Welcome! It is hard to believe that today is the last day of November. Before we know it, 2019 will be over. I am switching my Sunday feature to today for this week. On Sunday's I review a book that I was unable to when it was released. I am featuring Elizabeth Camden today who wrote An Empire State Novel series. Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in the gilded age with clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before becoming a writer, Elizabeth was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America. Her favorite library, though, is the continually expanding one in her own home. Elizabeth lives in Florida with her husband who graciously puts up with her stockpile of books. The author's latest series is Hope and Glory which began with The Spice King. The next book in that series is The Gilded Lady which comes out on June 2, 2020. Christmas at Whitefriars is a new novella that released in October.
A Desperate Hope can be purchased through Amazon* (Amazon UK) and other major booksellers. The other two novels in An Empire State Novel series are A Dangerous Legacy (currently available through Kindle Unlimited) and A Daring Venture. For details on towns lost to reservoirs in New York, read this article. I will return tomorrow to feature Christmas from the Heart by Sheila Roberts. I hope you have a leisurely day. Take care and Happy Reading!
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| Construction of reservoir in New York |
A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden takes us back in time to 1908 in New York. Eloise Drake is an accountant for the New
York State Water Board, and she has been handling the bills for the Duval
Springs project. Eloise is prim, proper
and believes in following the rules. She
learned the hard way that it does not pay to follow your heart and break the
rules. Then she learns that she is being
sent to Duval Springs to where the state plans to obliterate the town for the
state’s new reservoir which will supply water for New York City. Alex Duval is the mayor of Duval Springs and
he has been fighting the state’s decision for the last five years. They may have lost the suit, but Alex is
determined to save the town. Alex is
shocked to see that Eloise is on the team charged with demolishing the
town. He has not seen Eloise in twelve
years, but that has not diminished his love for her. Alex comes up with a plan that could save the
town. He needs Eloise’s help, though, to
pull it off. Alex not only wants to save
Duval Springs, he wants to win back Eloise.
Will Alex be able to save Duval Springs and captures Eloise’s heart?
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| Ashokan Reservoir in New York |
A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden is the third An Empire State Novel.
It can be read as a standalone. However,
they are three delightful historical novels that tie together beautifully. Elizabeth Camden provides an engaging story
with developed characters and a multifaceted story. Eloise is a mathematical genius who dresses in
an understated manner to evoke a prim and proper appearance. Eloise is prickly but who can blame her after
what happened when she was caught with Alex Duval. She likes to be needed and to help
others. Returning to Duval Springs is
the last thing Eloise wishes to do, but that is where her boss is sending her. Alex Duval fell in love with Eloise when she
was a teen, but then her guardian yanked them apart. He has not forgotten her, and Alex still
loves her. He has been fighting the state
of New York to save the town. Duval
Spring resides in a valley that is perfect for the state’s new reservoir which
will provide water to New York City.
Alex lost the lawsuit, but he is not done trying to find a way to save
his town. Alex is a strong character
with a good heart. You can tell how much
he cares for the town and its residents.
There are other subplots going on in the story. Elizabeth Camden beautifully weaves it all
together into one compelling story. I
like that Nick and Rosalind from A Daring Venture appear in the story. The point-of-view alternates between Alex and
Eloise so we get to see both sides. I
like that because men and women see things in different ways. I appreciated the epilogue that nicely
wrapped up A Desperate Hope. I liked the
messages in the story especially that a child can grow up to be whatever they
want. Christian values are beautifully
woven into the story. I can tell that
the author did her research. There are
discussion questions at the end which is helpful for book groups. I enjoyed all three novels in An Empire State
Novel series, and I look forward to reading Elizabeth Camden’s next book. A Desperate Hope fascinating story that will
hold your attention until you finish the very last word.
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| 1908 Fashions |
Kris
The Avid Reader
*This
post contains affiliate links.
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