Sequins and Starlight

by Margaret Porter

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.

Genres: Romance

329 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2025

About the author

Because I was born into a family of readers and writers and scholars and travelers, there's no mystery about how or why I found my profession. From a very early age I invented characters and composed scenes and stories in my head. At about 10 years old I first saw my own words printed--in the grammar school newsletter that I co-founded, typed, and published. Around the same time I decided to combine my theatrical and my writing ambitions, and adapted all my favourite youth novels into scripts.
Since then many, many more words have been published: novels, nonfiction articles on British history and travel and theatre, website content, book and film reviews, my M.A. thesis, advertising copy...and more.

~ 17 ovels in a variety of formats and foreign translations
~ magazine & newsletter articles
~ newspaper opinion columns
~ documentary & instructional film scripts
~ poetry

Interests and Pastimes
- producing and co-hosting a book and literary tv program
~ reading
~ gardening (roses & perennials)
~ travel (near & far)
~ photography (nature, travel, architectural, portrait)
~ music (I play the mandolin, my listening tastes are broad)
~ movies
~ wildlife & bird watching
~ walking my dog
~ canoeing
~ knitting & embroidery

I live with my husband and our collie-hound dog in an architecturally unique, book-filled home in a lovely and historic New England city. A favorite retreat--and my preferred writing location for many months of the year--is our rustic cottage beside one of our region's largest and most scenic lakes. We return annually to Great Britain.

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's second contemporary romance novel made me fall headlong into the luscious story set in England, with ballet, burlesque, and theater, as well as love bruised by family expectations. Will the affair between on-stage performer Ellie Lowery and corporate exec Dan Wheeler survive his father's disapproval?

Romance readers will adore SEQUINS AND STARLIGHT, including that glorious cover, and want to go back and read Porter's related contemporary romance debut, A CHANGE OF LOCATION. Both are delightful!

Thanks to author Margaret Porter and Gallica Press for the stunning review copy. Opinions are mine.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: Sequins and Starlight
AUTHOR: Margaret Porter
PUB DATE: 05.06.2025

In London’s West End, where theatre lights blaze with promise, desire and ambition put two wary hearts to the ultimate test.

THOUGHTS:

I was in a mood for a wonderful happy ever after and what fun it was to dive into the world of dance and theater in reading Sequins and Starlight by Margaret Porter, as a follow up to A Change of Location, which I read last year. This contemporary romance novel was just as fun and it was great to be in London this time.

I studied ballet as a child and really enjoyed the good memories that came flooding back when reading this book. I felt that the authors' previous experience in theater and film really added to the authenticity of the book and the characters. I enjoyed this one a lot.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited about this unique storyline, however it fell a little flat for me. I felt it was a bit inaccessible for those less familiar with ballet. I appreciated the ballet glossary at the back of the book, however there were a lot of long references to the ballet world that didn't connect with me. There was also a lot of name dropping of people and places we never meet or visit that I felt added some confusion and was excessive.

The book moves quickly from scene to scene and I had a hard time keeping up with the timeline. I also felt a lack of connection to the characters and felt we didn't get enough insight into how they were feeling. I wanted to enjoy this more, but overall it wasn't a favorite of mine.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance readers will love this book plus just look at this cover!! We’re taken on a journey to London’s West End, where the theatre lights blaze with promise, desire and ambition put two wary hearts to the ultimate test.

Ellie Lowery is a former ballet prodigy whose turned into an international burlesque sensation, she 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.

Dan Wheeler is instantly captivated by the alluring American who gained worldwide fame sashaying in cabarets. 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.

[Kiera D · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. I enjoyed going on a journey with all of these characters. I do wish there had been more descriptions of their feelings throughout the novel, more physical descriptions, and more clarity on who is speaking within the dialogue. I really liked the characters, but I felt like I didn’t get the chance to really fall in love with them because it felt like I only got to see fragments of them. I would have enjoyed experiencing more depth to the characters, especially Ellie. I enjoyed the overall plot and felt it tied up nicely in the end. I couldn’t put it down much. It was not very predictable and I wanted to know what was going to happen with Ellie. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a romance with focus on the world of ballet.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a backdrop of Burlesque, ballet, and acting... this contemporary novel has great appeal.

