On Tour 04/09/26-05/30/26 “The Last Gypsy Queen” by Linda Paul

Release Date: April 16, 2026

About The Book:

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.

A spellbinding and transportive look into the side of being a Gypsy known to few, with exceptional sensitivity. Paul draws us into the propulsive story of a memorable heroine whose courage under fire and emotional power lead her to try to change the world around her as well as her own destiny.

About The Author:

Linda Paul is an award-winning author of upmarket and historical fiction. A former merchandising and textiles executive, she spent many years in corporate retail and eCommerce, traveling to twenty-three countries. Linda is always exploring the next creative spark, is a passionate lifetime volunteer, and regularly sits on non-profit boards. A member of the Historical Novel Society and Writers League of Texas, Linda lives with her family in the Dallas suburbs.

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindapaulauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaSPaulAuthor

Book Blurbs:

“Paul presents a nuanced portrait of Romani culture, depicting the Romani as more than martyrs – despite Nazi persecution – and displays varied traits like those in any other group. Engaging characters and a well-realized milieu propel this inspiring narrative.”-Kirkus

A fascinating, beautifully written, and researched novel that speaks to anyone who has ever questioned their future or their place in a community.” -Georgie Blalock, author of The Other Windsor Girl

“The narrative is both immersive and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression. Paul’s skillful writing and the story’s depth suggest that this work has strong potential to make a significant impact in the literary world.”-Midwest Reviews

“A tale of love, resilience, friendship, and family, The Last Gypsy Queen is an immersive treasure.”- Jenn Bouchard, author of Considering Us and Palms on the Cape

I love a book where I learn something while reading a good story and Linda Paul’s meticulously researched novel does both. She weaves the Romani culture into an engaging novel. The characters come alive on the page, the scenes are evocative. Travel back to the 1940s to the Buckeye Lake Amusement Park. Have your cards read, ride The Dips, dance at the Crystal Ballroom and fall in love with Marisol who struggles with her restrictive culture, and Ruby, Lila and Gram, and all Paul’s other wonderful characters who bring the era to life. – Linda Rosen, author of The Emerald Necklace and Abandoning The Script

This beautifully written novel is perfect for book clubs with its prime-for-debate mix of love against the odds, a strong female protagonist, the fascinating weaving in of tarot card reading, and themes of identity and cultural bias.–Susan Coventry, author of Till Taught by Pain

Bloggers On Tour:

April 9th- Lindas Book Obsession https://www.facebook.com/lindasbookobsession/

April 10th- Gwendalyn Books https://www.instagram.com/gwendalyn_books_

April 12th – Books and Coffee MX https://instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx

April 19th – Plains Reading https://instagram.com/plains_reading

April 20th- Reading Is My Remedy https://instagram.com/reading_is_my_remedy

April 23rd- Tammy Reads https://instagram.com/tammyreads62

April 24th- Marilyn Goncalves https://instagram.com/marilynjgon

April 30th- Sarahs Bookish Reviews https://instagram.com/sarahs.bookish.reviews

April 30th- Nissa The Bookworm https://instagram.com/nissa_the.bookworm

May 10th- Miss W Book Reviews https://instagram.com/misswbookreviews

May 11th- Crafty Jenn Reads https://instagram.com/crafty.jenn.reads