Book Review #15: The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

The Dancing Master  by Julie Klassen is "footloose meets Jane Austen". Do these things go together is the question? Throughout my review I will give you my take on Julie Klassen's newest novel. 

Summary 

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.

My Thoughts

I went into this book with high expectations. I mean look at the cover. The cover is gorgeous, beautiful and breathtaking and I read the cool article about the cover models. So I was pumped to see it in my mailbox. Sad thing is though, the cover was the best part of the whole book. I don't know why, but this book just wasn't doing anything for me. I went ahead and looked at other reviews to see if maybe I was not in the right reading mood, but was surprised to find out that others were not particularly excited about this book either. 

Now this is a bummer because I like Julie Klassen. I have read most of her novels and really loved almost obsessed over her novel from last year, The Tutor's Daughter (which I highly recommend). But this book was too much and not in a good way. It was slow and losing my attention. I was 50+ pages in and I kept looking at the clock.

Also, concerning the lead characters. I did not like them, plus I couldn't connect with them. The main lead female character seemed really off putting to me. The only character I liked was the lead male Alec, but only because he was a nice guy. He didn't make me swoon, he didn't do anything for me except make the impression that he was a persistent guy about dancing.

The most impressive thing about this book is how long and detailed it is. Sadly, that was also its downfall for me. As I said before it felt unnecessarily long. I never like to not finish books, but this was another book I am sad to say had to be put down and let go. 

Still, I would suggest you get a free sample of this book to make your own decision on if its worth your reading time. You might like it for all you know. I couldn't find a first chapter for it anywhere for those of you who don't own and or have some e-reader app or I would post a link. Sorry! 

Rating: 2 out of 5 bookshelves
[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

Purchase a copy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble and ChristianBook 
Learn more about the author: Facebook page and website


In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Ruth Reid’s A MIRACLE OF HOPE Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Party!

A Miracle of Hope is the first book in Ruth Reid's new series, Amish Wonders, and she is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX Giveaway and an Author Chat Facebook Party!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th. Winner will be announced at the A Miracle of Hope Facebook Party on February 11th. Connect with Ruth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, prizes, and more!

So grab your copy of A Miracle of Hope and join Ruth and friends on the evening of February 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

 

In His Grace,                                                                                                                    Taylor Reid  

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: A Miracle of Hope (The Amish Wonders #1) by Ruth Reid

This is a special review for many reasons:  (1) this is the first Amish book I have reviewed on my blog, (2) the author's last name is Reid which was another reason I had to read this, and (3) this book dealt with spiritual wonders that will amaze you! 

Now without further ado, on with the review! 

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved reading A Miracle of Hope. There is a part of me that is still hesitant about Amish fiction, mainly because I rarely read them (in a year I read maybe less than five and that seems a lot for me). Yet, Reid's powerful writing force pulled me in, and I stayed up all night until I think 3 in the morning to finish this book. 

A Miracle of Hope deals with a lot of heavy stuff. First off, the main character Lindie Wyse is a young Amish woman pregnant out of wedlock. There is no indication of who the father is, Englischer or Amish, but nevertheless she needs to leave her safe haven (her home) for another one. Still, this pregnancy for Lindie is anything but a joyous journey for her and as a reader we later find out why. It's tough, but overtime the author does a fabulous job with showing healing and forgiveness that her character's go through and by the end of the story they seem more whole.

Next is Josiah Plank who comes into the picture because he is Lindie's answer to a new home, away from the gossip of her old home. Being a friend of Lindie's brother he accepts to take her in and marry her. Of course he is hesitant about it and promises a name only marriage. Josiah also has his secrets. He is a widower with an eight year old daughter named Hannah who is deaf and rarely if ever speaks to anyone. Plus, an illness he thought was conquered comes to haunt him again just when he was starting to get his life back on track. 

Heavy stuff I know! But it's all done really well so don't worry if you think this might be a depressing read! It's not I promise!!!

As I said before Reid has a beautiful way of developing her character's smoothly and naturally. I never felt rushed in this book, and the chemistry between Lindie and Josiah was done perfectly. 

There is also another element to this book that was quite different than any other books  I have read ever, I think. Reid adds in spiritual healing (I think that is the word I'm looking for?). Basically, one of the characters is given the gift of healing through God. Of course when used it is used through prayer. Still, at first I was like "this is interesting" but by the end of the book this gift not only helped others physically but it also helped them spiritually. It's pretty spectacular!

Being the first Amish book of the year for me I was really surprised! I might give more Amish books a try this year. How about you? Are you a fan of Amish fiction? 

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group. 

Purchase a copy  
Learn more about the author  
Keep your eyes open for more Litfuse Giveaway Info!


In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

The Headmistress of Rosemere “School” Your Desk Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party!

Don't miss Sarah Ladd's latest Regency novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere. She is celebrating the release of book two in her Whispers on the Moors series with a fun "School" Your Desk Kindle Fire Giveaway and an Author Chat Facebook Party!

Between January 17–28, visit Sarah Ladd's Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day and be entered to win a Kindle Fire grand prize. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on January 28th! (Don't have a Facebook account? Enter here.)

RSVP today for Sarah's The Headmistress of Rosemere Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Sarah will be hosting a book chat, testing your Regency trivia skills, announcing the winner of the "School" Your Desk Giveaway, and giving away books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving partygoers an exclusive look at the next book in the Whispers on the Moors series!

So grab your copy of The Headmistress of Rosemere and hope to see you on the evening of January 28th! (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 28th!

 

For His Grace, 

Taylor Reid  

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: The Headmistress of Rosemere (Whispers on the Moors #2) by Sarah E. Ladd

The Headmistress of Rosemere is an engaging read from beginning to end. If you are a fan of Jane Austen's fabulous tales then sit back with a copy of Sarah E. Ladd's newest book and lose yourself in this magical read that will surely make you squeal with delight!

Goodreads Summary
Patience Creighton will finally find the peace she lost years ago--if she can open her heart and forgive the man who loves her. Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she finds contentment teaching at her father's school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to keep her father's dream alive.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin's edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of land but possesses little money to manage the upkeep. He is desperate to find a new source of income, including the sacrifice of land connected to Rosemere.

When her brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience is heartbroken to no longer be responsible for her beloved school and is forced to reassess God's purpose for her life. After her sister-in-law's matchmaking brings Patience and William together, they both learn new truths about their character and find a common goal in restoring Eastmore's legacy.

My Thoughts 
The Headmistress of Rosemere is the second of Sarah E. Ladd's Whispers on the Moors series. This book can most certainly be read separate. I myself own the first one but I have yet to read it. I was pleasantly surprised that I could read this book and not feel that I was missing anything--if anything it only encouraged me to go and read the first one to see what I was missing out on. Kudos to you Sarah! 
 
The heroine, Patience was a genuine character that I really loved to read and get to know. She was a woman branded as a "spinster" who wouldn't allow a title to stop her from allowing her father's death to mean the end of his dream-- the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. Patience helped teach, mother and encourage 29 girls, and as a reader it was hard not to take a liking to a woman like Patience. She was genuine in all of her actions and lived to making sure others around her where in comfort. That also showed her flaws though. Of course Patience wasn't a perfect well-rounded woman. She was living a life she thought was her dream but in her anger for not being given her recognition she believed her deserved she was missing out on her true passion. It was a wonderful journey to see Patience grow in all of her circumstances thrown her way. 

Now this is the fun part of the review. The romance~ 

The romance was up to par with many Jane Austen love stories we have all come to know and love. The dark, mysterious man (Sterling) comes into Patience's life in the most unexpected way and that fateful night leaves an impression for the two of them. The romance was sweet and pure. That was actually one of the qualities that drew Sterling to Patience which was her "pureness". It truly was a honest love that bloomed between Sterling and Patience. It was endearing to read, stroked a few heart strings as well! 

I don't think you should pass up this story. To be honest, I thought it might be a little "cookie cutterish" but it was anything but that. It has humor, romance, mischief and mysteries that are soon to be unfolded and brought out into the light.  

Really fast! Can I just say the cover for this book is beyond gorgeous! Way beyond! Wouldn't you say so?  

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 bookshelves 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group. 

Curious enough to give it a try? You can read the first several pages right here.
Link to Author's Facebook  and website 
Purchase a copy here: Amazon

Litfuse Giveaway info!!! Click here!

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Burning Sky: A Novel of the American Frontier by Lori Benton

Burning Sky is a heart-stirring tale that breathes life into its pages. Forget all that you think you know of the American Frontier and get ready to become captivated by Lori Benton's first novel that will leave an impact on you for days after you finish it.

 What's it About 

Taken by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Will Obenchain returns to her family's New York frontier homestead after many years of building a new life with the People. Willa finds a wounded Scotsman lying in her path to her father's property. Feeling obliged to help him with his injuries she takes him in, they both find out that much has changed during the twelve-year absence— her childhood home is in disrepair, her parents are missing and rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a twisted man because of the horrors of war and he is also claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.

Milla's Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa's vision. Can she go back with Tames-His-Horse to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? Also what about Neil MacGregor, the king and loyal botanist Scotsman who doesn't exactly fit into her plan for a new quite life, yet is still helping her to bring her farm back to life?

The aftermath of the Revolutionary War spurs strong feelings against "savages" in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa's safety unsure.

Willa becomes a woman caught between two worlds. Tensions start to rise, and Willa's shielded heart is challenged, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage—the courage to risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Also, is she brave enough to love again? 


My Thoughts

The author, Lori Benton, has such a gift for writing.  It's outstanding to know that this is her first novel. Burning Sky's writing was full of  honest raw emotions and such a vivid imagery that as a reader I felt I could feel the seasons changing as were the characters. 

The fact that Willa was such a strong yet broken character was honest, and I loved that through the book Willa conquered her fears of living again with people and opening her heart even after all of the hurt and loneliness she had experienced by herself. Truly, Willa was such a beautiful character and such a delight to get to know. I loved reading her thoughts and how she discovered it was alright to be herself again. She is a likeable character that starts off timid and closed off to the world, but its the kind botanist and the two Indian children that bring her out of her shell and give her a glimpse into a life that could have happiness again. 

The love-triangle in this book at times was gut-retching. I couldn't help at times by cheer on both men that wanted Willa's attention. Yet, Benton does such a great way of demonstrating sacrifice and the hardship of doing things out of love even when one doesn't receive the same type of love they would want.

There are an abundance of components to this book that make it multilayered in depth and humanity. There is no such thing as a one sided character in this book. So many characters have back stories that only enhance this story and give the reader even more than anything they could ask for.  

This book is rich in history, references to scripture and growth in spirituality. I highly recommend this book for your 2014 reading list. Also I can't recommend Lori Benton enough to be an author that you should keep on your radar. I am certainly looking forward to her next book.

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
  
Link to Author's Website: http://loribenton.blogspot.com/
Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes and Noble Christian Book
Click here to download chapter one of Burning Sky. 

Happy New Years! Let the 2014 Reading Begin! 

For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid