Elizabeth Camden- you know the way to my heart! Once again, I was transported to America at the turn of the century. I absolutely loved this installment of the series! I loved the romance, the history, and the mystery in the story! During the Gilded Age in Washington, DC, we follow Caroline Delacroix and Nathaniel Trask as they work closely with the McKinley administration. Caroline is personal secretary to temperamental First Lady, Ida. Nathaniel is put in charge of President McKinley’s personal security- a fact that was very interesting knowing beforehand that President McKinley was assassinated. Although both Caroline and Nathaniel are fictional characters, many of the characters, like the McKinleys and other staff, were real. It was so intriguing to see how Camden brought them to life through Caroline and Nathaniel.

Caroline’s twin brother, Luke, is imprisoned in Cuba for treason. Caroline feels this can not be true, and tries to use her close bond with the McKinleys to free her brother. Nathaniel has been tasked with keeping the president safe- a job he is apprehensive to take. He is more than qualified, but unsatisfied with policies (or lack thereof) put in place to protect the president. When Nathaniel learns of Caroline’s brother, he is immediately on high alert- why would someone who works so closely with the president have a brother committing treason? As the two battle while trying to do their jobs, their bond becomes undeniably close. Working together to solve Luke’s case may bring them the strength they need to forge a new relationship.

I knew the date of McKinley’s death and knew that we would read about it as part of the story. It was incredibly satisfying to see how Nathaniel struggles and eventually learns to accept himself, and how these events spurred the creation of the Secret Service. I loved learning more about this time in US history- a time that I admit I don’t know well. The more I learn about this era, the more I love it. I loved Nathaniel and Caroline’s relationship. I love when a relationship is established early on so we can see how close the characters can become. Their relationship is a testament that in order to have a successful relationship, each partner must learn to compromise while not losing themselves in the other. Each partner has something specific and special to offer. Highly recommend!

I adored “The Spice King” (book 1 in this series), and was beyond excited to pick up book 2. “A Gilded Lady” absolutely does not disappoint and lives up to my albeit high expectations!

I do wish there had been a bit more of Nathaniel’s thought process as he changed his mind on a particular plot point; it seemed a little sudden to go from driving him batty to smoothed over. But, I’m still very pleased with him and Caroline both as characters! Caroline’s love of her brother and surety of his innocence was admirable, as was her pursuit of his freedom.

I’ve long been intrigued by this era; while I’d set it aside to focus more on reading contemporary fiction, Camden does an excellent job at restoring my interest and teaching me much more about McKinley’s presidency and DC in that time than I ever expected.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I have been looking forward to reading this book for a couple of reasons, first I loved the first book in the series, The Spice King but most of all it’s because I absolutely love anything written by Ms. Camden. Reconnecting with the Delacroix was much better than I had anticipated and I loved each and every moment I spent with this entertaining family and the exciting lives they lived.

Caroline Delacroix is the secretary to Ida McKinley, who I knew very little about until I started reading this novel. As first lady of the United States, Ida was pretty demanding but given the circumstances of her health it was understandable. Caroline is a strong, intelligent, energetic young woman who meets any challenge head on and she has many challenges not only in the White House but in her personal life. Speaking of her personal life she is doing everything she can to help her twin brother Luke when she’s faced with yet another challenge. Nathaniel Trask is the new head of security and he needs to keep track of everyone and everything going on around President McKinley.

This does not set well with Caroline which leads to friction and some clever dialog between her and Nathaniel. Rich in history, with a lot of intrigue, a wonderful romance and delightful characters made this one of my favorite books this year. It’s going to be hard to wait until the next book is released but I can reread the first two books in the series while I wait. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I opened this book. I just know that I am glad I selected it from NetGalley where I was given an eARC by the publisher.

I hadn't thought much previously about the McKinley presidency, but this book brought me into the world of the White House at that time. The work put in by the president and first lady's secretaries and the beginnings of the secret service as body guards to the first family.

This story was beautifully written. The romance was organic and realistic. The mystery was plausible. I loved every minute and really couldn't put it down. There was so much good in this book. The faith building, the friendships, the family relationships, it was all uplifting.

I would definitely recommend this book whether or not you are a fan of historical romance.

