The story found in the first chapter of A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano was intriguing.  The historical piece takes place in England in the 1830s.  The story centers around an aspiring ballerina and the author does a nice job of depicting how dancers were viewed during that time period.  The story of Ella Blythe is a devastating and beautiful tale.

In many ways, the book read like a slow ballet or play.  There is a major attention getter, then the slower parts in the middle, followed by a final performance that is intense and beautiful.  Something about this book just failed to grab interest and hold onto it.  Yet at the same time, it was not to be put aside completely as the details of the mysteries demanded attention.

When the dust has settled after the book is finished, the characters and their longing to be loved is the strongest message.  Much of their troubles are caused by snap judgements and false perceptions.  The story of Jack, Ella, and Phillipe is beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.  The message left behind seems to be more powerful than the book itself.  These are the types of stories that really carry messages worth sharing.

Review of an Advanced Reader Copy provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  A person is chased by and waylaid by several thugs; a character is verbally threatened with harm; a person is suspected of starting a fire that killed someone; a person is pushed down by another; a fire is started with the intent of killing another person; report that a person dies in a fire.

Sex/Nudity: Many mentions of adultery and mistresses; characters discuss illegitimate children; reference to characters who discussed abortion; non-married characters kiss and embrace.

Mature Subjects:  

Death of close family

Drug/Alcohol Use: 

Characters consume alcohol at times until drunk.