randikaye's review
4.0
A Gilded Lady is the second book in Elizabeth Camden's Hope and Glory series. While the first book- The Spice King- is a great book and worth the read, I do believe this book could be enjoyed as a standalone as well. There is a large focus on Luke's imprisonment and of course Caroline's job in the White House, both of which were introduced in the first book, but enough background is given that it could likely still be enjoyed regardless.
A Gilded Lady picks up not long after the previous book and gives us a better look at Caroline's role as secretary to the first lady, Ida McKinley. While the story is fictional, the backdrop is based on true historical events-- President McKinley's cross country train trip and assassination, for instance. I love the author's way of sharing about these real events and introducing other real characters in history that perhaps aren't as well known (I wouldn't have known them to be real people outside of the author's note at the end)--- all while telling a fantastic romance on top of it as well. I loved the story of Caroline and Nathaniel... they were quite different in many ways, but had a great chemistry that leaped off the pages. As much as I enjoyed the first book, I found that I enjoyed these particular characters even more.
I also enjoyed getting to find out more of Luke's story, as I'm sure readers who read the first book will be as well. There are so many great layers in this story--- with romance, mystery, family drama and so much more! All of these elements worked together wonderfully to keep me reading on.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and one that fans of historical romance are sure to enjoy. I cannot wait to see what comes next!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
A Gilded Lady picks up not long after the previous book and gives us a better look at Caroline's role as secretary to the first lady, Ida McKinley. While the story is fictional, the backdrop is based on true historical events-- President McKinley's cross country train trip and assassination, for instance. I love the author's way of sharing about these real events and introducing other real characters in history that perhaps aren't as well known (I wouldn't have known them to be real people outside of the author's note at the end)--- all while telling a fantastic romance on top of it as well. I loved the story of Caroline and Nathaniel... they were quite different in many ways, but had a great chemistry that leaped off the pages. As much as I enjoyed the first book, I found that I enjoyed these particular characters even more.
I also enjoyed getting to find out more of Luke's story, as I'm sure readers who read the first book will be as well. There are so many great layers in this story--- with romance, mystery, family drama and so much more! All of these elements worked together wonderfully to keep me reading on.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and one that fans of historical romance are sure to enjoy. I cannot wait to see what comes next!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
roseice's review
3.0
A well-structured and solid story, but I found it to be a bit of a slog because I didn't like either of the main characters, and their relationship was utterly vanilla. They got together super early and their relationship snags were quite boring. Sigh. Camden is an amazing and creative writer, and she is unparalleled in her history and accuracy, so I appreciate that much! I always learn a lot reading her books but I'll have to think about whether I want to continue.
emilynsopp's review
4.0
Camden paces her books really well and she doesn’t waste any time on boring intricacies of a journey.
bluebell4's review
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
komet2020's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A GILDED LADY takes place in the U.S. during the period 1900-1901, mainly in Washington DC. This is a time in which the country has emerged from the Spanish-American War as a victorious, newly established world power with overseas possessions.
The novel has 2 main characters. Caroline Delacroix is a young, spirited, intelligent woman (in her late 20s) hailing from a well-to-do family (who made its wealth in the spice trade) from Virginia, working as a secretary to the First Lady, Ida McKinley, whose frail health (she was periodically prone to epileptic seizures) and temperament could make her a difficult person to deal with. Then there is Nathaniel Trask, a special agent in the Treasury Department's Counterfeit Division who takes special pride in his work and has a reputation for solving the most challenging cases involving fraud. Unlike Caroline, Trask grew up poor in Chicago and could be best described as a self-made man who suffered a profound family tragedy that has steeled his heart against any romantic attachments. That is, until, his assignment in the White House, where he was put in charge of President McKinley's Secret Service security detail (an assignment he did not want). There he became acquainted with Caroline.
