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| GIVEAWAY |
A GILDED LADY
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 attracted to Caroline's quick wit and undeniable charm, but his job leaves no room for distractions. Anarchist plots have led to mounting threats against the president, forcing him to put duty before his growing love for Caroline.
Amid the glamorous pageantry of Guilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel face danger and heartbreak that shakes them to their core and tests all they know about love and sacrifice.
My Review:
True confession time: I really didn't like Caroline in the first Hope and Glory series book, The Spice King so I kinda dragged my heels about reading this one. It released early June and I lasted until mid August when I was swayed by some rave reviews from Good Reads friends. And guess what? I really like Caroline now. :-)
As in all Elizabeth Camden novels, the historical details in this story are fascinating. The contrasts between the White House then and now are striking. From the beginnings of the Secret Service to the working conditions of White House staff to the devotion between a President and his First Lady. All new to this Canadian reader. What a riveting backdrop for Caroline and Nathaniel's romance.
And, oh la la, the quips! The banter! The deep discussions. Their relationship gets off to a volatile start thanks to Caroline's brash, devil-may-care attitude clashing with Nathaniel's straight-laced, rule-following persona. Cue laughter and toe-curls galore!
But there's plenty of drama too. And intrigue. And some lovely faith threads that tie everything together. I was spellbound from start to finish.
I listened to the audible edition of A Gilded Lady and enjoyed Leah Horowitz's narration. She really captured the personality of the characters which enhanced my biblio-bliss all the more!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Gilded Lady, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 29 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck
I loved this book, you are right though about Caroline not being likeable in the first book! I can't wait for Luke's story coming in February! Have you seen that cover? Now there's a oh la la for you, dreamy! And have you seen the way these three covers fit together when placed side by side? Brilliantly done!
ReplyDeleteOooohh, yes, I see what you mean about the book covers! Makes me wish I had them in paperback. I got the first one from the library, the second one is on audible and I'll likely listen to Luke's story too. The one drawback to listening is not feeling the cover art love. :-) I'm glad I listened to you, Tracey, and gave Caroline a chance! Anxiously awaiting Luke's story now right along with you.
DeleteElizabeth Camden has some of the most creative professions for her heroines that I've ever read--she always has some new (and accurate!) aspect of history to delve into. I love her books!
ReplyDeleterachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com
Yes! Creative and so well researched. I feel smarter when I've finished one of her book. lol Good luck, Rachael!
DeleteI've been wanting to read this one! Elizabeth Camden is an exceptional author.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138atgmaildotcom
Yes she is! Good luck, Caryl!
DeleteAnother series I must get caught up with as I never read "The Spice King" :-( I love Camden's writing and I know this is a great series! Oh...and did you notice if you put all the covers together, they make a picture?
ReplyDeleteThe Prince of Spies comes out February 16th, 2010....just a heads up :-)
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Tracey pointed out the cover thing too. Why do I never catch those? I think you were the one who told me about the way the If I Run series book covers fit together. Argh -- we have to wait until February for The Prince of Spies? Well, that will give you some time to catch up. Good luck, Trixi!
DeleteCaroline & Nathaniel sound like an interesting couple to get to know.
ReplyDeleteturtle6422 at gmail dot com
They really are! Fun and frustrating! Good luck, Jana!
DeleteI have not read anything by her. Thanks. teshawATsbcglobalDOTnet
ReplyDeleteGasp!!!!! Oh, Tammie you are in for a treat! Good luck!
DeleteI haven't read any of this series, but she has the best covers doesn't she?
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Yes! Such beautiful covers! Hard for a reader to resist...which I suppose is the point. :-) Good luck, Patty!
DeleteWhat a stunning cover! Sounds like a good one!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
A series definitely worthy of cover love. Good luck, Melanie!
DeleteOoh! I thought this series looked good, but haven’t read either yet. I love how they made it to where you can put all three covers side by side to create a complete picture, thought that was really neat!😉😃
ReplyDeleteI have to have the clever book cover intricacies pointed out to me but now that I've looked I'm amazed. Such meticulous detail from the cover on in! Good luck, Elly!
DeleteHer niche seems to be strong heroines in situations or positions that are perhaps not the ordinary for that time period. Another beautiful cover! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes -- and she does that so well! I wonder if she does all her own research or if she has someone who helps her with that. Good luck, CC!
DeleteThis series sounds good! I have #1 on Kindle, unread, so would love to win this one and then read both of them!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your giveaway, Kav!
jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
The historic details are fascinating. You'll enjoy reading about the Delacroix family. Good luck, Jackie!
DeleteIt definitely pays to give series or a character a second chance. Love being able to get feedback from others through reviews too.
ReplyDelete"A GILDED LADY" sounds like a great book. With drama and intrigue woven with a faith thread, I know I would enjoy reading it.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I definitely needed a nudge to delve into Caroline's story so I'm grateful for reader feedback through reviews. And you're so right, it definitely pays to give an unlikable character a second chance. Good luck, Kay!
DeleteI love when an author turns a character around after first impressions. I'm reading a book right now where I'm still waiting for the heroine's turn-around. I'm pleading for it, actually. I can't tell you the title, because I don't want it to impact your reading. Lol.
ReplyDeletetlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
Ohhh -- you've intrigued me, Terrill! Now I want to know what you're reading. :-) Good luck!
DeleteI still need to read the Spice King. Thank you for the chance. Blessings! leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Lucy. Good luck!
DeleteI've heard that a lot about Caroline. I can't wait to read this series!
ReplyDeletedmandres5 at Gmail dot com
When you do you'll see what all the fuss is about. :-) Good luck, Melissa!
DeleteSame, so I am excited to read this one! I want to like Caroline, but it wasn't happening so much after the first, so I'd love to see her redeem herself and become a character I enjoy.
ReplyDeleteLlwaltz [at] gmail [dot] com
Yes!!! Exactly what will happen. Promise. :-) Good luck, Laura!
DeleteOooh! I love a book with some good banter! Can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteladepooh at hotmail dot com
I do too. Such clever dialogue in this one. Good luck, Lea!
DeleteA Gilded Lady sounds fantastic! I have the first book in this series, The Spice King, and am really looking forward to this next book in the series!
ReplyDelete~ Alison Boss
nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
Now I'm on tenterhooks until I can read Luke's story! It's a great series. Good luck, Alison!
DeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteladysnowangelphotos(at)gmail(dot)com
Good luck, LSA!
Delete