This was a beautifully written debut. I liked so many elements of it, I just hoped I would have liked it more. Nevertherless, this is a promising debut and I would love to read more books by the author.

DNF @ 10%

Written in a very elementary fashion. The beginning is very slow and didn't hook me in at all. I decided that I won't struggle and force myself to read a book that just isn't doing it for me.

A heartbreaking tale set in France during the Second World War. France is falling, and the Germans are arriving. Michel has lost his job and his friend Bertrand insists he leaves Paris as it is becoming unsafe. Michel jumps onto a train, and finds he has joined a circus troupe.

Michel is given a job working with the horses, and is gradually he is accepted into the circus family. However, the War impacts their lives, as Michel learns their stories and secrets and falls in love. How the troupe cope and try to survive in war-torn France makes for a moving story of persecution and fear. Eventually one last show is planned, and the aftermath resonates throughout all their lives.

The final section is a little trite and doesn't have the ring of truth that the rest of the story portrayed, but overall it is a lovely story, making the reader smile and wipe a tear.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was tempted by the beautiful cover and the promise of a circus story. It turned out to be a very sorry kind of circus though and the story was much too much like Water for Elephants only not told so well.

Still there were redeeming features. The setting in France while it was being invaded by Germany was interesting. Many of the characters had well developed back stories - also interesting. I enjoyed all the parts about the horses too! The love story was pretty good but I had trouble believing the ending.

So not a brilliant book but it was solid and there were many good parts. I will look out for this author's future work.

A lot of historical fiction set in World War II is set in the midst of the war. This book was unique because it starts before the Germans invade and occupy Paris. Right there I knew I was in for something different. I found Michel to be a complicated lead character. The main thrust of the plot is the woebegone circus trying to find places to perform in the face of impending war. The juxtaposition of the horrors of war and the magic of a circus is clever and made the emotions around each much stronger. I did think the ending was abrupt and that the characters deserved a more detailed ending, and that the title somewhat gives away a plot point. But it was still a good read, and I would recommend it. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.

This was a very beautifully written story with characters that captures a lot of the heartbreak, tension, and uncertainty of World War II. Our main protagonist, Michel, flees Paris when the Nazis invade and ends up joining Le Cirque Neumann. His journey was interesting to follow however, I struggled a bit to feel emotionally connected with the characters and their endeavors. I've heard some compare this to Water for Elephants, which I haven't read, but judging from the synopsis can see the similarities. The plot is well paced and there's enough intrigue to keep the story moving, I just personally would have wanted more connection with the characters - especially since with historical fiction novels I want to be moved in some way. However, I think this is a solid debut and I'm interested to see what the author has to offer in the future!

Show me a child who has never dreamed of running away to the circus! Maybe this is why I always feel drawn to books with circus settings, and the combination of a WWII story and a travelling circus immediately got my attention.

Michel is a young man living in Paris in 1940 working as a horsetrainer when the imminent invasion of the city by Nazi troops tilts his world upside down. After losing his job, and persuaded by his best friend and mentor to leave the city, he finds himself a stowaway on a train transporting a travelling circus.

From here on, Michel’s life becomes very much enmeshed with that of the various circus performers as the war slowly closes in on them. Based on a true story, the premise quickly drew me in and I enjoyed the cast of colourful circus characters who soon become Michel’s companions and friends. However, to be totally honest, as the story progressed I found myself wanting more: more circus atmosphere, more tension, more emotion. There is a little hint of all of this, but it never fully came to fruition for me. I wanted the sights, the sounds and the smells of the circus but only got little glimpses of these. It also didn’t help that the title gives away one of the major mysteries the book revolves around, and once you start reading you will see what I mean. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to rating this book any higher was my lack of emotional involvement, even though I found the story pleasant enough reading. Pleasant, but just lacking that special something that would make it stay in my mind for any longer than after the last page had been turned.

All in all, THE RINGMASTER’S DAUGHTER will appeal to readers who are looking for a lighter WWII read that contains a little bit of everything: a bit of romance, a bit of tragedy, a tiny bit of mystery all wrapped in a circus setting. Those readers looking for a deeper, more hard hitting story delving into the psyche of a diverse group of refugees and societal misfits banded together in the troupe of a travelling circus during wartime may find the story lacking in depth, and being fairly predictable. However, it made for good escapist reading, so may be just the right choice for these troubled times.

