The Ballerina's Bargain

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!

 

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!

Blog Stops

Devoted Steps, September 19

The Lofty Pages, September 20

Books Less Travelled, September 20

Devoted To Hope, September 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21

She Lives To Read, September 22

Texas Book-aholic, September 23

Melissa’s Bookshelf, September 23

Fruitfully Planted, September 24

For Him and My Family, September 24

Sydney Schmied Books, September 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 25

Connie’s History Classroom, September 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 26

Simple Harvest Reads, September 27 (Guest Review from Donna)

Sylvan Musings, September 28

Leslie’s Library Escape, September 29

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, September 30

Cover Lover Book Review, September 30

Holly’s Book Corner, October 1

Pause for Tales, October 2

To Everything There Is A Season, October 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

Giveaway

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed the setting of this novel and the entire ballet of it all. The book starts off strong and I was invested. Emmeline has a lot of layers and I think the author did a good job growing her character. There is a little bit of a darker element that shows the underbelly behind the ballet and not just the performance and what others see. By the middle of the book the plot seemed to move very slow for me. This is probably just me but I struggled in finishing the last chapters. There is a mystery amidst the light romance and overall this is a nice story, it just ended up not being my favorite. I think many will enjoy this and the unique setting and mystery element. I typically do enjoy this author's writing so I am eager to read her next book. 

Three Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Threads of Red Review

About the Book

 "Red Riding Hood" meets "Goldilocks" in this sweeping fairy-tale retelling where love, jealousy, and magic collide.

Red Grimshaw has sworn to protect her younger sister, Kristell, not only from the poverty that plagues their family but also from their mother's cold ambition, which treats the sisters as nothing more than marriage bargaining chips.

But when Kristell flees her unwanted betrothal into the forbidden deep woods, she is bitten by an ice snake and falls into a deathlike sleep. Red has no choice but to venture into the cursed forest to find her grandmother--a conjurer who might be the only one who can save Kristell from death.

Armed with only her grandmother's enchanted red cloak--alive with its own mysterious magic--Red quickly discovers that the woods are a place where wolves howl, bears roam, and the trees themselves respond to magic's call. Joined by both her rival, Goldi Martin, and the boy they both love, Carrigan Woods, Red's path is quickly tangled with jealousy, secrets, and impossible choices.

As time ticks away for Kristell, Red and her friends must reach Grandmother's house before the night of conjures, when the woods are filled with magical beasts intent on hunting down any intruders.

In a world where conjurers are feared and love can be both a blessing and a curse, Red must learn that every spell has a cost, every heart hides a truth, and bravery is written in threads of red. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order Here

My Thoughts

I really wanted to like this story but I really couldn't get into it. I didn't like any of the characters was the main issue. The story idea is fun and the combination of two fairy tale retellings is a great idea! The ending shows some of the characters redeemable qualities but at that point I honestly wasn't too interested. The romance is okay but it did take me a little off guard at the start of the story. All that to say, I think many others will enjoy this one. It just wasn't for me. 

Two Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

When Winter Came to Dunn Cottage

About the Book

 A stranger is wearing her missing father's coat.

And he isn't saying why…

The last place Rosalyn Snow expects to find her father's coat is beneath Exeter's old Exe Bridge.

Especially not on the back of a man fleeing the police.

Convinced the stranger holds the truth she’s spent years searching for, Rosalyn brings him home for Christmas. But Simon avoids giving answers, and what little he reveals only deepens the mystery.

As Dunn House fills with glittering guests, whispered ambitions, and holiday celebration, Simon moves through society as though he belongs there... yet he’s just as at home among the vagrants on the docks. And when Simon’s carefully guarded past reaches Dunn House during the Twelfth Night celebration, the fragile peace of the estate begins to unravel.

What has become of her father?

And who is the man wearing his coat?

Bringing Simon Balfour home might unravel Christmas.

Discovering who he is will make it unforgettable.

