This was my first book by Elizabeth Camden but will not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed becoming immersed in Gwen's story and her fight to save Blackstone College. Patrick, an Irishman from "the other side of the tracks" was the perfect man for her even though they differed greatly. I loved watching Liam's transformation and hope to see more of him in the next book of this series.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 31 August 2021

After years of tragedy, Gwen Kellerman now lives a quiet life as a botanist at an idyllic New York college. She largely ignores her status as heiress to the infamous Blackstone dynasty and hopes to keep her family's heartbreak and scandal behind her.

Patrick O'Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He's proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law 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.

Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they 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.

My review: This was an interesting book. Class clashes, union clashes, prejudices all around. Patrick is a lawyer who serves the poor. Gwen is a very rich lady who doesn't like to venture off college campus who has discovered that her husband was a scoundrel and had a mistress. Then there's the long lost brother who was kidnapped before Gwen was born who everyone thought was dead. All these things come together when the Blackstones try to take over the steel industry.

Gwen is very insecure. She wants to live in her well ordered world. Patrick doesn't feel that him and Gwen have a chance of making a go of it because of his background. Gwen's family is not accepting of him at all. Then there's Liam. He was raised to be brash and crude. It all comes together in the end for an enjoyable book.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

The first in a captivating new series set in the Gilded Age, Carved in Stone introduces the powerful Blackstone family, as secrets are revealed with the future of the largest merger in US history at stake.

Gwen Kellerman loves her life at college hosting gatherings of some of the most inquisitive minds, drawing comfort from the familiar. But her safe haven is at risk of going under, a chance sighting has her fighting to save the college alongside Patrick a principled young lawyer who dislikes everything her family represents. Does their love stand a chance?

A captivating and engaging novel, and an excellent introduction to the powerful Blackstone family. I loved how this book juxtaposes the lives of Gwen, Liam and Patrick, who come from vastly different backgrounds, as they try to find common ground and fight for what matters. Gwen is passionate about education, and longs for the close family connection that she was robbed of throughout her life. I admired her willingness to help, her compassion, and courage. Patrick is a hardworking and compassionate lawyer, he holds high standards of integrity for himself, and he is a wonderful friend.

Overall, a wonderful introductory to this brand new series by Elizabeth Camden. I loved the characters, rich history, and engaging plot. I'm so excited to see what happens next with this series, crossing my fingers for more on Liam and Natalia!

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

Gwen is such a likeable character and so easy to cheer for. Patrick was likeable too, of course, but there were times where I wasn’t sure how things would pan out for them. I loved Patrick’s Irish background and couldn’t help but picture him as Tom Branson from Downton Abbey. Especially when Camden described his accent getting thicker the more nervous he became.
Mystery. I love some good mystery. And the more mystery solved, the more danger rose. Mystery and danger are two of my favorite things in a novel, so those boxes are checked for Carved in Stone.
More favorite things: a good love story, a solid faith thread, and history. This is, after all, a historical romance novel.
The love story was sweet, if a bit bumpy—which I appreciate, because I found it to be realistic, especially knowing the characters backstories.
The faith thread mostly came through Patrick, a man who’s love for God is very evident. Also evident was his need for redemption as he desired to make a difference in his community.
And of course, the history . . . well done. I enjoyed the setting, the time period (early 1900s).
There was a lot of brokenness, and a lot of loss in Carved in Stone, but that made the wins that much more beautiful.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable and uplifting novel. One I’d suggest to friends and family alike, and especially anyone who enjoys Christian historical romance with danger, mystery and redemption woven through it.

September 18, 2021
This is the first book in the latest series by Elizabeth Camden. She is an excellent author whose stories always deliver interesting characters in a detailed historical setting, with a plotline that keeps the reader engaged through the entire story. This book is no exception and I highly recommend it for fans of historical romance.

This novel involves unique characters put into some fascinating circumstances. Patrick is an Irish Catholic who uses his skills in the law to help those who have made bad decisions or find themselves in circumstances where their faith, heritage, or lack of money make them easy targets for unscrupulous landlords or business owners.

In contrast, Gwen is a largely sheltered heiress whose life revolves around the college her father helped to create many years prior. She is constantly surrounded by intellectuals, plants, and her safe, comfortable home outside the city.

Their paths cross unexpectedly, and the two challenge each other to think outside their preconceived notions of the other and of the situations they face. Often their ideas clash, but over time, the two learn the other has genuine gifts to offer the world, and perhaps they can work together after all, making each other better in the process.

