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The Last Dance
Would you risk everything for love?
Stella Myles is suddenly impoverished through a family crisis and becomes forced to make ends meet by selling herself as a dance partner in a Piccadilly ballroom. Here she meets the enigmatic Montgomery, who orchestrates a job for her as governess for the wealthy Ainsworth family in Sussex. But nothing is as straightforward as it first seems.
In entering the mansion of Harp's End, Stella encounters a family with more secrets than most. She struggles to fit in above or below stairs – although nothing proves so challenging as restraining the illicit love that ignites between herself and the mysterious Douglas Ainsworth.
When Douglas announces that they are all to voyage aboard a cruise ship bound for Morocco, tensions reach new heights and finally bubble over. Stella finds herself caught up in a family at war and in a world on the edge of another. She is now the keeper of an incendiary document smuggled out of Berlin, one which must reach London at all costs.
From the rolling green hills of the Kentish Weald to the colourful alleys and bazaars of Morocco, this is a thrilling story of intrigue and danger – and a passion to risk dying for.
Stella Myles is suddenly impoverished through a family crisis and becomes forced to make ends meet by selling herself as a dance partner in a Piccadilly ballroom. Here she meets the enigmatic Montgomery, who orchestrates a job for her as governess for the wealthy Ainsworth family in Sussex. But nothing is as straightforward as it first seems.
In entering the mansion of Harp's End, Stella encounters a family with more secrets than most. She struggles to fit in above or below stairs – although nothing proves so challenging as restraining the illicit love that ignites between herself and the mysterious Douglas Ainsworth.
When Douglas announces that they are all to voyage aboard a cruise ship bound for Morocco, tensions reach new heights and finally bubble over. Stella finds herself caught up in a family at war and in a world on the edge of another. She is now the keeper of an incendiary document smuggled out of Berlin, one which must reach London at all costs.
From the rolling green hills of the Kentish Weald to the colourful alleys and bazaars of Morocco, this is a thrilling story of intrigue and danger – and a passion to risk dying for.
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2015
195 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McIntosh
71 books2,019 followersFiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 25, 2018
When Stella Myles’ parents died, she was devastated. Suddenly she found herself caring for her younger brother and sister, Rory and Carys. They were shell-shocked but looked to Stella to answer all their questions and provide the stability they needed. Stella knew the small amount of money she made in her job wouldn’t be enough to keep their house, feed and care for the three of them. The suggestion from a friend of going to the dances and charging her dance partners for the privilege was abhorrent to her, but needs must.
The outcome was an interview as a governess which she acquired without difficulty – suddenly she found herself travelling to Harp’s End in Sussex to educate and supervise sixteen-year-old Georgina and nine-year-old Grace. The wealthy Ainsworth family were her employers for the foreseeable future, while Aunt Dil and Uncle Bryn would care for her siblings.
But her arrival contained one shock after another – she wasn’t sure what she had let herself in for. Tensions, friction and downright hatred rippled through the family and encompassed Stella. When notified she was to attend the family cruise, her reluctance was obvious. Stella had no idea this would change her life completely…
The Last Dance by Aussie author Fiona McIntosh is an intense and suspenseful novel set between WWI and WWII in and around London and on the streets of Morocco. The dangers, passions, frictions and intrigue created an excellent story with a strong and independent woman at the helm. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wish I hadn't left it so long to read! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The outcome was an interview as a governess which she acquired without difficulty – suddenly she found herself travelling to Harp’s End in Sussex to educate and supervise sixteen-year-old Georgina and nine-year-old Grace. The wealthy Ainsworth family were her employers for the foreseeable future, while Aunt Dil and Uncle Bryn would care for her siblings.
But her arrival contained one shock after another – she wasn’t sure what she had let herself in for. Tensions, friction and downright hatred rippled through the family and encompassed Stella. When notified she was to attend the family cruise, her reluctance was obvious. Stella had no idea this would change her life completely…
The Last Dance by Aussie author Fiona McIntosh is an intense and suspenseful novel set between WWI and WWII in and around London and on the streets of Morocco. The dangers, passions, frictions and intrigue created an excellent story with a strong and independent woman at the helm. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wish I hadn't left it so long to read! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2025
The story begins in 1933. Stella Myles meets Montgomery in a Piccadilly Ballroom, where men pay to dance with a pretty woman. It is one way for Stella to help supplement her meagre income so she can care for her younger siblings Rory and Carys after the combined death of their parents. Montgomery arranges a job for her as a governess to the wealthy Ainsworth family. But Stella is in for some surprises when she meets her employer. Stella is not sure what to make of Douglas Ainsworth and the demeanour he presents at home. Neither is she prepared for the spark that flares within. But Douglas is hiding secrets she never guessed at, till she overhears a phone conversation that throws a whole other light on the man she knows.
Tensions burble between Stella and Beatrice Ainsworth as well as with Beatrice’s teenage daughter Georgina.
On a cruise tempers erupt and suddenly Stella finds herself in a situation she never dreamt of and with the man she now knows she loves in danger. Stella is left to get back to London carrying some vital information about Hitler and his plans..
Stella is a caring person with a big heart and a deep love for her younger siblings. Georgina is an absolute narcissistic brat. Grace is the opposite, a sweet loving child, who adores her father and quickly comes to love Stella, but Grace is largely ignored by her mother.
This book contains a wealth of fascinating information on various topics, though it never detracts from the story, but enriches it.
