Monday, January 20, 2014

Review: The Dancing Master

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 Review:

I enjoyed this Regency-era book by Julie Klassen. She is one of my favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint.
The book begins very slowly, but it is worth reading through. Getting to know the characters and the subtle details early bring the book to life later on. 
I loved the vivid description of the English country dances and the look inside the Manor House life. 
As always, Klassen's character were unique and interesting. 
What I most enjoyed about this book was the beautiful way that Klassen wove together multiple plot lines with characters that each have their own mysteries, which slowly unfold throughout the story.
The strong themes of grace and forgiveness make this book both delightfully entertaining and encouraging.
I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.


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