This is largely a story about life turning out differently than we expected, sometimes even differently than we might want, and how we navigate the twists and turns that disrupt us. Both of the main characters, and many of the secondary ones, have multiple ways their lives are difficult, sometimes because of people, other times due to circumstances. I loved reading about how they dealt with the choices that would propel them forward or keep them in the grip of the past.

There are some difficult parts to this book, but I think it is appropriate for teen readers and up. As always, Camden keeps things clean of language and sex, but there are a few mild innuendos and several toe curling kisses, as well as multiple alcohol references and criminal activity, though these are never glorified. There are many references to God and His work in our lives, redemption, and using our gifts to serve God and others.

Camden has given readers another engrossing tale of love and struggle; fans will be pleased and new readers attracted. I know I am looking forward to the next installment in this series and learning more about the Blackstone family.

I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own

Carved in Stone
by Elizabeth Camden
Pub Date: August 31, 2021
Bethany House Publishers

I am glad I picked this book! Elizabeth Camden is a new author for me and I really enjoyed her! I will read more of her in the future.
This is the first book in the Blackstone Legacy. I am looking forward to #2 already!
I love reading historical fiction because I always learn something! My time is valuable and I am glad I took the time to read this book.
I highly recommend it for readers that want an inspirational read!

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the ARC!
5 stars

What does a rich botanist heiress to a large family fortune have in common with a poor lawyer? More than one might think, as proved by Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden. Carved in Stone has a very interesting plot with a well to do aspiring botanist crossing paths with a relatively unseen and unknown New York City lawyer in late nineteenth century America.
Gwen Kellerman enjoys her simple and relatively quiet life as a college botanist, keeping her heartbreak and sorrow carefully hidden. She has endured more tragedy than most realize in her young life. Patrick O'Neill has fought hard in his life to finally realize his dream of becoming a lawyer. Even though Patrick struggles to make enough money to get by, he is proud of his ability to help those in need in his community. When Patrick is handed a case that may completely change his career, he is intrigued and accepts. Little does Patrick know that this case is bringing up not only the greed and corruption of one of the richest families in society, the Blackstone family, but it is also is bringing to light a mystery of a missing young boy from over thirty years ago! When the Blackstone family hears about Patrick's client's case, they want to stop Patrick at any cost and send their most convincing family member, Gwen. Gwen wants to prevent more publicity and scandal for her family, but when she spends more time with Patrick, they both discover that there may be more to this story than they originally realized. Can they discover what truly happened thirty years ago? Can they come to some sort of agreement before Gwen's family's name is dragged through the papers? What will Gwen and Patrick do as they realize their attraction for each other? Can they set aside the vast differences between them? Can they resolve their prejudices and work alongside each other?
I enjoy Ms. Camden's writings and have read many of her works before. Carved in Stone is the first of her Blackstone Legacy series. I was intrigued by the description for this book by Elizabeth Camden and fortunately had the opportunity to read it. I enjoyed the intricate plot, the realistic characters, and the plot twists. I also enjoyed the historic context of this work and the true sense of the setting of the characters in their struggles, past heartbreaks, and triumphs. I also really appreciated the growth of the characters from the beginning of the book until the completion. I thought that Patrick and Gwen both developed into stronger people throughout their own trials and difficulties. The only drawback for this work was the beginning of the work. It took me some time to really get involved in the book with the characters and the plot. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book overall and would recommend it
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

This was a very good book and and probably my favorite that I have read by Elizabeth.

The cast of characters was very interesting and the many layers that are reveal through out the book make it a page turner.

I loved Gwen’s spirit and heart, she is a very likeable character and Patrick is a wonderful hero.

Overall, a very interesting read.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars

Elizabeth Camden’s newest release takes readers to the Five Points of New York City at the turn of the century. There’s plenty of historical detail and little known facts to engage the reader from a time of medical research and advancement.

Patrick O’Neill was destined to be a priest, but ended up practicing law instead. He’s struggling to get by. When his mentor asks him to take a case, it sends Patrick into a world of banking and steel magnates and long kept secrets.

Gwendolyn Kellerman could care less about her family’s fortune. But when that fortune is the only thing keeping her beloved research college running, she’s quick to do her family’s bidding.

The story started out slowly for me, and it took a while to get into it. But once Gwen’s family mystery came out, I was pulled in. It’s an intriguing story, if not a bit predictable for avid readers, but it’s still enjoyable.
The cast of characters are varied and colourful, adding an interesting dynamic to the plot.

One thing that caught me by surprise was Patrick’s recitation of Hail Mary’s and his constant use of the rosary. His character is one that is strong in his Catholic faith, and the author does a great job showing this (I’m used to reading about the protestant faith).