Classic Elizabeth Camden...Beautifully written, well researched and truly believable. This novel captured my attention from page one...and did not let go until the final sentence. It is Book Two in the Hope and Glory series...but it can be read as a stand alone. Treat yourself to a masterpiece...You will not be disappointed. Five stars.

The Hope and Glory series chronicles the lives of the Delacroix siblings Gray, Caroline, and Luke. A Gilded Lady, Book 2, is Caroline’s story which works well as a stand-alone. Set in Washington D.C. in 1900, this beautifully crafted story combines history, romance, faith, mystery, and intrigue into an enjoyable, page-turning narrative. The emotionally rich plot flows at a fitting pace, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. Caroline and Nathaniel are an engaging couple who in the beginning fight the romantic attraction; but fleeting, compassionate moments when they let their guard down are sweet and touching. The development of their relationship with its ups and downs is moving. The historical detail that Ms. Camden expertly infuses into the fictional narrative is amazing as well as informative. Spiritual truths are consistently and effectively conveyed throughout the narrative. I look forward to the third book in the series which is Luke’s story. This book is one of my favorites, and I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Second instalment to the Hope and Glory Series, this book surpassed my expectations!
This is a standalone story, but I highly recommend to read the first: The Spice King, because there are many details that start from there and you will understand Caroline’s plight all the better. Through the first book I had a superficial impression of Caroline’s character. I though she was, in fact, superficial and vain. But no! Caroline has so much depth to her, she has a heart of gold, a compassionate heart, a strong love of her family, and a great sense of duty and love for her Country.
Caroline Delacroix is working at the White House as the First Lady’s Secretary. From appearances, she has everything a woman would want in life, except for love: outstanding job, striking looks, and a strong and charming personality. But she hides secrets. Secrets that could put her job in peril, if they were divulged: her brother Luke is prisioner in Cuba, accused for treason, and could very well be hanged for it, if he’s found guilty of the accusations.
Nathaniel Trask works for America’s Secret Service. And he’s been commissioned with a complicated task. After the asssasination of a foreign head of state, the White House Security Service has to increase. Even if President McKinley dislikes bodyguards and the likes. So, he finds himself working along with Caroline to protect the President and his ailing wife. And even if they’re complete opposites –he’s a brooding, rule-follower sort, while she’s charming and unpredictable- he finds himself attracted to her and falling her as he gets to know her better. But she’s hiding something… and duty to his Country comes first. Or does it?... Will Nate find success in protecting the President and his wife? Will he uncover the mystery that threatens the White House? Will he and Caroline give each other a chance to prove their love is for real? Or will Caroline secrets tear them apart?
The story was complex, intriguing, deep and very engaging. I loved the fact that it was based intrue facts: President McKinley and his wife are real characters even if their story is fictional it has real events and pieces of true history. The threat to a President and the pursuing of his security is in i tan intriguing theme, but in this case, it was the deepness of the main characters that made it really captivating. Nathaniel and Caroline were truly the perfect match, with their flaws and their contrasting personalities. They complemented so well and they brought out the best in each other. I loved that there is a faith element, in trusting God with your life, in letting God forgive you and forgive yourself, and in learning you are loved unconditionally by that Merciful God. There was so much to learn behind the struggles of each character and so many inspiring messages throughout the story. But I won’t spoil it anymore and let you discover them yourself. The side characters were very realistic and well defined too. As were the characterization of the President and the First Lady. Caroline’s relationship to Ida McKinley was unique!
Finally, the love story was beautiful, and it was blended perfectly in the plot, without making it the main focus of the story. I liked that!
This is a story I totally recommend to any Historical Romance lovers. Will not disappoint you!
I received and Advanced Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased review.

Buy This Book
A Gilded Lady is the absolutely fantastic second book in the Hope and Glory series set in the dazzling world of Washington D.C.’s Gilded Age. Fans of the first story – The Spice King – will recognize the heroine as a secondary character in that volume but you don’t need to have read that novel to enjoy this one.

Caroline Delacroix loves her job as secretary to First Lady Ida McKinley. Mrs. McKinley can be irritable, demanding, and rude, but Caroline has become adept at smoothing over situations when her boss is ill-mannered, and in keeping the first lady happy enough that such events don’t often occur in public. A glamorous, beguiling heiress, Caroline has always been a darling of the haut monde and she loves that she is using her societal acumen to serve her country. That’s not her primary reason for putting in long hours at a thankless task, however. Her twin brother Luke has been accused of treason – has even confessed to the crime – and is currently sitting in prison awaiting trial. Luke’s only hope for evading the hangman’s noose is a presidential pardon and Caroline is determined to do whatever it takes to obtain one for him.

