A story set against the big top tents that follows the complex relationship between a mother and daughter.

A slower read for me, as it took a while to get to know the characters as it alternated between Mabel and Isabella. Mabel is easy to like and cheer for throughout as she begins to understand the truths behind her childhood and embrace the strength that she was blessed with. Isabella was a much more complex character, and very well written with all that she was going through in mind.

I liked how Jack is protective of Mabel, always thinking of her safety. He is a man with his own hurts and regrets, though I wish that he could have given Mabel more assurance of his feelings sooner.

In the end it was a very well written read that tackles some tough subjects, like mental illness, casual physical relationships, and broken relationships. And a heads up that the physical scenes are fade to black, and there are longing/lingering descriptions along those lines.

Overall, this one took a little longer than usual for me to get through and work out how I felt about it. I appreciated the complex characters, and the realistic relationships in restoration. But personally this wasn't one that I enjoyed, even though there was so much that I did appreciate about it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book has everything you could want in a story of second chances. Told through the eyes of two women, Mabel and Isabella, it showed how the things we can’t let go about ourselves can hurt us the most.

The romance between Mabel and Jake was wonderful. I loved seeing their romance bloom and was a little anxious about whether or not it would end the way I wanted it to. This is the perfect story for anyone who loves marriage of convenience but doesn’t want to worry about open door scenes. While the romance between Mabel and Jake was new, the attraction between Robert and Isabella spanned half a lifetime. Isabella had never seen Robert the way he loved her, and his undying devotion to her was almost painful (in a good way) to see. More so by the fact that she wouldn’t open her heart and let anyone new in.

The book also addressed how women in society are seen, particularly in this time period. Duffy braced readers for many tough conversations about mental health, perception, and women in male-dominated fields. She did so in a way that showed femininity in fields that might not been seen as such and the balance between husband and wife in a marriage. I loved it.

If you love The Greatest Showman and Edwardian New York, then this is the perfect book for you. I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t listening to the audiobook—the mark of a good story.

It's 1911. Mabel MacGinnis reigns as Europe's strongest woman. She performs with the Manzo Brothers Circus as half of a duo with her father Bram. But when Da dies, Mable is left alone. Her mother Polly had abandoned the family and later died years ago. Or did she? While looking through her father's papers, Mabel discovers that her mother is alive. She agrees to a marriage of convenience with acrobat Jake Cunningham, and the couple move to America in search of Mabel's Mamam.
Meanwhile, Isabella Moreau reigns as America's most feted aerialist. She has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella allows old fears and trauma to push her to risk everything.
When Mabel and Isabella finally meet, they discover and renew their love. But they must work through insecurities, depression, anxiety, and childhood traumas. Otherwise, their livelihood and fledgling relationship may die.
Jake has his own growing to do as he decides if he can love Mabel or remain tied to his deceased wife. Every memory of her is tied to the circus, and the past prompts him to strongly consider a complete escape from all he holds dear right now.
I appreciate the novel's compassionate take on post-partum and other types of depression. It's a pretty bleak book with plenty of angst and negative self-talk. But these unusual aspects of a novel are essential and mirror what many folks feel.
I also like the gender role reversals. It's acceptable and even desirable for women to be stronger, taller and more popular than their male partners.
The circus details are interesting. Through the author's descriptions, I could see the aerialists and strong woman perform.
The book contains way more sexual content than I anticipated. It's not quite soft porn but close, which is disappointing and made reading uncomfortable.

Another wonderful story by Kimberly Duffy. I love her writing and how she takes us back in history. I love her strong female characters and watching them grow and face their past. The book is captivating and a hard one to put down.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

The weight of Air is a brillantly written story by Kimberly Duffy. I just love reading books that capture circus performing in the past. Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. When her father passes, she finds herself trying to find her mother, who she just found out was alive. , She enters into a marriage of convience with acrobat Jake Cunningham. Isabella Moreau the nation's most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus She is shocked to see her daughter. All of our characters have hurts and regrets - and are in need of forgiveness. The author did great research to bring the past to life. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

I almost didn’t request The Weight of Air because it seemed to be mostly set in the USA. Kimberley Duffy’s previous novels have both been partly been set in India, and the unique location was one of the strengths.

