A Balancing Act by Ilona Fridl is an interesting look at bias in a historical romance context. It shows how strong and resilient individuals can be. While I loved the story, I had some issues with the flow of the narrative. Ms. Fridl describes the scenes so well that you feel as if you have been to the places and listened in on the characters. Yet, some of the characters seem flat; popping in and out of the narrative like props.

Lenora La Rue is the star attraction in her family's circus. During a performance, a cyclone hits and Lenora has an accident which causes her to lose her leg. Dr. John Mallory who removed her leg finds he is attracted to her spirit, especially after her family disowns her.

This was a good story relating how Lenora/Nora grows after being raised in the circus and knowing no other life. She must now learn how to survive on her own on the outside and learn the ways of regular people. I liked the way the author gives us a glimpse into a pampered life versus having to live with being a "cripple" in a world where circus people are looked down on and making a better life for herself while learning to trust.