The Dancing Master Book Review
When I think of the late 1700’s entertainment, I think of dancing as a common community event. But not in this small village. Alec and his family are relocating with a mysterious past they want to keep hidden. He and his family come from a line of dancing/fencing teachers so finding gainful employment as a Dancing Master should be an easy option. But what the Valcourt family does not know about Devonshire could be the end of their dreams.
The Dancing Master
Julia is royalty and as such can not be lowered to the level of a simple clerk as Alec finds himself. But the attraction is there even though her mother does not approve. Alec and Julia find themselves caught up in the mysterious past of the town’s most prestigious family. Will they be able to solve the riddles and bring back dancing and music to this dried up village?
The Dancing Master has all the ingredients of a good book – the handsome teacher, the rebellious daughter, a mysterious past and a somber village who is longing to have music and laughter. This is a squeaky clean book with strong Christian values.
About the Book
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?
About the Author
I worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now write full time. Three of my books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA awards.
Read more about author, Julie Kalassen on her website and Facebook.
You can buy The Dancing Master from Amazon or request it at your local library.
I received a review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of the review. No monetary compensation was received.