 NASHVILLE, TENN., Jan. 29, 2013--The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition was a magical place. The White City was made up of structures built especially for the expo-buildings that would set the standard in architecture for a century to come. Exhibition halls overflowed with the latest innovations welcomed by a throng of people from all around the globe. This setting replete with history, intrigue and wonder is the backdrop for beloved author Deeanne Gist's latest release, It Happened at the Fair (Howard Books/April 30, 2013/ISBN: 978-1-4516-9237-2/$14.99).
"I'm always drawn to events in our country's past that are strangely absent from our history classes. Why the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition has been left out, I don't know, especially since it was such a pivotal event for us," explains Gist. "We were able to wow the world with our scientific innovations; and it gave women their first official board position recognized and approved by an Act of Congress (all before we had the right to vote). But it was technology which claimed the day as it nipped at the heels of horses, buggies, and man-powered tools."
With every book topping bestseller charts since her acclaimed debut A Bride Most Begrudging, Deeanne Gist has sold over a half million copies, earning rave reviews and numerous awards, including back-to-back Christy Awards, four RITA nominations, National Readers Choice, and Book Buyers Best. With her trademark humor and rich historical detail, It Happened at the Fair is sure to delight her beloved fans as well as garner new ones.
Gambling everything, including the family farm, young inventor Cullen McNamara is determined to make his family proud--and earn his father's entry money to the Fair Expo back--by selling his design for an automatic sprinkler system inspired by his mother's death in a mill fire. Struggling with hearing loss from his previous life on the farm, McNamara finds it difficult to communicate with potential buyers over the din in the Fair's Machinery Building. In an act of desperation, he hires attractive Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading. Much like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, Cullen is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground or will he be carried away?
Gist's unique blend of romance and historical fiction brings the past alive for her readers through her extensive period research. Readers will find themselves not only caught up with the exciting backdrop of the fair, but the blossoming romance between Cullen and Della. They will also encounter President Grover Cleveland, Alexander Graham Bell, Helen Keller, and Ann Sullivan, actually attendees of the legendary fair.
 Both the paperback edition of the book as well as the e-book include actual photographs taken at the fair between each chapter. The photographs in the paperback are different from the e-book, so whichever version readers purchase, they will have exclusive content. However, Gist's fans won't have to wait until April 30 to get their first look at the fair. Tempest in the White City, a 40-page short story available in a digital format, will be available for 99 cents from online retailers on March 19.
Gist will be hosting a webcast event on May 22, 2013 at 8:00 PM EST, where she will be discussing more of the story behind It Happened at the Fair and answering reader questions. During the course of the evening, a number of prizes will be given away to those participating in the discussion. More details will be available soon on the author's Facebook page where the webcast will be hosted.
Readers can keep up with Deeanne Gist at her website IWantHerBook.com, as well as on Facebook (DeesFriends) and Twitter (@DeeanneGist).
About the Author
 Deeanne Gist-known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee-has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captivated readers everywhere with her original historical and contemporary romances. A favorite among readers and reviewers alike, her popular titles include A Bride Most Begrudging, A Bride in the Bargain, and Maid to Match. Her latest book, It Happened at the Fair (releasing April 2013), is her ninth published novel. A popular speaker, Gist's presentations have been featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and in other publications. The Wall Street Journal's accompanying online video was the most watched video on the FrontPageWSJ.com website for several days following their feature. Gist has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel. She is also the creator of I Did It!®, a parenting line of products. Gist lives in Houston, Texas with her husband of thirty years. The couple has four grown children. -more-
Suggested Interview Questions
* Most everyone has heard about The World's Fairs that have taken place throughout history, but they may not be familiar with what went on. What was the purpose of the World's Fairs and how often did they take place? Are they still held today? * What inspired you to write about the Chicago World's Fair?
* Since there's not much taught about the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, was it difficult to research the fair? How were you able to find the photos that were included between each chapter of the book?
* What were some of your favorite details to share with readers from your research of the fair?
* Even though Cullen's mother had prepared him for a life outside of farming, Cullen was hesitant to go to Chicago to exhibit at the fair. Why did you write Cullen to be so uncomfortable with getting away from the farm and trying something new?
* Your main character, Cullen, struggles with his hearing, especially amidst the noise in the Machinery Building. How were you able to incorporate his inability to hear into the dialogue? * Della seemed to be ahead of the curve when it came to women's rights. Did you intentionally write her character as more feminist?
* What is your favorite thing about writing in the romance genre? * Do you have a favorite time period to write about?
* The story is set during the Edwardian Era, the same time frame in which the extremely popular TV series Downton Abbey takes place. Do you think there's a particular reason this era is so popular right now?
* In addition to It Happened at the Fair, you also wrote an e-short that took place at the expo. Tell us about Tempest in the White City and how readers can get a copy.
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IT HAPPENED AT THE FAIR By Deeanne Gist Howard Books, An Imprint of Simon & Schuster April 30th, 2012 / 978-1451692372 / $14.99 |