The most interesting part for me was the research being done on Tetanus. I would have liked to have read more about the research Gwen’s team was doing since there appeared to be a buildup to the work the college was doing.

Though the ending felt a bit rushed, it tied up the story nicely.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Elizabeth Camden invites readers into the world of the elite New York as well as the slums of Five Points to tell a story of reaching across the divide of class to find love, family and a true life purpose.

This story really reaches down into the soul of you to carve out a spot for itself to remain. At first it seems like there is too much going on but it quickly becomes clear that all the web tying everything together is tightly woven. Gwen Kellerman might look like she has it all but her heart was destroyed by her marriage. A husband she thought to be faithful proved to be no such thing and the fallout from that is still going. His mistress is threatening to take Gwen's home and her uncle is threatening to remove funding from the college that Gwen has made her daily purpose. In an effort to stave off both of them, Gwen agrees to work to block the publishing of a damaging book that could destroy the reputation of her family. Her quest leads her to the Five Points slum of New York and one Patrick O'Neill, attorney for the writer. Patrick is impressed with the gumption of Gwen and her sharp wit. Her arguments against the book are valid but as the book is not outright libel, he cannot stop the publication. Gwen sets out to prove him wrong and her digging soon leads her right into the 30 year mystery of what happened to her older brother, William. Before Gwen was born, her older brother was kidnapped and was presumed dead after no word came for a ransom. She has lived with the specter of William hanging over her entire life and if she can bring peace in this, Gwen is determined to try. But the revelations that come with her investigation will upend her life and mean change for good if she is going ensure her discoveries are legitimate. Patrick finds himself drawn into her search and to the brave and honest woman that Gwen is. She challenges him in his stance against the wealthy, not to prove him wrong entirely but to help him understand that people with money are worth being loved and helped every bit as much as those without. If she can help him see that his lack of money is not a mark against him, they might have a chance at a future. And if she can be brave enough to move beyond her comfort into a new purpose, she just might find more than she ever dreamed possible.
This was both a wonderful and tragic story. There was much to love about it and cheer for but there was also quite a bit to bemoan and mourn for in it's pages. Gwen's life could have caused her to be bitter and angry at everyone but instead she seeks to make other's lives better. She offers love and acceptance to all she meets and works hard to help those who have a need. Patrick is doing the same but he has such an enmity against those with wealth that he often sabotages himself. He made me so mad several times in his insistence that he didn't belong with the Blackstones because he didn't have the same amount of money. He was a true snob but in his poverty rather than wealth. Gah! I just wanted to punch him sometimes to make him see his stupidity. And Liam was just as bad with his crude and crass self. I guess he didn't get the chance to act out as a teenager so he uses his belligerent behavior against Gwen, testing her for whether she will stay or leave. Not a very mature thing for a 35 year old man to do (eye roll). Honestly, by the time I got to the end of the story, I really didn't think that either Patrick or Liam deserved to be around Gwen. They were both so very mean to her and so rude that, if it had been me, I would have had a very hard time believing in their change. Trust works both ways, fellas. You need to give me a reason to trust you if you expect me to prove you can trust me. But it was just these types of inclusions that really made me like this story. It didn't shy away from tough situations or subjects and the reality it presented was true to the times and places. I'm definitely recommending this one to others in the hope they will be impacted by it as I was. Its a good challenge for all of us to examine our own hearts and minds to see where we might hold prejudices for people simply based on their situation in life.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. I am not required by anyone to write a review but do so willingly. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

