Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Sherry Shindelar

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Sherry Shindelar

I’m pleased to welcome Sherry Shindelar back to my blog today where she shares about her writing journey, latest release, the inspiration behind her stories, and more.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? I’ve written seven books. Four of the books have been published, and two will be published in 2027. I’m currently writing my eighth book. My first book, a Civil War novel, which I rewrote three times, is set to be published in 2028. My two favorites are Texas Forsaken, the first book in my Lone Star Redemption series, and my Civil War story coming out in 2028.

Can you share a real life event that inspired your writing? The story of Cynthia Anne Parker captured my heart a couple decades ago, and she still haunts my imagination. Her story inspired my

novel, Texas Forsaken, and my newly released prequel, Wichita Path Sacrifice, which is part of the Freed by the Frontier novella collection.

Cynthia was taken captive by the Comanche at age nine during an attack on her family’s fort on the Texas frontier in 1836. She became Comanche and an integral part of the tribe for over twenty-four years, married an influential war chief, and had three children. In December 1860, Texas Rangers attacked her village and captured her and her baby girl, Prairie Flower. Eventually, one of Cynthia’s settler relatives claimed her and took her to live with his family, but she refused to accept this new life that was being forced upon her. Several times, she tried to run away to the open plains, desperate to find her husband and her sons to no avail.

Tell us about your road to publication. A visit to a historic home in the Shenandoah Valley, when my husband and I were newly married, spurred my love for history and planted the seed for a story. A few years later, I wrote the novel, then buried it in a box in my closet when it didn’t get published right away. I returned to college to earn a degree in creative writing and eventually a PhD in literature, wondering if I’d ever reconnect with the stories in my head, the ones buried deep in my heart.

Then, in the summer of 2019, the Lord opened my heart to fall in love with writing all over again. And it has been my daily passion ever since. I pulled out the box and unburied the past. My new writing life was born.

I rewrote my first novel from scratch, then I wrote another novel, Texas Forsaken, as I waited for a YES from an agent or editor/publisher. After no’s from several of the biggest publishers (no’s because it wasn’t the right timing for a Civil War story or an Indian captive story), I felt like I was moving toward my goals at turtle speed.

 
But God had a plan. In His perfect timing, He threw open the doors for me to receive my first book contract in June 2023, four years from the time I fell in love with writing all over again. And when it finally happened, the Lord answered my prayers beyond my expectations!

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series? My novella Wichita Path Sacrifice, which is included in Freed by the Frontier, is part of my Lone Star Redemption series. Even though it is the fourth book that I’ve published in the series, it is actually the prequel to Book One, Texas Forsaken. (It’s fine to read it out of order though.) My publisher asked me to write a series, and I’m thankful that they did. I love being able to write stories with interconnected characters and being able to show bits of my characters’ lives years down the road after they initially fell in love.

How do you come up with story lines? I love to draw my stories from real historical events and situations. Wichita Path Sacrifice (part of Freed by the Frontier) and Texas Forsaken are both inspired by real life captive stories.

Why do you write in your particular genre? I cherish history, and I love romance. And I desire to share my faith in my writing, so Christian historical romance is the perfect genre for me.

How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript? My husband and I usually go out for a nice dinner, and I usually take a couple day off from writing before I begin editing.

What is your advice to fledgling writers? Don’t give up. Writing is a marathon. Sometimes you have

no clue how far away the finish line is. You have to pace yourself and keep running. You may trip, you may fall to your knees, but get up and keep going. Turn your race over to the Lord, and trust Him to see you through to the finish. Rejection is part of the career. Rejection is a chance to learn, and grow, and build your perseverance. Write, write, write, and join organizations like ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers, etc.). They offer loads of support. Writing can be a lonely business. I’ve been part of a ACFW critique group for the last five years, and they played a significant role in helping me to eventually get published. Finally, attend conferences and study the craft.

What writers or books have influenced you? Laura Frantz: Her books inspired me to fall in love with writing again and to start writing Christian historical romance. Lori Benton: Her Mountain Laurel and Shiloh books inspired me to write a story of redemption, second chances, and great love. In regards to craft, Susan May Warren’s The Story Equation is my go-to source.

What books are on your nightstand right now? Jamie Ogle’s Daughter of the Rebellion and Gabrielle Meyer’s The Lady of the Red River Valley.

What is your next project? This summer, I finished writing Texas Redeemed, the next story in my Lone Stare Redemption series. This book tells the story of Abigail McKenzie, a newspaper reporter, who writes a news story that gets a man killed. When the man’s brother, Indian agent Jake Cooper, shows up in her office to tell her that her story was based upon lies, she is determined to investigate and make amends. The last thing Jake needs is a city girl following him into Indian Country, putting herself and him in danger. Meanwhile, I’ve started writing the final book in the series, the love story of Little Star and Charlie.

About Freed by the Frontier:

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.

From quaint civilized towns to treacherous mountain passes and wilderness villages, three couples navigate cultural divisions, overcome past wounds, and face deadly dangers to discover that love knows no boundaries. But as war clouds gather and ancient tribal alliances shift, will their newfound relationships survive the coming storm? Or will the clash of worlds tear them apart?

Three unforgettable romances prove that God's greatest blessings often come disguised as our greatest challenges, and that true love can bridge any divide.

Social Media Links: 
Website: https://sherryshindelar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherryshindelarauthor/
FB Author: https://www.facebook.com/historylitgirl/
Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/134972322-sherry-shindelar
Bookbub author page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/527022753

Author Bio:

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry Shindelar loves to take her readers into the past. She is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of over forty years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren. Connect with Sherry at http://www.sherryshindelar.com.

Photo credits:

Author photo and book images: Courtesy Sherry Shindelar

Writing: Pixabay/Pexels

Woman Running: Pixabay/Pexels

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

October 2026 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children’s/Middle-Grade Chapter Books:

Charly’s Volcano by Lorisa D. Wiedenheft -- It’s the fall of 1993 in small-town North Carolina. Twelve-year-old Charly is in seventh grade and excited to be in junior high. But then her best friends start trying new things. Wya joins the basketball team, and June decides to be a cheerleader. Charly feels left out and can’t shake the anger simmering inside her. One minute she’s fine, and the next she’s blowing up at the people she cares about most. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:

Falling into Us by Denise Hunter -- When a reluctant woman travels to Gibson, NC to deliver her late mother’s final letter to the grandmother she’s never known, she strikes a deal with a widowed journalist seeking a career-making story—only to discover that healing old wounds might require risking their hearts. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson Fiction [HarperCollins])

The Baker of Christmas Wishes by Georgia Curtis Ling -- Sarah Baker is about to find out if her grandmother’s folklore is really just a recipe—or something more. They say Christmas Wishing Cookies carry prayers straight to heaven, but for Sarah, they reveal a secret she never saw coming. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Not So Very Sensible by Carolyn Miller -- Elinor and Katie Bennett are as opposite as sisters can be: Elinor loves structure, planning and design, while Katie’s head is in the clouds as she chases fanciful, romantic dreams. A college graduation trip to the Blue Mountains sees them staying at the Hydro Grand hotel for a murder mystery weekend. There, they end up meeting two men who just might hold the keys to their hearts—taking the sensible Elinor Bennett by surprise while crushing the romantic Katie’s hopes. . .and proving that the path of love doesn’t always follow one's plans or dreams. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Pastor’s Christmas Prayer by Mindy Obenhaus -- Returning to Legacy Ranch with his two young daughters, widowed youth pastor Jonathon Bauer is delighted to find his first love, Meredith Hunt, is one of the owners. When Jonathon and Meredith are thrown together to oversee the annual Christmas Under the Stars event at the ranch, past affections stir between them. But Meredith has been keeping a secret since they were teens—one that she must reveal if she and Jonathon are ever to have a future together. Will the truth tear them apart…or give them everything they’ve always dreamed of? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

More Than Enough by Krystina Renae Rankin -- Teacher and former foster care youth Isabelle and pastor and single father Dustin learn to heal and love again. (Contemporary Romance from Quirky Bullpen Press)

The Sweetest Thing About You by Alyssa Schwarz -- She’s been looking for somewhere to belong for ten years. He’s been running away from the only place he ever had. Two plane tickets. One month. And one Maple Lake bakery about to remind them both what home actually feels like. (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)

Crazy for Christmas by Penny Zeller -- It’s Christmas in Cloverdale Falls! Take a trip to the town you’ll want to become a resident of in this hilarious installment, perfect for the Christmas season and beyond. She’s an extrovert who loves Christmas. He’s an officer who loves law and order. And there’s a Corgi. (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Contemporary Suspense:

The Glades by Angela Hunt -- A dual-time novel about the consequences of man's hubris in the Everglades. Billionaire’s wife Katherine Armstrong is planning a quiet birthday weekend on her private island in the Everglades—just her children and her two closest friends, far from the cameras, her husband, and the noise of her public life. Then the storm comes. By morning, the power is gone. The water is off. The mainland is unreachable. And in the mangrove shadows beyond her mansion in the mangroves, an apex predator circles. What was meant to be a retreat becomes a trap. (Contemporary Suspense from Hunt Haven Press)