Some aspects towards the end were what I expected, though not what I hoped for. And it really is a bit neatly tied up. A complex and enthralling read, although could have done with being a bit shorter. Still an excellent read, with fascinating settings and a lot happening to hold interest.
Tensions burble between Stella and Beatrice Ainsworth as well as with Beatrice’s teenage daughter Georgina.
On a cruise tempers erupt and suddenly Stella finds herself in a situation she never dreamt of and with the man she now knows she loves in danger. Stella is left to get back to London carrying some vital information about Hitler and his plans..
Stella is a caring person with a big heart and a deep love for her younger siblings. Georgina is an absolute narcissistic brat. Grace is the opposite, a sweet loving child, who adores her father and quickly comes to love Stella, but Grace is largely ignored by her mother.
This book contains a wealth of fascinating information on various topics, though it never detracts from the story, but enriches it.
Some aspects towards the end were what I expected, though not what I hoped for. And it really is a bit neatly tied up. A complex and enthralling read, although could have done with being a bit shorter. Still an excellent read, with fascinating settings and a lot happening to hold interest.
September 20, 2018
3.5★ Good, but not my favourite by this author.
Soon after the death of both her parents, Stella meets the enigmatic Monty at a dance hall. At first reluctant, Stella finds herself telling this charming stranger her sad tale, and before she knows it, he is setting her on the path to make some quick money to provide for her younger siblings.
Taking a 6-month posting as school-holiday-tutor to the Ainsworth girls in Kent, Stella finds herself quickly caught up in a world of privilege and intrigue. An invitation to join the family on a cruise to the Holy Land changes her life forever.
Fiona McIntosh is a reliable storyteller and writer. I was drawn to this novel by its Moroccan setting, but was disappointed to find it took 75% of the story to arrive there. While it was a perfectly entertaining read, I suspect I will have forgotten it within a short time.
Soon after the death of both her parents, Stella meets the enigmatic Monty at a dance hall. At first reluctant, Stella finds herself telling this charming stranger her sad tale, and before she knows it, he is setting her on the path to make some quick money to provide for her younger siblings.
Taking a 6-month posting as school-holiday-tutor to the Ainsworth girls in Kent, Stella finds herself quickly caught up in a world of privilege and intrigue. An invitation to join the family on a cruise to the Holy Land changes her life forever.
Fiona McIntosh is a reliable storyteller and writer. I was drawn to this novel by its Moroccan setting, but was disappointed to find it took 75% of the story to arrive there. While it was a perfectly entertaining read, I suspect I will have forgotten it within a short time.
January 1, 2022
Truly terrible! A book set in England in the 1930s about orphaned Stella, who goes to work as a governess in a rich country household. Populated by stereotypical, monochromic characters such as the adorable little girl, the bratty teenage daughter and the superficial, class-conscious wife, and full of unrealistic, awful dialogue. The story follows the predictable affair between Stella and her employer, a romance that blossomed in all of about five minutes. Then out of the blue a disjointed spy/ hero story that seemed totally at odds with the rest of the book. Aaaagh!
April 6, 2015
The Last Dance, a new novel by Fiona McIntosh is absolutely brilliant. Filled with compassion, some empathy, imagination, suspense and always an element of 'surprise' which I always think is a very important aspect in a very good book.
Set in the 1930's with dancing and romancing, beautiful clothes of the 1930's with just a hint of French perfume and the language, to an encounter with a mysterious person who leads her into a life unknown, a voyage of discovery to back home to where the heart is.
Starting with romance, dreams of Tearooms to mint tea in Morocco.
This novel is a bit of a spy thriller filled with 'secrets' as well as being an adventure story.
Read to be enjoyed. I highly recommend this new novel, The Last Dance by author, Fiona McIntosh.
Set in the 1930's with dancing and romancing, beautiful clothes of the 1930's with just a hint of French perfume and the language, to an encounter with a mysterious person who leads her into a life unknown, a voyage of discovery to back home to where the heart is.
Starting with romance, dreams of Tearooms to mint tea in Morocco.
This novel is a bit of a spy thriller filled with 'secrets' as well as being an adventure story.
Read to be enjoyed. I highly recommend this new novel, The Last Dance by author, Fiona McIntosh.
March 23, 2015
I must just say that the main character Stella was one of the most irritating people I have come across in a long time. The way she spoke to the people who employed her was so rude....Really disappointed as I usually love Fiona Mcintosh's books...
December 26, 2016
Spoiler alert
Sorry but this book is a terrible disappointment, with a very poorly thought out plot, and simply too many holes in it, which I could at first ignore, until it became untenable. The story began with so much promise,(although I did think their romance was rather rushed into) and gripped me until about half way through, when it spiralled down into disappointment, with a ridiculous plot and completely unbelievable actions from characters. It's a pity, as there were great parts, some amazing characters, some witty dialogue and some great background to this novel. It could have been a grand novel! But it isn't....
A shortlist of several things I felt were completely unbelievable:
The moment Stella discovered that Rafe/Monty had orchestrated this entire situation of bringing her to work at Harp's End. Apart from some mild surprise, our feisty heroine didn't even appear very upset with his self-serving manipulations, seeming very out of character for Stella.
