"That was the thing about love - the unimaginable became reality, and every dream proved more than possibility." - The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy

The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy transported me to the early 20th century. Main characters Mabel and Jake are circus performers, but the story "flips the script" with a woman of immense strength and a male aerialist. This is especially unique in a genre (Christian fiction) that’s generally tied to traditional gender roles. Mabel was inspired by the life of Katie Sandwina, an Austrian-American strongwoman who was a circus performer from the early 1900s until 1945.

This plot is built on two common tropes - marriage of convenience and miscommunication - but is anything but ordinary. There's romance, so many secrets, mental health, (specifically postpartum depression in the late 19th century), abandonment, suicide, a woman's agency over her body and also the importance of family, faith, hope, and a bit of humor. All told through realistic, complex characters, brilliant writing, and fascinating historical details.

This was the first Kimberly Duffy novel I've read, and I'm very eager to read her three previous highly-rated novels set in India.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy of this novel.

How can something so weightless as air be so heavy at times?

Running away to the circus is likely the dream of many children, but imagine growing up in that world. For Mable, it was all she knew - working together with her father who was the strongest man in Europe in 1891. Her mother, Polly, was an aerialist, flying through the rafters to the oohs and awes of the audience. But life wasn’t always so rosy. Dark days would cloud the flying angel’s mind - anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress led to her leaving to never return.

This well researched book will keep you entranced as the wonderful characters learn how to deal with the bitterness and melancholy. But all is not lost as they learn that they CAN do all things through Christ.

An ebook was received through NetGalley, Baker Publishing Group and Bethany House Publishers. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

This is a lovely historical romance! Love conquers all and that is definitely the case in this book, a love story that defies physical characteristics or mental confidence.
A Weight Of Air is the first book I have read by the author, a circus themed novel full of complex themes presented beautifully and delicately.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, thank you so much to netgalley and Bethany house fiction for this review copy.

I have been absolutely enthralled with this story. The characters are amazingly written, I felt like I was involved in each of their situations. My favorite being Mable the Strongwoman and my least being Polly. The setting that Kimberly Duffy created was amazing. I felt like I was looking into the circus tens as they were being built, or watching the scenery go by as they flew down the tracks heading to the next destination. This was my first read by KD, but it won't be my last. Her writing flowed. think if I could've changed anything about the book, I would've made the cover brighter and more exciting. But it definitely depicts the theme of the story. The ending left no cliff hangers, although I'd happily read on about the characters journey. I think she could easily make this a series. Enjoyment was a level 5 for me.
Editing to add I had read in a few other reviews that there just wasn't enough about God in this book for it to fit nicely into the christian fiction genre. I disagree. It wasn't a preachy CF book; however, Kimberly D did a fine job of letting the reader know that Christ is the unseen help in all things. Another thing I want to add is that some of the issues in the book are about temptation. We as Christians aren't without fault and we do go through temptations.
*Thank you to Kimberly Duffy, NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me this arc version in exchange for an honest review.

This book started very slow for me, and, honestly, was depressing. It speaks strongly to living gin fear, to melancholy, suicidal thoughts, and post-partum depression. The characters are deeply flawed (aren't we all?) and that certainly allowed me, as the reader, to connect with them.

What frustrated me to no end in this book was the constant state of self-denial. Every main character was in some way denying himself or herself love, and it was MADDENING!

The last half of the book was more enjoyable than the first, as you get to see these messed up lives start to come back together in wholeness. You see love growing and doors opening. I enjoyed the second half so much more than the first half!

In all, the subject matter was interesting (the circus setting), but this was hard for me to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers for accepting my request to read and review The Weight of Air.

Published: 02/07/23

The cover is beautiful, and after reading the book I was able to appreciate it more. It makes sense.

There is a lot going on. If you are a person who seeks trigger warnings, probably should look elsewhere. This clicks several boxes. With that said, if you are a person who can read internal conflicts and demon-esque mental diseases -- this is well done.

I suggest you read the synopsis, decide your position on the warnings and proceed. I think some things are not spoilers, but better read in the story and not out of context.

