Highly enjoyable read. A love story/mystery combo, this book has many secrets to reveal. I look forward to reading more from this author. ( )

This was a beautifully written book. Especially for anyone who loves ballet. You could picture the dancers doing the ballet moves she describes. It takes place in London starting in 1833. It tells the story of Ella who dreams of dancing with the Craven Street Ballet. There is some mystery involved and there were some twists at the end that I didn't see coming. I really liked the message in the book about the dangers of letting our dreams blind us from what's right in front of us. Sometimes we are so busy chasing after something we think we want that we let it distract us from the good things that could be happening to us.
I loved Jack's character and how vulnerable and real he was. Everyone made assumptions about him, but when you really got to know him, he wasn't like that at all. Ella makes a lot of assumptions in this book which get her into some trouble.
I really enjoyed this look at the early world of ballet.
This was a very clean book.
This book was reviewed on the Literary Club Podcast Season 2 episode 14
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1984185 ( )

I have no words to express how beautiful this book is, or how much I loved it. It left me breathless, and all I can do is think about it.

It was so very vivid! From the characters to the story, I was completely swept away in the 1838 theater. It was as if the moment I met these characters, I was captivated by every word.

These characters didn’t just exist for me. They lived. I grew so attached to them and their unique stories.
I loved Ella. She was wholly inspiring. She was so real, so raw, so relatable. Her insecurities, her past mistakes, her struggles with perfectionism. All of it was so very relatable for me. I loved her and her story. And her faith and relationship with God was so, so inspiring. When she decided to dance for God, I was so inspired to use my gifts for Him too. I cried.
The hero was amazing. Amazing. I fell in love with his character before I knew it happened. He has become my favorite hero of Joanna’s books, and that’s saying a lot. I can’t say much for spoilers, but I was quite in love.

The romance was beautiful and everything I ever want in a book’s love story. It entirely satisfied my romantic-loving heart. It was perfect. So, so perfect. I loved these two characters with all my heart.

The faith was beautiful. It was woven so beautifully into the story. I was left so inspired. So hopeful.

The writing. Oh, how can I describe how much I love the writing? It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s lyrical and poetic while also being so very real. There’s such a distinction, tone, and grace in Joanna’s writing. I love it.

I laughed, I cried, I felt.

There were so many great plot twists. The mystery was so very compelling.
I was so reluctant to put this book down that I didn’t. I couldn’t get my head out of this book. Literally. I finished it within hours. I’m so glad I read it on a lazy Sunday otherwise my mind would not have been at peace.

The historical details were so intriguing. The setting was wonderfully neat. The 1838 theater and ballet was so interesting. I loved it!

The ending was the BEST. It was beyond perfect. I can’t say how very happy it made me. I felt like crying just by the sheer beauty of it.

I love reading Joanna’s books. I discovered her books last year, and I’m forever grateful that I did. I knew then that she would be one of my TOP favorite authors, and every book she publishes proves that.
I come back to her books because they aren’t merely entertainment for me. I come to her books because they change me. They inspire me, encouraging me to be better and grow in my relationship with God. And that’s invaluable. Something a lot of books can’t do. Not only am I swept away by the story, I’m inspired to live my life for my Savior.

A Midnight Dance was everything I hoped it would be but so, so much more. It was beautiful and I loved it. It made it straight to my list of favorite books. It’s one of those books I know I will reread over and over again. The story is timeless.

I’m beyond excited for her future books.

If you’re a lover of historical fiction— read this book. Even if you aren’t, this book is amazing and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in the least.

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a review! All opinions are my own. ( )

Woah, more than 30 of my Goodreads friends / people I follow have marked this one as to-read (or reviewed it)! That's crazy!

Joanna Davidson Politano has woven intricate plot lines among intense characters, displaying the heart of God. While the Christian element of her writing is essential to what she has created, fans of secular historical fiction will be equally enthralled with Ella Blythe's story. Set in 1830s London,the book centers around the world of ballet, but the theme of longing to belong to someone, to some place is universal. Ella's story, and the stories of those closest to her, demonstrates the struggles involved with moving forward following rejection. While the book has an element of darkness, the light of hope shines through, shining brightly in contrast to the darkness.

I am extremely grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Midnight Dance from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )