Entwined by Heather Dixon

Entwined by Heather Dixon

Azalea is the oldest of twelve sisters, all princesses, each named for a letter of the alphabet.  Entwined begins on Christmas Eve, the day of Azalea's first ball and the day her youngest sister is born.  It is also the last night Azalea will speak to her mother as she dies during the night.  Before she dies, she makes Azalea promise to take care of her sisters and she gives her a special silver handkerchief.

The death of the Queen sends the whole household into a miserable period of mourning.  Dancing is not allowed.  Every one must wear black and the house is darkened, clocks stop ticking and the girls are forbidden to go outside.  Since dancing is their favorite adventure, they search for a way to dance.  The palace is a fortress of hidden magical places and Azalea finds a secret dancing pavilion which they enter through their fireplace.  The pavilion is guarded by a strange and handsome man whom they call the Keeper.  The Keeper is not what he seems and the girls are to trusting.

The Entwine is a style of dance also known as the Gentleman's Catch.  It is similar to a waltz and danced with a long sash or ribbon.  Each partner must hold the sash.  The object of the dance is for the gentleman to try to entwine the ribbon about the lady's wrists while she tries to evade capture.  Azalea excels at avoiding capture.

Entwined is the first ebook I bought for my Nook.  I was attracted by the beautiful cover design.   Little did I know, Entwined was a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.  I have never read The Twelve Dancing Princesses however, and enjoyed the book immensely.  Entwined appealed to my inner princess, my wish to dance all day with handsome men and whirl away the day with adventures in magical places.  Entwined gave me a chance to escape and to dance in my dreams.