Dancing Master

I have read all of Julie Klassen's book save 1 and this one didn't live up to the standard of the others, in my opinion. The first half of the story dragged, but the second half of the story picked up and was easier to get through. There was hardly any romance and the relationship between the 2 main characters seemed a bit thrown together. The parts of the story about redemption and forgiveness were very good. All in all the story was ok, not my favorite by this author but I definitely wouldn't stop reading her books. Her other ones are very good!

Having almost finished the book I have enjoyed it very much. Julie Klassen is the type of author I like. I have always been partial to literature about the Georgian period, also period dramas on TV.

Very good ,no sex, what a nice change

This is the 3rd book I have read by thus author, previously having read the tutors daughter and the painters daughter which I rate as 5 star reads. This one disappointed me and I never did accept the premise that one woman wielded such influence over a 20 year period. Too contrived for my taste and no serious romance. Pleasant enough but not of the standard of the other books I have read. I will however read other works in the expectation that this work was a bit of a glitch.

From the time I picked up the book. I could not put it down. I have enjoyed book this author has written. The Dancing Master, it an excellent read. How Julie Klassen describes all the charactors, draws you into the book and charactors. If you enjoy reading Jane Austin, you will love this book and author.

enjoyed this book

Der Dancing Master war leider eine große Enttäuschung. Die Geschichte ist vorhersehbar, unromantisch, langatmig und ohne wirklichen Höhepunkt. Julia Midwinter bleibt mir bis zuletzt unsympathisch. Dieses immer kokettierende, vorlaute Ding bekommt natürlich einen smarten Mann, dieweil ihre wesentlich sympathischere, charakterstärkere Freundin Patience keinen abbekommt. Von Julie Klassen bin ich anderes gewohnt und würde empfehlen, ihr eine Pause zu gönnen, damit sie wieder dann schreiben kann, wenn es sie wirklich ankommt und nicht, damit wieder ein Buch für den Verleger fertig wird. Nicht einen Abschnitt bin ich versucht, ein zweites Mal zu lesen. Den Stern bekommt das Buch, weil es mir einfach gefallen hat, Englisch zu lesen.

When I give a book five stars it means I LOVED the book. It may or may not fall into the category of amazing literature, but it kept me entertained or I found the information inside fascinating and/or helpful.RECAP: In the early 1800’s Alec Valcourt, a dancing master, moves with his mother and sister to a remote town in Devonshire, anticipating opening a dance studio there. Unfortunately, what he didn’t know before moving there is that dancing is prohibited in the small town by decree of the town matriarch. The daughter of the town matriarch, however, has nothing against dancing, and is also somewhat of a flirt. Romantic sparks fly, and long buried secrets are uncovered in this excellent book by Julie KlassensBLUSH FACTOR/LANGUAGE: Nothing to worry about.THE WRITING: As with all of the other books I’ve read by Julie Klassens, the writing is excellent, accompanied by what appears to be some amazing research.STAND-ALONE OR CLIFFHANGER ENDING? Stand aloneCHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Great! I seemed to have a clear view of what each character was like though why they were that way wasn’t always evident as is the same with people we meet in real life.BOTTOM LINE: If you enjoy an interesting story, with a little bit of romance you’ll enjoy this book.

