Eloise Drake’s prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she’s finally put behind her–or so she thinks. A mathematical genius, she’s now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state … map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town–but he needs Eloise’s help to succeed.
Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he’d lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them before it’s too late.
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3.5 stars
“Sometimes there are more important things in life than timetables or profit margins, and those things are called dreams.”
According to Eloise Drake’s recollection, Alex Duval had been nothing more than a teen-age dreamer, whose “pie-in-the-sky” perspective on life had driven her overprotective guardian to banish her broken heart to a remote convent in Arizona.
That was then. This was now. The grown up version of Alex, currently the mayor of Duval Springs, still has the power to sway her opinion with just the hint of a smile, but Eloise has arrived as an accountant for the state of New York; and the job that she has been assigned to do has nothing in common with juvenile dreams and everything to do with calculating the worth of town structures on the brink of destruction. Everything in the idyllic mountain town is scheduled to be demolished in order to make room for the state’s new water reservoir.
Until . . . Alex begins to dream again. Is it true? “It is in tackling the new and the scary that we become who we are meant to be.” Hope is a powerful motivator, and love brings out the best in those who recognize its unique ability to override desperation.
Enjoy this conclusion to the author’s wildly popular “An Empire State” series. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
Great ending by Elizabeth Camden to this series: A Desperate Hope (Empire State). I have loved all of Ms. Camden’s book and this one was no exception! Set in upstate New York where state officials are set to flood the town to make a reservoir so the growing city of New York will have clean drinking water. Eloise Drake is a prim and proper lady who is sent to help calculate what it will take to flood the area. But in doing so it brings her back into the path of the mayor who had broken her heart as a young girl. Mayor Alex Duval has plans to save the town and hopefully save their former relationship. Will they be able to work together or will they take the safer path. Wonderful story. Can’t wait for more from Ms. Camden.
I received this book from Bethany House through NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
A DESPERATE HOPE is the story of a small town, Duval Springs, that lies in a valley in New York that the state has determined is the perfect place to build a reservoir to provide water for New York City. The mayor of the town, Alex Duval, whose ancestors founded the town, has fought the state with lawsuits to no avail. Now the time has come, in 1908, when a team from the state Water Board goes to Duval Springs to appraise properties and make plans for demolition. The accountant tasked with appraisals is Eloise Drake who grew up in the home of wealthy Bruce Garrett at the top of the valley. She and Alex would meet secretly in the woods when they were teenagers. After being discovered and banished, this meeting after twelve years and under these circumstances, is quite awkward. Alex has always loved Eloise but she has worked hard for her safe, secure world as a CPA and wants a man who fits that, like her boss Fletcher Jones. Alex is an optimistic dreamer. This is a story of what can be accomplished through the hard work of many under the leadership of someone who dares to dream the seemingly impossible. There are many obstacles along the way, including sabotage. The mystery elements are quite intriguing and the revelation of the “bad guys” was a surprise to me. Eloise does a lot of growing up in these few months, re-evaluating what she thought she wanted for her life. Elizabeth Camden’s books are always well written and researched. I highly recommend any of her books for those who like historical romance novels.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
I have the first two books of this series waiting on my TBR shelf because I purchased them but have not had the chance to work them into openings of my review calendar. However badly I want to read them, I must try to meet my commitments first. I was tickled to be given a spot on the influencer team for A Desperate Hope so I actually had to read it! Of course now I find myself wanting to drop everything and read the other two right now.
Eloise Drake and Alex Duval once had a strong connection until their relationship was discovered and the pair was separated and sent away. Years later they find themselves on opposite sides when Eloise is sent to Duval Springs to evaluate the value of the property that will be destroyed when the valley is flooded to build a reservoir to supply New York City with water. Despite the conflict in their jobs, Eloise and Alex find themselves working together to find a solution for the townspeople before it is too late. A risky scheme seems outrageous to many but Alex believes that crazy as it seems, it might just work. But winning Eloise’s love again might be nearly impossible.
I enjoyed A Desperate Hope very much, especially the history behind the story. Having actually had experience with eminent domain to a lesser degree, it was nevertheless easy to identify with the townspeople. When the state decides it wants your property, there is very little a citizen can do to stop them from taking it. The story itself was intriguing with secrets revealed and a bit of action and danger along the way. An excellent book that kept me involved until the very end, A Desperate Hope lived up to my expectations. I am looking forward to whatever Elizabeth Camden has in store for her readers next.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This one is a real page turner so be sure to carve out some serious reading time before sitting down to start the book. I loved the first two books in the series so it was a safe assumption that I would love this one, too. I just didn’t know how much I would love it!
I love the story of Eloise Drake a successful accountant in New York and Alex Duval the mayor of Duval Springs, a town that is about to be obliterated. He once loved her but when he discovers she is on the team charged with the demolition it’s safe to say it’s not the happiest of reunions. Ms. Camden brought the characters to life with her beautiful writing and vivid descriptions of the town , its residents and it’s buildings. I found myself truly caring about what would happen to the characters, their businesses and their homes. Alex possessed an inner strength and the need to preserve what is near and dear to him and he is not letting anyone take anything from him that he cares about. I admired his spirit and soon started to see the same spirit in Eloise.
