Barbour Publishings excellent Doors to the Past series had me eagerly anticipating this new offering. I found High Wire Heartbreak to have one drawback… once I picked it up I didn’t want to put it down no matter how busy I was. Anna Schmidt is a new author to me, one I look forward to reading again. Both portions of this time slip novel were equally engaging. The two generations blend seamlessly into one beautiful story. Historical facts are thoroughly and interestingly presented. I also really like the inside peak into the process an author uses to bring a story to life. I have read and enjoyed other books about the circus and John and Mabel Ringling, they led such an interesting life. This storyline drew me in from the beginning, moved along smoothly and kept me wanting to turn pages. The characters are rich and come alive from the page. I LOVED this story and hope to read more in this series and from this excellent author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.

High-Wire Heartbreak is a dual timeline mystery filled with determined characters, circus exploits, and lots of true history.

The story follows two leading ladies: Lucinda “Lucy” Conroy in the 1930s and her great-granddaughter Chloe in the 2020s. Chloe is a mystery writer who’s come to Ça d’Zan, the summer home of the Ringling circus, to work on her next novel and to learn more about her infamous trapeze artist relative. But what begins as an interesting side project becomes impossible to ignore when Chloe uncovers secrets that may completely change her family history.

I quite liked this book. The characters are fun and well-written, although a bit underdeveloped, and the setting is amazing. The twists aren’t all that surprising, but they’re delivered well, and I appreciate that the conclusion of the mystery wraps up the stories of several different characters. The romance seemed a bit too insta-love, but it was fine, and although I didn’t care for all the drama in Chloe’s story, it was resolved before it reached the point of disbelief.

Chloe’s storyline is fast-paced and filled with interesting facts about the Ringling family, the circus, and Ça d’Zan, while Lucy’s side of the story is sad but hopeful with a happy ending that will leave readers smiling. High-Wire Heartbreak is a lovely tale of family, history, and dedication that will satisfy fans of mystery, historical fiction, and romance.

High-Wire Heartbreak is a historical fiction book by Anna Schmidt. Chole Whitfield is a historical mystery writer who comes to Sarasota, Florida where the Ringling Brothers museum is located to do research on her next book. Her great grandmother Lucinda Conroy, a trapeze performer, had performed here and Chloe wants to find out more about her and the scandal connected to her.

The book goes back and forth from present day to the 1930's. Most people have heard of the Ringling Brothers circus and would especially find the book interesting.

There is suspense and romance in the book and I enjoyed it. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publiishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a review.

This was an interesting split-time novel that took place mostly at John Ringling's home. The main character in the historical setting was a circus performer and in the modern timeline, the main character was an author researching for her next book. I loved the heroes in both timelines and the mystery was fun to see unravel.

Thanks, Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for a free arc copy of this book for an honest review...

This is my first time reading Christian Fiction! And I enjoyed every bit of it.
Great book and a great mystery. The book was a bit detailed in a few places, but otherwise, a quick-paced novel, and I loved it. There were moments when I thought I had the mystery worked out , but then some new information would come to light. The author disclosed just enough clues so the reader thought they are on the right track. The characters were well thought-out and the tone of the dialogue exchange really transports the reader to 1936. The ending was a bombshell.

This is the first in a series. Would love to read more.

What a fascinating read! If you were a fan of the Ringling Brothers Circus, this is a must story for you to read. A romance writer goes to Florida to find inspiration for her new novel, but instead becomes fascinated by a mystery involving the disappearance of a famous acrobat., a woman who she finds out is connected to her family. I loved it!

This is another fabulous addition to Barbour Publishing’s The Doors to the Past series – a novel collection of stories where the present collides with the past..

High-Wire Heartbreak takes readers to 1930s Florida, where John Ringling is hosting a birthday party at his luxurious mansion, Ca d’Zan. A spectacular triple flip in the air by trapeze artist Lucinda Conroy is the last performance she’ll ever make, as her life is about to be turned upside down.

Chloe Whitfield is looking for inspiration for her next mystery novel, but for some reason, the history of her great-grandmother has her out of sorts. Chloe can’t rest and create until she discovers what happened to Lucinda Conroy, and her current novel setting, Ca d’Zan, is just the place to find answers.

This was the first novel I read by this author, and it won’t be the last! The narrative pulls a reader into the world of circus and the mystery that shrouds Lucinda. A satisfying parallel story keeps readers guessing, and provides a fresh perspective of dual time stories. There are relational complications in the contemporary story which are similar to the past, but drastically different.

