The Ringmaster's Wife

"We only see what we want to see - in people, in love, and in life. What we see is a choice, as is what we offer the world in return. And it's only behind the costumes and the masks that we can be who we truly are." ~ Mable Ringling

I am completely blown away by a story within a story based on historical facts of the life of Mable and John Ringling in Kristy Cambron's latest novel, "The Ringmaster's Wife." It will be forever a part of my permanent library and one that will long be forever inscribed in my heart as an all-time, will read again and again novel. Brilliant in its execution into taking readers not only in the behind the scenes of the Ringling Bros. circus but more than that to the very lives of the couple that while unable to have any children themselves made sure to entertain and capture the very imagination and essence of children everywhere if only for a brief moment in time.

While John Ringling came from a affluent lifestyle building up his circus enterprise, he fell in love with a small farm town girl he met while visiting Chicago one day. Mable was filled with the hopeful dreams that one day life just might offer her more than what others believed she would end up with. Never too far from her was a cigar box filled with newspaper clippings that housed a world that Mable hoped might one day come true, and if determination was any indicator, she would fulfill them all. When she caught the attention of John, she never imagined her life would ever be the same, and the details she saw that no one else did would forever change the lives of the family that would become part of the Ringling world.

For Lady Rosamund Easling, life was all about choices and the perfect match. Being paired with just the right man was something her parents sought after in an attempt to keep the Easling estate from falling into ruin, and they had just the perfect man in mind. However because Rosamund refused to give up her childish notions of spending the afternoons riding her black Arabian Ingènue bareback as a tribute of sorts to the brother Hendrick she lost when the war took him away. Her family insisted on selling her horse without her permission in order to make her focus on her future, but in Rosamund's mind it was already settled. Thankfully she was given an opportunity to follow her horse to America and ensure that he was properly cared for by Colin Keary, but Colin has other plans of his own in mind.

He knows that in order for a circus to stay successful one must always find ways of packing the Big Top and if witnessing Rosamund talents in the field one day when she thought no one was watching was an indicator, he has just found Ringling's new top star! Now if he can only find a way to convince her to come to America and leave behind the life of a well-to-do lady with a title he could never hope to gain. In fact, he would spend his entire life trying to make up for past mistakes in his life and he owed his future to the Ringling's. He would do everything to ensure they were always a success.

I received The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. I was simply captivated from the first three sentences of this novel, which I captured by the quote at the beginning of this review. It really does convey the persona's we all put on each and every day. The person we allow people to see and the person we are inside. What child hasn't wanted to run away at some point to join the circus and gain a sense of what really goes on in the Big Top. I absolutely LOVE the historical details that Kristy captured in the Ringling's home in Sarasota and hope to add this to my bucket list to see this year hopefully! This one was over way too soon and I know deep in my heart, Kristy has managed to entertain the notion in my heart that "faith that when one has no control, there is One who does." 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and even comes with Discussion Questions at the conclusion. Can't wait to reread this one again!

For more information about The Ringmaster's Wife, Kristy Cambron or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron

You can find Kristy Cambron on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more review on The Ringmaster's Wife, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

The Hatmaker's Heart

For fans of Downton Abbey and Mr. Selfridge, you will absolutely adore the latest novel from best selling author, Carla Stewart, The Hatmaker's Heart! With extraordinary talent and coming from a wealthy family background in London, milliner Nell Marchwold is making a name for herself with her unique and sought after hats under the Oscar Field's brand. Hoping that one day she might have her very own label, she knows that patience will be required working as an assistant designer for Mr. Fielding. He seems pleased that her hats are flying off the shelves and buyers are increasing their demand for them in private consultations but realizes that Nell is a virtual goldmine to his millinery and without her, he would be penniless. He will do whatever it takes to ensure her permanent employment even if it means less than scrupulous management techniques to keep her there.

When a fashion designer spots Nell's uncanny talent, he offers her a chance of a lifetime to showcase her hats alongside his dress designs at a fashion show. Even though he wants to spotlight Nell's designs, Mr. Fields wants to ensure that these hats can be purchased at Oscar Field's Millinery and no where else. He seems a bit fearful to let Nell to gain any popularity for her hats but when a royal wedding in London requests hats to be designed by Nell, she will have to leave the comforts of New York City and head to London. Nell will have to face her long lost childhood friend, Quentin and hopes that she can find a place in his heart as more than a friend. Mr. Field's has other plans in store for the time Nell will be spending in London and that will have very little time for visiting with Quentin or even her ailing grandmother. Will Nell make the right decision or will she have to place her dreams on hold for love?

I received The Hatmaker's Heart by Carla Stewart compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. Being a fan of historical fashion, I loved Carla's attention to detail in capturing the very essence of New York City during the 1920's at the height of the jazz movement when styles were constantly changing. Nell's character undergoes quite the transformation from being a women with a beautiful talent that she can't appreciate because of a stammer she developed as a child. While she struggles to overcome adversity and find self acceptance both in the working world and as woman in the 20's, she has a longing for love and strong commitment to her family that will be tested in profound ways. This is a must read for those that love fashion, historical and romantic fiction! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for her next novel A Flying Affair to debut!

For more information about The Hatmaker's Heart, Carla Stewart or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Hatmaker's Heart by Carla Stewart

You can also find Carla Stewart on Facebook so you don't miss out on any of her novels.

To read more reviews on The Hatmaker's Heart and to check out the Jazzy giveaway that Carla is offering, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page.