Cozy Mystery:

Fatal Impulse by Janet Sketchley -- When a newly-discovered corpse could be a neighbouring teen's runaway mom, can Landon prove the secretive woman is still alive? Landon Smith doesn’t dare investigate. Juggling intense university courses, a fledgling romance, and an empty bed and breakfast, the twenty-four-year-old trauma survivor is fighting for her dreams. Yet her heart breaks for the hurting teen who’s convinced his mother is the body in the woods. For his sake, she’ll dig into the secretive woman’s abrupt flight. But when the missing persons case ties into the murder, Landon fears she’s placed herself on the villain’s hit list. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

General Contemporary:

Letting Go of Perfect by Janell Goodrich York -- When Olivia moves with her two children to a small town, she hopes to find her footing, finish her degree, and give her family the fresh start they need, but what she doesn't expect is a community determined to make her one of their own. (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press)

A Bookshop for Christmas by Heidi Chiavaroli -- When Brooke’s beloved grandparents die unexpectedly, their final wish brings her scattered family back to Hope Creek, including Jeremiah, the boy she once loved—the same boy who abandoned them when the Chilton clan disintegrated years ago. Despite the long-held grudges and awkward secrets that kept them all apart, Brooke and Jeremiah convince the Chilton cousins to help honor their grandparents’ last request: to take the old church they saved from destruction and turn it into a bookshop that will serve their beloved community. And to do it all before Christmas. But repurposing the church building may be easier than healing the deep wounds that tore their family apart. (General Contemporary from Hope Creek Publishers LLC)

Mercy’s Rose by Delores Topliff -- Mercy’s Rose invites readers to join a young Amish woman’s journey as she struggles to help her family through a medical crisis while respecting the confines of her community’s faith. This is a sweet coming of age story that allows Mercy to grow into the right love and the right role for her through discernment and faith. (General Contemporary from TrueNorth)

Historical Biblical:

Unwavering Heart: The Story of Rebekah by Angela Hunt -- When Rebekah is offered a marriage to Isaac--heir to wealthy and well-respected Abraham--she leaves behind the only world she has known and ventures into the sunbaked lands of Canaan. (Historcial/Biblical from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Historical Romance:

Mail-Order Lady by Misty M. Beller -- Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains… She agreed to a safe, sensible marriage. He agreed because she already holds his heart. From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a marriage of convenience, unrequited love, and a family mystery that spans continents…all set in the rugged Montana Territory. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Loyalty’s Pursuit by Shannon McNear -- August 1780. After the Battle of Camden leaves British camp follower Bess Eaton widowed, expecting a child, and stranded in enemy territory, she faces two impossible choices: a return to an England that offers her nothing...or marriage to a stranger before the army marches on without her. Backcountry loyalist Rob MacFarlane has already buried a wife and son and has no intention of risking his heart again. But he can't ignore the vulnerable widow in his path. What begins as an act of duty quickly becomes something far more complicated when he offers Bess protection—and a name. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Romantic Suspense:

Coordinates of Death by Darlene L. Turner A police officer will do anything to catch the serial killer that got away—even if it means playing a deadly game in the icy wilderness. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Deadly Charade by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood -- One wrong move and their cover is blown. So their charade sparking real feelings is the last twist they can afford. Special Agent Kira Miller's new career at the FBI has started--in translations. It's not the opportunity she was hoping for to show off her skills, until she detects a lead in some paperwork. Now assigned an undercover role, she's in her element as she gathers intel on an art smuggling ring. She's daunted not by the mission but by her cover--posing as a married woman to the fake husband she met less than twenty-four hours earlier. Special Agent Bryce Lambert's assignment to go undercover as a newlywed couple with Kira has the two of them moving next door to the prime suspects, and a relationship is the last thing he wants, fake or real. With secret auctions and hidden treasures, there's plenty to keep them busy--if only they can play the part their lives and careers depend upon while keeping their own hearts in check. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Speculative: Soft Science Fiction and Romantic Fantasy:

The Prodigy and the Telepath by Kenneth Bliss -- After burying his adoptive mother, thirteen-year-old psionic prodigy Eric D'Tra'val discovers that the voices of rage and despair filling his mind are something far more dangerous than grief. (Speculative/Soft Science Fiction, Independently Published)

