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.

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 8, 2026

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. Find her online at www.Lorridudley.com

Reviews

[Reader]

Lorri’s newest book The Ballerina’s Bargain is the first in a new series, Danforth Theater. It sets the scene and is so exciting I couldn’t put it down. Emmaline,the ballerina,pleads with the theater owner not to sell the theater but Lord Quincy sees no alternative to save his family’s fortune and position in society. Emmaline fears the soon to be unscrupulous new owner will take advantage of her petite ballerinas and ruin them. Lord Quincy decides to take a chance and try to do things her way. There are many bumps along the way and many people with their own agendas to try to thwart their success but faith and love conquer all. This fast moving story will keep you in suspense until the last page. I can’t wait for the next book !

[TC692 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ballerina’s Bargain by Lorri Dudley offers a refreshing look at historical France and England, pairing a rich setting with a deep dive into the world of ballet. This faith-rooted story features beautifully developed characters who truly stand out. While it is an uplifting read, the author does not shy away from the darker sides of history. She exposes the gritty reality behind the glitz and glamour of the era, showing how impoverished young dancers were often exploited by wealthy men just to help their families survive.The story centers on Grant, Lord Quincy, an earl burdened with saving his family from poverty after his late father squandered their fortune. Bound by duty, Grant faces an arranged marriage he does not want and must sell a failing ballet theater to secure his siblings' future. Enter Emmeline, one of the theater’s most talented dancers. She has her own secrets, having fled France after her parents' execution to escape a treacherous uncle. Despite her incredible talent, a deep fear of being lifted keeps her from becoming the prima ballerina.Desperate to save the theater and protect her fellow dancers, Emmeline boldly intercepts Grant by jumping right into his moving carriage. Instead of the harsh, elderly man she expects, she finds a handsome gentleman. Grant, initially thinking he is being robbed, listens to her passionate plea. She offers a bargain: give her a chance to make the theater profitable so he will not have to sell it. Intrigued by this spirited dancer, a skeptical Grant agrees to a trial.Their dynamic shifts beautifully during a visit to the theater, where Grant brings a bouquet of flowers. After the young students eagerly pull at them, he is left with just a single, broken-stemmed rose. Emmeline accepts it graciously, treating it as something precious. This tender moment sparks a mutual curiosity, though plenty of obstacles stand in their way. Aside from the pressure of turning a profit, they must navigate the complicated boundaries of an employer-employee relationship. Even with the odds stacked against them, their shared determination to save the theater Grant for his family and Emmeline for her young charges keeps you completely hooked. I was so captivated by this story that I flew through it in just three days. It is a fantastic historical romance that I highly recommend adding to your reading list. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest opinion.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming historical tale by a new-to-me author. I was transported into the workd 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.*

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed this author's books and this one is no exception. We go to England and the world of ballet, but the author doesn't shy away from the underbelly of the darker side that the ballerinas deal with in 1815, especially the petite ballerinas. It is heartbreaking to see what those little ones come up against if someone doesn't protect them. Emmeline is one of those self-appointed caretakers. She will do anything to protect their innocence. When rumors begin to spread that the Danforth Theater will be sold to an unscrupulous man, she must stop the sale and does so by a bold move! Lord Grant Quincy must sell the aging theater to pay for the debts of his deceased father but he's not expecting a woman to jump into his moving carriage! When she makes a bargain that if he'll keep the theater and she'll make it profitable, how can he resist?
I loved these characters! They relied on God to see them through so many challenges and troubles - and there were plenty! So many responsibilities weighed on Grant, but he kept his promises and Emmeline and so many fears, but she trusted in God and had compassion for others.

[Cheryl J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story captures your interest and intrigue from the first chapter with Emmeline, a ballerina with the Danforth Theatre, risking her life jumping into the carriage of Lord Grant Quincy trying to convince him to save the theatre and its petite ballerinas from the men who might harm them. Lord Quincy’s father had squandered the funds from the theatre and now his aim was to sell it. But fate and a fondness for the head ballerina has Lord Grant Quincy to change course and through trials, intrigue and tribulation attempts to make the Danforth Theatre even greater than before with the petite ballerinas safe from the men that wait outside the theatre for the little ones. Emmeline’s caretaker, Charlene, who escaped with her from France when she was a young girl to escape from an uncle who would cause her harm to receive the family’s inheritance is actually in the end the villainess and the evil she portrays to those she supposedly cares for. An exciting and wonderful read that will keep your interest to the very last chapter!

[Cathy Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has several points of view: Emmeline, the poor ballerina with fears that keep her career from soaring,
Grant, the son who inherits debts and responsibilities that tear him in different directions,
and the mysterious Charlene playing the role of protector/caregiver to Emmeline with way too many demands, and who is the cousin she keeps running off to see.
As the store progresses the curtain is pulled back revealing more of the backstory ,or dealings from the past, serving to make you wonder and revise what you think you know. Just when you think you know the direction of the story another morsel falls out of the cracks.
The story is sprinkled with scripture that captures both Grant and Emmeline's faith and reliance on God in the day to day trials.
In many ways the story itself is like the ballet performance with everything coming together at the end. Leaving the audience, the reader, on their feet clapping!
I received an advance copy for free, and I this review voluntarily

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ballerina's Bargain is the first book in a new series. The Lori Dudley weaves a story of characters while leaving suspenseful hints to the conclusion. The story was continuously moving with interesting twists. I liked how each character had to trust God to see the situation resolved. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

For those with ballet background, the ballet vocabulary will be appreciated. For those without a ballet background, the vocabulary is confusing and makes the book drag.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read three of Lori Dudley‘s books, and the Ballerina’s Bargain I found to be her most well written one yet. I found the story interesting and captivating. The plot line was unique in how it portrayed Victorian London from the viewpoint of the theater. I was quite impressed with the amount of detail that was given to how the art of ballet, as well as what went on behind the curtain. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a clean, faith-filled romantic story, where love triumphs, and God is sovereign.

[Readingis myhappyspot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ballerina’s Bargain will sweep you off your feet with its delightful romance, inspiring spiritual themes, & fascinating history of ballet. The storyline will keep you on your toes with its intriguing twists & turns. With each chapter, you will fall more in love with Grant & Emmeline as you see them grow in their understanding of each other & in their faith in God through the challenges they face. It’s a book that will keep you riveted from its first sentence to its last word.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent! RTC soon, God willing :)