Author Interview: The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Ballerina's Bargain 
Series: Danforth Theatre #1 
Author: Lorri Dudley
Publisher: Wild Heart Books 
Release Date: September 8, 2026 
Genre: Historical Regency Romance

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 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 LINKS: Goodreads | Wild Heart Books | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

One corner of his mouth twitched into a sardonic grin. “If your plan is to accost me and make off with my purse, you should probably show your weapon.”

“Weapon?” She’d only seen the theatre owner from behind, but he was more handsome than she imagined, with a firm aristocratic jaw, light eyes, and thick waves of dark brown hair that curled at the ends. His appealing looks only aided in unnerving her.

“Was someone chasing you?” His smile fell and he twisted to peer out the back window. “Were you being accosted?”

Emmeline also shifted to look but couldn’t explain why. She knew no one pursued her. “No.”

“Do you speak English?”

She inwardly groaned. This was going beyond poorly. “Indeed.”

His gaze hardened. “Then, are you mad?” The muscle twitching in his jaw signaled his frustration. “Whatever were you thinking, jumping into a moving carriage?”

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Also Available

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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.

Connect with Lorri by visiting lorridudley.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Ballerina’s Bargain?

Lorri: A childhood dream of mine was to become a ballerina who floated across the stage with graceful movements. That dream 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.

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Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Lorri: It took me approximately nine months to research and write the rough draft. Self-editing is done in fast sprints after that for another three months, along with marketing. The birthing of a book includes some of the emotional phases of a pregnancy (definitely not the same but bear with me): dreaming about what the book and its characters would be like, lumbering through the awkward, muddy middle, and then the doubts and fears of imposter syndrome as the release day draws closer. Have I done enough? Do I have what it takes to produce a good novel? This is my eleventh novel, and my nervousness before a release hasn’t lessened. Then there’s the joy of celebrating a new release, which is always a delight.

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Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Lorri: Two things shocked me.

A law from 1736 required theatres to be patented to perform, and the patents were granted by the lord chamberlain. The law was enacted after playwright Henry Fielding wrote a satirical play bashing the prime minister, Robert Walpole. Only two theatres held the required patents during the Regency era: The Royal Theatre, Drury Lane, and The Royal Theatre, Covent Garden. Smaller theatres got around this obstacle by performing pantomimes or musicals, and a combination of the two was the opera-ballet.

I was also shocked (and horrified) at how patrons used to support young ballerinas. 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 the so-called “protectors” and a wretched fate by those who’d take advantage of their innocence. Still, the danger is always there, lurking backstage.

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Q: Have you ever taken ballet lessons or attended a ballet?

Lorri: Even though I loved dance, we lived too far out in the boonies in Illinois where I grew up for me to do dance other than a very basic ballet class put on by the church we attended. We eventually moved to Lancaster, PA, and in high school I did dance theatre, but at Hempfield High, Dance Theatre was a big production that packed the house for three performances. I was so grateful to be a part of it and to experience all sorts of dance forms: lyrical ballet, jazz, modern, Caribbean, Irish step dancing, and African dance. Being part of these amazing productions ignited my passion for dancing. I even made my husband take ballroom dancing lessons. He returned the favor by having me take rock climbing lessons, but it turns out we loved both.

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Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Ballerina’s Bargain?

Lorri: “Laurent’s do hard things.” This quote has a backstory. Usually, I would choose a funny quote. Olivia, the youngest sister, provided a lot of comical relief, like when Luke asks Grant when he bought Olivia a hamster, and Grant replies, “I didn’t,” and they’re both wondering if her pet is actually a mouse. 

The inspiration of “Laurent’s do hard things” struck me because of a conversation I had with a Christian school principal, who said how after Covid, it became a challenge to get the young kindergartners to leave their parents and come into the school. She persuaded the students to say goodbye and come inside by reminding them they could do hard things. In that moment, I needed the reminder that I could do hard things too. Jesus said, “In this life we will have trouble but take heart for I have overcome the world.” Emmeline struggles with the fear of falling and not being able to do the lifts required of a prima ballerina. She believes it’s her trust in Grant that helps her overcome her fear, but in the end she learns she needs to put her trust in God's protection.