Violet Fly by Demi Griffin -- Rescued by a Mystic with no memory of his life prior to the event that should have ended it, Siaran becomes the ward of Prince Enris. He matures into a young man with all the privilege and protection of the Emerald Palace while the kingdom is ravaged by enemies. Life in the palace on the mountain should have been peaceful. The disappearance of the king’s firstborn child haunts the corridors and hearts of the royal family. With the Cerulean Rose wilting, the kingdom’s divine protection falters. Siaran is desperate to do something to help. An unsanctioned departure from the palace takes him on an adventure that brings the legend of the Violet Fly to life, making him the hero the kingdom needs. Wrestling with the unknowns of his past, Siaran’s restless soul leads to his captivity. Only one thing can save him - the woman he mistook for an enemy. (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)

Western Historical Romance:

The Heart’s Most Wanted by Mary Connealy -- When a mysterious threat follows their every step, can two wounded hearts find refuge and love? With outlaws, a rugged hero, and a spirited heroine, Mary Connealy presents another action-packed Old West historical romance. For fans of second chance romance, frontier journeys, and hijinks in the Colorado wilderness. (Western Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Young Adult: Into the Crashing Waves by Stephanie Cardel -- After Dante Edmonds is torn from his foster dad and the girl he loves and sent to juvie for a crime he didn’t commit, he is forced to escape and assume a new identity. But he doesn’t want a life on the run. HE WANTS REVENGE. (Young Adult from WordCrafts Press)

Edges & Other Hard Things by Lauren Thell -- A teen artist with a sensory disorder and a high-strung boy photographer hiding a dangerous secret collide in this sweet, faith-based YA romance. (Young Adult, Independently Published)


Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Murder at Crayfish Cove by Suzie Peace Pybus -- Hester receives an empty envelope in the post, follows it to Crayfish Cove and finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. (Cozy Mystery)

Just Grace by Kimberly Banet -- Two families. One long-held secret. Only God’s grace can heal them when they collide. (General Contemporary)

The Seafaring Women of the Faithful by Susan Page Davis and James S. Davis -- Captain Alice Packard and her all-female crew face danger, uncertainty, and a fight for their future when the Vera B reaches England, forcing them to rely on faith, courage, and one another both on land and at sea. (General Historical)

Moonshine River by Marie Wells Coutu -- She'll break the law to save her mother. He'll uphold it to save her soul. (Historical Romance)

Vision of My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill -- Blinded by smallpox and guarded against pity, Serafina Shankel never expects a steady Irish horseman named Connor Finnegan to unlock a love built on trust, patience, and a way of seeing that has nothing to do with sight. (Historical Romance)

The Lost Warrior of Noridge by Demi Griffin -- His life was a mistake. Her love had to remain hidden. Would their united faith shine bright enough to save their world? (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy)

As the World Burns by Aaron Ryan -- For the Earth to survive, one father must sacrifice his only son. (Speculative/Science Fiction)

Traveling Tuesday: Portland, Maine

 

Traveling Tuesday: Portland, Maine

First settled in the early 1600s as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, then formally founded in 1786, Portland, Maine was the first stop on our cruise. The city’s early history was fraught with attacks during colonial conflicts and suffered four devastating fires prompting the depiction of a phoenix rising from ashes on the city seal. As a deep-water port, Portland has a long history of commercial shipping and marine economy.

During the American Revolutionary War, Portland heavily supported Patriot activities and at one point humiliated British Captain Henry Mowat in an incident known as Thompson’s War. In retaliation, Mowat bombarded and burned the town on October 18, 1775. About four hundred buildings were destroyed leaving hundreds of residents homeless. The event served a catalyst that moved the Continental Congress to establish a naval defense. As a strategic port, Portland also saw action during the War of 1812. On September 9, 1813, a major battle occurred between the USS Enterprise and Britain’s HMS Boxer. Britain lost the battle, and tragically, both captains died. The Civil War brought a Confederate raid that led to the Battle of Portland Harbor, one of the conflict’s northernmost battles.

With the completion of the Grand Trunk Railroad to Montreal, the city became the primary ice-free

winter port for Canadian exports. The Portland Company manufactured locomotives as well as engines for ships, trains, and fire engines. Many of the company’s employees were Canadian immigrants.

Portland’s growth was exponential, increasing from a population of 8,500 in 1820 (the year Maine was established as a state) to 12,500 in just ten years. By 1860, the city more than doubled in size, doubling again by 1900.

World War II saw Portland become a strategic naval base with the establishment of the US Naval Station in late 1941as well as the location for shakedown training for new vessels and anti-submarine warfare exercises, refueling and repairs at the Long Island Fuel Annex, outfitting of destroyers for convoy escort, and major anchorage for the Atlantic Fleet. Located off the coast of Portland, the Casco Islands were also commandeered during the war, with fifty-eight military structures on Peaks Island alone. From gun emplacements and watchtowers to barracks and fire-control posts, the islands were transformed.

