The Gillespie County Fair

The Gillespie County Fair, the oldest fair in Texas, looms insistently over the shoulder of Marc Hess’s new novel. As rampant land development and tourist money begins to transform the old German farming community of Fredericksburg, two intermarried pioneer families lock in a life-and-death struggle over the sale of their homestead. Their vicious feud—in an otherwise harmonious and bucolic community—leads to the demise of two pioneer families and culminates in the triumph of one hard-headed, young girl.
This book delves into the clash of new wealth and ingrained poverty as rural Texas grapples with a changing world. In a short period of time, the town of Fredericksburg has morphed from a rock-rimmed farming community into the chic tourist destination that it is today. While the town itself has blossomed, this is the story about a family that destroys itself.

I enjoyed the book very much. Marc Hess has captured Fredricksburg. It had some shocking, sad moments. A wonderful book that was like being right there.

This was a very interesting and intense read! I really enjoyed it, way more than I thought I would!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

The Gillespie County Fair reminded me of a Peyton Place sort of town. Set in Fredericksburg, Texas, this novel follows three different families and how their lives are all connected. A quick read that held my interest.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of The Gillespie County Fair. This is my honest review.

I received this book from Net Galley I. Exchange for an honest review.  

As a central Texas resident. I enjoy my weekend trips to Fredericksburg to drink wine and shop. The mentions of local establishment and restaurants were enjoyable.  Having had the opportunity to attend the Gillespie County Fair one hot August it was easy to see the way families treated this as a family excursion.  Mentions of historic families and ties to old German beliefs was very easy to visualize. In a small town everyone truly is either related to everyone else, or they know everyone’s business.  Old German beliefs clash with tourist visits and input

Thank you to Greenleaf Books and NetGalley for an advance read of this book, The Gillespie County Fair.  This is the story of pioneers of Texas, trying to save their homes, their land, from development.  This is a timely problem that I think it relevant.  This was a very good book, about family, about history and about what's worth saving and at what cost.

The Gillespie County Fair

A cast of original characters you can’t help but fall for. I did feel like the storyline was a little all over the place and hard to follow. But in saying that, I was definitely eager to see what the outcome was gonna be for these characters. 

There were definitely parts of this book that were outstanding! I finished this one in less then 24 hours. I’d try another book from this author.

A story line so real you'll recognize the towns and businesses where the characters spend their time.  Characters so real you'll wonder if Marc Hess is writing about your ancestors.  Together they make a book so good you'll read it more than once.