Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden

    Carved in Stone

   Book Summary

Gwen Kellerman is an heiress to the infamous Blackstone family, whose history of scandal nearly destroyed her. She now lives a quiet life at the idyllic college founded with her family's fortune and hopes to keep the tragedies of her past safely behind her.

Patrick O'Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He's proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he accepts a case to challenge the Blackstones' legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.

Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction, Patrick is the only one who can save Gwen from new danger on the horizon. 

   My Thoughts

Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden is the beginning The Blackstone Legacy series.  The author transports readers back to 1900 in New York City between the Five Points neighborhood and Manhattan.  The author provided beautiful word imagery that allows readers to visualize the scenes from the book.  I can tell the author did her research for this book with her descriptions of Five Points, the way people dressed, conveyances, attitudes, and behaviors, and so much more.  Elizabeth Camden also includes interesting historical details that enrich the tale.  The characters are realistic and developed.  Patrick is an Irish immigrant who was fortunate to have a benefactor who helped him attend law school and become a lawyer while Gwen grew up in the world of academia and wealth.  Patrick and Gwen begin on opposite sides of an issue, but they soon find themselves working towards the same goal.  Carved in Stone was well-written with gentle pacing.  It started off a little slow for me, but I soon became engaged and was swiftly turning the pages to see how the story would unfold.  Carved in Stone reminds us that appearances can be deceiving.  We should not judge a person based on their appearance, background, or their differing opinions.  It reminds me of the phrase, “Never judge a book by its cover.”  The other lesson is the art of compromise.  Carved in Stone is our introduction into the complex and large Blackstone family.  It will be interesting to see what happens next with the Blackstone’s.  Carved in Stone is an intriguing historical novel with baleful book, stainless steel, an extravagant yacht, a compromised college, a flush family, and rough neighborhood.

Carved in Stone is available from Amazon*.  You can find Elizabeth Camden's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope I have helped you find a new book and/or author.  On Saturday, I am featuring Halloween Party Murder by Lee Hollis, Barbara Ross, and Leslie Meier.  I hope that you have an amusing day.  Laughter is the best medicine.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden

Welcome!  The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper comes out June 16 along with Running Out of Time by Cindi Myers.  I am eager to read A Sprinkling of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber.  It is the start of A Fairy Garden Mystery series and comes out on June 30.  Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody by Barbara Ross also releases on June 30.  There are a number of cozy mysteries releasing on June 30.  A bonanzas of whodunits!

White House in the late 19th Century

A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden takes readers back to the early twentieth century in Washington, D.C. where President William McKinley is running for his second term.  Caroline Delacroix is the personal secretary to Mrs. Ida McKinley.  Caroline has worked to make herself indispensable because she needs to ask President McKinley a large favor.  Nathaniel Trask is an agent with the Secret Service.  His new assignment is design and implement a security system for the White House plus the protection of the man who occupies the oval office.  Nathaniel is distrustful of Caroline especially when he learns what her twin brother, Luke has done and where he is currently residing.  Nathaniel finds it difficult to remain distant with Caroline when he is attracted to her and enjoys spending time in her company.  Nathaniel needs to remain vigilant during these tumultuous times if he is to keep President McKinley alive.  He soon finds himself working with Caroline to protect President McKinley and his wife.  

President William McKinley & First Lady Ida McKinley

A Gilded Lady is the 2^nd novel in Hope and Glory series.  While this historical novel can be read on its own, I recommend reading The Spice King first.  Hope and Glory focuses on Gray, Caroline, and Luke Delacroix.  The Spice King featured Gray with A Gilded Lady focuses on Caroline.  I thought A Gilded Lady is well-written with complex characters.  Caroline is a fashionable woman who comes from a wealthy family.  I was happy to see that she has matured since The Spice King.  Caroline was hired to improve Ida McKinley’s reputation and help her with her numerous social engagement (prevent faux pas).  Caroline is a strong woman who is determined to help her twin brother, Luke.  Nathaniel is a man who follows the rules, does not drink alcohol, and notices every detail.  He is the perfect person for the job at the White House.  Nathaniel lost someone close to him many years ago who he was to protect.  It continues to disturb him causing nightmares.  While Nathaniel is a rule follower, Caroline believes that rules were meant to be broken.  They are a perfect pair as they balance each other.  The romance builds slowly throughout the book which I like.  Caroline’s faith has developed and expresses it openly especially with Nathaniel.  The pair pray for support when they need it.  The author mixed fictional and real historical figures beautifully into A Gilded Lady along with new inventions, current fashion trends, and historical events.  A Gilded Lady blends strong characters with action, intrigue, drama and romance into one engaging story. 