Education plays a key role in the city with three major universities all founded from 1865 to 1878. Healthcare is also well-represented with US Marine Hospital in 1855, Maine General Hospital founded in 1868, Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary in 1891, Children’s Hospital in 1898, St. Barnabas in the early 20th century, and Northern Light Mercy Hospital in 1918. When Maine General opened, it was the first hospital in the state available to the general public.

Commercial fishing and lobstering continue to play large roles in the city’s economy, but rife with history, Portland also has a strong tourism industry, including the arrival of multiple cruise ships each day during season. An interesting and beautiful city to visit any time of year.

__________________

Swedish Sunrise

Espionage. Diplomacy. Resistance. Is there any room for love?

Weeks after being accepted into America’s Office of Strategic Services, Birgit Westgard finds herself in Stockholm, Sweden - “Casablanca of the North.” The job is supposed to be easy: typing and filing. Then her handsome boss taps her to be his “plus-one” at social events where they collect intelligence, plant propaganda, and dance the nights away. How much longer can she remain impervious to his charm?

Silas Cronin is one of the lucky ones, and his plane crash lands in neutral Sweden. Bored with cooling his heels in an internment camp, he raises his hand when the government comes looking for someone who can type. Suddenly, he’s in Stockholm, mired in intrigue and subterfuge, and more than a little attracted to his new secretary who wants nothing to do with him. Is she right that wartime is no time for romance?

Link: https://books2read.com/u/3RRqyv

Sources
https://www.discoverconcordma.com/articles/697-the-destruction-of-falmouth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland,_Maine
https://www.visitportland.com/
https://www.mainehistory.org/maine-connection/casco-bays-front-line/
https://www.portlandpaddle.net/6-historic-forts-you-can-see-from-a-kayak/
https://www.islandinstitute.org/island-journal/world-war-ii-left-a-big-footprint-on-casco-bay-islands/
https://sphistory.pastperfectonline.com/Archive/56EA2046-A54C-4C8C-BC6B-403953237868
https://www.mainememory.net/record/67327/image/67327


Photo Credits: All photos taken by Linda Shenton Matchett

Release Day! Swedish Sunrise

 Release Day! Swedish Sunrise

Swedish Sunrise is book four in the exciting "Resistance Chronicles" and features the third sibling in the Westgard family who serves in occupied Sweden during World War II.

Espionage. Diplomacy. Resistance. Is there any room for love?

Weeks after being accepted into America’s Office of Strategic Services, Birgit Westgard finds herself in Stockholm, Sweden - “Casablanca of the North.” The job is supposed to be easy: typing and filing. Then her handsome boss taps her to be his “plus-one” at social events where they collect intelligence, plant propaganda, and dance the nights away. How much longer can she remain impervious to his charm?

Silas Cronin is one of the lucky ones, and his plane crash lands in neutral Sweden. Bored with cooling his heels in an internment camp, he raises his hand when the government comes looking for someone who can type. Suddenly, he’s in Stockholm, mired in intrigue and subterfuge, and more than a little attracted to his new secretary who wants nothing to do with him. Is she right that wartime is no time for romance?

Link: https://books2read.com/u/3RRqyv

Talkshow Thursday: A Post by Lorri Dudley

 

Behind the Curtain of Regency London’s Ballet

by Lorri Dudley

Becoming a ballerina who floated across the stage with graceful movements was a childhood dream of mine that never came to fruition. But when I began writing The Ballerina’s Bargain, I discovered the next best thing. I could live that dream through my characters.

There is a romantic whimsy to ballet—the airy skirts, graceful movements, and illusion of defying gravity as dancers rise en pointe and extend their limbs with such elegance that they seem almost weightless. Yet my research took me behind the heavy stage curtains of Regency England’s opera-ballet, where I discovered that the fanciful world of the stage could be far darker than the enchanting performances suggested.

Ballet demands extraordinary physical endurance. Even today, dancers spend countless hours rehearsing, pushing through blisters, aching muscles, and injuries. During the Regency era, many ballerinas began training as children, often coming from families who struggled to put food on the table. For these girls, a career on the stage could offer an alternative to some of the grueling occupations available to working-class women. Instead of spending their days as scullery maids scrubbing floors and emptying chamber pots, laundresses laboring around scalding water and hot irons, or factory workers tending dangerous machinery, a talented young girl might find an opportunity to earn money through dancing.

But the stage offered no guarantee of an easier life.

It did hold the possibility of applause—provided the performance pleased the audience. And Regency spectators could be notoriously unforgiving. Performers might be heckled, shouted down, or even pelted with food. Fights were known to break out among spectators in the pit or upper gallery, turning an evening at the theatre into a spectacle both on and off the stage.