As mentioned in the book summary in the product listing, The Dancing Master is centered on the dance and classical fencing instructor Alec Valcourt, as well as the lovely heiress Julia Midwinter. Much like Catherine De Bourgh in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Julia’s wealthy mother Amelia wields much power in their town of Beaworthy, and exerts that power in such a way that the townspeople are no longer permitted to dance or contradict Amelia’s moral values in any way. This proves to be problematic for the young Mr. Valcourt, as he is in dire need of employment to support his mother and sister. Both Alec’s and Amelia’s pasts are sometimes shrouded in mystery, and more than one character goes through significant reforms over the course of the story. In several respects, The Dancing Master is much like a mixture of Austen, Dickens, with a bit of the movie Footloose thrown in.Julie Klassen is known for her work in Christian Historical Romance. Following her years working in publishing, she has gone on to become a full time writer, winning multiple awards for works such as The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. I don’t find this surprising, as Klassen’s writing is quite accessible, with a bit of Christian faith thrown in as well. I didn’t find her style to be overly revolutionary, but it was enjoyable, and even sometimes quite educational. She had me digging into my dictionary for definitions of words as “caper” and “tattoo”. Who knew the latter term doesn’t always involve indelible ink?! Her understanding of the time period was quite evident in the era-specific language she used, as well as the descriptions of the local customs and traditions.Like her writing, Klassen’s characters are well formed, clearly drawn and not overly difficult to understand. Several go through radical transformations, and occasionally there are unexpected revelations and mysteries revealed in their lives. Many seemed to be stereotypical characters that we would see in other Christian novels or family-friendly movies, so I found them to be a bit predictable, but they were entertaining nonetheless. Their temperaments, as varied as they could be, were realistic, giving The Dancing Master a cast of characters who were understandable and relatable.As The Dancing Master may be categorized as Christian Fiction, the language and subject matter are kept very clean. There are no four-letter words, details of violence are kept to a minimum, and sexual matters are not gratuitous in any way. The characters are flawed, with some dealing with some pretty serious sins and errors in their lives, but Klassen handles those issues in a very family-friendly manner. I was able to relax and just enjoy the story, unconcerned that the narrative would descend into material that I would feel inclined to evade as I read.The Dancing Master is a pleasant tale, going beyond a simple boy-meets-girl story. It is filled with messages relating to honesty, moral values, prodigal family members, forgiveness and reconciliation. The nature of the art of dance in the life of the Body of Christ is of course clearly addressed, much as it was in Footloose. The Christian faith of several of the characters is certainly an important part of their lives, but that aspect does not dominate every page. Fans of the Regency period would enjoy the novel, but it would also make a good fit for those who enjoy clean, thoughtful romances mixed with a bit of family mystery. Julie Klassen has done fine work here, and while the story doesn’t necessarily conclude with the suggestion of a sequel, I could easily see her delving into the world of Beaworthy, England again. Should that happen, I look forward to reading that follow-up as well. The Dancing Master is a delightful story, and one that I can easily recommend.

I was thrilled when The Dancing Master arrived on my door step earlier than anticipated! Klassen writes beautiful novels, and I haven't found one yet that hasn't been delightful! She has written another classic, one I am sure you will want to keep and read again. Filled with all the drama and insights of character, love, pride, relationships, forgiveness, faith and more. I will say that this is a story that lures you in, giving you hints at the mysterious past of several characters and how these secrets affect many in the now. By chapter 7, you should be hooked and have enough hints that you are starting to piece parts of the puzzle together. This only brings the story more to life and lends excitement, as you eagerly anticipate seeing how things will unfold and work out. The story is well written, well paced and filled with delightful characters. Julia somewhat reminds me of Scarlett O'Hara. She is willful, selfish, spoiled and quiet the flirt. However, there is more to her than that; she is also a loyal, brave young woman, who longs for approval and love. She definitely keeps the story interesting! For fans of Julie Klassen this is sure to be a delight and for those that have never read one of Julie Klassen's novels, this is a good one to start with. If you like Jane Austen novels, then you should pick this one up!Four and a half Stars

Julie Klassen is fast becoming a favorite author of mine. I discovered her books about 5 months ago and have since read them all. I was excited to get The Dancing Master, and needless to say it did not disappoint me. I loved everything about it!For starters, I love how Klassen's books are not cookie-cutter. Each character in her books are different in personality, temperament, appearance, vocation from previous books and from each other. This, to me, is a sign of a good author.What I loved about The Dancing Master are the cast of characters. From the beginning, I felt like I knew them. She described them so aptly without being flowery. Julia Midwinter came across as a flirt in the beginning, but Klassen gave her depth that made you understand it was her insecurity that caused her to act the way she did with men. Alec Valcourt treated Julia Midwinter as a lady, even though she gave him cause to doubt. He was chivalrous and a gentleman through the entire book. I LOVED him. He was a self-admitted "dandy" but was classy and poised throughout the book. He might be one of my favorite characters of all time, right up there with Mr. Darcy (Jane Austen). Walter Allen, another character, was another favorite character. Clumsy, self-effacing, loyal friend, and shy, Walt will be another stand out in my opinion. In addition, I loved Walt's parents, Lord and Lady Allen. They were loyal friends to the Midwinters without being giving up their own convictions on dancing.This book still contained the mystery and well-thought out plots, like the other Klassen books. It is like Julie Klassen gently pulls a shoe string and reveals just what we need to know when we need to know it. It is never a hurried or rushed pace, but leaves the reader wanting to know more with each page read.Not only was this novel a classic it was very classy. There are some parts that reminded me of the Downton Abbey BBC mini-series. I love getting a glimpse into the different vocations of 19th century England. I cannot wait for the next Klassen novel. Well done!!!

