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rusticreadingal's review against another edition
5.0
What a wonderful historical romance! I didn't think there was any way I'd enjoy A Gilded Lady as much as The Spice King, the first book in this series, but I did!
This book follows Caroline Delacroix, the sister of the leading man from The Spice King. I enjoyed getting to know her better. She's the personal secretary to Ida McKinley, the most disliked first lady in US history. Caroline was the perfect companion for Mrs. McKinley. She was respectful, but didn't take any guff from her. Their friendship really showed a different side to Mrs. McKinley. Plus, knowing all of her struggles and health issues, it made me wonder if maybe she was just the most misunderstood first lady in US history.
Nathaniel Trask was a great guy. He was serious, a little buttoned-up at times, and a staunch rule follower, but his dedication was admirable. Did he take it a little too far sometimes? Yes, but he definitely had valid reasons why. The banter between him and Caroline was a lot of fun. You could tell there was something special between the two of them. They had great chemistry, but there were quite a few obstacles in their way.
I know I say this with every Elizabeth Camden book, but the historical details were amazing. I always learn so many interesting tidbits of history I never knew before. I love that!
If you're a fan of historical romance, you'll love A Gilded Lady. I highly, highly recommend it. I'm so excited for Luke's story in book three! It can't come out soon enough!
This book follows Caroline Delacroix, the sister of the leading man from The Spice King. I enjoyed getting to know her better. She's the personal secretary to Ida McKinley, the most disliked first lady in US history. Caroline was the perfect companion for Mrs. McKinley. She was respectful, but didn't take any guff from her. Their friendship really showed a different side to Mrs. McKinley. Plus, knowing all of her struggles and health issues, it made me wonder if maybe she was just the most misunderstood first lady in US history.
Nathaniel Trask was a great guy. He was serious, a little buttoned-up at times, and a staunch rule follower, but his dedication was admirable. Did he take it a little too far sometimes? Yes, but he definitely had valid reasons why. The banter between him and Caroline was a lot of fun. You could tell there was something special between the two of them. They had great chemistry, but there were quite a few obstacles in their way.
I know I say this with every Elizabeth Camden book, but the historical details were amazing. I always learn so many interesting tidbits of history I never knew before. I love that!
If you're a fan of historical romance, you'll love A Gilded Lady. I highly, highly recommend it. I'm so excited for Luke's story in book three! It can't come out soon enough!
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely loved this second book in the Hope and Glory series! One of the reasons I enjoy Elizabeth Camden is that she puts so much research into her books. While fictional, they are historically accurate. Her characters are complex yet likable and the story line immediately grabs your attention.
In the first book in this series, we got a bit of a glimpse of Caroline, Gray’s sister who was opposed to Annabelle’s and Gray’s marriage. This second book is focused on Caroline and my opinion of her changed dramatically. Though Caroline has grown up with a silver spoon in her mouth, she is kind and has a deeply vulnerable side. She handles the fits and whims of Mrs. McKinley, the President’s wife, with grace and aplomb. While she is spirited and somewhat of a nonconformist, when she meets her polar opposite in Nathaniel Trask, she immediately falls for him.
Nathaniel Trask is a secret service agent who has been assigned to protect the president. He’s leery of this job because of a failure that happened in his past. He’s much more comfortable in the counterfeit division. When he meets Caroline, he’s attracted to this glamorous beauty, but he is also wary of the secrets she may be keeping. He also can’t afford to be distracted because there are numerous plots by anarchists to assassinate the president.
This book is full of twists and turns. There’s a slow burn romance that develops as Caroline and Nathaniel get closer. There’s also plenty of action and intrigue as Nathaniel attempts to thwart several attempts against the president. This could be read as a stand alone, but it is better if you read The Spice King, the first book in the series. This book also features more information about Caroline’s twin Luke. Thoroughly loved reading this book and the description of the Gilded Age in the Whitehouse. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series, the Prince of Spies.
In the first book in this series, we got a bit of a glimpse of Caroline, Gray’s sister who was opposed to Annabelle’s and Gray’s marriage. This second book is focused on Caroline and my opinion of her changed dramatically. Though Caroline has grown up with a silver spoon in her mouth, she is kind and has a deeply vulnerable side. She handles the fits and whims of Mrs. McKinley, the President’s wife, with grace and aplomb. While she is spirited and somewhat of a nonconformist, when she meets her polar opposite in Nathaniel Trask, she immediately falls for him.
Nathaniel Trask is a secret service agent who has been assigned to protect the president. He’s leery of this job because of a failure that happened in his past. He’s much more comfortable in the counterfeit division. When he meets Caroline, he’s attracted to this glamorous beauty, but he is also wary of the secrets she may be keeping. He also can’t afford to be distracted because there are numerous plots by anarchists to assassinate the president.
This book is full of twists and turns. There’s a slow burn romance that develops as Caroline and Nathaniel get closer. There’s also plenty of action and intrigue as Nathaniel attempts to thwart several attempts against the president. This could be read as a stand alone, but it is better if you read The Spice King, the first book in the series. This book also features more information about Caroline’s twin Luke. Thoroughly loved reading this book and the description of the Gilded Age in the Whitehouse. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series, the Prince of Spies.
fellylikes2read's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first one. I did like the relationship between Caroline and Mrs. McKinley. It was interesting to see the inner workings of the White House during the time period and it seemed like she must have done a lot of research to have the amount of detail that she added.
Her relationship with Nathaniel was aggravating and sweet at the same time. I always enjoy a reluctant attraction in books and this one was done well. I appreciated the struggle between their jobs and the relationship as it was building. My heart broke for Caroline, even though I understood some of the choice that they both made.
The book was well written and I enjoyed watching everything unfold with Luke's situation. I love his character and can't wait to see his story in the next book.
