The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron - A Book Review

   

     Kristy Cambron provides us a wonderful glimpse into the backstory of circus life. In contrast to today’s view filtered through the words of animal rights activists and reports of charlatans among the circus community, Cambron shows us a group of people who cared deeply for one another and for the animals in their care. While not all relationships are perfect (why would a circus be any different than any other social group), we see a family-like unit form among the nomadic circus management and employees.

     The Ringmaster’s Wife is a story of transitions: transitions from what might be considered the ordinary to the extraordinary, from hiding behind masks and costumes to stepping out in the light, from self-doubt to self-assurance, and from self-centeredness to putting others first. Historical and fictional characters mingle together in this book, each taking root in the reader’s heart. Characters that live on long after the book is finished is Cambron’s trademark. As a matter of fact, I had difficulty getting into this book at first because my mind was still deep within her book A Sparrow in Terezin.

     While this book looks through a different lens than the popular film, The Greatest Showman, the close-knit relationships among those living the circus life and the theme of finding oneself is held in common. I would imagine fans of each will enjoy the other.  

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron - A Book Review

    

     A Sparrow in Terezin is the second book in Kristy Cambron’s Hidden Masterpiece series. It is just as wonderful as The Butterfly and the Violin, the first book in the series. Both novels are time split between current times and the Holocaust, and both are well developed with an intricate plot. I was much less familiar with the ghetto of Terezin than the death camp of Auschwitz, and was unaware that of the 15,000 children believed to have gone through Terezin, less than 100 ultimately survived the Holocaust. The passing of time, never makes the numbers associated with this time and these events in history less staggering.

     Sera James and William Hanover’s lives once again revolve around the history and mystery of art, and leads them back to a very special friend in Paris. This time their future as a married couple hangs in the balance. Their story intersects with that of Kaja Makovsky whose life in Prague, Paris and Terezin is told with a poignancy that will touch and hold the hearts of readers. Kaja’s courage, loyalty and dedication are memorable and inspiring. It is through her story that readers are guided to ponder God’s timing, and the peace and strength He provides as we weather life’s storms.

     I most highly recommend this book, this series, and this author to those who want to read fiction with depth. A lighthearted read, this is not. Rather it is a story that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.  

The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd - A Book Review

     

     I read a lot of historical fiction, but I cannot remember reading anything prior to The Weaver’s Daughter about the conflict of weavers and mill owners during the Industrial Revolution. While Ladd does not refer to the group of weavers in this book as Luddites, they use similar tactics, destroying textile machinery in an effort to protect their craft and their livelihood. Change is difficult, especially when change threatens one’s way of life. Not everyone views progress in the same way. Ladd does a very good job of placing readers in the emotionally charged conflict that divided communities and families. While one will likely not condone the weavers’ methods, it is still possible to understand why they felt driven to such lengths. With our acceptance of the constantly changing technology of the 21^st century, Ladd reminds us of the birth pains of what are now eagerly anticipated improvements in technology and manufacturing.

     Kate Dearborne is the daughter of one of the leading men of Amberdale’s cloth industry. While her brother has chosen to go to work for a local mill owner, Kate remains loyal to her father and his peers. That is, until she meets Henry Stockton, grandson of the Stockton Mill, and until the weavers cross a line into violent protests. Then Kate is forced into making very difficult decisions about loyalty and right and wrong. Henry too must make difficult choices between preserving his grandfather’s legacy and the right treatment of those working under his authority. He also must choose between his childhood sweetheart and the bold Miss Dearborne. The Weaver’s Daughter helps the reader to explore moral dilemmas, something we are often called to do in today’s landscape.

       I highly recommend The Weaver’s Daughter as an entertaining and thought provoking read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.   

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo - A Book Review

    

     The Pirate Bride is the second book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each book in this series, which tells the story of Mary Chapman, William Lytton and some that number among their descendants, is written by a different author. This story recounts the adventures of Maribel Cardoba, Mary and William Lytton’s great granddaughter. Maribel’s mother left the Colonies and her family to marry Spaniard, Antonio Cordoba. She soon realized that Cordoba was not a man of integrity, but fortunately his father was because she needed his support once Antonio kidnapped their daughter only to lose her at sea. Maribel, always one to romanticize adventure was thrilled to end up as an unlikely crew member about a privateer’s ship until she was once again lost at sea.

     Those of us who are avid readers will feel a kinship with Maribel whose favorite pastime is to get lost in a book in out of the way places. This book is one that will make one want to do just that. Maribel’s forthright nature makes her all the more endearing as does her ability to cheerfully adapt to her circumstances. Her refreshing honesty and spirit are not lost on the crew of the privateer’s ship or on its captain, resulting in relationships that stand the test of time and of hard times.

      Y’Barbo did a wonderful job of developing her characters, and of whisking her readers into the various settings within this story. My only concern was that the ending felt a bit rushed, as if Y’Barbo had spent a great deal of time developing her plot and all of a sudden realized she was running out of pages. That said, I would still recommend this well-researched book to friends and family who love historical fiction and quirky characters.  I thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Pirate Bride in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation.