This is a historical romance by Austrian-born, English author Eva Ibbotson, set in England and Brazil in the 1910s.

Harriet Morton is the daughter of a rather stuffy Cambridge professor, promised in marriage to an even more stuffy academic Edward Finch-Dutton who specialises in the study of fleas. Harriet takes up an opportunity to escape her father’s restrictive plans for her and joins a ballet company performing in Brazil in 1912. Here she meets the handsome and wealthy colonialist Rom and has a series of adventures, including reluctantly agreeing to dance her way out of a cake.

I found this a light-hearted adventure with a fairy-tale feel to it and a gentle humour. Unfortunately, I only realised after finishing that I had listened to the abridged audio-version, so I don’t feel entirely able to discuss plot flaws that others have raised. Sadly, nor do I feel inclined to go back and read the full version. It seemed a pleasant enough tale to me. ( )

This is a comfort food book. It may be ridiculous, but it always makes me smile. ( )

I got this recommendation from Stephenie Meyer's website, and I really loved this book. It is my favorite YA book by her. The descriptions of Brazil during the early 1900's are so vivid. The characters are interesting and complex, and I love a good (light) romance. Love it! ( )

Harriet Morton, raised by a strict father and parsimonious aunt, has only one joy left: her weekly dancing lessons. When a friend of her ballet instructor offers her a place in a touring troupe, Harriet longs to accept, but of course, her family absolutely forbids it. When Harriet runs away, she is transported into the world of dance, set against the lush backdrop of South America. While performing at the Manaus Opera House, she meets Rom Verney, an English expatriate and patron of the arts, and is drawn to him immediately. The two are overwhelmed with love for each other, but Harriet always knows that it will end -- after all, that's what happens to ballet dancers with wealthy lovers...

This is an old comfort read for me. I really enjoy the characters Ibbotson writes, and the scenarios she puts them in (there's a certain cake scene that's not to be missed). This book does make use of the "if they would only talk to each other" trope, but it does it in a self-deprecating way, with the characters acknowledging that it's a thing. This isn't my favorite of Ibbotson's romances, but it's still a highly enjoyable read. ( )

A little more serious than Ibbotson's usual lighthearted farces. The Baddies more unpleasant and unredeemable, the situations darker, but still enrapturing and delightful. ( )