Her relationship with Nathaniel was aggravating and sweet at the same time. I always enjoy a reluctant attraction in books and this one was done well. I appreciated the struggle between their jobs and the relationship as it was building. My heart broke for Caroline, even though I understood some of the choice that they both made.
The book was well written and I enjoyed watching everything unfold with Luke's situation. I love his character and can't wait to see his story in the next book.
janeeyre_914716's review
5.0
"'You are unconditionally loved. Unconditionally forgiven You are a child of God, deserving of more credit than you're giving yourself.' The McKinley assignment hadn't gone well...failure was a normal part of being human, not a permanent condition."
Having this book overdue at the library so I could finish this with the kind of ending it had was so worth it. But I'm also grateful my county library doesn't do fees anymore *laughing*
Anyway, one thing I did enjoy about this historical fiction was learning that because of the assassination of President William McKinley, it vamped up the need for protection of the President and his family. It seemed crazy to me for Congress to not do anything about it after the assassinations of Lincoln and Garfield and how in the world it took 3 assassinations I will never know. But to think that secret service managed to protect all US Presidents from 1901 when McKinley was killed and then 62 years later, JFK was assassinated.
This book however was fun, I loved Nathaniel Trask and Caroline's story and was rooting for them since the beginning since they're the perfect match for each other. Despite their ups and downs and own challenges they were each facing, they managed to pull each other out of their struggles. Basically, they complimented each other with both their stubbornness and they were just adorable together. Now I just have to wait for Luke Delacroix's story that's coming in February and I can't wait to read his story since Luke is quite the charmer and just as adorable. *heart eyes* If I could I would marry Luke Delacroix and be Gray's and Caroline's sister-in-law ;) hahaha. So solid five plus stars! :)
Having this book overdue at the library so I could finish this with the kind of ending it had was so worth it. But I'm also grateful my county library doesn't do fees anymore *laughing*
Anyway, one thing I did enjoy about this historical fiction was learning that because of the assassination of President William McKinley, it vamped up the need for protection of the President and his family. It seemed crazy to me for Congress to not do anything about it after the assassinations of Lincoln and Garfield and how in the world it took 3 assassinations I will never know. But to think that secret service managed to protect all US Presidents from 1901 when McKinley was killed and then 62 years later, JFK was assassinated.
This book however was fun, I loved Nathaniel Trask and Caroline's story and was rooting for them since the beginning since they're the perfect match for each other. Despite their ups and downs and own challenges they were each facing, they managed to pull each other out of their struggles. Basically, they complimented each other with both their stubbornness and they were just adorable together. Now I just have to wait for Luke Delacroix's story that's coming in February and I can't wait to read his story since Luke is quite the charmer and just as adorable. *heart eyes* If I could I would marry Luke Delacroix and be Gray's and Caroline's sister-in-law ;) hahaha. So solid five plus stars! :)
morgangiesbrecht's review
5.0
After this stellar second book, I feel confident calling this a new favourite series!
taryn_a's review
5.0
I've loved Elizabeth Camden's books for years now and this one is no different.
In recent years, Elizabeth Camden's books have transitioned more from romance to historical fiction. I always learn something new about US history when I read them. This one touched on McKinley's presidency, Teddy Roosevelt, and the United States' rocky relationship with Cuba.
Caroline is a great main character--clever, confident, and much more than a pretty face. Nathaniel is fabulous as well and their relationship was enjoyable to watch as they came to trust and communicate with each other.
In recent years, Elizabeth Camden's books have transitioned more from romance to historical fiction. I always learn something new about US history when I read them. This one touched on McKinley's presidency, Teddy Roosevelt, and the United States' rocky relationship with Cuba.
Caroline is a great main character--clever, confident, and much more than a pretty face. Nathaniel is fabulous as well and their relationship was enjoyable to watch as they came to trust and communicate with each other.
readingintheweehours's review against another edition
5.0
I took @gabrielle_meyer ‘s advice and checked out A Gilded Lady by @authorelizabethcamden. What a great read. Although I don’t necessarily enjoy politics, I’ve loved shows like Madam Secretary, The West Wing, etc as they show and idea of the behind the scenes of the White House. A Gilded Lady shares that same magic.
Nathaniel is a man of integrity but with some pretty big scars to deal with. Caroline is vibrant, lively, and strong-minded. Yet their lives clash and intertwine in a beautiful way.
Additionally, Elizabeth always teaches her readers fascinating bits of history through her stories.
Two thumbs up. ❤️
#bookstagram #christianbookstagram #gildedage #christianfiction #political #cleanread #whatimreading #whitehouse #thewestwing #madamsecretary #romance #christianromance
Nathaniel is a man of integrity but with some pretty big scars to deal with. Caroline is vibrant, lively, and strong-minded. Yet their lives clash and intertwine in a beautiful way.
Additionally, Elizabeth always teaches her readers fascinating bits of history through her stories.
Two thumbs up. ❤️
#bookstagram #christianbookstagram #gildedage #christianfiction #political #cleanread #whatimreading #whitehouse #thewestwing #madamsecretary #romance #christianromance
haleybeck's review
3.0
I really loved the historical aspect of this book. It was fascinating to learn about the Mckinleys and a little bit about the Roosevelts. If I considered the history, I would give this 5 stars.
However, this author seems to insert infatuation into every page. Interesting part of story- “oh she’s standing there”- tense moment- “ her dress is beautiful”- important moment- “I can’t focus with her here”. Although some of it might be realistic, it really detracted from the story.
However, this author seems to insert infatuation into every page. Interesting part of story- “oh she’s standing there”- tense moment- “ her dress is beautiful”- important moment- “I can’t focus with her here”. Although some of it might be realistic, it really detracted from the story.
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.