It Happened at the Fair

Almost without fail, when it comes to Dee's books I know it's going to be a great story and straight to the permanent keeper shelf. She is one of those authors where you'd love to have both a physical and digital copy on hand to read it whenever and wherever. Right off the bat I was a fan of Cullen's and so annoyed and turned off by Wanda that I did not know what to expect. Surely this could not be! Yet off to the fair we go, unsure, uncertain and a little concerned. But wait... isn't that exactly what he was feeling? How does she do that!? It's another example of an author grabbing your attention and emotions and placing you firmly in the time (1893) and craftily creating a world that comes to life right off the page.Tangent here. I'm a genealogist and I love history. Christian Historical Fiction is my genre (hence: www.ChristianHistoricalFiction.com). One of the best parts about researching history for genealogy (family history) is seeing the remnants of buildings and life once lived. Being able to see pictures is just magical, for lack of a better word. This book is the epitome of why I love to read historical fiction. Bringing the characters and place to life and all throughout this novel we have picture after picture of location and people at the Chicago World's Fair. It's amazing to imagine and Dee really brings it to life.Years ago when I was first getting into Christian Historical Fiction, I discovered Carol Cox and her Fair to Remember series based on the World's Fair. Reading this one and seeing what I can see makes me want to go back and read it again. Then of course there is also another new one in the Avenue of Dreams Series by Olivia Newport. Reading them altogether and bringing a world alive! Oh and if you want to involve a younger child in the reading, you can pick up American Rebirth, a 4-in-1 collection that contains the story Emily Makes a Difference:A Time of Progress and Problems based also during, you guessed it, the Chicago World's Fair. What a fascinating setting and what's amazing with the amount of people that attended it's entirely possible that stories such as these occurred and more! [bc:Ticket to Tomorrow 960014 Ticket to Tomorrow (Fair to Remember #1) Carol Cox https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1179823663l/960014.SY75.jpg 944917][bc:Fair Game 935502 Fair Game (A Fair to Remember #2) Carol Cox https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1179601645l/935502.SY75.jpg 920486][bc:A Bride So Fair (Fair to Remember #3) 1975896 A Bride So Fair (A Fair to Remember #3) Carol Cox https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1266943257l/1975896.SY75.jpg 1979209][bc:The Pursuit of Lucy Banning 12933801 The Pursuit of Lucy Banning (Avenue of Dreams, #1) Olivia Newport https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347331225l/12933801.SY75.jpg 18089780][bc:The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow 14059909 The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow (Avenue of Dreams, #2) Olivia Newport https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1340918005l/14059909.SY75.jpg 19696413][bc:The Invention of Sarah Cummings 17384588 The Invention of Sarah Cummings (Avenue of Dreams, #3) Olivia Newport https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1375062706l/17384588.SY75.jpg 23983784][bc:American Rebirth: Civil War, National Recovery, and Prosperity 12751403 American Rebirth Civil War, National Recovery, and Prosperity (Sisters in Time, #13-16) Norma Jean Lutz https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328735247l/12751403.SX50.jpg 17892136][bc:Emily Makes a Difference: A Time of Progress and Problems 1959634 Emily Makes a Difference A Time of Progress and Problems JoAnn A. Grote https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344204023l/1959634.SX50.jpg 1962669]

I loved the history of reading about the Chicago World's Fair; it's not a period of American history often taught, thought, or written about, which I appreciated. The author's attention to detail, while not information dumping, is a great example for any historical fiction writer attempting to educate and entertain.

The inspirational aspect wasn't heavy-handed at all. In fact, it felt very natural, especially for the time period. God was brought up when the characters felt they needed Him, or were puzzling things through while asking for guidance.

My only critique was that neither the hero nor heroine were ever truly in danger themselves. The financial worries of the hero were a guilt-trip at most, and I never felt true pressure for the heroine.

All in all, a good read, and I'll be looking for more Deanne Gist soon.