So it was that over the following year, by degrees, both Nathaniel and Caroline (whose respective roles in the White House often put them in close proximity to each other) became very much attracted to one another. This was a time in which the threat of anarchy among some radical elements in the country (as well as in Europe) drove Nathaniel to develop a comprehensive system for ensuring the security of both President McKinley and his wife. Caroline, for her part, is concerned about the welfare of her beloved twin brother Luke, who is imprisoned in Cuba on charges of treason. (At the time, Cuba, having achieved its independence from Spain with U.S. assistance, was a U.S. protectorate, a status it would hold until 1902 when it achieved full sovereign status following the withdrawal of U.S. military forces.) Luke comes across as a Rhett Butler type -- i.e. a lovable, smart, highly clever sort who is not above bending the rules a bit. He's languishing in prison and Caroline is unsparing in her efforts (along with her older brother Gray Delacroix) to try and secure his release.
There is also a national tragedy that takes place, leaving Nathaniel shattered and in need of someone to help him find himself. This is when Caroline's support proves to have a healing effect on Nathaniel's spirit.
I very much enjoyed reading this novel which was well-crafted and stirred my emotions. For anyone with an interest in stories set in the Gilded Age with compelling drama, A GILDED LADY is a winner and comes highly recommended.
The novel has 2 main characters. Caroline Delacroix is a young, spirited, intelligent woman (in her late 20s) hailing from a well-to-do family (who made its wealth in the spice trade) from Virginia, working as a secretary to the First Lady, Ida McKinley, whose frail health (she was periodically prone to epileptic seizures) and temperament could make her a difficult person to deal with. Then there is Nathaniel Trask, a special agent in the Treasury Department's Counterfeit Division who takes special pride in his work and has a reputation for solving the most challenging cases involving fraud. Unlike Caroline, Trask grew up poor in Chicago and could be best described as a self-made man who suffered a profound family tragedy that has steeled his heart against any romantic attachments. That is, until, his assignment in the White House, where he was put in charge of President McKinley's Secret Service security detail (an assignment he did not want). There he became acquainted with Caroline.
So it was that over the following year, by degrees, both Nathaniel and Caroline (whose respective roles in the White House often put them in close proximity to each other) became very much attracted to one another. This was a time in which the threat of anarchy among some radical elements in the country (as well as in Europe) drove Nathaniel to develop a comprehensive system for ensuring the security of both President McKinley and his wife. Caroline, for her part, is concerned about the welfare of her beloved twin brother Luke, who is imprisoned in Cuba on charges of treason. (At the time, Cuba, having achieved its independence from Spain with U.S. assistance, was a U.S. protectorate, a status it would hold until 1902 when it achieved full sovereign status following the withdrawal of U.S. military forces.) Luke comes across as a Rhett Butler type -- i.e. a lovable, smart, highly clever sort who is not above bending the rules a bit. He's languishing in prison and Caroline is unsparing in her efforts (along with her older brother Gray Delacroix) to try and secure his release.
There is also a national tragedy that takes place, leaving Nathaniel shattered and in need of someone to help him find himself. This is when Caroline's support proves to have a healing effect on Nathaniel's spirit.
I very much enjoyed reading this novel which was well-crafted and stirred my emotions. For anyone with an interest in stories set in the Gilded Age with compelling drama, A GILDED LADY is a winner and comes highly recommended.
betherin02's review
5.0
Exquisite history starring a realistic trail-blazing heroine with character and vices to spare. The sweet romance is practically sparking from the page.
scottishpixie26's review
4.0
Great book and story. Loved the intrigue and the little surprises and twists. Wished for just a bit more romance as well as a bit more change of heart with Caroline. There were quite a few moments where I wasn't too happy with her and thought she needs to pay attention to what she says and practices what she preaches/claims to believe.
abigailkayharris's review
5.0
This turned out to be wonderfully sweet! I loved how the characters were still true to their characters in the first book, The Spice King.
I enjoyed reading about a former president and first lady, though the ending of their story was of course very sad, the historical plotline pulled me in right away.
I highly look forward to the next book!
There were some mentions of smoking and stopping smoking.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I enjoyed reading about a former president and first lady, though the ending of their story was of course very sad, the historical plotline pulled me in right away.
I highly look forward to the next book!
There were some mentions of smoking and stopping smoking.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
melmo2610's review
5.0
This was quite an exciting read. I really enjoyed the story line and the up close and personal look at life in the White House and how the protection of the President was evolving during the Presidency of McKinley. Caroline was a lovely character and Nathaniel was a perfect match for her. Luke's story was exciting and I am really looking forward to his story. All in all, this book was a fantastic read!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.