Friday, July 31, 2020

The Ringmaster's Daughter by Carly Schabowski



The story follows Michel, a young, handsome, poor man who lives in Paris, just at the beginning of the German invasion in Europe. Michel has some good friends, especially an older man named Bertrand who has basically raised him. Bertrand tricks Michel and has him jump on a train that turns out to be a small circus train. They have some rough bumps, but Michel ends up working for them and falling for the ringmaster's woman. It isn't until much alter that he learns who she is.  Europe has been unsafe for Jews for years and the circus people know it well. But they're smart and have good friends who are able to help them for awhile. The ringmaster takes care of everyone in the troupe, watching out for their survival. They are all misfits. As is typical in carnival life, relationships are complicated. It's interesting to see this play out - the story doesn't always go as expected. During this horrible time and place in history, relationships are what really mean everything. Sad and yet encouraging. Good read.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  #TheRingmastersDaughter #NetGalley

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Thursday, July 30, 2020

A Bride's Journey to the Colorado Territory


I love a wagon train story. Cornelia and Raymond came over on a ship from Prussia, planning on going to gold country with a wagon train. They planned on making enough money to send for their parents. They met Jake and formed a partnership. At least Raymond did. He tended to tell Cornelia what to do, which was making her more angry all the time. The trip would take a long time, and there would be people to meet and hopefully for her to form friendships with. Nora is the same age as Cornelia, and is also unmarried. But her father treated her much differently, complaining she was baggage to be rid of. An interesting story of young people from different backgrounds, yet the same, learning how to live and be themselves, while on a journey that is always dangerous and not everyone survives. Strong women, standing up for themselves. Good Christian lessons. Looking forward to the next book!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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