And then there was Fops’ Alley.

This area at the front of the theatre was notorious for attracting fashionable young men who came not

only to watch the performance but to admire the ballerinas themselves, and sometimes just for a scandalous peek at a ballerina’s ankles. To modern eyes, the attention might sound flattering. However, for many young women on the stage, the attention could carry a troublesome price.

Wealthy men could become what was known as a ballerina’s “protector,” offering gifts and financial assistance in exchange for the dancer’s exclusive attention and companionship. A pair of ballet slippers, ribbons, jewelry, or other small trinkets were luxurious gifts to a young woman whose family had little money.

Behind the applause, these arrangements could leave a vulnerable young ballerina with very little power of her own, and the word protector appears to be a misnomer. Becoming in a family way (or with child) brought a devastating end to her career. A dancer who could no longer perform might find herself without an income and facing the additional burden of supporting a child. For a family already struggling financially, the consequences could be heartbreaking.

The darker side of Regency ballet forms the premise behind The Ballerina’s Bargain. Yet I didn't want the novel to dwell upon the most sordid aspects of backstage life. Instead, the story focuses on two people’s heroic determination to spare the young ballerinas from a wretched fate by those who’d take advantage of their innocence.

Still, the danger is always there, lurking backstage.

Because sometimes the greatest threats in a theatre aren't waiting in the audience. They're waiting behind the curtain.

In The Ballerina’s Bargain, saving the theatre may require far more than keeping its doors open—it may mean fighting for the young women whose dreams depend upon it.

To learn more, check out my website at lorridudley.com or follow me on: 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-ballerina-s-bargain-danforth-theatre-book-1-by-lorri-dudley
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/254456688-the-ballerina-s-bargain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dudleylorri/

About The Ballerina’s Bargain

A burdened earl. A determined ballerina. Saving the theatre may cost them both their hearts.

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.

Purchase link: https://amzn.to/4bVdTuc  

About the Author:
Lorri Dudley is the bestselling author of The Leeward Island Series and The Agents of Espionage Series. She has a master’s degree in psychology and lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

Photo credits:

Author Photo and book image: Courtesy Lorri Dudley

Ballet Shoes: Pixabay

Ballerina: Pixabay/mgnorrisphotos

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

 

September 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance: Her Amish Christmas Rescue by Amy Grochowski -- For years, Rose Burkholder has lived in the shadow of a family tragedy. But one snowy day, she strays from her usual path and aids an injured deer in the woods. And comes face-to-face with a ferocious wolf! Forest steward Lukas Brenneman rescues her in the nick of time, just before a winter storm strands them at her family’s house. As Christmas approaches, Rose’s matchmaking grandmother and aunt conspire to push them together. And Rose and Lukas will have to find the courage to reach for the future they both truly want? An Amish Red Riding Hood retelling in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Contemporary Romance:

Lighting Up Christmas by Amy R. Anguish -- Four Christmas romances. Four glowing displays. One season bright with hope. In Lighting Up Christmas, four heartwarming novellas shine with small-town charm, clean romance, and the gentle reminder that God can bring light to even the dimmest places. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Autumn’s Grace by Julie Arduini -- A former teacher and a burned-out tech producer find healing, purpose, and unexpected love in Dogwood Creek, Tennessee. A teacher without a classroom. A tech producer without a stage. A story about finding purpose again. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published)

For the Love of a Child by Lee Carver -- Celeste vowed never to marry again, but she would do anything to save the life of her child. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The One Who Felt Like Home by Tammy Karasek -- The One Who Felt Like Home serves up humor, adventure, friendship, and obstacles aplenty keeping this couple apart and is a story showing us how God is always in the details, we only need to get out of His way. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published)

The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Main -- They both long for a true home—can the holidays bring opposites together? Saving his family’s Texas ranch is former bull rider Reggie Evermore’s Christmas wish. And he’s sure socialite Natalie Patterson can help him plan the perfect event to bring in cash. Pregnant, recently divorced and ready to prove her independence, Natalie needs a paycheck and a place to stay. So she accepts Reggie’s job offer. But planning a fundraiser is harder than attending them! When Reggie learns the truth, he’s less than happy. Can they work through their differences to transform the ranch and give love a chance to grow? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

An Irish Hope by Carolyn Miller -- Aisling Fairall has a big personality and a big heart. But lately she's been feeling a little lost and wondering what to do with her life. Until a mysterious uninvited guest at a family wedding helps her see that maybe she's not quite on her own, after all. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Who Names the Stars by Deborah Raney -- Raised on neighboring ranches in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas, Wrenlee Harper and August McClure are divided by shared tragedy and stubborn pride, both fighting to save the land their grandparents worked. When disaster strikes, an unexpected partnership seems their only hope—but risking unmended fences and wounded hearts could cost them everything. (Contemporary Romance from Raney Day Press)

