Unrivalled Spangles Book

I bought this book when I was on a love story "kick" because I was assured it was a love story. Although there is a bit of romance, this book is so much more about figuring out who you are, growing up, and dealing with tragedy. I thought this book was a solid effort despite some badly written parts (not that I could do any better ... but still).

Ellen Spangle is the ringmaster's daughter, but despite the glamour of the circus, she hates her life. She wants so much more than to be the staring act with her sister, the amazing horse-women Scarletta Sisters. So she hires a private tutor with the hope of gaining enough education to become a teacher or a governess. Her tutor, has an aristocratic (if an airhead) friend named Edward. He wants to painter, but has absolutely no skill. Very quickly and without even knowing her name, he falls in love with Ellen. He comes to every show and sends all sorts of extravagent gifts to her. Ellen hates it, but her sister Lucy is incredibly jealous and plans to steal her sister's limelight by making an addition to their act. A dangerous addition.... Meanwhile Lucy has also begun a relationship with Joe Morgan, a rival ringmaster's son. Ellen is worried about what her sister is doing, but is more concerned with her own muddled feelings about Edward. It takes a series of tragedies for Ellen to see the light and where her heart really lies.