In spite of being brought to Harp's End as a governess/tutor, Stella completed all of 2 lessons, as far as I can see. I can't see how a heroine with the high moral grounds of Stella, could, without protest, accept these exceptionally high wages she was receiving, by spending all that time at Harp's End for little other reason than being paid by Rafe to be near him in his home, especially when there were so many previous objections to being a "paid" woman. When she changed positions to become Douglas "assistant", it seemed to be in name only, as only near the end of the novel do we even read of her receiving the key to his study/office area and entering it for the first time.
Why a spy, so adept as covering his trail, who put so much effort into disguising his true persona, as Rafe, would leave a letter to Stella, with so many details of his life and work, firstly lying around in his office, secondly given to Stella, when discovery by anyone else would have been detrimental to his spy career. There was no continuity in his espionage actions. At some points he was secretive to the extreme, in other places not, such as his telephone call in the house from Basil, in which they openly discussed British intelligence, when anyone could have been listening (as Stella was)
The completely ridiculous climax to the story of Rafe meeting his brother in the Peacock café. After so much subtle manipulation, pulling secret strings to arrange for family to "cover" for him, etc, it seemed completely ridiculous that the two men would be loudly, blatantly, deliberately discussing Hitler in the café, until a Nazi official and his sidekicks turned up to arrest them, and bring on certain death for them both.
Surely a spy who had employed so much subterfuge as Rafe would have handed over such important documents in secret, giving his brother and himself a chance to escape, rather than this idiotic deathwish operation, when so many other options would have been possible.
Secondly having found the love of his life, I find it hard to imagine that Rafe would deliberately endanger her life also, for no necessary reason. If he was so determined to be arrested (by openly reading and discussing Hitlers letter at a table in a public café, thereby deliberately drawing attention, ending in his death and his brother's, why he would even require Stella's undercover presence at the table, as it would be highly likely that she could also have been killed. The plot is so far fetched, with little point to it. If that was his plan, and he had already guessed the end result of his actions, then there was little point in Stella's presence at the table.
Thirdly, if Joseph was a quiet civil servant in the Reich, and no one else knew of this dangerous letter , how come this Nazi official and his men, would be following him in Morocco, seemingly waiting to pounce, for a letter that was simply a piece of Hitler's throw away rubbish retrieved from a bin by a cleaning lady? "I'll take that" Klipfels said as soon as he approached their table and reached out for the papers. How would Nazi officials even be aware of this retrieved piece of litter from a bin in the first place? Another small, but pointless piece of the jigsaw puzzle that didn't fit for me.
And fourthly, there seemed little point in all the subterfuge and cover leading up to the moment and finally loss of lives, for simply a handwritten copy of the letter (which Basil seemed a little disappointed in upon receiving anyway) when a more clandestine operation could have ensured that Britain receive the original documents that were in their hands in the first place. If the author, so wished, Rafe could have lost his life in a more worthy plot that made a little more sense than this.
As other have mentioned, in reviews, it does seem a little tiresome when a smart heroine like Stella hasn't the slightest clue why she is constantly nausesous, scene after scene since her passionate affair with Rafe. Sigh...really? it wouldn't even cross her mind?
Her meeting with Basil at the end made little sense to me. One moment she is detesting him, little short of blackmailing him (inferring that she suspects he may try to do away with her), and in the next breath she is trying to match make him with her old best friend, Madge.
There were many wonderful parts. I enjoyed the background settings, the fancy department stores, I loved the crotchety old housekeeper at Harps End, but unfortunately I felt the author was asking me to stretch my imagination too far with this unbelievable plot.
The fact that we never once again met Carys and Rory later in the story (although they were there in the background, but never in any scenes towards the end) seems a little shallow too. They just seemed to fade out of the story, as though of little importance.
Having read Fiona McIntosh books previously, I had expected a higher standard.
Sorry but this book is a terrible disappointment, with a very poorly thought out plot, and simply too many holes in it, which I could at first ignore, until it became untenable. The story began with so much promise,(although I did think their romance was rather rushed into) and gripped me until about half way through, when it spiralled down into disappointment, with a ridiculous plot and completely unbelievable actions from characters. It's a pity, as there were great parts, some amazing characters, some witty dialogue and some great background to this novel. It could have been a grand novel! But it isn't....
A shortlist of several things I felt were completely unbelievable:
The moment Stella discovered that Rafe/Monty had orchestrated this entire situation of bringing her to work at Harp's End. Apart from some mild surprise, our feisty heroine didn't even appear very upset with his self-serving manipulations, seeming very out of character for Stella.
In spite of being brought to Harp's End as a governess/tutor, Stella completed all of 2 lessons, as far as I can see. I can't see how a heroine with the high moral grounds of Stella, could, without protest, accept these exceptionally high wages she was receiving, by spending all that time at Harp's End for little other reason than being paid by Rafe to be near him in his home, especially when there were so many previous objections to being a "paid" woman. When she changed positions to become Douglas "assistant", it seemed to be in name only, as only near the end of the novel do we even read of her receiving the key to his study/office area and entering it for the first time.
Why a spy, so adept as covering his trail, who put so much effort into disguising his true persona, as Rafe, would leave a letter to Stella, with so many details of his life and work, firstly lying around in his office, secondly given to Stella, when discovery by anyone else would have been detrimental to his spy career. There was no continuity in his espionage actions. At some points he was secretive to the extreme, in other places not, such as his telephone call in the house from Basil, in which they openly discussed British intelligence, when anyone could have been listening (as Stella was)
The completely ridiculous climax to the story of Rafe meeting his brother in the Peacock café. After so much subtle manipulation, pulling secret strings to arrange for family to "cover" for him, etc, it seemed completely ridiculous that the two men would be loudly, blatantly, deliberately discussing Hitler in the café, until a Nazi official and his sidekicks turned up to arrest them, and bring on certain death for them both.