Opening in 1940 as the war is approaching Paris, 20-year-old Michel Bonnet is convinced by his close friend Bertrand that it would be best for him to leave the city. It’s not as easy as it seems though, but eventually he manages to stowaway on a train. It’s not just any train though. It happens to belong to Le Cirque Neumann – a circus owned by prickly, cantankerous Werner Neumann. After a rocky start, he’s permitted to remain with the shoddy little circus troupe, taking care of the horses, on one condition: he is not to mix with the performers at all! He’s not to speak to them or go anywhere near them. He agrees, after all, he hasn’t any other options available!

It’s not as easy as it seems though as he’s drawn to the beautiful, enigmatic Frieda, and is toyed with by the coquettish Odelie. But Michel does his best to do as he’s told, keeping to himself and his horses and staying in the shadows. He’s not quite sure he understands the dynamics of this group that he’s traveling with. It’s wartime and everyone is skittish, from this makeshift circus family, to the village folk who are willing to offer them fields to stay in for a night or two here and there.

But more and more, Michel realises that there are secrets hiding in those shadows that he flits between, and that he’s not the only one who’s keeping to the shadows. He’s not sure he understands why though and he knows that no information will be forthcoming from his traveling companions. Who are these people who have given him a shelter of sorts? Would he have been safer to try and go it alone? Will he discover the answers if he remains with Neumann’s circus? More importantly, will he be safe?

This book is a very different sort of war story to the ones that are so often told. The perspective and perception is from a completely different angle to what readers might be used to. It’s clever in that it’s not as glaringly obvious as most war books tend to be. It’s much more obscure and I think that many might struggle with this. I enjoyed that there always seemed to be something hidden … just out of our reach … just behind a veil if we only chose to lift it at the right moment. There’s an ‘other worldliness’ about the way the story is told that captured my imagination and held my attention.

So, while this might not be what many readers are expecting, it’s a beautiful 4-star read about people who are caught in a time and space that they have very little control over, but trying to make the most of; trying to create a little bit of magic for themselves and others.

The Ringmasters Daughter is a beautiful read. A tale of relationships, trust and love.

Set in France during WWII Michel fleas Paris before the German invasion arrives. He jumps on a passing train who turns out to be a travelling circus, as a stowaway he is not welcome, but after time, he becomes part of their family.

The story reminds us of those hiding during the war, those who did not have homes to safely hide in, who had secrets to keep and for that reason could trust no one. Yet Michel earns their trust, putting him in danger he cannot leave because he is in love.

The writing is easy, smooth, beautiful and enjoyable.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange of a truthful review.

There's just something about books set in the war years (WWII) that draws me to them. The Book Thief and Water for Elephants are among my favourite reads. That's why I was so drawn to read The Ringmaster's Daughter.

This WWII tale centers on Michel Bonnet, a young horse handler running away from Paris as the Germans start to enter the city. Slightly lost in life but having a very kind heart, he finds himself joining a struggling circus as their horse handler. And her Michel is introduced to a cast of secretive and rather odd groups of circus performers. How he makes his ‘home’ with them and falls in love with the beautiful Ringmaster’s Daughter makes a wonderful read.

There’s history, romance, intrigue and beautiful descriptions that made The Ringmaster’s Daughter a very enjoyable read. I was drawn into the magical world of the circus as Michel was.

This captivating story progressed at fairly fast pace. The WWII setting was realistic without being too dark.

I really enjoyed Carly’s writing and hope this debut novel is the start of many more books from her.

This was a very interesting story. It was a vit like Water for Elephants, but definitely had its own story to tell.

I was really interested in the characters of this book. Their lives and stories meant something to me. I was drawn into their safety, and I didn't want to stop reading. The author did a fabulous job of creating real people in the story.

I was provided an advanced reader's copy for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

WWII and the Circus are two of my absolute favorite things to read about. Admittedly I read an absurd amount about these subjects but there is no shame in my game! The Ringmaster's Daughter perfectly combines them in a quiet and melancholic story of love and friendship in the face of war. Set in France right at the beginning of the German occupation, we meet Michel a young Parisian man seeking to find his place in this new time of uncertainty. With some luck and help from a generous friend he escapes the city by stowing away on what turns out to be a circus train and his story begins.

