Mabel is faced with a new experience when her father passes away. She finds herself in a predicament when she has sudden stage fright when she tries to perform without her father as a strong woman. Being used to performing together, she discovers she can’t perform as a one person show. As she tries to find a solution, she discovers her mother that she thought was dead is actually alive in America. She starts out on a quest to find her mother when Jake comes along after wanting to keep his promise to Mabel’s dad in the past. Will Mabel ever be able to move forward from the circus since that is all she has ever known?

I enjoyed other books by Kimberly Duffy so I was thrilled to read her newest book. The cover and topic was very intriguing to me due to the fact not many novels are written about the circus. I was excited to dive into the world of the circus for a few days. Kimberly Duffy did not disappoint! The beginning took a little bit to get into but soon I was immersed in the circus world and the story line.

The interactions between Jake and Mabel were very convincing and realistic. I was able to connect with both characters. The book does deal with depression and suicide as a warning for those who might be sensitive. It was dealt with in a very realistic and fragile manner. The theme of forgiveness on many different levels was beautiful.

In order to visualize what Mabel might look like and what some of her stunts may have looked like, I researched some of the notes from the author at the end of the book. I love that her inspirations are listed so it could enhance my experience with the book.

I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

"Once her feet touched earth, once she no longer flipped in the air and flung herself across space, she would be washed again in her failings. She would see the darkness creeping around the bright edges of her life and wonder how long it would be before she was consumed again."

This book had an extremely sad start. Several times, I wanted to cry during the first few chapters. With any other author, I might have put the book aside. But since this I have read all of Kimberly Duffy's books, I knew that I could trust that she would weave a story worth telling. And she definitely did just that.

While Nora (from Duffy's book, A Mosiac of Wings) is more charismatic, Polly and Mabel in this book might be the author's most compelling characters. Connecting a daughter with her long-lost daughter definitely tugs on the reader's heartstrings.

This book tackles the tough topic of depression, especially postpartum depression. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this diagnosis would have been dismissed or minimized. Melancholia was a symptom that was not understood. How the characters are impacted is an important part of the story.

This book also revolves around circus life. I appreciated how the author based the big top life on historical facts. I had never considered how hard it would be for someone who grew up entertaining to transition into another life. Part of the book takes place in Europe, and the other part happens in New York City. The setting definitely impacts the plot.

Concepts pondered in this book include beauty and strength. Inner peace and fortitude win out over outward expressions. I love how the characters are transformed throughout the book.

I am so glad that I finished this book. This is a storyline that will stay with me. Hopefully I will be more sympathetic toward those who struggle with seeing the brighter side. The romantic elements were so sweet. Although the spiritual aspects are limited in lines, the overriding realization that "I can do all things through Christ" is what drives the plot the most.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. As I already mentioned, I have read all of Duffy's books. I definitely wanted to read this one. All opinions are my own.

The Weight of Air
by Kimberly Duffy
Pub Date 07 Feb 2023 | Archive Date 19 Mar 2023
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian | History | Romance



I am reviewing a copy of The Weight of Air and Netgalley:



The year is 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. But after her Father died unexpectedly , she loses everything she's ever known and sets off in the company of acrobat Jake Cunningham in hope of finding the mother she thought was dead.



Isabella Moreau, is America's most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella, stalked by old fears, makes a choice that risks everything. Then her daughter Mabel appears alongside the man who never wanted to see Isabella again, and she is forced to face the truth of where, and in what, she derives her worth.

As Mabel and Isabella's lives become entangled beneath the glittering lights and flying trapeze of Madison Square Garden, their resiliency and resolve are tested as they learn the truth of what it means to be strong.



I give The Weight of Air five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Every once in a while a story comes along that grips your heart so completely that you’re rendered speechless. “The Weight of Air” is a truly exceptional and thought-provoking story that will stick with me for years to come❤️

For all my romance-readers out there, YES this story does have swoony romance in it. The marriage of convenience aspect added some REALLY fun tension and slowburn to the story. But this book goes SOOO much deeper than that. Kimberly dealt with intensely emotional topics such as postpartum depression, su*c*dal thoughts, parental abandonment, and body image issues. I know these topics could be triggering for some, so this story definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you feel capable of handling a story with these delicate elements, I HIGHLY recommend this read!!❤️

