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The First Dance
Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore and Tracy Rees.
To find what she has lost
she must go back to the beginning . . .
1924
The First World War is over and eleven-year-old Alexa is growing up on the idyllic Cornish coast with her best friend Harvey. But she soon discovers there are secrets at the heart of her family that have been hidden for years.
1931
Alexa flees Cornwall for the intoxicating city of Venice. But her new glamorous life is not what she hoped for and, with dark shadows closing in on her, Alexa will question everything she thought she wanted . . .
'A touching tale of star crossed lovers' New Magazine on Map of Stars
To find what she has lost
she must go back to the beginning . . .
1924
The First World War is over and eleven-year-old Alexa is growing up on the idyllic Cornish coast with her best friend Harvey. But she soon discovers there are secrets at the heart of her family that have been hidden for years.
1931
Alexa flees Cornwall for the intoxicating city of Venice. But her new glamorous life is not what she hoped for and, with dark shadows closing in on her, Alexa will question everything she thought she wanted . . .
'A touching tale of star crossed lovers' New Magazine on Map of Stars
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2018
146 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Law
12 books70 followersCatherine Law is the author of eight historical romantic novels, set during the first half of the 20th century, inspired by the tales our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers tell us, and the secrets they keep.
Her new novel, The Girl From The War Room is out now.
Catherine lives 10 minutes from the sea in Kent.
Her new novel, The Girl From The War Room is out now.
Catherine lives 10 minutes from the sea in Kent.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 29, 2017
Quick read that was engrossing, but full of sadness. It had a interesting premise, and kept you wanting to know what would happen next. I just didn't agree a lot of times with choices the characters made, and a couple of characters in particular I rather disliked. The personas seemed to be a bit one-dimensional. I did like the settings of Cornwall and Venice, and found the descriptions delightful and vivid. Overall, a bit depressing but not bad. Setting starts out in 1924, but most of the action is in early 1930s.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Bonnier Zaffre Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Bonnier Zaffre Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
July 21, 2021
I read this a while ago and I wouldn't say I LOVED it, but I will admit that it was cleverly written because to understand the whole plot you had to read the whole book. The protagonist's life choices disappointed me, I lost respect for her and I feel that once you lose respect for the main character then....pft, it ain't it
April 7, 2018
I can't put my finger on what it was but something was missing in this novel. The start is so evocative and made me eager to dive in and read about these three generations of Venetian women transplanted, by marriage to London and on in to Cornwall. The detailing of Alexa's 18th birthday ball were so rich I read on eagerly.
Unfortunately, I found the story to be, ultimately, very disappointing. I think the main reason for this is the character of Alexa. She is a very unworldly girl and also incredibly self-centred. To me this was epitomised by her time away at boarding school. She made no friends and held herself apart from her classmates, from the text it would appear that they did not shun her but rather she shunned them. I understand that she was grieving the loss of her mother but this sets the benchmark for all her future interactions with people.
When you find the main character so unpalatable it is hard to invest in the outcome of their tale. Even worse her beau, Harvey Ferris, seems to be a fairly upright young man of the era but he has little in the way of backbone when it comes to Alexa. He appears to be completely blind to her faults and is, as a result, a rather one dimensional character who serves only as a foil for Alexa.
The plot itself is rather good. Calling it a sweeping family saga would be hyperbole though. It is a tale of an early twentieth century girl from her early years on the cusp of womanhood through to her death in the early 1980s. However, the tale itself is only concerned with the mid-1920s through to the early 1930s and only from the perspective of the one character. There is no real social commentary, no political unrest, just a saccharine tale of searching for her Nonna and becoming entangled with an absolute cad along the way. This could have been so much more.
Ultimately this was a very disappointing book with very weak characterisation. Nobody has depth or interest to their characters; behaving in completely predictable, stereotyped ways that serve only to lessen your interest in what happens to them. The plot could have been developed so much further and rather than a rather trite love story could have encapsulated the times so much better by using a little social history.
Not one for me and it certainly didn't serve to get me looking at the author's back catalogue.
Unfortunately, I found the story to be, ultimately, very disappointing. I think the main reason for this is the character of Alexa. She is a very unworldly girl and also incredibly self-centred. To me this was epitomised by her time away at boarding school. She made no friends and held herself apart from her classmates, from the text it would appear that they did not shun her but rather she shunned them. I understand that she was grieving the loss of her mother but this sets the benchmark for all her future interactions with people.
When you find the main character so unpalatable it is hard to invest in the outcome of their tale. Even worse her beau, Harvey Ferris, seems to be a fairly upright young man of the era but he has little in the way of backbone when it comes to Alexa. He appears to be completely blind to her faults and is, as a result, a rather one dimensional character who serves only as a foil for Alexa.
The plot itself is rather good. Calling it a sweeping family saga would be hyperbole though. It is a tale of an early twentieth century girl from her early years on the cusp of womanhood through to her death in the early 1980s. However, the tale itself is only concerned with the mid-1920s through to the early 1930s and only from the perspective of the one character. There is no real social commentary, no political unrest, just a saccharine tale of searching for her Nonna and becoming entangled with an absolute cad along the way. This could have been so much more.
Ultimately this was a very disappointing book with very weak characterisation. Nobody has depth or interest to their characters; behaving in completely predictable, stereotyped ways that serve only to lessen your interest in what happens to them. The plot could have been developed so much further and rather than a rather trite love story could have encapsulated the times so much better by using a little social history.