I also wasn’t engaged by the thought of a circus setting, or the idea of a strong woman as a heroine.
But Kimberley Duffy captured my attention from the first page with her blend of an unusual setting and an intriguing heroine with a unique occupation (although I almost changed my mind when the circus master suggested she be tattooed …). The story was compelling, particularly once Jack and Mabel arrive in New York, and try to join the circus and find Mabel’s mother.

It’s a story that picks up on some issues not commonly seen in fiction: a woman in an unusual job. A woman who is bigger and stronger and earns more than her husband. A woman who struggles with feelings of unworthiness.

A woman searching for her identity. The story also touches on mental illness, particularly postpartum depression and OCD. Both are dealt with in a realistic yet sympathetic manner, and provide valuable insight into the problems faced by those who suffered rom mental illness in a time before modern medications were available.

The underlying research was a definite strength. It gave the story a feeling of authenticity, yet Duffy never allowed the research to overwhelm the story. The focus was always on the characters, their relationships, and their predicaments (and there were plenty of predicaments).

Overall, I thought the story was excellent, and certainly met the high standard I’ve come to expect from Kimberley Duffy books.

Recommended for Christian historical fiction fans, especially those who enjoyed The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bishof (and perhaps even those who didn’t).

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

This book tells the story of Mabel, daughter of an acrobat and a strongman. After spending her whole life at the circus, eventually becoming a strongwoman, she's unable to get over her father's death and perform without him. Family friend Jake decides to help her travel to America in search of the mother who long ago abandoned her. That mother, Polly (or Isabella, if going by her stage name), has achieved stardom, but age is threatening to take that away, and her life-long struggle with depression isn't over.

The historical circus setting is fantastic, and I enjoyed that the characters had some rough things to deal with: overcoming stereotypes, depression, a society that limits women, and conflicting goals that threaten relationships. The characters were beautifully flawed and felt very real.

As a bonus, I read most of this while on vacation, and some of our entertainment options included a pair of acrobats married to each other.

Recommended!

The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy is a beautifully written novel of historical fiction. This novel brings to life the vibrant circus culture of the turn of the twentieth century, both in Europe and the United States. Reading this book made me feel absolutely submerged in this world, both it’s excitement and all consuming culture. The harshness of this life is definitely present as well. I particularly liked the way the author included important topics like postpartum depression. Great novel overall! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I've been in the "middle" of reading this book for five months, I think it's time to admit that it is just not catching my attention. It's too bad though, I really wanted to enjoy it!

Great historical fiction for fans of The Greatest Showman. I loved the alternating POVs and storylines.

Brave. Raw. Breathtaking. "The Weight of Air" by Kimberly Duffy is an engrossing read that combines the emotional drama of Downton Abbey with the glittering spectacle of The Greatest Showman.

From the very first chapters, I had a feeling this novel was special. For upon meeting Isabella and Mabel, it becomes immediately apparent that the characters in this book aren't merely figments of the author's imagination. These characters are real people—flawed and fascinating, complex and compelling. Instead of crafting their stories, Duffy has surrendered her pen to living, breathing souls and invited them to tell their tales of heartache, grief, and redemption.

These two women—each strong, beautiful, and broken in unique ways—tell their tales with a heart-rending honesty that unmasks a darkness the glitter of the circus has long concealed. In revealing their insecurities, anxiety, and depression, Mabel and Isabella issue their own invitation to the reader. Share your story. Unveil the shadows that have darkened your heart and mind too long. Don't let shame and fear keep you silent and isolated. For it's only when the darkness is exposed that the light can flood in . . . and with the light, comes the realization that we are never alone, not even in the shadows.

This novel is an innovative triumph in the world Christian Fiction, but more importantly, it’s a beacon of hope for countless women, like myself, who are intimately acquainted with depression’s oppressive shadow. I wish this novel had existed when my shadows were the darkest, and I praise God that is exists now!

If you’re drawn to poignant stories of redemption and the enchantment of the circus, "The Weight of Air" is sure to send your spirit soaring!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.

The Weight of Air
By Kimberly Duffy

Mabel MacGinnis has become the daughter her father trained her to be - Europe's strongest woman. But when he died, her confidence died with him. On her own, she is lost and not enough. Worse, she's lost her place in the Manzo Brothers Circus unless she can reinvent herself. But her friend Jake Cummingham sees more to her than an act in her father's performance and goes with her when the secrets of the past come to light. The mother, she thought, long dead, has been living and performing in America.

