"I had so little of it myself, but giving love away filled something deep within, where the cracks had become far too large."

This has to be the most intricately woven, exquisitely crafted, emotion-filled work from Joanna Davidson Politano yet. And that's saying a lot since I have loved every one of her books. Told in her usual style of first person perspective from the heroine and a smattering of third person voices from other characters, including the hero, the book combines history and culture of ballet in 1830s London, heart-stuttering tender romance, fantastic mystery and suspense, deep spiritual contemplation with lyrical and melodic writing, unforgettable characters, and an unexpected but utterly captivating plot.

I loved Jack and his bold, optimistic outlook on life even though so many tragedies mar his past. Ella started out naive, somewhat narrow-minded, and judgmental but really matured through the story. There are so many secrets surrounding the theater being slowly unveiled that you won't be able to put the book down. Themes like sense of belonging and significance, being truly loved for self, and God's relentless pursuit of us are seamlessly threaded throughout the story. If you're looking for mesmerizing historical romance, you need to read this book.

I received the book from Baker Publishing via Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

“A Midnight Dance” by Joanna Davidson Politano is all about ballet, a theatrical dance form, combined with music, costume and stage scenery. Full of graceful movements, it showcases a dramatic storyline, characterized in different scenarios, with grand staging, background effects, and orchestra music. The best moments in the dance of life are the unscripted ones, that happen purely by chance, just like the pure art of ballet. In one such dazzling encounter with a ballet dancer late one night, Ella is elegantly swept off her pointed toes in the dance of a lifetime. It certainly feels like a brand new beginning. Yet as she faces ever-mounting challenges, Ella wonders whether she is dancing precariously close to the edge of her own disastrous end? Or will the hidden secrets that are about to surface to life offer a sudden release from the unyielding, relentless grip of the horrific past? Ella’s heartmoving story is set in the glittering world of the Victorian ballet, where nothing is exactly as it appears to be, and even the familiar echoes with hidden secrets that threaten to spring to life. “A MIDNIGHT DANCE” is deeply atmospheric and poignantly rooted in the universal ache to love and be loved. I deeply appreciate Joanna Davidson Politano as an extremely gifted and talented author, whose brilliant, heartwarming novels give deep soul-satisfying joy to all her readers. I highly recommend “A Midnight Dance” in all its regal splendor, written in Joanna’s own unique, enthralling style

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

A Midnight Dance is another intriguing romance with a dash of suspense, which is in keeping with Joanna Davidson Politano’s style. And the fact that it follows a Victorian ballerina and the landscape of the early-Victorian theatre was an additional draw for me. I knew a bit about how the performing arts had changed since this time, but it was fascinating to see what it was like for ballet specifically, especially with Ella being based on Marie Taglioni, whose style of dancing “en pointe” helped shift the landscape of dance at the time to the female leads instead of the previous emphasis on male dancers.

I really liked Ella, and how she negotiates her love of dance with her faith. I could relate to her as she tried to find her place within the dance company, especially given the stakes at the time for female dancers.

I love the way Politano writes her romances that give some mystery as to who her heroine ends up with, without it verging into a full-on, overdramatic love triangle. I loved the way it was executed here as well, and it was ultimately sweet and satisfying.

The mystery element is compelling, especially with Ella seeing parallels to her own life, especially given she has her own secrets.

This is another great book from Joanna Davidson Politano, and is perfect for anyone looking for a sweet romance with a side of mystery.

I had previously read and loved Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano, and when I found out that her newest release was going to be centered around ballet in the Victorian era, I couldn't wait to dive in. However, this book just wasn't for me, and was not at all what I was expecting it to be. I can see how so many others have loved it, but too many elements just worked against my enjoyment of it, and I was left feeling really unsatisfied after finishing it.

I do want to say that I loved the overall message of how we can serve God in anything and everything. Ella's journey of discovery to a place of realizing that ballet can serve as a form of worship to our Heavenly Father was beautiful, and poignantly done. I also adored Jack's character. He's gone through so much, and I really admired the selfless kind of hero he's become along the way.

However, I found the mystery was really murky and hard to follow, and I was not at all satisfied with how everything wrapped up at the end. Ella's character wasn't one I enjoyed for a large portion of the story as she can't make up her mind, and acts terribly immature and standoffish throughout a large portion of the story. I also felt that at least half of the story seemed to be overlaid with a sensual tone that I wasn't at all a fan of, and it ended up taking me quite awhile to end up finishing this one.

