1893. The Chicago World's Fair. For inventor Cullen McNamara, a farmer who is extremely allergic to various pollens, the fair is a chance to sell his automatic sprinkler system. He's got a great product. He knows it works. There's just one problem. He has trouble hearing in one ear and the noise level in Machinery Hall makes it almost impossible to understand his potential clients. In desperation, he enlists the help of Della Wentworth, a lip reading instructor who is at the fair with her students as part of an exhibition. Neither one thought that the lessons would truly help Cullen gain sales. They also never suspected they'd fall for each other. Will the two find a way to be together in the wake of disaster and surprises from Cullen's life?
I've read quite a few books this year about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. And the Fair comes more to life with each book. I enjoyed this book. I loved seeing how determined that Cullen was to sell and promote his sprinkler system. I also loved that Della was passionate about teaching both lip reading and sign language. I'd never known that there was a huge debate over the way that the deaf communicate. The book is filled with humor and the characters are well developed. While I wouldn't go so far to say it's my favorite book by DeeAnne Gist, it was still a good read and an enjoyable book.
I can honestly say that after reading this book, I headed over to the Internet and Google and Wikipedia to look up World's Fairs. And I also read quite a lot of information about the 1893 Fair in Chicago as well as others I'd read about/seen (1904 St Louis for which I saw the movie Meet Me in St. Louis and 1984 New Orleans which I saw in person ). It's not often that a book will send me off on a quest for additional information/research, so well done on this one.
I received a Kindle version of the book from Howard Books via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of DeeAnne Gist, Julie Lessman, Olivia Newport, Karen Witemeyer, and romance.
Rating - 4 stars
Really enjoyed this one. Didn't like every detail about it but for sure, I've underestimated Deeanne Gist! :)
ReplyDeleteI just finished this as well. I liked the history in it but it's not my favorite by Deeanne. Did the Kindle version have the pictures in each chapter?
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading this book right now and I am loving it as well! Thank you for an amazing review :) New follower!
ReplyDeleteI would it if you would stop by my blog and follow too!
Chelsey@Charming Chelsey's
I'm not a big fan of Deanne Gist- a few of her books didn't sit well with me- but I've read so many great reviews about this one and the premise sounds so interesting! I'm thinking I'll have to give her another try :)
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com