The Dancing Master

by Julie Klassen Narrated by Elizabeth Sastre

Overview

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. Praise for Julie Klassen's The Tutor's Daughter "Whether you're a fan of Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte, or both, you will soon become a fan of Julie Klassen once you read this wonderful book."-- GoodReads "Well-developed characters, plot twists, and attention to period detail make this a sure bet for fans of Regency novels."-- Library Journal "Regency/Klassen fans will love the mystery, romance, and drama."-- Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

10/28/2013
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. (Jan.)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171281632
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	02/14/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged

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