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

Pap looked sharply down at her. “What’s that?”


“Oh, sure,” Otto went on. “It’s Annie, right? You played two games at my table yesterday.” His gaze slid sideways, glittering like a snake about ready to strike. “And you’re the big brother. I’m sorry, I don’t recollect your name.”


“Levi,” Reverend offered, oblivious to the rising tension between the Beckermans.


“You were at the carnival yesterday?”


Mom rested a hand on Pap’s arm. “Not here, Pete.” Levi could barely hear her.


Pap snapped his jaw together so tight, the click of his teeth made Levi’s ache.


“We’re holding up the line,” Mom went on brightly. Her fake cheer saddened Levi, because she only pulled it out in public when things were bad, real bad, and yet Pap never seemed to cotton on. Mostly because he was usually too angry about whatever transgression he believed they’d suffered to notice. “Have a good day, Reverend.”


Chapter 13