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.
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A sweeping historical read, set in the White House, with high stakes tension, and opposites that attract.
I was thrilled to get the chance to read this book, I fell in love with the entire Delacroix family in the previous book were I was first introduced to the enigmaticly brilliant, and dazzlingly beautiful Caroline Delacroix. I admired Caroline’s inner strength, she tackles the challenges of a difficult job as the secretary of tempermental First Lady Ida McKinley, with seeming ease, tirelessly giving her very best, and rising to the occasion at hand.
Nathaniel Trask is the head of the president’s Secret Service, tasked with creating security protocols to protect the president. He is meticulous, paying great attention to detail, and devotion to his duty. He is more serious and reserved, while Caroline is more outgoing and a natural hostess. I loved how they are so different, yet they work together well, their strengths and weaknesses complimenting each other, even though they don’t always see eye to eye.
I loved the mystery, intertwined with historic events and facts, I always leave Ms. Camden’s books feeling like I’ve learned something new! I also loved the relationship between Caroline and her brother, Luke, how they are so close and protective of each other. I also really liked getting to know Luke better in this story, and have a feeling that he’s going to be one of my favorites by the time this series is over!
Overall, a fantastic read with riveting characters, strong faith, rich history and mystery. This book was different from previous books by this author, with a stronger focus on real historical figures and events, and less on the innovations of the times, but just as enjoyable. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, and find out what is next for Luke, I really hope that Phillip gets plenty of page time too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Farm Stand by Amy Clipston is a wonderful book that deserves a 5 star rating by me. This is the first book of hers I am reading and I am happy to add her to my list of favourite authors.
I am so happy to be reading another Amish book. I am excited to say I have found a new genre for myself. It is the Amish fiction genre.
The first few pages warmed me up. I can’t help admiring the strong family ties and the food. I wanted to open my own booth right there in the Farm Stand with Salina and Christiana.
I was impressed by Salina’s business ways. She was so precise,thorough,neat,organised and friendly.
I could understand why Will was always coming to her booth for his restaurant food supply.
I love the book cover. It helped me in imagining Salina in her farm stand. That’s a beautiful cover.
There is an animal in this book,a cat called Daisy. She is the market cat and loved by Salina and her cousins. I love how worried they were over not seeing Daisy for a week. I am happy to see characters that has sympathy and love for animals.
While enjoying this book,I was envious of Salina’s garden. The way the author described it,I wanted to buy a land and plant home grown corps!
Oh! You really need to meet a character called Sara Ann in this book. I laughed at her conversations and her nosiness in other people’s business. She seems kind but nosy at the same time.
I enjoyed the happy ending! God surely wants his children to be happy and he granted Salina and Will their heart desires.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“We can’t control the seasons in our lives, only how we respond to them. God planted eternity in our hearts, a longing to find meaning in the world.”
Elizabeth Camden has an uncanny ability to make history come alive through her writing as she perfectly melds historical events with beautifully crafted fiction. This second book in the Hope and Glory series takes the readers to a completely different world from agriculture, spice procurement, and world traveling found in the first book The Spice King to the glittering and dangerous world of domestic and international politics found at the White House during the McKinley administration. The series should really be read in order because the heroine’s motivation for her actions stems from what happened at the end of the first book. Infused with fascinating historical details, deeply-layered and complex characters, surprising turns in the plot, and gentle reminders about God’s forgiveness and His timing, A Gilded Lady will captivate your heart and mind. It’s a must-read for any fans of historical fiction.
Caroline, our heroine, is a privileged society lady who becomes the First Lady’s secretary and works tirelessly to help Mrs. McKinley, mostly out of love and duty but also to try to gain a presidential pardon for her twin brother sitting in a Cuban jail. She’s fun, organized, utterly charming and delightful but is weighed down by her fractured family. Nathaniel is the top counterfeit detective in the Secret Service assigned to revamp the president’s security detail. As a somber, diligent, dedicated rule-follower he clashes completely with Caroline but neither can help the attraction nor the friendship that blooms between them. Caroline and Nathaniel are quite engaging, as is their relationship. Through their eyes, I learned a lot about the McKinleys and felt like I was right there with them through the presidential campaign and their country-wide tour.
Now I’m holding my breath for book 3 The Prince of Spies to learn more about Caroline’s elusive twin brother Luke!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and author; I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I found this to be a wonderful book. When I first started it I was captivated by the writing but also by the inside look into not only society but the White House as well. This is the first lady that I didn’t know a whole lot about except for the fact that her husband was assassinated.
Who would have thought that a first lady would be so unique and full of trials? I loved all the characters but Caroline and her twin were my favorite. She was so steadfast to his innocence.
