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mtnest's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Death of parent
emmasbookdiary's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
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 delicious 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.
2023 Reread-
This book is one of my favorite books I have ever read. Period. I still have no words. It is just so beautiful! I loved it even more than I did the first time I read it if that’s even possible. I just love this story and these characters so much! They came alive for me all over again and it was magical. I enjoyed every single minute reading it and I didn’t want the story to end. Ella and Jack are two of my favorite fictional characters ever and will always have a piece of my heart.💗 Also, excuse the fangirling, but I have decided that Jack Dorian is one of my favorite fictional heroes ever and I fell in love with him even more than I did the first time I read it… which is saying something. He’s just amazing!! I love his character so very much. He just feels so real to me! So does Ella. I love them both so much.
The message of this story seemed to resonate with me even more than time reading it. I related with Ella even more this time. The way the faith is woven into this story is so beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. It’s just a beautifully written story, one I want to revisit over and over again.💗
2023 Reread-
This book is one of my favorite books I have ever read. Period. I still have no words. It is just so beautiful! I loved it even more than I did the first time I read it if that’s even possible. I just love this story and these characters so much! They came alive for me all over again and it was magical. I enjoyed every single minute reading it and I didn’t want the story to end. Ella and Jack are two of my favorite fictional characters ever and will always have a piece of my heart.💗 Also, excuse the fangirling, but I have decided that Jack Dorian is one of my favorite fictional heroes ever and I fell in love with him even more than I did the first time I read it… which is saying something. He’s just amazing!! I love his character so very much. He just feels so real to me! So does Ella. I love them both so much.
The message of this story seemed to resonate with me even more than time reading it. I related with Ella even more this time. The way the faith is woven into this story is so beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. It’s just a beautifully written story, one I want to revisit over and over again.💗
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Abandonment, and Grief
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Death of parent
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