Secret Service Agent Nathaniel Trask is not a bodyguard. He has put his artistic skills and desire to serve justice to good use by working as a counterfeiting expert. Having just wrapped a highly successful – and highly public – case, he’s been offered a promotion, although he’s unsure what that could be given he already holds the top position in his division. When his supervisor tells Nathaniel they are moving him to the White House to serve as the newly appointed head of the president’s Secret Service security team he resists. He has no desire to work in such a high stakes capacity, but a recent uptick in assassinations of heads of state has the country on high alert. It’s believed that Nathaniel’s eye for detail will help him teach the Capital’s guards how to spot a potential killer.

When he is introduced to the presidential staff, he is immediately attracted to Caroline’s breathtaking beauty, quick wit and undeniable charm. Throughout the following weeks she impresses him even more with her strong work ethic, calm demeanor, and her self-deprecating sense of humor. Nathaniel is nothing if not meticulous however, and he quickly learns that Caroline has a traitor for a brother. Determined to do his job whatever the personal cost, he tries to have her fired. The President and First lady refuse. At first, Nathaniel is deeply irritated with them for taking this needless risk – surely there are other women without traitorous brothers who could plan teas, garden parties, and balls – but as he gets to know Caroline he realizes just why everyone considers her irreplaceable.

Nathaniel and Caroline’s early courtship was a complete delight to read. Nathaniel is very straight-laced and likes to do things by the book. He takes his duty very seriously and can be quite abrupt when trying to get people to cooperate with the new security rules he instigates at the White House. His interest in Caroline blindsides him and he struggles to figure out how to respond to his feelings while also doing his job to the utmost of his ability. I loved the moment when he discovered the two were compatible:

This feeling of being stretched beyond his limits was becoming more common, and oddly, Caroline Delacroix was the best remedy. The moment she came into view, he felt grounded and energized by a spark of electricity that jolted him back to earth.

Caroline takes her position very seriously as well, but she has an innate gracious charm, fun loving nature and ability to soothe the feathers of awkward people that serve her well in her job – and with Nathaniel. It would have been easy for them to be combative since Mrs. McKinley dislikes the precautions Nathaniel insists upon and since he considers the situation with Caroline’s brother a huge security risk, but that doesn’t happen because of her lively, clever and delightful character. Most times, she can turn their arguments into witty banter with ease and when she can’t, she excels both at holding her own in their verbal sparring and at keeping it civil. I really dislike when a hero and heroine go for the jugular in arguments, but here they both say their piece without tearing the heart out of the other.

Caroline is more than just a sweet, soothing presence in a world of chaos, she’s also an extremely competent individual. The Mckinley White House demands impossible things from its employees and she rises to the challenge:

Find a way had been the refrain for weeks. Whether it was how Caroline could serve a four- course luncheon in half an hour, find lodging for six hundred visiting diplomats, or stable two thousand horses, the answer was always the same. Find a way. She had.

I thoroughly enjoyed the romance. There’s humor, sweetness, camaraderie and joy in it that tugged at my heart throughout. I just loved both characters apart and together.

Caroline’s brothers Gray and Luke are significant secondary characters in the tale. Gray and Caroline work together to try to free Luke from prison and even visit him in Cuba in order to achieve that end. Gray was the hero of book one (The Spice King) and he is the same wonderful, caring, honorable man in this novel that he was in that one. We get to know a bit more about the daring, dashing Luke here, and I was very pleased with how the author handles his portion of the storyline.

Ms. Camden is an expert at weaving absolutely fascinating history into her stories, and here she invites her readers into a rarely discussed time and place. Learning of Mrs. McKinley’s cantankerous personality and the epilepsy from which it stemmed was deeply interesting and I loved how it provided an opportunity to explore the role, rights and obligations of the First lady.

I also loved reading the details about evolving Presidential security, how the White House staff lived and what the campaigns were like before being revolutionized by radio and TV. We also encounter various historical figures and learn a bit about Cuba and the important role it played in the politics of the time.

