Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite *****
Gabi is a very
talented ballerina. She could have a lead role in any big dance company in the
world, but she’s chosen a small ballet company in Florida to follow her dream.
Seems rather unusual and mysterious, but then just about everything about the
woman is unusual and mysterious. She has her cozy life of dance and time spent
with her cat, and she’s quite comfortable with the way things are. That is,
until she meets the good looking doctor who happens to be the son of the ballet
company’s benefactor. Then things start to unravel as the relationship gets
serious and Gabi can’t tell anyone, not even the doctor she’s starting to love,
her true story.
Judith Erwin’s novel, The Ballet: Shadow of Dance Series Book 2, grabbed my
attention from the first page. Combining mystery, intrigue and the beauty of
classical dance and music makes this story a powerful expression of passion on
so many different levels. The characters are both likeable and believable, as
is the awkward position in which Gabi must lead her life of mystery. The plot
progresses steadily with lots of interesting character interactions and moving
dialogue that further defines each character. The author has a flair for building tension and moving
the story along with ease, allowing the reader to believe that they are
watching a performance unfold before their eyes. The author also
obviously knows dance and music well enough to weave it effectively into the
story. A compelling read full of unexpected twists and turns.
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite *****
The Ballet:
Shadow of Dance Book 2 by Judith Erwin is a beautiful and heartbreaking novel that had me on the
verge of tears at times. This is the story of love between a ballerina
and a doctor, an odd pairing, but when love strikes, nothing is odd between them.
Gabrielle Valera is a ballerina; she has the grace and beauty that awe people
and make them gasp out loud. On stage, she is charismatic and simply stunning,
off stage she is a scared woman who wants her safety and for that she is ready
to defend herself.
Derek Connor is a physician. He is wealthy, successful and content. He believes
that love is not something that he wants in his life. However, when Derek meets
Gabrielle, there is a spark that neither of them can deny. They have a desire
to be with each other and love each other. Although Derek is ready to take a
chance on them, Gabrielle is hesitant. What is holding her back? Can Derek
break down the walls around her heart and get her to accept their love?
This is a beautiful novel
that gripped me from the very beginning. I loved the complex relationship
between these two main characters. The development of their relationship
was intense and very well-rounded. Nothing was rushed and the characters were
given time to grow and blossom right in front of the reader. The narrative was
good; it brought something new to the table and gave a new insight into the
story and the lives of the main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed how they were
together, how they brought life to the story and made me enjoy the story even
more. I loved it all!
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite *****
The Ballet
by Judith Erwin is the second book in the Shadow of Dance series, a sensual
narrative with great appeal to fans of contemporary romance and performing
arts. Gabrielle Valera is a distinguished ballerina who is loved for her grace
and beauty, but she has a past that she may not want just anyone to uncover.
And this could explain why she carries a semi-automatic gun with her. When she
meets the rich ER physician, Derek Conner, the attraction between the two is
strong, and while neither saw it coming, they find themselves falling deeper
for each other. Gabrielle knows she can’t give any assurances to Derek and she
can’t let him know why. Can Derek penetrate the heart of this mysterious girl
who awakens feelings he’s never known before?
This is a very interesting read, sensually and emotionally rich, and
fast-paced. The Ballet is a well-written story and I enjoyed the way the author
explores the art of the dance. Right from the start of the narrative, readers
know they will love the protagonist, thanks to the way the author captures her
soul in the story. It won’t be surprising to learn that the author has been a
dancer. The language is
beautiful and the story develops around a powerful conflict. There is a
dichotomy between the grace that Gabi exhibits in her performance on stage and
the internal conflict she has. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions and the author’s rare gift with
images. Judith Erwin allows the reader to penetrate the hearts of her
characters, enabling readers to connect emotionally with them and be
transported into their world and reality. This is one of those books you’ll
read in one sitting.
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite *****
A beautiful
blend of romance spiced with the allure of dance, The Ballet by Judith Erwin is
book two in the Shadow of Dance series, a suspenseful and gripping story that
follows two memorable characters in a love story with a surprising twist.
Gabrielle Valera is an icon of the dance world — a woman whose beauty and
musical performance translates the finesse of the art of dance. But why is it
that she carries a gun with her? Why does her inner life not sync with the
beauty she exudes as a ballerina? A rich ER physician, Derek Conner, doesn’t
think that his attraction to the young ballerina will last long. She is a
complex character who seems to hide a lot and, no matter how hard he tries, he
can’t put a finger on why she can’t be completely open with him and why she
can’t commit to him. How far can he go to win this mesmerizing beauty?
The Ballet is tantalizing,
engrossing, delightful, a novel that has what it takes to stir the emotions of
the most indifferent reader, thanks to the author’s exploration of the
psychological depth of the characters. The characters are awesome, fleshed out,
and exciting. Gabrielle is complex, and there is something mysterious
about her, something that draws the reader to her, making the reader want to
learn more about her, and the author plays with this development so well to
keep the reader’s interest. While Gabrielle is a professional, very confident
dancer, there is a fear that inhibits her and it begins to be noticeable as she
collides with the physician. Judith
Erwin is a master in crafting gripping plots, creating a story that is fast
paced and emotionally engaging. It didn’t take me long to like her
characters. One feels that she writes about characters in a field she knows so
well and she does so in an irresistible style.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite *****
The Ballet
by Judith Erwin is book two in the author’s Shadow of Dance series, preceded by
The Ballroom. Both books read as stand-alones, and The Ballet follows Gabrielle
(Gabi) Valera as she prepares for her first showing as principal dancer in her
company’s premiere of Swan Lake. Struck down by pneumonia, Gabi is soon
introduced to Dr. Derek Conner, who makes a generous contribution to the
company. His gestures continue, but Gabi is reluctant toward his advances,
resulting in a cat and mouse game, with Gabi – who has concealed more than
anyone but a handful of protectors know – running out of places to hide.
The Ballet by Judith Erwin
is a wonderful thriller that weaves itself in and out of the world of
performing arts, which is no small feat when we come to understand what it is
being woven. Gabi’s dark family history and the skeletons in her own
closet are the only things that mar the beauty of what Erwin presents in
alluring detail about ballet…but my goodness, it sure makes for a heck of a
plot driver. The characters are well fleshed out and there is tension on every
page, with revelations spoon fed by Erwin in bits and pieces at just the right
pace. I love a good story
of intrigue and suspense, but when the precision and gracefulness of the
writing are ably matched by that of its titular art form, it more than warrants
a comfortable five stars.