Surely a spy who had employed so much subterfuge as Rafe would have handed over such important documents in secret, giving his brother and himself a chance to escape, rather than this idiotic deathwish operation, when so many other options would have been possible.
Secondly having found the love of his life, I find it hard to imagine that Rafe would deliberately endanger her life also, for no necessary reason. If he was so determined to be arrested (by openly reading and discussing Hitlers letter at a table in a public café, thereby deliberately drawing attention, ending in his death and his brother's, why he would even require Stella's undercover presence at the table, as it would be highly likely that she could also have been killed. The plot is so far fetched, with little point to it. If that was his plan, and he had already guessed the end result of his actions, then there was little point in Stella's presence at the table.
Thirdly, if Joseph was a quiet civil servant in the Reich, and no one else knew of this dangerous letter , how come this Nazi official and his men, would be following him in Morocco, seemingly waiting to pounce, for a letter that was simply a piece of Hitler's throw away rubbish retrieved from a bin by a cleaning lady? "I'll take that" Klipfels said as soon as he approached their table and reached out for the papers. How would Nazi officials even be aware of this retrieved piece of litter from a bin in the first place? Another small, but pointless piece of the jigsaw puzzle that didn't fit for me.
And fourthly, there seemed little point in all the subterfuge and cover leading up to the moment and finally loss of lives, for simply a handwritten copy of the letter (which Basil seemed a little disappointed in upon receiving anyway) when a more clandestine operation could have ensured that Britain receive the original documents that were in their hands in the first place. If the author, so wished, Rafe could have lost his life in a more worthy plot that made a little more sense than this.
As other have mentioned, in reviews, it does seem a little tiresome when a smart heroine like Stella hasn't the slightest clue why she is constantly nausesous, scene after scene since her passionate affair with Rafe. Sigh...really? it wouldn't even cross her mind?
Her meeting with Basil at the end made little sense to me. One moment she is detesting him, little short of blackmailing him (inferring that she suspects he may try to do away with her), and in the next breath she is trying to match make him with her old best friend, Madge.
There were many wonderful parts. I enjoyed the background settings, the fancy department stores, I loved the crotchety old housekeeper at Harps End, but unfortunately I felt the author was asking me to stretch my imagination too far with this unbelievable plot.
The fact that we never once again met Carys and Rory later in the story (although they were there in the background, but never in any scenes towards the end) seems a little shallow too. They just seemed to fade out of the story, as though of little importance.
Having read Fiona McIntosh books previously, I had expected a higher standard.
April 19, 2015
Oh Fiona Mcintosh you've done it again! A female character I just adore, a male lead who is intriguing and interesting, a story that pulls be along, and characters I love and hate along the way. I think I picked up where this book was going to end up at a certain point but bloody hell woman, will you stop making me cry! You make me swoon, laugh, and bawl with some of these stories. The romantic in me gets a hell of a workout! Lol. Seriously, Stella was soo many things I love captured in one character - feisty, independent, intelligent, spunky. And as for your male lead, well...what an unusual, complex and wonderful man. I think I enjoyed THE LAST DANCE more than the past two books - still strong, fascinating woman that I'm constantly drawn to, wonderful settings, and good story lines. I have a tendency to fall in love with these characters and the romantic storyline is always a winner. Counting down to the next one now!
April 12, 2018
Good God. Give me a break! I can’t believe anyone can read this rubbish. The one star is for the clever writing and ms McIntosh’s command of English.
April 30, 2018
I should know better than to pick up a book classified as "romance" by the library! What fooled me was (a) the size of this novel and (b) the blurb, which seemed to promise a Mary Stewart-like story. However, this is a typical genre Romance, full of unnecessary repetition, padding and emotional wallowing. I'm sure Fiona McIntosh can write a good book when she takes the time to, but this one was churned out.
There's a prologue to tell us about the heroine's parents, which is unnecessary because the whole thing is rehashed in Chapter 1. Later, it takes 12 pages to describe the trip from London to Tunbridge Wells, (during which nothing happens), including such gems as, "Colours blurred and clarity dimmed and the familiar world she knew began to shimmer and hint at its new shape". At one point, it takes three full pages to cover the heroine dressing for dinner!
The plot is a classic Regency plot: young gentlewoman falls on hard times after the death of her parents, takes a job as a governess and falls in love with the father of the children. The author has moved it to the 1930's and that's where it falls apart. In Georgian times, a refined young lady's only option would be to educate other young ladies in French and piano. As a twenty-something 1930's girl, Stella already has a job and good career prospects to boot - so why take a job as a governess? The reason given is that it's better-paid, (which it is, as it turns out, because the job is a set-up - but I can't imagine Stella would believe such a job would pay better than her job as a buyer. Or that she would put her career on hold for it. Or that her employer would be happy for her to disappear for a year).
Other aspects of the plot don't fit the time, either. Stella is meekly accepting when the father turns out to be Rafe. In Regency England, where the heroine has no choice, she might do so. Any modern woman, even a 1930's one, would be saying "how dare you!" (and would also jump to the obvious conclusion as to why he wants her there). I was waiting for a feisty display of anger but it didn't happen.