Wonderfully told story of not one, but two dancing masters in the small town of Beauworthy. As the story opens, all gaiety and life has disappeared from the town upon the decree of the town's patroness, Lady Amelia Midwinter. Due to hidden issues from her past, she has forbidden dancing and anyone who violates that order suffers socially and economically. Enter Alec Valcourt and his mother and sister, who have come from London. Alec's one ability and skill lies in being a dancing master along with the fencing skills that accompany that profession.He and his family are ostracized by the townspeople until Lady Amelia takes Alec under her employ, with the hope of keeping him away from his learned profession. Unfortunately for Lady Amelia's plans, this brings Alec in close proximity with her daughter, Julia, who is quite headstrong and flirtatious.A couple of songs come to mind as I read this book. One applies to Julia. "Looking for love in all the wrong places." Desperate for a father's love, when she cannot attain that, she will accept male attention wherever she can find it. Will she ever find the true love of the only Father who can satisfy? Then there is the song with the line, "Honesty, is all I ever asked of You." How that applies to Amelia and her relationship with Julia. It also could apply to Alec, to Amelia's sister, and maybe one or two others. What a different course the story would have taken with some characters exhibiting this much needed trait!Do we, the readers, see where the story is going? Of course. But the fun is in the reading and seeing how the author gets us there, what scenery we pass. And the "scenery" in this book is fantastic!!One last question: to whom does the title of the book REALLY refer? I love it!

Another amazing novel by Julie Klassen! Ms. Klassen has again written an engaging regency historical novel with characters that are extremely appealing to the reader. She has an accomplished manner in keeping her conversation true to the period. I very much enjoy her use of epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. They often add historical information that is very interesting and add to the overall historical detail of the book.At the beginning of the novel the reader meets Alec Valcourt, handsome young dancing and fencing instructor fresh from London, along with his mother and his sister, Aurora. The Valcourt family has been forced through mysterious circumstances to move to the village of Beaworthy, presided over by Lady Amelia Midwinter and her daughter, Julia. The quaint little village has a cast of town characters that are amusing and entertaining.The story unfolds as Alec discovers that the town does not allow dancing. His entire training and life experience have been involved with dancing and fencing. He struggles to figure out how to support his mother and sister in a town that does not allow dancing. Alec uncovers the reasoning behind the ban on dancing to be Lady Amelia and another darkly shrouded family secret. Alec soon finds himself employed by Lady Amelia as a clerk, effectively shutting down his hopes of opening a dance academy in the village.The story continues with the uncovering of family secrets from the Valcourts and Midwinters both. In addition to the family secrets, an attraction develops between Alec and Julia Midwinter. Everyone knows in Regency times, the daughter of the manor was not entitled to fall in love with a dancing master masquerading as a clerk.Read the story to discover how Julia and Alec resolve the issues of their times and to uncover the many family secrets of the Valcourts and Midwinters! The ending is a lovely recap one year later tying up all the loose ends of our characters’ lives. A fun read that is extremely enjoyable! Thanks again for the great work, Julie Klassen!

