I almost didn’t read this novel, and that would have been my loss because it was excellent. I didn’t find the monochrome cover particularly appealing, and I’m somewhat tired of reading about the lifestyles of the privileged in the Gilded Age (the 1890’s aka the late Victorian era).
So what interested me about A Gilded Lady?
Simple. Caroline Delacroix is the secretary to the First Lady of the United States, and the promise of a glimpse inside the White House of 1900 was enough to hook me. I have been consistently impressed with Elizabeth Camden’s ability to weave a compelling romance around a combination of a little-known historical fact and a heroine with an unusual occupation.
And I was not disappointed.
Caroline works for Ida Garfield, a First Lady with a temper who suffered from epilepsy and probably depression, a result of losing both her daughters. Caroline basically runs her life, organising social events from a simple morning tea to an inaguration ball. She will do anything to maintain her role because her twin brother, Luke, has been jailed in Cuba for treason, and Caroline believes a presidential pardon is his only hope.
Life is not made easier by Nathaniel Trask, the new White House head of security, appointed after the assassination of the king of Italy. (Those familiar with US history will see the irony, as they will know what happens.) Caroline is attracted to him, but obviously can’t do anything about that without giving up on her brother.
So what did I like about A Guilded Lady?
I liked the inside look at the historical White House (I was less impressed by the cost of Ida McKinley’s ball dress—$8,000 is astronomical now. How much was it in 1900?) I liked Caroline, who was a lot more intelligent and practical than the heroines in most Guilded Age novels I’ve read. I liked the compelling yet understated developing relationship between Caroline and Nathaniel, and the equally compelling yet understated faith aspect.
In fact, I enjoyed the novel so much I then bought and read The Spice King, the first novel in the Hope and Glory series (and one I had discounted because of the uninteresting monochrome cover). It was equally enjoyable, although there are probably advantages in reading The Spice King first …
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
About Elizabeth Camden
Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.
Find Elizabeth Camden online at:
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About 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 suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises.
Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.
Find A Gilded Lady online at:
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Read the introduction to A Gilded Lady below:
