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

Edging forward, he took Seb’s place at Levi’s side effortlessly, hauling Levi’s arm over his shoulder and sliding his own around Levi’s waist. Though Levi had protested at Seb’s aid, there was nothing to be done about Pap’s. The least he could agree to considering what he’d likely face once they got home.


More strength came back with each step he took, though the brightness didn’t fade. In the middle of the bridge, he had the overwhelming urge to look back and see if Seb was still standing there, but Pap’s solidity was a painful reminder of the life he had, not the one he wanted. The interlude in Seb’s tent had been just that, no more, no less. Levi couldn’t go back. If he was lucky and Seb was right, Otto wouldn’t come hunting for him, either.


Life would return to its usual flat rhythm.


Chapter 48