The Ballerina's Bargain

By Lorri Dudley

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 Julie Klassen - 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1963212681
• ISBN13: 9781963212686
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: Wild Heart Books
• Length: 412 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Visual & Unique Storytelling

I love the uniqueness of this story and the behind the scenes peek into the theatrical life in 1815 England. I was very interested in the historical aspect but found some reveals shocking as I didn’t realize certain aspects. I loved Emmeline and her strength to protect and stand up for her ballerinas as the theater struggles to remain open and unscrupulous people are attempting to purchase it. Grant is torn between caring for his family and keeping a struggling theater. As a man of faith he attempts to do the right thing for each as he deals with promises and limited finances. As they both learn to fully trust they are met with twists and turns that keep you engrossed and not wanting to put down. A story of showing how God shows up right on time and making the impossible become possible. I found this to be a very intriguing read and the way I could visualize the theater was nice. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/Wild Heart books. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.