Isabella Moreau has a life in America, one that her husband held her back from, questioning her strength and endurance. But claiming her it has cost her the life she could have had. But her skills as an aerialist are faltering as her body begins betraying her. Is the life she has fought for so hard about to be lost to her?

What neither Mabel nor Isabella realizes is just how entwined their lives are. With Jake an unknown link between them soon, they will become part of one another lives. But as the three work out just who they are and what they want from life, they will have to put the past and its fears and pain behind them.

First of all, I have to say circuses are not really something I've ever been into, so this was a fairly new world for me. I found the back story of the circus to be an interesting one. The rivalry to be the top performer. Older performers were hidden in the crowd of performers, their faces behind veils to mask their age from the public. And then there was Mabel, who was expected to put her body on display because of her size and strength; her wishes for privacy and modesty were ignored. Yet there were codes of conduct the performers were expected to follow, which seemed at odds with the marketing employed.

I feel that Mabel's father and Isabella's husband did both a disservice with his "protective" nature. Isabella wasn't allowed to move past her issues and felt rejected. While Mabel felt she couldn't work without her father at her side. And then there is Jake, who allowed tragedy to define him. It warped his view of his current situation and caused him to hurt those around him. I feel many of the problems that were faced could have been avoided if each could have listened and not just heard the words being spoken to them.

This is a story of healing and moving on. But most importantly, learning in whom one should put their trust - God. I think the following verse was one that needed to be heeded, "I can do all things through God, who strengthens me." Overall this was an excellent book and one I think would make a perfect choice for those who are into early Twentieth Century historical fiction or circuses.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

This book has some deep topics, while also having a little fun. Being set in the circus, it carries all those magical, whimsy, intrigue vibes that the circus does, but behind the scenes there's a lot going on. Mourning, and depression, and suffering.

This isn't a light hearted read, but it is a really well written book that touches your heart.

The novel transports the reader to the world of the circus in the early 20th century, with its dazzling performances and larger-than-life personalities.
The two main characters, Mabel and Isabella, are both strong and determined women who have dedicated their lives to the circus. Mabel, the strongest woman in Europe, is on a quest to find her mother in America, while Isabella, the most celebrated aerialist in the nation, is struggling with age and the trauma of depression from years earlier.

Then there is a Jake Cunningham, a man who has connections with both women and is still mourning the death of his first wife during and act. A wife who probably loved fame and attention more than him.
The novel delves into the complex relationships and dynamics within the circus community and with the outside world, as well as the internal struggles of the characters as they confront their own fears and insecurities.
The theme of strength, both physical and emotional, is prominent throughout the story, and the characters' definitions of strength evolve over the course of the novel. Only by learning that strength is not what they think can they learn to love, forgive and accept themselves.

Overall, "The Weight of Air" is a beautifully written and captivating novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Content advisory: this novel deals with some very tough issues, including post-natal depression.

Thanks to Bethany House for approving me for this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are freely given.

I loved The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy far more than I expected to. The prologue hooked my attention, and I would have read the story in one sitting if I had that luxury. As it happened, I delighted in returning to this novel night after night. The plot never dragged, the characters felt original, and the slow burn romance unfolded beautifully.

Kimberly Duffy, author of The Weight of Air, wove hard topics into the stories of Mabel, Jake, and Isabella. Each character had their own brokenness and each issue was portrayed with authenticity. Insecurity, female objectification, loss of a spouse, depression, aging, and financial insecurity were some of the subjects addressed within the pages. Only a handful of spiritual moments occurred amid the adversity, which may disappoint readers that favor a strong, stated Christian message. I appreciated how each character grew towards healing as well as the theme about personal empowerment. Ultimately, The Weight of Air is a story that recognizes the importance of what parents do (or do not) pass down to children.

The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy will be on my list of favorite books read in 2023. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with unique settings. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

If not for the saturation of sensuality and a couple of bedroom scenes, this story could have been a dazzling five stars.

The grand adventure of this circus-set novel appealed to me, as did the delicious cover and Gothic vibes. Once I dug into the story, I was captivated by the unconventional convenience-marriage trope and the mother-daughter-reunion angle. The story delved into the depths of such themes as melancholia (depression), the search for a place to belong, and hard-edged grief all while navigating the competitive atmosphere of the circus.

While the prose was well written, it often pushed into titillating sensuality, which felt wholly unnecessary for the plot or character arcs.

