The Last Gypsy Queen

"A summer carnival whirs to life in a quiet corner of a world at war, and the lives it touches will never be the same. Linda Paul's sweeping historical romance pulled me into its world, where a forbidden love transcends cultural barriers. Her authentic portrayal of Romani culture avoids stereotypes. A story rich with humanity and heart." -Tamatha Cain, author of Song of the Chimney Sweep

In 1942, eighteen-year-old Marisol Mazaria arrives with her Romani family at Ohio's Buckeye Lake Amusement Park where big bands come to play and thousands of wartime-weary visitors long for an escape. She is desperate for work and haunted by tragedy after her abusive husband's violent death. Marisol faces a future of tarot card fortune-telling and servitude-until a chance encounter with Will Worthington changes everything.

Will, a college student dreaming of becoming a pilot against his wealthy father's wishes, is drawn to Marisol's intelligence and fierce determination. As their secret romance blossoms amid the lights of the midway, both must navigate the treacherous waters of prejudice from their own communities. When the park manager's wife begins secretly teaching Marisol to read and helps her apply to medical school, Marisol longs for a future she never dared imagine.

But as war clouds gather and Will is drafted, their forbidden love becomes increasingly dangerous. A vindictive park supervisor sabotages and threatens to destroy the Romani community, and family pressures mount. Marisol must choose between the traditions and loyalty to her family or the uncertain promise of a life lived on her own terms-before fate makes the choice for her.

Author: Linda Paul
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 04/16/2026
Pages: 290
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.86lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.65d
ISBN: 9781685137397

About the Author
Paul, Linda: - Linda Paul is an award-winning author with MS and BS degrees in merchandising and textile science. She spent many years as an executive in corporate retail and eCommerce where she ran a research center and was a senior lecturer at a major university. Linda's passion for travel has led her to twenty-three countries, where she is always exploring the next creative spark. She is a passionate lifetime volunteer, regularly sits on non-profit boards, and lives with her family in the Dallas suburbs. Connect with her at lindaspaul.com.