The Ringmaster's Wife

Written by Kristy Cambron

Narrated by Amy Rubinate

An ounce of courage.

A leap of faith.

Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life—one that’s reimagined from what they might have become.

In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confi nes of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World’s Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny—a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.

A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling boards a ship to America as a last adventure before her arranged marriage. There, the twenties are roaring, and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.

When Rosamund’s path crosses with Mable’s and the Ringlings’ glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, choosing instead the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brothers’ circus.

A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster’s Wife will escort readers into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the Greatest Show on Earth!

“Vibrant with the glamour and awe that flourished under the Big Top in the 1920s, The Ringmaster’s Wife invites the reader [into] the Greatest Show on Earth.” —Joanne Bischof, award-winning author of The Lady and the Lionheart

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Jun 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9780718091415

Kristy Cambron

Kristy Cambron is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing from the space where beauty, art, and history intersect. She’s a Christy Award–winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling novels, The Butterfly and the Violin and The Paris Dressmaker. Her work has been named to Cosmopolitan Best Historical Fiction Novels, Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal’s Best Books, and she received a Christy Award for her novel The Painted Castle. Her work has been featured at Once Upon a Book Club Box, Frolic, Book Club Girl, BookBub, Country Woman magazine, and (in)Courage. She holds a degree in art history / research writing and spent fifteen years in education and leadership development for a Fortune 100 corporation before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling. Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three basketball-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.

Reviews for The Ringmaster's Wife

[Jackie Bladow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The mystery unravels one little bit at a time. This book is a unique blend of historical facts and a beautiful love story.

[bogopea · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book. Have an interest in the Ringlings and their connection to Sarasota, and of course the circus, so felt like I was along for the ride. It's a fictional account of John and Mabel's wonderful life as well as that of the circus and it's people, particularly Lady Rosamund who joins the circus at the behest of Colin Keary, who was a right hand man of Ringling's and tasked with running the circus. He found Rosamund and her Arabian horse performing in England. The book and the lives of the two couples evolve, with a focus on the late 1920's. I listened to this book and Enjoyed it from the first page to the last. It's a feel good book.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kristy Cambron provides us a wonderful glimpse into the backstory of circus life. In contrast to today’s view filtered through the words of animal rights activists and reports of charlatans among the circus community, Cambron shows us a group of people who cared deeply for one another and for the animals in their care. While not all relationships are perfect (why would a circus be any different than any other social group), we see a family-like unit form among the nomadic circus management and employees. The Ringmaster’s Wife is a story of transitions: transitions from what might be considered the ordinary to the extraordinary, from hiding behind masks and costumes to stepping out in the light, from self-doubt to self-assurance, and from self-centeredness to putting others first. Historical and fictional characters mingle together in this book, each taking root in the reader’s heart. Characters that live on long after the book is finished is Cambron’s trademark. As a matter of fact, I had difficulty getting into this book at first because my mind was still deep within her book A Sparrow in Terezin. While this book looks through a different lens than the popular film, The Greatest Showman, the close-knit relationships among those living the circus life and the theme of finding oneself is held in common. I would imagine fans of each will enjoy the other.

[desiree_reads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wish I would have written a review soon after finishing. 5 stars, though, and it earned a coveted spot on my keepsake bookshelf.

[debs4jc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Rosamund longs for more freedom than her life as an English lady gives her. Her greatest pleasure is riding in the fields with her horse, Ingénue. When a couple of men show up at to buy Ingenue from her father, she is devastated. But then one of them, Colin, reveals that he works for the Ringling Brothers circus - and he has an offer for her, if she is willing to accept it. Rosamunde's story is interwoven with the life of a young girl named Mabel, who eventually becomes Mabel Ringling. Through it all the reader gets to see behind the scenes into circus life and the lives of the Ringling's.I most enjoyed that this book got me interested in who the Ringling brothers were and learning more of their story. It was pretty solid as far as a historical romance goes, but not one I think I'll long remember.Fans of historical romances, the 1920's, circuses, and clean, Christian fare will find this an enjoyable read.

[pollyannapitbull · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent historical story that draws you in!

The characters are well thought out and the story moves full circle. The only thing that I was not a fan of is the flipping chronology. Just a personal preference. Highly recommend.