I would gift this to a specific person, a personal handoff to a shelter, and a church ministry handoff. I wouldn't throw this in a donate box, but as stated would donate.

Mabel is the strongwoman in the circus and also always relied on someone in both real life and in her act. But when her father dies, she cannot perform. She discovers that her mother, who she had thought passed away years ago, is still alive and in NYC. Mabel travels to find her and form a relationship and is joined by Jake, an acrobat who Mabel secretly loves. Mabel works to find her self worth and convince Jake he is worthy of her love. Mabel's mother, Polly, struggles with depression and has always thoughts she was unworthy of love because of it.

This was a interesting peek inside the circus life! I thought it was a little long but I enjoyed it.

What a delightful read, it's like running away with the circus!

Kimberley Duffy weaves an irresistible story appealing to every child and the child within who wanted to run away with the circus.

The oddities and the ordinary live alongside each other in this wonderful blend of characters who struggle to see themselves through the eyes of those they love. It's a struggle for self-worth and a search for belonging, each taking a different path to get there.

Mabel is such a wonderful character. There were times that I was giggling at the characters and other times I was shedding a tear alongside them. This colorful and vivid story will not soon be forgotten. Another extraordinary winner for Duffy. Highly recommended.

I received a copy through Netgalley from Bethany House Publishers. My opinion is my own.

I enjoy the circus, and I adore all things Kimberly Duffy. I was not sure what to expect by this combination, but I was blown away! Kimberly writes her characters with such depth, realness, and transparency that I am always exposed, challenged, blessed, and encouraged. Isabella, Mabel, Jake, and Robert have such painful backstories that set the stage for nothing short of redemption. I love the juxtaposition of grit among glitter as their stories unfold. I really don’t want to give any of it away as the experience of the details mixed together with the pace and character point of view are truly meant to be unwrapped and savored. I resonated with the theme, “I can do all things…” Yes, there’s much more to the story as well as the message, but you need to read for yourself to experience the power behind it. I believe my heart cried at many points, for each of the characters, and then felt fully sated by the end. I highly recommend this for all lovers of clean (but closed-door passion), inspirational, historical romance. Trigger warnings, there are open discussions regarding post-partum depression, suicide, and abandonment. All topics are handled through the lens of forgiveness and redemption, but the stories are nevertheless raw in the telling.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This is my first book from Kimberly Duff but it won’t be my last.

The Weight of Air is a wonderfully written historical circus story of two women caught between love and fear. It deals with tough topics, such as loss, depression, and suicide with grace and love.

Mabel is one of the strongest women in the world, and has grown up in the circus. She knows nothing about how the outside world works. Mabel was such an amazing well rounded character. It was fun to watch her grow and become independent.

This book is full of love, family, a marriage of convenience, beautiful friendships, touch topics, and growth.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I found "The Weight of Air" to be an original book, taking place in a context I knew nothing about: an early 20th-century circus. With its gorgeous cover and beautiful title, it was definitely a book I wanted to discover.

In 1911, 28-year-old Mabel MacGinnis, a tall women of Scottish descent, is a strongwoman in the Manzo Brothers Circus. For years, she performed around Europe with her father, a indestructible team that even Mabel mother's disappearance couldn't shatter. But when her father dies, Mabel's life crumbles. She cannot perform alone. When she learns her mother is still alive, Mabel does not hesitate: she leaves from America with acrobat Jake Cunningham to find her mother,

In New York, Isabella Moreau, America's most famous aerialist, is struggling with her sense of worth. Her aging body is failing her and she sees no other future than to keep performing, no matter that she risks her life every time. When she unexpectedly reunites with her long-lost daughter Mabel, Isabelle has to rethink what is most important to her.

This novel starts with dual points of view, alternating between Mabel and Isabelle's stories. I usually don't mind it, but I had a strong preference for Mabel's character and story, contrary to Isabelle who I found to be rather stubborn and ungrateful and even a bit of a whiner early on in the book. I understand that Isabelle had to make very hard choices in life, and was forever on the brink of depression, notably since her "puerperal melancholia" (postpartum depression), but I didn't feel much empathy for her character. That's a shame because I really appreciated that the novel focused on such an important topic, but I couldn't relate to Isabelle's character. I do applaud the author for talking about this issue so realistically and from her own experience — that's very brave of her!

Alternatively, I really liked other characters like Mabel, whose character is so nuanced (she is physically strong yet emotionally fragile) and evolved all along the book, or Jack, who was such a likeable and relatable protagonist, torn between different paths, different people, and between past and future. Their romance was very enjoyable too and a wish there more of it, even if it was a secondary topic.

Finally, I loved the context: life in the circus, the feeling of belonging, the rivalry between artists...but also life in New York, which we discover notably through Alice and Katie Grace, two other great characters.

The story was bittersweet. It touched upon many heavy topics, such as suicide, death, depression, abandonment, aging, but there was always a thread of hope running throughout. I found this book to be unique, well written, and interesting, and I recommend it!

*I received an eARC and this is my honest opinion*

I don't know exactly what it is, but there is just something about historical fiction with a circus setting that draws me in. There is a bit of glamour that goes along with the circus with the over-the-top costumes and showmanship, while at the same time a bit of darkness and mystery there as well. Added together, it's the perfect backdrop for a great story and The Weight of Air is a prime example of that.

Lately, I must admit that it's been rather difficult for me to get into many historical fiction reads... and while I typically am able to get there several chapters in, it certainly takes a bit. From the start of this story, I was absolutely in it! These characters drew me in immediately and I found myself fully invested in their unique lives.

One of the things I loved most about this book was its very real look at mental illness. One of the main characters deals with what we now know as postpartum depression. While this is not something that I have personally dealt with, I have struggled with other mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, etc. Even now I think there is still some major stigma of these illnesses, and unfortunately perhaps more so in the Christian community. This story takes on not just PPD, but also suicide, abandonment, etc with understanding and grace.

It is important to note that the characters in this story are imperfect, at times broken people. As such, they make decisions that are imperfect. One of the main characters engages in a physical relationship outside of marriage, with hopes of using that to get ahead. This is something that happens before we get a sense that this character is coming to a relationship with God. While it is clear what is happening, there are no graphic details given and it is not a relationship/action that is glorified within the story... quite the opposite in fact. Likewise, there are moments between a married couple that are perhaps a little more than we are used to seeing within Christian fiction. I personally felt like these were handled well within the story, and thought that added a realness to these characters. Because everything happened off the pages, this didn't personally make me feel uncomfortable. That said, I know that there are other Christian fiction readers who feel differently and don't want even a hint of this type of content, so it should certainly be noted for those readers.

The faith element of the story was subtle but picked up a bit more towards the end... as such, we get to watch the growth of the characters throughout the story.

Overall, I found this a wonderful read. It's not my first read from Kimberly Duffy but it certainly is my favorite!


**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, please take your seats because the show is about to begin!”

In her gravity-defying new novel, The Weight of Air, Kimberly Duffy awakens our childhood memories of the circus with a profound story of love, sacrifice, redemption, and talent!

Two women bound by blood, torn apart by circumstance, find together that strength comes in many forms!

I was genuinely excited to read The Weight of Air, not only for the premise but because I remember the wonder I experienced as a kid watching the acrobats, trick riders, weightlifters, and other performers do the impossible at the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth. Getting a behind-the-scenes look at the life of circus performers in Kimberly Duffy’s book was exciting, sad, and grounding. They are just people like us, yet they risk their lives every day to bring laughter and joy to their audience. It’s an incredible sacrifice, but it comes at a cost.

While the plot of The Weight of Air was interesting and moving, I struggled to relate to the characters and connect with the story. I felt like the conversations were on a merry-go-round and sympathized more with Jake and Robert than Mabel and Isabella — though I appreciated their growth and healing journey. I applaud the author’s transparency with important topics like postpartum depression, trauma, and grief. In a time when people had to toughen up and hide their true feelings at the risk of being sent away, it was great to see the protagonists push through and find true healing.

Altogether, I think this book has a great market among women who have had children and know the emotional rollercoaster that comes during and after pregnancy. However, I cannot say this was a favorite read. Maybe I’ll return in a few years and try rereading it.

*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing this pre-release copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

I loved this book. It was incredible to see the way Kimberly Duffy tackled heavy themes like postpartum depression, suicide, abandonment, body issues, and grief, and wove them together in a story filled with hope and strength.

I loved how Mabel was so strong and yet still so feminine. Her loving heart was quick to forgive and so beautifully pure. Jake's story felt realistic as he comes to recognize his love for her in a gradual way.

Highly recommend this to anyone who loves good Christian fiction. I can't wait to see what she writes next.

@authorkimberlyduffy is a fantastic writer! Highly recommend reading her for the historical details and depth into characters. This book feels unique to the setting - I can only think of a handful of books or films that even touch on the circus - and is full of characters to root for. I loved the romance and the mother/daughter relationship growth.
Mabel is known as the strongest woman in Europe and shares an act with her father in a traveling troupe. His passing brings turmoil to her life and an unexpected partnership with acrobat, Jake. They decide to travel to New York to unravel a mystery by finding Mabel's mother.
Thank you to @bethanyhousefiction for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Title: The Weight of Air
Author: Kimberly Duffy
Genre: Christian, historical, romance
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

In 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. But at his unexpected death, she loses everything she's ever known and sets off in the company of acrobat Jake Cunningham for America in hope of finding the mother she's just discovered is still alive.

Isabella Moreau, the nation's most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella, stalked by old fears, makes a choice that risks everything. When her daughter Mabel appears alongside the man who never wanted to see Isabella again, Isabella is forced to face the truth of where, and in what, she derives her worth.

This was a lovely read! I enjoyed the glimpses of circus life and life in the early 1900s. Mabel was a great character! Her character growth was fantastic to watch, and I enjoyed reading Jake, too. I wasn’t quite as fond of Isabella, but she grew on me. I highly recommend this read!

Kimberly Duffy lives in Ohio. The Weight of Air is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.)

I was surprised to realize this was my first Kimberly Duffy book! I enjoyed it--and I didn't.

The cover, I must say, is utterly gorgeous. (Blue is my fave color, so there's that, and I'll freely admit it's what initially grabbed me about the book! :D) And I loved the circus element. I'm a huge _Greatest Showman_ fan, and enjoyed learning about other circuses (both fictional and historical) in the read. It's character driven, and partly, gloriously, takes place in NYC--with a small shout-out to my favorite historical church there, Trinity Church! #NationalTreasureGeek

Faith didn't play as much of a role in the book as I expected, and a few character comments could have benefited from some additional fleshing out/context. I also wouldn't have minded if a couple scenes had faded to black a bit sooner, or one side storyline foregone/handled differently altogether. I get the thought process, but on the same token, just unexpected for me and not really what I was expecting in the read. Suffice to say, Isabella was not my favorite character in the book!

The book does take a long look at depression (including PPD), and the impact it can have on the characters and their loved ones. That was thought-provoking, and interesting to see from a present-day POV. If you or a loved one are experiencing PPD in addition to seeking professional help from your church, a therapist, etc., I do recommend K. C. Ireton's Cracking Up: A Postpartum Faith Crisis.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Yes, this is historical fiction with strong dose of romance set in the circus world in the early 19th century.

But it is so much more than that.

This is the story of Mabel, the strongest woman in the world but who still lacks the strength to believe in herself, and who wants to be seen and loved for who she is rather than admired for her body and what it can do. I loved that her story touched on the topic of healthy body image.

This is also the story of Isabella, Mabel's mother who is searching for redemption and has stood on the edge of depression's darkness for as long as she can remember.

And this is also the story of Jake, a bitter man with his own demons to face but who is also charming, loyal and so sweet to Mabel even as he is forced to choose between holding on to his bitterness or choosing forgiveness and moving forward with the woman he has come to love.