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Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Lorri: I’ve always been creative, and I’ve had a passion for romance books since I happened upon the book Savannah in a Scholastic newsletter in the fourth grade. Since then, I’ve used plotting books to occupy my mind when I couldn’t sleep or was bored, like when I was pushing my kids on the swings. It wasn’t until my husband started playing in the church band and needed to practice that I sat down to type up some of the scenes running through my head. It wasn’t until after I’d finished writing a second full novel in 2014 that I thought that it might be good enough to publish and I could potentially become an author. Funny thing is that I kept writing and ended up getting my fourth novel published, which is now The Duke’s Refuge. I wrote five more books in the Leeward Island Series before returning to the second and third novels, and after many edits, those stories became the first two books of my Agents of Espionage Series: Revealing the Truth and Reclaiming the Spy.

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Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Lorri: I’ve also written a futuristic romance that was a finalist in the Genesis Contest and Touched by Love contest called Beacon Hill. After becoming traditionally published with Wild Heart Books, I stopped pursuing publication of that particular novel, simply for lack of time. At this point, some of the futuristic items in the story have come true, and in my mind it now seems more like a contemporary romance. Who knows, now that all three of my boys are in college, I may have more time and can come back to it or put Beacon Hill on Book Funnel as a freebie.

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Q: What are you currently reading?

Lorri: Because I always feel guilty that I should be writing, I binge-read books when on vacation. I’m right now on the last book, The Songbird, of Carrie Cotton’s early Nordic Christianity series that starts with The Huntress. It’s a different genre than I typically read, but I’ve enjoyed the intensity of the series. Carrie does an amazing job weaving “The Christ” (as her characters call Jesus) and spiritual elements into her stories.

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Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Lorri: I’m definitely a summer girl. In New England, winters are long, but summers are delightful, with so many places for weekend trips or vacations. Plus, my boys come back from college, and the house and my heart feel full.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a prize bundle with reading blanket, socks, and candle!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 8, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 15, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Author Interview: The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Gentlewoman Apprentice 
Series: The Gentlewoman Series #5 
Author: Emily Opal 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: September 3, 2026 
Genre: Historical Romance

Every seam hides a secret. Every valentine reveals the truth.  

When Margaret Cooper departs the slums of East London for an apprenticeship in a quiet market town, she topples the established order—and no one feels it more than Peter Sloan, the handsome tailor forced to teach her his trade. 

Margaret is steeled to prove her worth in a man’s world and has no leisure for courtship. But when anonymous Valentines begin to arrive, each with gifts and words that pierce her heart, she feels truly known for the first time. If only she could unmask the hand that distracts her from her aspirations. 

Burdened by a failing business and an ill father, Peter has no patience for a female apprentice who upends his orderly life. Yet through a reckless wager, he finds himself sending Valentines to none other than Miss Cooper. What begins as halfhearted duty blossoms into admiration—and dangerous longing.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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Excerpt

He stepped into his mother’s still room and closed the door, shutting out the conversation filtering from the parlor. Dust floated across a stream of light. He inhaled the scent of herbs and fruit, bitter and sweet. The shelves lay nearly bare, with a few bottles of apricot ratafia and sage-rosemary wine. On a ledge, once replete with sweetmeats, sat a glass jar, sparkling crimson. He dusted the parchment seal and ran his thumb over his mother’s faded scrip: “Sour Cherry Preserves.”

He collected butter biscuits from the kitchen, grabbed another teacup, and entered the parlor. With some ceremony, he removed the seal from the cherry preserves and glanced at Miss Cooper. He wanted her to understand the significance of the gift, meant for her.

“I brought a treat.” He slathered jam on two slices of bread, gave one to Father, sat beside Miss Cooper, and offered her the second.

She took it and muttered, “Bread and jam do not make up for your failing your duty.”

Peter winced. Miss Cooper did not understand the weight of what he offered, but his father licked a cherry from his thumb, a dribble of joy straight from the hand of his beloved Deborah. It was foolish to have imagined anyone but Father could have appreciated the gesture.