Ellie is leaving dance for the stage in a promise to her late husband. She meets Dan who is immediately enthralled by her and they have a whirlwind type romance. But as her late husband payroll didn't exactly accept her fully, Dan's father proves to be a bit of the same.

I love how Ellie and Dan will prove that circumstances of birth don't always equate to a person's quality. I did feel that there was a bit too much dance technique given center stage when I would have loved more leaning into the romance. I loved that we got to see Hannah and Martin from CHANGE OF LOCATION, it was a fun surprise to catch up with them.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved getting lost in the artistic and romantic world of 𝐒𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. Set in England, Ellie, once a ballet prodigy, uses her moves to wow burlesque show patrons. Eventually, as the demands on her body become too much, she moves into theatre.

This becomes more than a dancer’s journey when a romance blooms between Ellie and a businessman. Ellie’s personal struggle for success, family expectations, and past threats are woven into the narrative, adding a deep emotional layer to the story.

It was a captivating read, with beautiful, detailed descriptions, intimate challenges, and complex relationships that helped bring the story to life.



Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @margaretporterauthor for the gifted book.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequins and Starlight is a charming, emotional dive into the world of performance and passion. Set in England, it follows Ellie, a former ballet prodigy turned burlesque star, as she navigates love, career shifts, and personal struggles.

Ellie is instantly lovable—kind, driven, and deeply passionate about her craft. I adored enjoyed following her journey. Her romance with sweet, steady Dan was heartfelt and authentic, and his backstory added real depth.

The book blends glittery stage moments with emotional weight, family pressure, and healing from the past. Beautifully written and easy to get lost in—a warm, well-rounded read.

[Dee Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Sequins and Starlight! The story is full of heart, ambition, and old-school glamour. Ellie is unforgettable and everything I love in a heroine—resilient, talented, and unafraid to reinvent herself. The way love returns to her life, quietly and meaningfully, is just perfect and I could not get enough of her and Dan.

Margaret Porter brings the glamour and grit of the stage to life, but it’s the emotional depth that truly makes this story unforgettable and impossible to put down.

Thank you Margaret and Gallica Press for the ARC!

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Performing is a huge part of Ellie’s life and I enjoyed how we got to see all aspects of it from burlesque, ballet, and a little bit of acting. I was very fond of Ellie and the kind, passionate person she was. The way she talks about her profession and doesn’t hesitate to help others was heartwarming. Dan was so sweet and I loved that he cared more about who she was as a person than her being famous. Getting to see his history made it easier to understand his decisions. It was well rounded and some good emotional depth.

Thank you @margaretporterauthor @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by Margaret Porter and I loved both. Her covers are gorgeous and the stories are compelling. Ellie was such a unique character - - a creative, artistic, multi-talented dancer and performer plus a savvy business woman and generous philanthropist. I absolutely loved the London setting and getting to learn more about the world of dance. I was completely consumed in the best way by Ellie’s story and really enjoyed many of the secondary characters as well.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one—it has that perfect mix of glamour, romance, and emotion.
You know I love strong female characters, and Ellie is so compelling: strong yet vulnerable, determined but deeply human. Overall, it’s a satisfying, character-driven read with just the right touch of drama.
This is my second book by this author, and I can’t wait to read her next.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance set in the world of ballet and cabaret. The dance descriptions are fun and appreciated the ballet glossary in the back of the book. Dan and Ellie seem well-suited though their love story did have it's challenges and I was happy they got to have their happily ever after.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read set in the world of burlesque, ballet, and theater in London. I thought the main character, Ellie, was absolutely lovely.

I found the entire story interesting. I enjoyed the way Ellie and the arts were the center of the read. There is a romantic element to the book, but it’s done in a perfectly subtle way that never detracts from Ellie.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and sparkly, with a touch of angst. And roses. I loved that ballet was used not as "decoration" but as a core to the story. Ms. Porter knew that world and it showed.