Tragedy spurs the story forward and the future is not so easy to guess for Cullen and Della, and when girlfriend Wanda shows up, Cullen has to make a difficult choice once and for all. The story blends the historical element with the romance in a slow atmospheric way that is hard to put down. Della easily begins to fall for him – in spite of herself – but Cullen is a respectful young man who knows where his heart is supposed to be: at home.

Cullen is going to be at the fair for six months and he and Della have come up with an arrangement so that he could learn to lip read which is something he is going to need to learn how to do soon because of his own hearing impairment. The story is a sweet and slow romance, because Cullen is only at the fair to market his invention of a sprinkler system while he has left his betrothed at home. Deeanne Gist masterfully recreates the atmosphere as we see the fair through Della and Cullen’s eyes, and we even get some pictures too! I loved that there were photos included from the fair, that was a really nice touch and added such authenticity to the story. If you have ever wondered what it was like to be at the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair, look no further. Who could resist that gorgeous cover?! And that dress does actually make an appearance in the novel which adds an intriguing factor. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading. But the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers.

Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with his most recent invention. (Read my Love On The Line review, her last release)Ī transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Review copy provided by LitFuse, thank you!

It happened at the fair by deeanne gist