The Glowing Hours — Marina Oliver

Set in the 1920s in the Midlands, three very different young women become friends and allies through their mutual love of dancing. Nell has escaped a violent home in Birmingham slum to dance, Gwyneth defies her bigoted preacher father to be on the stage while Kitty turns her back on wealthy but uncaring parents, and is following the latest fashion in joining the dance troupe. Their friendship must overcoeme seemingly impossible odds if they are to achieve their ultimate goal: to dance at the Folies-Bergere. Constant threats from their families and distractions from men make their journey harder. Can they leave their pasts behind them?