4.5 stars. One of this author's best books. There was a darker sadness and anger in this book, reminiscent of The Maid of Milkwood Manor. And unlike her other books where the reader knew the secrets of the characters, this one is written to unravel over time, gently dampening us with the weight of the history, the secrets, the emotions. In this manner, we are "eased in" to the deep such that we don't really begin to grasp the drowning some characters feel, or the tiredness of trying to stay above water, until that moment of Grace comes and the burden lifts. I applaud the Author for this: unless one has experienced it first hand, it is difficult to understand the power of the past, the secrets that hold tight and pull you down, the change in your life as these things alter your reality, casting shadows, distorting perceptions, changing memories. The burden is hard to explain, to defend. Many do not understand or have the patience to wait until the words can be found. A connection is needed. A lifeline. The Author allows each of the characters in this book to be saved....by God and by each other. Each learns to ask for grace, each learns to extend it. This is not the story for an impatient reader. In today's world of "hurry up and get over it," we often do not extend to others the quiet support and patience that is needed when one must learn, to save themselves, to "let go.....and let God." That realization seldom comes quickly. So enjoy the story, be patient. If you do, you will likely experience, in some measure, the grace bestowed when one casts off thy burdens, thy chains, and humbly reaches toward heaven.

One star for her usual excellent writing mechanics, one star just because it is Julie Klassen, who is one of my most favorite authors, but beyond that....?I had waited a long time to receive and read this book, and was REALLY looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it was a tremendous disappointment.(Mild spoiler): I found myself more interested in the lives of the many supporting characters than those of the hero and heroine. I could not make myself like either the H or h very much, nor could I see any real basis for why they ended up together. The entire premise was boring and contrived, and I almost gave up at about 30%. I did press on, and the story picked up slightly, but overall, it was just a frustrating experience. Of course, all of the loose ends of the many story threads were neatly tied up with little depth in the final two pages. Well....at least, nothing was left hanging.The other major piece missing from this book was the romance! There was almost none, and that which was there seemed unlikely - especially as the H and h subsequently acted as if nothing significant had happened between them.Maybe this mediocre result is the final product of a 7-books-in-7-years schedule? Ms. Klassen is an amazing talent, who has written such great stories in the past. I hope that she will continue to write (especially Regency!), but first will be able to take some time to refocus her efforts. I look forward to that next book!

This would have been his story. Nevertheless, it is the relationship between mother and daughter that really grips. I recommend the book and will read it again. Julie Klassen's books are worth the expense that way. However, I found it got off to a slow start. I imagine the first third was meant to establish the depth of characters, which certainly was necessary for the rest of the book to be so enjoyable, but I think it could have been done so more concisely. Again, I'll recommend the book highly anyway. I suppose if one is going to fully render a character's change of heart (character, not decision) that takes some space. Funny, so many historical proper romances have multiple scenes with balls, and this has only one, but I came away understanding so much better the history and context of every ball scene I had read before.

Julia Klassen is one of my favorite authors. If you've never read one of her works, know that they are clean, inspirational, romantic, and full of mystery which I love! She drops clues throughout her novels, keeping you guessing till the end! If you enjoy clean or Christian regency romances, Julie is the way to go!

Julie Klassen has become one of my favorite authors!!! I loved this story!! I loved how it was so unpredictable. I had no clue how it would all come together in the end... When I thought I had it figured out she would through more into the story. I loved how the characters especially Julie Midwinter and Alec Valcourt were so complex with so many layers. There wasn't a character who I really didn't like. I also enjoyed how the story was about acceptance, forgiveness, love, kindness, respect and over coming challenges. I absolutely loved the end!! I laughed, cried a little of course smiled at the sweet moments between Julia and Alec and some of the other favorite characters such as the Allen Family with all their enjoyable moments. I highly recommend this book!

This is the first book by this author I have read that I have not liked. This book is so very, very slow to start and I found my mind wandering and having to reread things. It took about half way through for it to start getting interesting. There were too many unnecessary details that made the story boring and uneventful. When it finally did start to pick up it was just kind of anticlimactic and then it started to get boring again. I usually read books in a few days or less this took me weeks. It just droned on and on and eventually I just started skimming pages to get it over with so I could move on to something different. I didn't really care what happened to the characters and have already forgotten about most of them.Rating: PGThis book has no re-readability.