The House on the Edge of the Cliff series tells interconnected stories across generations, where one house on the Cornish coast holds secrets that echo through time. (Amazon)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

Get swept away to the Cornish coast in this delightful short story. I tend to avoid novellas simply because I always want more or I don't feel like the plot can be well developed in a novella. BUT there are few authors that I make the exception for because they are really talented and can wrap up an exquisite plot in only a few chapters. Joanna Davidson Politano is one of those authors and I really enjoyed this book! I felt like I was right there at Dunn cottage or there on the coast in winter wrapped in a warm coat. The romance is so sweet and felt genuine even with only having a few pages. I loved the mystery that weaves through until the end and I was surprised with how everything was tied up. This is truly a cozy quick read and I highly recommend! But also-I do want more of this place and these people please!  

While this book is tied to a previous novel by this author, it can be read entirely on its own. 

Four stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Books on My Fall 2026 To-Read List

Top Ten Tuesday 

 Oh my there are so many books on my list this fall! Here are just a few I am excited to read! 

What are you reading this fall? 

Lemon Tea and Library Dragons by Emma St. Clair

When The Labyrinth Sleeps by Victoria McCombs

The Second Chance Trailer Park by Katie Powner

To Educate an Earl by Gabrielle Meyer

In These Hills by Tamera Alexander 

The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends by Sara Brunsvold

The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright

A Marriage by the Sea by Jody Hedlund 

Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke 

Belle's Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep

Authors I’ve Met

Top Ten Tuesday

Authors I've Met

 I have been extremely fortunate to meet so many wonderful authors that I love. It is always a JOY! If you ever get the opportunity to meet your favorites-do it! I started going to different book events in 2016 and I just so happened to meet Janette Oke at the Hearties Family Reunion in 2016 as well. 

Kim Duffy

Jessica Patch

Joanna Davidson Politano

Jaime Jo Wright

Gabrielle Meyer

        Amanda Cox

Laura Frantz

Janette Oke

Susan May Warren

Katie Ganshert (K.E. Ganshert) 

Becky Wade

As Luck Would Have It

 

About the Book

Sometimes the greatest adventure is the one you never planned. A trip to Ireland, a meddling sister, and a handsome stranger might be exactly what it takes to find yourself again.

After her divorce, Grace Moreau has her life neatly contained. She's built a safe, predictable world for herself and her daughters, and she has no interest in stepping outside of it. But her younger sister, Romy, has other plans. Whisked away on a surprise trip to Ireland, Grace is forced to let go of control. Her adventure begins at the legendary Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, where she meets August Kincaid, a cynical screenwriter with writer's block and striking blue eyes. He's supposed to be finding inspiration for a romance he has no interest in writing, and Grace is supposed to be finding . . . well, she's not quite sure what.

As Romy's carefully planned "side quests" send them through the lush Irish countryside--from the windswept Cliffs of Moher to the cobblestone streets of Galway--an unlikely friendship blossoms between Grace and August. He tags along, claiming a need for a change of scenery, but their shared explorations and late-night talks start to feel like something more. Surrounded by ancient castles and rolling green hills, Grace finds herself slowly shedding her carefully constructed walls. She didn't want an intervention, and she certainly wasn't looking for love.

Forced to live in the moment, Grace discovers a strength she'd forgotten she had and a connection she never expected. But as her journey through Ireland continues, she must confront her deepest fears. Can she get back on the horse after a fall? More importantly, can she take the ultimate risk and open her heart to the one adventure she has always falling in love? (Goodreads)

Pre-Order Here

My Thoughts

I will be honest in saying this isn't a book I would typically seek out BUT I love books set in Ireland so I was hopeful. I also wanted to try reading this author again because it has been a long time since I have read any of her books. So all that to say that I really enjoyed this story. The main character is in her forties, divorced, and single and has been struggling. It is nice to read about characters who have already lived some life and aren't twenty something looking for love. It was refreshing to just read a sweet, and at times silly, romance set in beautiful Ireland. I had no clue there was a matchmaking festival and it is actually a real thing! What!? I laughed multiple times while reading. I do also wish that August's back story was fleshed out just a tad more because we only got glimpses and there seemed to be a lot more there. The ending goes really fast and seems a little disjointed BUT there is not a third act breakup! Yay!!! 

