A mystery that will connect a family... High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt (Review & #Giveaway) #christfic #christianromance #splittime #dualtimeline @Celebrate_Lit

Welcome to my tour stop with Celebrate Lit! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

High-Wire Heartbreak

(Doors to the Past #1)

By Anna Schmidt

Christian Dual Timeline, Split Time Romance

Paperback & ebook, 259 Pages

January 1, 2022 by Barbour Publishing

Summary

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?

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My Review

HIGH-WIRE HEARTBREAK is a book that includes two stories, one set in the past and one set in the present. It's about a woman who disappeared and is tied to the main character in the present day who finds her writing turning more and more to her ancestor and less to the story she's to be writing. The story has great characters, a mystery, some sweet romance, an inspiring message and a nostalgic feel.

I found this story to be an engrossing read. I especially liked the heroine in the present day storyline. She was relatable and I found her search to solve the mystery of her ancestor quite engaging. I also liked her romantic interest and the historical details of the old house and circus. I did find one of the characters overly dramatic and some of her actions unrealistic, but otherwise enjoyed this part of the story. The storyline set historically was interesting and heartbreaking. I did get a bit frustrated with the heroine as she falls for a charming man and should have known better. However, I liked how others rallied around her and how everything turns out.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall enjoyable story. I'd recommend it to those who enjoy split time nostalgic mysteries with light romantic and inspirational elements.

Content: Some suggestive dialogue and an unwed mother, but would consider this clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

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.

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

Tour Schedule

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Remembrancy, January 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 25 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 26

For the Love of Literature, January 26

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 26

Genesis 5020, January 27

Texas Book-aholic, January 27

Inklings and notions, January 28

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

Tour-Wide 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!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

ENTER HERE

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