Friday, June 10, 2016

"The Ringmaster's Wife" by Kristy Cambron ... and a GIVEAWAY!


In celebration of her latest release, Kristy has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US Only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends June 17, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!



My Review...

Prepare to go behind the curtain of the Greatest Show on Earth with Cambron’s latest. As the daughter of an earl, Rosamund Easling has lived a comfortable life. However, things are about to change when she learns that her father plans to sell her prized horse to an American entertainer, John Ringling. Looking for a little adventure before the arranged marriage which awaits her, Roseamund decides to follow the horse to help with the transition. She soon discovers new plans for her own life as well. While in America, Rosamund meets Mable Ringling, whose story is unconventional, to say the least. The women find a connection, courtesy of their unconventional life choices, and a friendship develops along the way.

Cambron's fans will find this book to be quite a departure from her first two books, The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin, which had connections to World War II. Her latest focuses on the English countryside and America in the roaring 20s. The topic is a bit nontraditional in its magical setting. It does give a wonderful portrait of the real Mabel Ringling and the influence she had on others. The story develops over the course of many years, following both Rosamund and Mabel, and there is even a bit of mystery involved as both women bravely follow their dreams to pursue God’s purpose in their lives. The reader may wish there had been a bit more depth to Rosamund and Mable at times, particularly in comparison to the lead characters in Cambron’s first two books. However, both women are strong characters who add life to this tale. Cambron is a master storyteller and the reader will enjoy their journey behind the scenes of circus life, where they are transported courtesy of the author’s attention to the most minute details. The cover is the perfect complement to this story. A helpful historical timeline, places to visit, and books to read are included.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About Kristy...



Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the author of The Ringmaster's Wife, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10 and set for release on June 7, 2016 from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson). Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best lists and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel.

Kristy is a Speaker and Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com and holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.





a Rafflecopter giveaway

36 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great read. I can't wait to read it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is! She's a fabulous author :)

      Thanks for stopping by. Good luck!

      Delete
  2. I've been wanting to read this since Kristy started talking about the research she did for this book on her Facebook page. It was really cool seeing the pictures she took in Florida of the ringmasters home. I was so excited to see the cover because that is what first draws me to a book. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, Rebecca! The pictures about the research were so fun to see :) The cover is a perfect fit for the story, too.

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  3. Both,this looks like a great book and I would like to read it. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand, Carol. It's hard to pick just one!

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
  4. Both the description and cover interest me. This sounds like a good read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Joy! It is hard to choose just one. The cover is so beautiful and a perfect fit.

      Good luck!

      Delete
  5. This book sounds absolutely fascinating! I love historical fiction, but haven't read much that takes place in this time period. Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Jessica.

      I started reading historical fiction a couple years ago, and I don't recall reading stories in this time period either. I think you'll really enjoy it. Good luck!

      Delete
  6. Love that cover! Definitely interested in reading this. Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Laura. Yes, the cover is incredible :)

      Good luck!

      Delete
  7. The cover doesn't really drawn me in, but I've been following Kristy Cambron and her periodic updates on this books progress. It's so amazing to finally see it as a finished product.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Terrill, it certainly has been fun following Kristy's book journey :) Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  8. The cover and the title are very intriguing!

    Thanks for sharing an honest review. I sometimes get tired of reviews that are always all fluff=)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Patty, and you're very welcome. I like to give honest reviews so readers can make an informed decision about whether or not they want to spend their hard-earned money on a book.

      Thanks so much for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
  9. I love the cover.
    Thereadmaster@me.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Virginia, the cover is certainly a winner!

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  10. Sounds like quite an adventure!
    I would love to win this book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sure is, Megan. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck!

      Delete
  11. Would love to read more from this fantastic author!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All of her books are wonderful! I hope you get to check them out. Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  12. The cover catches the eye but the description clinches it. I want to read this book. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  13. The cover of this book caught my eye first and the story sounds really good, can't wait to read this book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly is an eye-catching cover! Good luck, and thanks for stopping by, Kimberly.

      Delete
  14. The picture drew me in.
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan,

      Thanks for stopping by my blog, Susan. It really is an attractive cover. Good luck!

      Delete
  15. I've been looking forward to this book for some time and while the cover is very appealing, the description is what would've drawn me in. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cyndi,

      I'm glad you stopped by to enter. There has been a lot of coverage for this book, and it's well deserved. Good luck!

      Delete
  16. Well, what appeals most is the author! However between description and cover, I'd say description. Can't wait to read this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! After reading her other books, I was certainly looking forward to this one :)

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  17. The description really appeals to me. I have never read a book with the circus in it. Our family has attended a circus for many decades. My mom's birthday landed during, or close to, the time the circus came to our town. It became our tradition to take mom, and go together as a family as part of her celebration. We were blessed to be able to attend one last time for her 92nd birthday last September. We didn't know it would be the last birthday we would celebrate with her. So the circus will always have a special place in our heart. Thanks for having this book. Becky

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becky,

      Oh, that's a wonderful tradition! I'm so happy you were able to celebrate your mom's last birthday with her that way. Thanks so much for sharing your special memory.

      Prior to this book, I'd never read a book pertaining to the circus either. I really think you'll enjoy this one.

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  18. Both the description and cover appeal to me! I've not read any fiction about the circus so it certainly would be a nice change of pace. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trixi,

      You're very welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

      I've never read anything about the circus either, so it was a nice change for me, too.

      Good luck!

      Delete