Overall, A Desperate Hope is a fantastic story that flows at a perfect pace with memorable characters who are easy to love. If you have read the first two books in the series you will recognize the names and their stories. This could be read as a stand alone but I suggest you read the series in order because it’s just that good. I am sorry to see this series come to an end but I look forward to the authors future work.
I received a copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write review. All opinions are my own.
What a great ending to a great series! Elizabeth Camden always does such a wonderful job of crafting characters with complex personalities and great depth, and this novel is no exception. I liked the interactions between Alex and Eloise and that their friendship and relationship was not entirely predictable. It was fascinating to read about the building of a reservoir at the turn of the twentieth century and I felt myself drawn into the well-researched history and the emotions of the fictional characters. The storyline flowed well and it was easy to enjoy this fabulous novel! Although it is not necessary to read this series in order, it is fun to read about previous characters in this book. I highly recommend this novel!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers/Elizabeth Camden in exchange for an honest review.
“She was coming to admire the risk takers who were brave enough to reach for the stars.”
3.5. Another fascinating read about the water systems of New York. The mystery suspense angle had me up till almost one AM to figure out the “whodunnit.” I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous two books in this series as well. I always enjoy seeing past characters throughout a series. It’s like seeing old friends again.
This subject is of particular fascination because an elderly lady that is a dear friend of mine is from Kansas. She can’t go “home” because it isn’t there. Her town was flooded for a water reservoir. It seems sad, but many of these actions taken were necessary. It was interesting to see the situation from different viewpoints.
The main characters were easy to like…one added levity to the book…the other added depth and a really good backstory.
I’m not sure how many authors could have made the entering of the age of water to New York fascinating, but Elizabeth Camden did. You can read this book on its own, but I do recommend reading the series to get the full understanding and scope of the characters. This one had a mild faith theme which I appreciated. I really like books with a strong faith theme, but Hope was really what had to be the theme in this book.
This entire series has earned a place on my forever shelves, and I found the history very fascinating!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“…get to church on Sunday morning to thank God for the blessing of being born in a place like Duval Springs, where we laugh, work, and cry together.”
“But Alex had to believe everything would work out as God intended.”
“Eloise wasn’t sure what the next few years held in store for them all, but she had faith they would be good ones.”
I found this book interesting in that it is filled with historical information, and is based on fact. The story line is good and it kept my attention, but my main problem is that there is a story line of sin, but not a true Christian read.
We have a strong woman here and her whole life she had a desire to be accepted, in her field as a CPA and by the man who fathered her.
Also offered is a man who has pulled himself up by becoming mayor of Devaul Springs, and now trying to fight the Government and save his town.
This is the third book in this series, and we are briefly reunited past characters, but this can be read alone.
This is a read that will keep you page turning and full of surprises right to the end.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is a well-researched and somewhat unusual Christian historical fiction novel. What happens to a town when it’s slated to be flooded in order to provide a water supply for New York City? Based on research done into the small towns that were taken over by the state of New York and flooded to build the Ashokkan Reservoir, the destruction of the fictional town of Duval Springs and its rebirth as the town of Highpoint, was a compelling one that had me cheering for the town residents as they struggled to find a way to remain a virbrant community in a new location. But this is also a story that has elements of mystery and suspense. Someone is trying to stop the town’s move by acts of sabotage and no one has any idea as to why this is happening. The tension increases as time is running out, and it may cost Alex both his town and the love of his life, Eloise. Eloise seems the most unlikely person to find herself in danger: A CPA who’s main interest is in numbers and organization. There’s not only a last minute rush to preserve as much of the Duval Springs as they can, there’s also a race to save Eloise’s life.
Alex and Eloise are great as the main characters in this book. They had a failed teenaged romance and now find themselves reluctantly working together to preserve this community. Eloise’s loyalties are divided, as she’s the one the state has sent to set the value of the properties that are condemned. Eloise is a force to be reckoned with as she is determined to both do her job for the state, and to ignore her feelings for Alex. All of these story elements come together to make an entertaining and intriguing book. Although this book is part of a series, it was easy to read this one as a stand-alone story, too. I’ve enjoyed this series as the author has given us three heroines in unusual roles for this time period.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I have followed this series from the beginning, and loved it! Yet each book can be read as a stand- alone book as well. I love historical fiction, and this book captures the era of building a reservoir in upstate New York, which consequently meant having to dismantle several towns in its path. How this changed people’s lives so completely is hard to fathom. They had to move not only away from their homes, but their communities as well. In real life, some of the smaller towns were able to relocate to higher ground, but many could not. In A Desperate Hope, the fictional town of Duval Springs brings to life this particular time period. Elizabeth Camden paints of vivid picture of an idyllic small town losing its battle against the state and progress, and how they cope with the fact that their way of life will exist no more. The author also adds strong female characters, good guys, villains, mystery, past mistakes, family dynamics, and romance along the way. You don’t want to miss the conclusion to Elizabeth Camden’s Empire State series!
