"A
hero never causes hurt; she only lessens it."
Title: The Illusionist's ApprenticeAuthor: Kristy Cambron
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Prepare to be amazed by THE ILLUSIONIST’S APPRENTICE. Wren Lockhart, the talented magician at the heart of Kristy Cambron’s spellbinding tale of Jazz Age Boston, is the fierce, brilliant, guarded headliner you’ve been waiting for. This novel will have your pulse pounding and your mind racing to keep up with reversals, betrayals and surprises from the first page to the last. Like her characters, Cambron works magic so compelling and persuasive, she deserves a standing ovation. –Greer Macallister, bestselling author of THE MAGICIAN’S LIE and GIRL IN DISGUISE.
Harry Houdini’s one-time apprentice holds fantastic secrets about the greatest illusionist in the world. But someone wants to claim them . . . or silence her before she can reveal them on her own.
Boston, 1926. Jenny “Wren” Lockhart is a bold eccentric—even for a female vaudevillian. As notorious for her inherited wealth and gentleman’s dress as she is for her unsavory upbringing in the back halls of a vaudeville theater, Wren lives in a world that challenges all manner of conventions.
In the months following Houdini’s death, Wren is drawn into a web of mystery surrounding a spiritualist by the name of Horace Stapleton, a man defamed by Houdini’s ardent debunking of fraudulent mystics in the years leading up to his death. But in a public illusion that goes terribly wrong, one man is dead and another stands charged with his murder. Though he’s known as one of her teacher’s greatest critics, Wren must decide to become the one thing she never wanted to be: Stapleton’s defender.
Forced to team up with the newly formed FBI, Wren races against time and an unknown enemy, all to prove the innocence of a hated man. In a world of illusion, of the vaudeville halls that showcase the flamboyant and the strange, Wren’s carefully constructed world threatens to collapse around her. Layered with mystery, illusion, and the artistry of the Jazz Age’s bygone vaudeville era, The Illusionist’s Apprentice is a journey through love and loss and the underpinnings of faith on each life’s stage.
Harry Houdini’s one-time apprentice holds fantastic secrets about the greatest illusionist in the world. But someone wants to claim them . . . or silence her before she can reveal them on her own.
Boston, 1926. Jenny “Wren” Lockhart is a bold eccentric—even for a female vaudevillian. As notorious for her inherited wealth and gentleman’s dress as she is for her unsavory upbringing in the back halls of a vaudeville theater, Wren lives in a world that challenges all manner of conventions.
In the months following Houdini’s death, Wren is drawn into a web of mystery surrounding a spiritualist by the name of Horace Stapleton, a man defamed by Houdini’s ardent debunking of fraudulent mystics in the years leading up to his death. But in a public illusion that goes terribly wrong, one man is dead and another stands charged with his murder. Though he’s known as one of her teacher’s greatest critics, Wren must decide to become the one thing she never wanted to be: Stapleton’s defender.
Forced to team up with the newly formed FBI, Wren races against time and an unknown enemy, all to prove the innocence of a hated man. In a world of illusion, of the vaudeville halls that showcase the flamboyant and the strange, Wren’s carefully constructed world threatens to collapse around her. Layered with mystery, illusion, and the artistry of the Jazz Age’s bygone vaudeville era, The Illusionist’s Apprentice is a journey through love and loss and the underpinnings of faith on each life’s stage.
Reading The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron takes you into the Jazz Age with pizzazz and vivacity. It speaks to the talent of the author when a reader feels like they've been brought into the world of the novel, and be fully immersed in its characters and plot. That is how one will feel with The Illusionist's Apprentice.
"You don't see it. No one does, really. I've become quite good at hiding who I am. . ."
Stunning is not an enough word to describe this book of illusion, of trickery and of suspense. We're compelled to turn the page, follow Wren, one of the most distinguished character I've read in a long time, and Agent Elliot to solve more questions than the murder case at hand. Wren is tenacious with a quiet strength that shines beyond the illumination and mystique of her profession. Elliot is determined and protective. Together, they may just find the faith necessary to see beyond the darkness of their past and present, and forge a future.
"For if there was darkness, that could only mean the presence of light was near enough to overcome it."
The romance is beautiful, the historical details extraordinary, and the message of self-discovery of faith, truth, forgiveness and the correlation of all of them, is undeniably the strength of this novel. The Illusionist's Apprentice brings more than a story, it engages us with our lives, tying in what is intrinsically relevant between our illusions and reality. And Sherlock Holmes fans won't miss the references!
"Whatever darkness there is, God's light shines brighter. It has to. He's the Hero in every story - especially this one."
