The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy

Published by Bethany House, 400 pages

NORA’S REVIEW: My husband and I were memorized by our Cirque Du Soleil experience this past Christmas. Wow, it was a magical event under the big top tents, I’ll never forget.  So, when an opportunity came to read this story, I jumped at the chance to review it.

I was swept up into this adventure with all the amazing acts, the drama, and the enchanting atmospheric circus backdrop. Mabel McGinnis was known as the strongest woman in the Manzo Brothers Circus. She had done the act with her father her entire life. She tried to do the act without him but could not. Not only that, but she didn’t know who she was without him. The circus is going to give her one more chance. If she can’t perform, she’d have to find another job. As the Manzo Brothers Circus was getting ready to move to the next town, Mabel finds hidden letters in her father’s belongings, addressed to her from her mother. He said she died. Why did he lie to her? This changed everything. Forget the circus act, she had to find her mother and, in the process, find herself.

Isabella Moreau, America’s most celebrated Aerialist, is losing her edge. She is racing against the clock as she hopes will power alone will keep her in the air, but she feels her body betraying her. It’s not as strong as it used to be. She struggles with this and the regret and losing her daughter. Isabella heard the news about her husband’s passing. Could she re-connect with her daughter? Their situation was complex, how could they rebuild their relationship after all these years?

Jake Cunningham feels protective of Mabel and wants to help her on her quest to find her mother. Jake is dealing with loss and grief too. Maybe he’d find the next thing to do. He was done being in the circus. He hopes this trip will stretch them both to become what they were meant to be, not what others labeled them. Jake and Mabel find the truth and a freedom they’d never known before. There was more to life than being the best act, drawing big crowds, would they have the courage to walk on a new path?

I appreciated the natural spiritual thread that sheds light and gives hope in the dark topics the author talks about like postpartum depression, suicide, abuse, loss/grief, abandonment, sexual harassment, and fear. The author also shows redemption, grace, and forgiveness.

I enjoyed the growth of the characters throughout the story. This is a beautiful escape, with a complex cast of characters in a layered story, with a depth and fascination that kept me up late. I adored every minute reading about these broken, flawed people making their way through life and circumstances that occurred beyond their control. The message throughout was that our self-worth is not based on how we look, or how well we perform, but our hope and strength come from above, and from the one who never fails us.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. 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”

Nora St. Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! 

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