There's a time-shift in the other direction too. At times, the dialogue and attitudes seem more like 2003 than 1933: for instance, at her first meeting with Rafe, Stella pours out her whole past (including the fact she's illegitimate). Maybe that would happen in today's over-sharing world, but in reserved 1930's Britain??? Of course, it's a sign of how this has been churned out: the author needed to tell the reader Stella's backstory and that was the easy option.
I'm still reading, because the blurb promises a Moroccan adventure and I'm interested to see where that goes. It's not really fair to criticise the emotional wallowing because that's what dedicated Romance fans want. I'm skimming.
There's a prologue to tell us about the heroine's parents, which is unnecessary because the whole thing is rehashed in Chapter 1. Later, it takes 12 pages to describe the trip from London to Tunbridge Wells, (during which nothing happens), including such gems as, "Colours blurred and clarity dimmed and the familiar world she knew began to shimmer and hint at its new shape". At one point, it takes three full pages to cover the heroine dressing for dinner!
The plot is a classic Regency plot: young gentlewoman falls on hard times after the death of her parents, takes a job as a governess and falls in love with the father of the children. The author has moved it to the 1930's and that's where it falls apart. In Georgian times, a refined young lady's only option would be to educate other young ladies in French and piano. As a twenty-something 1930's girl, Stella already has a job and good career prospects to boot - so why take a job as a governess? The reason given is that it's better-paid, (which it is, as it turns out, because the job is a set-up - but I can't imagine Stella would believe such a job would pay better than her job as a buyer. Or that she would put her career on hold for it. Or that her employer would be happy for her to disappear for a year).
Other aspects of the plot don't fit the time, either. Stella is meekly accepting when the father turns out to be Rafe. In Regency England, where the heroine has no choice, she might do so. Any modern woman, even a 1930's one, would be saying "how dare you!" (and would also jump to the obvious conclusion as to why he wants her there). I was waiting for a feisty display of anger but it didn't happen.
There's a time-shift in the other direction too. At times, the dialogue and attitudes seem more like 2003 than 1933: for instance, at her first meeting with Rafe, Stella pours out her whole past (including the fact she's illegitimate). Maybe that would happen in today's over-sharing world, but in reserved 1930's Britain??? Of course, it's a sign of how this has been churned out: the author needed to tell the reader Stella's backstory and that was the easy option.
I'm still reading, because the blurb promises a Moroccan adventure and I'm interested to see where that goes. It's not really fair to criticise the emotional wallowing because that's what dedicated Romance fans want. I'm skimming.
March 10, 2017
I didn't realize this was a "romance". I thought it was more of a woman spy novel. While it certainly was an easy entertaining read, it wasn't believable to me. Stella (the main character) was against love and then one conversation later with a stranger and she is madly in love and they are soul mates and she is working in his house and they can't bear to be apart? WHAT? I felt like I missed several chapters some how developing this love affair.
3 things that bothered me
1. Grace, the little girl, fell in the shower and hit her head and her arm, her arm was obviously bent at a wrong angle and yet when they went to the doctor, he addressed her concussion but not her arm? There was no "and her arm was casted " or anything
2. The main character male (who has too many names to keep track of) wrote Stella a long letter about being a secret agent and his secret agent activities? O come on! What kind of spy would be as indiscrete and stupid as that.
3. The main character going into his certain death so his friend didn't die alone? Seriously, did England not have any type of military operations at this point in their history?
Ok, there were many little things that bothered me also. But I kept reading it , so I obviously found it entertaining enough.
oh, 4, I am so sick of women in novels who are throwing up and blame it on everything but morning sickness. Women are NOT that stupid. And it isn't foreshadowing when you keep repeating that a woman character is nauseated and then, shockingly, she is pregnant.
3 things that bothered me
1. Grace, the little girl, fell in the shower and hit her head and her arm, her arm was obviously bent at a wrong angle and yet when they went to the doctor, he addressed her concussion but not her arm? There was no "and her arm was casted " or anything
2. The main character male (who has too many names to keep track of) wrote Stella a long letter about being a secret agent and his secret agent activities? O come on! What kind of spy would be as indiscrete and stupid as that.
3. The main character going into his certain death so his friend didn't die alone? Seriously, did England not have any type of military operations at this point in their history?
Ok, there were many little things that bothered me also. But I kept reading it , so I obviously found it entertaining enough.
oh, 4, I am so sick of women in novels who are throwing up and blame it on everything but morning sickness. Women are NOT that stupid. And it isn't foreshadowing when you keep repeating that a woman character is nauseated and then, shockingly, she is pregnant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
Audiobook via BorrowBox
June 14, 2017
"From the rolling green hills of the Kentish Weald to the colourful alleys and bazaars of Morocco, this is a heart-stopping novel of romance, intrigue and danger..."
These are the words that sum up The Last Dance on its back cover, and I have to say, they are pretty much spot on. I've had this book for quite some time now, a couple of years at least, but that's not so unusual for me and not at all indicative of my expectations. I just have a lot of books to get through, so many get lost in the pile, so to speak.
The Last Dance is a fine novel, containing all of the ingredients required to make up a satisfying and engaging read. It has a glamour about it that puts me in mind of an English period drama combined with Casablanca. To me, the romance between Stella Myles and Rafe Ainsworth is of a grand and sweeping nature, doomed from the outset, yet still holding you in its thrall, from start to finish, quiet hopes for a different outcome whispering in the wings.
