What do you think?
Rate this book
Their First Dance: A Clean and Uplifting Romance – A Harlequin Heartwarming Second Chance Tale
Could their first dance…
Last a lifetime?
Fanny Cunningham is only in small-town Crystal Hill to help her aging dance teacher. She has no time for local handyman Lawson Carl, who tried—and failed—to charm her ten years ago. But when she needs a partner for an instructional dance video, he’s her only option. Teaching Law to dance is more fun than she imagined. And she may end up with bruised toes, but she feels strangely safe in his burly arms. Could the man who stumbled into her studio be her perfect partner on and off the dance floor?
From Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
A Crystal Hill Romance
Book 1: The Dairy Queen's Second Chance
Book 2: The Valentine Plan
Book 3: The Teacher's Forever Family
Book 4: Their First Dance
Last a lifetime?
Fanny Cunningham is only in small-town Crystal Hill to help her aging dance teacher. She has no time for local handyman Lawson Carl, who tried—and failed—to charm her ten years ago. But when she needs a partner for an instructional dance video, he’s her only option. Teaching Law to dance is more fun than she imagined. And she may end up with bruised toes, but she feels strangely safe in his burly arms. Could the man who stumbled into her studio be her perfect partner on and off the dance floor?
From Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
A Crystal Hill Romance
Book 1: The Dairy Queen's Second Chance
Book 2: The Valentine Plan
Book 3: The Teacher's Forever Family
Book 4: Their First Dance
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 9, 2025
Sweet story of second chances and starting over. After a career-ending injury, Fanny returned to Crystal Hill to help her former dance teacher while looking for a new passion to pursue. She only expects to be in town until after the spring recital. Her best friend asks her to choreograph a wedding first dance, but Fanny needs a partner to do it right. Her only option is Lawson, the town handyman, with whom she has an unpleasant history.
Lawson has his own challenges to deal with. An injury to his arm six months earlier ended his lucrative woodcarving career. Now he pays the bills by doing handyman work for his neighbors. He uses charm and humor to cover awkward situations, which doesn't always go over well. He remembers Fanny from an incident a decade ago and would like to repair his reputation with her. He's not so sure that dancing with her would do it.
Lawson has some serious self-confidence issues. I ached for him and how he constantly seems to doubt his abilities. He comes up with excuses when Fanny asks for his help, but she doesn't give up on him. I loved her method of reeling him in. I enjoyed their dance sessions and seeing her build up his confidence.
Meanwhile, Fanny struggles to see her post-dance future. It's evident to the reader what that future should be, but Fanny doesn't seem to see what is right in front of her. It takes some directed self-examination for her to finally face the fears that hold her back. I liked her "aha" moment at her friend's wedding,
I enjoyed the development of Fanny and Lawson's relationship. Though not quite enemies at the beginning, they certainly weren't friends. But the more time they spent together, the more they saw past the surface to the vulnerability beneath. Though their feelings for each other grew, neither was ready to trust their hearts. Each allowed their fears to come between them before realizing that they were strongest together. I loved Lawson's big moment at the recital, and again in the epilogue.
Lawson has his own challenges to deal with. An injury to his arm six months earlier ended his lucrative woodcarving career. Now he pays the bills by doing handyman work for his neighbors. He uses charm and humor to cover awkward situations, which doesn't always go over well. He remembers Fanny from an incident a decade ago and would like to repair his reputation with her. He's not so sure that dancing with her would do it.
Lawson has some serious self-confidence issues. I ached for him and how he constantly seems to doubt his abilities. He comes up with excuses when Fanny asks for his help, but she doesn't give up on him. I loved her method of reeling him in. I enjoyed their dance sessions and seeing her build up his confidence.
Meanwhile, Fanny struggles to see her post-dance future. It's evident to the reader what that future should be, but Fanny doesn't seem to see what is right in front of her. It takes some directed self-examination for her to finally face the fears that hold her back. I liked her "aha" moment at her friend's wedding,
I enjoyed the development of Fanny and Lawson's relationship. Though not quite enemies at the beginning, they certainly weren't friends. But the more time they spent together, the more they saw past the surface to the vulnerability beneath. Though their feelings for each other grew, neither was ready to trust their hearts. Each allowed their fears to come between them before realizing that they were strongest together. I loved Lawson's big moment at the recital, and again in the epilogue.
