This is a charming, easy to read story that starts out simple and builds to a complex story.Alec Valcourt is a displaced Dance master. He lives with his uncle in the village of Beaworthy, Devonshire. Alec needs to provide for his mother and sister. His profession is frowned up-on in this village. Julia Desmond is a girl desperate to get away her overbearing mother and boring village. Will the Dancing Master tame Julia's flirtatious heart or will he have to leave town under a cloud of suspicion once again?
The Dancing Master piqued my interest because of the Victorian England setting. This era always seems so romantic. The story starts out as a sweet, easy to read story. About two thirds of the way into the story, the reader learns of an intriguing twist in Julia's life. Klassen does a masterful job of foreshadowing. The reader starts to question and think which character could be involved in this new twist. Alec also has a surprising twist in his life as well. Both story-lines compliment one another as if they are following the stpes of a country dance.
I appreciated how Klassen dealt with the issue of adopting. Being adopted myself, the sense of abandonment is something adoptees have to deal with at some point in their life. The reassurances of love from the other characters is also an important part of life. Klassen got this story-line correct.
This is a great story for people who love Victorian England. Be forewarned you get more than a sweet story, you learn about the intricacies of families and a happy ending.
My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing the free e-copy to review.