Not one for me and it certainly didn't serve to get me looking at the author's back catalogue.
March 21, 2018
Beautiful and heartbreaking.
Dusk had fallen, the day snuffing itself out and, in the twilight, Alexa searched for her familiar surroundings, the headland, the evening star bright on the horizon. She sensed the presence of the sea as it continued to swell and move, the waves whispering their distant balladry. But the primal magic of Porthdeen that had always been with her, always by her side, was gone. However hard she looked, home was not home anymore. And her childhood, along with it, had vanished. Tomorrow was her twelfth birthday.
I saw this on Readersfirst, when browsing books due to come out soon.From the cover, I didn't initially think that I would be interested in this book. Then I read the synopsis: as soon as Venice was mentioned I wanted to find out more!
Next, I noticed the time period that the story is set in - I really enjoy historical novels set during this period and I make an extra effort to read any books with Venice as the setting, so I clicked to read the first few chapters. (Readersfirst offers the opportunity to read a sneak preview to see if you would be interested in reading more)
I was hooked straightaway! Our main character initially comes across as quite fragile, yet quickly reveals that she has hidden depths and strength. I liked how the first chapter happens in present day, then the second chapter throws us back into the past. I can imagine that by the time we have read our way back up to present-day, we will have fallen in love with the characters and the events of the first chapter are going to hurt even more...
Okay, now I have read the book I have looked back at my first impressions and they were quite accurate. The story is split into sections, the first leading you back up to the events of the prologue, then continuing from there and the far-reaching consequences of what seems like quite an insignificant event.
I liked Alexa although I disagreed with some of her choices (as I disagree with some of the choices past me has made!). Harvey didn't make a great impression in the prologue as I felt he seemed a bit controlling, but a softer side to his personality came out later on in the book. Overall, I didn't feel that it was a story of 'star-crossed lovers' as mentioned on the cover, but a story of how selfish decisions that seem very simple can hurt lots of people around you.
Both Cornwall and Venice are described lovingly, with the themes of water and the sea running through everything. I did get impatient with one of the final twists of the story as I felt like our main character had already dealt with so much tragedy, yet the ending left me with tears in my eyes and the inner romantic satisfied.
Give this a go if you enjoy historical fiction, the landscape as a character and lovers finding their way back to each other time and time again despite mistakes on both sides. A realistic, heart-rending look at the ties of love, familial and other, and how they bind us and free us simultaneously.
Alexa stood for a moment, relishing the warmth of the bonfire at her back, its simple and fierce primordial heat. It could do nothing else but revive her, remind her that the darkest day was over, the dead winter was turning its face towards spring. In a week, no longer, the calendar would shift, a new year arrive. A new life, a new beginning, surely.
What I liked: The setting in both Cornwall and Venice, the time period in which it is set, the beautiful relationship between Alexa and her sister, the ending. I also liked how water runs through the stories, linking them and alternatively providing a sense of menace or comfort.
Even better if: The final tragedy felt like a step too far for a character who had already suffered too much, I distrusted Guy from the second he appeared, wish that Sarah and Eleanor had been more fleshed out as characters. Oh and this is an editing problem rather than anything else, but a characters says she couldn't 'bare' something instead of 'bear' it on page 111. I am a pedant and this annoyed me!
How you could use it in your classroom: Not one for your primary classroom, but could be recommended at secondary level for avid readers of historical fiction or those studying the period between the first and second world wars. Though there is mention of extra-marital affairs, there is nothing explicit.
(Thank you to Readersfirst - I was lucky enough to win this in one of their prize draws!)
Dusk had fallen, the day snuffing itself out and, in the twilight, Alexa searched for her familiar surroundings, the headland, the evening star bright on the horizon. She sensed the presence of the sea as it continued to swell and move, the waves whispering their distant balladry. But the primal magic of Porthdeen that had always been with her, always by her side, was gone. However hard she looked, home was not home anymore. And her childhood, along with it, had vanished. Tomorrow was her twelfth birthday.
I saw this on Readersfirst, when browsing books due to come out soon.From the cover, I didn't initially think that I would be interested in this book. Then I read the synopsis: as soon as Venice was mentioned I wanted to find out more!
Next, I noticed the time period that the story is set in - I really enjoy historical novels set during this period and I make an extra effort to read any books with Venice as the setting, so I clicked to read the first few chapters. (Readersfirst offers the opportunity to read a sneak preview to see if you would be interested in reading more)
I was hooked straightaway! Our main character initially comes across as quite fragile, yet quickly reveals that she has hidden depths and strength. I liked how the first chapter happens in present day, then the second chapter throws us back into the past. I can imagine that by the time we have read our way back up to present-day, we will have fallen in love with the characters and the events of the first chapter are going to hurt even more...
Okay, now I have read the book I have looked back at my first impressions and they were quite accurate. The story is split into sections, the first leading you back up to the events of the prologue, then continuing from there and the far-reaching consequences of what seems like quite an insignificant event.
I liked Alexa although I disagreed with some of her choices (as I disagree with some of the choices past me has made!). Harvey didn't make a great impression in the prologue as I felt he seemed a bit controlling, but a softer side to his personality came out later on in the book. Overall, I didn't feel that it was a story of 'star-crossed lovers' as mentioned on the cover, but a story of how selfish decisions that seem very simple can hurt lots of people around you.