Caroline definitely had a gift for keeping the first lady under control and I loved how it talked about her stepping in and taking over certain duties when she was indisposed. I didn’t realize that the personal secretary would do that or ever had done that.
This was a wonderful book that I was captivated by. I had to keep reading to find out what came next and now I can’t wait for the next book so I can find out what comes after. There are more characters that I need to know what happens to them and where they go in life!
Highly recommend you read this book and do it soon!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley.. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Now this is the second book in this series that I have read, and this is Caroline’s story, and what an amazing one, and yes, it helps to have read the first book, but you could read this one alone It is historical in nature, so I knew part of the outcome, and unfortunately the past can’t be changed!
Caroline is now working in the White House as a secretary to First Lady, Ida McKinley, and she is working constantly, she will make you breathless. They sure seemed to have a love hate relationship, but I could just picture some of the things that went on, like putting on make-up and getting ready for galas and meetings.
If you read the first book, you will remember her brother Luke, and maybe his book is coming, but he is in dire circumstances here.
There are some surprises that come to light, a bit of romance, and a theme of forgiveness!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
I was swept away to The White House in the early 1900’s. Between the First Lady’s secretary and the head of security for the President, I was thrilled to learn behind the scenes details during the McKinley administration. Camden’s amount of research is evident and much appreciated as history comes alive making this story so rich. The wonderful characters in this series make the story come together in an exciting way, with a little bit of mystery. Of course, each of the main characters has lessons to learn and the choices they make to determine the life that they want. A Gilded Lady certainly can be read as a stand along, but book 1 is certainly worth your time as well. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book features a few characters from The Spice King, and you may want to read that book before devouring this one. It refers to some situations that occurred which play a part in this story.
That said, I found the book to be interesting and learned a bit about the White House and the secret service formation. Found myself going online to read up about McKinley and his life, which I found to be interesting.
While I enjoyed the book, I liked the end of it much better. Typically I LOVE Elizabeth’s books, but this one just seemed to have either too much or not enough, something that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
Will I read her next book in this series, most definitely. I want to learn what happens with Luke.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Elizabeth Camden provides such an interesting details in her historical fiction, and this book is no exception. From the beginning, I was totally drawn to the look at how things worked behind the scenes in President McKinley’s White House. Both Caroline’s job as the First Lady’s secretary, and Nathaniel’s, tasked with fixing presidential security issues, were really interesting. Add in Caroline’s struggle to help her brother Luke, imprisoned in Cuba, accused of being a traitor, and the plot is just great before even adding in the romance! While I’m much more like Nathaniel (very serious and bound by rules) than free-spirited Caroline, I found both to be delightful characters and really enjoyed seeing their blossoming feelings for each other. I’m very much looking forward to the third book in the series.
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the author/publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
An exhilarating story of love, intrigue, and faith from Elizabeth Camden! Camden flawlessly weaves together a story with incredible historical detail that never takes the reader out of the story, but rather greatly enhances the reading experience. Camden’s multidimensional characters and their adventures are equally thrilling. I am EAGERLY awaiting Luke Delacroix’s story, coming in 2021, and I encourage readers to pass the time until then by reading this incredible series. 4.5/5 stars!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Another wonderful book by Elizabeth Camden. I truly love her writing style and her ability to bring the characters from the Gilded Age to life so that we may come to know them in their element.
I know that this is going to sound crazy but I think that Ida McKinley is my favorite first lady. I think the reason is because she’s so misunderstood. She can’t help her medical condition. Some think she’s selfish and self absorbed. I really don’t think so. I found her quite interesting!
I liked this couple because their relationship reminds me of my in laws. Such opposites attract. I loved the President’s personality. HIs love for life and people. I enjoyed in getting to know this special couple.
Two of my other favorites are of course Nathaniel and Caroline. I’ve never witnessed a better team than they were!
Life has a way of changing all of us does it not? Some for better or worse. I think it’s how we approach it.
A verse from Ephesians is in here and it’s a gentle reminder that life is always changing. It never stays the same.
Always tell someone you love them because tomorrow isn’t promised. I like that reminder. I only wished I could have told my mom but I think in her own understanding she knew that I loved her. We just had a weird way of showing it to each other
Just so you know that counterfeit runs very rampant in even today’s times. It’s never a good thing.
I’ve ran into counterfeit money only a couple of times. It’s a wonder I didn’t lose my job or that I had to pay it back!
However; I did learn my lesson the hard way.
I do highly recommend a box of tissue by your side because there are some spots in this book that will make you cry. I’m not normally a crier but wow! This sure did!
