The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

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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.

***

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.

A Marriage In Middlebury by Anita Higman

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The best way I can describe this story is charming. It's a sweet romance set in a small town. Honestly, this novel reminded me of a Hallmark movie, fulfilling without worrying your gut. Sam and Charlotte were likeable characters, but my favorite was probably Nelly, the cook. There were a few subplots, all easy to follow. Though not full of surprises, A Marriage In Middlebury is a positive novel that makes for a pleasant light read whenever you'd like a getaway.
I don't drink tea, but the descriptions of the different blends made me want to try some. 
And the cover. . . such a pretty picture!

I liked this one:)

4 Stars

*Thank you to the author for my autographed copy!*

Backcover Blurb:

Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with.

At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder's marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on. . .or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam's new fiancée?

A second chance at love doesn't happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?

A Talent For Trouble by Jen Turano

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Jen Turano writes with an unique voice that I loved. I'm a fan of witty, sarcastic heroines with sass, and that is what I found in A Talent for Trouble. This being the first novel I've read by this author, I had no clue if I would enjoy the style or find it dry.

This book is, by no means, dry. I would call the writing verbose, but in a way that fits the time period. I loved that the heroine Felicia Murdock wasn't presented as perfect. There are no flawless people this side of heaven, so I appreciated Felicia's, er, "talent for trouble."

Humor is something I always appreciate in a story, and this does not lack in that aspect.

And Grayson Sumner. . .such a gentleman. Easy to like, despite his dangerous past.

Also, I did not guess the ending. Not at all.

Jen Turano will be staying on my bookshelf. Now I need to go find some more of her stories. . .

Backcover Blurb:

For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?

Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had his fill of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.

Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping each other out of trouble.

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

A Bride For Keeps by Melissa Jagears

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Found a new author to love!

This is Melissa's Jagears debut novel (But she published a novella Love By The Letter that fits in before this book!)

On a scale of one to ten, the romance in this novel is a 10. A sweet ten. This is a marriage of convenience story about a mail-order bride with a past that has hardened her heart against love. She fears being used because of her pretty looks and desires to be Everett's work partner, really, more than a wife. He struggles with worrying over whether Julia will abandon him like all the other women did. The story reminded me a bit of Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke which is a compliment!
The reader will become familiar with farm/prairie life and understand how difficult that life was without being bogged down with long descriptions or boring details. One of the things I enjoyed most is the author's writing style. She steered clear of overused phrases, and I appreciated the freshness. I thoroughly loved the way the story was written as well as the story itself. Everett and Julia's motivations were clear, and I cheered when they reached their goals (very romantic goals).
The author handled the spiritual aspect of the story beautifully. I won't spoil it, but the way she wrote about God's grace. . .perfect. We can't explain why God chose to send His Son to save those who trust in Him, except that He loves us. Such a beautiful fact to meditate on. . .
I will be reading Jagear's next novel whenever it is released. She's found a spot on my keeper shelf. I didn't even want this story to end. . .


Backcover Blurb:

Everett Cline will never humiliate himself by seeking a mail-order bride. Not again. He's already been jilted by three mail-order brides and figures a wife just isn't in his future. However, a well-meaning neighbor hasn't given up on seeing him settled, so she goes behind his back to bring yet another woman to town for him.
Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. A mail-order marriage in faraway Kansas is a last resort, but she'll do anything to leave her life in Massachusetts and the heartbreak she's experienced there.
Although Everett doesn't see how a beautiful, cultured woman like Julia could be happy sharing his simple life, he could really use a helpmate on his homestead. Determined to prove she's more than a pretty face, Julia agrees to a marriage in name only. Faced with the harsh realities of life on the prairie and hesitant to explore the tentative feelings growing between them, can Everett and Julia ever let each other in long enough to fall in love?

Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund

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Have you ever read a book that was well-written with a clear plot and plenty of historical detail. . .in essence, a perfect book. . .but the story didn't captivate, didn't plead with you to read it far into the night?

That was my feeling for Rebellious Heart. I deeply enjoyed Hedlund's previous two novels, but this one didn't stir me. I loved the cover, the title, the premise. . .all of it. But I didn't connect emotionally with this one, I'm sad to say.

But understand this--you may have a completely different experience.

I may try it again later and love it. Who knows?

I think maybe my problem could've been the hero Benjamin Ross. He was, as was mentioned numerous times, a poor man. And I grew tired of hearing him complain and say he needed to marry a wealthy woman just to better himself. It grew annoying and hardened my opinion of him.

My favorite character was Susanna's grandmother. She seemed like a sweet lady that would've been a delight to know.

Of course, I enjoyed the setting. I have a love of historicals for that reason.

I'll try this author's next novel, in hopes that I will connect with that story more.

Backcover Blurb:

Because she's a woman, higher learning was always closed to Susanna Smith. But her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. And she's determined to marry well, so she'll be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Growing up with little to his name, poor country lawyer Benjamin Ross dreams of impacting the world for the better. When introduced to the Smiths he's taken by Susanna's intelligence and independent spirit, but her parents refuse to see him as a suitor for their daughter.

When the life of a runaway indentured servant is threatened, Susanna is forced to choose between justice and mercy, and Ben becomes her unlikely advisor. But drawing closer to this man of principle and intellect lands her in a dangerous, secret world of rebellion and revolution against everything she once held dear.

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

Fired Up by Mary Connealy

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Oh, there is just somethin' about a western romance with Mary Connealy's signature sarcastic comedy. One of my favorite authors has yet again produced a new fun story to share with the world. Fired Up is the second book in her Trouble In Texas series, the first being Swept Away. When I reviewed that book, I mentioned that I was looking forward to Dare's story, and here it is!

Imagine a doctor who isn't techanically a doctor and a cook who can't cook--that's Dare Riker and Glynna Greer (or Glynna Sevier as she prefers to be called). The great thing about a series is revisiting a place and characters that you've come to know. Luke and Ruthy make appearances--Luke can't abandon his friend while he's in trouble, after all.

Dare's story has more suspense than Luke's. Someone is out for the doctor, and it could be any number of people. I enjoyed this tale, and again Mrs. Connealy has whet my appetite for Vince's story. She has a talent for that, including a character who will become the lead in the next book and making the reader extremely curious about him.

I would've liked a few more twists in the plot, but I can't be too critical. Mary's books are popular for good reason. My main issue was the cover--it bothers me when character's faces are shown on covers.

If you like Westerns--or even if you don't think you do--try anything by this author.

She continues to be one of my favorites.

Backcover Blurb:

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she's determined to make a go of it on her own. In a town full of men, Glynna decides she can support her two children by opening a diner--never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent.

Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can't let his guard down for a moment--which is a challenge, since right now he's trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Though his doctoring business is booming due to Glynna's questionable cooking, Dare seems to encounter unexpected dangers wherever he goes. There's the avalanche. And the fire. And then the shadowy figure with a knife. Can Dare survive it all long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?

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