TRIXI'S REVIEW:
This was a fascinating look inside the workings of a traveling circus! From the people who erected the many colorful tents, cooked food, mended costumes to the performers themselves. It’s like one big family where each person has a place and purpose and serves in the capacity of making magic happen for crowds in the various towns they stop at. I really enjoyed the glimpse into a world I had no idea about!
Francis is a roustabout, or man of many trades, when it comes to working in for Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. He does anything from grunt work, to making sure things run smoothly and efficiently. With war going on, he is unable to enlist due to an eye condition. But it doesn’t stop him from doing what he’s come to love, and that is working for the circus. He meets Lily along the way and that’s where this story takes a fun twist. She’s running from a family that took her in years ago from the orphan train, but it has never felt like “home”. Her only goal is to find her birth mother and a place she can finally feel like she belongs.
I really enjoyed watching life play out for these two. There are many ups and downs and the author does an excellent job in bringing these characters alive in my mind. There’s also a good many number of historical events that happened and I loved learning about these.
This is my first book by Naomi Musch, but certainly not my last! She has a way of naturally incorporating faith and involving my heart in every aspect of this story. A wonderful novel filled with history, faith, a satisfying happily-ever-after, and many characters to come to love! Another great addition to the Enduring Hope stand-alone series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *
PAULA'S REVIEW:
I learned a lot about circus trains and life under the big top. This story was heartfelt and informative. I did not know about the tragic events of 1918 in Indiana, but Ms. Musch told a compelling story about the circumstances through her fictional Lily and Francis. Also incorporated were an orphan train connection and information about a rare eye condition.
The characters brought the story to life especially sweet Susie, a child left parentless, who Lily took to her heart.
Lily was a young lady who did not let adversity get her down. Francis was brave even though his eyesight limited his ability to do certain jobs and disqualified him from serving in wartime. They were both determined to survive with the help of God and the people He sent to help them.
This was an exceptional addition to the Barbour series Enduring Hope.
*A complimentary print copy of this book was provided by Barbour and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread.
BackCover Blurb:
Past and Present Collide on the Railway
When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.
Lily Mae Dodge flees Wyoming by night to find her mother, who sent her west on an orphan train ten years ago. After she's arrested in Chicago, help comes from a man with a rare vision impairment whom she only just met on a train. Francis Basnett is a roustabout for the famous Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, where he helps Lily gain employment. Their friendship grows into more, and it seems Lily is closer than ever to finding her mother. . .until the night a rogue troop train slams into the stalled circus train, killing dozens and splintering hope.
More from the Enduring Hope Series:
The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey
The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn
The Caregiver at Wounded Knee by Debby Lee
