Fair Play

Fair Play
Deeanne Gist
(Howard Books)
ISBN: 978-1451692419
May 2014/464 pages/$15.99
From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair comes a historical love story about a lady doctor and a Texas Ranger who meet at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Saddled with a man’s name, Billy Jack Tate makes no apologies for taking on a man’s profession. As a doctor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, she is one step closer to having her very own medical practice—until Hunter Scott asks her to give it all up to become his wife.

Hunter is one of the elite—a Texas ranger and World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character, and skill. Hailed as the toughest man west of any place east, he has no patience for big cities and women who think they belong anywhere but home.

Despite their differences of opinion, Hunter and Billie find a growing attraction until Hunter discovers an abandoned baby in the corner of a White City exhibit. He and Billy team up to make sure this foundling isn’t left in the slums of Chicago. As they fight for the underprivileged children in the Nineteenth Ward, an entire playground movement is birthed. But when the fair comes to an end, one of them will have to give up their dream.

Will Billy exchange her doctor’s shingle for the domesticated role of a southern wife, or will Hunter abandon the wide open spaces of home for a life in the “gray city,” a woman who insists on being the wage earner, and a group of ragamuffins who need more than one breathing space?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deeanne Gist has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical love stories. Add to this four RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

With three-quarters of a million trade books sold, her awards include National Readers’ Choice, Book Buyers’ Best, Golden Quill, Books*A*Million Pick of the Month, Romantic Times Pick of the Month, Award of Excellence, and Laurel Wreath.

She has a very active online community on her blog, on Facebook, Pinterest, and on her YouTube channel.

Gist lives in Texas with her husband of thirty-one years and their border collie. They have four grown children.


MY THOUGHTS

I know few authors who can bring history to life like Deeanne Gist. Fair Play is her second book set at the 1893 Chicago World Fair and as much as I've loved her previous books, this one may be my favorite yet, and not just because it has a medical angle and a hero from Texas! Gist is a master at creating extraordinary characters, clever dialogue, engaging plot twists, and poignant situations. I was swept away more than a century into the past and experienced a wide range of emotions as I was caught up in the lives of Dr. Billy Jack Tate and Texas Ranger Hunter Scott, laughing, grieving, and sighing at intervals, Fair Play stands alone and can be read independently from It Happened at the Fair (which I reviewed here), although a few references to occurrences or individuals from the first novel provided a fun connection for those who have read both books. I highly recommend this delightful book and fully expect to see it add to Gist's lengthy list of awards. Put this one on your TBR list!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster as part of a blog tour. 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.”