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Emily Opal spent her childhood reading, having tea parties, and imagining she existed in another century. While pleased to live in a time when chamber pots are obsolete, she loves researching a bygone world full of hardships both foreign and relatable. Fortunate to find a spouse equally afflicted with wanderlust, Emily and her husband travel whenever and wherever they can. They live with their children and Labradoodle in Utah, where she enjoys mountain views and hiking but pretends to love skiing.

Connect with Emily by visiting emilyopal.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Gentlewoman Apprentice?

Emily: I learned that in Europe tailors (all male, as women could not join the guild) manufactured women’s clothing until 1675 when Louis XIV created a guild for female dressmakers. The history is nuanced, but this tidbit caused me to wonder about the women who forayed into this male profession. I also really love the movie You’ve Got Mail, so when I discovered that people used to exchange anonymous valentines, I had my story.

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Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Emily: About a year, including edits.

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Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Emily: On a personal note, writing is therapeutic, and I often find my own concerns falling onto the page. This time, it was Meg’s relationship with her younger sibling, Samuel. She feels responsible for him in a way that is impossible for her fulfill. As my own children are striking out on their own, Meg’s sentiment is mine. Ultimately, I trust God to find them, hold them, and bring them home.

The most surprising bit of research is that demand for chintz or printed cotton was instrumental in the industrial revolution. Colorful stamped and painted cotton came in from India and was so popular, it threatened British wool and silk industries. Calico Acts outlawed its purchase to the point that women risked having their chintz gowns torn off them by angry wool workers. But women wanted cool, easy-care cotton, so industrialists figured out how to make it quickly and cheaply.

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Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Gentlewoman Apprentice?

Emily: “Were I a queen, an empress, or in possession of a great treasure, I would learn dressmaking. Even if I must do it alone, I will master the craft—if it takes ten years, if it takes a lifetime.”

I like this expression of Meg’s determination, an ambition which does not always serve her well. Her single-mindedness makes her blind to certain truths, and she almost misses out on love.

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Q: Is it necessary to read the prior books in this series before reading The Gentlewoman Apprentice?

Emily: No, but if you do, some characters will mean more to you.

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Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Emily: I can’t remember why I chose mid-18th century as my era. There was a very specific bit of trivia involved that I simply forgot. But I love it. The more I learn, the more fascinating it is.

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Q: What are you currently reading?

Emily: I am re-reading the Emma M. Lion series.

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Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Emily: I read every genre. If I had to choose, I’d say literary fiction and classics. And romance. And women’s fiction. See? I can’t choose.

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Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Emily: Reading. But I have recently taken up crochet, so listening to a book while crocheting is my favorite.

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Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Emily: Summer! I love having less of a schedule. I love sun. I love green trees. I love watching different flowers in my yard grow and expire over the months.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a book box with 18th century bits and bobs and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only for gift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Event Spotlight: Art of Writing 2026

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for the Art of Writing 2026, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Conference

The Art of Writing conference will be held on November 6 in Nashville at the Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel, Tennessee. This focused, four-session conference will bring together writers, storytellers, and publishing professionals, curated by Thomas Nelson Fiction's Laura Wheeler.

 

Session One: State of the Industry: What's Changing, What's Selling, and What You Can Do About It

The Christian fiction marketplace is shifting—and the authors who thrive will be the ones who understand why. This panel of publishing professionals opens with a data-driven look at the current state of Christian publishing, drawing on the latest market research to map what's actually moving books today. From there, the conversation gets practical: how platform sales really work, what authors can do to actively support their books, and why audio is the format no one can afford to ignore. Whether you're traditionally published or exploring indie paths, you'll leave with a clearer picture of the industry landscape and concrete next steps for your own author education. 

Panel moderated by Laura Wheeler, and featuring Kelsey Bowen, Stephanie Broene, Nick Gilbert, Becky Monds, and Kerri Potts.

Session Two: AI and the Christian Author: Ethics, Opportunity, and a Rapidly Changing Landscape

 

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the publishing landscape faster than anyone predicted—and for many authors, it's raising as many questions as it eyebrows. This panel brings together diverse industry voices to cut through the noise with clarity and hard-won wisdom. What can AI legitimately help you do? Where are the ethical lines—and why do they keep moving? What do you need to know to protect yourself legally and act with integrity as a creative? This session is about being informed, staying anchored in your values, and navigating a fast-changing landscape with wisdom. 