Both Cornwall and Venice are described lovingly, with the themes of water and the sea running through everything. I did get impatient with one of the final twists of the story as I felt like our main character had already dealt with so much tragedy, yet the ending left me with tears in my eyes and the inner romantic satisfied.
Give this a go if you enjoy historical fiction, the landscape as a character and lovers finding their way back to each other time and time again despite mistakes on both sides. A realistic, heart-rending look at the ties of love, familial and other, and how they bind us and free us simultaneously.
Alexa stood for a moment, relishing the warmth of the bonfire at her back, its simple and fierce primordial heat. It could do nothing else but revive her, remind her that the darkest day was over, the dead winter was turning its face towards spring. In a week, no longer, the calendar would shift, a new year arrive. A new life, a new beginning, surely.
What I liked: The setting in both Cornwall and Venice, the time period in which it is set, the beautiful relationship between Alexa and her sister, the ending. I also liked how water runs through the stories, linking them and alternatively providing a sense of menace or comfort.
Even better if: The final tragedy felt like a step too far for a character who had already suffered too much, I distrusted Guy from the second he appeared, wish that Sarah and Eleanor had been more fleshed out as characters. Oh and this is an editing problem rather than anything else, but a characters says she couldn't 'bare' something instead of 'bear' it on page 111. I am a pedant and this annoyed me!
How you could use it in your classroom: Not one for your primary classroom, but could be recommended at secondary level for avid readers of historical fiction or those studying the period between the first and second world wars. Though there is mention of extra-marital affairs, there is nothing explicit.
(Thank you to Readersfirst - I was lucky enough to win this in one of their prize draws!)
March 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, this was definitely my kind of book. Set between the two world wars and set in glorious locations, you can definitely lose yourself in the story. Alexa is the main character and she is growing up in the lovely Cornish countryside and coast. After losing her mother at a young age to pneumonia, her dad marries her mum's ex nurse. Alexa misses her mother terribly and the grief she is feeling follows her right through the story, I don't think she ever got over it. At first she blames her grandmother and her husband for her mum's death. After a long and unhappy time at boarding school, where her grief still haunts her, she takes a job as a ladies companion, as suggested by one of her old teachers. She is soon joining her employer in Venice where she is once again seeking out her grandmother to find unanswered answers. Her employer has a cad of a nephew and Alexa soon falls under his spell, confusing his attentions for real love. The question is does she still love her old childhood sweetheart Harvey? But is he now married? The question I think, is it her all consuming grief for her mother stopping her from finding true love. A really lovely love story.
March 24, 2018
This story starts in 1924 and introduces the reader to eleven year old Alexa who is growing up on the beautiful Cornish coast. Her loyal, trustworthy friend, sixteen year old Harvey, lives in the nearby village and her relationship with him provides her with all the companionship she desires. However, the idyllic nature of her childhood is marred by a growing awareness that there are secrets within her family, with a mysterious and unexplained estrangement from her Venetian maternal grandmother. When her mother decides to take her to London, to celebrate her twelfth birthday and to finally meet her Italian Nonna, Alexa is full of excitement. However, the visit is dramatically curtailed when she makes an innocent, but incendiary comment which results in Alexa and her mother rushing back to Cornwall, with the family rift apparently worsened rather than resolved. Shortly after their return home Alexa’s mother dies and she immediately holds herself responsible. When her father remarries she is still grieving and being sent to boarding school reinforces these feelings.
Although she remains unhappy at school, she is supported by a teacher who enables her to see that she can make decisions which will enable her to take control of her future. She decides to take a job as companion to an elderly woman who lives in London and, without warning her family of her intentions, plans to leave the day after a dance which is to be held to celebrate her eighteenth birthday. However, when Harvey proposes to her, in front of all the guests, she dramatically turns him down and immediately flees the party and heads overnight for London, determined to not only gain independence through work, but also to try to heal the rift with her grandmother.
There are two timelines in this story, 1924 and from 1931, but most of the action takes place during the early 1930s. Alexa’s search for the truth behind her mother’s estrangement from her own family eventually takes her to Venice, her mother’s city of birth and where her grandmother has now returned to live. Central to the story are the ongoing effects of the grief Alexa feels about her mother’s death, her belief that she was responsible for it and her constant search for love and acceptance. I thought that the author captured this vulnerability in a convincing way, as she did the enduring and corrosive effects of secrets in families and the ways in which these echo down the generations. Initially I wondered whether this was going to be a reasonably enjoyable but essentially lightweight story, almost verging on “chick-lit” – and, on reflection, I think that the cover contributed to this assumption. However, it wasn’t long before I realised that it had some darker, more disturbing elements making it, for me, a much more satisfying read. Most of the characters were well developed, although a couple were, rather surprisingly, too one-dimensional and stereotypical and this was something which caused me some moments of irritation! There were also some coincidences which required a certain suspension of disbelief but, on balance, these didn’t interfere too much with my overall enjoyment of the book.
I particularly appreciated the descriptions of Cornwall and Venice (both are locations which I love and know very well) and think that the author captured them in a satisfyingly evocative way – right down to conjuring up comparisons between the fresh smells of coastal Cornwall and the less than savoury smells of the canals of Venice! In conclusion, I found this a book worth reading, although I think that it is one for curling up on the sofa with, rather than being a good choice for reading groups.
