Synopsis:~
Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the first lady of the United States. But beneath the facade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she’s hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.
Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president’s Secret Service team. He is immediately suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises.
Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.
My take:~
The second novel in Elizabeth Camden’s Hope & Glory historical romance series featuring the Delacroix siblings is an intriguing read. I found the historical aspects – the development of the Secret Service and the McKinley presidency – kept my interest high, along with the well-drawn characters of the forward thinking and independent Caroline and the straight-laced and responsible Nathaniel Trask. Camden is gifted in creating unique characters, one of the many reasons I find her one of the most talented writers in this genre in the Christian market. Having said that, there were moments in the romantic interactions between Caroline and Nathaniel that seemed a little out of step with how Camden portrayed their personalities and motivations. While it pulled me a little from the story at times, The Gilded Lady is still a wonderful read, particularly the ongoing mystery surrounding the wayward Delacroix, baby brother Luke. Older brother Gray, from the excellent The Spice King, and his new wife return in ways that bring authenticity to the sibling relationship and much satisfaction to any reader who enjoys revisiting beloved characters. I’m very excited for the final book and the outcome for all the Delacroix siblings and their loved ones.
With thanks to Bethany House for my review copy. All opinions remain my own.
** THE SPICE KING is currently on sale. I highly recommend you get the ebook while it is only 99 cents! Limited time.
Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.
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Buy at Amazon: The Gilded Lady or Koorong
June 23, 2020 at 10:04 pm
I enjoy the focus and each sibling/character in a particular book, but also getting to see glimpses of them in future books.
June 24, 2020 at 3:35 am
I enjoy getting to know each character in a more intimate way. Their thoughts, their dreams, and their hopes. It definitely makes for awesome book series!
June 24, 2020 at 3:37 am
I like to see the interactions between siblings and the ways they solve their problems together.
June 24, 2020 at 4:36 am
I like to see how the siblings interact with each other and how the parents treat each sibling also.
June 24, 2020 at 5:40 am
I enjoy seeing the different interactions between siblings, how they each tend to perceive the same situation differently.
June 24, 2020 at 6:33 am
Family dynamics are fascinating.
June 24, 2020 at 7:16 am
I like the camaraderie, teasing, and closeness in sibling relationships. Or the potential growth in their relationship if they are estranged.
June 24, 2020 at 9:40 am
The family dynamics & back story.
June 24, 2020 at 10:44 am
I enjoy getting to know the different family members seeing them grow and work through issues, and experiencing life with them.
June 24, 2020 at 11:50 am
I enjoy reading about family dynamics. Thank you for the wonderful chance. Blessings
June 24, 2020 at 9:30 pm
I always enjoy reading about family dynamics; how each sibling relates with the others and the parents. Many times I’ve learned valuable skills from CF books when it comes to relating to my own family.
I haven’t read a Camden book in a long time. Your review is intriguing and makes me want to read this series.
June 24, 2020 at 9:31 pm
I love books about siblings dynamics. I only have one younger brother, so the way siblings interact is interesting to me.
June 24, 2020 at 10:20 pm
Sounds like a good mystery with a bit of romance.
June 25, 2020 at 12:48 am
Family can be one of the richest sources of conflict in a story, yet it can also be one of the strongest building blocks, and sometimes both at once.
June 25, 2020 at 2:33 am
I like seeing family and sibling interactions. It gives a glimpse into both the family dynamic and to each person’s uniqueness.
June 25, 2020 at 6:27 am
I too love the camaraderie and strong family bonds. Especially when someone needs help or a listening ear!
Thank you for featuring A Gilded Lady & the giveaway chance to win a copy, Rel!
June 30, 2020 at 1:38 am
There are usually multiple layers of interest.