Reviews

Sideshow by Amy Stilgenbauer

gustus's review against another edition

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4.0

This is ~adorable~ and there is this sweet, soft, and gentle feel to the story. Wish it would have been longer tho :')

zefrien's review

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

karisommers's review

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4.0

This was one of the first romance books I read and a great introduction to lesbian romance for a straight woman who was (at the time) wary of romance books in general. The story is sweet slow burn, and the characters are relatable and lovably flawed, but the setting and feel of the era it's set in are the parts of it that have stuck with me in the years since I read it (I know I started a review here but obviously never finished it). Unlike some historical fiction, the reader's immersion into the time period here is complete; it's clear that the archivist author did thorough research. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or slow burn romance.

ksd1441's review

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2.0

2.5 Stars Overall

qbqrat's review

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4.0

Dammit, Jimmy.

lesvibes's review

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4.0

A very short and sweet book about a woman trying to find herself and ends up falling in love along the way with someone she ever expected- another woman.

timetravelingnerd's review

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4.0

This book was super cute and I loved it! My only real issue is the way the conflict with Frank is resolved in the end? But in any case freaking cute! Read this book!

mariepiperbooks's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.0

corrie's review against another edition

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5.0

Sideshow by Amy Stilgenbauer has been lingering in my to-read pile for quite some time but that was partly because I read a whole slew of her shorter stories first and I wanted to save (and savor) the bigger one for last. I’ve already read the short story (The Fire-Eater’s Daughter) this was based on. Read Shira Glassman’s (another wonderful author) marvelous detailed review because I can’t possibly express myself any better than that.

Needless to say I really enjoyed the whole 50ies carnival setting, the side-show characters and the sweetness between Abby and Suprema. The evil ex-boyfriend was a bit over-the-top. The romantic scenes are fade to black but that fits the time-setting. A wonderful read!

Themes: Italian heritage, carnies, side-show, nonna’s life lessons, family, once you are with us we have your back, freaks and outcasts.

4.5 stars
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