I'll admit, as much as I was excited about this book, the first half of it was pretty slow and didn't capture me as much as I expected it to. However, around the midway point something changed for me and I was all in. At this point the story started snowballing and before I knew it it was over and I was left wanting more. A great read based on true events, this book is perfect for fans of Sara Gruen and Pam Jenoff.

The Ringmaster's Daughter by Carly Scabowski is a romantic, historical fiction book set in World War Two in Paris. It is also the authors debut book. A beautiful, poignant story that begins with Michel Bonet, who, when France is invaded by the Nazi's runs away. He stows away on a train bound for the South, little does he know that this train ride will change his life forever. The train belongs to a travelling circus, Le Cique Neumann owned by a troubled Werner Neumann, who employs Michel to care for the horses, as long as he speaks of what he sees behind the scenes of the Big Top and keep away from the circus folk. Michel begins to be drawn in to the circus life and begins to question the odd goings on. Like why are the circus performers seemingly hidden? what are the shadows flitting between the caravans after dark? He falls in love with Frieda the trapeze artist but how can he approach her when he is forbidden to.

The story is a poignant reminder of why the second World War was so horrific. The fact that no one was safe if they were different and the love that was forbidden because it puts everyone at risk. Also, the tragedy that everyone has in their loves and the secrets they keep.This was a beautifully written story, full of details of circus life in the Big Top and away from it. The characters are exquisite in detail, really drawing me into their lives and really caring what happened to them all. A story that deals with difficult issues of which, some are still very apparent today and deals with them very well. A fantastic book all round. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the copy of the book in order to be part of this blog tour.

The Ringmaster’s Daughter is a beautiful love story between Michel and Frieda. A horse trainer from Paris, Michel is on the run when German troops start to invade his hometown. Jumping on a train full of strangers, he discovers his place in life…in the circus. While most of the performers are welcoming, there are a few who are not, leaving Michel to question his true belonging. But, there are horses. He vows to stay for them, and for the green-eyed beauty (Frieda) who has caught his eye.

While this book started slowly for me, a third of the way through it started to pick up. At times felt the true fear everyone felt by being arrested by the Germans. I love reading WWII fiction, but I cannot imagine what it was like living during those times. Absolutely terrifying.

The performers of the circus band together and perform, forming friendships and love to last a lifetime. The Ringmaster’s Daughter is an emotional and poetic read.

Who could resist that gorgeous cover, and the lure of a circus setting in war time Paris. Not me. Thanks to Bookoture for allowing me to join the blog tour for The Ringmaster’s Daughter by Carly Schabowski.

First Line of The Ringmaster’s Daughter by Carly Schabowski

“The streets of Paris wound their way around Michel Bonnet as he walked to his small apartment in the 14th arrondissement.”

My Thoughts on The Ringmaster’s Daughter:

I thought this was such a unique mixture of settings – Paris, World War 2, forbidden love and the circus – and it all added up to a very magical read.

Michel at the start of book is young, impulsive, and a bit naive. I loved his growth during the book, as when tough times hit he grew up fast. France during WW2 was full of atrocities, but the friendship and bravery that lurked around every corner, made this book an uplifting and emotional read.

And the forbidden love angle sucked me right in. I read anxiously with dread in my heart as they are a couple that I was rooting for from their very first meeting. I actually felt like that about so many of the characters, they are misfits, and I love how they all came together and were each others family.

This is a book that I read with my heart and I felt all the emotions as I read it. There is just something about love and war that makes for a timeless theme, and the circus element just adds so much originality, and that little bit of magic.

There were a couple of things that niggled me though. The title is a huge spoiler, and in my opinion I’d rather have found this out organically as I read. And there was a change from third person to first person perspective towards the end of the book. I found this a bit jarring, and I don’t understand the need for it.

Overall though I thought this was a good read and despite my niggles I did thoroughly enjoy it.

Who should read The Ringmaster’s Daughter?

I’d recommend this to you if you like WW2 settings, emotional reads and books about forbidden love.

This has to be one of the most exquisitely detailed books I’ve ever read, in fact I would go as far as to say it is so sumptuous in its imagery, that I found myself walking alongside Michel through the streets of Paris.

Sitting listening to the radio with Bertrand they hear that the war is moving closer and Bertrand pushes Michel into the decision to leave their apartments and flee to safety.

