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.
*Source

My Review:
I enjoyed this Regency-era book by Julie Klassen. She is one of my favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint.
The book begins very slowly, but it is worth reading through. Getting to know the characters and the subtle details early bring the book to life later on.
I loved the vivid description of the English country dances and the look inside the Manor House life.
As always, Klassen's character were unique and interesting.
What I most enjoyed about this book was the beautiful way that Klassen wove together multiple plot lines with characters that each have their own mysteries, which slowly unfold throughout the story.
The strong themes of grace and forgiveness make this book both delightfully entertaining and encouraging.
I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks for providing a review copy, I was not able to read this one. So I will not be leaving a review on social media at this time.

I have read the book and loved it! Alec Valcourt, the title character, moves his mother and sister to the small town of Beaworthy after difficult circumstances force them to leave London. Unfortunately, there is no dancing in Beaworthy, due to a decree by Lady Amelia Midwinter years ago. Julia Midwinter does not appreciate Lady Amelia's strictness or her watchful eye and is thrilled at the new family in town. It seems that the Valcourts are hiding something about their past, but apparently so is Lady Amelia. In Julia's quest for the truth, all of her relationships are challenged and she comes away a different person.

For me, characters make or break a book, and I really enjoyed the character development in this one. The plot is interesting and moves quickly. The characters and relationships are authentic. It is a fun read and I would definitely recommend this one!

The Dancing Master

by Julie Klassen

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers
Romance, Christian

Pub Date 07 Jan 2014

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of The Dancing Master through the publisher and Netgalley:

In this book we are transported back to the early Nineteenth century where we meet Julia Midwinter .

Julia would rather sleep in but as an eventual heiress to Buckleigh Manor her Mother wants her daughter to be prepared to take over the duties and all they entail, so Rising early is a must.

Lady Amelia wants her to marry a man of her station.

I give The Dancing Master five out of five stars.

Happy Reading.