The Illusionist's Apprentice

This novel is a fascinating peek into a world that is provocative and mysterious and a long time past. Cambron makes up a character who used to be Harry Houdini’s assistant. After Houdini’s death, she becomes an illusionist on her own and we get a limited view behind the scenes of a master illusionist.

Why do you think she doesn’t call him a Magician? Funny you should ask. My favorite part of this story is the historical detail she gives about the disagreement, nay, the hostility which arose between those who purported to speak with the dead, to actually command a force which they called magic, and those who believed that there was no such thing as magic, but only illusion. The difference matters, because the previous suggested control over a supernatural force, and many people dishonestly peddled this false influence in the "spirit" world for huge amounts of money, and the latter believed (knew) that those who did so were tricking people out of their money, and as such, they sometimes tried to reveal them for the frauds that they were.

Historically speaking, there was a shift from “scientific explanation” toward supernatural sensationalism at the time. Seances, table-turning, and all sorts of scams were run, but true illusionists knew they were merely creating an illusion and did not try to sell their talents as anything more than entertainment.

As a Christian author, Kristy Cambron handles this fascinating time period with grace and weaves in the truth as created by the Truth Teller in chief.

Oh. And there’s a love story too. And a mystery. And family secrets. And lies. And truth. It's really good! Have you read The Ringmaster’s Wife by Cambron? If you liked it, you’ll love this one too.

Do you have any favorite experiences with Illusionists? What's your favorite illusion?

Don't forget to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for Grafted into Deceit by Sherri Wilson Johnson! Winner will be announced in the October 30th issue of the Weekly Windup. 

Back in the Day . . .

Do you ever wish you lived in the days of the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker? How about the Cobbler, the Haberdasher, and the Milliner?

Speaking of Milliners . . . I just read this great book about a hatmaker. Carla Stewart’s The Hatmaker’s Heart. Stewart is known for her “nostalgic novels.” They generally have to do with a specific moment in time, and when I read her stories, I want to go back. Ok, keeping it real . . .. I’ve never actually lived in the roaring twenties, but when I read Hatmaker, I felt like I was there. And I wished I could wear one of her hats . . . and go back there.

It’s a story about postwar (between the wars) women and explores the paradigm shift whereby women sought after careers and college education in greater numbers than ever before. It examines the plight of women who lost husbands in the war, and tried to find a way to support families on their own. And how they came up against the old guard who promoted their traditions of women at home. 

The Hatmaker’s Heart follows a girl who loves designing and making hats back in the day when nearly every outfit required a different, matching hat. 1920s high fashion in NYC and then London dominates the scenes and provides a colorful backdrop for the drama which unfolds as Nell discovers who she is and learns to stand up for herself in a male-dominated workforce at a time of great change.

Nowadays, hats are for fun, sun, or warmth. What was the last hat you purchased for yourself? Do you like hats? Would you wear one every day if that was in style? Leave us a comment for a chance to win this week’s drawing.

The Hatmaker’s Heart is a quick and fun read. I hope you’ll give it a try.

Review by Jennifer Fromke