My thanks to Readers First and Zaffre for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although she remains unhappy at school, she is supported by a teacher who enables her to see that she can make decisions which will enable her to take control of her future. She decides to take a job as companion to an elderly woman who lives in London and, without warning her family of her intentions, plans to leave the day after a dance which is to be held to celebrate her eighteenth birthday. However, when Harvey proposes to her, in front of all the guests, she dramatically turns him down and immediately flees the party and heads overnight for London, determined to not only gain independence through work, but also to try to heal the rift with her grandmother.
There are two timelines in this story, 1924 and from 1931, but most of the action takes place during the early 1930s. Alexa’s search for the truth behind her mother’s estrangement from her own family eventually takes her to Venice, her mother’s city of birth and where her grandmother has now returned to live. Central to the story are the ongoing effects of the grief Alexa feels about her mother’s death, her belief that she was responsible for it and her constant search for love and acceptance. I thought that the author captured this vulnerability in a convincing way, as she did the enduring and corrosive effects of secrets in families and the ways in which these echo down the generations. Initially I wondered whether this was going to be a reasonably enjoyable but essentially lightweight story, almost verging on “chick-lit” – and, on reflection, I think that the cover contributed to this assumption. However, it wasn’t long before I realised that it had some darker, more disturbing elements making it, for me, a much more satisfying read. Most of the characters were well developed, although a couple were, rather surprisingly, too one-dimensional and stereotypical and this was something which caused me some moments of irritation! There were also some coincidences which required a certain suspension of disbelief but, on balance, these didn’t interfere too much with my overall enjoyment of the book.
I particularly appreciated the descriptions of Cornwall and Venice (both are locations which I love and know very well) and think that the author captured them in a satisfyingly evocative way – right down to conjuring up comparisons between the fresh smells of coastal Cornwall and the less than savoury smells of the canals of Venice! In conclusion, I found this a book worth reading, although I think that it is one for curling up on the sofa with, rather than being a good choice for reading groups.
My thanks to Readers First and Zaffre for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2018
Although this book had an interesting premise and kept you wanting to know what was going to happen next with the romantic side of this story. It took me quite along time to get into it. I also found that the character development was rather one dimensional. I did however love the settings of Venice which is a place that I have always wanted to visit. So it was lovely to go there. Even if it was just in book form, and Cornwall, which is a place that I absolutely adore. Because of its natural beauty.
I really enjoyed how Alexa developed as a character. At first you think that She is very fragile like she could break very easily. But as the book develops this is one character whose development I thought got better and better as we discover that really she is one tough cookie.
I very much liked the plot of the book. To be honest when I read the synopsis it drew me into the book. Anything set in the 1924-1931 and beyond fascinates me. Having a look into their lives. Really does make you realise just how very lucky you are. Even thou the book was rather sad I felt that it moved at a okay pass and it did make me feel especially for Alexa. This
The book conveys the many relationships in this book very well. It is always fascinating to see how other people live, do things. And survive. Especially during this period. I felt that the dialogue was appropriat for the we times and I didn’t ever think that it was out of character. Honky thing was that I didn’t really like some of the characters. I mean they were a little rude, pushy and ojusy not the sort of characters in some of them that I find myself warming too. But I guess that is just how some people can be and with them being very elusive. That is extremely relevant to the times of the boom.
The use of vocabulary, grammar and punctuation was very good throughout the book, the style was ok not my usual thing. But sometimes it is good to get out of your comfort zone and read something new. I didn’t feel as engaged with the book as I thought that I might be. But it didn’t deter me in completing the book. The ending of the book was good. I had a little cry and I think that it will stay with me for a little while to come. The feeling that it left me with. Was feeling very lucky to be alive today and extremely sorry for the people who lost their lives in the Great War.
I especially loved the sett g of this book. I felt very drawn tk this book because of that.
I don’t think that I would say that this book was a page turner. I felt my attention drifted at certain points.
But I absolutely loved the tomance that ran throughout this book with Alexa and Harvey. They are just so adorable.
All in all I thought that it was a well written book. It was my favourite book that I have read in this genre. But it was still a good book.
I really enjoyed how Alexa developed as a character. At first you think that She is very fragile like she could break very easily. But as the book develops this is one character whose development I thought got better and better as we discover that really she is one tough cookie.
I very much liked the plot of the book. To be honest when I read the synopsis it drew me into the book. Anything set in the 1924-1931 and beyond fascinates me. Having a look into their lives. Really does make you realise just how very lucky you are. Even thou the book was rather sad I felt that it moved at a okay pass and it did make me feel especially for Alexa. This
The book conveys the many relationships in this book very well. It is always fascinating to see how other people live, do things. And survive. Especially during this period. I felt that the dialogue was appropriat for the we times and I didn’t ever think that it was out of character. Honky thing was that I didn’t really like some of the characters. I mean they were a little rude, pushy and ojusy not the sort of characters in some of them that I find myself warming too. But I guess that is just how some people can be and with them being very elusive. That is extremely relevant to the times of the boom.
The use of vocabulary, grammar and punctuation was very good throughout the book, the style was ok not my usual thing. But sometimes it is good to get out of your comfort zone and read something new. I didn’t feel as engaged with the book as I thought that I might be. But it didn’t deter me in completing the book. The ending of the book was good. I had a little cry and I think that it will stay with me for a little while to come. The feeling that it left me with. Was feeling very lucky to be alive today and extremely sorry for the people who lost their lives in the Great War.
I especially loved the sett g of this book. I felt very drawn tk this book because of that.
I don’t think that I would say that this book was a page turner. I felt my attention drifted at certain points.
But I absolutely loved the tomance that ran throughout this book with Alexa and Harvey. They are just so adorable.