Secret Service in 1900

A Gilded Lady is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers.  The first novel in the Hope and Glory series is The Spice King.  I am eager for Luke's story so we find out exactly what happened with him.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I will be back tomorrow with Amish Generations by Kathleen Fuller.  It contains four stories where people find love at different times in their life.  I do hope you have a fulfilling day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

Happy Mother's  Day!  I hope you are having a relaxing Sunday and doing something special for the mother in your life.  On Sunday's, I feature a book that I was unable to when it was released.  This week it is The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden which is the debut novel of the Hope and Glory series.  Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in the gilded age with clever heroines and richly layered storylines.  Elizabeth is an academic librarian on weekdays and she writes on the weekends.  Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.  Visit her website to learn more about Elizabeth and her books plus sign up for her newsletter.

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden takes us back to 1900 in Washington, D.C.  Annabelle Larkin has obtained a temporary position in the Botanical Department at the Smithsonian Institution.  Annabelle wants a permanent position and in order to get it she must obtain access to Gray Delacroix’s one-of-a-kind plant collection.  Gray Delacroix is the head of Delacroix Global Spice.  Since his father’s death six months ago, Gray has quit traveling and settled down in the family’s Alexandria home.  He does not trust the Smithsonian or the government for that matter (not a fan of President McKinley either).  But he does admire Annabelle’s persistence and finally agrees to show her around his greenhouses.  Gray finds himself captivated by Annabelle and begins spending more time with her.  Annabelle enjoys her time with Gray and imagines a future with him.  But then she is forced to make a choice between love and her country.  

Vanilla Orchid

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden is the first novel in the Hope and Glory series.  This story is set in 1900 in Washington, D.C. where Annabelle Larkin has begun working at the Smithsonian Institution.  She came to Washington with her blind sister, Elaine.  Being in Washington allows Elaine to attend the Library of Congress’s educational program for the blind and access to the Braille books available there.  If Annabelle cannot get a fulltime job, they must return to the family farm in Kansas.  Gray Delacroix is a complicated man.  He runs a large spice company, has two lighthearted younger siblings, has a strong work ethic, and has traveled the world.  I thought The Spice King was well-written with developed characters.  Ms. Camden captured the time period and I can tell she did her research for this book.  It was interesting learning about spices, extracts, and food safety.  We learn how the extracts, spices and other food items are processed and diluted.  It was appalling what was in some of the products.  I am amazed at what businesses did to products to make a buck.  I had no idea how much work went into making vanilla (it is complicated and fascinating).  Imagine how bland foods were before the introduction of spices.  Good Housekeeping magazine and how their seal of approval came about is included.  There is romance in The Spice King, but it is not the main story.  There is politics, unsafe foods, intrigue, rebellion and botany.  The author wove all the storylines together into one engaging book.  I also liked learning about the Library of Congress and the program they had for the blind.  The Spice King is a captivating historical novel.  

Vanilla Beans

The Spice King is available from Amazon* along with other major booksellers.  A Gilded Lady (the second novel in the Hope and  Glory series) releases June 2 and it features Caroline Delacroix, Gray's younger sister who in the White House as the social secretary for Mrs. McKinley.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring the Killing Mind by Angela Marsons.  It is the 12th book in DI Kim Stone Crime Thriller series. I hope that you have a positive day.  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Helen Keller reading a braille book

*This post contains affiliate links.

A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden

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.

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?

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.  

1908 Fashions

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!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

A Daring Venture: An Empire State Novel

Happy Sunday!  Killer Green Tomatoes by Lynn Cahoon comes out on July 3. It is the second A Farm-to-Fork Mystery.  Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher publishes on July 3 as well.  I will be featuring this book on July 4 as part of the Celebrate Lit Tour.  

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden is the second novel in An Empire State Novel series.  It is June 1908 in Jersey City, New Jersey when Dr. John Lael and Dr. Rosalind Werner, a biochemist, get the verdict on a two-year court case for which they were consultants.  They have ninety days to prove their case that chlorine can prevent waterborne diseases in the water supply.  It is a controversial idea and people are against a toxic chemical being added to their drinking water.  How can they prove chlorine will not harm people?  Nicholas Drake spoke for the opposition in court and is up for the position of Commissioner of State Water Board of New York.  Dr. Lael suggests they meet with Nicholas Drake and try to bring him over to their side.  Nicholas is instantly attracted to Rosalind, but she cannot change his mind about the chlorine argument.  Nicholas is hoping that after the legal case is closed, he can court Rosalind and make her his wife.  Rosalind enjoys spending time with Nicholas, but she is afraid of what will happen when her secrets come to light.  But when Nicholas uncovers the duplicity, he sets out to wage a war in the court of public opinion.  In the midst of this turmoil, an unknown enemy has set their sights on Rosalind and intends to destroy her.  Who is behind this maliciousness? 

A Daring Venture may be the second novel in An Empire State Novel series, but it can be read alone.  The author provides the necessary background on Nicholas Drake (his sister, Lucy was featured in A Dangerous Legacy).  I thought A Daring Venture was well-written and had charming main characters.  Nicholas Drake is a handsome, down to earth man who can be exasperating.  Rosalind is an intelligent woman who wants to help prevent disease.  She is naïve, though, in the ways of the world (men) and cannot explain science in a way that normal people can understand.   The characters are realistic with good traits and flaws (like Nicholas’ impulsiveness and quick temper).  I found the premise fascinating.  We take for granted that we have safe drinking water, but rarely think about how it came about.  It was obvious the author did her research for the book and she managed to explain the process in a way that lay people can understand.  The story is based on real life events which the author explains at the end of the book.  I thought that the era was captured with the descriptions of the clothing, buildings, and attitudes.  I laughed at Rosalind’s fear of using the new fangled subway.    The romance was not over-the-top, nor did it dominate the story.  The battle over the water and the mystery of the unknown enemy are intertwined with the romance between Nicholas and Rosalind.  I especially enjoyed the humorous moments and lines (added levity).  I liked that the author included Lucy and Colin in the story.  We get to find out what is happening in their lives.  I am giving A Daring Venture 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  I was not thrilled with Rosalind’s sister-in-law, Ingrid.  I did not like her poor attitude or how she treated Rosalind.  The faith element was very light in A Daring Venture which is unusual for this author.  Elizabeth Camden sets the stage for A Desperate Hope (2019) which will provide us with Eloise Drake’s story.     A Daring Venture is an engaging, multi-faceted story.

I appreciate you reading my review today.  I will be featuring An Amish Family:  An Amish Novella Collection by Kathleen Fuller on Monday.  May you have a blessed day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

A Dangerous Legacy: An Empire State Novel

Happy All Saints Day!  I hope you had a haunted Halloween with lots of sweet treats!  The Murderess by Jennifer Wells is out today.  It is a historical mystery novel that takes readers from 1913 through 1941.

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden is the first book in An Empire State Novel series.  It is 1903 in New York City where Lucy Drake works as a telegraph operator for the Associated Press and she lives with her brother, Nick.  The AP’s rival news agency Reuters (located in the same building) has a new man at the helm, Sir Colin Beckwith.  Colin is attracted to Lucy, but he needs an heiress for a bride. Colin has a Whitefriars, a family estate, to maintain and it takes money (especially since it is falling down with disrepair).  Lucy and Colin slowly develop a friendship.  Lucy’s family has been in a heated forty-year legal battle with relatives, and Colin has the means to assist her family gain some valuable information.  But, someone does not like Colin nosing around and will do what it takes to put an end to it.  What have Colin and Lucy stumbled into? 

A Dangerous Legacy is well-written and has great characters.  The author always creates such delightful, well-developed characters.  The mystery captured my attention.  I wish it had been slightly more challenging to solve.  The book has a fast pace and an interesting premise.  I had not read about news agencies prior to this novel and I found it fascinating.  There is just the right amount of humor in the story.  There are some definite laugh out loud moments.  The book has romance, intrigue, suspense, humor, homing pigeons, Morse code, bad guys, and so much more.  Ms. Camden did a wonderful job at capturing the era in A Dangerous Legacy.  My favorite line in the book was “broken free of a dangerous legacy”.  I give A Dangerous Legacy 5 out of 5 stars.  This is one of those books that I started around 9 p.m. and I stayed up late to finish it.  I could not put it down.  I am eager to read the next book in An Empire State Novel series.

Thank you for visiting today.  May each of you have a special first day of November.  By the way--Why did the police arrest the turkey?  They suspected fowl play!  I will see you tomorrow.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader