About the Book

Book: High-Wire Heartbreak

Author: Anna Schmidt

Genre: Christian/Romance/History

Release date: January 1, 2022

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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About the Author

AnnaSchmidt2 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

MY REVIEW

This book has been so good that I really did not want it to end. I love time slip stories where we get to travel backwards in time. The author does an excellent job of connecting the two time periods together. When we travel back to the past we are in the midst of a famous circus. I was mesmerized by the dangerous trapeze act that Lucinda was a part of. Her performance drew crowds in and they gasped as she flew through the air. But behind the scenes was a drama playing out. Lucinda is in love with someone who can only be described as a scoundrel. The tale weaves throughout history where secrets abound.

As we travel to the present we are introduced to Chloe. She is a famous writer who has come to Ca’d’Zan where the past will expose family secrets. She is determined to find out what happened to her great grandmother. I was fascinated by the beauty of the museum and all its hidden treasures waiting to be found. It was very ingenious of the author to have Chloe’s grandmother be a part of the story where she finally finds closure to her past. The clever hints that Chloe discovers brings us excitement as she puts the pieces together.

My favorite part of the story was following Lucinda as she picks up the pieces of her shattered life when someone accuses her of a crime. My heart was heavy as she tried to prove her innocence. When a baby becomes part of her story I desperately wanted her to find happiness. It was easy to connect with her character because she was vulnerable and felt alone. Will anyone come to her aide? Can she prove that her accuser is hiding something?

When Chloe is able to find the last clue to the past, the two worlds collide with truth and justice. This is truly a well written story that illustrates forgiveness, hope and truth that allows the past to find peace.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.