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

The way she stood, she almost blocked out her family in the distance. Almost. “It was even Pap’s idea.”


His brows shot up. “I thought he hated the carnival.”


“He does. I think he feels guilty about making us stay out at Granddad’s the past couple days. Plus, everyone else from town is here.”


“Well…” Seb glanced again at the Beckermans minus one. “Not quite everyone.”


Annie’s smile meant his wistfulness wasn’t as buried as he’d hoped. “No, everyone. That’s why I came over. Levi asked me to ask you to meet him down at the gulley.”


His head snapped in the bridge’s direction as sharply as his heart lurched. “He’s here?”


Chapter 52