A Midnight Dance - by Joanna Davidson Politano

A Midnight Dance is a heartwarming romantic story set in the theater. Ella suddenly finds herself in love with one of the ballet company‘s dancers. However Ella is uncertain about her newfound romance as well as the sustainability of the theater. Is Ella risking too much? This historical fiction romance novel is an alluring read. Readers will be entertained with the setting in the 1800s and the added dynamic of the theater. I enjoyed reading A Midnight Dance. Joanna Davidson Politano weaves the story together in a unique way. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend A Midnight Dance.

Joanna Davidson Politano is truly an artist, but her pictures are painted with words, and this book proves once again just how talented she is. A Midnight Dance revolves around a ballerina who deeply doubts her self worth. Ella Blythe loves ballet and possesses an amazing talent, but she feels that she'll never be good enough. She also truly loves God but she believes that His love for her is determined by her abilities and hard work. What will it take for Ella to accept that perfection is impossible, and it isn't necessary to be deeply loved? When will she finally understand God's amazing love and grace? "It's the flaws that tell us when something's real. And what's real...well, that's quite valuable indeed." A Midnight Dance is set in Victorian England and it has mystery, romance, and a strong message of faith woven into its story. Politano includes so many strong elements: the ballet scenes, the mystery of the Ghost of Craven Street Theatre, Ella's infatuation with a lead ballet dancer, and her friendship with another member of the ballet company. There is also a search for her father. A Midnight Dance has so much to savor, and it's an exceptional book that you won't want to miss! I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Revell Reads, but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

"One day we'll be dancing together on that stage. I vow it." A midnight dance . . . . . and a favor from an unidentified sponsor with very deep pockets. The two combined to launch the career of a naturally talented young woman, whose mysterious past and unknown future spawned the curiosity of many at London's well established, but silently struggling Craven Street Theater. Ella Blythe had lived her life wondering if she was "good enough", thus working tirelessly to advance her career as a premiere ballerina, not particularly caring to get embedded into the relationships within; except for one. Coincidentally, it would take a blind leap into space, and the undivided attention from an unlikely source, to prove once and for all that God was her help from ages past, and her hope for years to come. The lingering question always being . . . would she repeat her mother's tragic ending or have the opportunity to compose a better one of her own? Through all its mysterious twists, turns, leaps, and landings, this elegant display of literary prowess overflows from a well spring of living water; washing away all pretense, and polishing the flaws of human nature to shine like gems, without erasing their origins. For "it's the flaws that tell us when something's real. And what's real . . . well that's quite valuable indeed." Bonus Material: One of my favorite lines . . " I've never seen anyone . . . . smell my coat".

Ella Blythe, a hopeful ballerina, is practicing in the materials room of the theater when she has a chance encounter with one of the main dancers from the ballet being performed elsewhere in the building. This special midnight dance inspires her to strive to be the lead female dancer opposite this hero one day. I found this book to be very captivating from the moment I began reading. The author writes in a way that draws the reader into the story and wraps you up in the struggles and emotions of the story. I also really liked the spiritual aspect of the story as its not merely referenced but woven into the core of what the story is about and who Ella is as a person. The main character, Ella, struggles with her worth and being enough, so throughout the narrative the reader watches her come to terms with who she is in God’s eyes. I also really appreciated Ella’s resolve in trying to maintain her mortality and reputation in an industry that had a reputation for immorality. The romance is done in a way that the reader feels the soulful connection between the characters, and it blooms through shared experiences and an understanding of the other person’s insecurities. I anticipated a plot twist but was caught off guard by the fact that there was more than one twist and turn. The complexity of the plot was admirable as is the foreshadowing involved in leading the reader to the conclusion. I would highly recommend reading this historical fiction book.

Wow! What an incredibly powerful story! I was fully engaged in the behind the scenes atmosphere of the Victorian ballet. The story was obviously well researched and had such depth. I was immediately drawn in by the heroine of the story while some of the other characters really took me by surprise. Profound lessons were revealed to these flawed characters as twists and turns of a mystery unfold. Did I mention the beautiful romance that developed? Because you will not forget it. I especially appreciated the heroine’s unique application of the Scriptures as she faced her struggles, found peace and more. As I finished this touching story, I realized that it had everything I want in a book and more!