A Midnight Dance By Joanna Davidson Politano

A Midnight Dance

by Joanna Davidson Politano

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800736903

When I saw this book come through in an opportunity to review it, I figured, why not? This is a perfect way to get to know a new-to-me author. I've actually seen a lot of people who love her stories, so Revell sent me the book for review.

Summary:

The best moments in dance are the unscripted ones

At their core, all theater romances are tragedies. Ella Blythe knows this. Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most--and certainly different than the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater. 

After a chance encounter with one of the ballet company's handsome dancers late one night, Ella is swept off her elegantly pointed toes. The dance they share and the promise he makes to her feel like a new beginning. Yet as she faces mounting challenges in the ever-shrinking ballet company, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the ghostly ballerina.

Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own disastrous end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the unyielding grip of the past?

My Review:

As an introduction to this author, A Midnight Dance blew me away! The thought that kept coming back to me over and over again is that this book should be a classic one day.

Ella Blythe was such a wonderful, yet occasionally frustrating, young lady. You can feel how desperately she wants to make it as a ballerina. It's the only thing she's set her sights on. I loved the passion she demonstrates for ballet and it's clear it's in her blood.

Then there's Philippe. Through Ella it's easy to understand how powerful he is in his dance as well as how alluring he is. The author gives the reader the sense of competition that the dancers have. I can't imagine being under that much pressure!

We can't forget Jack Dorian. His reputation is well known at the theatre so, of course, Ella has made a point to stay away from him. It's easy to see why he has a reputation and how ladies can be lured in with his charming smile.

There are just so many facets to this story and so much I can't say because it feels like being specific about any part of it gives something away. I wasn't prepared for all the twists and turns of the story, but my heart swelled up at certain parts and came crashing down in others. And the romance... be prepared for an incredible love story! There's one person here who will go down as one of my all-time favorite characters. GAH! I wish I could say more. You will absolutely love it!

Having the mystery of Ella's life unfold throughout the story had me hanging on. There was so much I was desperate to know the conclusion of, before I was 1/4 of the way through the story I wanted to read the end. hahahaha I didn't, but the author built everything up so much that it was a strong pull!

I really liked how Ella's faith was infused to the story. There's a part of her faith about 2/3 of the way through that is really so neat. The author has a gift of making things happen that are completely unexpected.

About the Author:

Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, and The Love Note. She loves tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and is eager to hear anyone's story. She lives with her husband and their children in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan. You can find her at www.jdpstories.com.