Irish lawyer Patrick O’Neill is representing thug-turned-author Mick Malone to ensure Malone’s memoir is published. The Blackstone family don’t want the memoir published, because it will discuss the kidnapping and murder of three-year-old William Blackstone.

Widow Gwen Blackstone Kellermann lives in the grounds of Blackstone College, the university her father founded. But the university replies on substantial donations from the family bank, and her uncle is threatening to stop funding unless Gwen can stop the memoir’s publication.

I’ve always enjoyed the way Elizabeth Camden has been able to take lesser-known historical events and turn them into fascinating and unique novels. Her novels usually manage to engage me from the first page, but this one took a little longer to get going. Initially, it looked like being a fairly standard rich “old-money” meets poor immigrant Irish … something I’ve read before.

But the story changed at around the one-quarter mark when we (and Patrick) realise Mick Malone’s memoir isn’t the point. Yes, the story is an opposites-attract romance. Instead, the backdrop is the upcoming creation of US Steel, a merger which formed the world’s largest corporation, controlling around two-thirds of US steel production. It’s also about what really happened to William Blackstone.

Once I understood what the story was about, I was hooked. The combination of excellent characters, romance, mystery, and suspense made it hard for me to stop reading (so I didn’t). The story took several unexpected plot turns, and it delivered on all of them.

Elizabeth Camden’s previous novels have shone light into seemingly boring topics such as geography, public health, and food safety. Carved in Stone is set against high finance, big corporations, and labour unions. It also touches on the all-too-current scientific problem of vaccines (and funding), and how what looks like an instant miracle cure is actually the product of years (or decades) of hard work.

Carved in Stone is the first book in Elizabeth Camden’s new Blackstone Legacy series, and I’m looking forward to seeing which of Gwen’s many cousins is the focus of the next novel. This is a must-read for Elizabeth Camden fans, and recommended for anyone who likes historical accuracy in their historical fiction.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

What a wonderful beginning to Elizabeth Camden's new Blackstone Legacy series! I truly appreciate the way historical events are woven into this beautiful book. The main characters (Patrick and Gwen) are both fun and layered. Combining everything from coming of age, prejudice, science and medical advances, and a little mystery along with an against-the-odds love story; this is a well written and extremely enjoyable novel.

I have read every book by this author and highly recommend this one in particular.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

My thoughts: there are very few historical authors on my must read list but Elizabeth Camden is one of them. I love her unique topics which are based in real life and the way she is able to bring her characters to life mixed with real life people. I fell in love with the characters in this book even though it was somewhat predictable. And I got upset about the heroine for being such a pushover. The characters are Catholic and there is some violence and it is also set partially in the slums but this was common back in those days with the nationality of some of the characters. I enjoyed the story and recommend this and any other book by this talented author. I can't imagine the research she must put into her stories. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

This is a fantastic and compelling historical mystery/romance set in the Gilded Age of New York. It will keep you captivated and turning the page.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

This is book one in the Blackstone Legacy series, so what a great place to start. I enjoyed getting to know different characters in this series and some I discovered I am not to fond of, yet I am curious if that will change as more books come about.

Gwen Kellerman has a great personality and comes from wealth even though she sometimes does not realize how fortunate she has it. She is not your typical wealthy widow. Patrick O'Neill is the handsome lawyer who has overcome some hardships to even become a lawyer, He likes to defend the less fortunate. When Gwen and Patrick meet the sparks start to fly. There is mystery, drama, historical romance and more woven together to make a wonderful story.

I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Elizabeth Camden's new Blackstone Legacy series opens with Carved in Stone, featuring bohemian heiress Gwen Blackstone Kellerman seeking to save the college her father founded years earlier. The college means everything to Gwen, having lost her faithless husband, her parents, and even the brother who was kidnapped before she was born.

Patrick O'Neill's life was saved by his Catholic faith, but after studying to enter the priesthood, he backed out at the last minute and became a lawyer instead. Helping the downtrodden is his salient goal. When his latest case takes him up against the powerful Blackstone family, he's unprepared for what they'll offer him in order to turn him away from his client.

Normally I would say Camden's historical settings are one of the main attractions for her novels, but I never felt fully immersed here. While I was intrigued by the characters, especially Patrick, I didn't feel like I fully understood their range of desires and motivations. I found myself wishing for a third point of view character, one whose life and circumstances took up a great amount of time and attention. Perhaps his story is coming later in the series.

