In 1934, life in Brookburn, Indiana, is quiet, simple, and peaceful, but young dreamer Levi Beckerman yearns for more. When the carnival shows up for the Fourth of July, he’s entranced by its many temptations. None is more seductive than the charismatic barker, Sebastian Gustineau.<br><br>Seb’s been a part of the carnival for almost a decade. Once, it provided him the escape he needed from a life he thought he didn’t want, but now, he craves things it can never offer. Flitting from dusty town to dusty town, he loses himself in pretty dalliances. Levi seems like the perfect distraction, until a single conversation convinces him that preserving Levi’s innocence and way of life is more important than his momentary satisfaction.<br><br>However, his plan to discourage Levi goes horribly wrong. When Levi’s family is threatened, Levi fights to protect them, doing what he can to hide the secrets he’s sheltered his entire life. The only person he trusts is Seb. He just isn’t sure if the growing bond between them is enough to save them all.

A Simple Charm

“I don’t know.” When he sensed the protest about to come, he added, “But I’ll try.”


Otto’s arm fell away, clapping him hard between the shoulder blades. “Good man.” He quickened his pace until he was several yards ahead, then turned around to address Levi as he walked backwards. “Tell your sister I’m sorry. Last thing I wanted was to cause her grief.” With a sharp salute, he winked once and strolled off, his jaunty whistling a perfect match to the summer sunshine.


Levi tried not watching him. He failed, even knowing what he was about to face at home.


Chapter 14