This is my seventeenth publication day, and the excitement never ebbs. I'm delighted to announce the release of Sequins and Starlight, my second contemporary novel and the follow up to A Change of Location.
This story isn't autobiographical, but there are many elements that reflect my own past and present, places that are special to me, and my non-writing careers and interests and activities.
From the back cover:
In London’s West End, where theatre lights blaze with promise, desire and ambition put two wary hearts to the ultimate test.
Ellie Lowery, former ballet prodigy turned international burlesque sensation, craves change and a professional challenge. By reinventing herself as a stage actress, she’ll not only escape the grind of constant touring—she can fulfill her late husband’s final wish. Her breakthrough role in a debut play provides the perfect fresh start, yet she’s reluctant to permanently retire her pointe shoes.
Corporate executive Dan Wheeler is instantly captivated by the alluring American who gained worldwide fame sashaying in cabarets. And, he soon discovers, there’s much more to appreciate than her beauty and charm and talent. But a visit to his ancestral home in the countryside reveals a significant obstacle to their future happiness. Dan assures Ellie that his father’s disapproval will eventually fade. But because she was married to someone whose parents never accepted her, she’s fully aware of the difficulties they will face.
An unexpected threat emerges from her past, with the potential to lower the curtain on her already troubled romance. Desperate to restore balance after a staggering betrayal, Ellie must decide whether ballet will once again serve as her sanctuary and solace.
An absorbing tale of artistic resilience, family loyalty, and the courage to defy expectations.
PRAISE FOR SEQUINS AND STARLIGHT
“Porter writes in a clear and appealing manner that makes the complicated world of dance accessible and attractive .… The complex relationships are engaging throughout, always keeping the reader hooked. A page-turning romance for those who adore the worlds of theater and dance.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Porter’s juxtapositions of personalities and worlds are nothing short of exquisite . . . A compelling story . . . Immersive descriptions, strong characterization, and challenges.” —Midwest Book Review
“Another standing ovation for Margaret Porter! Anglophiles, theatre kids, and balletomanes everywhere will devour her delicious and delightful Sequins and Starlight.” —Leslie Carroll, author of Temporary Insanity
“Made me fall headlong into the luscious story set in England, with ballet, burlesque, and theater, as well as love bruised by family expectations. Romance readers will adore Sequins and Starlight.” —Literary Redhead
Here are some of the novel's locations:
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| London |
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| Gloucestershire |
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| A New England lakeside cottage (maybe just like my own!) |
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| The Rivoli Bar in London's Ritz Hotel |
To order the paperback: Bookshop.org (Indiebound), Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Walmart, Waterstone's (UK), Blackwell's (UK), Saxo
To order the ebook: Kindle, Apple, Nook, Kobo
Among the scheduled promotions: bookstore events, conference appearances and book signings, photo shoots, television and podcast interviews--in the US and UK. It's going to be a very busy time--but always lots of fun!