Though I was disappointed with aspects of the story, I was never bored with it. I still found it interesting and enjoyable. Some readers might take issue with a staunchly Catholic character, but it was clear that Patrick's faith was genuine, if different than many readers of Christian fiction may practice. I look forward to more from this author in the future.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

There just isn't anyone better than Elizabeth Camden at introducing fabulous family dynamics and pitting intelligent young women against absolutely intriguing and little known tenets of historical periods. Camden's depth of research and characterization gives me chills. Absolutely CANNOT wait for next year's release!!

Elizabeth Camden has brought to life the gilded age.
This book shows the different classes, and just how difficult it was for them to interact on a deeper level.
Gwen is from one of those rich families, the ones that run the world. And her parents have nothing more in mind for her but that she make a good match. Only, this is not what Gwen wants.
Then she meets Patrick, a lowly Irish lawyer. They are on opposite sides of a court case. Strangely, they are drawn together.
When Gwen wants answers to what happened in the disappearance of her brother so many years ago, she knows that Patrick will help her.
I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Patrick and Gwen progress and grow.
I also was held captive by the mystery of what really happened to William.
Not your typical story, you may guess at the answers, but be prepared to be surprised!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Elizabeth Camden at her finest! Just when you think she cannot write better, she continues to weaves stories that are even more interesting, packed full of fascinating history and romance. I loved the well-researched history intricately and seamlessly intertwined in this novel; I think I learn more from Elizabeth Camden’s novels than history books as she makes the historical events and facts come alive. Gwen is intelligent and she is strong after going through tragedies at the hands of her family’s legacy. I loved her spunk. Patrick is a great opposing character and their interactions kept my attention throughout the novel. I love his fierce defense of those he loves. Their romance is clean but beautifully written! This book also has great suspense and mystery and definitely was difficult to put down. I greatly enjoyed this book and am so excited for more in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

These are the kinds of reviews that are the hardest for us reviewers to write, trying to find the balance between honesty and kindness when a book misses the mark, so bear with me. Let me start by saying that I have been a fan of Elizabeth Camden since her first few books and I’ve been along for the ride ever since. There have been a few books here and there that haven’t been my favorite but overall I generally find myself loving her books which made the fact that I couldn’t get behind this one even harder to swallow.
Overall this book suffered from having to much going on at once but without any of the subplots being developed enough to take center stage. There was a vaccine, a merger, a lost heir, a mistress with an illegitimate child, a few murder attempts, some strange family dynamics, and a relationship battling class separation. I really felt that the story would have been strengthened and more cohesive if some of the plot points were cut out and others were more strongly developed.
The characters themselves were also a bit all over the place and they didn’t do much to endear themselves to the reader. Gwen was described as this bright ray of all that is good in the world but her actions and thoughts never really backed that up. Instead, she portrayed a lot of typical traits of someone who was raised with money and only had to do work they felt like doing. And the way she tried to throw money at every problem, especially where Patrick was concerned, was rather distasteful. Patrick himself didn’t have a lot to recommend him either, though I did admire the way he helped the less fortunate, his thoughts and attitude were just kind of off putting. I also did not buy them as a couple, nothing about their personalities or life circumstances were complimentary, and I truly think they would have been better apart.
And the last thing I’m going to mention, because I really don’t want to harp on things for too long, is the fact that I had a hard time with the entirety of the Blackstone family. I’m not sure if we were supposed to start liking them by the end but I honestly couldn’t recommend a single one of them and I really am not excited to continue interacting with them in the following books.
In the end, despite the fact that I wanted to love this book, there were just too many head scratching moments and unlikable characters for me to recommend it. As always though, please don’t just take my word for it, read some other reviews, read the synopsis, and make your own informed decision.

Carved in Stone is the first book in the Blackstone Legacy series by Elizabeth Camden. Gwen Blackstone Kellerman is fighting to save her beloved college from bankruptcy and is betting on a scientific breakthrough from one of the campus labs. Losing the college would be one more thing on top of a deceased husband, a cheating mistress, and the kidnapping of her brother years ago. Adding to her stress is an upcoming tell-all book by Mick Malone the kidnapper who was never held accountable by the courts. Determined to stop the publication of this book, Gwen confronts his lawyer, Patrick O'Neil, but they quickly resurrect a forgotten mystery and family secrets. Camden has created a solid historical romance that never disappoints and has readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

Another wonderful story from this extraordinary author. Elizabeth weaves history among romance, mystery with complexed characters. Can’t wait for the next book in this series. .

