 | In 1936–A party at the Ringling mansion Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida, leads to a robbery–and possibly death. A successful historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield comes to Ca’ d’Zan to research her next novel. Chloe’s fascination with the circus is rooted in family stories of her great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy, who reportedly was a trapeze artist of some renown. She’s heard hints of scandal—and perhaps larceny, but no details. Chloe’s grandmother—rumored to be Lucinda’s only offspring—was raised in an orphanage and never knew her mother. Intrigued as she is, Chloe has no intent of writing about Lucinda until she sees a poster featuring Lucinda as the star performer for a 70th birthday gala for John Ringling in May of 1936. From there the trail goes cold. Who was Lucinda and what happened to her? |
Genre: Christian/Romance/History
Release date: January 1, 2022
Release date: January 1, 2022
Click here to get your copy!
My Review
Can past secrets be the answers to the future?
The name of Ringling is synonymous with the circus and has been for decades. Even my own homestate has felt the touch of the Ringling family's hand with a now nearly non-existent town named for 'Mr. John'. Even though I never got to see them perform one can't help but feel the magic. Even if I wasn't already a Doors To The Past fan I still would have wanted to read High-Wire Heartbreak as soon as I saw the fascinating setting. I also love museums so this time-slip novel from Anna Schmidt was a double win in that arena.
I think my favorite thing about High-Wire Heartbreak is the setting. The detail to which Anna Schmidt went for both the historical and present threads was exquisite and Ca’ d’Zan pretty much became a character unto itself. As a museum lover who has been to Florida but not to Sarasota, it was almost like getting to explore the mansion myself.
This sixth book in the Doors To The Past series was an enjoyable for sure. It had a slightly different feel than the previous books in some ways and I appreciated that the author brought her own style to this series of time-slip mysteries. In case you wondered, each of the books can be read standalone and in any order you choose.
Surprisingly my favorite characters in High-Wire Heartbreak were the contemporary ones and I loved the insight into what the research and writing process can entail for a fictional historical fiction author. Anna Schmidt did a good job with her characters and her story and a marvelous job with the setting. You'll definitely want to add this book to your Doors To The Past collection...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt a 4 Bark rating.
The name of Ringling is synonymous with the circus and has been for decades. Even my own homestate has felt the touch of the Ringling family's hand with a now nearly non-existent town named for 'Mr. John'. Even though I never got to see them perform one can't help but feel the magic. Even if I wasn't already a Doors To The Past fan I still would have wanted to read High-Wire Heartbreak as soon as I saw the fascinating setting. I also love museums so this time-slip novel from Anna Schmidt was a double win in that arena.
I think my favorite thing about High-Wire Heartbreak is the setting. The detail to which Anna Schmidt went for both the historical and present threads was exquisite and Ca’ d’Zan pretty much became a character unto itself. As a museum lover who has been to Florida but not to Sarasota, it was almost like getting to explore the mansion myself.
This sixth book in the Doors To The Past series was an enjoyable for sure. It had a slightly different feel than the previous books in some ways and I appreciated that the author brought her own style to this series of time-slip mysteries. In case you wondered, each of the books can be read standalone and in any order you choose.
Surprisingly my favorite characters in High-Wire Heartbreak were the contemporary ones and I loved the insight into what the research and writing process can entail for a fictional historical fiction author. Anna Schmidt did a good job with her characters and her story and a marvelous job with the setting. You'll definitely want to add this book to your Doors To The Past collection...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
More from Anna
| It’s hard to split time living between Wisconsin and Sarasota Florida and NOT get caught up in the circus world! The Ringlings are icons in Sarasota where a LOT of things are named for them! But the five circus brothers got their start right here in Wisconsin. So, when the opportunity to create a story for DOORS TO THE PAST came my way, it was pretty much a no-brainer that I would go with John and Mable Ringling’s incredible home, Ca ‘d Zan as the setting. Then somehow, I stumbled on this picture: |  |
and I knew she was my character of Lucinda, the trapeze artist whose story would drive my novel. I hope you fall in love with her—and Chloe—as I did, and most of all I hope you’ll be in touch to let me know what you thought at http://booksbyanna.com.
HAPPY READING and all best wishes, Anna
HAPPY READING and all best wishes, Anna
 Anna Schmidt | Anna Schmidt is the author of over twenty works of fiction. Among her many honors, Anna is the recipient of Romantic Times’ Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the RITA award for romantic fiction. She enjoys gardening and collecting seashells at her winter home in Florida. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Anna is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon e-gift card and paper copy of the book!!
a $25 Amazon e-gift card and paper copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28
Rachael’s Inkwell, January 28
Austen’s Angle: Jane Austen’s Influence in Modern America, January 29
For Him and My Family, January 29
Rebecca Tews, January 29
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30
deb’s Book Review, January 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31
Wishful Endings, January 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31
Bizwings Blog, February 1
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 1
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, February 1
Older & Smarter?, February 2
Connie’s History Classroom, February 2
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 3 (Spotlight)
Bigreadersite, February 3
Blogging with Carol, February 3
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 4
Life of Literature, February 4
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5
Joannabair, February 5
Blossoms and Blessings, February 6
Pause for Tales, February 6
Labor Not in Vain, February 6
Splashes of Joy, February 7
Through the Fire Blogs, February 7
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