While I did enjoy certain components, and I really do think Joanna Davidson Politano is an extremely talented storyteller, overall this one just wasn't for me, and it won't be one I will be rereading.

Final Rating: 3/5.

Thanks so much to Revell for allowing me to advance read and review this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This pas de deux was magical in so many ways. There was mystery, there was romance of course, and there was a deliberate mislead of the reader. In short, it was a masterpiece.

Ella only ever wanted to dance. She rescued an unknown dancer one night while practicing and he promised the world. She found a program in order to ascertain his name. Phillipe. Her mother was once a dancer, but changed her identity to protect herself. Ella never learned why.

As Ella enters the ballet world after her mother's death, she finds it very different than she imagined and she finds herself trying to find her place. With that and a reawakening of her faith, she slowly learns more about herself and eventually her mother and they mystery surrounding her exit from the ballet world on the night of a mysterious fire.

I was drawn into this story and couldn't let it go. It was a dance that I was enthralled to watch. The characters were intriguing and surprising. The ending was perfect.

The entire book was a journey in finding self, faith, and forgiveness and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

I received an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

This book is just one more stunning masterpiece by the talented writer Joanna Davidson Politano.
I loved reading about Ella and her life as a ballerina in the mid 1800s, in London.
Because of her life circumstances, Ella is only able to be trained in ballet due to a scholarship. But is in her very blood, and she dances ballet as though she was born doing it.
This is her story. And Ms. Politano reveals it to us one teeny, tiny, tantalizing little piece at a time.
First, we see Ella finding some very old, but well known crimson ballet slippers. She is determined to keep these safe.
Her life is a big puzzle. Life in the ballet company, there at the theater, is no walk in the park. There is danger. Mystery. And much more.
In addition to Ella's story, there is the story of a certain famous ballerina, from an early time period, with lots of mystery surrounding her life. Ella is determined to unravel the mystery and discover the truth of what happened all those years earlier.
This is a story of searching for one's identity, belonging, and more.
Each chapter is woven together with beautifully crafted word pictures, and we are left with an exquisite masterpiece.
If you enjoy historical novels with hints of mystery tangled throughout, you won't want to miss this one!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This is not your typical historical romance. It's fresh and original, full of pleasant surprises in the various twists and turns.
I could not stop reading once I started. A book by Joanna Davidson Politano is something to look forward to each year. I hope she keeps them coming!
Exceptional storyline and utterly delightful!

Joanna Davidson Politano is a wonderfully talented wordsmith and I love her stories and look forward to each new book. She is on my must-read author list! A Midnight Dance is a beautiful ballet tale in Victorian England. Ella Blythe, daughter of a disfigured ballet star, longs to have her chance to perform in the ballet. There are plenty of plot twists, mysteries unraveled, and lessons learned in this compelling story! I highly recommend "A Midnight Dance" by Joanna Politano.

Here are just a few of my favorite quotes:

"One day we'll be dancing together on that stage. I vow it."
"Color. Beauty. Artistry. Symmetry and grace." (Is what you'll find in this beautiful story!)
"Only when I fully understand what had happened, shred the light of day on those old mysteries, could I truly be free of its echo in my own life."
"The truth. Perhaps that would bring about my release as well."
"Please. Don't write off God because of mere people who are too shortsighted to love as they should."
"A great many things that were originally noble and beautiful have been tarnished by this world, but that doesn't change what they were originally created to be."
"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name."

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. I also pre-ordered my own copy from Baker Book House and can't wait for its arrival!

I know basically nothing about ballet and yet after reading A Midnight Dance I am in awe. The author did a fantastic job of enlightening me without overwhelming me. The book was beautiful, lyrical and mysterious. The ending blew my mind and and was one of the most romantic and surprising endings I have ever read. I enjoyed this book very much.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion

The final notes from the orchestra have died away and a hushed silence envelops the room. My heart is full to overflowing with emotions and I rise to my feet in a standing ovation. Brava, Joanna Davidson Politano. Brava!

A Midnight Dance gently unfurls like a flower transforming from bud to blossom. It's about a ballerina, and it's amazing. That's all you need to know. Don't read the back. Don't read reviews with spoilers. Just read this book and let the story magically unfold before you, and then be awed by its magnificence..

When I got the the end I wanted to go back and re-read the whole thing in order to fully appreciate how masterfully this story is put together. I loved the parallels between the present and the past, the surprising plot twists and the intricate weaving together of two souls. Christian fiction with a rich message of sacrificial love, richly and freely given, this book is in my top 5 for 2021. I highly recommend you read it!

Thank you, Revell and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I'm not a dancer, I've not been to a ballet. But I know about having dreams and pursuing them.

Ella Blythe, born to a dancer, strives to make her dreams come true. She works hard, relentlessly even, to become the best and earn her place. All the while, trying to discover more about her mother's past, the history of her father, and her own identity. Unlocking the keys to the puzzle will initiate a new ballet, an old story retold, but until they know the ending, the curtain cannot close.

This story tells a mystery, written in the lyrical tone I love from this author, and keeps you on your toes until the very end.

This novel is beautifully written as are all her others. But being a dancer myself I think this is my favorite. It covers the world of ballet in such a real, yet lovely way. The drama, the emotions, the insecurities. It all resonated with me. I loved the way she described a lot of things, but some of the dance terms, like finito confused me. I've never heard a dancer say that for a pose. Or end a turn in second position, that would be awkward. So there were a few things I wish she'd perhaps gotten professional advice on when it came to describing the dances because I would have been able to picture the dancing better. Most dancers don't use the words spin or twirl, they're turns or piques or pirouettes. But for the most part I was able to ignore all of that and enjoyed the story immensely. I absolutely love that she chose to write about ballet during a time long ago. I loved envisioning what it might have been like. AND I loved how she incorporated God into dance. Dancing before the Lord is one of my favorite things ever and I love how beautifully she developed Ella's reason for dancing. This book is going to be added to my shelf of ballet books for sure! Loved it and love that a Christian Fiction writer wrote this. Also. She has a great name.

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano is a captivating book that readers who enjoy mystery and historical drama will not want to miss. I'd never read any of Politano's books before so didn't quite know what to expect. I will definitely be looking for other books written by this author. She has a masterful way with a pen and has written a complex and multifaceted story. It is a story full of grace and passion, elegant characterization, and sensory-rich settings that usher the reader into a beautiful experience. Ella is a young woman, passionate about ballet theater and is on a mission to find out secrets of her parents' past. But some secrets may be better left in the dark. Jack was a man of many surprises. Would he help her or was he only a narcissistic flirt? Watching their relationship wax and wane was pure pleasure! I really enjoyed how Ella grew in her faith and begins to realize that her talent was for her Heavenly Father, an offering from a grateful heart. Several major twists to the plot kept the story's tension and my interest high.
I won an advanced reader copy of the book through LibraryThing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Joanna Davidson Politano has written a superb Victorian era novel with gothic undertones—immediately bewitching me with the vibrant beauty of that first mysterious pas de deux at midnight! That's saying a mouthful from someone who has only enjoyed a few little patterings from the tippy-toes of dainty ballet slippers before quickly changing the tv channel.

I caution the reader to allow plenty of time for this one as it's a bit deep to devour in one sitting...and I certainly didn't want to! This is definitely a novel to be savored, with quite a few twists and turns (a major one that thrilled me to MY tippy-toes at the conclusion!), that may leave one a bit confused if rushed through.

In her lovely poetic prose, Politano has given life to enigmatic, complex, likeable characters, the sometimes tragic drama of ballet, and a beautiful romance that doesn't come into play until later. My, what a book!

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own and I received no monetary compensation.*

A Midnight Dance is what inspirational historical fiction should aspire to be. Joanna Davidson Politano is a brilliant writer and quickly becoming one of my favorites. She leads the reader in a magnificent well choreographed dance with twists, turns, spins, and dips all leading to the final climax with the reader flung up in the air only to be deftly caught before falling.

This story was definitely difficult to put down. There is romance, mystery, intrigue, jealously, betrayal, drama, and beautiful descriptions of ballet and the theater. The characters are lovably complicated and just when you think you have one character pegged, the narrative shifts and he’s seen in a whole new light. I loved Jack and Ella. Jack was a character that like Ella, you grow to love especially when he drops little insights into his true character. The mystery of what happened to Ella’s mother kept me guessing throughout. With each new clue, the story grew even more complicated and interesting.