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Please note, quotes were taken from an advance reader's copy, which is more a less an uncorrected proof. Please do not reuse these unless you've verified with the release copy. Thank you.
TO PURCHASE A COPY (To date, the paperback edition is on sale for $8.79 on Amazon & ChristianBook for a limited time only!)
TO CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
(1) Winner will win a copy of The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron.
US/Canada addresses only.a Rafflecopter giveaway
I have not had the pleasure of reading anything by this author, her books sounds great, love the time period.
ReplyDeleteO me too! So far, two out of two books I've read of hers and both on my favorite list for sure!
DeleteHope you get yo read, Lisa. It's one of my favorite time periods too! (P.S. Your profile pic is so cute!) ;)
DeleteI haven't read anything by this author but I love the roaring 20s and it sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThe roaring 20s sure are interesting! I've read a few last couple of months and just can't help but love this era.
DeleteLots of luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Annie ~ Thank You for the lovely review! It blesses me to come over and chat with your reader friends (Hi, Y'all!!! Waving!) about our mutual affection for Christian fiction. Love that there's a giveaway -- and from the thoughts here, I think you all might love Wren as much as I did in writing her story! Hugs to you, sisters!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristy! Aww thanks for stopping by and saying hello! Wren was amazing. She has such a presence that it's hard to not love. Thanks again!
DeleteI haven't read any of Kristy's books - yet! I have heard great things about them. I've seen this one on several blogs and am intrigued by it. I'd like to read it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I hope you'll get to read her books. Maybe request it at your local library?
DeleteAnd isn't the Just Commonly blog awesome?! I've been reading all of these comments (tons of them!) and it's such fun to connect with y'all here. And I 100% support local libraries. It's where I fell in love with story too!
DeleteI am currently reading the Ringmasters Wife. LOVE IT!! I was hoping to get to read this one. You can't imagine how excited I was to open my email today and see this giveaway! Would be awesome to win. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteLol. I get it! I'm like that too and I also LOVED The Ringmaster's Wife. On my year end top list!
DeleteI haven't read any books by the author yet.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth a try!
DeleteI haven't read any of Kristy's books but have heard rave reviews!
ReplyDeleteI do find the 1920s fascinating. There was a great change in culture and public perceptions at the time. It's an incredible part of America's history.
I agree. The 1920s suffrage movement also made great strides too! Always fun to read about the opportunities to females.
DeleteAgreed! It's a fascinating, complex time in our nation's history. I feel like we only got to chip away at the iceburg of what could be written about the topic. Many more books needed! ;)
DeleteThat's so funny that I wrote that! A bit has changed in just a week. I just read your Hidden Masterpiece series and really enjoyed them! 😊
Deletehahah. Karen! A week definitely can change a lot in the world of booklovers!!!
DeleteI've read The Ringmaster's Wife and loved it. It's not my favorite time period to read about but if the story is well written that makes all the difference!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Heidi! Not my favorite time period compared to say the Regency but when it's well written, totally great! Getting up there to my fave list for sure. Read some awesome ones in this period lately!
DeleteYou've posted this on Twitter, Heidi -- I've seen it each time and am very grateful!! ;)
DeleteI haven't read any of Kristy Cambron's books yet, but this one sounds quite intriguing! Definitely adding it to my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Anna. I hope you'll get the chance!
DeleteKristy is a new author to me and this book sounds like an amazing read. I like the 1920's time period and the Houdini tie in to the story. Can't wait to read.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great one for sure!
DeleteI haven't read anything by her yet. She's so much fun, though!! I love her personality and that she travels and does so much research in person. I don't find much written in this era, so I'm excited to give it a shot :)
ReplyDeleteO yea. The research and details are fabulous. That's how we can fully visualize her stories.
DeleteYou made me smile! So delighted that you liked our crazy travel adventures. Ha ha! ;)
DeleteI haven't read any of her books yet. I don't know too much about this time in history, but I love the music from this time.
ReplyDeleteMusic! How cool! Jazz age for sure!
DeleteYEEEEES! I listened to 1920s music while writing it. I've got the soundtrack in my heart now! ;)
DeleteI am reading the Butterfly and the Violin now. I'm amazed at the writing of the debut book! Would love to win another of her books.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Paula. I haven't read that one yet, but on my list. Have heard great things for sure!
DeleteI loved The Butterfly and the Violin. Kristy has become one of my favorite authors. Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteThanks Caryl. Good luck!
DeleteHi Caryl - I send you a virtual hug every time I see your name pop up on my social media sites. Thanks for championing Christian fiction!