If you enjoy dual time/time slip/contemporary and historical stories, you’ll not want to miss High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I sometimes get lost with the Dual Time lines in a story, but not with Anna Schmidt. I loved the modern day portion. She included what we have all recently just gone through with a small nod to Covid. She does a marvelous job including so many details about John Ringling's Sarasota estate which now houses the Ringling's Museum. You almost feel as if you are walking the grounds or viewing the large staircase when entering the large front doors. Besides the amazing setting, there is suspense and mystery along with a very believable sweet romance. It kept me on the end of my seat and I was totally pleased with the ending. I want to thank Barbour Publishing through NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions in the review are my own.

Over the past year, I've really come to realize just how much the setting means to me personally when I choose to pick up a new story. The spectacular settings are just one of the many reasons why Barbour's fantastic Doors to the Past series has been my absolute favorite of 2021, and High Wire Heartbreak is another fantastic addition to it, and I never wanted to see it end.

Right from the start, I found myself caught up in this beautiful story, and the many elements of mystery and romance that are included throughout. I especially found the setting of this one interesting, as I'd never heard of Ca' d'Zan before, and really enjoyed getting to learn all about it through our two main characters viewpoints.

High Wire Heartbreak tells the unique story of a best selling mystery author who chooses to set her next novel at the Ringling mansion, and hopes by doing so, she can finally learn something about her elusive biological great grandmother who nobody in the family seems to know anything about. As she falls more in love with the mansion, its history, and the museum professor who's helping her piece everything together, Chloe comes to learn family secrets from the past that no one could have seen coming.

Often in dual timeline settings, one or the other stories will stick out to me more, but one of my favorite parts about the Doors to the Past series is that each story always draws the reader in, and I love finding out at the end how everything is actually connected.

I've said it many times before, and I'll keep saying it, Doors to the Past is truly one of the best Christian fiction series I've ever read, and High Wire Heartbreak is another wonderful story that I can't possibly recommend enough.

Final Rating: 5/5.

I look forward to reading both more of this series, and more books from Anna Schmidt in the future.

Thanks so much to Barbour for allowing me to advance read and review this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This dual time novel includes romance,heartbreak and healing.
A well crafted novel losely based on historical events involving John Ringling and his circle of investors and employees.
The writing style is straightforward making it an easy read. There are two timeliness but the author keeps it simple for readers; no confusion as to what time is being read. The author has also avoided using profanity as well as descriptive love scenes,which this reader appreciates.
Events are fairly predictable but overall a sweet ,quick read.

As Chloe starts hunting for clues to her grandmother, you will find the history unfold in this dual time period book. The book flowed so well together and it engaged me right from the beginning. Wow, it was so good. I absolutely loved this book. It was an absolute page turner and had me reading when I should have been sleeping. This book was thrilling and I never wanted it to end. The story of heartbreak is truly that and the characters are realistic as they approach their situations. The mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat. Yes, I really, really can't say enough good things about this book. It was just great.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Highwire Heartbreak was intriguing and captivating with vivid descriptions of a setting that the reader can completely immerse themselves into. The split time story was paced expertly and left me wanting more from each story as the pages progressed. I was invested in each timeline and was happy with the conclusion of each story and how they were woven together. I will definitely be checking out more from this author! Ink enjoyed the writing style a lot and loved getting a glimpse of the Ringling history through the pages of this novel!

This dual time novel is set around the historical winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus in Sarasota, Florida. The mystery of what happened to high flyer Lucinda unravels with a twist. Chloe's next cozy mystery will turn into finding the truth about her great grandmother Lucinda. Delightful story!

My Grandpa loved going to the Ringling Brothers Circus and was a snowbird in the Bradenton/Sarasota area so this book definitely caught my interest!

This book goes between the present day of author Chloe and the past in the 1930's of her great-grandmother Lucinda who was a trapeze artist in the circus. The story was compelling and the characters were easy to relate to. I can't wait to share this book with my grandma!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Anna Schmidt delivers a fun dual-timeline novel with “High-Wire Heartbreak,” a tale of family, devotion, heartbreak and loyalty.

When historical mystery author Chloe Whitfield visits Ca d’Zan, the Sarasota home of John Ringling, she has a hidden agenda — to not only come up with her next plot, but to also research the enigmatic history of her great-grandmother, a trapeze artist for the famous circus entrepreneur.