A new series by one of my favorite authors!! She never disappoints! In fact, her books always get better and better, even if I always think the previous one was my favorite, she always surpasses my expectations! This was the case with her new book!
Set in 1900’s New York City… An orphan and a widow, Gwen Blackstone Kellerman lives a quiet and unpretentious life as a botanist at the prestigious Blackstone College. Her Friday soirees at her home with college professors, artists and intellectuals are her biggest incentive of her otherwise lonely life. Her family’s past -the disappearance of her infant brother before she was even born, her parents grieving- still weights on her heart. And it’s newly revived by the Blackstone’s most ardent enemy: Mick Malone, her brother’s kidnapper, who was found innocent of the crime years ago, and now wants to publish his memoirs where he can keep staining the Blackstone’s name. She’s determined to do something to stop this book from publishing, especially since her uncle threatens to stop the College’s annual funding -since it’s not as profitable as their other endeavors-, and would concede to continue for some years if she succeeds in her goal.
Patrick O’Neil, after a hard youth of poverty, is rescued by Father Doyle and given an education. But after discovering he wasn’t made to be a priest, he studies hard to achieve his real dream: become a lawyer of the downtrodden in the Irish Community. Now established, and still poor because of his client’s dire situations, he accepts to defend Mick Malone against the Blackstone’s, at a request of Father Doyle. Everyone deserves a chance to be defended, but Mick doesn’t seem to be as innocent as he claims. And when he meets the stunning Blackstone heiress who is determined to get him to back off from the case, his world turns upside down as his heart can’t help but be attracted like a magnet to this beautiful, bold and charming woman. As they both get to know each other a strong bond forms between them and Patrick is more than eager to help her unravel her family’s mystery. But things take an unexpected twist and as they navigate the new discoveries their lives are put on the line. Is the truth discovering worth the high risk on their lives? Will their budding love survive such hits and emotional earthquakes?
This was a fantastic story full of everything I love: an engaging unpredictable plot based on historical events, endearing, flawed, yet growing and bettering characters, mystery and suspense, danger, a swooning romance, and an inspirational message that makes you reflect upon your own life. Glen and Patrick’s journey was deeply emotional and I was rooting for each of them from page one. Their coming from opposites worlds made the romance even more appealing, and I wanted to go on and on until I could be sure they would be guaranteed a Happily Ever After! A complete page tuner! And it didn’t feel like a fairy tale love, on the contrary, it felt quite realistic. And, they were so relatable: Patrick, so loyal, trying to earn respect as a hardworking man and provide for his mother, battling with the feeling of failure to God after leaving the seminary. His love for the less fortunate, his heart of gold. Gwen’s love of science, her kind heart and free spirit. They were both so relatable and endearing. I loved how Patrick was willing to do anything for Gwen, he would stop at anything to protect her! And I loved reading the book from both, the hero and the heroine’s, point of view. It’s like an insight into their minds and hearts!
I loved the historical part, the research the College made for cure to different diseases. And the Blackstone-Malone plot story so complex, it immerses you right away! Talk about unpredictable! This book never lagged! And I loved the side characters! Can’t wait to read Natalia’s story next!
There’s also a faith inspired message, in a very natural way, about trusting God, not living to others expectations, letting your pride go, and about unconditional love being worth over anything else and the power it has to overcome anything life throws you, as long as you love and are loved! A fascinating novel about a love “carved in stone” that I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Carved in Stone is Elizabeth Camden’s premier book in the Blackstone Legacy series. This story takes place during the ‘Gilded Age’. The setting of the novel allows Ms. Camden to incorporate several interesting historical events of the time period. This story combines the founding of an historical steel corporation along with major advancements in medicine. The class system of the time shows the decadence of the elite juxtaposed with the slums and tenements within the backdrop of 1900 New York City.

This story is well researched. The creation of Carnegie Steel and the scientific cure for tetanus are only a few of the historical stories. Ms. Camden’s characters are complex, deep, likeable and interesting. Her characters are multi layered and deeply spiritual. The main characters are opposites coming from divergent backgrounds. Wealthy vs. Poor, educated vs. uneducated, refined vs. rough. What is wonderful about Ms. Camden’s writing is that the reader is able to view both sides of the equation so that it is apparent how the divide exists and how the possibility of bridging those divides can be overcome. Despite their differences it is their desire to do ‘good’ for their fellow humans that ultimately bridges the gaps. Besides being a historical fiction novel it is also a Christian novel.

The novel is paced well and there is an element of intriguing suspense, a bit of romance and unwavering faith. I cannot wait to see what happens to these characters in the next installment of the Blackstone Legacy. I believe that Ms. Camden has a winner here and can’t wait to see what she has in store next for her readers.

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers, Elizabeth Camden and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A great series starter from Elizabeth Camden! Carved in Stone will captivate readers as issues of class, wealth, and identity are explored in vivid detail. I was greatly intrigued in some way by every character in this story, from hardworking Patrick to vibrant Gwen to determined Liam and so on. I can already tell this will be a wonderful series—don’t miss this first installment! 4/5 stars

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

Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden is the beginning The Blackstone Legacy series. The author transports readers back to 1900 in New York City between the Five Points neighborhood and Manhattan. The author provided beautiful word imagery that allows readers to visualize the scenes from the book. I can tell the author did her research for this book with her descriptions of Five Points, the way people dressed, conveyances, attitudes, and behaviors, and so much more. Elizabeth Camden also includes interesting historical details that enrich the tale. The characters are realistic and developed. Patrick is an Irish immigrant who was fortunate to have a benefactor who helped him attend law school and become a lawyer while Gwen grew up in the world of academia and wealth. Patrick and Gwen begin on opposite sides of an issue, but they soon find themselves working towards the same goal. Carved in Stone was well-written with gentle pacing. It started off a little slow for me, but I soon became engaged and was swiftly turning the pages to see how the story would unfold. Carved in Stone reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. We should not judge a person based on their appearance, background, or their differing opinions. It reminds me of the phrase, “Never judge a book by its cover.” The other lesson is the art of compromise. Carved in Stone is our introduction into the complex and large Blackstone family. It will be interesting to see what happens next with the Blackstone’s. Carved in Stone is an intriguing historical novel with baleful book, stainless steel, an extravagant yacht, a compromised college, a flush family, and rough neighborhood.

