The Dancing Master

October 28, 2013
British village life in Beaworthy, Devonshire, in the early 19th century revolves around tradition for both the haves and the have-nots in Klassen’s (The Tutor’s Daughter) latest Regency historical. Lady Julia Midwinter is the young, headstrong daughter of the manor. Despite a wealth of friends and diversions, single Julia latches on to the town’s newly-arrived dancing master, a young, attractive man named Alec Valcourt, who came to Beaworthy under somewhat mysterious circumstances with his mother and sister. Unfortunately for Alec, Julia’s mother, Lady Amelia Midwinter, has long decreed that dancing is prohibited in the village—particularly at the May Day celebration. Alec and Julia must navigate the intricacies of their responsibilities while remaining true to themselves. Passionate storytelling and intriguing mystery are overshadowed by the relationship between the eminently unlikable Julia and her mother. Their contentious relationship, while explained, comes across as overly contrived. A rather large and delightful cast of secondary characters serves to bolster the plot and provide the occasional bit of levity to a well-written book that is less engaging than Klassen’s usual work. Agency: Books & Such Literary Agency.

November 1, 2014

When Alec Valcourt relocates his family from London to Devonshire in hopes of establishing a new dance studio, he discovers that the town's benefactor, Lady Amelia Midwinter, has forbidden dancing, and the reason for the moratorium is a secret. There's more that remains hidden to the reader; questions abound regarding Alec's mysterious background, and all is not as is seems in Devonshire or in the Midwinter family. Yet powerful and surprising allies, such as Amelia's own daughter, Julia Midwinter, help keep Alec's dream alive. The inspiring themes--loyalty, love, and family ties--in Klassen's (The Tutor's Daughter) historical romance pay homage to such writers as Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters. Christian messages of forgiveness are both subtle and highly effective, and there is an abundance of intrigue to keep patrons listening even if the feel-good ending is reminiscent of a holiday musical. Narrator Elizabeth Sastre excels at the delivery of regional accents. She switches fluidly between West Country English and a Scottish brogue while simultaneously transitioning among male and female voices of all ages without flaws. VERDICT A highly satisfying experience for listeners who love historical fiction.--Erin E. Forson, Columbus, OH

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