Panel moderated by Jeff Crosby, and featuring Chad Harrington, Hannah Johnson, and Joshua Tallent. 

Session Three: Soul of the Writer, Heart of the Story: Writing Fiction That Reaches Every Reader

The metrics are loud. The algorithms are relentless. And somewhere in the middle of it all, there's a writer trying to create something that actually matters. This session begins with the writer and asks what it takes to stay spiritually and creatively whole in an industry that never stops measuring. From that foundation, the conversation moves into craft: how do you write fiction that carries deep conviction without losing readers who don't share your faith? What's the difference between a story that illuminates and one that lectures? How do you make those choices at the level of character, scene, and structure? This is a session for authors who believe their stories are for something—and want to write them in a way that proves it. 

Panel moderated by Amanda Cox, and featuring Amanda Dykes, T.I. Lowe, Johanna Vann, and Roseanna M. White. 

Session Four: Fix That Manuscript: Inside the Author-Editor Relationship 

What actually happens when an editor gets their hands on your manuscript—and how do the best author-editor partnerships improve the work without making it smaller? This Q&A session pulls back the curtain on the editorial process with real manuscript pages, real edits, and a real conversation between an author and editor who have done this work together. You'll learn the difference between different levels of editing and walk away with a clearer understanding of what to expect—and how to get the most—from your editorial relationships. 

Panel featuring Laura Wheeler, Vanessa Miller, and Marybeth Whalen.

Learn More about Art of Writing 2026

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New: Beyond the Books

Add-On: Get to Know the Finalist Authors during this special morning gathering of authors and readers. 

Meet and hear the hearts of the 2026 finalist authors in this intimate time of connection between authors and their readers, hosted by Amanda Dykes and ECPA President Jeff Crosby. Available to anyone registering for a single event or the bundle. Featured finalist authors will be posted on The Christy Award website after the Finalists Reveal webinar.

Learn More about Beyond the Books

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The Christy Award Finalists Reveal

Christian fiction fans are invited to register and watch the free webcast announcement of The Christy Award finalists in nine categories live on September 11 at 10 a.m. CST, featuring Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

“With each passing year, I am more aware of the power that stories have to communicate goodness, truth, beauty and hope in our world,” states ECPA president Jeff Crosby. “And because of that, I am honored to be associated with the annual Christy Gala, which honors excellence in Christian fiction, and the Art of Writing conference that nurtures the work of writers of faith and contributes tools as they refine their craft.” The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award events

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 4, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 11, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Author Interview: The Song of Our Heart by Kathy Dye

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Song of Our Heart by Kathy Dye, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Song of Our Heart: Remembering God's Faithfulness Through Every Season 
Author: Kathy Dye 
Publisher: Westbow Press 
Release Date: April 9, 2026 
Genre: Bible Study

Life doesn’t always sound like we expect. Disappointments come, relationships fracture, health fails, and dreams fade. In these moments, we need something—Someone—to be the steady song of our hearts.  

The Song of Our Heart presents a five-week Bible study journey through Psalm 71. It provides a way to discover how to make God your song through every season of life—not just the easy ones, but especially the hard ones. This isn’t about superficial positivity or pretending everything is fine. It’s about honest faith that clings to God when life is messy. Through daily readings, reflection questions, and practical application, you’ll explore what it means to find God as your refuge when you’re overwhelmed, your hope when circumstances look bleak, and your praise even when you don’t feel like singing. Each week focuses on a specific aspect of making God your song: 

• Week 1: God Is Our Song 
• Week 2: A Life Led by God 
• Week 3: God as Our Refuge 
• Week 4: God as Our Hope
• Week 5: God as Our Praise 

Whether you’re in a season of joy or walking through shadows, this study will help you rediscover that God isn’t just with you—He is your song. And when He becomes your song, you’ll be able to build a legacy of faith that sings long after you’re gone. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Publisher's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

From the Letter from the Author
— Closing words to readers

“You are the song He’s composing.”

