Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

Synopsis:  High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm. - Goodreads

Romantic Quote:  His hands were enlaced in my sister's long hair as he strained her slight form against him, white on black.  Their eyes were closed; their lips clung; they were lost in each other. 

My Thoughts:  Ooh, I get goose bumps just thinking about that kiss.  I enjoyed this book a lot. The prose was enthralling and whimsical. The romance heartbreakingly beautiful and satisfying.  I chose to read this book for research because it takes place in a Slavic culture and that's what my book is based in, but I found that I was too engrossed in the story to be able to study it properly.  I guess I'll have to read it again.  My only problem with the book is I felt the male love interest was not as strong as I wanted him to be. He was too boyish and I like men. It's YA though so it's probably just right for that age.  This is a wonderfully different retelling of the fairytale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses."  I read Jessica Day George's "Princess of the Midnight Ball" recently, which I enjoyed, but this version seems deeper and richer.