A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano

The Book

https://amzn.to/3Owk4r3All 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.

The Review

Every book Politano writes gets better and better and this one certainly tops the list. This story is filled with twists and turns that don’t stop all the way to the end, and a very sweet love story thread throughout. The characters are woven together in such a way to have their own distinct story, which also culminates into a lovely tapestry of life at the end. The history of the ballet and the spirit with which Ella dances highlight the author’s intensive research and masterfully weaves together history and plot in an intriguing way.

Romance: The romance is sweet with some tender moments. (Loved the interactions between the main two characters, which isn’t always clear initially)

Violence: Very minimal. One scene, really.

Christianese: There are Bible verses sprinkled throughout and Ella’s relationship and perception of God is a steady conversation during the entire story but it never feels preachy. It adds depth to her character and the way she interacts with others in her environment.  Acceptance and grace are big themes.

Highly recommend this book to readers who are in the mood for a charming romance and a story that pulls apart a preconceived life and fills it with God’s better plan.

This review was originally shared on episode 22.

Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.

The Author

Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her manuscript for Lady Jayne Disappears was a finalist for several contests, including the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW, and won the OCW Cascade Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.