Title: Fair Play
Author: Deeanne Gist
First published May 1, 2014
433 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781476738529 (ISBN10: 1476738521)
Rating: 4.07
Overview
In Deeanne Gist’s novel, Fair Play, Billy Jack Tate is a woman with a man’s name, working as a doctor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Her dream of owning her own medical practice is threatened when she meets Hunter, a Texas Ranger and World’s Fair guard who challenges her ambitions.
However, when the pair discover an abandoned baby, they team up to give the child a better future. As they work together to build a park for the city’s street children, Billy and Hunter’s hearts warm to each other.
But their time at the fair is coming to an end, and they must decide whether their love and legacy will endure beyond the exhibition. Join Billy and Hunter as they navigate the challenges of love and ambition in a changing world.
About the Author
Deeanne Gist is a bestselling author known for her captivating historical novels. She has sold over a million copies of her books and has received numerous awards for her work, including the RITA for Best Long Historical of the Year and the National Readers’ Choice Award.
One of her latest releases, Tiffany Girl, has received critical acclaim and was named one of the Top 10 Most Anticipated Books of 2015 by Huffington Post. Gist’s books are published by Simon & Schuster and have been recognized by various organizations such as RT Reviewers, Librarians’ Choice, and Golden Quill.
Her latest series is set during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and has been praised by USA Today. If you haven’t read any of Gist’s books yet, give them a try to see which one you would enjoy the most.
Editoral Review
Fair Play, a historical romance novel by Deeanne Gist, offers readers a refreshing perspective on the complexities of relationships, gender roles, and faith in the late 1800s. Gist, known for her vivid portrayal of southern life during the Civil War, has shifted her focus to the Wild West boomtown of Grand Coeur, Colorado.
Set against the backdrop of the mining industry in the late 1800s, Fair Play introduces us to protagonist Billy Jack Tate, a woman disguising herself as a man to find work and provide for her family. Her ruse is quickly discovered by the town’s deputy, Hunter Scott, who offers her a deal: he’ll keep her secret if she teaches him how to cook.
What follows is a charming and witty tale of two unlikely characters navigating love, friendship, and societal expectations. Gist’s pacing is impeccable, keeping the reader engaged throughout the novel’s 370 pages.
Her use of dialect transports readers to the mining town, fully immersing one in Billy Jack and Hunter’s world. The author’s research is evident in the book’s accuracy and detail, providing historical significance to the story.
However, Gist’s character development falls short in some aspects. Secondary characters are not fleshed out as deeply, and the protagonist’s internal conflict is resolved too easily.
Despite these flaws, the novel tackles issues such as gender identity and discrimination with sensitivity and nuance, making it a timely read even today. Overall, Fair Play is an entertaining and heartwarming romance story, perfect for fans of historical fiction and romance.
Gist’s lively storytelling and insightful commentary on societal and cultural issues make it an enlightening and engaging read. It’s a 4 out of 5 for us at Washington Post, with a strong recommendation for readers who are looking for a well-written, feel-good story.
