Set in the circus at the turn of the 20th century, this book had a unique perspective and included a great deal of research, I'm sure! The book centers around Mabel, the daughter of the world's strongest man and the most well loved aerialist. Mabel's mother leaves when she is very young and her father trains her to be a strong-woman. When he dies while Mabel is a young woman, her world is turned upside down. When she learns that the mother she thought dead was still alive, she seeks out what she'd been missing for 2 decades. Jake, an acrobat that her father befriended joins her for her journey and what they learn about life and about themselves is much different than either of them envisioned.

This book covers very deep topics - including depression, suicide, abuse, abandonment, loss/grief, and fear. But it does so while shining the Light of hope into it. The faith thread in this one is in the background for most of the story, but it is ever present as that is the Light that shines in the darkness. In addition to the heavier themes, there are themes of grace, forgiveness, reliance on Christ and love throughout. I enjoyed the story itself, as well as the character development, the romance and learning all about the circus. This was a predominantly character-driven story, but there was a solid enough plot line to keep this fan of plot-driven stories turning pages. All in all, this was quite an enjoyable read and one I'd definitely recommend to fans of historical romance. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

THE WEIGHT OF AIR by KIMBERLY DUFFY is a well written story that deals with the emotional impact that comes from rejection, leading to broken people with emotional problems and the loss of the feeling of self worth, against the backdrop of the circus. The subject of depression is also addressed.
When Bram MacGinnis dies suddenly in 1911, his beautiful, strong daughter Mabel, who was part of his act, finds she cannot perform without him. Although she is known as the strongest woman in the world, she falls apart with stage fright. Jake Cunningham,who promised his friend and mentor, Bram, that he would look after Mabel if anything were to happen to him, accompanies her to America in search of her mother, Polly, now the world famous Isabella Moreau. Jake hates Isabella, holding her responsible for his wife’s accident that caused her death…..
It is interesting to see how the circus demands everything from its performers, and how Isabella pushes herself to perform, in spite of her aging body …..
I particularly like the Christian message based on Philippians 4:13,”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
There are romantic and family relationships, together with the jealousy and unkindness that comes from the less talented, but there is also forgiveness and unconditional love that brings hope for the future.
It is altogether an enjoyable and inspirational read, and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

A truly great work of fiction! This book brings light to important issues like postpartum depression, suicide and broken relationships. The story of the circus and its performers was fascinating. Seeing into the lives of those who are "different " and their struggles to be seen and heard was eye opening. The imagery in the book was so descriptive thar I could picture where the characters were and what they wore. I highly recommend this book!

Two women--bound by blood, torn apart by circumstance--find together that true strength comes in many forms.

In 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. When he dies 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, 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 have not heard of this author before, I chose this book based on the cover and the blurb, and I was not disappointed! This was such a gorgeous read, full of well developed characters and rich with feeling.

Thank you to @netgalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.