A Midnight Dance - Joanna Davidson Politano

In my view A Midnight Dance is the best yet by far of Joanna Davidson Politano's novels set in England. In it we meet Ella Blythe, who longs to be as gifted a ballet dancer as her mother had been before her. But dancing led to tragedy for Ella's mum, and it could lead the same way for her daughter.

This is a truly grippingly told novel.  The story is multi-layered and raises many questions, most of which are eventually answered! There are threads throughout of hope, ambition, desperation, challenge, overcoming obstacles and the fear of being 'not enough' no matter how hard you try.  There is also a rather nicely complicated love story (or indeed, love stories) with an extra twist just for good measure. 

The mystery of what really happened to Delphine, and who she was, is a fabulous story arc.  There are further mysteries and secrets throughout too.  Family is a powerful element, especially 'the fatherless'.  Faith elements are rather cleverly woven in, and although occasionally seeming a bit awkward these rare times in no way spoiled my enjoyment of a clever and involving story.

The brief historical notes at the end are informative and interesting and the very personal author note shows the root of a number of the story elements, not least the issue of God's love for the 'broken and messed up'.

There were one or two anomalies in the use of 'theatre' and 'theater', but I was glad to see that most times the Craven Street Theatre was correctly referred to, given that it's located in London, England.  The use of 'theater' elsewhere, given the book's US publisher and largely US readership, is perfectly acceptable - but I don't envy the editor or proof reader!  I read an early manuscript so I suspect that the rare situations where the wrong theatre spelling was used will now be correct.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical novels with a hefty helping of mystery and a light-handed sprinkling of not-too-overpowering romance.

9780800736903, Revell