Noela Nancarrow reviews FAIR PLAY by Deeanne Gist

Fair Play

Fair Play

by Deeanne Gist

Howard Books (May 2, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

A Spirited Romance

I had an absolute blast reading the novel ‘Fair Play', which had me both entertained and spellbound! I went the full emotional gamut from laughing out loud at some of the funniest scenes I've ever read, to experiencing sorrow and shock at the depiction of other grimmer parts. Set in and around Chicago’s World Fair of 1893, we're treated to a photographic excursion by not only the enlightening and descriptive information about the fair, but the charming timeworn snapshots which are displayed in relation to the text.

It is at Columbus Hall we first see the forward-thinking woman doctor Billy Jack Tate being introduced to the masculine and rugged traditionalist Texas Ranger Hunter Scott, in a rather mortifying manner! The tables are soon turned however in a hilarious scene when Hunter is embarrassed beyond all measure before her. An unlikely friendship develops out of their encounters which leads Hunter to seek out Billy’s help when coming across an abandoned baby while on guard duty at the Fair. They team up to find him a place to live, but cannot bear it when his only likely home is in Chicago’s West Side and surrounded by debris and filth, no grass in sight, rats for companions, and saloons and the like being the only places of amusement. Just as troubling are the many street kids and gangs. Together they embark upon a mission to develop a type of playground, birthing America’s Playground Movement. But will the street gangs prove a greater threat than Hunter and Billy had credited them to be?

Hunter and his ‘Billy girl’ as he endearingly calls her, soon find their feelings developing and passion igniting. But with each of them staunchly dedicated to their work, do they even have a future? Billy’s desire to have a successful practice in Chicago majorly conflicts with Hunter’s plans to leave for Texas and get back to working with his fellow rangers as soon as the fair ends. And this conventional Ranger (loved his use of classic Texan catch-phrases!) is not about to let his woman be the wage-earner in 'his' home anyway!

A woman’s place in society isn't the only controversial topic of the era highlighted in 'Fair Play'. Other issues are also exposed, such as the rights of children, the underprivileged, housing conditions, immigrants, the drinking age, etc. On the lighter side, Hunter and Billy, who are both plenty stubborn, deliver an entertaining dialogue peppered with amusing arguments and sassy comebacks that are a real treat to read. The romance is written in true Deeanne Gist style-- wonderfully romantic and passionate. And while some may prefer more Christian elements to an inspirational story, 'Fair Play' is clean and there are many positive messages to take away, including learning how compromise is an essential part of a relationship. An unrushed and satisfying epilogue finishes off this extremely enjoyable book! 

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This book may be purchased from Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM etc.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away one paperback to someone who leaves a comment on the reviews of 'Fair Play' this week!! (E-book option is available. Outside US, e-book only.)

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