Traveling Man (Traveling, #1)

4.5 Stars

“I was old enough to know that magic didn’t exist, and young

enough to hope that I was wrong. I was sure that if magic belongs anywhere in the world, it was living and breathing right across the road in Mr. Peterson’s field.” Jane Harvey-Berrick did a brilliant job gifting a spellbinding story through the eyes of a young girl named Aimee who goes to the carnival to celebrate her tenth birthday. Aimee meets a young carnie boy named Kes and the two form a friendship that spans several years, while only being confined in the two weeks each summer. The writing was so very realistic that everything from the flashing lights of carnival rides and breeze on the ferris wheel felt like I was with the characters as we explored the

carnival sights.

When the carnival comes back to town on Aimee’s sixteen birthday, her now crush turns into an epic first love for both Kes and Aimee. Aimee’s school life and home life are ordinary. Kes brings bring color, excitement and wonder into her world for two weeks each year. The story is told in two parts and there is a time jump when the two crushingly loss touch but do eventually reconnect. Impulsively Aimee accepts Kess’ offer to go on the road with a carnival for a few weeks. ”You still love him.” “I love the boy he was. I could love the man, too. I don’t know, and that’s why I have to find out.” This couple were hot and heavy, they fight big and love even bigger… ”No, you’re cute. But somehow, when you and Kes are together, there’s this incredible sexual tension in the air. Hell it makes everyone horny. I think there’ll be a lot of kids born in about nine months after this tour.”

I really loved experiencing the carnival family and how Aimee attempted to fit in. I was disappointed in the cliffhanger ending, but I’m sure the author must have a lot more to go if another full book is needed (perhaps Kes' background or family will have more of a role). I also have to mention that I appreciated how the author’s handles Kes’ Dyslexia. I struggle daily myself and totally get his frustrations. Many questions need to be answered in the next book: What kind of future if any can a third grade teacher from Boston have with a traveling carnival/stunt entertainer. Will Kes and Aimee find an in between? Will Aimee give up her life to live on the road? Is their love enough? I would suggest or ask that the author incorporate Kes’ pov for the next book because he’s not the type of guy to explain himself and being in his head would be pretty interesting. I’m looking forward the next book and more magic from this author.

#45 #45STARS #REVIEW #contemporary #adultcontemporary #review