Most of all, I hope you leave this study knowing deep in your heart that you are loved by the God who sings over you. Zephaniah 3:17 tells us that “the Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Can you picture that? The Creator of the universe delights in you so much that He sings over you. Your heavenly Father knows your name, your struggles, your dreams, and your fears, and still, He rejoices over you with singing. You are His beloved daughter, and your life is the song He’s composing through you.

And when life gets difficult—because it will—remember what we’ve learned together. Remember Moses at the Red Sea, remember David in the cave, remember the saints who have gone before us and found God faithful. Remember that He is your refuge, your hope, your strength, and your song.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and may His song be the soundtrack of your beautiful life.

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About the Author

Kathy Dye resides in Evansville, Indiana, with her husband Sid. A retired elementary teacher turned Christian author and speaker, Kathy has taught women's Bible studies for over 40 years. She is the author of A Song in Her Heart, the Kit Kat Camp series, and the newly released Bible study The Song of Our Heart—a five-week journey through Psalm 71 helping women make God the song of their hearts through every season of life. Her commitment is to equip mothers and women to build a legacy of faith across generations.

Connect with Kathy by visiting kathydyeauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Song of Our Heart?

Kathy: It started with A Song in Her Heart, my picture book about my mother's battle with Alzheimer's. After writing that, I realized we all truly do have a song in our heart. I later read that Isaiah, David, and Moses each spoke of having a song in their heart too, and that discovery became the seed for this study.

Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Kathy: It took me a couple of years to write the Bible study.

Q: What surprised you while writing this book?

Kathy: Studying Zephaniah 3:17 and the concept of God singing over us. It showed me how much His love plays into this, and how much we need to sing this song to others so they can hear it too.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Song of Our Heart?

Kathy: “This isn't just a study about music, though we will certainly incorporate worship. Rather, it's about allowing God's truth to become the soundtrack of your life — the melody that sustains you through every season, the rhythm that guides your steps, and the harmony that brings beauty even to life's jarring moments.”

Q: What do you hope readers take away from The Song of Our Heart?

Kathy: My deepest hope is that women will realize their story matters — that when they look back over their lives, they'll see God has been working through it all along. Even the hardest seasons have a melody, if we're willing to look back and listen for it.

Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn't know?

Kathy: I have an alter ego named Gertie who loves sharing joy with everyone around her. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram.

Q: What are you currently reading?

Kathy: Theo of Golden and The Release of the Spirit.

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Kathy: Fall. I love the cooler temperatures after a hot summer, the colors of the leaves changing, and browsing outdoor markets.

Q: Who did you write this study for?

Kathy: I wrote it for the woman who feels like life has drowned out her song — worn down by a hard season, a loss, or just the noise of everyday life. My hope is that she'll rediscover that the song never left; it's just waiting to be sung again.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of The Song of Our Heart and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 1, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 8, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Author Interview: Restoring Hope by Philippa Cleall

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Restoring Hope by Philippa Cleall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Restoring Hope 
Series: Restored from Ashes #1 
Author: Philippa Cleall 
Publisher: Ark House Press 
Release Date: October 31, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Can she find safety and belonging, before the past finds her? 

After escaping an abusive marriage, Hope Elkins returns to the quiet town of Wombat Valley to reopen her late grandmother’s café, The Hearth—not to chase a dream, but to rebuild her life. 

Drawn in by the scent of wood-fired pizza and the warmth of old and new faces, Hope begins to find more than comfort within the café’s walls. As The Hearth fills with stories and second chances, she forms unlikely bonds with others—Ruby, a fiercely guarded teen; Nova, a young mother on the run; and Joe, the gentle local vet carrying grief of his own. 

With the support of her new community, Hope begins to heal and is gently drawn back to the faith she thought she’d left behind. But when a charming, dangerous figure from her past resurfaces, she must decide whether to stand firm in the life she’s begun to rebuild, or risk losing it all. 

Restoring Hope is a tender, uplifting story of resilience, rediscovery, and the quiet strength found in faith, friendship, and a place to belong 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Author's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

Chapter 11
Scene: Meeting Eve (Page 62)

Hope’s voice lowered. “I think I’ve been holding everyone at arm’s length, especially anything that smelled like church. But Eve … she made it feel like maybe genuine faith isn’t about unwritten rules and Sunday faces. Maybe it’s people actually being real. Having hands that help, a desire to understand, and hearts that wait to listen.”

