IT HAPPENED AT THE FAIR by Deeanne Gist
A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.
The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?
FAIR PLAY by Deeanne Gist
Saddled with a man’s name, the captivating Billy Jack Tate makes no apologies for pursuing a man’s profession. As a lady doctor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, she is one step closer to having her very own medical practice--until she doctors an imposing man who threatens the fulfillment of her dream.
Hunter is one of the elite. A Texas Ranger and World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character, and skill. Hailed as the toughest man west of any place east, he has no patience for big cities and women who aspire to walk in a man's shoes.
But the abandoned baby Hunter discovers at the Fair finds him teaming up with the good doctor to give the foundling a better future than the slums of Chicago, where the children play on flea-infested, garbage-strewn streets. AS Billy and Hunter fight for the foundling's welfare, their hearts warm to the precious child--and to each other. Soon their concern grows to encompass the Nineteenth Ward's burgeoning population of street children. In the interest of fair play, Billy and Hunter let nothing stand in their way as they labor to build a park for them, birthing Chicago's first playground and a national movement that will sweep the nation.
But the Fair is coming to an end, posing impossible decisions for Billy and the man who has won her heart. Will they become a footnote in the Fair's history books, or will what they discovered in Chicago be longer lasting than the World's Exhibition
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"The glitter and excitement of the 1893 World's Fair—depicted in charming photographs interspersed with the text—is the colorful backdrop for Gist's novel, which pits a determined woman doctor and a Texas Ranger in a battle of wills that's brighter than any fairground fireworks. Gist delivers a lovely story brimming with touching emotions and carrying a message about love, commitment, and our duty to care for children that will resonate with readers." (Romantic Times (four stars))
"Gist seamlessly incorporates fascinating historical details about the 1893 World’s Fair and Chicago into Fair Play, which not only tugs at readers’ heartstrings but also shows how the seeds of the national playground movement were sown. Fans of both faith-based historical romance and historical fiction will be delighted with this entertaining addition to Christy Award–winning Gist’s World’s Fair trilogy." (Booklist)
"Fair Play charms the heart and warms the soul. Deeanne Gist is an absolute treasure!" (Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author)
“[I] laughed so hard at their first full scene together I cried my mascara off." (Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author of City of Jasmine)
"Gist's work is comical, sassy, and sweet." (Publishers Weekly)
"Gist's historical romances have increasingly gained popularity, combining witty dialog, well-balanced plots, and fully developed characters who seem almost real." (Library Journal)
DEEANNE GIST
Deeanne Gist -- known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee -- has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary love stories. Add to this four RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success.
She has a very active online community on her website at www.IWantHerBook.com and at www.facebook.com/DeesFriends.
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