MY REVIEW:
Carved in Stone proved to me once again the reason books by Elizabeth Camden are always on my must read list. Fortunately for my pocketbook I frequently have the opportunity to receive a review copy as I did with this book. Nevertheless, if I did not receive a review copy I would definitely purchase my own copy of any of her books as soon as available.
After recently completing the Hope and Glory series, I didn’t think Camden could ever top it. Carved in Stone has a very good chance of being equally good if the rest of the series follows its example. Not that this author ever writes a mediocre book!
At first glance the plot seems to involve a wealthy young woman and a talented young lawyer who grew up in much reduced circumstances by comparison. Set on opposite sides of an important case involving her family, Gwen and Patrick somehow find themselves working together to discover the truth.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance that included everything I most enjoy in a novel. The plot moved along at a steady pace with interesting bits of historical fact woven in. Characters were well-rounded and practically walked off the pages. To make it even more interesting, a touch of mystery and suspense, a little action, and a perfect romance topped it off.
All readers who love their history mixed with mystery and romance should greatly enjoy Carved in Stone.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Her gilded world holds a deeply hidden secret.
After years of tragedy, Gwen Kellerman now lives a quiet life as a botanist at an idyllic New York college. She largely ignores her status as heiress to the infamous Blackstone dynasty and hopes to keep her family’s heartbreak and scandal 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 that is sure to emphasize 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 and growing danger, Patrick and Gwen will be forced to decide if the risk to the life they’ve always held dear is worth the reward.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.
