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

“You mind if I run home and eat lunch there, Mr. Trumbull? I didn’t think it was such a good idea to make something and have it sit around in this heat all day.”


The lie was effortless. Years of practice served him well.


“Sure, sure.” Mr. Trumbull opened the register and scowled at its meager contents. “Damn carnies. They’re stealing all my business this week anyway.”


Levi ignored his guilt at driving away customers. “Only a few more days.”


“Not soon enough as far as I’m concerned.”


Rather than point out the irony that Mr. Trumbull had been the one touting their arrival just last week, Levi left him with a wave and a promise to be back within the hour. Sixty minutes to get out to the carnival, find Otto, push him to forget about his vendetta, and get back, without anyone being the wiser.


Chapter 39