I have read most of Elizabeth Camden's books and enjoyed the detail she puts into the historical aspect of her stories. There is a lot going on with this one, and I loved the journey through the story.

I just downloaded a copy of <i>[book:Hearts of Steel|61137164]</i> and then I realized it was the third in a series. I set out to look, and sure enough discovered I had bought <i>Carved in Stone</i> as well as <i>[book:Written on the Wind|59355501]</i> with good intentions to read them. Oops. Quickly, I downloaded the missing books and set to read them. Gwen was a unique character and I thoroughly enjoyed her story. I found myself craving to go back and find out what would happen next with her and her lawyer connection when I had a moment to read. As per usual, I have lots of books on the go, and this one called me back time and again and when I finished it, I didn't even wait a night to start into the sequel.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for provided a copy for review. I'm delighted to have bought a copy to have added to my collection for future reading. I'm so sorry that I didn't read it sooner, as I didn't know what I was missing.

Due to a personal difference in beliefs I will not be finishing or reviewing this book outside of Netgalley.

I have long been a fan of Elizabeth Camden’s books and the unique way she captures the heart of that period when the Gilded Age was beginning to edge into the Progressive Era: when America is still hanging on to a grand society while also embarking on important social & political reforms and medical breakthroughs. I’m so fascinated by this time period, and I always love reading Camden’s books because she paints such a heartfelt portrait of both sides of society with grace and talent.

Carved in Stone kicks off The Blackstone Legacy series by introducing us to the Blackstone family with all their foibles and follies and heart. Out of the pack of family members who are motivated by wealth, a handful stand out as being people of integrity, compassion, and inner strength. Gwen Blackstone Kellerman is one such person. I loved her right away! Despite all the losses she has braved, she has not let any of them turn her heart toward bitterness but maintains a joy for life and a heart for others. She steers her passion for the college her father started into researching cures for deadly diseases like tetanus (after reading about the experimental treatments, I will never again complain about getting a tetanus shot lol) and harnessing the power of nature to heal in more ways than just physically.

Into her world comes Patrick O’Neill, an immigrant turned almost priest turned lawyer who fights on behalf of the downtrodden and poor. His steadiness and quiet faith endeared him to me immediately also! He is exactly the man that Gwen needs and exactly the hero for this story. I also adored the two of them together. Banter, intelligence, courage… all three are sparking through the air whenever Gwen and Patrick share the same page, not to mention the swoony romance building between them.

Bottom Line: Carved in Stone is another captivating example of Camden’s impeccable research, engaging writing voice, and layered characters. Gwen and Patrick face an uphill battle to get their chance at a happily-ever-after, but the journey is more than worth it for them as well as for the reader. With a deft hand, Camden leads us – and our intrepid protagonists – through clashes between the classes, high-stakes boardroom drama, family tension, a decades-old mystery with a couple of stunning twists, the mansions of the rich, the tenements of the poor, and the sweetness of new love. A definite must-read for fans of the author and the Gilded Age setting!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Carved in Stone is a historical romance novel written by Elizabeth Camden. It is book one in The Blackstone Legacy series.

Summary: Gwen Kellerman's life has not gone according to plan. But she's happy working at the college her family founded and staying out of the limelight.

When her family is threatened by a man from their past writing a salacious book, she will do what it takes-including trying to convince the man's lawyer to help.

Lawyer Patrick O'Neill isn't happy to be representing a criminal, but he's doing it as a favor for his mentor. Can he stay true to his values and his client, or will he be complicit in helping destroy a woman he's starting to fall for?

My Thoughts: This book is absolutely wonderful. It's one of my favorites of the year.

This author did an amazing job of creating fascinating characters woven seamlessly into real historical events.

The story was fascinating, and the action and plot twists made for an excellent tale.

I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read the next one!

I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Enjoyed this book so much! A beautiful, historical, clean romance that will you keep you turning the pages long into the night.

Absolutely loved this story from Elizabeth Camden. I felt completely swept away. The characters were well developed and very rich. The historical aspect of the novel was spot on….well researched.

Camden's strong characters and unique historical settings always make for a highly enjoyable read! I am definitely looking forward to reading the next titles in this series.

My Thoughts:
Camden is gifted at creating compelling stories. From the opening page, I was drawn into their world and eager to see how it would all end for them.
My one complaint was that the only real religious content was from a Catholic character, which included Catholic prayers to Mary.
But I loved the chemistry between Patrick and Gywn. And I especially loved Liam. He was so rough around the edges. I really hope he gets his own story later.
If you haven’t read a Camden novel yet, then you’re in for a real historical treat. She’s entertaining while also keeping a steady hand on history, but not in a tedious way. It’d be hard not to learn something new or to leave without falling in love with the characters she creates.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving it 5 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Christian Historical Romance

~ I received a copy from Bethany House. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one. All thoughts are my own.

I love this authors work. If she writes it, I’ll read it.
Carved in Stone is as beautifully written as the rest of her books, but there was something special in this one. The setting, the characters and the storyline came together almost immediately and it was hard to put this down once I started reading it.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

When Patrick O'Neill accepts a case to take on the Blackstone dynasty he will meet Gwen Kellerman who lives a quiet life as a botanist who will turn his world upside down. He needs this case to keep his law office open. She needs him to drop the case to protect her family's name. When Patrick needs Gwen's help to help his mother.. the problems begin. I really enjoyed reading how that growing attraction brought danger and a sweet romance that would bring turmoil and problems that they would seriously have to decide if the risk would be worth the reward. A very interesting poor man, rich woman love story! I requested a copy through NetGalley, no review was required. My review is voluntary.