If you enjoy clean romance this is a great book to pick up! 

Four stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

High Exposure Review

About the Book

 The riveting start to an adventure-driven romantic suspense series from a debut author

Determined travel blogger Julia Stevens is on her final assignment in snowy Silverberg, Colorado. She's running from her past-and God-but the charm of small-town life brings little comfort when she's face-to-face with the winter sport that killed her skiing. Upon her arrival in town, she discovers a dead body and is compelled to research the situation, give justice to the man's story, and kick off her new career in journalism.

Cade Haskins is back home after a failed mission and his subsequent retirement from the DEA. His father's declining health has pushed Cade to prioritize family, and he helps at the historic Silverberg Hotel on his dad's behalf. When Julia shows up at the hotel, Cade becomes her local contact. He quickly realizes she has a knack for sniffing around where she shouldn't, and he attaches himself to her side.

With the local death connected to a meth ring, Julia's investigation has unknowingly put a target on her back. As the danger increases and she begins to learn more about Cade and his family, she finds herself trusting the God she was running from. And Cade? He doesn't want to get dragged back into DEA work, but it seems like he may not have a choice if he wants to protect Julia . . . and his growing attraction to her. (Goodreads)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

I am always up for a new suspense read and the cover and setting of this novel captured my interest. I grew up in Colorado so I enjoy reading books in that setting. I also love that this book is set during the winter! The first few chapters had me pretty interested. The meet cute is fun and the different winter activities were good additions. There is a drug ring situation that Julia somewhat stumbles in on without even realizing it and Cade happens to have worked with the DEA. So there is plenty of suspense because the reader knows what is happening but Julia does not. About half way through I was getting a little bit or a lot irritated with Julia and Cade. I really didn't want to but the complete foolish way that Julia goes about investigating and posting things on social media drove me up the wall. The romance is sweet and not the main plot which was good but I just didn't love it. The second part of the book just moved a little slow for me with it being suspense. I really wanted to love this story but it ended up being just an okay read. I think many others will love it and I will happily read this author's next novel, this one just wasn't for me.  

Three Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publishers. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Song of the Khan

About the Book

 What if saving your kingdom cost your true love's soul?

Former gravedigger Rigan North is used to being surrounded by death and loss, but her husband's capture by an enemy king brings her and the rebellion she's inspired to breaking point. Corcoran's only hope for surviving King Radek's dungeons is his treacherous magice mother. But Lady Jhoselyn and Radek both want Rigan dead-if the Shro Khan don't claim her soul first.

Now king regent, Soren fights to hold his failing kingdom together and protect those he cares about from the monsters who unexpectedly reversed his curse. But the price to save Jardia and banish his curse permanently is the life of the woman he loves, and even if she's willing to make that exchange, Soren most certainly isn't.

As the Twin Kingdoms descend into deeper darkness, Rigan, Isel, Corcoran, and Soren grapple with new revelations that they may not be the ones to save their home from destruction. Their only hope is the echoes of an ancient Song, the sole antidote to the Shro Khan's siren call...but to learn its notes will require conquering the weakness at the very heart of their souls. (Amazon)

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My Thoughts

I have really loved this series and have you seen this cover!? Stunning! This is book three and you just absolutely have to start with the first in the series. Each book builds on the other and has a cliffhanger so there is a lot going on. I would say this third novel ties up a lot of things but it is clear there is more to come and thankfully there is another book coming out next year! I really struggled with Rigan's character in this one and I didn't feel quite as invested with her plot. I was very curious what would happen with Soren and Isel simply because that is where book two left us. There is a lot of uncertainty happening within this book so at times it seemed to be drawn out, like a bit of the same thing happening over and over again. There was forward motion and the ending is great but in the middle it did move a bit slow for me. BUT I still love these characters and even the secondary ones, of whom there is a wonderful surprise in this story that you won't see coming! I am eager to read book four because I have no idea how everything will get wrapped up. Highly recommend!! 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."