit of a wild ride of a suspense that often kept me gasping, I was also delighted by the romance between these two as well. They thought they were going one way, but life showed them a better if albeit more dangerous way. This is a fun fast-paced suspense to lose yourself in for a little bit.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Friday, October 9, 2026

My Thoughts and More on Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong

Sanctuary and Sabotage JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Sanctuary and Sabotage
Series: Guarded Hearts #2
Author: Lori DeJong
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

The greatest threat isn’t the enemy outside—it’s the secrets between them.

Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future.

When Kinsley’s clinic is sabotaged and her barn goes up in flames, Trevor’s instincts tell him she's in danger. But Kinsley refuses his help, determined to protect her family’s legacy without revealing the secret that could bring it all down.

As threats close in and old feelings rekindle, Trevor makes a quiet choice that could cost him her trust. To save Kinsley, he’ll have to expose his own subterfuge—and convince her that love sometimes means standing guard, even from the shadows.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

About the Author

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter and son-in-law are settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Lori loves to write about love and romance with a touch of suspense, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly.

Lori is an ACFW Genesis Award winner, four-time Selah Award finalist, two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, has been awarded an Angel Award, and placed second in the FHL Reader's Choice Awards. She's also a member of several organizations, including ACFW, Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers, Novel Academy, CenTex Christian Writers, among others. You can visit Lori at https://loridejongwrites.com and sign up for her newsletter for writing updates, book recommendations, a monthly giveaway, and more.

My Thoughts:

This story's title fit it perfectly. In the very first pages, Trevor Paxton, a bodyguard has been through the ringer after a catastrophic mission gone wrong. He has decided to go home to his family and hopefully stay busy enough to not think and dwell on what has transpired. Except his family's farm is not doing well and he is reunited with Kinsley, a friend from his past.

Kinsley is a veterinarian and one that is needed for their town. I certainly can appreciate her determination to be there and help those that love their animals. This was hitting close to home as I have been dealing with my own beloved dog's illness, vets are important especially the ones that really care. Kinsley's setup took her years of renovations and a lot of hard work. She was a vet I wish I could see. Kinsley is also dealing with her brother who is pushing her to sell the very land her father gave to her and where she works. Her brother also has a gambling problem, and he has gotten himself into trouble.

I really felt for Kinsley. She worked hard for what she has, and she wants to keep their family legacy alive. She also loves her brother, but he does not see that he has a problem. He wants bailed out with the sale of the land, and he blames Kinsley more than himself.

When Kinsley's home and business starts becoming a target and are being sabotaged, it is good that Trevor is there to support and do what he does best, protect her. There were a few things that happened in the story that really got to me, and I was actually angry and sad for Kinsley. Addiction like any sin does not just affect the doer, but everyone else as well.

I enjoyed this story of Trevor looking for sanctuary and finding Kinsley and her being sabatoged.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card plus a signed copy of both Mistletoe and Malice and Sanctuary and Sabotage!

Sanctuary and Sabotage blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

My Thoughts and More on Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink

About the Book

Book: Murders in the Marquee

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: September 1, 2026

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a great beginning to a new cozy historical mystery series. Taking place in San Francisco in 1905, we have a hotel that is most famous for its show ducks. A little bit of a quirky claim to fame but that is just one aspect of the story. I always enjoy stories when there is a bit of a team assembled. Yes, kind of like superheroes. No, there is no superheroes in this story but we a have a group of three people that would not likely be put together in normal circumstances. But they have banded to uncover what is going on at the hotel, even if it was murder.

Kitty is the daughter of her famous opera singer father. She desires to become a Pinkerton agent much to the chagrin of society in which she lives. So, she becomes a bit of a sleuth at the hotel, roping in two others to help her.

Henry is a bellhop. Nobody really notices him, so he overhears a lot of conversations and interesting tidbits. He is a bit of a humorous guy.

Saul Neffler has just come out of prison and is estranged from his wife of whom he would like to work things out with. In the meantime, he was hired as a bellhop at the hotel. Only part time, though much to his surprise as he will be put in charge of those famous ducks, to which he knows nothing about. Not only that, but he is unable to contact the one who was in charge before him. He also may or may not have seen someone fall off the hotel. He is roped in by Kitty and Henry to solve mysteries.

I really liked getting to know these characters as they were getting to know one another and working as a team to uncover the secrets of the hotel and the interesting array of guests and other workers. I am looking forward to more of their stories.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over sixty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Revell.