All in all I thought that it was a well written book. It was my favourite book that I have read in this genre. But it was still a good book.
March 26, 2018
Read this review and more at ellieceejay.wordpress.com
I'm ultimately not 100% sure how to think about this book.
Alexa is an eighteen-year-old girl living in Cornwall with a remarried father, a stepmother who is made out to be a villain but seems more subject to Alexa's own prejudices and a dark secret in her past. When her best friend proposes to her against her wishes, she runs off to London, and from there, to Venice.
The 'dark secret' isn't one I'll divulge in worry of possible spoilers, but it was very inventive, and definitely added more to the story. Otherwise, it would have just been a story about a girl who goes to Venice.
One of the main plot points is Alexa running off to become a lady's companion in London, which I got massive Rebecca vibes from. As a massive fan of that book, it made me enjoy this one a whole lot more because of it.
Of course, I'm a sucker for a historical romance, which was what drew me to this book in the first place. However, in the end, this book was a lot darker than I initially anticipated, but still had elements of happiness, which actually made me enjoy it even more. A little bit of dark never goes amiss in historical fiction.
What I didn't like was the protagonist. You'll probably only enjoy this if you don't mind blatantly prejudiced, snobbish young women, who criticise their stepmothers for not going upstairs to take off their hat before speaking to people. Alexa was just not a nice girl, so I didn't feel much sympathy for her throughout the story, which detracted from what were supposed to be emotional moments.
The writing was quite simplistic, which made it enjoyable, and easy to read, but not exactly memorable. In years to come, I won't be coming back to cite The First Dance as a stellar example of historical romance done right, or even a work of great fiction. It's like a packet of Skittles - tasty, nice to snack on, but not something you'd go back to again and again, like you might do with something more substantial.
Harvey, Alexa's love interest, was also... Dislikeable. So, I really didn't enjoy their romance, and I didn't see why their love for each other was justified. For one thing, he's quite a few years older, and he seems almost obsessed with her. As well as this, both Harvey and Alexa are actually despicable to a girl that's also interested in Harvey, and she's then portrayed as a villain, especially for her part in the ending of the story. Just, no. I'd rather not read two people's blatant disregard for another person in such a romanticised way.
Overall, I gave this two stars out of five - for good writing, Rebecca vibes and a decent overall plot, but horrible characters and a romance with no foundations.
I'm ultimately not 100% sure how to think about this book.
Alexa is an eighteen-year-old girl living in Cornwall with a remarried father, a stepmother who is made out to be a villain but seems more subject to Alexa's own prejudices and a dark secret in her past. When her best friend proposes to her against her wishes, she runs off to London, and from there, to Venice.
The 'dark secret' isn't one I'll divulge in worry of possible spoilers, but it was very inventive, and definitely added more to the story. Otherwise, it would have just been a story about a girl who goes to Venice.
One of the main plot points is Alexa running off to become a lady's companion in London, which I got massive Rebecca vibes from. As a massive fan of that book, it made me enjoy this one a whole lot more because of it.
Of course, I'm a sucker for a historical romance, which was what drew me to this book in the first place. However, in the end, this book was a lot darker than I initially anticipated, but still had elements of happiness, which actually made me enjoy it even more. A little bit of dark never goes amiss in historical fiction.
What I didn't like was the protagonist. You'll probably only enjoy this if you don't mind blatantly prejudiced, snobbish young women, who criticise their stepmothers for not going upstairs to take off their hat before speaking to people. Alexa was just not a nice girl, so I didn't feel much sympathy for her throughout the story, which detracted from what were supposed to be emotional moments.
The writing was quite simplistic, which made it enjoyable, and easy to read, but not exactly memorable. In years to come, I won't be coming back to cite The First Dance as a stellar example of historical romance done right, or even a work of great fiction. It's like a packet of Skittles - tasty, nice to snack on, but not something you'd go back to again and again, like you might do with something more substantial.
Harvey, Alexa's love interest, was also... Dislikeable. So, I really didn't enjoy their romance, and I didn't see why their love for each other was justified. For one thing, he's quite a few years older, and he seems almost obsessed with her. As well as this, both Harvey and Alexa are actually despicable to a girl that's also interested in Harvey, and she's then portrayed as a villain, especially for her part in the ending of the story. Just, no. I'd rather not read two people's blatant disregard for another person in such a romanticised way.
Overall, I gave this two stars out of five - for good writing, Rebecca vibes and a decent overall plot, but horrible characters and a romance with no foundations.
March 16, 2018
I found this to be a good escapist read. There are numerous family secrets which we learn of along the way - I felt quite keen on the main character, Alexa, who is someone I found easy to feels sorry for at times, due to the situations she finds herself in. I have to say it isn't the most uplifting of reads - there are some sad plot aspects but I actually found that kept me reading, as I wanted to see what else would happen and, perhaps moreso, how Alexa would react and how she would rebel against her family issues in her own way. Its fair to say (as you may have guessed) its not your usual/stereotypical romantic novel as such. It does feature some romance but it is also darker in tone and its more about identity overall I think.
I liked the descriptions of the areas in the book - its quite descriptive, enough so as I could imagine the scenes I was reading but not too much, in as much as it didn't take multiple pages to describe scenes, which I can find off putting. I found myself feeling intrigued to discover her families secrets and there were some unforseen plot twists, which I enjoyed. There were also a good range of characters. I don't really like sappy sentimental style reads but I did enjoy reading this.
