The Weight of Air

Author: Kimberly Duffy
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 400
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Publisher: Bethany House

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.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

A fascinating look into the 1900s that captured the romance of circus life. The author does not shy away from sin and awkward topics but brings flawed characters with their triumphs and tragedies. It is a marriage of convenience story with secrets on all fronts.

Mabel is grieving her strongman father, and she believes she cannot perform without his support. Having learned her mother is not dead but left her family years ago, Mabel sets out for New York City to find her. Her long-time friend, Jake, proposes a marriage of convenience. Mable wants to protect her reputation. Jake wants to protect his heart. "Love isn't something you deserve. It is something you are offered."

Isabella left Mabel and her husband because she was haunted by the shadows of depression. She has secrets aplenty, including her real name.

This is a story of tangled emotions, relationships, and motives. But through it all, the characters find courage, forgiveness, and faith. One of the verses from her childhood haunts Isabella: "I can do all things through Christ."

Put this one on your "to read" list.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Kristina Hall

The Weight of Air is a unique, engaging historical romance.

Mabel's, Isabella's, and Jake's stories pulled me right into the early 1900s. I loved how Kimberly Duffy developed Mabel's personality. Mabel was such a sympathetic, well-rounded character. I appreciated that she was taller and heavier than the average historical romance heroine. Isabella was also a well-developed character. She'd made lots of mistakes in her life, but I couldn't help but feel for her. Jake was a great character, but I didn't connect as much with him. Maybe he had fewer scenes? I'm not sure.

The plot (and the fascinating parts about the circus) kept me reading even when one of my not-so-favorite tropes appeared ... the marriage of convenience. I did think it was handled pretty well, but there were still a few comments and moments that I could've done without.

Anyway, I appreciated the theme of depending on God woven throughout this story. I'd recommend The Weight of Air to those who enjoy Christian fiction and historical romance. I'm looking forward to seeing what Kimberly Duffy writes next!

Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. My opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

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