More from Dana

Ice cream or pie? Cake or cookies? Beach or mountains? The answer for me is always, “Yes!” I’m a restless soul, I suppose, but I’ve never been able to choose one delight over the other. I’m that way with writing too. I started my career in mystery and sidestepped to suspense. It’d be so much easier to stick with one genre but no. Dana Mentink has to write both, it seems. I attended a Harlequin anniversary celebration in Toronto a couple of years ago and listened to the editors discuss their futures wishes. Tina James mentioned she’d like to see an “Only Murders in the Building” type book or maybe a historical mystery. Whammo! The idea hit me like a train. What about both? An Only Murders in the Building/Downton Abbey type mashup? The series idea was born. Lots of twists and turns? Check. Humor? Check? An unlikely crime solving trio? You bet! I’m truly thrilled to have been allowed to step back into mystery land. I hope you’ll enjoy the results!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 29

Books Less Travelled , September 30

She Lives To Read, September 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Wishful Endings, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 3

Lily’s Corner, October 4

Blogging With Carol, October 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 5

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 6

Life of Literature , October 6

Connie’s History Classroom, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Blossoms and Blessings, October 8

Holly’s Book Corner, October 9

Pause for Tales, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 10

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/hz50N/murders-in-the-marquee-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, October 2, 2026

My Thoughts and More on The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley

About the Book

Book: The Ballerina’s Bargain

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 8, 2026

A burdened earl. A determined ballerina. Saving the theatre was part of their bargain. Losing their hearts wasn’t.

London, 1815

Emmeline Laurent has survived by grace and grit. After her parents’ execution in France, she has learned to live unseen as a humble ballerina instructing young pupils in a small London theatre. When whispers spread that the Danforth Theatre may be sold to an unscrupulous buyer, Emmeline fears not only for her livelihood but for the safety of her impressionable students. With no time and no options, she does the only thing she knows to do: leap into a moving carriage and bargain with the new lord who holds their fate.

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, has inherited the crushing weight of duty along with a failing theatre, an arranged engagement, two younger sisters to usher into society, and a mountain of his father’s secrets. Selling the Danforth is the only way to save his family from ruin. The last thing he needs is a beautiful, infuriatingly determined ballerina turning his careful plans upside down.

But when Emmeline’s hidden past begins surfacing and the danger circling the theatre proves far deadlier than either of them realized, Grant must choose between the life he planned and the one God may have been preparing all along.

For fans of Roseanna M. White and Jen Turano — a sweeping Regency romance about the grace found in surrender, the courage it takes to trust, and the God who makes a way when every door seems closed.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Welcome to the world of the Danforth Theatre in London, England during 1815, where ballet is being enjoyed but the dancers are getting the wrong kind of attention. It all starts with a very bold first meeting by none other than Emmeline Laurent, a ballet dancer that is trying to save her ballet students' lives and the theatre they dance for.

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, has just found out that he even owns a theatre. His father has kept many secrets from their family, and to support his brother and sisters, he must sell the theatre. However, Emmaline comes up with a plea and a wild request, let her help the theatre turn a profit. That solves both of their problems.

I like that Grant does see the situation that Emmaline and her students are in right away. He was a man that opened his heart and listened and looked with his eyes at the reality. He saw the evil men. He just didn't know how to go about it, since he really needed to care for his family and their needs as well.

I found the background with the theatre and the times fascinating. Learned some interesting tidbits about entertainment and the rules they were under during that time. This was a fast-moving plot with many secrets, a loveless engagement, and a love that should never have existed between two people who hoped to make other lives better. I am very excited for this series to continue.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

More from Lorri

Many young girls dream of growing up to become a ballerina. There is a romantic whimsy to the airy skirts, graceful movements, and illusion of defying gravity as dancers balance en pointe and extend their limbs with such elegance that they seem almost infinite. While modern audiences often associate ballet with beauty and enchantment, behind the heavy stage curtains of Regency England’s opera-ballet lurked a darker reality.

Many of the ballerinas came from impoverished families struggling to put food on the table. Girls trained from a young age, long before the onset of womanhood, and were expected to endure grueling hours of rehearsal despite blisters, sore muscles, and bleeding feet. For some, ballet offered a better alternative for a working girl than scrubbing floors and emptying chamberpots as a scullery maid, laboring as a laundress near scalding water and hot presses or cleaning dangerous cotton machinery in a mill.

At least the stage held the possibility of applause—if the performance was well received. If it wasn’t, audiences could be merciless. Performers might be shouted down, heckled off the stage, or pelted with food. Fights occasionally erupted among patrons in the pit or upper gallery, while disreputable men gathered in the front row of what was known as Fops’ Alley in hopes of catching a scandalous glimpse of the ballerinas’ ankles.

Their wealthy counterparts could become a ballerina’s sponsor, gaining special access to backstage rooms where they could ogle the dancers and receive in-person introductions after a performance. These men were known as protectors, though the title was a misnomer. In exchange for a ballerina’s exclusive attention, they offered gifts the young women could scarcely afford themselves, like new ballet slippers, ribbons, bracelets, or other trinkets.

While saving the theatre and its ballerinas from these so-called “protectors” forms the premise of The Ballerina’s Bargain, the novel doesn’t dwell on the darker details of these backstage arrangements. Instead, it focuses on the heroic efforts of its protagonists to spare the young ballerinas from a wretched fate. However, the tension of what may happen should they fail lingers in the wings throughout the story.

Enjoy!