SOLVED. YA type novel about a girl and the circus. [s]

[Kaitlyn]

I remember reading the first chapter of a book awhile back, but am having trouble remembering the name. The story opens with a young woman, about to be married, and for years she's been writing letters to try to earn an invite to this secret circus.
Also, she has a sister, and she catches her sister in the basement with some man. Unfortunately, that's all I really recall from the story. If anyone can help me figure out what book this is, I would greatly appreciate it!

[Kris]

Kaitlyn, what year did you read this book? I find "awhile back" means different things to different people in this large group.

Can you describe the circus? What does the woman want to do in the circus?

Location?

[Kaitlyn]

Sorry, my internet has been spotty the last few days. By "awhile back", I mean maybe a couple of months ago. As far as I could tell by the little bit that I had read, she just wants an invite to this circus. Not much was really known about the circus, but I do believe she had gotten a reply from the ringmaster or someone in charge at some point in that first chapter. I really wish I could remember a location, but I believe the location of the circus varied each year.
Sorry I don't have more information to work with!

[Ayshe]

Caraval by Stephanie Garber? I looked inside: https://www.amazon.com/Caraval-Stepha... and it seems to match.

[Jamie]

Yeah, that's "Caraval". Can't say I recommend it, but it's been very popular lately.

[Kaitlyn]

Sorry, just saw these comments! Yes, that was the book. I ended up buying the book, but couldn't get past the first few chapters :(

[Jamie]

Yeah...I don't blame you. The cover was gorgeous, but the book inside was pretty bad.