Book Monday: Fair Play Review

Hello everyone!
*FIRST OF ALL*
I wanted to let you know I have a Facebook Party scheduled to celebrate Swept to Sea's Six Month Anniversary!
It is tomorrow night and you are all invited! There will be prizes, giveaways, and fun, so don't miss it.
Also, I'll ask everyone who told them about the party. Whoever's name gets mentioned the most gets a prize, so be sure to invite your friends.
You can join here.

Deeanne Gist and I. :)

While I was in New Orleans, I met the fabulous Deeanne Gist!
 I had met her last year, but is was great to be able to see her again. She also did a really cool workshop explaining how book covers are made.
Anyway, on the plane ride I was reading her latest release, Fair Play, which is what I am going to review for you today.
About the Book:

"From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair comes a historical love story about a lady doctor and a Texas Ranger who meet at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
Saddled with a man’s name, the captivating Billy Jack Tate makes no apologies for taking on a man’s profession. As a doctor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, she is one step closer to having her very own medical practice—until Hunter Scott asks her to give it all up to become his wife.
Hunter is one of the elite. A Texas Ranger and World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character, and skill. Hailed as the toughest man west of any place east, he has no patience for big cities and women who think they belong anywhere but home…
Despite their difference of opinion on the role of women, Hunter and Billy find a growing attraction between them—until Hunter discovers an abandoned baby in the corner of a White City exhibit. He and Billy team up to make sure this foundling isn’t left in the slums of Chicago with only the flea-riddled, garbage-infested streets for a playground. As they fight for the underprivileged children in the Nineteenth Ward, an entire Playground Movement is birthed. But when the Fair comes to an end, one of them will have to give up their dream.
Will Billy exchange her doctor’s shingle for the domesticated role of a southern wife, or will Hunter abandon the wide open spaces of home for a life in the “gray city,” a woman who insists on being the wage earner, and a group of ragamuffins who need more than a playground for breathing space?"

My Thoughts:

The Idea:

I expected nothing less from a Deeanne Gist Book. I have read all of her novels and plan to always do so. she is up there with my other two favorite authors: Mary Connealy and MaryLu Tyndall. These three have been my favorites ever since I discovered this genre.

Now, about the book. 

I. Loved. Everything. About. This. Book. First of all, look at the cover. It is breathtaking. 

Now, on to the idea. This is about a female doctor working at the Chicago World's Fair in a time where female doctors rarely existed. Also, it just so happens that she has a male name. Billy Jack Tate. Hunter is a Texas Ranger working as a guard at the fair. Eventually, they must work together when they find an abandoned baby. They work to create a playground in West Side Chicago for the less fortunate children that live there. 

The Characters:

 THEY WERE AWESOME. Billy Jack Tate is a female doctor struggling to keep her business running. Hunter Scott is a Texas Ranger working as a guard at the World's Fair. He was charming. She was talented. I loved them together.

The Plot:
Okay. Some parts of this book were incredibly sad and I just wasn't quite prepared for it. But I won't give them away. Just don't expect all fun swinging on swings like the cover shows.
But the plot was incredible. I think I read it in record time.
The Setting:
At the Chicago World's Fair! I loved it. Dee really researches alllll of her history and includes so much in her writing.
Overall:
This was a fantastic book. I will put it on my "favorites" shelf forever.

About the Author:
Deeanne Gist—known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee—has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for People,Parents, and Parenting. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesFriends.