Julie Klassen is a fantastic writer who creates characters and plots that I love. This book was no exception. I was quickly pulled into Regency England and the lives of two characters with lives shadowed by pain. A delightful read for those who love historicals filled with great characters, a strong faith thread, and a hint of mystery.

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 Masterbrings 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.

Purchase a copy and learn more at Julie’s website

Carol Shields once said, “Write the book you want to read, the one you cannot find.” When does a writer’s story begin forming? How long does it take to write? What were the finishing touches? We’ve asked Julie Klassen, author ofThe Dancing Master, to tell us the story behind the story. You won’t want to miss Julie’s “All Things Jane” (from Austen to Eyre) Live Webcast Event and enter to win a Kindle HDX! Learn more here.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE STORY BEHIND YOUR LATEST NOVEL. WHERE DID YOUR INSPIRATION SPARK FROM?

I learned to dance the box-step standing atop my father’s size 15, triple E shoes. I then went on to take every ballroom dance class I could sign up for at the University of Illinois from legendary instructor, Aurora Villacorta. Later, I even taught a few dance classes of my own through community ed. So, perhaps it’s little wonder I wrote about a dance teacher, or “dancing master” as they were called in Jane Austen’s time, when the mere touch of hands at a ball sparked romance. I enjoyed drawing on all of these experiences to write the book.

HOW LONG DID YOUR BOOK TAKE YOU TO WRITE?

Approximately six or seven months of writing, adding, cutting, layering, reading, revising, and revising some more to create a draft solid enough to submit to my publisher.