[heatherlinc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"The Ringmaster's Wife" was another captivating read by Kristy Cambron, who is becoming a favourite author of mine. I adored the rich descriptions of the Big Top in the 1920s with its glamour, magic, jealousies and vagabond lifestyle. The author's attention to detail, history and setting brought the book alive.Mabel and John, and Rose and Colin were fabulous protagonists and I found myself caring for them deeply, especially Rose, the daughter of an English aristocrat who left the restrictions of her life to become a circus star.The scene that touched my heart was when Colin played the violin for Rose to help her overcome her nerves being in the centre ring for the first time. It was truly touching and brought tears to my eyes.My one complaint about this book was the parallel stories. In other books I've read by this author, they have been a strength but, this time they did not work. The time the changes between time periods were choppy and the stories were too close together. In fact, they had merged by the end of the book.However, despite this, "The Ringmaster's Wife" was an entertaining read and I loved being transported into the life of the Ringling Brothers' Circus.

[briandrewz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good book about Mable Ringling, her beginnings, her love affair with circus master John Ringling, and her relationships with members of the circus troupe, in particular, Colin Keary, and Lady Rosamund Easling. The descriptions of Ca d'Zan, John and Mable's home in Sarasota, Florida, are breathtaking, and one wishes to be there in Mabel's time. A great weekend read.

[sandralb-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Every place I looked, someone was recommending this book, The Ringmaster's Wife to me. I just finished the last page. Wow, I can see why it comes so highly recommended. Although I am not crazy about the circus itself, I loved reading about behind the scenes and the circus life. Her characters were well developed. Her descriptions of the country side and the shows, made you think you were right there. This was my first book by Kristy Cambron, but it will not be my last.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sometimes I find it difficult to review a book. I can't find the right words to say or my thoughts can't seem to come together. This book is one that I will never be able to truly do justice for. It is without a doubt , one of the most masterfully written stories that I have ever read. The description of the "Greatest Show On Earth" was so vivid I found myself closing my eyes for a moment. I could hear the laughter of the children as they watched the clowns.. I heard the gasps from the audience as the trapeze artists flew flawlessly across the sky. The animals were magnificent and the performers were perfect. The author has written a story that gives us a glimpse into the circus life. It is hard work and often times exhausting. But the show is always spectacular and breathtaking. I loved how the author weaved history and fiction together to give us a story filled with sorrow, hope, expectations, trust, faith , forgiveness and devotion. I enjoyed reading about how Mable met John Ringling. It was fascinating to read how the circus started and all the behind the scenes that took place. Mable was a kind and giving woman. She loved the circus and knew how important it was to her husband. What I liked most about her was how she didn't like the limelight. She was content in being on the sidelines and doing things behind the scenes. She didn't want any recognition for who she was or what she did. She was a true humble woman who graced the circus world with her warmth and integrity. Rosamund who is a fictional character in the story finds herself traveling to retrieve her beloved horse who has been sold to Colin to use in the circus. Their chemistry was instant it seemed and I really liked how the characters had a fierce loyalty to their dreams. Rosamund is a very experienced horse rider and has been doing tricks on her horse with ease. Colin was very keen on her abilities and is determined to get her into the show. Will Rosamund leave the luxury of her life and fall in love with the circus? What dangers will she face ? Will Colin be able to win Rosamund's trust? I loved the history at the back of the book. It is very detailed and really brought the story to a remarkable visualization of everyone that was involved in the beginning of the circus. There were a couple of things that really stood out to me in the book. I loved Mable saying this,"Maybe He's always been here, we just haven't really looked to see Him. Maybe there's something bigger at work than the two of us." We don't know our future, but with His direction He will guide us if we allow Him to. The characters all had dreams, just like we do. Can we trust God to help us see our dreams come true? "It's never too late to be what you might have been."I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review. .