If I have any criticism of this book, it's that I felt it finished too quickly. Events culminated rather rapidly towards the end of the book and then it was all over, with a time jump of five years for the last chapter. I felt the absence of those missing years and wished we had been treated to more. I was also dissatisfied with the direction taken for Grace Ainsworth. I felt her sweetness was sacrificed for the sake of her sister, Georgina's redemption, but I think my feelings on this are tied up with my longing for more from those missing years.
Character wise, this was a novel populated by a variety of sorts, all created to perfection. Beatrice Ainsworth, with her disdain and polished indifference; Georgina Ainsworth, the very definition of a spoilt, self-centered horror; Grace Ainsworth, a sweet and intelligent child bent on pleasing those around her, yet caught in a family unable to appreciate her. Stella herself was a worthy heroine, her passion, honesty, intelligence, quick wit, and ever present consciousness, was never tiring. I liked her immensely. Rafe, on the other hand, was like a kaleidoscope, and I still feel by the end of the book that we never truly got to know him. He was quite the intricate character, so many sides to his personality, all crafted with a particular purpose. He was an expert at manipulation, yet I still liked him. I believe his love for Stella was true, even when so much else about him wasn't.
All in all, I think this was an excellent historical novel with an engaging story about interesting characters. What more could you ask for? #AWW2017
These are the words that sum up The Last Dance on its back cover, and I have to say, they are pretty much spot on. I've had this book for quite some time now, a couple of years at least, but that's not so unusual for me and not at all indicative of my expectations. I just have a lot of books to get through, so many get lost in the pile, so to speak.
The Last Dance is a fine novel, containing all of the ingredients required to make up a satisfying and engaging read. It has a glamour about it that puts me in mind of an English period drama combined with Casablanca. To me, the romance between Stella Myles and Rafe Ainsworth is of a grand and sweeping nature, doomed from the outset, yet still holding you in its thrall, from start to finish, quiet hopes for a different outcome whispering in the wings.
If I have any criticism of this book, it's that I felt it finished too quickly. Events culminated rather rapidly towards the end of the book and then it was all over, with a time jump of five years for the last chapter. I felt the absence of those missing years and wished we had been treated to more. I was also dissatisfied with the direction taken for Grace Ainsworth. I felt her sweetness was sacrificed for the sake of her sister, Georgina's redemption, but I think my feelings on this are tied up with my longing for more from those missing years.
Character wise, this was a novel populated by a variety of sorts, all created to perfection. Beatrice Ainsworth, with her disdain and polished indifference; Georgina Ainsworth, the very definition of a spoilt, self-centered horror; Grace Ainsworth, a sweet and intelligent child bent on pleasing those around her, yet caught in a family unable to appreciate her. Stella herself was a worthy heroine, her passion, honesty, intelligence, quick wit, and ever present consciousness, was never tiring. I liked her immensely. Rafe, on the other hand, was like a kaleidoscope, and I still feel by the end of the book that we never truly got to know him. He was quite the intricate character, so many sides to his personality, all crafted with a particular purpose. He was an expert at manipulation, yet I still liked him. I believe his love for Stella was true, even when so much else about him wasn't.
All in all, I think this was an excellent historical novel with an engaging story about interesting characters. What more could you ask for? #AWW2017
May 22, 2022
There were either not enough pages to make this plot plausible or too many extraneous passages taking up plot development space.
I did like the overall story, but how does a spy who doesn't trust anyone suddenly and intensely trust a woman you meet and dance with one evening? There is a lot packed into this book. Too much. But there was enough to keep me reading until the end, which again was just strangely implausible but sufficient to push it to the outer edges of romance genre.
My sister-in-law's mum gave me this and three Kate Morton books after we went to see the Downton Abbey movie together and I read it because of the comment on the back cover "Sure to appeal to lovers of period romantic dramas like Downton Abbey."
I did like the overall story, but how does a spy who doesn't trust anyone suddenly and intensely trust a woman you meet and dance with one evening? There is a lot packed into this book. Too much. But there was enough to keep me reading until the end, which again was just strangely implausible but sufficient to push it to the outer edges of romance genre.
My sister-in-law's mum gave me this and three Kate Morton books after we went to see the Downton Abbey movie together and I read it because of the comment on the back cover "Sure to appeal to lovers of period romantic dramas like Downton Abbey."
June 5, 2015
This beautifully written book by the incomparable Ms. McIntosh, is about one of those rare relationships that catches us unawares and yet has the power to change our lives in ways we cannot imagine. Stella is in financial straits when she accepts a role as governess to a family living in Kent. Little does she realise that she will be drawn into an affair which will threaten everything she holds dear and a secret government plot that has consequences which could affect the future outbreak of war.
Loved it, and I think Fiona McIntosh is really the queen of this genre. Can't wait for her next one!
Loved it, and I think Fiona McIntosh is really the queen of this genre. Can't wait for her next one!
May 20, 2017
I usually enjoy Fiona McIntosh's novels, but The Last Dance lacked depth and didn't have the same emotional appeal as most of her others. I felt Stella was wrong for the time period, Rafe's wife was shallow and as for young Georgia . . . There were times I wanted to reach into the book and give her the spankings she should have received from her parents; obnoxious brat! However, I must be honest and say that she did redeem herself in the epilogue. For me, the plot was too contrived and I had an inkling how it would end simply because of the situation Stella found herself in. Overall, an okay read but not one of my favourites by this author.
