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30 March 2017

Bonnie Roof Reviews "The Illusionist's Apprentice" by Kristy Cambron

The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron
Scroll down past the publisher's blurb to read Bonnie's review
Blurb: Harry Houdini's one-time apprentice holds fantastic secrets about the greatest illusionist in the world. But someone wants to claim them . . . or silence her before she can reveal them on her own.

Boston, 1926. Jenny "Wren" Lockhart is a bold eccentric--even for a female vaudevillian. As notorious for her inherited wealth and gentleman's dress as she is for her unsavory upbringing in the back halls of a vaudeville theater, Wren lives in a world that challenges all manner of conventions.

In the months following Houdini's death, Wren is drawn into a web of mystery surrounding a spiritualist by the name of Horace Stapleton, a man defamed by Houdini's ardent debunking of fraudulent mystics in the years leading up to his death. But in a public illusion that goes terribly wrong, one man is dead and another stands charged with his murder. Though he's known as one of her teacher's greatest critics, Wren must decide to become the one thing she never wanted to be: Stapleton's defender.

Forced to team up with the newly formed FBI, Wren races against time and an unknown enemy, all to prove the innocence of a hated man. In a world of illusion, of the vaudeville halls that showcase the flamboyant and the strange, Wren's carefully constructed world threatens to collapse around her. Layered with mystery, illusion, and the artistry of the Jazz Age's bygone vaudeville era, The Illusionist's Apprentice is a journey through love and loss and the underpinnings of faith on each life's stage.

BONNIE's Review
5 Stars *****

From time-to-time I read a novel which touches me to the extent I have a problem finding adequate words I feel will do it justice in a review. Such a book is 'The Illusionist's Apprentice' by Kristy Cambron.

It wasn't love at first "sight" for me and the eccentric Jenny "Wren" Lockhart. Changes were wrought when I realized the eccentricity was not only a part of her act as an illusionist, but a cover to hide her pain and protect she and her family. As her exterior layers were gently peeled away by F.B.I. agent Elliot Matthews - the true beauty, strength, and vulnerability of Wren was exposed; I found her to be very poignant as the story unraveled. In the process, Elliot was also captivated and forced to embrace some issues of his own, while allowing Wren to be true to herself.

The suspense, mystery, vengefulness, and plot twists in 'The Illusionist's Apprentice' kept me riveted to it's pages; being transported to the intriguing world and age of vaudeville and the story's magic versus illusion theme educated and mesmerized me; the tender romance, faith, and wittiness of various characters warmed my heart. However, it was the revelation of several life-lesson reminders that touched my soul: (1) In judging a person by his/her outward appearance, one may miss the depth and beauty hidden inside. (2) Each person encounters, endures, and is tested by trials - often unknown and invisible to peers. (3) The necessity of one's opening up and exposing vulnerability and reaching out in faith and trust to engage life fulfillment and happiness, both personally and spiritually.

I found the discussion guide and author's eloquent notes added even more depth to a story that gave me pause for reflection of it's characters long after I finished reading it. A beautiful, unique story that captured my heart and left me exclaiming "wow"!

(I was gifted a copy of this novel by it's publisher, and was not required to write a positive review of it. This review is my honest opinion of 'The Illusionist's Apprentice' by author Kristy Cambron.)
Bonnie Roof
GIVEAWAY: Comment on Bonnie's blog post, with a prayer for her health (Bonnie is terminally ill with cancer), for a chance to win a copy of this novel. Thank you to Kristy Cambron for offering a paperback to one of our readers!

65 comments:

  1. Captivating review!

    Psalm 30:5 says, "His anger is for a moment, His favor is for LIFE*; Weeping may endure through the night, but joy comes in the morning." God, favor Bonnie with health and life that she can daily share the joy of Your favor. This blog is full of testimonies of how You have helped people overcome their trials; may Bonnie's testimony be one of the greatest this site is yet to see!

    *emphasis added by me; also, the entire Pslam 30 is a great one to pray, full of life, hope, and healing.
    rachaeldalquist(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you Rachael. Bonnie is a true example of dignity and grace in handling terminal cancer.

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    2. Rachael, thank you for your beautiful prayer!! I appreciate it more than you know and pray that my testimony will be just as you have asked it to be. God has been good to me!!

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    3. Carrie, thank you!! I feel the same about you and the numerous serious illnesses you fight!!

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  2. Looking forward to this book.
    Bonnie, I pray that the God of all peace will dwell with you and in you as you walk the journey He has laid before you. I pray that he will hold you in his loving arms and comfort you as only God can. Only God knows what lies ahead, I pray you find comfort in knowing He is already there! Wishing you special blessings from a loving Saviour. God bless you, Bonny! <3

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    1. Ewe_r_merritt@yahoo.com Proverbs 3: 5,6

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    2. Yes, only God knows what lies ahead. He may bring a miracle. Regardless, we trust Him! Thanks!

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    3. E. Merr - you were so right when you commented that only God knows what lies ahead - He has given me peace as I trust Him to guide my steps and work all trials to my good, and yes - He is already there.

      I know you will enjoy 'The Illusionist's Apprentice'- it's an unusual heart-warming story from a gifted author!! Thanks for your prayer!!

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  3. This book is on my wish list, have heard so much about it! Hugs to you Bonnie!

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    1. I'm glad I signed up as an influencer for this book, influencing is the only way the number of wish list books ever seem to decline for me, LOL!! Enjoy it, Melany - hugs back, sweet friend!!

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    1. Thank you, Nikki, for praying for our Angel Bonnie!

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    2. Thank you for your prayers and your support, my friend - it is all so appreciated. I hope you have the opportunity to read this beautiful book!!

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    3. P.S. Thank you, also, Carrie!!

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  5. With love, dear Bonnie, I thank you for reading and reviewing The Illusionist's Apprentice. YOUR grace touches so many, this writer gal included. Sending prayers, steadfast love, and praying the peace of Jesus to be close, close, so close every moment.

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    1. Kristy, I'm so honored to be a part of your influencing team for such a stellar book, and even more so - the friend of a wonderful godly woman whose life is a living example of what she "preaches". Thanks so much for your prayers, your beautiful writing, and your godly example!! Love you and pray I did justice to 'The Illusionist's Apprentice'!!

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  6. I pray you (Bonnie) have God's peace through this difficult time and if Lord-willing, He may provide miraculous healing. And maybe chaga tea would help with symptoms for some relief. katie07edgar(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Katie, God has given me a peace - I'm praying for that miracle also, whether it happens on earth or in heaven. I'll try that tea also - I love tea, even more so if it is a healing tea. Thank you!!

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  7. You are in my continued prayers, dear Bonnie!!! (no entry, I enjoyed the book too)

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    1. Beth, wasn't it a wonderful book?? Kristy's writing is magnificent. Thank you so much for your continued prayers - love you and praying for the chance to see you at CFRR this summer.

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  8. I have to admit to having been very curious about this novel. Bonnie, what a lovely review! You have so eloquently described this book and so highly extolled it -- who wouldn't want to read it? I love you, Bonnie. P.S. No need to enter me as I can order this myself later. :-)

    Dear Heavenly Father, we ask You to reach down and heal Bonnie from the top of her precious head to the soles of her feet. Holy Spirit, breathe upon her very inner being and drive away every cancerous cell out of her body. Lord, You said in your Word that by Your stripes we were healed. Manifest your healing to Bonnie and we ask it in the name that is above all names, Jesus Christ! Amen!

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    1. One day, we will both run with no balance problems, Diana - can't wait for my healing!! You'll find healing in "The Illusionist's Apprentice" - for it's characters also. I think you will enjoy it!! Love you back, Diana, and praying for you also!!

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  9. What a compelling review! I had "seen" the book but wasn't sure of the premise or subject matter, as to whether it would really be interesting.....you spell out the depth and interest. Thank you and prayers for your journey. So many of us have been personally affected by the same. dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. Cathy, Bonnie loves the books that have more depth to them, like you said. Thanks for your prayers for her, too!

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    2. Cathy - Carrie is correct, I love books that have lots of depth to them. Books that show the characters emotional and spiritual healing. I hope you love 'The Illusionist's Apprentice' - thanks for your prayers!!

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  10. Sending prayers.

    This does sound like a marvellous read.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Thank you, Mary! Bonnie did a great review!

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    2. Thanks so much for your prayers, Mary!!Enjoy 'The Illusionist's Apprentice'!!

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    3. Thank you, Carrie!!

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  11. *No Entry, already owned <3 *

    Bonnie, may our gracious Father be so very close to you through this journey. Your faithfulness to the Lord is such an incredible testimony and model to me. I'm so grateful for you, your sweet heart, love for God, and love for and encouragement to authors. You're a treasure!! I'm praying for you, sweet Bonnie. <3

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    1. Mikal, thank you for your sweet comments - your smile and positive comments are always an encouragement to me. There's nothing I love doing more than the ministry of sharing Christian Fiction and it's authors - which He gave me to do. Praying to see you this August in Cincinnati - can't thank you enough for your prayers, hugs!!

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  12. Thank you, Bonnie, for your insightful and wonderful review! You've painted a vivid word picture of The Illusionist's Apprentice and intrigued me all the more to want to read this book. God's richest blessings to you, ~ Alison Boss

    Dear Lord, I pray for Bonnie and her battle with cancer. I pray she would feel Your constant sustaining presence and strength each day. May she hide in the shadow of Your wings and know Your peace. I bring her before Your throne, Lord, and ask that You would guide and give wisdom to her doctors. And Lord, I ask for Your healing touch, to heal Bonnie from this cancer. We thank You for what You have done and what You will do, in the powerful and mighty name of Jesus we ask this. Amen.

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    1. nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    2. Lord, we pray that you give Bonnie your peace during this difficult time. We also asked for comfort for her family and friends as they go through this with her. If it be your will we ask for healing from this terrible disease.
      In the name of your son Jesus we pray, Amen

      pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    3. Thank you Alison, for your beautiful prayer for our Angel Bonnie!

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    4. Alison, thank you for your beautiful prayer - I appreciate it so much!! I'm so grateful my review inspired you to read 'The Illusionist's Apprentice' - it's a beautiful story I feel sure you will enjoy. It is His presence and peace that get me through each day!!

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    5. Patty, thanks for your prayers for my family and friends, as well as for me. I am grateful!!

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  13. Prayers for Bonnie and for a miracle.
    JoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com

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    1. Thank you for your prayers, Joan - I believe in miracles, and appreciate that you do also!!

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  14. Thank you Bonnie for the review. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
    MarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed my review, Marilyn, and hope you will enjoy Kristy's beautiful story - it will touch your soul. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayer!!

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  15. Prayer and more prayers for Bonnie to win her battle against cancer.
    MarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com

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    1. Thank you, Marion, for the prayers for Bonnie!

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    2. Marion, thank you for all those prayers - I appreciate every one of them

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  16. BONNIE, You are always in my thoughts and prayers. GOD is still the GOD of miracles and I am believing that you will be healed of cancer; IN GOD'S WAY AND IN HIS TIME! I love you my dear friend and thank you so much for this great review! Hoping to put this book at the top on my TBR mountain! :-)

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    1. Great idea, Teresa, to put Kristy Cambron's novel on your list based on Bonnie's recommendation. Our beloved Angel Bonnie isn't feeling well enough to respond but try sending a PM, too, on Facebook.

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  17. What a beautifully, eloquent review of Kristy's book! You captured it so well Bonnie! Love you my friend. You have not been far from my thoughts and prayers! And I am praying for God to do miraculous things in you!
    (No need for an entry, I already own the book)

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    1. Nancy, Bonnie did a great review! She has been able to read the comments but isn't well enough to reply.

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  18. Thank you Bonnie for taking the time to write this lovely and interesting review,will look forward to reading Kristy's book. Have never read her stories before and this sounds like the perfect one to start with. Love you with all my heart Bonnie,you're always in my thoughts and am keeping a constant vigil of prayers for you. Thank you for being our guardian angel. May the Lord surround you with His comfort and love. lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com

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  19. Such a lovely review Bonnie. I enjoyed this book so much.(Don't enter me)
    You are in my prayers daily. I hope to meet you this summer.

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    1. Keep praying, Andrea. Bonnie will not be at the reader's conference this summer, short of a miracle. The main reason I went to it last summer is because this was Bonnie's dream and I wanted to be there for it and to see her.

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  20. Thank you for a great review and BonnIe, ' I want you to know that I have remembered you in prayer and I firmly believe that the power of prayer is great. God knows better than we do about all things and I am so thankful that he is with us every step of the way.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks for those prayers, Melanie. Our beloved Angel Bonnie is quite ill.

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  21. Bonnie - I've been negligent about visiting my favorite blogs and truly saddened that I am only now hearing about your health. I'm also encouraged by the time that you're still willing to spend in reading and offering your thoughts on Christian fiction that helps to encourage us readers. It's such a blessing to us and I truly hope it offers the same to you. Your health and also those it affects around you in your daily life, will be lifted up in my prayers.

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    1. Thank you, Terrill. We aren't sure how much longer Bonnie has but keep praying.

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  22. Your review solidified the reason I want to read this book! Lovely review Bonnie, I always enjoy them :-)

    I'm placing you in my daily prayers, may the Lord give you strength for each day, comfort & joy and peace in your heart.

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  23. Bonnie, I was saddened to hear of your fight with this horrendous disease. Isn't it awesome though that God is with us no matter what we're going through! I'm praying His peace surround you. Thank you & Carrie for sharing the excerpt, review & giveaway! rw620 AT aol DOT com

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  24. Wonderful review BONNIE. You vividly expressed & illuminated the story, Illusionist's Apprentice, in word-pictures. Kristy's book sounds interesting (I'm not entering, I can get a copy from the library).

    I continue to pray for you Bonnie. May the Lord fill you with His peace each day as you walk hand-in-hand with Him.
    Love & blessing dear friend, Tina

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  25. Stunning review, BONNIE! I LOVE Kristy's books and I'm excited to read this one!

    Bonnie, I daily cover you in prayer. I know the Lord has you in the palm of His hands. Love and ((((HUGS))))

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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  26. BONNIE, love, Love, LOVE this review, my sweet friend, and it (and your glowing verbal recommendation when I saw you last) convinces me that THIS is definitely a book I need to read! Not only because of your intensely heartfelt and beautiful review, but because I know if you love it, I will love it. Because when it comes to books, we are of one mind and heart!

    My prayers surround you, my sweet friend, night and day, and I thank God always for the privilege of know and loving you in this life and the next.

    Love you always!!
    Julie



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  27. I have just put this book on my list to read, after reading this wonderful, glowing review.
    I have another friend with similar health issues, and now I can add another name.
    Janice
    pjrcmoore@windstream.net

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  28. Awesome review to cause readers to pick up a copy.

    Bonnie, prayers are being sent up to God for His healing touch upon your life. I remember you sharing about your illness at #CFRR 2016. You are His child and He's walking beside you which has shown through your spirit and life. Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 41:10

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  29. Praying for her to get better

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