I took my time on this one because I love Elizabeth Camden and I love her attention to detail. Camden’s books are meant to be savored and this book was a treat. Carved in Stone brings together Gwen and Patrick who both have so much to overcome. I love how Camden incorporates science, medicine, early technology advancements and how she represents downtrodden peoples. She infuses God in all of her writing and ultimately, though dealing with heavy subjects, the story delivers the message of hope. I was truly enthralled with this story and cannot wait for more to come. Treat yourself to this wonderful, clean, inspirational, historical fiction set in the Gilded Age.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Sometimes you read a book that is so lovely that when you reach the end all you can do is sigh. Such a book leaves you so content that you just sit back and look at your to-be-read pile unable to move on. Carved In Stone is such a book. The story is engaging and pulls you along. The characters are delightful, I would love to wander the greenhouse with Gwen, and Patrick is an awesome dude. So brew up a pot of good Irish Tea and grab a few tea cakes, you are in for a fantastic story!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

"I have come to expect learning interesting tidbits of scientific progress during the Progressive Era when reading books by Elizabeth Camden. Her knack for weaving history with fiction in a compelling manner makes learning these things a pleasure.

Patrick and Gwen were separated by centuries of wealth and prejudice. He was a poor Irish immigrant lawyer, representing the down and out. She was an affluent heiress who, though she had experienced grief and betrayal, had always known a world of luxury. Admittedly, he was more prejudiced against her family than she was about his background. His pride almost caused him to lose out...

The complete cast of intriguing characters, each with ample means, motive, and opportunity to be responsible for the murder attempts perpetrated on Patrick's client, left me wondering who the culprit could be until right before he was revealed.

One of my favorite characters, though he only appears through telegrams and discussions about him, was Count Dimitri. I won't spoil him for you other than telling you that his dramatic and idiosyncratic tendencies made me laugh. I do hope he will appear in future Blackstones stories!

Dealing with unions, attempts to prevent the merger of the nation's largest steel companies into U.S. Steel, and the development of a serum to treat tetanus, Carved in Stone makes history come alive.

If you enjoy historical fiction, you won't want to miss Carved in Stone!


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

What a fun start to the Blackstone Legacy series! The mystery was very good and sets up the series very well. The ending was adorable and funny and my favorite part of the story. There are wonderful characters in the series and they promise to make the rest of the series just as good as the first one. I am looking forward to the rest of the series!

I received this book as a member of the launch team and purchased the Audible version. The Audible version is superb with fantastic narration. Very pleased with my purchase.

I have read ALL of Elizabeth Camden's books. I love the immaculate research the author puts into all of them and what I can learn from them.
Carved In Stone is the first book in The Blackstone Legacy series.
It is a very intriguing book with well detailed characters whose personality's we learn a lot from.
The Gilded Age was a fascinating time, a time such as we will never see a return to but it was also a time of corruption.
This was a real page turner for me. Really looking forward to what the author puts out next!

Pub Date 31 Aug 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The cover to Carved in Stone is and is what drew me to want to read this book. This is my first time reading a book by Elizabeth Camden.

Gwen comes from a life of privilege, even though she has had her share of heartaches. I found it hard to relate to her, especially to how she treats her husband's mistress. Her character is an enigma in that you wonder which personality is actually hers. She seems naive at times, then bold, confident, and then completely unsure of herself.

Patrick plays the Irishman well and I love how he takes care of his mother. However, I find him to be an okay character, but also hard to relate to.

The history of the time period is portrayed well and the differences of social class is also illustrated clearly. There is not much to love about Gwen's family and you find it hard to believe that she is related to her family.

Overall, I would recommend this book to those who love historical fiction set in the early 1900s.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Elizabeth Camden has such a way of drawing readers into the past with her stories, and as such I was excited to check out Carved in Stone-- the first book in her new The Blackstone Legacies series. I am happy to say that this one did not disappoint and has me looking forward to what's to come next in the series. With beautifully created characters, we are drawn into this story that has a great blend of mystery, romance and fantastic history too. It did seem to start out a bit slow, but I find that can often be the case at the very start of a series anyway. In the end, I find myself looking forward to reading more.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This book is a rich depiction of life in the early 1900s seen through the lives of Patrick O’Neill, a working class immigrant and attorney for the downtrodden, and Gwen Blackstone, an entitled heiress working to keep her father’s memory alive through the scientific college he began, and their research into the cures for common diseases of the day.
In spite of the great disparity of the classes in this time period Patrick and Gwen find that the chasm is much smaller than they anticipate as they each find things to admire in the other. Both are compassionate, faithful, and driven to do good despite their circumstances.
Can Gwen overlook Patrick’s involvement in a legal case that brings up one of the worse things her family has faced? Can Patrick come to terms with the opposition between his pride and his love for Gwen?
Each of them have choices to make that could affect not just themselves, but the lives of others. This is a well written book about the human condition and the those deep desires and emotions that equalize us. Patrick’s abiding faith is a strong thread throughout the story even though he struggles as we all do. This is an excellent book well worth reading.
I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group. This is my honest review.