I liked the descriptions of the areas in the book - its quite descriptive, enough so as I could imagine the scenes I was reading but not too much, in as much as it didn't take multiple pages to describe scenes, which I can find off putting. I found myself feeling intrigued to discover her families secrets and there were some unforseen plot twists, which I enjoyed. There were also a good range of characters. I don't really like sappy sentimental style reads but I did enjoy reading this.
March 15, 2018
I did like parts of this but it just didn't work for me. I really enjoyed the first half of it and really felt for Alexa but the second half wasn't as great in my opinion. I didn't enjoy the romance which was actually because of the prologue and what he says to her. "Don't make me fool, Alexa" is what he says and it REALLY irritated me. It meant that even from his earliest interactions with Alexa, I didn't like him and sadly I just didn't like him as a character. His actions just really annoyed me.
The writing was wonderful and I really enjoyed the setting and I really felt for Alexa which was great but what let this book down for me was the other characters. Especially, her father and stepmother whom I felt like were shown extremely differently in the first and second half. It just didn't work for me. The secrets that were at the heart of her family and had been hidden for years weren't also that great in my opinion. Also, I get why it's called The First Dance but don't really feel like the title fits the story.
Overall, I did like parts of this but it just didn't work for me.
The writing was wonderful and I really enjoyed the setting and I really felt for Alexa which was great but what let this book down for me was the other characters. Especially, her father and stepmother whom I felt like were shown extremely differently in the first and second half. It just didn't work for me. The secrets that were at the heart of her family and had been hidden for years weren't also that great in my opinion. Also, I get why it's called The First Dance but don't really feel like the title fits the story.
Overall, I did like parts of this but it just didn't work for me.
March 19, 2018
This is the perfect Sunday read - not too taxing but a satisfying tale that doesn't take the easy option of ending on the perfect happy ever after finale.
Alexa has an idyllic life in Cornwall. Fabulous home, family and the perfect best friend in the form of the boy next door, Harvey.
The only fly in the ointment is that her mother is estranged from Alexa's Nonna and subsequently dies without healing the rift.
This begins a period of major confusion. Alexa is sent away to school and her father quickly remarries and suddenly she has a step sister on the way.
Her teacher plants the idea of striking out and having her own adventure and when Harvey proposes on her 18th birthday she refuses and she heads to London as a lady's companion.
Via Venice, heartbreak, reconciliation with her Nonna and near death she finds herself back at home and realises that her greatest adventure was right under her nose the whole time and that marrying Harvey would make her complete.
Fans of the perfect happy ever after may not like the ending but I think a touch of the unexpected makes for a more realistic and satisfying read.
Alexa has an idyllic life in Cornwall. Fabulous home, family and the perfect best friend in the form of the boy next door, Harvey.
The only fly in the ointment is that her mother is estranged from Alexa's Nonna and subsequently dies without healing the rift.
This begins a period of major confusion. Alexa is sent away to school and her father quickly remarries and suddenly she has a step sister on the way.
Her teacher plants the idea of striking out and having her own adventure and when Harvey proposes on her 18th birthday she refuses and she heads to London as a lady's companion.
Via Venice, heartbreak, reconciliation with her Nonna and near death she finds herself back at home and realises that her greatest adventure was right under her nose the whole time and that marrying Harvey would make her complete.
Fans of the perfect happy ever after may not like the ending but I think a touch of the unexpected makes for a more realistic and satisfying read.
August 5, 2017
I had no idea what to expect from this book. I received it via Netgalley to read in return for a review. The cover looked interesting and the short blurb on the back made it sound like a historical romance. I found this one to be rather depressing and often really difficult to wade through. It was a little difficult to believe that a 16 year old boy would be "in love" with an 11 year old. Sure they were neighbors but really the age difference would have been very pronounced at that young ages. It wouldn't have been a problem once we get to the grown up ages. Anyway. I know this is billed as mysterious and romantic, I found it to be just a tale of a girl who makes some really bad choices and has to suffer the consequences. I didn't like Guy Moreland from the get go and knew he was trouble. I hated what she chose to do to avoid scandal and felt like Harvey was far too weak to really be a dashing hero.
The story isn't bad, it just wasn't for me. There was no language and no explicit romance which was appreciated, but lacked morals and a happy ending.
The story isn't bad, it just wasn't for me. There was no language and no explicit romance which was appreciated, but lacked morals and a happy ending.
December 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was different to what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it anyway.
We go back and forth between different time periods in Alexa's life - from her as a young girl, to her as a young woman, and finally ending with her later on in life. After rejecting the proposal of her childhood best friend, Harvey, on her eighteenth birthday, Alexa runs away to become a companion to an older lady. She is searching for love and family, but does not realise exactly what that means until it is almost too late, when her search for both of these things brings her back to her home of Porthdeen, Cornwall.
I loved the three generations ideal that was woven throughout this story, and I also liked how we were able to follow Alexa as she travelled from Cornwall to Venice in order to find her grandmother and learn more about herself. I liked the ending of this book too, since it went full-circle and we end up almost where we started. There's something quite pleasing about that. I would definitely recommend this book - it was a really lovely read.
We go back and forth between different time periods in Alexa's life - from her as a young girl, to her as a young woman, and finally ending with her later on in life. After rejecting the proposal of her childhood best friend, Harvey, on her eighteenth birthday, Alexa runs away to become a companion to an older lady. She is searching for love and family, but does not realise exactly what that means until it is almost too late, when her search for both of these things brings her back to her home of Porthdeen, Cornwall.
