First published 2014
Joan Joyce believed she would always dance in the background. The professional ballet dancer's romance with Russian star Arslan Rusakov has crumbled, sending her back to Jacob Bintz, her childhood love. Pregnant and preparing to leave New York behind, Joan settles under California's bright skies with Jacob. She sees herself as ordinary compared to her neighbor Sandy's allure, Sandy's husband's confidence, and Jacob's steady intelligence. Ballet remains her only gift. Joan opens a small dance studio to fill her days. Her son Harry shows remarkable talent, as does Sandy's daughter Chloe. Their abilities will carry them to elite summer programs in New York, back to the world of professional dance that Joan thought she had escaped forever. As the children pursue their dreams, Joan must confront the emotions and connections she tried to leave behind.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, contemporary-romance, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, second-chance
Setting: California, New York
Period: 21st-century
512 pages · Paperback · HarperCollins UK