This was the first Camden book I’ve read, and I intend to keep an eye out for more of hers! This story captured a piece of American history I haven’t read before, and I found it quite gripping. According to the post-reading research I’ve done, this book is quite accurate, and there were no instances where I felt jerked out of the setting by something “modern” slipping in there. I loved Patrick’s determination to do what was just and fair, and adored his mom, Birdie. Gwen was also an intriguing figure, but I think Patrick took the cake for me. Combining mystery, history, and a good dash of romance, this was a very satisfying read, and I can’t wait to see what the next book contains!

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

Carved in Stone is the first book in Camden’s new series, “The Blackstone Legacy”. As I’ve come to expect, this new release of Camden’s featured a stunningly beautiful cover, strong characters, and niche historical aspects to learn about while reading. Carved in Stone also explored the dynamics of social classes and wealth in relation to romantic relationships and how that and even how different familial background/ethnicity affects a relationship. This book kept me hooked and did not disappoint.

Thank you to Bethany House and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Camden writes the best historical STEM heroines ever. This time we get a botanist and she is fabulous. She also does an amazing job with research to make her books historically accurate. I loved the glimpses into J.P. Morgan's mergers and the lives of those that lived then.

I loved the romance too, but it drove me absolutely insane what he called her the entire book even after kissing her.

Overall a good read.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Elizabeth Camden is one of my favorite historical fiction authors because she writes about events that are lesser known and she creates vibrant, fantastic characters. This novel has both of those. This book also set up future books by giving the reader many interesting and unique characters. I loved the main characters (Gwen and Patrick) and I want to read more about Natalia and Liam and the rest of the family.
This book is a great read for any fans of historical fiction.

I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book had me from the beginning, and it kept me coming back until the end. The characters were great, and there were some very surprising twists in the plot. I feel like there is something unique about the way Elizabeth Camden does her stories/characters. And she has done it again with this one. It's a great story and I highly recommend it. And now I can hardly wait for book two in The Blackstone Legacy series to come out!






I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Carved in Stone is a great start to The Blackstone Legacy series by Elizabeth Camden. I look forward to getting my hands on book two. Four stars.

Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden is the first book in her new series, about the Blackstone Legacy. Gwen Kellerman is a Blackstone who wants to live her widowed life in peace. That isn’t a possibility because lawyer Patrick O’Neil’s client aims to dredge up the past in his memoir.

Gwen is a unique character. She’s both strong and timid. She has a fearless streak and yet desires protection. Patrick is the perfect counterbalance to her in that he is strong—an ex-prizefighter—and someone determined to stand up for those less fortunate. I liked Patrick’s character and while he can seem kind of perfect, Gwen calls him on those areas where perfect actually isn’t as perfect as it seems.

The mystery part of the story is a twisty one. Add in the scientific facts and historical facets and it makes for an excellent read. Now I can’t wait to read book two!

—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Carved in Stone
by Elizabeth Camden
Pub Date 31 Aug 2021
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
I am reviewing Carved In Stones through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley::
Gwen Kellerman now lives a quiet life as a botanist at an idyllic New York college, after years of tragedy. For the most part she ignores her status as the heiress to the infamous Blackstone dynasty and hopes to keep her family's heartbreak and scandal behind her.
On the other hand Patrick O'Neil managed to survive a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He has pride in his work despite struggling to afford his ramshackle office. All that changes when he accepts a case that is sure to emphasize the Blackstones' legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.
Patrick does not suspect that that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen;'s family tasks her with getting Patrick to drop the case. Soon they are navigating navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger, Patrick and Gwen will be forced to decide if the risk to the life they've always held dear is worth the reward.
I give Carved In Stone five out of five stars!

This was interesting. This felt very different from other books I've read by this author. I definitely liked the storyline and I liked the characters. Sometimes I felt like it was a bit meandering? There were a lot of facets to this story and sometimes difficult to keep straight.

I liked Gwen. She was a very caring woman who clearly wanted to get away from her extended family's bad reputation. I liked that she tried making her own way in the world and wasn't trying to be like everyone else in her family. She didn't put money and prestige above people. I think there were times where she made very unrealistic choices, but I guess since she was a fictional character it was ok?

I liked Patrick, too. I tried putting myself in his shoes with some of the decisions he had to make as an attorney, and while I understood those choices, I would've never been able to not do what was right. I think sometimes that's subjective. He did a lot of good for people and his heart was in the right place, I just felt like often times he was a bit simpering and overly focused on having a family. More than other male characters I've read.

One storyline I didn't understand was Jasper's mistress. She was insistent on having Gwen's house, saying that Jasper left it to her and their daughter. Vivian was saying that Mimi needed a proper roof over her heard, but later in the book Gwen mentions that Jasper had bought them a house before he died.

Overall, while I liked the characters and the storyline, it just felt off and didn't really resonate with me.