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

But Levi knew one thing for certain. If Pap knew there was a threat to the family, he’d take action. So could Levi.


To be safe, he held his stomach again as he reached the front door, straining to hear any noises inside. The cooler rush of air, the familiar breeze brought through the house from the back door being propped open, enveloped him at first step, carrying with it the low murmur of female voices.


Levi exhaled in relief. Nothing to fear today. He could keep Mom and Annie in the house until Pap came home, and if he stayed in the living room, nobody could approach unseen. He didn’t have to worry about the backyard. Mom would never tolerate someone trespassing.


Chapter 33