What I loved so much about this story was the character development. I don’t often cry when reading books, but seeing each character face their battles and grow into themselves truly ripped my heart to pieces then mended it back together in the most beautiful way🥹 The overarching message of this novel was HOPE!! Hope in the Lord’s promises and hope for better days yet to come❤️

Finally, I just have to say that it is extremely evident in the story that Kimberly spent a LOT of time researching circus history and New York. The attention to detail truly made the story come to life😍 I don’t read historical fiction often, but it’s authors like Kimberly Duffy that convince me to explore more of it🥰

🚨CW: this is a clean Christian novel with NO language!! There is implied intimacy between a married couple but no details are provided… intimacy between an unwed couple is also mentioned but not described.
🚨TW: see review

I have read other books by Kimberly Duffy but I think this was my favorite book by far of hers. I have really enjoyed the books I have read with a circus setting and this one was no exception. The author does a great job at placing you right in the middle of it all. Her descriptions are vivid and truly lets you experience circus life at that time period.

The storyline is unique in its own way. It is a marriage of convenience but with some underlying struggles and mysteries. Immediately at the opening of the story we meet Isabella and her daughter Mabel. Isabella is leaving to America to take her of her mother but she is escaping her life. She struggles with post-partum depression. She has no plans of returning and leaves behind a husband and her daughter.

Mabel has grown her whole life thinking her mother abandoned her because she was not good enough. When her dad dies she clams up and can no longer perform as a strongwoman. Jake, who is an aerialist, proposes marriage after Mabel makes the decision to go to American to find her mother. Jake also has some hurts in his past that he cannot get over.

We see this cast of characters that have hurts and pasts that slowly reveal themselves. There are a lot of emotions throughout the storyline and I think that they author does a great job at drawing you in as you see these characters change for the better.

I will say as a warning that there is a sexual relationship that occurs behind closed doors but we must remember that at this point that this is happening, the character is not a Christian and is not sure who God can be in her life.

Overall I thought this was a great story with a great ending. There was a faith thread but I thought it could be a bit more emphasized especially towards the end where everything is wrapping up. That being said this was a great story and I definitely recommend you give it a try.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

1891. Christian Historical. Fabulous story, very hard to put down. I felt engaged with the characters right away. A mother and daughter who are both in the circus, started out as a family, in Europe. A lot of problems are wrestled with, women who pursue traditionally male-dominated careers, couples who flip gender expectations (for instance, a heroine who towers over the hero), how completely exhausting and crushing postpartum depression and OCD are. Women were quite covered up with their clothing in those days, but these girls wore very skimpy costumes and were very exposed, ogled in their acts yet belittled outside the circus. Three generations of women go through similar feelings at some points in their lives. You can feel the excitement and tension of the circus acts. Love and fear bundled into their stories. Complicated relationships with their husbands. Excellent read.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheWeightOfAir #KimberlyDuffy #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction

This is a wonderful story. It has so many meanings that can be pulled from the pages. It's about forgiveness, truth, and finding and keeping true love,
The author has done an amazing job of bringing the reader into the story, introducing the characters as well as keeping the reader interested until the end. This is a story that should be read. I truly enjoyed the theme of don't give up, " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:11–13 .

This book was everything I didn't know I needed in a book. I loved it from the moment I read the first paragraph until I put the book down. (and I was so sad for the story to end!)
This books sweeps you off your feet into the playgrounds of the circus during the turn of the century. But more so than that It makes you search yourself and what you believe about beauty. I loved that Kimberly Duffy wrote from the POV of a strong woman. While they are often mentioned in circus books, it is rare that they are the main POV. Mabel's story is poignant because I think it is something almost all women struggle with. We are created in God's image and yet we often find ourself lacking. While we may not be a ''strong woman' in the circus we too can feel like freaks in our way. Kimberly beautifully pars Mable with Jake who is known for his beauty. But the beauty at the end of the book is found in Mabel. In her way to push past the norms of what people expect.
I adored Mable and Jake's relationship! Team Mable and Jake all the way!
While I didn't connect as much with Isabella I really did enjoy her perspective and appreciated her POV for that reason. It was beautiful to see her overcome her past and reach toward her daughter.
Stunning prose that was so eloquently written it kept me underlining so many lines throughout the book.
My absolute favorite book so far from Kimberly. I can't wait to read whatever it is she puts out next.

BOOK REVIEW - The Weight of Air - Kimberly Duffy - 5/5 Stars

I love all things to do with the circus, especially historical stories, so I had to read this book!

THE STORY
I loved the indepth look behind the curtains of the circus and learnt so many fascinating things! A warning though, this story is emotionally intense! I had to break the story over two days because I needed time to ponder all it's heavy emotions and weighty truths. It deals with depression, inadequacy and suicide but you come out on the other side with hope, self-confidence and God-given strength! You will fall in love with Mabel, the 'strongest woman in the world' with a heart to match! All the characters in this story are so beautifully flawed, making their emotions and problems understandable and relatable.

THE ROMANCE
I have a love/hate relationship with marriage of convenience/slow burn romances. I love em! But they're also so agonisingly slow! I absolutely adored how much Jake loved every inch of Mabel's 'unconventional' beauty and how much he appreciated her strength that exceeded his own. Mabel's has such a pure forgiving heart it's beautiful. And like all MoC stories, this one has all the tension and swoonyness a girl could want!

THE TRUTHS
The world has a skewed view of real strength, whatever way they view it, to them its always something you must generate on your own. But true strength doesn't just come from ourselves, it comes from God! And it comes from the loved ones He places in our lives to support us. We're never truly alone, God is always there's with us, lending His strength so we're can face and conquer the hard things life throws at us. When you feel weak or inadequate, look to God and He will give you the strength you need to carry on!

What an interesting book Duffy has written in The Weight of Air. The setting takes place in a circus at the turn of the 20th century. Surely Duffy has done a great deal of research. The book centers around Mabel, the daughter of the world's strongest man and a well loved aerialist. Mabel's mother leaves to visit America when she is a young child. Her father tells her her mother is dead. All she knows is circus life and as she is very tall, strong and muscular built, her father which is known as the strongman of the circus teaches her to become the strong woman. She is touted as the strongest woman in the world. Then her father dies and as she is packing up his things and not knowing what is going to happen to her, she discovers that he lied to her, that her mother did not die that she is still alive and living in America. What a total shock, she then decides she is going to America and try to find her mother. Thus begins a most interesting book with a lot of twist and turns. You will keep turning pages as you read of their reunion and why her mother wanted her to believe she was dead. There is a lot of emotion and the searching of one's intent and desires. Beautifully written.....Thanks to Bethany and NetGalley for the privilege to read and review this great book.

Delightful story brimming with fascinating historical detail of circus life in the early 1900's that brings this story to life. Kimberly Duffy gracefully tackles some serious issues in this book that will send readers on an emotional roller-coaster. This is a story that deals with the fallout of tragedy, the brokenness and bad decisions that follow. It is told from the viewpoint of Isabelle, her daughter Mabel and Jake, a man that has a connection with both. As they each work through grief and betrayal, they are able to find forgiveness and strength. I'm not always a fan of marriage-of-convenience stories, but found this one original and captivating. This is my first book I have read by this author and definitely plan on reading more.

A couple of my favorite quotes:" Be strong in all you set your hands and heart and eyes toward. "

"You can do all things through Christ...including overcoming your fear."

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The circus has always been a magical, mysterious place so it’s fun to get an inside look at being a performer and all the pressure and competition that goes with that. After Mabel’s father dies, she learns that her mother may still be alive in America. She and Jake go to try to find her and to figure out why she was lead to believe her mother was dead all these years.

This book deals with some hard themes like postpartum depression and suicide, loss, love and fear. I especially appreciated the focus on community. “Sometimes one needed to stand alone, but other times….well, there was freedom in finding yourself knit to others. Allowing them to hold you up when your legs went weak in the face of a battle” (location 5801).

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

#BookRevew: THE WEIGHT OF AIR by Kimberly Duffy

I have read all of the author’s backlist. This one hits differently. The book had a melancholy feel to it. There was love, longing and grief. Mabel had to find her strength and worth when her dad passed away. The ins and outs of circus life was interesting to read. It had so many facets to it. The imagery was good. I felt like I was part of the story especially in the circus arena.

I enjoyed Mabel and Jake’s slowburn love story. I got a bit impatient about the idea of Kansas and when they would finally admit their feelings. Love and forgiveness were good themes of this book. Faith was tested and the redemption story was good. I also liked that the author included postpartum depression. It’s a fact but not widely talked about. A mother’s love never ceases.

Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 07 Feb 2023

Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

My husband and I were memorized by our Cirque Du Soleil experience this past Christmas. Wow, it was a magical event under the big top tents, I’ll never forget. So, when an opportunity came to read this story, I jumped at the chance to review it.

I was swept up into this adventure with all the amazing acts, the drama, and the enchanting atmospheric circus backdrop. Mabel McGinnis was known as the strongest woman in the Manzo Brothers Circus. She had done the act with her father her entire life. She tried to do the act without him but could not. Not only that, but she didn’t know who she was without him. The circus is going to give her one more chance. If she can’t perform, she’d have to find another job. As the Manzo Brothers Circus was getting ready to move to the next town, Mabel finds hidden letters in her father’s belongings, addressed to her from her mother. He said she died. Why did he lie to her? This changed everything. Forget the circus act, she had to find her mother and, in the process, find herself.

Isabella Moreau, America’s most celebrated Aerialist, is losing her edge. She is racing against the clock as she hopes will power alone will keep her in the air, but she feels her body betraying her. It’s not as strong as it used to be. She struggles with this and the regret and losing her daughter. Isabella heard the news about her husband’s passing. Could she re-connect with her daughter? Their situation was complex, how could they rebuild their relationship after all these years?

Jake Cunningham feels protective of Mabel and wants to help her on her quest to find her mother. Jake is dealing with loss and grief too. Maybe he’d find the next thing to do. He was done being in the circus. He hopes this trip will stretch them both to become what they were meant to be, not what others labeled them. Jake and Mabel find the truth and a freedom they’d never known before. There was more to life than being the best act, drawing big crowds, would they have the courage to walk on a new path?

I appreciated the natural spiritual thread that sheds light and gives hope in the dark topics the author talks about like postpartum depression, suicide, abuse, loss/grief, abandonment, sexual harassment, and fear. The author also shows redemption, grace, and forgiveness.

I enjoyed the growth of the characters throughout the story. This is a beautiful escape, with a complex cast of characters in a layered story, with a depth and fascination that kept me up late. I adored every minute reading about these broken, flawed people making their way through life and circumstances that occurred beyond their control. The message throughout was that our self-worth is not based on how we look, or how well we perform, but our hope and strength come from above, and from the one who never fails us.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Kimberly Duffy has wrapped some very deep themes in the folds of a beautiful story of two women, mother and daughter, caught between living with fear and with a longing for love and acceptance. Setting their stories within the spectacular, glamorous parts of the circus that the public adored during the early twentieth century while not ignoring the blood, sweat, and tears behind the scenes only added to the intensity of the heart of their stories. This multi-themed novel will speak differently to readers whose lenses will be greatly impacted by their own histories, but I can imagine no one left unaffected. I am grateful to Kimberly Duffy for a memorable reading experience that deeply touched my heart, and to Bethany House for providing me with a complementary copy via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This author is one of my favorites because she has such a gift in writing rich characters that become alive in your mind and stay with you long after you have finished the book. I really, really liked Mabel. She is so sweet with such a big heart. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with Jake. I liked that the characters are not perfect and have very realistic struggles. This novel handles themes of forgiveness and trust very well, and I loved reading how Mabel and Isabella made peace with their pasts and learned to move forward with hope and love. I was also captivated by the circus life of 1910 and thought the author did a fantastic job describing the scenes such that it was easy to envision the setting. The author’s lyrical writing style flows so well and allows me to effortlessly immerse myself into the story. I have loved every one of her novels and this one was another great book. Highly recommended!

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

Riveting! This was my first Kimberly Duffy book and it won't be my last. Wow, what a story! Great characterization and storytelling and I loved the complex relationship between Isabella (mother) and Mabel (daughter) that she portrayed. I didn't know much about this time period or about the circus industry in general but I was drawn in right from the start. I also appreciated her grace-filled approach to some difficult but real topics--depression, postpartum, rejection/abandonment issues, etc. I applaud authors who seek to educate through story rather than solely entertain. Beautifully written.

"That was the thing about love - the unimaginable became reality, and every dream proved more than possibility."