Told from these three viewpoints, this story is poignant and evocative. It touches on some heavy themes but always from the perspective of finding hope and light, even while living amidst the darkness.

This is a story of found family, of making peace with your past and accepting your present, of finding strength from a higher source, and of love in its many different forms (including the ever-complicated relationship between a husband and wife). I was cheering for Mabel and Jake from beginning to end and loved the natural flow of their marriage of convenience romance.

I was entranced by these unique characters and loved them not in spite of but because of their flaws and imperfections. They were real and well-rounded and I quickly became happily entangled in their story. 4.5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

Trigger warnings: suicide and attempted suicide (past), depression, anxiety, sexual assault (brief), implied intimacy, traumatic death (past), postpartum depression, abandonment by spouse, childhood trauma (briefly mentioned in the past)

This is a gorgeously written novel about a young girl who grew up in the circus and is now at a crossroads. The inside look at circus life in the 1900s is fascinating. The story is intricately woven together, and the characters literally leap off of the page.

Longer review to come later.

Thank you to Bethany House for the ARC. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

In this deeply compelling, heart-rending story of found family and second chances, Duffy gives a voice to the mother who battles PPD, to the girl who struggles with identity and body image, to the person who has ever wrestled with hopelessness and darkness. With an intriguing circus setting, gripping characters, and beautiful themes, The Weight of Air is an unforgettable masterpiece!

Characters:

Mabel was intriguingly compelling in so many ways. I appreciated that she wasn’t the typical “strong girl,” who could do anything and everything without a man’s help. Despite her physical strength, she still needed someone to lean on emotionally.

I ached for the losses she went through, but her enduring courage and strength of character endeared me all the more to her. The way she so willingly forgave her mother and sought to restore a relationship with her warmed my heart. With Isabella too, I grew from sympathizing with her loss to admiring her determination to rectify past wrongs and take advantage of her second chance with her daughter. Their mother-daughter relationship was hands-down my very favorite part of the story.

Dear Jake. I loved how supportive he was of Mabel, always there to help her when she needed someone to lean on. Every girl deserves a friend like that. I appreciated the unique twist on the marriage of convenience trope, and I enjoyed watching them grow to love each other and selflessly sacrifice for the other person.

The only aspect I didn’t appreciate was how many bed scenes there were, including a few implied intimate scenes. Although nothing was ever shown in detail, it was more than I care to read.

Plot:

The vibrancy and diversity of New York City sprang to life under Duffy’s pen, luring me ever deeper into the immersive world of the early 20th century circus, where aerialists swing from the trapeze and elephants parade around the ring. With realistic detail and historically-accurate dialogue, Duffy paints an intriguing world any history lover will appreciate.

From the first page, I was captivated by the MacGinnis story with its hints of a dark past just beyond the corner, of a family ravaged by tragedy and loss. I found myself deeply invested in the characters, desperately spurring Mabel on as she searched for her mother. All in all, it’s a nail-biting adventure saga that will have you on the edge of your seat!

Finally, the ending was everything I could have hoped for and more. It was the perfect wrap-up to an equally weighty yet beautiful story!

Themes:

This story felt so very authentically real. It showcased the heart of the gospel—broken people finding wholeness and healing in Jesus. And yet, it never felt forced. It was gentle, sensitive, and yet filled with so much hope.

Watching Mabel and Isabella and Jake navigate what it means to show agape love, to find healing despite so much pain, to move on from the mistakes of others, and to discover who you are meant to be was deeply uplifting and encouraging.

This is not a book I would recommend to younger ages (I would rate it 18+). It addresses heavy themes surrounding real life struggles, such as depression and burnout. Attempted suicide is also mentioned and briefly touched on.

But despite its weighty topics, this is a story that is deeply relevant for our time. In a society where there are so many conflicting voices on body image, self-worth, and identity, we need books like Duffy’s more than ever that present real hope and redemption in Jesus.

This is sure to be a highlight read of your year!

*I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.