DeleteI haven't read anything by Kristy Cambron yet, but I've heard great things about her! :) All of her books look very interesting :D
ReplyDeleteThey do! Amazing covers too!
DeleteKristy Cambron is a new author to me . I would love to read this book the Illusionist's Apprentice because I love to read books in the 20's and other periods
ReplyDeleteGood luck! You'll definitely enjoy this one. The details are so rich!
DeleteHi Patricia! Don't mind being new one bit. ;)
DeleteI've read The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin. I would not be able to pick a favorite since I really liked both of them. They were hard to read at times because of the subject, but well written.
ReplyDeleteSame with this one, Pam. Profound and insightful.
DeleteThe research, too, was very difficult to get through on the Holocaust books. We wanted to tell the whole story -- but my, it was heartbreaking.
DeleteI've not had the pleasure to read any of Kristy Cambron's books YET. :)
ReplyDeleteI love books written during this time period.
The Illusionist*s Apprentice sounds very interesting to me especially since both my husband and I love doing magic and worked some of it in on one of our jobs in the past.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
That's so cool. I actually don't know anyone that does magic! =)
DeleteI've not read books by this author yet, but I'm into novels about this period -- and most any other period. Historical fiction is my favourite genre.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about being transported back in history with historical reads, don't you think?! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI have not read any of Kristy's books, but have only heard good things about them. This is not an era I have read much about, I tend to read books set a little earlier, but this sounds interesting.
ReplyDeletePatty, I was like that too, until I started tiptoeing into later time periods, and I was in for a pleasant surprise. =) When they're good, the time doesn't seem to bother me as much. *wink wink!
DeleteI have not read any of her books yet. I have read some great reviews.
ReplyDeleteYou'll enjoy it for sure! I hope you'll get the chance to read it soon!
DeleteHaven't read any yet. I enjoy historical books, especially with added suspense. :)
ReplyDeleteO yes, suspense there are. =)
DeleteI am currently reading The Butterfly and the Violin and it is so good! Definitely enjoying her writing style so far.
ReplyDeleteO me too on enjoying her writing style. I have yet to read The Butterfly and the Violin, but I hope to remedy that sometime this year, once I get a break!
DeleteHeart-smiling, Laura! Happy reading. ;)
DeleteI have not read any of her books before, but would love to!
ReplyDeletemia2009(at)comcast(dot)net
I hope you'll get the chance soon to read any one of her books. I can only vouch for the two I've read, but I'm sure based on other bloggers' comments, I think her other ones are just as good!
DeleteI love Sherlock Holmes so I'd love all those references!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour.
Thanks for stopping by Heather!
DeleteI have not YET read any of Kristy's books, but that's not for lack of trying!! I just always have this MASSIVE pile of TBR books...lol!! I really think this book sounds so interesting with the magic theme (I think David Copperfield) :-) I also think it was super fun to help pick out the cover, so glad that the publisher picked this one. It draws the eyes in & it's just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway chance :-)
Trixi, I know what you mean with the TBR. I'm not going to even think about how many ate in my pile and list! *sigh! But Kristy's books will definitely be read!
DeleteTrixi ~ Thank you for voting on the cover! It was such a fun experience to let the readers have a voice in the design. ;)
DeleteNot much of a fan of historical fiction, but the idea of betrayals and reversals does intrigue me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Themes like such does grab us, doesn’t it?
DeleteI have read two of her books, The Butterfly and the Violin and The Ringmaster's Wife. While they were both amazing, I think I liked The Ringmaster's Wife better. Even though the story of the Butterfly and the Violin will never leave me. I never knew about the musicians of Auschwitz. Wow.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I think you'll enjoy this one. I too am a fan of The Ringmaster's Wife and thought this one was awesome too!
DeleteYes, Amanda! The story of what happened at Auschwitz will never leave me either.
DeleteNo, I haven't ready any yet! This one looks good!
ReplyDeleteIt is very good! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI've enjoyed all of Kristy's books, but I especially liked The Ringmaster's Wife. Looking forward to this one!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! If you've read The Ringmaster's Wife, I think you'll love this!
DeleteDelighted to hear this, Rachael! ;)
DeleteI am yet to read any of Kristy's books, but this looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteO, it is good! Thanks for stopping by, Caitlin!
DeleteMerci & Thank You, Kate!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Kristy's books, and the historical fiction I read isn't normally in this era. But I've been seeing reviews of this book going around, and it looks fantastic. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteO Stephanie, it is a good one!! I hope you'll get the chance to read it!
Delete