Lots of espionage, secrecy, murder, mystery and romance included in this wonderful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more, more! I love that in a book.
She also kept me guessing until the very end of the book and I definitely love those types of books!
I took my time to read this book because I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to savor this book but it still ended too quickly and now I have to wait for the third book waaaaaaaa!
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It really does deserve it!
I highly recommend this book and be sure to keep a box of tissues beside you because you’ll need them!
My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Glamour, Excitement & Love!
Caroline is the secretary and constant companion of President McKinley’s wife, Ida, who causes everyone to cringe. Other than the president, Caroline is the only one who can calm her. Caroline works seven days a week, sleeps in a crowded dormitory, and endures Ida’s sharp tongue hoping to get a presidential pardon for her brother, Luke.
Luke is imprisoned in a Cuban jail, where he is regularly beaten, starved and lives in deplorable conditions. Mysteriously, he has plead guilty to treason, but Caroline doesn’t believe it. She frantically works to release him.
Nathaniel has been brought to the White House to be in charge of security, and he is suspicious of everyone. Caroline is attracted to him, but is afraid if he learns of Luke, he will push her away.
You will be swept up in espionage, danger, and murder, along with glamorous events at The White House, and the exciting 1901 Pan-American Exposition. When facing hard situations, characters get strength from their faith. This tale is so endearing you will not want it to end.
I highly recommend this 5-plus star book. This will be enjoyed by those who like riveting tales with sprinkles of romance.
Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, A Gilded Lady, for the purpose of review.
This book is pure delight!
Elizabeth Camden is truly an exceptional author. I believe part of the reason is that she weaves the mundane into her story — in the case of “A Gilded Lady”, it was the intricacies of working in the White House and within the Secret Service. And, sure, this seems like signing up for an adventure but Caroline actually gets bored to death as soon as the new head of security Nathaniel Trask starts listing all the ways an assassin or anarchist can sneak into government premises.
Nathaniel loves nothing more than breaking the latest criminal scheme. But charming and pompous Caroline Delacroix. might be an unsolvable mystery. He is sure she is hiding something and doesn’t trust her. Nevertheless, her grit and courage to face off the president, his wife, and an army general when needed also prove a heart more beautiful than any of the jewelry she loves to adorn herself with.
Now to impatiently wait for Luke’s story and hope Philip will also get a book 😉
A delightful read! i really enjoyed the setting of this book with Caroline working in the White House for Ida McKinley. I loved getting a “behind the scenes” look into the White House and the assassination of President McKinley.
The love story was just so so for me at the beginning, but by the end it was giving me the feels!
I have had trouble enjoying the last couple of books by Elizabeth Camden who is a favorite author of mine, but this book lives up to the previous books that I have enjoyed from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
“Memories crowded as she watched him walk away. They had been living in a gilded age but hadn’t realized it until it was over…Her heart was full to the breaking point, for echoes of that gilded age would live with her forever.”
In A Gilded Lady, the second installment of her Hope and Glory series, award-winning author Elizabeth Camden creates a fascinating historical fiction novel filled with faith, romance, and patriotism. Elizabeth Camden is a master at taking relatively unknown parts of history, such as the presidency of William McKinley and the revamping of the Secret Service, and weaving an intriguing tale of politics, treason, and sacrifice. Portions of this storyline run concurrently with events from The Spice King, the first book in the series, so it is helpful to have read it prior to reading A Gilded Lady to get the full backstory of the characters.
After the assassination of a foreign head of state, charming and strong-willed Caroline Delacroix, secretary to the First Lady, and rule-following Nathaniel Trask, the new head of the president’s Secret Service, find themselves working in close quarters together at the White House. Meanwhile, Caroline is also on a mission to save her beloved twin brother Luke from charges of treason.
Elizabeth Camden is one of my go-to authors for historical fiction, and her Hope and Glory series is my favorite of hers. The Spice King was on my Top 10 List of 2019, but I enjoyed A Gilded Lady even more! The intriguing characters and action-filled storyline will keep readers captivated until the very last page.
“Yes, Luke had always been the naughty one, but he was also charming and generous…He had demons inside, and it was anyone’s guess if he’d be strong enough to conquer them now that he had a new lease on life.”
Ever since reading the first book in the series, Caroline’s brother Luke Delacroix has captured my interest with his charming personality, his recklessness, and his powerful determination and strength. His portrayal in A Gilded Lady has solidified his place as a favorite character of mine. Now I am eagerly anticipating Luke’s story in the third book in the series, The Prince of Spies. A Gilded Lady is highly recommended for readers of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
“While her corner of the world was shrouded in darkness, she needed to remember that somewhere the sun was shining.”