Mari Summers Learns to Dance

Before: When the dream

becomes real

I’m so excited to share the first glimpse of my upcoming book, *Mari Summers Learns to Dance*! Here’s the opening scene…

“Introoooduuuucing Maaaariiiii Summmmerrrrssss!” the announcer boomed, sweeping an arm toward the stage with the flair of a magician revealing the grand finale.

Behind the towering red velvet curtains trimmed in shining gold, Marigold Summers stood tall and still, trying not to shake. Her heart pounded like thunder in a canyon. She straightened, squared her shoulders, closed her eyes for one long second, and took a deep breath that filled every inch of her lungs.

Read more: Mari Summers Learns to Dance

This is it, she thought.

The curtain rose with a slow, dramatic whoosh, and the spotlight blazed to life. Mari walked out, each step graceful and certain, like she was floating across the polished stage. Her long yellow skirt, made of the lightest gossamer fabric, trailed behind her.

The lights were so bright she couldn’t see a single face in the crowd, but she could hear them — cheering, clapping, even a whistle or two from the back. Her cheeks flushed, but she held her chin high. The spotlight followed her, catching swirls of dust in its beam.

She pressed her palms together in front of her chest and whispered, “Remember this, Mari. Remember this moment.”

The music started.

A single, low note curled through the air like the first breeze before a fresh spring rain. Mari bowed her head, holding herself perfectly still. Her breath stilled. Her muscles tensed — not in fear, but in readiness. She had practiced this stillness over and over until it became a kind of superpower. And now, the moment had come to unleash it.

When the second note struck, she lifted her head. Her eyes were sharp and steady. With slow, deliberate movement, she opened her arms wide, then folded them over her heart. She reversed the motion, reaching out to the audience with both hands, silently saying: I give you my whole heart.

Then, she danced.

Her feet moved like lightning, quick and sure, weaving together two worlds—classical lyrical dance and the strong, vibrant traditions of her Algonquin heritage. She leapt and spun, her legs in constant motion, her body a ribbon of energy and grace. Her steps were sharp, her eyes searching the floor and sky for truth. Her expressions shifted like seasons—gentle, fierce, joyful, determined.

She called the dance A Spirit Dances in the Light, named after one of Father’s paintings. Every move told a story—of protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves, of fighting for what’s right, of turning pain into power and difference into strength. She danced for everyone who had ever felt small or different, everyone who had been told no.

She had never felt more powerful.

Then—“Mari!”

The name floated through the dream sounding like an echo in a deep canyon.

“Mari!”

Louder now. A familiar voice. Her mother.

“Cuore gentile!” Sophia called from downstairs, using Mari’s nickname Gentle Heart, which only her mother used. “Dinner’s ready!”

Mari blinked. The spotlight vanished. The applause silenced.

She looked down and saw her fingers tangled in the soft yarn of the dreamcatcher she had been making. Her room came into focus—her service dog Luca, her looms, the shelves of beads and yarn, a drawing Kele had made for her. Her dance had only lived in her mind. But it had felt so real.

Mari smiled, heart still beating fast. The dance might have been a daydream, but one day it wouldn’t be.

She whispered to herself, “Remember it, Mari. Don’t ever forget the dream.” And then she rose, carefully set the dreamcatcher aside, and called to Luca. Together they walked toward the smell of dinner— warm and waiting.

*Mari Summers Learns to Dance* releases [date/soon]. Subscribe to stay updated on new releases and book news from Blossie’s Books.

Can’t wait for Mari’s story? Explore the other books in the Sparks and Whispers Mysteries series:

– [Link to Book 1]

– [Link to Book 2]!