THE BALLERINA'S BARGAIN by Lorri Dudley, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

Danforth Theater Series #1

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Charming historical tale by a new-to-me author. I was transported into the world of theater and ballet in 1815 England. London was a place that loved ballet and the prominent went to see and be seen by others and to flaunt their wealth.   

This story is about Lord Grant Quincy who has inherited the Danforth Theater which is in trouble financially. He seeks to sell it in order to care for his siblings and preserve their estate. 

Ballerina Emmeline only wants to protect her fellow ballerinas from being misused by wealthy, unsavory men. She makes a bargain with Grant that if he does not sell the Danforth, she will see that it makes money. 

The author’s winsome writing style immersed me into a bygone era and illustrated the intricacies of the ballet and a culture that was intriguing. The characters portrayed a solid faith in God and His leading while they boldly stood up for others even though they realized the struggles that it would entail. 

Completely captivating with a sweet romance and some secrets and twists to keep it interesting.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by WildHeart books on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
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.

WildHeart Books, September, 2026

Buy THE BALLERINA'S BARGAIN at Amazon in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook

HOUSE OF WIND by Laura DeNooyer, Reviewed by Paula and Winnie #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This was a hard story to read because it dealt with emotional abuse by a pastor who was a husband. 

I really felt for Wendi as she tried to please Rod and take care of her two children. The descriptions of a narcissist was very real. I liked that Wendi sought help from a counselor but some of her actions made me want to tell her that she was going about things the wrong way. 

I like Garrett and how he came from a difficult relationship but was handling it well. You could see that he was maturing as a Christian. I liked his compassion toward the kids Julia and Christopher. The children were portrayed very well. You could tell their vulnerability and how they were torn in their emotions between their mom and dad. 

I think it was difficult to read because I could relate since I have seen this behavior in the past. But the story presented a God-honoring solution and showed healing and spiritual growth of the characters. 

Realistically told story that might trigger anxiety in some people.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars a solid faith thread.

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Talented author Laura DeNooyer has penned a powerful, riveting story of one woman's escape from years of emotional, spiritual, and psychological abuse by a narcissistic and manipulating pastor husband. What looks like a perfect marriage and family to everyone in the church turns out to be a facade. Although she tries to salvage her marriage, Wendi Burkham runs into obstacles on every hand when she finally takes her two children and leaves.

DeNooyer tackles this gritty and tough subject with compassion and grace and doesn't sugarcoat the hardships, emotional toll, and anguish that Wendi goes through to get to ultimate healing and peace. The story reminds me that not everything may be as it seems when we're looking from the outside, and we shouldn't judge people without knowing the whole story. While not an easy book to read, it is thought-provoking and enlightening. I recommend it to those who enjoy compelling, absorbing Christian women's fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
Not all abuse leaves bruises. Not all prisons have bars.

Wendi Burkham lives in an emotional prison she unwittingly walked into. Nobody understands, and her captor holds the keys.

Married to a respected pastor, Wendi lives a life others admire--with two children and a home that reflects faith, stability, and love. But behind closed doors, Wendi is trapped in a cycle of control, manipulation, and emotional abuse no one else can see--and no one would believe.

How do you escape when no one thinks you need to?For sixteen years, she has stayed silent. Stayed faithful. Stayed afraid. Until one night forces her to choose between the life she has built . . . and the truth she can no longer ignore.

Her husband's warning echoes: "Planting wind only reaps a harvest of tornadoes."

But what if the storm is the only way out?

This powerful novel exposes the reality of emotional abuse—and the courage it takes to break free. Readers who enjoy thoughtful fiction with emotional depth will appreciate this novel in the vein of Amanda Cox, Katie Powner, Susie Finkbeiner, and Erin Bartels.

Perfect for readers who love:

Emotionally powerful women’s fiction
Stories of resilience and personal transformation
Complex faith journeys
Portrayals of real-life relationship struggles

Rambling Rose Press, September 2026

Available in digital ebook, or paperback at Amazon

FLAW AND ORDER by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

THE WORST DETECTIVE EVER MYSTERY SERIES #14

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"There's a specific flavor of quiet that settles into a car at just past midnight when two women have committed to a terrible idea and neither wants to be first to say it out loud."

Joey Darling's husband had not come home in five days and the police department was not giving her the kind of information that a worried wife would deem as an answer. Granted, Jackson was deep undercover, but really! With only a scrap of paper to tell her where he might have gone, Joey conspires with her high spirited Aunt Dizzy to pack a car in the middle of the night and head to the coast where it seems that everyone keeps saying . . . for her own good, no less . . . to go back home. Not without Jackson!

Six words. I could not put it down. This little story took off in a flash and never looked back; much like its characters, the chapters stubbornly pressed forward in spite of knowing that at some point danger was going to step out of the shadows and into the light. The humor was infectious, the repartee extremely clever, and like an action adventure film the suspense kept me on the edge of my proverbial seat.

Does Joey find that handsome husband of hers? Extra, extra, read all about it. 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
Some women panic. Joey Darling packs a suitcase.

Joey Darling knows not to interfere with a police investigation—especially one involving her husband, Detective Jackson Sullivan. But when Jackson vanishes while working undercover and no one will tell her what's happening, Joey launches her own investigation.

Armed with little more than a cryptic clue, an overactive imagination, and her irrepressible Aunt Dizzy, Joey heads to a charming coastal town where a stranger seems far too interested in her arrival, mysterious late-night activity unfolds along the waterfront, and the tightlipped locals warn her to stay away from the wrong side of the docks.

She soon suspects Jackson is in far more danger than anyone realizes. But with no script to follow, a knack for turning simple surveillance into spectacular disaster, and a celebrity face even a clever disguise can’t hide, Joey must improvise now more than ever.

Will her flaws lead to order this time? Or will this be the case that plunges her in too deep to ever find her way back to the surface? 

 

River Heights Publishing, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, or paperback at Amazon

 

THE SECOND CHANCE TRAILER PARK By Katie Powner, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"A person must be fifty-four and a half or married to someone who is to apply to live in Peaceful Pines Trailer Park for Seasoned Adults . . . "

Meredith McGillicutty wasn't above fudging her age just a bit in light of the fact she was determined to retire and live a peaceful off the merry-go-round pace that had been her life for so many years . . . just not quite fifty-four and a half years. Putting her house on the market and ignoring her high end wardrobe for a comfier fit, she jumped at the chance to move into a trailer at the Peaceful Pines retirement community.

In spite of Meredith's expectations, her quirky neighbors were a colorful combination of settled (meaning never got out much) and over curious (gossip fodder) about their latest newcomer, who had moved into dear old Lois' trailer which came outfitted with the woman's cat (Meredith didn't even like cats!). As she settles in, Meredith begins to realize that it is quite possible that she isn't rediscovering herself, but hiding from who she really is, and it had taken a new set of old groupies to help her realize just that!

A delightful combination of social sass and meaningful conversations! 

 *clean read* *I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.3.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
From award-winning author Katie Powner comes a funny, feel-good novel about a woman discovering her second chance at life.

This charming and heartfelt story is perfect for readers who loved Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame.

Fifty-two-year-old Meredith McGillicutty is not having a midlife crisis. She’s just ready for a change of pace, that’s all. The fact that she lied to get into a retirement community has nothing to do with being passed over for a promotion at work or her recent breakup with the only man she’s ever loved.

Nothing.

Meredith only wants some peace and quiet. To sit on a porch in elastic-waist pants and mingle with other mature individuals who value a life of serenity. But the residents of the Peaceful Pines retirement community have other plans for her. These quirky and endearing neighbors seem to know her better than she knows herself, and they decide Meredith’s life is only just beginning.

Blending humor and tenderness, The Second Chance Trailer Park will appeal to fans of Fredrik Backman and Lenora Worth. 

Alcove Press, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover at Amazon