Book Description:
Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.
Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.
Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?
Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.
My Thoughts:
The Dancing Master is the second book by Julie Klassen I have read and I loved it. Alec Valcourt moves with his Mother and Sister to Devonshire to start over from scandal in London. Alec Valcourt has dreams of reopening his dancing and fencing academy until they arrive in Devonshire and found out that the matriarch, Amelia Midwinter, has banned dancing for reasons unknown. Alec finds himself befriending Julia Midwinter, Amelia Midwinter's daughter. Julia knows her mother would never approve of Alec but finds herself attracted to him more and more. Alec makes many friends in Devonshire and starts to unravel the mystery surrounding the dancing ban, while Julia Midwinter unravels secrets in her and her mother's past.
I really enjoyed this newest novel from Julie Klassen. As a fan of Historical Fiction I was really drawn to this book. I found it unique because it was told from Alec Valcourt's perspective rather than Julia Midwinter's. I loved the characters especially John Desmond, who has a very intimate and complicated past with Amelia Midwinter. I also loved Mr. Barlow, Amelia Midwinter's right hand. These characters were the main ones that spoke of faith and God's love to the others and demonstrated it to all who saw them. Julie Klassen writes with authority about dancing, fencing, England, The 1800's and all that happened. I really felt like I was there in Beaworthy, Devonshire, England watching this story unfold from the vivid descriptions. I loved that this book has a little bit of everything: Romance, mystery, suspense, and deep history. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more by Julie Klassen. I give this book 4.5 Stars.
Check out the giveaway Julie is having!
Best-selling author Julie Klassen will be hosting a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a live webcast event (1/23) to celebrate the release of her latest novel, The Dancing Master. Enter and RSVP today!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
So grab your copy of The Dancing Master and join Julie and friends on the evening of January 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
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