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