Courtney Cain is used to seeing dogs that are sad or upset when they first arrive at the shelter, but she’s never met one quite like Ruthie the bloodhound! Ruthie does nothing but howl mournfully when she’s in her cage, and when she’s not crated all she does is run away. Courtney is particularly concerned since the Curly Bay Lake has been drained for repairs, and there are some very dangerous areas at the park where the dog could get hurt. The lake seems to be the only thing the citizens of Curly Bay can talk about, especially the mysterious legend of the lake phantom. Could Ruthie the bloodhound and her unusual behavior have clues that will unlock the ghostly mystery? The enigmas that surround the lake only continue to increase, and Courtney is determined to down to get to the truth.

Annabelle Moriston has always dreamed of marrying her childhood friend, Nathan Richmond. But when Nathan informs her that he only wants a wife in name—and for her money—her heart is broken. Refusing to subject herself to a marriage of convenience, Annabelle runs away instead, traveling west to become a mail order bride. She has no hope of love anymore, but only wants to escape her old life, and all the crushed dreams it holds.

George Whitley also has no hope for love, but not because of a broken heart. Rather, George’s scars come from a mining accident, displayed by his disfigured face and slight limp. Still, he is a kind man, and genuine—and his openness puts Annabelle at ease. And while being a farm wife is harder work than she thought, she finds that she enjoys the satisfaction it brings.

So when George suddenly and mysteriously turns cold to her, Annabelle is devastated. Has she once again turned a man’s love against her?

Baby Sophie. Forced to dance for her dinner. Used and abused to feed the greed of those who should have been her carers. Her tiny gypsy feet sore with blisters until they are big enough to run away and find the love she has lost.

Perhaps young Byron Adams, her childhood friend and protector, will seek her out. Their secret childish love so tragically torn apart leaves little chance that this could ever happen.

Is the hope of Sophie and Byron ever meeting again forever gone?

Can true love really conquer time and distance?

Join us for the beautiful story of the Dancing Orphan, a Victorian romance filled with as many twists and turns as the dance that’s destined to lead Sophie back to the arms of the one person who can reignite the tiny flame of hope still flickering in her heart.