Set in the circus world of 1910, this book by Kimberly Duffy will completely captivate you with its lyrical voice, glamour and awe, and poignant faith and life lessons. From the first page of the prologue, the story of Mabel and Isabella will enchant you. Told mostly through third person narratives of these two women, you will laugh, cry, and rejoice as they face their fears, regrets, past and future individually and together. Themes of forgiveness, finding purpose, and not relying on one's own strength ran through all the main characters to bind them in a beautiful tapestry of redemption.

Mabel, in all her physical strength and emotional naivete and tenderness, was easy to love. Jake, though bitter and disillusioned, was an excellent brooding hero with his noble and loyal heart. Isabella was a bit more difficult to comprehend and understand, but her redemption was made sweeter by the utter brokenness she represented.

It's an unforgettable historical romance. I received the book from Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

The Weight of Air is Kimberly Duffy’s best novel yet, in my humble opinion.

The characters are just so real. They’re flawed and complicated and so well-developed. It’s interesting to me that the characters who work in a circus and are often gawked at are so normal. And the reason I find that interesting is because it’s so true to life because at the end of the day, people are people.

Because people are people, I had my favorites and not-so-favorite characters from the beginning. For example, I loved Mabel from the get-go. Isabella took me a bit. But that’s what made Isabella’s arc so powerful. While Mabel’s insecurities mirrored my own to the point that I immediately connected with her, l had to learn more about Isabella to understand her. Though she made decisions I couldn’t understand and didn’t agree with, the more time I spent with her, the more I realized the truth: Isabella is broken, just like the rest of us.

So while I loved Mabel’s arc and Jake’s arc and the romance, Isabella’s arc was my favorite. Because while Mabel and Jake both had faith arcs, theirs were more subtle. Isabella’s was big and almost in-your-face in such a way that you can’t help but appreciate it. Because the more Isabella grows, the more the reader can see that Isabella struggles with her worth. And so do we.

Add that to the rich descriptions, the supporting characters, and the plot’s twists and turns, and Duffy has a winner with this one.

Overall, The Weight of Air is a beautiful and poignant novel that historical romance fans will love.

This historical fiction is unlike any other that I have read for this time period. I am not sure I have ever read a novel set in the early 1900s revolving around circus performers and real life problems, such as postpartum depression, abandonment, female body norms, and self confidence. There were also heavy themes of grief, self-worth, and parental relationship tension.

Besides scoring points for originality, we become acquainted with a delightful lead character named Mabel. She is not the normal type of beauty we see in movies. She is not petite, but rather, she is tall and strong. She is strong enough to take down most men who try to best her in wrestling. Due to her body size, she struggles with confidence at times. We also hear the viewpoint from Polly, her mother, who deeply struggles with finding her place in the world. Both of them have unresolved trauma that influences their decisions in a relatable way.

I enjoyed the alternating POVs that gave us little bits of information at a time. It was like mystery solving throughout the novel. A marriage of convenience romance gives us some extra depth to the story that adds tension and sparks between the couple. Having stated all the components I did like, there were two that fell short for me.

1. Sexual content: There is sexual content within this story that is not graphic or explicit, but I did not feel comfortable with it in a Christian novel. Possible spoiler alert: There is a character that engages in a sexual relationship with a man in outside of marriage in order to obtain things. While it is said throughout the book that this is wrong, there wasn't enough repentance and mention of sin to justify why it is wrong. It is a destructive habit that our sin leads to and there was a grand opportunity to discuss the eternal implications, which was missed.

2. Light Christian message: There are moments towards the end of the story that talk about God being with us and we are not alone. This is a beautiful message that a believer can firmly cling to. What bothered me was that this was the only Christian message and it was so minimal in the story. In a book so heavy with real life issues, there was no biblical hope or mention of redemption through Jesus Christ. Throwing in one subtle touch of Christianity in it is, to me, an injustice to the grand scheme of all the Lord can do for us in our suffering.

Overall, I was entertained by the setting and unique qualities of the story. I do believe body norms should be challenged because being tall and strong does not make you less feminine. I also believe postpartum depression is something that must be discussed, especially having personally gone through severe PPD after the birth of my second child. Unfortunately, though, I found this book to be lacking in the theology department. There was such great opportunity to add in the hope and joy of the gospel through our suffering and destructive habits, but there was none of be found in this book.