But Bertrand was never going to leave and after bidding farewell he pushes Michel onto a train and into a new adventure, as the train he has stowed away on is a circus train constantly on the move. The circus troupe consisting of the ringmaster, strongman, bearded lady, trapeze artists, an old lion and horses amongst the usual or perhaps unusual figures of a circus.

What then follows is a story of friendships formed against the backdrop of war, of love and romance and ultimately hope.

I will be upfront and admit that historical fiction isn’t my usual choice of read although I have read Water for elephants which I have seen this book compared to. However I am glad I left my comfort zone of thrillers to pick up this wonderful book. I will also admit that Bertrand was my favourite character and I would happily sit in one of his armchairs and describe this adventure to him like he used to do with his wife.

Rich in characterisation and setting imagery I implore you to read this and go travelling with the circus, but just make sure you pack a tissue.

I love everything about the circus themed. It was fun and I feel like I was there watching them but this only happened at the end lol. I liked Jean, Giordano, Freida and etc lol but there are too many characters that I can't remember 😂

My favorite part was when I learn bout the circus troupe stories. It was pretty sad.

The Ringmaster's Daughter. The title does not sound right. We only found out who is the ringmaster's daughter around 55 to 60% of the book because Michel is pretty dumb lol

Thank you Netgalley for The Ringmaster's Daughter ARC!

🌟🌟🌟.5

I knew from the blurb that I was going to love this book, and love it I did.

Packed full with mystery, drama, fear, and romance there is a little something for most lovers of WWII fiction here. I have always been drawn to the enigma that is the circus, and Schabowski's writing captures the close-knit and notoriously exclusive attitude of a troupe with vivid clarity. Everything from the domineering ringmaster to the little cliques and even the divisions between workers and performers felt incredibly authentic.

And while I adored the representation, I really appreciated that circus life - especially circus life during the second world ward - wasn't overly glamourized. Schabowski exposes the haphazard fabric, smoke, and mirrors that go into making any show run - from the cheap jewels and tattered tents, to old lions the magic of nightfall and and a few strings of light brings to the surface how illusory these experiences are. Everyone struggles to eat, struggles to earn, and above all else, struggles to stay out of the sights of German troops drawing closer by the day.

All of the the characters are likeable, but the story centres around Michel and his last-minute flight from Paris. But it quickly becomes about much more than his personal plight as he is slowly let into the inner-circle of a tight-knit group. He collects friendships and suspicions in equal number, begins to appreciate the beauty of diverse communities, and watches helplessly as the war begin to take its toll and whittle their numbers down. All of the fear and fight for survival is interwoven with moments of love and lust and longing, true friendship, and the terrible cost of sacrifices that have to be made for the common good.

Though I found the Ringmaster Werner to be a prickly, unlikeable fellow at first, he soon grew to be one of my favourite characters in the book. His method of induction might be that of trial by fire, but once you're in he'd give the shirt off his back to protect you. And he might initially come off as indifferent towards his animals, but really he's just a great big teddy bear inside trying to provide a life for anyone and anything that he can.

The romantic arc is sweet and so full of longing that you feel it in your back teeth. It's full of red-herrings and dangerous assumptions that set people off on the wrong path, but it certainly makes for a good laugh when it all comes together. It will keep you guessing as to why our lovebirds can't be together, and it will definitely keep you rooting for love to overcome the odds.

If WWII fiction and stories about found families are your jam, then this one might just be for you. Sumptuous and emotional, this story will pull at your heartstrings and stoke the fires of the imagination in the space of a page. If you're looking for a summer read that will stick with you through the darkness of winter, this is it!

I am not going to lie and say I did not let this cover drive me to request it. It is a BEAUTIFUL cover and I am 100% guilty of letting it sway me.

This story begins in Paris during WWII with Michel who is fleeing Paris with the help of a friend, Bertrand, to run from the war and seek safety.

In his fleeing he finds himself aboard a train. He soon realizes that he is on a train with a traveling circus, Le Cirque Neuman, led by Ringmaster Werner.

Michel is hired to train the horses and during this time he forms many friendships along the way. They travel from town to town where they set up and put on a show, they find that this is becoming more difficult as the war goes on.

Throughout the book Michel ends up finding refuge, friends, love and a place to belong.

I found this book very enjoyable and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction with some romance thrown in.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me this ARC!

I loved this story. I could have kept reading. I really liked the characters and their friendships. I laughed and nearly cried and got totally caught up in events.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.