About the Book
An ounce of courage.
A leap of faith.
Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life—one that’s reimagined from what they might have become.
In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confi nes of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World’s Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny—a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.
A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling boards a ship to America as a last adventure before her arranged marriage. There, the twenties are roaring, and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.
When Rosamund’s path crosses with Mable’s and the Ringlings’ glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, choosing instead the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brothers’ circus.
A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster’s Wife will escort readers into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the Greatest Show on Earth!
My Review
I have to admit, when I read the information about this book I was unsure if it was the book for me, as it is not the typical storyline or type of book I usually read. Boy am I glad I decided to give it a try, as I absolutely loved it. Kristy’s writing is so pleasant to read. Her descriptions are so lively and divine, and the conversations happened in just the right amount. I don’t like a book that has too much or too little dialogue. It can make the storyline boring, or make me want to skip to the end. This was the perfect balance.
I’m not sure who’s storyline I enjoyed the most. I loved reading about Mable and how she came to know John Ringling. It was like I was back in my childhood dreaming about finding a prince to take me out of my poor status. She gave hope to the readers, and never strayed from her thoughts or beliefs, and I think that is what John loved about her the most. But I also liked watching Rosamund grow into this beautiful woman. It just have been so scary for her to leave her family as she did, but she barely showed her fear. I kept waiting for the moment that her relationship with Colin would take that next step, hungering for more from them.
Overall I thought this book was outstanding. The writing, the scenes, the characters and the dialogue were all intertwined perfectly. I highly recommend, even if you think this is a little out of your comfort zone!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review which I have given.