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"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?"--… (more)
User reviews
We have a young woman doctor, and of all things she has two male first names, Billy Jack, talk about confusing people. Woman doctors at that time were a rarity, and one would suppose that with that name a man. We also have a Texas Ranger, Hunter Scott, a very self-confidant man, with cute attributes. You will be chuckling when you see how these two meet, and life with them becomes very interesting.
Yes it is definitely a man’s world and Billy is trying to succeed here, but both she and Hunter have big hearts and lots of compassion. There is a lot included in this story, besides walking into the poorest parts of Chicago, and see such poverty. We visit the jail that is so crowded that people and children, yes children, have to stand up, if they sit they are in human waste. Can’t even imagine! Then there are the gangs, and in a way a lot like today, with bullies, and weapons.
Can these two opposite individuals forge a relationship, with so much going against them, along with long held convictions? Will they be able go give an inch here and there; it sure doesn’t look like it. We even have a cameo of people from previous books here, if you have read the first book It Happened At The Fair, you will recognize them, and if you haven’t be sure to pick it up, it is another keeper.
I received this book from Howard Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
Billy Jack Tate, is a female Doctor in 1893 Chicago World's Fair, which is odd enough for this era, with her
Hunter, is a Texas Ranger and World's Fair guard, tough, abandoned as a baby and he isn't inspired by big cities, or women who work in a man's profession.
When Billy and Hunter team to help a foundling home in Chicago's slums, they warm to each other and a child. Billy and Hunter, create the first Chicago playground for children of the streets. Love blossoms in more ways then one. The characters are engaging, and the storyline interesting. Ms. Gist, pulls readers into her stories and holds them there in awe. She brings Chicago alive through the pages of her stories. I love the pictures that are throughout the book, depicting the events. Well done! I would recommend this title for any one who enjoys Historical fiction, Chicago, Chicago's World Fair and a wonderful tale of love, patience, and faith.
*I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review. the opinions expressed here are my own."
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Fair Play by Deeanne Gist is an incredibly fascinating novel that whisks readers back in time to the Chicago World Fair. This beautifully written story seamlessly incorporates historically accurate details into a timeless romance that is sure to enchant old and new fans of the delightful
Dr. Billy Jack Tate and Hunter Scott are older and very career oriented. Billy has worked hard to become a doctor, but establishing her medical practice in a male dominated field is virtually impossible due to the prejudices of the time period. Hunter is very proud of being a member the elite Texas Rangers and he has taken the position as guard at the fair solely to advance his career. They meet under somewhat embarrassing circumstances but despite their awkward introduction, they soon form an unlikely friendship. When love begins to blossom between them, will their differences threaten their future?
Billy and Hunter are both fairly stubborn and neither seems willing to compromise their principles. Billy is a city girl who enjoys the excitement of the hustle and bustle of living in Chicago. But it is also on the cutting edge of medical technology and she does not want to lose this valuable opportunity to hone her skills. She is often a contradiction as she fights to maintain her femininity while trying to downplay her more womanly attributes. Hunter has forged a very successful career as a Ranger and he cannot fathom a life without wide open spaces. His old-fashioned values lead him to unrealistic expectations regarding Billy's role as a physician. Both are guilty of making assumptions about what the other is thinking and this leads to trouble when their relationships enters into romantic territory.
Billy and Hunter's compassion and concern for an abandoned baby take them from the safe, protected world of the fair and into the poverty stricken tenements of Chicago. They witness firsthand the appalling living conditions and hand-to-mouth existence immigrants experience as they attempt to provide for their families. Children are robbed of their innocence as they roam the streets unsupervised and become juvenile delinquents. Most heartbreaking is the young age that many are forced into taking jobs so they can help contribute to their financially strapped households.
All of these elements contribute to the evolution of Billy and Hunter's characters and relationship while providing a captivating backdrop for Fair Play. Deeanne Gist's exceptional research is one of the highlights of her novels and she has again woven pieces of history into an unbelievably captivating romance that enlightens as well entertains. The setting of the Chicago World's Fair is the only common denominator between novels in the It Happened at the Fair series, so each can be read as standalone stories.