Review of The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

I received an electronic copy of The Dancing Master from the publisher through NetGalley.  

Here is what the backcover says:

"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."

At first, I found this book slow and hard to capture my attention.  Then I hit a certain point in the story, and I couldn't put it down!  The characters were very well developed, and many of them have a mystery/secret to uncover that will make you want to read on.  I would suggest you pick it up if you are a fan of historical fiction...just be warned that it does start a bit slowly while the storyline and characters develop.

*I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.*