I was given an early reader copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
“Let’s go change the world.” In her latest book, A Desperate Hope, award winning author Elizabeth Camden has created an irresistible historical fiction story of faith, love, and resilience. A Desperate Hope is the 3rd book in Elizabeth Camden’s Empire State Trilogy, but it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. Immediately, readers are drawn to the novel by its beautiful and captivating cover.
The story takes place in small town Duval Springs, New York in 1908. New York State Water Board accountant Eloise Drake is selected as part of the team to oversee the demolition of the town of Duval Springs in order to build a reservoir to carry water to the residents of New York City. Eloise’s journey back to Duval Springs forces her to face her first love Alex Duval, mayor of Duval Springs, and a town full of people not ready to give up their homes and livelihoods without a fight. “I wish I could say the next years are going to be easy, but sometimes it’s the hard things in life that make us great.” The hardships that the townspeople of Duval Springs faced and their determination never to give up demonstrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Readers will experience a range of emotions throughout the novel, while also rooting for Eloise and Alex to find their way back to each other. In Eloise Drake, Elizabeth Camden created an intelligent, well-educated female heroine who is not afraid to speak her mind. From the mistakes she made as a teenager and being forced to grow up too soon, Eloise becomes stronger as a person throughout the novel and uses her experiences to make a difference in other people’s lives and to find purpose in her own life. This novel has a light Christian theme throughout, and the rich history of the New York water system was well researched. A wonderful novel by Elizabeth Camden and a must read for fans of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
3.5 stars
A Desperate Hope is book three in the Empire State series by Elizabeth Camden. This series has followed the Drake family and this time, it was cousin Eloise’s turn in the spotlight.
I really liked Alex. He had such a fiery determination to help, to try to make things better and it was so easy to root for him. It took me a little while to warm up to Eloise. She was very much a strict rule follower and came off a bit cold at times. Knowing her past though, it made her attitude more understandable. I will say that I was a tad disappointed in the romance. The chemistry felt a bit lacking and things felt forced sometimes.
I really felt for the residents of Duval Springs. What was happening to them, to their homes, to their town, was just heartbreaking. But their undeniable hope was endearing and inspiring. It was a great reminder that when things look bleak, there’s always hope.
I’ve really enjoyed this series and while this book was probably my least favorite of the bunch, it was still good. I’m really looking forward to reading whatever this author comes out with next.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Alex Duval is the mayor of a town that’s received its death sentence. The residents will all receive compensation from the government and then their homes will be demolished to make way for a large reservoir to support the city of 1908 New York. Having lost his lawsuit against the government, Alex is prepared to accept the inevitable–until an old flame comes to Duval Springs, and with her, a big idea!
When big-city accountant Eloise Drake shows up to assess the buildings and offer payouts to the residents, she finds herself back in the one place where she thought she’d never return. She and Alex have a past together, one that ended in him getting beaten up and her getting sent to a convent. She’s not interested in returning to that phase of her life, especially now that she has a potential relationship with her boss, Fletcher Jones.
When ebullient Alex and sensible Eloise make a plan to move the town instead of tear it down, they must work together to launch a municipal bond, galvanize the town’s inhabitants, lay railroad tracks, prepare foundations, transport buildings of all shapes and sizes, and discover a mysterious saboteur who is out to stop them. Despite all the backbreaking labor, equipment failure, and opposition from the state, the hardest obstacle Alex must face is the one he cares the most about–winning back Eloise, the girl that never should have got away.
This book had a unique setting and a lighthearted quality that made it a pleasure to read. Alex Duval is an optimist, a dreamer, and a man not afraid to cry, cheer, or tell the world that he’s in love. Eloise Drake is a prim and proper mathematical wizard, nursing hurts from her mother, her father, and Alex himself. Together, they can, as Alex believes, do absolutely anything. I enjoyed their second chance romance and how Alex took the bull of small town gossip by the horns, declaring to everyone that he’s doing what he should have done years ago–try to marry Eloise Drake.
Although the town of Duval Springs is fictional, Elizabeth Camden based it on several historical towns near New York that were either demolished or relocated for the sake of the reservoir. Over all, this was an enjoyable read on a relatively obscure topic in American history. I didn’t even realize that this book was part of a series until I looked it up on Goodreads, so clearly it can stand alone quite well. I am interested to read more books by Camden.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book is not what I have come to expect from Elizabeth Camden. I love how she weaves history into all of her stories and I feel like I really learn something every time I pick up one of her books. But, I did not feel the chemistry between the main characters. There would be a spark of something they used to have, but then the next scene made me believe they didn’t really care for each other all that much.
I finished the book, but I found myself skimming it at the end, ready for it to be over.
I love books by Elizabeth Camden, but felt like this one was not her best. She is still one of my “must read” authors, but if you are new to her, I would suggest one of her older works before reading this one.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.