Some of the inspirational messages of the story are imaginatively expressed through dance with Ella using psalms as her way to memorize the complicated choreography. She struggles to feel “good enough” and learns through faith and the careful lessons Jack teaches her that she is. But, when Jack learns more of the secrets that Ella is hiding, he’s faced with his own crisis.

The trials each character goes through are complex and the subjects are deep. The foibles are real. The answers each character finds through the unraveling of the mystery, their faith, and other people, leaves the reader with a feeling of satisfaction and at the same time regret for some who chose unwisely.

I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, ballet, and/or inspirational stories. It is beautiful crafted and unforgettable. Five stars! I received a copy of this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

Content warning: There are a few difficult subjects raised in this story including child abandonment, abortion, and extramarital affairs with no graphic details. Of course, when discussing theater in the 1800’s, there’s also the question of immorality. I felt that Ms. Politano addressed all of these issues with great tact and appropriate depth.

Joanna Davidson Politano is one of my favorite authors. Her books always have a way of speaking right to my heart, and this latest novel, A Midnight Dance, is no exception. Not only is Politano able to create characters of dimeson and depth, but she presents a message that strikes my heart and mind, causing me to look beneath the surface and giving me hope.

This particular book features ballet dancer Ella Blythe as she seeks to find answers to her parentage and a hope for the future. Fraught with insecurity, it takes the love of new friends and one particular gentleman to show her where true worth comes from.

With plenty of twists and turns, this book keeps you on your toes as you fall more in love with the story every turn of the page. I highly recommend it!

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Another smash hit by Joanna Davidson Politano! I really enjoyed the setting of this story. There were several twists and turns that made it all very engrossing. Very highly recommended!

This story has the feel of a gothic romance novel, as well as many twists and turns in the plot that are typical of that genre. I loved the fact that this story revolves around ballet and the theater: it's a unique setting for Christian fiction: I am happy when an author can give me a setting that I haven't read a zillion times already. I absolutely loved the surprise ending. Well, actually there were a few surprises, which is even better. This is a clean story with a faith element woven through in a very sweet way.

Apparently this author likes to write in the gothic style and since this is her most recent book (so far) I would say that she's getting to be pretty good at it.

***Not For Me***
I will start by off saying I really loved the author's last book (The Love Note – 5 stars); this one just wasn't for me. Not every book will be a hit for every reader, so read other reviews and decide for yourself. This story just did not click for ME. I found Ella to be too wishy-washy. The mystery was too tangled. I did enjoy the circus barn which was less constrictive. Jack was wonderful except near the end when he learned Ella’s secret and decided it was unforgivable without even trying to understand her reasoning and talk through it as he'd forced her to do so often in other situations. It seemed out of character for him. Then they were apart far too long for it to make sense considering how he felt, how much time he had invested in her and how patient he had been with her. Even though God and scripture and hymns were woven throughout (loved that), the overall weight of the story seemed heavy to me and I cannot say I enjoyed it. Also, a missed opportunity not to include the red slippers on the cover.

I was gifted an eVersion of the book by NetGalley & the publisher. All opinions are my own without compensation or expectation.

(2 to 3 🌟 depending on site /see below)
STAR RATINGS
NETGALLEY (Would you recommend?): 1= No, 2=Not Really, 3=Maybe, 4= Yes, 5=Strongly
GOODREADS: 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing
B&N: 1= Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Average, 4= Good, 5=Excellent
BOOKS A MILLION does not explain its rating system.
GOOGLE PLAY BOOKS: 1= Hated it, 2=Didn’t like it, 3=Just Ok, 4= Liked it, 5=Loved it
KOBO: 1= I Hated it, 2=I didn’t like it, 3=It was ok, 4= I liked it, 5=I loved it
CBD: 1= Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Average, 4= Good, 5=Excellent
AMAZON gives a completely vague definition of its star ratings. Hovering over the stars does not help as there are no pop-ups.

Another beautiful mystery from JDP. She excels at stories of truth and redemption and intrigue and spirituality and love, and A Midnight Dance is no different. Here the heroine’s story arc revolves around talent vs vanity, and acceptance of her own life. It was truly a joy to read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.