A Midnight Dance

Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: September 7, 2021

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. Yet as she struggles to maintain her tenuous place in the ever-shrinking ballet company, win the attentions of principal dancer Philippe, and avoid company flirt Jack, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the dead ballerina.

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

Mystery and romance make the perfect dance partners in this evocative story from fan-favorite Joanna Davidson Politano.

---

Reviewer: Raechel Kelly

This author never ceases to amaze me with each of her new novels. The characters are always vividly real and complex, the plot captivating, and the research detailed, but even above all these wonderful attributes, what I love most is how God is glorified through Politano's writing. I feel it lovingly woven into each word, and reading one of her books always enriches me.

A Midnight Dance was no exception. Right from the first sentence I knew I was in for a delightful journey, and I was right. Ella Blythe is a lovable character whose passion is dancing. That opening scene was truly tingling with beauty and I loved how the whole novel came together to paint the entire story. I have only read one or two ballet novels, so it was fascinating to be surrounded in that world and see it come to life, with all its nuances and details.

The hero surprised me. Oh, did he surprise me. I wasn't originally rooting for him, truth be told, but as his character unfolded more and more, I found myself falling more in love with him too. He was so three-dimensional and there was so much to him than what you see on the surface. I loved how he and Ella complemented each other so well.

The ending! That was by far the best part of all of it. It surprised me but in all the best ways. And made me want to turn right back to page one and begin again. 

An exceptional novel!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.  

---

---

Reviewer: Adriann Harris

Joanna Davidson Politano has written another stunning masterpiece, A Midnight Dance.  Politano wove words together in her special way crafting them into pictures forming another true pièce de résistance only she can write. This story was so vivid I was entangled within the pages leaving a little bit of myself behind at the end.

This magnificent story centers around Ella a lowly ballerina being allowed to dance thanks to a scholarship. Her entire life is a mystery which slowly unfolds into a breathtaking climax. This is a story of searching for ones identity, and where one truly belongs. My Favorite Quote: "A great many things that were originally noble and beautiful have been tarnished by this world, but that doesn't change what they were originally created to be."

If you enjoy historical novels with hints of mystery tangled throughout, characters you feel like you can touch, and a love you wish you could claim, you won't want to miss this one!

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Joanna Davidson Politano is a masterful storyteller, and one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Her newest novel, A Midnight Dance, is an intricately woven tapestry of history, romance, mystery, and inspiration set in London in 1833 and populated with colorful, interesting, multi-layered characters. It’s also a fascinating look at the theatre culture at that time.

The heroine, Ella Blythe, is talented and focused, but plagued with feelings of not being good enough. I loved seeing her journey as she let herself be tutored by Jack Dorian.

“The only way you’ll go far is to leap big. You may fly or you may fall, but either way, everyone will be looking at you.”

Although Jack is known as the dance company flirt, his true character is revealed as the story progresses, and he’s definitely a fitting hero. Many twists, turns, and surprises swirl through this tale as it winds its way to the inspirational and emotional end. This is a beautiful story of personal and spiritual growth.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Mindy Houng

"I had so little of it myself, but giving love away filled something deep within, where the cracks had become far too large."

This has to be the most intricately woven, exquisitely crafted, emotion-filled work from Joanna Davidson Politano yet. And that's saying a lot since I have loved every one of her books. Told in her usual style of first person perspective from the heroine and a smattering of third person voices from other characters, including the hero, the book combines the history and culture of ballet in 1830s London, heart-stuttering tender romance, fantastic mystery and suspense, deep spiritual contemplation with lyrical and melodic writing, unforgettable characters, and an unexpected but utterly captivating plot.

I loved Jack and his bold, optimistic outlook on life even though so many tragedies mar his past. Ella started out naïve, somewhat narrow-minded, and judgmental but really matured through the story. There are so many secrets surrounding the theater being slowly unveiled that you won't be able to put the book down. Themes like sense of belonging and significance, being truly loved for self, and God's relentless pursuit of us are seamlessly threaded throughout the story. If you're looking for mesmerizing historical romance, you need to read this book.

I received the book from Baker Publishing via Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

---