August 12, 2025
Their First Dance by Laurie Batzel
A Clean and Uplifting Romance (A Crystal Hill Romance Book 4)
Could their first dance…
Last a lifetime?
Fanny Cunningham is only in small-town Crystal Hill to help her aging dance teacher. She has no time for local handyman Lawson Carl, who tried—and failed—to charm her ten years ago. But when she needs a partner for an instructional dance video, he’s her only option. Teaching Law to dance is more fun than she imagined. And she may end up with bruised toes, but she feels strangely safe in his burly arms. Could the man who stumbled into her studio be her perfect partner on and off the dance floor?
This is Fanny Cunningham's story.
This is Lawson Carl's story.
The man lying on the dance studio floor at Fanny Cunningham's feet was not a stranger.
She would recognize that face anywhere.
Sir ,I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave the dance studio and come back when you're in
proper attire for a ballet class.
He had been away from this goofy, lovable town for so long ,he had forgotten how intense people here got about finding their happily -ever and once they found it for themselves ,finding it for their neighbors quickly became their next quest.
From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
I recommend this book.
Their First Dance by Laurie Batzel is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Laurie Batzel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
A Clean and Uplifting Romance (A Crystal Hill Romance Book 4)
Could their first dance…
Last a lifetime?
Fanny Cunningham is only in small-town Crystal Hill to help her aging dance teacher. She has no time for local handyman Lawson Carl, who tried—and failed—to charm her ten years ago. But when she needs a partner for an instructional dance video, he’s her only option. Teaching Law to dance is more fun than she imagined. And she may end up with bruised toes, but she feels strangely safe in his burly arms. Could the man who stumbled into her studio be her perfect partner on and off the dance floor?
This is Fanny Cunningham's story.
This is Lawson Carl's story.
The man lying on the dance studio floor at Fanny Cunningham's feet was not a stranger.
She would recognize that face anywhere.
Sir ,I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave the dance studio and come back when you're in
proper attire for a ballet class.
He had been away from this goofy, lovable town for so long ,he had forgotten how intense people here got about finding their happily -ever and once they found it for themselves ,finding it for their neighbors quickly became their next quest.
From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
I recommend this book.
Their First Dance by Laurie Batzel is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Laurie Batzel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
August 26, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Their First Dance is the fourth title in the Crystal Hill Romance series featuring Fanny and Lawson (Law) as they fall into an unlikely romance given their previous interactions years ago. But time changes everyone and everything, and the present offers a perhaps second chance to see if those sparks actually could lead to a future neither had envisioned.
I adored Law and Fanny in this sweet romance that quickly captured both my attention and then my heart. Fanny’s only back in town for a short period of time, yet running into Law in the most unusual fashion quickly reminded her of the charmer she’d met years ago. In need of help, she’ll enlist Law in getting a dance instructional video finished… with perhaps sore toes, and a happy ending as a result.
If you love a well-written, emotional romance full of humor, memories, and second chances, then you’d love Their First Dance by Laurie Batzel. While you “could” read their story as a standalone, I’d recommend checking out the entire series of fun, enjoyable shenanigans by the residents of Crystal Hill as each couple finds their happily ever after future.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Their First Dance is the fourth title in the Crystal Hill Romance series featuring Fanny and Lawson (Law) as they fall into an unlikely romance given their previous interactions years ago. But time changes everyone and everything, and the present offers a perhaps second chance to see if those sparks actually could lead to a future neither had envisioned.
I adored Law and Fanny in this sweet romance that quickly captured both my attention and then my heart. Fanny’s only back in town for a short period of time, yet running into Law in the most unusual fashion quickly reminded her of the charmer she’d met years ago. In need of help, she’ll enlist Law in getting a dance instructional video finished… with perhaps sore toes, and a happy ending as a result.
