Fair Play By Deeanne Gist Book Review

Fair Play

A Novel

 

Review Written By Madi

Book Title: Fair Play

Author: Deeanne Gist

Source/Sponsor: Howard Publishers

Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

Number Of Pages: 464

ISBN: 978-1-4516-9241-9

Publisher: Howard Publishers

Year Of Publication: 2014

My Rating: Four Out Of Five Stars

 

Book Description:

 

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, the captivating 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 difference of opinion on the role of women, Hunter and Billy find a growing attraction between them—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 with only the flea-riddled, garbage-infested streets for a playground. 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 a playground for breathing space?

 

Book Review:

 

 This was a REALLY good book! When I requested it I didn't realize that it was going to be so lengthy, but now that I have read it I'm glad that it is. I've read a couple of things by this author, but it's been a while so I don't remember much about them. I didn't remember hating them, so I supposed it was worth a shot. Well, it was. Well worth it. Deeanne Gist has most definitely gained my respect as a writer. I can't wait to see what she writes next! I love historical fiction, and she really seems to know her stuff. This book was about a woman doctor back when being a doctor was almost an all male profession, with a boyish name to boot. Billy is a spitfire of a character, and somehow she enlists the help of a very traditional Texas Ranger. He believes that a woman has no business working outside of the home. He thinks that Billy is ornery, hard headed and impulsive - which she is. But when these two complete opposites come together on a neutral battlefield to support a cause that will help Chicago and it's residents, sparks will fly. I was entranced. This book kept my attention from start to finish. My only complaint is that Billy's character could be a bit of a lack wit at times. Fine, you're an independent woman, I get that, but sometimes she took it too far. When she puts herself and others in danger just to prove the point that she is just as capable as Hunter I couldn't help but want to knock her silly. I mean sheez, let him take the punches. That's just common sense. And if the man wants to open your door or carry something heavy for you, let him! Goodness. Use your head. She just aggravated me sometimes. It's bad when I take the guys side ;) . Anyway, the plot was well executed, the characters fulfilled their roles to a T, and I enjoyed it very much. I look forward to reading more by this author.

 

  ~Madi For The Literary Maidens

 

Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion by Howard Publishers. I was not further compensated to review this product and all thoughts and sentiments expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.