The Dancing Master ~ Julie Klassen

My friend, Julie Klassen, gives me the best Christmas present every year, and she doesn’t even know it. It all started in 2008 when her first novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor, released. The next year, The Apothecary’s Daughter … Each year, just before Christmas I get a lovely copy of Julie’s latest book from Bethany House. And each year, I put it under the Christmas Tree, still in the envelope. It’s like a carrot dangling out beyond the frantic pace of Christmas. Shortly after the kids open their gifts and disappear to enjoy their new “toys,” I open up that gift and lose myself in the story of the year.

I have friends who enjoy countless novels a year. I’m not in a season in which that’s possible, though I’m hoping it comes around one day.  I read lots of books every year, but often only one fiction book, and it’s always Julie’s. This year, I absolutely loved The Dancing Master.

What I especially appreciate about her books is that I can lose myself in a captivating, British Regency era, that’s replete with unexpected twists and turns, and I learn new things – every.single.time. Julie does a tremendous amount of research. Over the years, I’ve learned about apothecaries, governesses, 19th century writers, and now dance masters.

Julie’s writing is flawless and engaging. Her characters are rich and multi-faceted.  They are perfectly imperfect people, which makes them all the more enjoyable because they are relatable.

Julie Klassen is the twenty-first century Jane Austin.

I’m a huge Downton Abbey fan. Honestly, I think I became a fan of the TV series because of Klassen’s books.  If you’re a fan too, then you will adore all of Julie’s books, but particularly, The Dancing Master.

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