If you love a well-written, emotional romance full of humor, memories, and second chances, then you’d love Their First Dance by Laurie Batzel. While you “could” read their story as a standalone, I’d recommend checking out the entire series of fun, enjoyable shenanigans by the residents of Crystal Hill as each couple finds their happily ever after future.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
August 28, 2025
Another in the Crystal Hill Romance series, in which former ballet dancer, Fanny Cunningham is determined to find a future for herself even as she clings to her image as a dancer, even though her injury prevents her from doing so again. So... she's now helping an octogenarian with her dance studio.
When her best friend asks for help with the wedding dance she envisions with her soon-to-be groom, Fanny agrees, but then has to find a man to stand in for the groom as she teaches him the dance steps. The man she asks is Lawson Carl, the local handyman, himself also recovering from an injury that is preventing him from continuing the artistic woodworking he'd been making a name for himself with.
As Fanny teaches Law the steps, their hearts begin to thrum for each other, but she's determined to "find" herself and has no intention of staying in Crystal Hill, where he intends to make his life. What to do after the wedding? What to do after they show off those moves at a special recital?
When her best friend asks for help with the wedding dance she envisions with her soon-to-be groom, Fanny agrees, but then has to find a man to stand in for the groom as she teaches him the dance steps. The man she asks is Lawson Carl, the local handyman, himself also recovering from an injury that is preventing him from continuing the artistic woodworking he'd been making a name for himself with.
As Fanny teaches Law the steps, their hearts begin to thrum for each other, but she's determined to "find" herself and has no intention of staying in Crystal Hill, where he intends to make his life. What to do after the wedding? What to do after they show off those moves at a special recital?
September 22, 2025
Oh my, this book was a charmer. An uplifting, cute, compassionate, sweet romance that will melt your heart. These characters are adorable and meant for each other! Packed with humor, heart and emotion, this story was inspiring and will remind you of the power of love and second chances. Loved the dance theme throughout the book. Wonderfully written and if you are a fan of small town, clean romances, this one is a great companion for a cozy night in. Enjoy!
August 23, 2025
This is the first book I've read of Laurie's and hopefully not the last. This book is written in a way that it can be a standalone. However it is part of an interconnected series.
Both severely injured doing what they loved.
Second chances
Opposites attract
Facing fears
Adjusted dreams
Both severely injured doing what they loved.
Second chances
Opposites attract
Facing fears
Adjusted dreams
Read
August 1, 2025Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
A Crystal Hill Romance (Book #4)
Miniseries
A Crystal Hill Romance (Book #4)
May 13, 2026
3/5 STARS! Cute & clean heartwarming romance story. Really love the dance scenes & small town setting. Strong family vibes & fun characters. The ending is adorable!
December 25, 2025
This is a charming, small-town romance brimming with humor, heart, and just the right touch of nostalgia. Fanny Cunningham never intended to stay in Crystal Hill beyond helping her aging dance teacher. She certainly didn’t expect to run into Lawson Carl—the local handyman who once tried, and spectacularly failed, to win her over ten years ago. But when she needs a partner for a dance instructional video, Lawson becomes her only option. What begins as a reluctant arrangement soon turns into something tender, funny, and unexpectedly intimate.
Lawson, with his rugged charm and easygoing nature, proves to be more than just a willing dance partner. As Fanny teaches him the steps, she finds herself opening up in ways she never imagined. Their banter is witty, their chemistry undeniable, and even their missteps on the dance floor become moments of connection. The townsfolk, ever meddling and matchmaking, only add to the story’s warmth and humor.
Overall, , this is a story about trust, second chances, and discovering that sometimes love finds you when you least expect it. Sweet, funny, and deeply heartfelt, it is a romance that dances straight into your heart.
Lawson, with his rugged charm and easygoing nature, proves to be more than just a willing dance partner. As Fanny teaches him the steps, she finds herself opening up in ways she never imagined. Their banter is witty, their chemistry undeniable, and even their missteps on the dance floor become moments of connection. The townsfolk, ever meddling and matchmaking, only add to the story’s warmth and humor.
Overall, , this is a story about trust, second chances, and discovering that sometimes love finds you when you least expect it. Sweet, funny, and deeply heartfelt, it is a romance that dances straight into your heart.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews