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heatherwoodauthor's review
4.0
After falling in love with the Delacroix sibling dynamic in The Spice King, I could hardly wait to continue their story in A Gilded Lady. (Note: read this series in order) The Spice King ends with Luke still in prison and his twin sister Caroline holding animosity towards their older brother Gray's love interest (now wife in A Gilded Lady).
Those two themes continue through this book, and were subplots that I found almost more interesting than Caroline's developing love story. Elizabeth Camden's strength has always been finding unique places in history and bringing them alive; in this case, the McKinley administration. I love history, and I found it fascinating to imagine along with Camden what daily life in the White House would have been like in 1899. We even get a cameo glimpse into the Roosevelts as their place in history begins, which was super fun.
Caroline is a woman who's overcome most of the habits of her wild youth and is now a force to be reckoned with as Ida McKinley's personal assistant. She's a go-getter who gets things done with grace and poise, but her weakness is the two brothers she adores and who need her to use her position to save their family. She quickly attracts the rather stuffy new head of security, the rule-following Nathaniel Trask. Nathaniel is good at what he does, but in the moments that mattered most in his life, he failed on a large scale and daily lives with the consequences.
Things I loved about this book were the unique storyline and characters, the humor (intercom on the train, anyone?!), and the fact that you really didn't know what the characters were going to choose to do until the end. Nathaniel and Caroline are so different from each other, I had no idea how they would make a relationship work and the extent that each one of them would willing to give for the sake of the relationship. Because admit it, while a life partner should definitely be someone who helps fill in the gaps, it also requires a great deal of giving, and Caroline and Nathaniel are both characters who aren't likely to budge for anything. I liked that this was a relaxing read with no really hateful villain blackening the mood. And on a personal preference level, I liked that after Caroline's time at the White House ended, she admitted that she was tired and didn't rush into another career; she seemed to me like someone who would have been likely to do that, and I liked the humanity of a character as strong as she prioritizing self care over a career for a period.
My cons for this book again are personal preference: I felt like I was on the outside looking in on the romance and did not feel connected to it at any point in the book, and while faith did play a role, God didn't have as strong of an influence in these characters' daily lives as other, favorite Christian fiction.
I will be the first in line to get my hands on Luke's story when it comes out; I can't wait!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Those two themes continue through this book, and were subplots that I found almost more interesting than Caroline's developing love story. Elizabeth Camden's strength has always been finding unique places in history and bringing them alive; in this case, the McKinley administration. I love history, and I found it fascinating to imagine along with Camden what daily life in the White House would have been like in 1899. We even get a cameo glimpse into the Roosevelts as their place in history begins, which was super fun.
Caroline is a woman who's overcome most of the habits of her wild youth and is now a force to be reckoned with as Ida McKinley's personal assistant. She's a go-getter who gets things done with grace and poise, but her weakness is the two brothers she adores and who need her to use her position to save their family. She quickly attracts the rather stuffy new head of security, the rule-following Nathaniel Trask. Nathaniel is good at what he does, but in the moments that mattered most in his life, he failed on a large scale and daily lives with the consequences.
Things I loved about this book were the unique storyline and characters, the humor (intercom on the train, anyone?!), and the fact that you really didn't know what the characters were going to choose to do until the end. Nathaniel and Caroline are so different from each other, I had no idea how they would make a relationship work and the extent that each one of them would willing to give for the sake of the relationship. Because admit it, while a life partner should definitely be someone who helps fill in the gaps, it also requires a great deal of giving, and Caroline and Nathaniel are both characters who aren't likely to budge for anything. I liked that this was a relaxing read with no really hateful villain blackening the mood. And on a personal preference level, I liked that after Caroline's time at the White House ended, she admitted that she was tired and didn't rush into another career; she seemed to me like someone who would have been likely to do that, and I liked the humanity of a character as strong as she prioritizing self care over a career for a period.
My cons for this book again are personal preference: I felt like I was on the outside looking in on the romance and did not feel connected to it at any point in the book, and while faith did play a role, God didn't have as strong of an influence in these characters' daily lives as other, favorite Christian fiction.
I will be the first in line to get my hands on Luke's story when it comes out; I can't wait!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
shammons's review against another edition
4.0
After reading the first in this series in early 2020, I decided to try to read the other two, since I am on a mission to finish many series that are in progress in 2021. I enjoyed the first of the trilogy, "The Spice King" about oldest brother Gray Delacroix who is running the family spice empire, and his interaction with botanist Annabelle at the Smithsonian. I liked it, but didn't just love it and was a bit on the fence about continuing, but am happy to say that I enjoyed this second book quite a bit more. The last two books feature the younger twins, Caroline and Luke. This book about Caroline (isn't the cover simply gorgeous??!!) was so enjoyable, and surprisingly filled with lots of history tidbits. Caroline is personal secretary to Ida McKinley at the end of her husband's first term and the beginning of his second term (before his assassination). She works fairly closely with Nathaniel Trask of the Secret Service, who is sidetracked from his job at the Dept of Treasure hunting down counterfeiters to help with security at the White House and of the President. I really enjoyed both the plot of the story as well as all of the history tidbits I gleaned. If I studied much about President McKinley in school (ages and eons ago), I remembered none of it, so I really enjoyed that aspect. I'm looking forward to the final book in the series, The Prince of Spies, which features Luke and I believe has some food aspects, woo-hoo!!
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.
sassybookishmama's review
5.0
The Gilded Lady is the second book in the Hope and Glory series. I have not read the first book yet (insert gasp, as I hardly ever read books out of order) but I was super excited to receive a copy of this book. I actually did not feel like I was missing important information because I did not read the first one. So if you happen to pick this one up you should be okay. That being said I will be reading the first in the series before the third one comes out because that's just how I roll!
The Hope and Glory series follows siblings Gray, Luke and Caroline Delacroix. The Gilded Lady is mainly about Caroline but it does have her siblings as well and it definitely ends perfectly to introduce Luke's story which will be the last in the series.
This book is set in the time of President McKinley and the beginnings of the Secret Service revamping itself to provide more protection not only to the president but for his family. In this story Caroline Delacroix has matured into a no-nonsense, go-getter. She is the First Lady, Ida McKinley's secretary, right hand woman, confidant and friend. And this is very evident in all the responsibilities she holds in her job. You can tell that she is definitely more than just a secretary.
We meet straight laced, rule follower Nathaniel Trask who is the new head of the Secret Service. He has a tragic past that he carries with him and it is the main reason why he's so determined not to fail at anything he does. Being in close quarters at the White House he can't help but notice Caroline and fights his attraction to her to no avail. I loved the "slow burning" relationship they have going. Camden definitely lets you go through the ups and downs of it and it was lovely. It definitely gets you to be invested in their relationship and you feel as if you know them personally.
One of my favorite lines from their conversations (and there were a few) " ...I've learned a few things over the past month. Life is short. We can't know what it holds in store for us, but I won't ever take you for granted again." Gah!! Insert heart eyes!! This is so romantic and so true!!
While the whole romantic plot is going we also encounter Luke, Caroline's beloved twin brother who is in jail in Cuba for treason! What an awesome twist in the story. Loved how this brought some intrigue, mystery and suspense to the story. The way it develops and unfolds is great and I will not delve into it because you need to enjoy it like I did! But it was great! It also gives the perfect continuation for Luke's own story which will be in the next book! I for one cannot wait to learn more about him and see what happens!
I have found very few authors that write historical fiction that I absolutely love and Elizabeth Camden is always at the top of my list when it comes to this genre. You can tell that she does her research well and I appreciate that about her. If you enjoy historical fiction then this is definitely the book to pick up! I for one cannot wait until her next book!
Happy Reading!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley for promotional purposes, I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
The Hope and Glory series follows siblings Gray, Luke and Caroline Delacroix. The Gilded Lady is mainly about Caroline but it does have her siblings as well and it definitely ends perfectly to introduce Luke's story which will be the last in the series.
This book is set in the time of President McKinley and the beginnings of the Secret Service revamping itself to provide more protection not only to the president but for his family. In this story Caroline Delacroix has matured into a no-nonsense, go-getter. She is the First Lady, Ida McKinley's secretary, right hand woman, confidant and friend. And this is very evident in all the responsibilities she holds in her job. You can tell that she is definitely more than just a secretary.
We meet straight laced, rule follower Nathaniel Trask who is the new head of the Secret Service. He has a tragic past that he carries with him and it is the main reason why he's so determined not to fail at anything he does. Being in close quarters at the White House he can't help but notice Caroline and fights his attraction to her to no avail. I loved the "slow burning" relationship they have going. Camden definitely lets you go through the ups and downs of it and it was lovely. It definitely gets you to be invested in their relationship and you feel as if you know them personally.
One of my favorite lines from their conversations (and there were a few) " ...I've learned a few things over the past month. Life is short. We can't know what it holds in store for us, but I won't ever take you for granted again." Gah!! Insert heart eyes!! This is so romantic and so true!!
While the whole romantic plot is going we also encounter Luke, Caroline's beloved twin brother who is in jail in Cuba for treason! What an awesome twist in the story. Loved how this brought some intrigue, mystery and suspense to the story. The way it develops and unfolds is great and I will not delve into it because you need to enjoy it like I did! But it was great! It also gives the perfect continuation for Luke's own story which will be in the next book! I for one cannot wait to learn more about him and see what happens!
I have found very few authors that write historical fiction that I absolutely love and Elizabeth Camden is always at the top of my list when it comes to this genre. You can tell that she does her research well and I appreciate that about her. If you enjoy historical fiction then this is definitely the book to pick up! I for one cannot wait until her next book!
Happy Reading!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley for promotional purposes, I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
wintermote's review
4.0
What a fascinating look at a president I didn’t know about and an interesting way to explore the politics of the times. Also an interesting and engaging leading couple. I enjoyed this installment of the ongoing series about these siblings.
deannah's review
3.0
A very interesting look into McKinley's presidency, including Ida McKinley. Again, wasn't completely sold on the main relationship. But the historical aspect of this novel was great as well as a decently compelling plot line. Like the first book, I feel like the story would be stronger without the actual quoting of scripture and moralizing. However, it was kept to a minimum which I appreciate.
carbs_make_me_happy's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-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? No
5.0
gabriellemeyer's review
5.0
Another stunning novel by Elizabeth Camden! I just adore this series. Not only do I love Washington, D.C. and all it’s amazing history, but this is my favorite time period in American history, as well. I always learn so much! This story gets us up close and personal in the William McKinley White House and takes us on cross-country tour of America in 1901. I love Camden’s strong, intelligent heroines, and brave, strong heroes. Each character is so unique and the plots are like none others. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the third in this series.
giselle_reads's review
5.0
"A Gilded Lady" did not disappoint as Camden's sequel in the Hope and Glory series where mystery and political intrigue loom in Washington at the fin de siècle. Caroline's life drastically changes course throughout the novel, effectively holding me spellbound and always on the edge of my seat expecting another plot twist.
Camden's sequel pairs beautifully with her first book in the Hope and Glory series with a balanced amount of action, romance, and faith. Even as a history graduate, I had little knowledge of the presidency in America at the turn of the century, and Camden's newest release prompted me to further research such a politically charged period in Washington. Both Caroline and Nathaniel's character development was unrivalled as the two fought to ascertain their own place in life and Camden's addition of other characters from her previous book provide a vastly entertaining and enthralling narrative.
Overall, Camden's second novel in her series is set to suck readers in with complex character development, historical accuracy, and vibrant descriptions. I would have liked Caroline to interact more with Annabelle, but this complex relationship might have drawn the focus away from the former's own narrative and experiences within her own realm, including that of Luke and Nathaniel.
I anticipate Camden's further literary pursuits following this highly regarded release.
Camden's sequel pairs beautifully with her first book in the Hope and Glory series with a balanced amount of action, romance, and faith. Even as a history graduate, I had little knowledge of the presidency in America at the turn of the century, and Camden's newest release prompted me to further research such a politically charged period in Washington. Both Caroline and Nathaniel's character development was unrivalled as the two fought to ascertain their own place in life and Camden's addition of other characters from her previous book provide a vastly entertaining and enthralling narrative.
Overall, Camden's second novel in her series is set to suck readers in with complex character development, historical accuracy, and vibrant descriptions. I would have liked Caroline to interact more with Annabelle, but this complex relationship might have drawn the focus away from the former's own narrative and experiences within her own realm, including that of Luke and Nathaniel.
I anticipate Camden's further literary pursuits following this highly regarded release.
cmareads's review
4.0
Thanks to Bethany House for the free book. Why have I waited so long to finish this series? This is book 2, and I will be devouring book 3 next. I loved Caroline and Nathaniel’s story. Camden put so many details into Caroline’s job. I could feel the exhaustion, tension, and fun she had while being First Lady McKinley’s secretary. I also enjoyed the sweet relationship between her and her twin, Luke. His story starts in the first and continues here. Nathaniel and his role following ways were very familiar for me. I really liked how he wanted to do everything but the book. It was a great juxtaposition for this potential romance. This book is full of history, family, and finding a way.