I adored this book! I especially loved seeing small Scottish villages featured (I'm looking at you, Galston!) It's the ultimate tale of girl power, enduring female friendships, love, jealousy and triumph in the face of adversity. I look forward to hearing more from Emma Cowing.

A beautifully written, empowering story of women, memory, and the magic of the circus

I was completely captivated by this novel. I went in with no expectations and was genuinely surprised by how quickly I became immersed in the story. What unfolds is a richly layered narrative about women—women who dare to dream, fight for their place in the world, and hold tightly to each other in a society that often underestimates them.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the circus, the book celebrates female strength, friendship, and resilience. The way the author intertwines the past with the present is masterful, revealing how history and memory continue to shape the characters’ lives. There’s a quiet power in the storytelling—moments of vulnerability balanced with scenes of fierce independence.

Violet was a standout character for me: complex, determined, and deeply human. I loved watching her story unfold, and I felt a real connection to her journey. The women of the ladies’ circus each brought something unique to the story, and I appreciated the time the author took to fully flesh out their backgrounds and personalities. Each of them felt real, grounded, and essential to the heart of the novel.

The plot takes some unexpected turns towards the end, and I found myself completely engrossed, turning the pages faster and faster as the pieces came together. The resolution was satisfying, emotional, and left me thinking about the characters long after I’d finished reading.

This is a story that lingers—part historical fiction, part mystery, part celebration of sisterhood. A wonderful, powerful read that I would happily recommend.

5 stars from me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review 💕

This was an unexpected treat. Four woman set up their own circus at the beginning of the 20th century when men dominated that world. They all have reasons for running away from their lives. Set in Glasgow mainly but travelling around Scotland. Having just read The Eights and The Graffiti Girls this was another in that vein - sisters doing it for themselves! I really liked it!

I enjoyed this book it was a good historical book championing a woman in the circus industry. I liked the style of writing however I felt like the timeline jumped a lot i needed more context as the story progressed

This is the story of an all women circus set in Edwardian Scotland, when perhaps the only chance women had to succeed was to do something out of the ordinary. Lena is greiving the loss of her father when Violet comes to see her and proposes she use the money she got from selling her father's merry go round to start a small circus. Lena has known Violet all her life and they are friends - and enemies - as Violet is a fickle creature.
The show gathers two more acts, Rosie, a bareback rider and Carmen, a dancer and flute player. Together they set off on the summer tour, presenting their show to the public.
Until disaster strikes...
The disaster is told in the opening chapter so is no surprise to the reader. The story is getting us to that point and letting us find out what caused it.
I loved the descriptions of the circus and the circus/fairground life with the travelling, the camaraderie and rivalries, the descriptions of the acts and the costumes. The history side of the book was absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed the main characters too. Violet comes across as very real and sparky and her mother is quite a creature.
There is a bit of repetition which for me slowed the text up. Lena spends a lot of time mourning the loss of her mother — maybe more often than was necessary and ultimately it is the pacing issue that stops me giving this five stars as I very much enjoyed the plot and the attention to historical detail.
A great debut novel and I would love to read more about the circus at this time.
With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an arc copy in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story and had no expectations at all going in - I was pleasantly surprised.
This is a story of women and the circus. Women who fight to carve out a place for themselves and the way in which the past turns up in the present.
I loved the character of Violet and enjoyed the way in which all of the ladies from the ladies circus were fleshed out. The twists and turns towards the end were good and I found myself devouring the pages towards the end.
Great read. 4 stars - thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

A surprising novel, heartbreaking at times but also showing the strengths of women working together in a man's world.
Circus shows in the early 1900's were a very hard place to survive and to do it as women was nearly impossible. There were many unexpected twists and the threats came from unexpected quarters. Be prepared to be surprised.

The Show Woman by Emma Cowing is an Edwardian story of an all female circus, As someone who has always been fascinated by the circus and has been reading books with a circus setting since childhood I was really looking forward to reading this book and I am pleased to say it did not disappoint. An impressive debut , it tells the story of a group of intrepid and determined women who despite the odds and the societal norms o the time managed to build not only a successful business but also a family.
Lena, Violet, Carmen and Rosie are wonderful characters and the author does an excellent job of bringing them to life so that they leap off the page. They have fully developed histories that come to play a role in their sometimes complicated relationships but no matter the struggles they face their friendships help them to weather the storms and overcome the challenges. I will say the pacing did seem a little slow at times but for me the vivid descriptions and the author's ability to transport me to another time and place helped to make that better. I know that not everyone enjoys a slow build so readers who prefer a fast paced tale that hits the ground running may find this one a bit of a struggle.There is a mystery element to the story that I thought was well done and certainly made the second half of the book more propulsive. Also just a warning that readers who like a happy ending may find this one a little dark, the author does tackle some difficult topics that some readers may find disturbing.
Overall this is a strong debut and I look forward to reading more from this author,
3.5 stars rounded up
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

This excellent debut novel from Emma Cowing is set during the days of travelling circuses in early twentieth century Scotland. Extremely evocative of the lifestyle, the book draws you into the behind the scenes life of the travelling people. I think the book is greatly enhanced by the family connection that the author has with the circus community and she has done an excellent job bringing this world to life.

I went into this fairly blind and I was pleasantly surprised! I loved ask the weak written characters and the way the plot kept me guessing. There were a couple of darker subjects that some may be sensitive to but it is well worth a read!

Firstly I have to say what a great debut book this is.
I do love Historical Fiction so instantly drawn to this and the cover. Add in a story about a female circus, what’s not to love.
I wouldn’t say this is a fast paced story, but it’s easy to get sucked in to the lives of Lena and her new crew.
Lena has just lost her dad, her mum suddenly went missing when she was a child, this story follows her wanting answers and of course make a living,
I enjoyed all 4 girls story of how they came to the circus.
It’s a story of strong females, of happiness, sadness and the struggles of performing in a male dominated time.
Highly recommend and enjoyable read

What a wonderful, interesting and new story line! I come from Ayr in Ayrshire and know most of the places they visit and can visualize these brave girls in those areas.
A lovely, interesting and easily read book with very brave ladies along with a few unsavoury characters! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to this author's next book.
Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to read and review this book

I found this a rather overly descriptive book which in being so made the book much longer than necessary
I wish in a way the ending had come much sooner as I was ready 2/3 of the way through the book
Having said that you get to know every single character very well Lena, Violet, Carmen, Rosie. All main characters then there are Harry, Serena, Mary and many others who make up the show ground family
And I know more about trapeze and other showground turns than I believed I could!
There are acme real sad parts in the book not many laugh out loud bits but if you like a book about strong women and fair grounds in early 1900 this is definitely for you

Circus novel? Absolutely.

This is a solid debut. Set in the early 1900s, it follows a group of 4 women (with one of them being the FMC) as they start up the first women’s only circus show.

The plot was interesting - there were a few twists and turns towards the end which I wasn’t expecting, and it kept me on my toes. What I will say is that there were definitely a few pacing issues - the first 40% or so felt really slow. I understand that the world needs to be built, but it was a bit of a struggle to get into at first. Once it picked up it was really plot focused and driven, and it really immersed me.

The writing style was good - there were a couple of occasions where it took me a minute to work out what was being said between the old time vernacular and the Scottish slang, but I can overlook those easy enough.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC

3.5 stars

firstly, I’d like to say thank you to netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

this was such a beautiful, heartfelt story that really had me feeling all the emotions. I absolutely loved the found family and relationships that were formed between the central characters and it made the emotional scenes impactful.

I also loved the concept and the setting of the circus and the fairgrounds in the Edwardian times, it was so fun and interesting to see. the plot itself was also good, with some twists that I didn’t expect from this book!

it was fast-paced, nicely written and easy to read. however, I felt at times it was almost too fast-paced and I wished that some events were elaborated a bit more as certain parts felt rushed over or very sudden. I think I would’ve rated it higher if we did get a bit more detail overall as I really enjoyed the story itself.

overall, I would recommend this and I think it’s worth the read!

I do love a fiction book about the circus. For me, it is pure escapism to envelop oneself in life on the road, entertaining the crowds and the pure magic within the troupe. "The Show Woman" by Emma Cowing is extra special as the author has based it on personal family stories and interwoven these into a brilliant book. 4 amazing female characters make up the all-female circus and they face many battles (rival circuses, sexism, staying above the breadline etc). Bound to be a real hit in 2025.

A wonderful debut from Emma Cowing.

1910, Scotland - we follow the lives of Lena, Violet, Rosie and Carmen as they travel the country as the first ladies circus.

There is something for everyone in this story - mystery, intrigue, love, loss, heartbreak and girl power.

I’d have loved more about the lives of each women - Rosie and Carmen’s pasts were a little glossed over - and the running of the circus from conception to success as that also felt a little rushed.

I loved the twist towards the end and the somewhat bittersweet ending.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, Emma Cowing and NetGalley for the ARC!

This debut novel from Emma Cowing is an historical novel with a difference. The era is early 20th century Scotland and the subject an all female circus. The cover of this book certainly was the first draw for me as I don't like circuses as a rule. Also the novel idea of women working alone at a time when this was nearly impossible. Lena, Rosie, Carmen and Violet however are determined to make a success of things despite repeated male interference. The story is full of passion, jealousy, determination, hardship, successes and setbacks. It is a book about women already on the edge of society fighting for a place they can call their own. The Show Woman is a well researched book obviously written from a place that means a lot to the author as this comes across on every page. A very enjoyable read that I'm happy to recommend to all lovers of good fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

A slow burn which I hoped might become good, was I right? I really enjoyed this story, full of twists and turns which kept me avidly reading right to the end. It tells the story of the travelling community at the end of the 19th Century with all of the tribulations that went with that. Add to this the female only factor of the team and the intrigue gets event better. The book addresses a wide range of topics in a really clever way that will leave the reader understanding the issue but without making any judgement. The end of the story has a wonderful twist which I had not expected. Emma Cowing writes really well and fluidly and I would really recommend reading. The Show Woman.

I was intrigued by the synopsis of this debut novel. I did enjoy the storyline it was intriguing and an interesting insight into the lives of Edwardian show people. However, for me, it was too wordy; there was too much description, and I just wanted to get on and find out what happened.

I liked the characters, they were very believable and gritty. There were no holes barred in this story, and you definitely saw the worst traits of the characters.

The ending was unexpected and riveting, I just wish it had got there a little quicker and with a little less embellishment.