The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

(Image courtesy of Christianbook.com)

 

I'll be repeating myself when I say that I waited quite a while to be able to read this book. Julie Klassen writes about one of my favorite time periods, and she does it with excellence. If you've never read a story by this author, you need to leave my blog immediately and search Amazon or your local bookstore for one of her many novels.

 

Do you remember the scene from Pride and Prejudice (2005 movie) where Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth dance together and share wonderfully witty remarks? Of course, you remember. Even if you aren't a fan of that version (I am, but I also love the BBC one), you have to admit you liked seeing them dance. Such tension in those moments!

 

Did you ever think about a dancing master? Honestly, I'd never given the profession any thought until I read Klassen's latest release. The story included complex characters, plot twist after plot twist, and a satisfying ending. And the spiritual thread was definitely prominent which I appreciate above all else.

The beginning did lag a bit, but I promise it is worth continuing. I love not being able to guess what happens in a story, and I couldn't in this one!

You. Need. To. Read. This. Book.

 

I mean, come on, just take one look at that gorgeous cover and tell me you aren't interested... 

 

From the Back Cover

 

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.

 

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.



Novel Wishlist

I thought it'd be fun to share some books that are on my wishlist. Cannot wait until they're released!

Image courtesy of Amazon

A Beauty So Rare is the second in the Belmont Mansion series. I loved A Lasting Impression!

Image courtesy of Amazon

 I'm not familiar with Victoria Bylin. . .but that cover! Oh my word, I love it!

And just so I don't sound completely silly, I'll add that the story sounds interesting as well ;-)

Image courtesy of Amazon

 The Dancing Master is one I've been waiting on for a loooong time. Julie Klassen's books are set in my favorite time period, and I've read every one so far. And the cover reminds me of a scene from Pride and Prejudice.

Image courtesy of Christianbook.com

Smitten Book Club is the third in this series. I haven't read many novellas, but I love how all of these stories connect. I wish Smitten were a real town I could visit!

Image courtesy of Baker Publishing (Sorry, it's a tad blurry.)

And I couldn't leave off Mary Connealy's new one, Stuck Together. Needless to say, I'm a fan of hers and ready for Vince's story.

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I might've forgotten some, so go ahead and tell me which new novels you're looking forward to. Maybe I haven't heard about some of them yet.

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

(Image courtesy of Google)

 I have read all but one of Julie Klassen's books, and her latest is my favorite. The Tutor's Daughter has the perfect mix of suspense and romance. The setting is incredible. Have you ever read Northanger Abbey? This story reminded me of that one.

It tells the tale of Emma Smallwood, the tutor's daughter, who only wanted to help her father by moving with him to the home of two boys who need education. But the home also belongs to two men, one who plagued her childhood...

I loved the mystery of this book.

I loved Emma.

I'll probably reread this one soon.

Backcover Blurb:

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself drawn to her. . .

Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast--a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions--where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits

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