August 29, 2018
To sum this book up in one sentence: Wealthy married man seduces poor woman, makes her a tutor to his children, and causes all kinds of drama because he's bad at his job. I'm not sure why I continued reading this - I think some of it was the setting, at a country house, on an ocean liner, and in Morocco - but a good portion of the book was patently just bad. Anachronisms, clunky dialogue, and just plain strange plotting abound. I'll give it 2 stars because it kept me interested long enough to read until the end.
September 27, 2022
Enjoyable read, not earth shattering but good beach read. Some of the characters were a bit annoying and it was a bit predictable but if you like Fiona McIntosh you won't be dissappointed.
July 14, 2016
I'm a big fan of WWI and WWII novels so I love reading Fiona McIntosh's books since they're all set around this time period. While The Last Dance was enjoyable, I don't think it was as good as Fiona's previous novels. The first three quarters of the story is about Stella, a young woman who is left in charge of her brother and sister after the death of their parents. To earn money Stella becomes a tutor for the wealthy Ainsley family after a chance encounter, leaving her siblings in the care of her aunt and uncle. In her new surroundings Stella makes an immediate yet believable connection with Raife, husband and father as well as the youngest daughter, Grace. I loved Grace who is innocent yet so observant about the world around her. Stella finds herself at odds with the oldest daughter, Georgina, and her mother. Georgina is absolutely vile and I found myself wanting to shake both her parents for allowing her to be so disrespectful. I was proud of Stella as she finds her voice to stand up to these two women in a dignified manner. She also discovers long buried family secrets I didn't predict that change everything. The last quarter of Stella's journey is where the espionage kicks in. Espionage?! The blurb did mention it. But it was too late for me as it felt like it was tacked on at the end. It should have been interwoven more thoroughly from beginning to end. It would have been more believable too so when the end came I would have been more emotionally invested.
May 9, 2015
Fiona McIntosh rarely disappoints me with her tales and this was another goodie.
It's the story of a improbable romance across the class divide, that must rise above so many hurdles to be fulfilled.
Stella and Rafe, a love story with many twists and secrets. The setting is mainly England, the time is just before WW2, as Hitler is knocking on many doors.
Many characters are painted in a not so favorable light, the time frame is surprisingly short but a lot of damage can be done in a matter of days... cant it, despite one's best intentions.
I did lose myself in the story, I did wish for different outcomes and I wanted to see a reunion between a certain daughter and Stella but that was not to be. The weakness and mistakes certain people make in their lives is human nature after all.
Thoroughly recommend this one.
It's the story of a improbable romance across the class divide, that must rise above so many hurdles to be fulfilled.
Stella and Rafe, a love story with many twists and secrets. The setting is mainly England, the time is just before WW2, as Hitler is knocking on many doors.
Many characters are painted in a not so favorable light, the time frame is surprisingly short but a lot of damage can be done in a matter of days... cant it, despite one's best intentions.
I did lose myself in the story, I did wish for different outcomes and I wanted to see a reunion between a certain daughter and Stella but that was not to be. The weakness and mistakes certain people make in their lives is human nature after all.
Thoroughly recommend this one.
August 12, 2015
I was a bit disappointed in this book. I expected more, especially when I put it on hold at the library and I was 97th in the queue! But unfortunately it was lacking depth for me. It seemed so rushed - first they meet, then she's living in his house, then they're in love, and then travelling the world - my mind was whirling! This is my first Fiona McIntosh novel though, so I might need to read another before I completely write her off.
October 15, 2015
This is not my favourite Fiona McIntosh story because I feel the credibility was flawed by characters that didn't respond as they should and storylines that were far fetched. It was easy to read but lacked the depth of research I've come to expect from her.
September 12, 2017
Disappointing. Mushy, soppy, far too romanticised.
March 3, 2019
readable, but not very believable.
January 25, 2020
Impressively splendid!
November 1, 2020
Ho Hum!
February 23, 2022
Fiona McIntosh's writing is so rich and full, it's impossible not to devour her novels.
The beginning scene of this story comes flying out fast and strong. It's a bold set up and quickly launches into the life of the lead character - Stella. The foreshadowing of future events is heavy and predictable throughout the whole story, but the journey is still a delight to share.
Perhaps the idea of fate is a central theme to this book. Stella feels tied and bound by her circumstances, her path stuck and forced before her and not much in her realm of control. Mr Ainsworth appears resigned to his fate and no matter what decisions he makes now it will all culminate the same way. He makes the best of a bad bunch of choices from the options he has remaining. But through the course of the book Stella's fate changes and moves to a different path. By her own choices, by Ainsworth's, by choices made around her.
There is a lovely presence of clothing and style of the early 1930s. It helps that Stella works on the floor of a department store which gives her a fast eye to describe and note clothing of others. This level of detail helps the world building and immersion in the characters. The descriptions of a 1933 cruise to the Levant was true delight - all cream and white linens, floaty floral chiffon dress and silk scarves.
Of course there is the sweeping whirlwind romance that is almost expected in historical fiction. But there is so much more about self-discovery, internal strength, decision-making, and manipulation of others that it all works together seamlessly.
The beginning scene of this story comes flying out fast and strong. It's a bold set up and quickly launches into the life of the lead character - Stella. The foreshadowing of future events is heavy and predictable throughout the whole story, but the journey is still a delight to share.
