In the golden age of circuses and the dawn of flight, The Flyer tells the sweeping, emotionally rich story of Frank Ellis-a young man torn between family legacy, love, and the sky. Set in 1911, Frank convinces his mother, owner of the struggling Audrey & Ellis Circus, to invest in a Wright Model B airplane-an audacious move that transforms their small traveling show into a sensation. As Frank soars above fairgrounds and racetracks, dazzling crowds and courting danger, he also navigates a quiet, aching romance with Jill Coffee, the circus's star equestrienne, whose fierce independence matches his own daring spirit. But the winds of history are shifting. When World War I erupts, Frank's path leads him from the sawdust ring to the skies over France as a pilot in the famed Lafayette Escadrille. Decades later, his legacy is pursued by Frank Galet-named in his honor-a retired air traffic controller who embarks on a quest to uncover what became of the circus's legendary airplane. Blending meticulously researched historical detail with lyrical storytelling, The Flyer captures the wonder of early aviation, the fading magic of American circuses, and the enduring bonds of courage, sacrifice, and memory. Perfect for fans of The Paris Library, Matterhorn, and Water for Elephants, this novel is both an adventure through the skies and a poignant meditation on what we leave behind.