I loved the three generations ideal that was woven throughout this story, and I also liked how we were able to follow Alexa as she travelled from Cornwall to Venice in order to find her grandmother and learn more about herself. I liked the ending of this book too, since it went full-circle and we end up almost where we started. There's something quite pleasing about that. I would definitely recommend this book - it was a really lovely read.
March 27, 2018
I liked this book. Set in Cornwall during a beautiful time period, and as always theres that little spark between two childhood best friends. Certainly the book didn't shy away from the harder aspects of life, such as suffering, grief and death. It renders Alexa's various relationships truthfully, building up that connection between her and the readers that the book relies on when times get harder for her. Don't worry, I won't spoil anything. But I will say that for all this, this promising start, I was also a little disappointed. By about halfway I was getting frustrating with the character, thinking that the book was dragging on for a bit all because of the main characters stupidity and blindness, and the ending didn't please me one book. I ended up closing the book after the last page feeling irritated that I'd stuck with it all along just for it to end like that. That said, I'm sure there will be many people out there that love the ending just as much as I loved the beginning, and so I would still consider this book worth a read.
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March 27, 2021I am a huge romance novel lover, but I don't know about this one yet it seems good but I'm not infatuated with the storyline as much as I would love to be. I want it to have the butterflies you get when reading it but maybe I just need more? Maybe the storyline has not moved on to that part yet and I need more time but I want books like this to give it to me straightaway when the characters are introduced it keeps me reading and want it more.
This is all I have to say for this review but in order to submit I need 700 characters. So I will tell you what is on my mind right now. I have a ton of assignments that need to be submitted and it is giving me anxiety! But you know when you have anxiety because you have a lot of work to do but because there's so much you don't know where to start and you can't concentrate because you have anxiety. HAHA that is literally me right now. I am literally the world's worst procrastinator. :(
This is all I have to say for this review but in order to submit I need 700 characters. So I will tell you what is on my mind right now. I have a ton of assignments that need to be submitted and it is giving me anxiety! But you know when you have anxiety because you have a lot of work to do but because there's so much you don't know where to start and you can't concentrate because you have anxiety. HAHA that is literally me right now. I am literally the world's worst procrastinator. :(
April 30, 2021
i found this book very beautifully written and i love historical romances and i just fell in love with this book! it’s so amazingly written, the relationship between alexa and harvey is so cute! i liked how it foreshadowed from years before! i liked how the author showed times from when alexa’s mother was still alive it seems like the bond between alexa and her mom is very strong. this story is beyond amazing and it’s a book i cannot put down! some historical romance book are very boring and just uninteresting, but this historical romance is very interesting and lively! the author did a great job making this story! alexa gives off a sort of free vibe like she’s very free, when harvey told her to go home and to not make her mad, she didn’t and watched him go home. i like alexa because she kind of does what she wants and i admire that about her! i admire that harvey is very protective over alexa, he’s always with her watching her. overall this is an amazing and interesting book!
March 25, 2018
Alexa is growing up on the Cornish coast. Harvey, her five years older friend, lives nearby and is the only friend she needs. However there are many problems in her family life it is revealed. Her life is not as idyllic as it originally seemed.
She knows nothing of her maternal grandmother until Alexa turns 12 and is taken to meet her. As any child would be, Alexa is excited but things take a turn when she says something that leads to them returning home with the estrangement even greater than before.
Her mother dies leaving her blaming herself and moving to boarding school while her father remarries. She meets a teacher who changes her outlook on life and she takes control. She takes a job and plans to leave as soon as she turns 18. Her plans are faltered when Harry proposes.
Such an interesting story but easy read to curl up with and become immersed in.
She knows nothing of her maternal grandmother until Alexa turns 12 and is taken to meet her. As any child would be, Alexa is excited but things take a turn when she says something that leads to them returning home with the estrangement even greater than before.
Her mother dies leaving her blaming herself and moving to boarding school while her father remarries. She meets a teacher who changes her outlook on life and she takes control. She takes a job and plans to leave as soon as she turns 18. Her plans are faltered when Harry proposes.
Such an interesting story but easy read to curl up with and become immersed in.
March 6, 2021
Something was missing from this novel; it just didn't feel complete. The start was so evocative and just made me want to savour the whole book. The 3 generations of women was a very interesting idea, poorly executed.
I felt as though it could've maybe developed more in terms of characterisation. The story did not go into depth about each character's personality.
The plot was let down by the poor characterisation as it was very well executed on its own. A heart-sweeping tale of the early twentieth-century following a woman from the early years on the brink of womanhood through to the very end, almost like a biography.
However, the story did not concern itself with the social and political unrest, the social commentary of the 1930s which I had expected it to do especially at such a time like that. The perspective of one character was not broad and it needed a little bit of spice!
I felt as though it could've maybe developed more in terms of characterisation. The story did not go into depth about each character's personality.
The plot was let down by the poor characterisation as it was very well executed on its own. A heart-sweeping tale of the early twentieth-century following a woman from the early years on the brink of womanhood through to the very end, almost like a biography.
However, the story did not concern itself with the social and political unrest, the social commentary of the 1930s which I had expected it to do especially at such a time like that. The perspective of one character was not broad and it needed a little bit of spice!
November 5, 2017
1924 the war is over and life seems full of promise for little Alexa. Much loved but sadness is to follow. Her mother dies unexpectedly and her father finds a step mother very quickly. Life changes for Alexa in many ways and she knows she must get away to establish a life of her own.
The vagaries of life and the challenges Alexa faces whilst away from her beloved home and father are many. She does come to grips with her life in the end but it is a struggle throughout.
The overall tone of sadness was prevalent throughout the book and though described as a historical fiction with romance it was too sad to be of much happiness to the reader.
I found it difficult to read especially because of the sadness.
The vagaries of life and the challenges Alexa faces whilst away from her beloved home and father are many. She does come to grips with her life in the end but it is a struggle throughout.
The overall tone of sadness was prevalent throughout the book and though described as a historical fiction with romance it was too sad to be of much happiness to the reader.
I found it difficult to read especially because of the sadness.
September 28, 2020
Alexa is eleven and finds out that something is being hidden in her family history.When she decides to live in venice years later, fate will make sure that she finds out what has been hidden for so long. Many families have secrets and the consequences are sometimes too hard or difficult to overcome. Well written, seems to be an interesting story about family and life secrets that can shake ones core for the better or the worst.
Alexa has an important role in all this narrative and will be the character to follow with keen interest and curiosity.
This is my first book by this author, looks a good and compelling book, with a good level of detail, so for all these reasons it will get four stars from me.
Alexa has an important role in all this narrative and will be the character to follow with keen interest and curiosity.
This is my first book by this author, looks a good and compelling book, with a good level of detail, so for all these reasons it will get four stars from me.
January 23, 2021
This isnt one I would normally pick up and I struggled to get into it in the beginning but I could not put it down to finish it today.
The actual story was really emotional and there was no happy ending but I actually really liked that. Every character was flawed and I think it's weird how this was such an negative story but so beautifully written that it made it really good.
I love historical and costume fiction both in tv and books and I liked that this had a set place in history but wasnt based on a specific person, event or time. I wanted to compare it to Bridgerton but its really nothing like it.
If your looking for something a bit deeper and for a good cry I would definitely recommend this book
The actual story was really emotional and there was no happy ending but I actually really liked that. Every character was flawed and I think it's weird how this was such an negative story but so beautifully written that it made it really good.
I love historical and costume fiction both in tv and books and I liked that this had a set place in history but wasnt based on a specific person, event or time. I wanted to compare it to Bridgerton but its really nothing like it.
If your looking for something a bit deeper and for a good cry I would definitely recommend this book
July 19, 2025
The year is 1924 and Alexa has a charmed life growing up with her best friend Harvey on the Cornish coast.
But when her mother dies suddenly when she is eleven her world is shattered and she soon finds her life is not all it seems as dark secrets loom.
Now it's 1931 and after a disastrously birthday party Alexa leaves Cornwall to live in London and then travel to Venice looking for answers to unravel her family's past.
But is she looking too hard when family, love and security could so easily be in front of her?
A tempestuous tale of heartbreak and family drama.
A great period read.
But when her mother dies suddenly when she is eleven her world is shattered and she soon finds her life is not all it seems as dark secrets loom.
Now it's 1931 and after a disastrously birthday party Alexa leaves Cornwall to live in London and then travel to Venice looking for answers to unravel her family's past.
But is she looking too hard when family, love and security could so easily be in front of her?
A tempestuous tale of heartbreak and family drama.
A great period read.
August 26, 2018
An interesting story set in my beloved Cornwall, London and Venice. And yes it is yet another inter war period piece although strangely the war doesn't feature in this tale. Instead this is very much a woman's story focusing on the female line of a half Venetian woman as she grows. It is rich in period detail, in the manners and class of the time but has some modern thinking and experiences to throw in a curl ball to the plot. A good beach read for those with a brain.
Toast
Toast
December 5, 2018
An echo of Kate Morton books-
Nevertheless an interesting historical romance, it was sweeping, engaging and touching. But ‘Alexa’ what’s that name all about- I kept thinking of the ask Alexa feature.
Interwar Europe was never so romantic, but sad and moving. It’s addictive reading, you want to know more.
That to me is a successful book- it transports you into the world of a person different from you- I found I needed the escape and this provided in spades. An easy beach read.
Nevertheless an interesting historical romance, it was sweeping, engaging and touching. But ‘Alexa’ what’s that name all about- I kept thinking of the ask Alexa feature.
Interwar Europe was never so romantic, but sad and moving. It’s addictive reading, you want to know more.
That to me is a successful book- it transports you into the world of a person different from you- I found I needed the escape and this provided in spades. An easy beach read.
April 1, 2018
Good. Enjoyed following the characters story down the years. Also the settings were as real as if I was sitting reading in them. The plot was well written and thought out. Thank you Reader's First for the free copy.
August 6, 2017
Thanks Bonnier Zaffre and netgalley for this ARC.
You'll be smitten and not be able to put this one away. I went thru the gauntlet with this one. Love every minute.
You'll be smitten and not be able to put this one away. I went thru the gauntlet with this one. Love every minute.
February 25, 2018
An enjoyable story great for fans of Judith Lennox and Katherine Webb it is a little predictable at times but it is still worth reading.
April 14, 2018
An easy read but fairly predictable. So much is made of the Venice connection but it doesn’t really amount to anything. A good holiday read
April 29, 2018
Enjoyed this book and loved the Venice part.
July 7, 2018
I wanted to give this book 3.5 stars, nice story easy to follow, not gripping enough that I would read again but nice relaxing easy read
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