Perhaps the idea of fate is a central theme to this book. Stella feels tied and bound by her circumstances, her path stuck and forced before her and not much in her realm of control. Mr Ainsworth appears resigned to his fate and no matter what decisions he makes now it will all culminate the same way. He makes the best of a bad bunch of choices from the options he has remaining. But through the course of the book Stella's fate changes and moves to a different path. By her own choices, by Ainsworth's, by choices made around her.
There is a lovely presence of clothing and style of the early 1930s. It helps that Stella works on the floor of a department store which gives her a fast eye to describe and note clothing of others. This level of detail helps the world building and immersion in the characters. The descriptions of a 1933 cruise to the Levant was true delight - all cream and white linens, floaty floral chiffon dress and silk scarves.
Of course there is the sweeping whirlwind romance that is almost expected in historical fiction. But there is so much more about self-discovery, internal strength, decision-making, and manipulation of others that it all works together seamlessly.
October 26, 2020
Haunting, beautiful, tragic.
Normally, I would shy away from stories of extra-marital affairs as they simply don't appeal to me and I struggle to find anything appealing about either party. To be honest, I actually felt a little tricked into reading it as the blurb didn't make it clear that there was an affair involved. Yes, it alludes to a romance with a male member of the family, but, fails to suggest it is a married member of that family as opposed to a widower, or even unmarried brother/cousin/uncle, etc.
I found myself quite disappointed when it clearly started to head that way, but, as I settled into the story, it became about so much more than just the affair. I felt myself dragged along in the tragedy, intrigue and hopefulness of the story.
There is drama, romance, tragedy, definitely sadness, and, in the end, some form of self discovery and resolution, with a little happiness finally coming out of some impossibly hopeless situations.
Am I glad I read it - yes.
Was it a waste of my time - no.
Would I sit down and read it all over again - I think it's the kind of book once read that doesn't need to be read again, but, I would certainly read a sequel, or even prequel to the story.
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes.
I listened to the Audible Unabridged Audio version of this book. I found the narrator easy to listen to and suited to the story.
Normally, I would shy away from stories of extra-marital affairs as they simply don't appeal to me and I struggle to find anything appealing about either party. To be honest, I actually felt a little tricked into reading it as the blurb didn't make it clear that there was an affair involved. Yes, it alludes to a romance with a male member of the family, but, fails to suggest it is a married member of that family as opposed to a widower, or even unmarried brother/cousin/uncle, etc.
I found myself quite disappointed when it clearly started to head that way, but, as I settled into the story, it became about so much more than just the affair. I felt myself dragged along in the tragedy, intrigue and hopefulness of the story.
There is drama, romance, tragedy, definitely sadness, and, in the end, some form of self discovery and resolution, with a little happiness finally coming out of some impossibly hopeless situations.
Am I glad I read it - yes.
Was it a waste of my time - no.
Would I sit down and read it all over again - I think it's the kind of book once read that doesn't need to be read again, but, I would certainly read a sequel, or even prequel to the story.
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes.
I listened to the Audible Unabridged Audio version of this book. I found the narrator easy to listen to and suited to the story.
February 25, 2018
It all started with just one dance.....
Stella Myles is impoverished by a family crisis and forced to make ends meet by selling herself as a dance partner in a Piccadilly ballroom. Here she meets the enigmatic Montgomery, who orchestrates a job for her as governess with the wealthy Ainsworth family at Harp's End, Sussex.
But at Harp's End nothing is a straightforward as it first seems. Stella encounters a family with more secrets than most, and struggles to fit in above or below stairs - although nothing proves so challenging as restraining her emotions for the mysterious Douglas Ainsworth.
When he announces that they are all to voyage abroad a cruise ship bound for Morocco, tensions reach impossible new heights. Stella is caught up in a family at war and in a world on the edge of another. She finds herself with an incendiary document that's been smuggled out of Berlin, which she must get to London at all costs.
From the rolling green hills of the Kentish Weald to the colourful alleys and bazaars of Morocco, this is a heart-stopping novel of romance, intrigue and danger - and a passion to risk dying for.
Fiona McIntosh is an Australian author who writes of the country she grew up in and that of other countries she has explored as a travel journalist/writer and gives us readers an entertaining read that allows us to travel with her.
Stella Myles is impoverished by a family crisis and forced to make ends meet by selling herself as a dance partner in a Piccadilly ballroom. Here she meets the enigmatic Montgomery, who orchestrates a job for her as governess with the wealthy Ainsworth family at Harp's End, Sussex.
But at Harp's End nothing is a straightforward as it first seems. Stella encounters a family with more secrets than most, and struggles to fit in above or below stairs - although nothing proves so challenging as restraining her emotions for the mysterious Douglas Ainsworth.
When he announces that they are all to voyage abroad a cruise ship bound for Morocco, tensions reach impossible new heights. Stella is caught up in a family at war and in a world on the edge of another. She finds herself with an incendiary document that's been smuggled out of Berlin, which she must get to London at all costs.
From the rolling green hills of the Kentish Weald to the colourful alleys and bazaars of Morocco, this is a heart-stopping novel of romance, intrigue and danger - and a passion to risk dying for.
Fiona McIntosh is an Australian author who writes of the country she grew up in and that of other countries she has explored as a travel journalist/writer and gives us readers an entertaining read that allows us to travel with her.
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