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kristy Cambron established herself as a must-read author with her WWII-era novels, The Butterfly And The Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin. In The Ringmaster’s Daughter, Cambron turns her focus to the Greatest Show on Earth with the meticulously researched The Ringmaster’s Wife. Featuring both historical and fictional characters, this novel looks behind the scenes and the masks of the Ringling Brother’s Circus. This book is not just about life under the Big Top, however, but rather has a message for all who would go after their dreams. If you like books with rich historical detail, this one is for you.Lady Rosamund Easley’s life has been mapped out for her by her parents and societal expectations. But Rosamund wants to really live her life and takes a journey of discovery across the ocean and into the equally exciting and frightening world of the circus. Twenty-five years earlier, Mabel Burton left her safe, small town world to discover life. The women’s stories intersect as they endeavor to live a life of love.Ca' d'Zan (home of John and Mabel Ringling)Ca’ d’Zan (home of John and Mabel Ringling)I have to admit that The Ringmaster’s Wife started out rather slowly for me. Although really I liked both of the main characters, fictional Rosamund and historical Mabel Ringling, I had trouble connecting with their stories. Not sure if it was me or not, but I struggled with staying focused. Then about half way through the book, my attention became riveted to this story told against the backdrop of the lights, sounds, and scents of the circus. Cambron again shows her painstaking research with wonderful descriptions of the people, places and sights of the late 19th and early 20 century America. The circus came to towns all across the country via the train, and I felt the excitement of those days. Cambron also does a great job of unveiling the real life behind the glitz and glamor, the oddities and extravaganza, that was the circus. As Rosamund muses on p. 191 ” . . . how peculiar it was that her surroundings weren’t so peculiar after all. They included real people. With real hearts and giving natures few ever saw.” The underlying theme of the book is not just following a dream but of ” . . . cultivating the courage to live it out day after day”. Whether you ride bareback, fly through the air, or go after more practical endeavors, it’s important to continue the quest through hardship, trials, disappointments and victories, small and large. Two love stories will make romance fans happy — the fictional relationship between Rosamund and circus boss Colin and the real life romance of John and Mabel Ringling. The Ringmaster’s Wife is also a book that will make you go back to Google time and again — you just have to see the many images of Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringling’s home in Sarasota, Florida.(As an aside, one scene features my father’s hometown, Altoona, Pennsylvania. If the events depicted are in fact true, my father would have been 7 years old at the time, and I am sure he would have been excited to know that the circus had come to his hometown. Unfortunately, he passed away over 23 years ago, so I cannot ask what his experiences were.? )So what is the final takeaway for this book? I liked it. Fun for fans of the circus, rich details for history buffs, and satisfying for romance fans, I can recommend The Ringmaster’s Wife.Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to LitFuse and Thomas Nelson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Ringmaster’s Wife is the latest novel by Kristy Cambron. In this book the readers get to travel around the country and across “the pond” with our characters as they follow their dreams. Armilda Burton is a farmer’s daughter in Moons, Ohio. She wants more out of her life (she is seventeen). Armilda decides to leave the farm and change her name (start fresh). Armilda becomes Mabel Burton and travels to Chicago, Illinois. Mabel finds a position at the World’s Fair Columbian Exposition in Chicago. One day she encounters a nice man named John. They walk around the fair and have a good time, but then he is gone. Years later Mabel and her friend, Sally Rivers (a singer) are working in Atlantic City when she encounters John again. John is John Ringling of the Ringling Brothers. We get to see how these two come together and create magic!It is 1926 in Linton, North Yorkshire, England and Lady Rosamund Easling is rushing home. She ends up with her car in the lake and she is trapped inside. Colin Keary rescues Rosamund from the car that is quickly filling up with water. Rosamund hurries off, but they are destined to meet again. Colin and his friend, Ward Butler show up at Easling Park that evening. Rosamund comes down to the dinner party and there he is. Thankfully, Colin does not mention rescuing her from the lake. During dinner Rosamund finds out that her father is selling her black Arabian horse, Ingénue, given to her by her brother, Hendrick (he died during the war). Colin is there to finalize the purchase. Colin works for John Ringling and his circus. Lord Denton (her father) has to sell the horse to pay his gambling debts, and he is also forcing Rosamund to marry Lord Oliver Brentwood (for money). Rosamund uses Ingénue to do trick riding and bareback riding (her brother taught her) at local fairs and such. Rosamund has a choice to make. She can stay and do what her parents expect of her or she can run off and join the circus! Read The Ringmaster’s Wife to find out what choice Rosamund makes. Will she follow her dreams?The Ringmaster’s Wife takes us from 1889 through 1929. We get to see how Mable and John found each other and lived their lives, how Rosamund joined the circus, and how the Ringling’s found and helped Colin. It was interesting to see how the Sarasota estate came about (it is now the John and Mabel Ringling Museum). The book was interesting, well-written, and held my attention. There were a few slow bits (like when Rosamund doubted herself), but overall a good book to read and enjoy. It has a Christian theme but it is very light (focuses on forgiveness, trusting in God and his plan for our lives, redemption). I found the second half of the book more entertaining than the first (it focuses on the circus). At the end of the book it provides information on the Ringling Circus (how it came about, the brothers, and the history). I give The Ringmaster’s Wife 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book. I will always provide an honest and forthright review no matter how I obtain the novel.

[written-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. It tells the story of the people involved with the Ringling Brother's Circus.John and Mable Ringling and the life and lives that they touched. The circus life unfolding and making us feel like we are part of their world. Very exciting life with all the ups and downs.If you enjoy books about circus life and the lives of the people traveling/working with the circus this is a must read. I was afraid it would be to "dry" or bogged down with too many details when I first read about the book. But this book is all story and it grabbed me from the first page.