Book excerpt: By the bestselling author of Black Narcissus and The Battle of the Villa Fiorita 'This is an absolutely heart-warming read, which will make you laugh, cry and love it' GUARDIAN 'Her craftsmanship is always sure' NEW YORK TIMES 'Godden's expert narration, her beguiling setting and her heartening celebration of love and happy endings' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'Never forget, Charlotte, you were born to be a dancer . . . Never forget. Promise.' Before her ballet teacher died, Lottie promised Madame Holbein to be the dancer her mother never lived to become. Orphaned at birth, Lottie has been brought up by her aunt, and though she is loved, she is lonely. Then she finds Prince, a spaniel puppy, and discovers a love and loyalty that is boundless. When Lottie passes the tough audition for Queen's Chase, Her Majesty's Junior Ballet School, everybody is thrilled - except, surprisingly, Lottie. She will have to board at school, and what will happen to her beloved dog? To choose between the two is breaking her heart.