The Swan Gondola - Book Review

We all know the phrase, "Don't judge a book by it's cover". It's a good phrase. It's probably even true. However, I must admit it. I totally judge a book by it's cover. Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. As soon as I first saw the cover for The Swan Gondola by Timothy Schaffert, I knew that I wanted to read this book. It drew me in. If I'd seen it in a book store, I guarantee I would have picked it up. I might have even bought it without reading the back. But I did read the back and then, I knew I needed to read this book.

"On the eve of the 1898 Omaha World's Fair..."

That's all it took and I was hooked.

Ferret Skerritt is a ventriloquist hoping to make some money at the fair with his trusty and beloved doll Oscar when he falls madly in love with Cecily, the beautiful and bewitching actress in the Chamber of Horrors. She wins Ferret's heart and undying devotion as he tries desperately to win hers.

Ferret is an unusual but charming and sympathetic protagonist and Cecily is a beguiling and intriguing woman. Their love story is divine and is enhanced by the fabulous setting. The Fair sets the stage with it's smoke and mirrors, tricks and illusions, villains and heroes to create a mystical world where anything can happen. Paying homage to The Wizard of Oz, Schaffert brilliantly weaves in details that bring the story to life, simultaneously glorifying the magic and pulling back the curtain.

Filled with magic, mystery, romance, love and tragic loss, The Swan Gondola captured my heart.

The Swan Gondola by Timothy Schaffert is published by Riverhead Books and released on February 6, 2014.

**I received a complimentary copy of The Swan Gondola in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. No addition compensation was received.**