Sing With Me by Rena Bell Yeager -- Sledgehammer is on top of the charts with his crude music and finds Angela’s song on her streaming site and instantly wants her to sing with him. Angela is a small-town worship leader with no desire for fame and steadfastly says no. When their worlds collide, will they explode, or unite? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press)

Cozy Mystery:

Murder Goes Flying by Malissa Chapin -- She'd rather conduct a symphony than investigate sabotage. But when family loyalty takes flight, can she ground a killer before they strike again? (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

General Contemporary:

House of Wind by Laura DeNooyer -- 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? (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

General Historical:

Birth of a Warrior by Elmer Fuller -- In the rugged hills of ancient Judah, seventeen-year-old Benaiah lives under a cloud of shame. When Amalekite raiders attacked his village, he saved his sister but lost his mother and brothers. Now his father has abandoned him, and the village whispers that he's a coward. The mockery of Natan, a powerful warrior, makes each day a fresh humiliation. When King Saul calls men to war against the Philistines, Benaiah sees his chance to silence the doubters. (General Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

The Marquess’s Masked Archer by Abbey Downey -- When Cleveland society parades debutante Sylvie Bryce before another string of unsuitable suitors, she secretly claims the one thing no one can arrange for her-a life of her own. Hidden beneath a green velvet hood and emerald mask, she becomes the mysterious Lady Robin, a daring trick-shot archer who captivates the crowds at Cedar Point resort. It's the one place where Sylvie answers to no one. The last thing she needs is a charming English marquess threatening to unravel everything she has worked so hard to build. A richly atmospheric Gilded Age romance brimming with wit, hidden identities, and the tender courage it takes to love without pretense-a tale of a sharp-shooting socialite, a science-minded lord, and the summer of secrets that will change them both forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke -- Inspired by true events, Christy Hall of Fame author Cathy Gohlke delivers a powerful new historical novel weaving together the discovery of insulin—a breakthrough that revolutionized modern medicine—and one woman’s brave fight to cling to her family and hope against unspeakable odds. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)

Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti -- LAKE PLACID, N.Y., 1932—Sports journalist Emma Hancock can’t wait to highlight the female athletes at the III Olympic Winter Games, including the historic speed skating demonstration. However, she refuses to limit herself to fragile stereotypes—even when her male colleagues slam the press room door in her face. After a federal agent warns her of a plot brewing, she turns her gift for following a story thread toward uncovering a conspiracy that could turn the Winter Games into a tragedy. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Undercover Heir by Dawn Kinzer -- A spirited heiress and a mysterious gardener work together to create a successful teahouse in 1920s Seattle, but more is at stake than serving a good cup of tea. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

A Whim and a Prayer by Julie Lessman -- Former orphans who are best friends hit snags in their relationship when he falls in love with her and wants more than friendship. She’s a former orphan desperate to protect her heart. He’s a best friend who protects her from the start. Till prayer protects them both from a true love torn apart. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Swedish Sunrise by Linda Shenton Matchett -- Espionage. Diplomacy. Resistance. Is there any room for love? Weeks after being accepted into America’s Office of Strategic Services, Birgit Westgard finds herself in Stockholm, Sweden - “Casablanca of the North.” The job is supposed to be easy: typing and filing. Then her handsome boss taps her to be his “plus-one” at social events where they collect intelligence, plant propaganda, and dance the nights away. How much longer can she remain impervious to his charm? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Whispering Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart -- An American journalist in WWII France risks her life to expose the truth and help Allied soldiers escape — and loses her heart to the daring man leading them to freedom. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin -- World War II USO director Maggie Oliver must quickly organize a Christmas show, enlisting former Hollywood star Prescott Duke, who’s searching for new purpose after career-ending injuries. As they work together, Maggie and Prescott navigate their growing feelings while trying to reunite a young sailor with his lost love and save Maggie’s grandfather’s home. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:

Shadowing You by Robin Patchen -- When the wife he believed dead calls from China, an ER doctor races to find her before her enemies silence her forever. (Mystery/Suspense, Independently Published)