Ms. Camden typically sticks to light references to God and benign theology in her novels and that is an absolutely wonderful way to weave faith into a tale without losing the focus on the romance. The story’s inspirational factor is simple, sincere and fits with the time. It doesn’t overwhelm the reader or become preachy.

A Gilded Lady is filled with mystery, romance, richly drawn characters and fascinating American history. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt, sweet and emotionally gripping tale.

I loved this brand new historical novel by Elizabeth Camden. The entire story was beautifully crafted and well written. With history and a little bit of romance, I was intrigued the entire way through the book.

Set during in the early 1900s, Caroline Delacroix enters the story as the first lady’s secretary. I absolutely loved how Camden mixed her fictitious characters into history as if they really are in the history books. Though this is book two in Camden’s Hope and Glory series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. Caroline’s goal is to find a way to rescue her younger brother from being tried as a traitor of the United States. Her only way of doing that is to get the president to pardon her brother. With her brother in jail for treason this makes her a prime suspect for Nathaniel Trask, the newly appointed secret service agent hired to make the president and his family safe. Camden always does a great job with her main couples and these two were no exception. Let the sparks fly!

The descriptions and the details in this story were incredible. With only a couple of words into the story I could imagine the setting and characters. Oh, and all the costumes too! ( :

So overall, very enjoyable historical fiction. Highly recommend! Definitely looking forward to book three!

"We can't control the seasons in our lives, only how we respond to them. God planted eternity in our hearts, a longing to find meaning in the world."

Elizabeth Camden has an uncanny ability to make history come alive through her writing as she perfectly melds historical events with beautifully crafted fiction. This second book in the Hope and Glory series takes the readers to a completely different world from agriculture, spice procurement, and world traveling found in the first book The Spice King to the glittering and dangerous world of domestic and international politics found at the White House during the McKinley administration. The series should really be read in order because the heroine's motivation for her actions stems from what happened at the end of the first book. Infused with fascinating historical details, deeply-layered and complex characters, surprising turns in the plot, and gentle reminders about God's forgiveness and His timing, A Gilded Lady will captivate your heart and mind. It's a must-read for any fans of historical fiction.

Caroline, our heroine, is a privileged society lady who becomes the First Lady's secretary and works tirelessly to help Mrs. McKinley, mostly out of love and duty but also to try to gain a presidential pardon for her twin brother sitting in a Cuban jail. She's fun, organized, utterly charming and delightful but is weighed down by her fractured family. Nathaniel is the top counterfeit detective in the Secret Service assigned to revamp the president's security detail. As a somber, diligent, dedicated rule-follower he clashes completely with Caroline but neither can help the attraction nor the friendship that blooms between them. Caroline and Nathaniel are quite engaging, as is their relationship. Through their eyes, I learned a lot about the McKinleys and felt like I was right there with them through the presidential campaign and their country-wide tour.

Now I'm holding my breath for book 3 The Prince of Spies to learn more about Caroline's elusive twin brother Luke!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and author; I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Book Two of Elizabeth Camden's Hope and Glory series focuses on Caroline Delacroix, sister of Gray whom we met in The Spice King. Caroline is the personal secretary to First Lady Ida McKinley. Her main duty is to calm the first lady and help her negotiate society's rules and expectations, not an easy job given Mrs. McKinley's temperament. The job became more difficult when Secret Service Agent Nathaniel Task came on board tasked with creating a plan to secure the president's safety beginning with a new list of rules to comply with. Elizabeth must hold on to her job and the McKinley's affections as a presidential pardon may be the only thing standing between her twin brother and a death sentence.

A Gilded Lady contains a lot of true history within the fictional drama. It also contains danger, mystery, and romance. The story is very well written, as are all of Camden's works. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

(4.5 stars) - Love leads us to want to want to give our all & to be better than we are

Book 2 of Elizabeth Camden's Heart and Glory series. It provides enough info that it can standalone but isn't really designed to

Normally when I read I jot down notes for my review, but this was one of those where I just didn't want to stop reading for anything!

I really loved both Caroline & Nathaniel. They had so much going for them, but at the same time, also had very human flaws that made them more real & believable

There's a lot to engage the reader emotionally, but one of my favorite parts is when Nathaniel gives Caroline the only thing he has on hand of value because he wants to give her a gift:

“Here,” he said. “My first little gift.”
“Are you sure?” She touched her fingers to [it] . “I know how much it means to you.”
“That’s why I want you to have it.”
Actually, he simply wanted to give her something, and [it] was the only thing he had on hand."