I appreciated that a character realized a dark, evil sin needed to be stopped. It was just a shame it wasn’t the leading character who had instigated the sin in the first place.

Content: skimpy clothing (large focus), tattoos, sensuality (excessive), unwed sex, nudity, tobacco, alcohol, profanity, suicide

I’m warning you, The Weight of Air is so much better than my words can express. 😉 It’s one of those books that elicits so many feelings that prove difficult to translate in a review. So, I’ll try to be succinct and clear — but just know, you definitely want to read this book! First the setting: it’s the circus of the early 1900s. Duffy’s descriptions of the big top, the backstage rooms, and the people who inhabited that very special world transported me smack dab in the middle of it all. The story follows a mother and daughter separated for 20 years. Mabel, at 6 feet tall, is dubbed the strongest woman in the world. Her mother, Isabella, is an aging aerialist past her peak. What characters they are! Damaged and flawed and defined by their own and others’ expectations, prejudices, and motivations. While I certainly cannot bend iron bars or fly through the air without trepidation, I could relate to those women on various levels. There are a number of men in their lives (living and dead) who exert influence (good and bad) over them, but it is in making their own way that they find freedom. Two of the male characters, Robert and Jake, I liked very much. But they were not saviors, though they did extend so much grace. They were flawed just like the rest of us, and I cheered their own growth. A few of the themes include grace, forgiveness, and finding strength in Christ when we are at our weakest. A solid historical novel, The Weight of Air, also has elements of women’s fiction and romance. The romance between Mabel and Jake is sizzling sweet — just an FYI for those who like that in their books. 😉 I think this novel would make an excellent book club selection — the well-drawn characters, rich historical detail, the storyline, the setting, and the truths expressed offer so much to discuss. Grab some friends and read it together!

Highly Recommended.

Great for book clubs.

Audience: adults.

🌟Book Review🌟
As much as we love great read-alouds around here, sometimes we find great #momreads to share and thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

"The Weight of Air" by @authorkimberlyduffy

Don't be mistaken. Despite being a historical romance, The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy has a compelling story that far outweighs the romance storyline.

Set in the early 1900s at a circus, Duffy draws you in right away with this unique setting and doesn't let you go. The characters, backstory, and romance will keep you in a tight grip from beginning to end.

If you're worried about spice, you won't get much. The Weight of Air is a closed-door romance and a slow burn (part of what kept me reading as well). The mother-daughter reunion, theme of forgiveness and what it really means to be strong will have you feeling all the feels.

You'll want to watch out if you are sensitive to post-partum depression or instances of self-harm (only once). In addition, if reading romance (even clean romance) has to longing for fictional men instead of encouraging the one you have at home, stay away. Jake Cunningham is easy to fall in love with - but he's fictional, ladies. Just need to remind you up front. 😆😆

A great read!

Mabel performs as a strong woman with her father in a European circus. When her father dies, her stage fright overcomes and she is unable to perform. Across the sea, Isabella, an aging aerialist, fights her body in order to continue performing. When Mabel was a toddler, her mother left her to care for her aging parent. She never returned. Now, Mabel leaves the circus with Jake, an acrobat, and travels to America to find herself, and possibly her mom.

This book was pretty depressing and nostalgic. I suppose that is often the case in life, but I don't generally enjoy those types of books. The characters definitely felt realistic and well developed. Although the book wasn't for me, it was well written and well paced. 4 out of 5 stars.

"That was the thing about love - the unimaginable became reality, and every dream proved more than possibility." - The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy

The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy transported me to the early 20th century. Main characters Mabel and Jake are circus performers, but the story "flips the script" with a woman of immense strength and a male aerialist. This is especially unique in a genre (Christian fiction) that’s generally tied to traditional gender roles. Mabel was inspired by the life of Katie Sandwina, an Austrian-American strongwoman who was a circus performer from the early 1900s until 1945.

This plot is built on two common tropes - marriage of convenience and miscommunication - but is anything but ordinary. There's romance, so many secrets, mental health, (specifically postpartum depression in the late 19th century), abandonment, suicide, a woman's agency over her body and also the importance of family, faith, hope, and a bit of humor. All told through realistic, complex characters, brilliant writing, and fascinating historical details.

This was the first Kimberly Duffy novel I've read, and I'm very eager to read her three previous highly-rated novels set in India.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy of this novel.