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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.
justcatherine's review
4.0
3.5 stars
I thought the 1st book in this series was fantastic, but this one had a very different feel to the pacing and plot. I LOVED the look at the McKinley era presidency as it's one I'm not especially familiar with and there was a lot of humanity and empathy to how the historical characters were written. Nathaniel's work within counterfeit investigation & leading the newly formed Presidential Secret Service team was fascinating. Caroline's intricate path amid being the First Lady's personal secretary & the duties involved in that role, as well as her concern for her brother's well-being in a Cuban prison was fraught with tension and I was intrigued through the end to know how that plotline would work out. The slow-burn romance between Caroline and Nathaniel was handled well, I think. Overall, it felt a bit like a filler story that covered the time between Gray's and Luke's stories that maintained their focus on the integrity of prepared food during this time period. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction, this is an interesting read and well worth the time. Compared to the other two books in the series (EXCELLENT) this one just wasn't quite as good and was disappointing in comparison.
I thought the 1st book in this series was fantastic, but this one had a very different feel to the pacing and plot. I LOVED the look at the McKinley era presidency as it's one I'm not especially familiar with and there was a lot of humanity and empathy to how the historical characters were written. Nathaniel's work within counterfeit investigation & leading the newly formed Presidential Secret Service team was fascinating. Caroline's intricate path amid being the First Lady's personal secretary & the duties involved in that role, as well as her concern for her brother's well-being in a Cuban prison was fraught with tension and I was intrigued through the end to know how that plotline would work out. The slow-burn romance between Caroline and Nathaniel was handled well, I think. Overall, it felt a bit like a filler story that covered the time between Gray's and Luke's stories that maintained their focus on the integrity of prepared food during this time period. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction, this is an interesting read and well worth the time. Compared to the other two books in the series (EXCELLENT) this one just wasn't quite as good and was disappointing in comparison.
thetinyreader's review
4.0
Elizabeth Camden has here way of making her characters so enjoyable, one of the reasons why she's one of my favorite historical fiction authors. You can empathize with her characters. I also love how she was able to put make the book exciting and intriguing. I can't want to read the next. :)