Ruby didn’t say anything right away, but her expression shifted to become something thoughtful, even cautious hopefulness.

“I didn’t know you were still open to all that,” Ruby said finally, watching her carefully.

“I wasn’t sure either,” Hope admitted. “But something about Eve challenged me … and I realised that although I didn’t feel God’s presence in places I ran from, my experience here might be different.”

Another pause. Then Ruby asked, quietly, “Do you think Nova will be okay?”

Hope reached out and gently took the tea towel from Ruby’s shoulder, folding it. “She’s scared. But she’s braver than she knows. And she’s not alone.”

She looked at Ruby then and held her gaze. “Neither are you.”

Ruby swallowed and glanced away, but she didn’t leave.

Hope didn’t push, just stood there in the soft light, letting the truth linger in the air.

Outside, the evening deepened. A prayer formed in Hope’s heart. It was just a whisper, asking God to protect Nova and Lily, and to show them a safe way forward. She felt heard.

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Philippa Cleall is a Children’s and Family Counsellor and volunteer Court Chaplain on the south coast of NSW, in Australia. She has a heart for seeing communities become more trauma informed so they can care for those hurting with greater wisdom, compassion, grace, and truth.

Connect with Philippa by visiting philippacleall.com.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write Restoring Hope?

Philippa: Surprisingly, I did not have this book in mind at all beforehand. I woke one morning with a strong sense that this story had been laid on my heart by God. In some respects, this book reflects parts of my own life story, but the resolution of the narrative tells a story I wish that had been my own.

 

Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Philippa: Once the story concept was formed, I became very focused on writing. My husband might even use the word “obsessed”. I spent most nights after work writing until midnight for months until the manuscript for Restoring Hope was finished. The book was completed in under five months.

 

Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Philippa: While I knew I would need to carefully portray traumatised characters interacting with caring and authentic people, I was most surprised by how instinctive my understanding was of the role of nature and animals in therapeutic healing. I have always had pets, and I rarely let a day pass without spending time outdoors, whether walking or appreciating something naturally beautiful. However, before writing this story, I had not fully considered how essential these elements are in a healing journey for someone who has been harmed.

 

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Restoring Hope?

Philippa: There are too many favourites to choose just one. However, I dedicated this novel to my adult daughter, who returned to her faith two years ago after a time wandering in the spiritual wilderness. When writing these words spoken by Joe, I was particularly thinking of her:

“God never stops reaching, even when we’re running. And when He brings someone home, it’s not just a return. It’s a restoration. You’re not the same as you were before. You’re stronger. You’re … more precious.”

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Philippa: I completed a diploma in professional creative writing almost 30 years ago, but then allowed the idea of writing a novel to drift as life took me in many different directions. Perhaps God was holding that calling for the right time and later placed it on my heart to begin this series.

 

Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Philippa: I am deeply interested in research and information. In the evenings, while my husband Greg scrolls through fishing or car maintenance videos on YouTube, I am often energetically researching a topic related to faith, social justice, or a global issue that has captured my attention that day. After a couple of hours of reading and reflecting, I usually try to share a summary of my thoughts with Greg. To his credit, he often listens politely for a few minutes at least.


Q: What are you currently reading?

Philippa: This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. It is a wonderful, feel-good story that encourages a character who is deeply grieving to move forward in her life.


Q:. What is your favorite genre to read?

Philippa: I enjoy realistic contemporary Christian fiction and also appreciate secular small-town rural fiction. However, any well-told story, particularly one where women are encouraged to step forward with courage, is one I am drawn to.

 

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Philippa: Does spending time with my grandchildren count? Aside from that, ocean swimming and gardening are two of my favourite pastimes, and I also enjoy painting.

 

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Philippa: I love autumn. The ocean is still warm, and the sun has lost its fierce summer intensity, instead casting a softer light that makes everything appear more beautiful and richly coloured before winter gently draws nature into hibernate.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 B&N gift card + a 'Kangaroo Valley' souvenir prize pack from Australia!

(1) additional winner will also receive a 'Kangaroo Valley' souvenir prize pack!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 31, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 7, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for gift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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