David’s Debt by Urcelia Teixeira -- He came to collect. His final payment was murder. A smooth-talking salesman rolls into the small coastal town of Weyport with a coded list of debts and a long memory. Nobody gives him a second thought. Until the man turns up dead in a motel room. At first glance it looks like a heart that simply gave out. Then Sheriff Angus Reid hears the anonymous call that reported the body. And everything changes—he knows her voice. (Mystery/Suspense – Police Procedural, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Watched by Jerusha Agen -- Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him. Attorney Monty Montgomery doesn’t trust Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist wasn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent? Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Amish Country Witness by Meghan Carver -- A woman on the run… An enemy on her trail. Halie Mae Hochstetler’s quiet life in witness protection falls apart when she witnesses her uncle’s murder by the mafia. Now she’s a loose end that the mob is determined to tie up. Forced to run, she puts her life in the hands of Amish widower Daniel Beiler. As Halie Mae unravels buried family secrets, Daniel helps her piece together a daring plan for justice in their fight to survive. But with merciless killers determined to make Halie Mae their next victim, staying alive may be just out of reach… (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Fatal Encore by Jennifer Chastain -- A country music superstar. A K-9 officer with a haunted past. A stalker determined to silence the music forever. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong -- The greatest threat isn’t the enemy outside—it’s the secrets between them. Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future. (Romantic Suspense from Screenings Press)

Disguised Deception by Rebecca Lake -- Ten years ago, Payton Donovan left Garnet Falls, Montana, with a broken heart and no intention of looking back. Her twin sister had severed their bond. Her boyfriend had chosen her best friend. Her dream internship had vanished. The town that once felt like home had become the place that took everything. But then that former best friend disappears, and Payton is pulled back to the town she'd spent a decade trying to forget A clean romantic suspense novel filled with small-town danger, deadly deception, shattered trust, and a second chance at love. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Alaskan Survival Threat by Megan Short -- Park Ranger Helena Nikolaou’s assignment takes a deadly turn when she sees a body drop from a helicopter — and she suddenly comes under fire. Ambushed on a remote Alaskan island, she’s saved by US Coast Guard rescue swimmer Cody Hannigan. Only, the assailants won’t give up easily. With danger trailing their every move, Helena and Cody are forced through unforgiving terrain to retrieve evidence linked to a sinister conspiracy. But as they fight to stay one step ahead of killers determined to silence them, one wrong move could cost them their lives. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Deadly Schemes by Penny Zeller -- An elaborate plan. A get-rich scheme. A deadly outcome. (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative/Romantic Fantasy:

A Peasant’s Sorrow by Demi Griffin -- Ayris envisioned a refined existence, one befitting the daughter of a royal scribe. When death not only robbed her of her father but thrust her into a life of poverty, her dreams shattered. Condemned to a peasant's existence, she had no say in the matter when asked to surrender her own future for that of the future king. Given the imminent danger of assassins targeting the Esilion royals, Prince Zarulias was compelled to obey the general. He had to disappear until the danger had passed. The situation worsened when the strategy demanded he masquerade as a husband. His chosen bride, the one they selected for him, was a simple peasant girl hardly worthy of the role. Forced to rely on one another, would Ayris and Zarulias expose a far-reaching conspiracy threatening the kingdom? Was their union a strategic move for their own survival, or was it orchestrated by the Holy One as part of a grander plan? (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)

Western Romance:

Clara’s Courage by Jill Dewhurst -- When Clara's mysterious disappearance leads to months of captivity aboard a bride ship, Josiah's unwavering faith that she is still alive culminates in an unexpected reunion, a marriage of convenience, and a dangerous journey to protect a dying woman's legacy and bring Clara safely home. (Western Romance, Independently Published)

  Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Secret Exposure by B.A. Hawley -- A cross-cultural teen begins a new life at boarding school, but old secrets—those of her mom and others—soon find her. (Reading age 10-14). (Children’s/Middle Grade)

Wait for Me by Roger E. Bruner -- Wisconsin, 1931—Wait for Me is a novel within a novel about childhood sweethearts who, as adult lovers, are separated by a tragic event that only love and trust can bridge. (Contemporary Romance)

Treading Water: Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta -- Treading Water: Barely above Water, revised edition, which introduces promising treatments for Lyme disease, is as much about Suzie Morriss's faith as the romance, illness and job that steals Suzie's heart. (Contemporary Romance)

A King’s Dilemma by Demi Griffin -- Torn from his opulent palace life as a child, Prince Coeden never envisioned a future as the ruler of Fragalia. The path laid out for him as the second-born son was one of quiet satisfaction and a life unburdened by great expectation. A foretold prophecy shifted Coeden’s path, positioning him as a significant threat to the sinister powers that loomed over Arland. (Speculative/Medieval Fantasy)

Goldie: A Wild Ridge Novella by Alyssa Schwarz -- A disgraced actress on the run. A guarded rancher with everything to lose. And a mail-order bride who never meant to fall in love. (Western Romance)