This is a sweet, seemingly small gesture with what became a poignant symbolism & foreshadowing that stayed with me till the end. Love leads us to want to give our all & to be better than we are for our beloved!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

*Religion: overtly & explicitly Christian, but in a way that is organic to the story

I was swept away to The White House in the early 1900’s. Between the First Lady’s secretary and the head of security for the President, I was thrilled to learn behind the scenes details during the McKinley administration. Camden’s amount of research is evident and much appreciated as history comes alive making this story so rich. The wonderful characters in this series make the story come together in an exciting way, with a little bit of mystery. Of course, each of the main characters has lessons to learn and the choices they make to determine the life that they want. A Gilded Lady certainly can be read as a stand along, but book 1 is certainly worth your time as well. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Another winner for Elizabeth Camden!

The storyline is detailed elsewhere, but suffice it to say It’s a very interesting one! The Delacroix family is represented In this book, second in a series, by Caroline, secretary to First Lady Ida McKinley, and her twin brother, Luke. The plot includes White House dinners, a presidential train Tour of the U.S., and, sadly, the president’s assassination.. Luke is imprisoned in Cuba and Caroline and older brother Gray are working to get him released. Caroline and Secret Service Agent Nathaniel Trask work together in the White House and are very attracted to each other.

How does it all turn out? You really need to read and find out. Excellent!! 5 stars!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

Book two in Elizabeth Camden’s Hope and Glory series features the irrepressible Caroline Delacroix, Washington socialite and personal secretary to Ida McKinley. Caroline loves her job, even if it means dealing with the difficult First Lady and living in an uncomfortable dormitory on the top floor of the White House. More importantly, her job offers hope to get her twin out of jail in Cuba.

Caroline’s twin, Luke, has sat in a Cuban jail for months, and for some mysterious reason fires all the lawyers his brother Gray hires to represent him. Caroline worries about his health and knows in her heart of hearts that although he pled guilty to treason, he didn’t betray his country. She only has to convince President McKinley and obtain a presidential pardon.

Nathanial Trask, the nascent Secret Service bureau’s best counterfeit detection agent, receives the unwelcome task of establishing better security in the White House—for a President who doesn’t want to bother with security. His duties bring him into contact with Caroline Delacroix, the rule-flouting personal secretary to the irascible First Lady.

Sparks fly, especially when Caroline seems to hide important details from him, details that could endanger her or the President’s family. The sparks have a personal nature, as well, with both Nathanial and Caroline drawn to their polar opposite.

Why I Loved this Book

Camden weaves delightful tales with suspense, humor, and fun historical facts. She develops the main characters fully and gives them real-life problems, phobias, and prejudices. Caroline and Nathanial both wrestle with forgiveness—one in forgiving her sister-in-law for causing Luke’s arrest, and one in forgiving himself for not preventing a tragedy.

Readers who love Jen Turano and Jody Hedlund will enjoy Elizabeth Camden’s books. Although the second book in a series, one need not read the Spice King first in order to enjoy A Gilded Lady

Readers will want to read the first book of this series,The Spice King before this one to get a full grasp of the story. Having not done that, I felt a little lost at times. This is a well researched book that gives readers a glimpse inside the McKinley presidency. I hadn't realized Mrs. McKinley's struggle throughout her life. The Secret Service aspect was also interesting. I felt Nathaniel was a little boorish and Caroline somewhat forceful but otherwise it a an enjoyable story.

*Que all the happiness* I just adore Elizabeth Camden’s books! And how did I miss the first book in her series Hope and Glory? I definitely intend to pick that book up soon! Thankfully, most of her books can be read as standalone novels. A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden introduces Miss Caroline Delacroix, the secretary and assistant of sorts to the First Lady of the United States in the year 1900. The first lady is quite a handful and Caroline is the only one who can handle her. But she has a secret in her family, a dangerous one that could cost her brother his life. Now enter Nathaniel Trask. He is not head of security and it is lacking, but his uptight behavior is tested as his love for Caroline grows. He can’t afford to be distracted in his line of work.

What can I say? I loved this book. Caroline is SAUCY and I love her. She is unapologetically herself and I want her to be my best friend. Why is she a fictional character? Nathaniel is the talk, serious, brooding type—and I love him too. Their chemistry is fantastic and their passion for standing up for what it right is also wonderful.

BUT. Do not get me started on the historical detail. It is perfect!!! It is my absolutely favorite part. I love how social issues pertaining to the time are brought up and real-life historical figures are brought up. I am a fan of Theodore Roosevelt. This book is just an utter delight from beginning to end. 5 lovely stars for this lovely book!

A sweeping historical read, set in the White House, with high stakes tension, and opposites that attract.



I was thrilled to get the chance to read this book, I fell in love with the entire Delacroix family in the previous book were I was first introduced to the enigmaticly brilliant, and dazzlingly beautiful Caroline Delacroix. I admired Caroline's inner strength, she tackles the challenges of a difficult job as the secretary of tempermental First Lady Ida McKinley, with seeming ease, tirelessly giving her very best, and rising to the occasion at hand.



Nathaniel Trask is the head of the president's Secret Service, tasked with creating security protocols to protect the president. He is meticulous, paying great attention to detail, and devotion to his duty. He is more serious and reserved, while Caroline is more outgoing and a natural hostess. I loved how they are so different, yet they work together well, their strengths and weaknesses complimenting each other, even though they don't always see eye to eye.



I loved the mystery, intertwined with historic events and facts, I always leave Ms. Camden's books feeling like I've learned something new! I also loved the relationship between Caroline and her brother, Luke, how they are so close and protective of each other. I also really liked getting to know Luke better in this story, and have a feeling that he's going to be one of my favorites by the time this series is over!



Overall, a fantastic read with riveting characters, strong faith, rich history and mystery. This book was different from previous books by this author, with a stronger focus on real historical figures and events, and less on the innovations of the times, but just as enjoyable. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and find out what is next for Luke, I really hope that Phillip gets plenty of page time too!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden is the first book I am reading ,written by the author. She is a new to me author and I am so proud to know her through this book.


Chapter one drew me in and I promised myself to read through the end. I am glad I was patient enough to enjoy this good story.


I was impressed by Caroline. What an honour to work by the side of the First Lady of USA in the novel. I love their banter. It is worth admiring although Mrs Ida can be so annoying but Caroline has the strength and grace to handle the situations.


I went on a trip to the US White House through this book pages. I enjoyed my experience. Elizabeth Camden writes well.


I love Nathaniel. He seems so cut out for his job. So much toughness but there is a heart underneath the tough exterior.
His budding romance with Caroline looks healthy to me.


Wow! I felt lots of emotions while reading this book. You can relate to it on a human level.


I admire Caroline’s love and support for her twin brother, Luke who was imprisoned in far away Cuba. The saying “blood is thicker than water” is true in this case.


This book is action packed and full of suspense. I love some characters in the plot. Themes of love,forgiveness, family and God were well navigated here.


I love Caroline’s words to Nathaniel when he was depressed over a situation in the book. She said” You are unconditionally loved. Unconditionally forgiven. You are a child of God, deserving of more credit than you’re giving yourself “.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"A Gilded Lady" is a Christian historical romance set in America in 1900 to 1901. This is the second in a series, but it works as a standalone novel. The historical details about the events and politics of the time were woven into the story and affected everyone's lives. The main story was Caroline dealing with her job as secretary to a difficult First Lady and Nathaniel dealing with setting up proper security for the president. They spent time together while doing their jobs, first becoming good friends and then romance developed. They built each other up and supported each other. They admired each other's character and personality as well as their looks, yet it was their personalities that led to problems in the romance. Nathaniel's completely dedicated to his job and kept putting off his relationship with Caroline, which didn't make her feel very good.

A lesser element in the story was Caroline's efforts to use her political influence to free her twin brother, who has been imprisoned in Cuba for treason. While this was a constant stressor in her life, she wasn't really involved with untangling Cuban politics or proving his innocence. The characters reacted realistically, were complex, and I cared about what happened to them. The Christian theme was Nathaniel's realization that God loves and forgives him. (Since Nathaniel felt guilty over mistakes, not sin against God, it's really that Nathaniel must learn to let go of the guilt that's driving him.) There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this well-written, interesting historical romance.