Book Review: The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

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.

My Review: Julie Klassen never disappoints. I know, when I pick up one of her novels, I am in for a delightful trip to the past with characters that are deep and real. Klassen has no qualms about putting her characters in difficult situations. Alec Valcourt, The Dancing Master himself, is thrust into life in a small village. Little does he realize that dancing has been forbidden, by unwritten law, for the last two decades. With a new dance master in town, Lady Amelia Midwinter's old wounds of the past fester. Julia Midwinter would do anything to get away from her strict mother, but is she prepared for the truth that Lady Amelia has been hiding all these years? Will anyone come away unscathed?

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel of love and grace. I can't wait for Julie Klassen's next book.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this books to fans of Jane Austen and readers who love the historical era of Regency England.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.