Dancers at Heart receives a hearty round of applause from OnMilwaukee.com.
Milwaukee “dancers at heart” win big with debut book


“As the resident dancer here at The Velveteen Rabbit, I was so excited to have The Legend of L’Esprit fall into my lap. It was the perfect summer read for someone who spent 14 years of her life in a dance studio, but I think the plot line will appeal to those who have never stepped foot in a dance class as well.

Libby Nobleton and her family have recently moved to Chicago and she is looking for a new dance studio to call home. When she auditions for the premier studio, L’Esprit, she knows she’s found her place. But there’s more to the studio than ballet barres and full-length mirrors; rumor has it that L’Esprit is haunted by the spirit of the prima ballerina who originally founded the school. Now Libby and her new friends have to uncover the truth about what happened on the most tragic night of L’Esprit’s history to help more than one soul find its peace.

What I found so refreshing about this first novel in the Dance Legacy Series was its spot-on blend of the day-to-day life of a young dancer along with the mystery and intrigue of the paranormal phenomena at the dance studio. I also appreciated the fact that Libby was not involved in a torrid love triangle; she’s got a straight head on her shoulders and is an excellent role model both for young dancers, as well as young women in general. That’s not to say that this book is not without its romance! There’s just enough of it to keep the reader satisfied and it’s handled in a way that makes it seem realistic, rather than totally unattainable.

One of the unique features of this book was the dance glossary located in the back. After having been taught dance by hearing the terms rather than reading them, it was fun to see them actually spelled out and say, “So that’s how that’s written!” Each chapter features a different dance term as well, so you don’t have to keep paging to the back of the book to look them up. This is a must-read for those reading dancers out there, as well as those readers just looking for a good book.

Grace gives it 5 out of 5 carrots!~Grace Firari, Staff, The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop & Guesthouse


“Young teen-age girls will love The Legend of L’Esprit—and moms of those teen-agers might want to read and enjoy it right along with them!  This intriguing mystery with a dance theme has all of the ingredients to make it a must-read for girls including an ending that hints at further adventures to come for the main character, Libby and her friends. The authors have created characters you’ll come to consider friends and a plot that ties secrets from the past to a puzzle that unravels for the young dancer-sleuths in the present.  The dance theme and the romantic stories–both past and present—will stir the imagination of young girls and perhaps encourage some budding dancers.  This is a wonderful story of friendship,love, hope, and adventure.” ~Jill Lindberg/Author, Editor, and Educator

“I just finished The Legend of L’Esprit and completely LOVED IT!  I couldn’t put it down.  This story is beautifully written  and touches on all emotions.  I really enjoyed it!  The characters are totally lovable.  (Except for Whitney, Tia, and Isabelle–we love to hate them!) C.C. is so fiery and quick-witted, always the comic relief.  Brooke, the sweetheart of L’Esprit just oozes love.  And Libby, passionate yet down to earth, is just the whole package.  Another character that is really well developed and lovable is the studio, L’Esprit–truly a character in itself.  As a reader, you really come to love “her”, but you’re unsure whether you should or not.  Very cool!  Dancers are going to love that each chapter opens with a carefully chosen ballet term and definition.  The way the past storyline of Daniella and AJ is interwoven with Libby’s present day experiences is really neat.  I especially love how, at certain times, the reader knows more than Libby and we’re just dying to know how she’s going to figure it all out, how it’s going to unfold for her.  I believe dancers and non-dancers of all ages are going to enjoy this book.  It was definitely a fun read for me!  I’m so impressed and excited to share this with my dancers.” ~Annie Polack / Dance Teacher and Co-owner of Virtuoso Performing Art Center


“I’m 14 years old and a freshman in high school.  I’m thankful the authors gave me the opportunity to read The Legend of L’Esprit and what a beautiful novel they have created.  The dialogue flows seamlessly.  I think it will appeal to anyone interested in dance. There really aren’t many fiction peices on dance (believe me, I’ve checked) so I think any dancer would be attracted to it, whether 12, 98 or anything in between.  It’s purpose is something that is so true, so meaningful, and so well-expressed.  Greenberg and Shandley have captured the passion that a dancer feels perfectly.  A passion that Daniella has and that Libby matches.  Additionally, their description of the dance world: the competitions, the Poms dance team, the relationship between dancers, the contrast between the cattiness of some dancers and the others who dance for the pure joy of it—everything is just so true.  I think dancers will really connect, and other readers will be inspired.” ~ Julia J. / Chicago Area Dance Student and Avid Reader


I loved The Legend of L’Esprit.   I couldn’t put it down until I finished it!  I liked how the story moved between the present and past.  I truly felt I was in a different time, like I was actually there.  I know this story will appeal to young adults, but women like me will enjoy the romantic aspects, the intrigue and suspense.  This story has so much to it and captures the reader thoughout.”~Sue Polack / Virtuoso Performing Art Center


The Legend of L’Esprit will appeal not only to dancers, but other young adults on up.  I can envision it as a Disney movie.  I’m 46 years old and I loved it.  I enjoyed reading it so much, I’m already looking forward to the next one.  I know my dance students will love reading this!” ~Dee Dee Huehnerfuss / Dance Teacher and Owner of DDH Dance Academy


“The story flows so well and the characters are incredibly believable.  I really thought the book was wonderful.”  ~Jenny Clarkson / Avid Reader


“My teenage daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Legend of L’Esprit.  As the owner of Once Upon a Time Bookstore, I’m very familiar with the young adult market and I know this story will appeal to not only young adults, but any age reader involved in dance.”     ~ Lesley Connor / Owner of Once Upon A Time Bookstore