With the help of Dr. Ian Flanner, the Ringling museum’s director and historian, she quickly becomes intrigued by the mysterious story of the lovely Lucinda Conroy and why she seemed to disappear off the face of the Earth.

In 1936, the lovely Lucinda finds herself in an unfathomable situation, forcing her to make decisions that will change the course of her life. But with the support of her trapeze partner Bernardo Russo, she ultimately works toward a happy ending.

Schmidt does an incredible job of weaving together the lives of two women separated by generations. Readers will fall in love with the plucky Lucinda and the devoted Nardo, and will find both Chloe and Ian relatable and interesting. She fills out the cast of characters will several other delightful and intriguing people, like assistant Tilda, archivist Toby, and museum workers Darcy and Pete.

“High-Wire Heartbreak” offers a fun plot with some twists that will keep the reader guessing. It also includes several good themes, like the importance of family and loyalty; sometimes family is what you make it; the impact of mislaid trust; and God will provide help when asked.

Fans of historical fiction, time-slip novels, circuses and historical characters like the Ringlings will love this story, which is due out Jan. 1.

Five stars out of five.

Barbour Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Thank you for allowing me to read this title-- it caught my attention because of the backdrop. I graduated from Ringling College down the road from Ca' d'Zan and. have been to that lovely estate. I apologize for the long time it took me to finish this book (more than my usual) but I was having difficulty getting engaged. Unfortunately, it just didn't appeal to me, but I won't be placing any negative reviews anywhere. I never write negative reviews unless something is truly harmful or has unexpected triggers that other readers ought to be warned about if it wasn't explicitly listed anywhere. Thank you for letting me read this advance copy. Sorry I can't post a better review elsewhere.

I did love this story, we flash from the 1930's back to present day, and follow the life of high wire aerialist Lucinda Conroy, but through the eyes of her great-granddaughter.
The author gifts us with a great read that is set in Sarasota Florida, and we are on the property of John Ringling, and his beautiful estate Ca' d' Zan, sounds so beautiful!
As we read how the stories mesh, I was still surprised and loved how this story came together. There are many life changes here, and a lot I never saw coming, but this is such a heart warming read!
I received this book through the Publisher Barbour and was not required to give a positive review.

High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt is a great dual timeline historical fiction novel that is part of the wonderful Doors to the Past series. It is a great addition!

I have read all of the books in this series thus far and this is a great addition. The author does a superb job weaving together two timelines, two main female characters that were equally complex and interesting, all the while revealing little surprises along the way. There was mystery, suspense, historical aspects and locations sprinkled throughout, and a dash of romance. I loved how she tied it all together in the end.

I enjoyed present-day Chloe and her investigations into Lucinda and her involvement with the Ringling Brothers circus around the time of 1936. I don’t think there is one thread that I enjoyed more than the other. The historical landscapes and locations among Sarasota, Florida made this a beautiful story. I had never even heard of their property, Ca d’ Zan. Finished in 1926, this mansion is beyond opulent even today. I had to research its full history and was able to see many stunning images. I love learning something new.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Barbour Fiction for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/1/22.

It’s the summer of 2022, come visit Ca d’Zan, the Ringling mansion in Sarasota, Florida where historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield, researches the mystery of a missing aerial performer 100 years ago. John Ringling is known for bringing his family’s famed circus to audiences across America.

Flashback to 1936, where performers are readying themselves for John Ringling’s 70th birthday celebrations. Among them is headliner Lucinda Conroy and her partner Bernardo Russi. They are perfecting a triple summersault 80 feet above ground in what will be Lucinda’s final performance. What no one suspects is that this goodbye feat will lead to a robbery and possible death. Who was Lucinda and what happened to her?

This book is volume 6 of the Doors to the Past series featuring historic American landmarks. A story full of mystery, intrigue, faith and romance, Schmidt highlights the joy of new beginnings arising from hardship. It truly is a high-wire heartbreak.

Publishes January 1, 2022.

I was gifted this advance copy by Anna Schmidt, Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt is a wonderful addition to the Doors to the Past series. It begins with Chloe finding herself in Sarasota, Florida in July 2022 to do research for her next novel, but also to discover what she can find out about her great grandmother, who was a famous Ringling Circus trapeze artist. When she uncovers a mystery that happened in 1936 at the Ringling mansion that includes her mysterious great grandmother, she finds herself on a research path altogether. This dual timeline really kept my interest from beginning to end. This book was very well researched and written. The twists and turns in the plot really kept my attention. If I could give this one 10 stars, I would. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.