Set in New York City in 1900 and rich in historical detail, Elizabeth Camden’s first book in The Blackstone Legacy series is a fascinating look at the differences in social classes during that period. The disparity between the very wealthy and the poor, hardworking classes is brought to life in this tale.

Camden is a master at creating colorful, carefully-drawn, engaging characters, and they shine in this book. Gwen Kellerman is a wealthy heiress in the Blackstone family, although she cares little for her fortune. She aims to carry on her father’s work and legacy at Blackstone College. When she meets Patrick O’Neill, an impoverished Irish lawyer who is striving to help the struggling Irish immigrants in his community, a connection occurs. I enjoyed seeing their relationship change and grow as they strive to solve a mystery and accomplish their goals.

Intrigue, suspense, romance, and inspiration combine to make this a magnificent start to the series. I enjoyed the historical notes in the back of the book that tie the book to actual historical happenings and people. Camden is one of my favorite go-to authors for historical romance fiction, and I’m looking forward to her next book. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House publishers. All opinions are my own.

Elizabeth Camden continues her legacy of excellent storytelling with memorable characters who readers can root for. Underdog lawyer, Patrick, is tasked with pushing a criminal’s book through to publication despite the Blackstones trying to block it’s release as it will drag their reputation through the muck. He’s met his match in the sweet Blackstone heiress, Gwen, who is sent to change his mind. Readers will anxiously speed through chapters to see if the two will be able to breach insurmountable odds while also solving a decades old mystery that becomes deadly. Another great story from Camden with a sweet romance along with ideals of acceptance with very brief, mild violence.
In the mood for a charming historical romance mixed with danger then Carved in Stone should be on the top of your TBR.

Carved in Stone is a Gilded Age historical romance with heart and depth. I enjoyed learning the history of labor unions, corporate mergers, and American society in the early 1900s. Patrick is a hero who’s easy to fall in love with - family-oriented, strong in his convictions, and dedicated to fighting for justice for the downtrodden. Gwen took a little longer for me to warm up to, and she and Patrick seem like an unlikely pair at first. Her heart for welcoming others and passion for improving lives through scientific advancement eventually endear her to both Patrick and the reader. The revelation of the decades-old family mystery makes for a fascinating story and leaves lots of storylines to explore in future books!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Gwendolyn Blackstone Kellerman lives in serenity on the campus of her beloved Blackstone College. Her gardens, the house she designed, and the stimulating visitors to her home keep her occupied. And help her forget her widowhood. Although women in 1900 have more options open to them than even a decade earlier, Gwen secretly wishes she had pursued her doctorate in botany instead of marrying at a young age.

When a tell-all book and libel suit drag up painful family memories and her uncle threatens to cut off funding for the college, Gwen bargains with her grandfather, the infamous financier Frederick Blackstone, to help squash the book in exchange for ongoing financing for Blackstone College.

Patrick O’Neill defends the downtrodden and marginalized. Their guilt or innocence doesn’t matter because Patrick believes everyone deserves representation in court. He also feels guilty over not taking orders when he finished law school. Deep in his heart, he knows God wants him to help others, but he doesn’t have to become a priest to do so. He longs for a family of his own.

But when clients pay him with sacks of potatoes, shoes, or new suits, it might take a while to realize his dream of hearth and home.

When a beautiful gentlewoman stops by his office asking him to advise his client, the notorious Mick Malone, to take his tell-all memoir out of production. Duty binds him to present the request to Mick Malone, but Patrick has little hope he’ll take it. He secretly hopes to see more of the intriguing Mrs. Kellerman, especially once he finds out her widowed status.

Can two people from such vastly different walks of life find enough in common to forge a lasting relationship?

Why I Loved This Book

Once again, Camden takes unusual characters and puts them in difficult situations. This time, an heiress and a cash-strapped Irish immigrant. Throw in an unsolved kidnapping case, a snobby family, and a few death threats, and you have the perfect recipe for a can’t-put-it-down inspirational novel.

If you love history, mystery, and romance, you’ll fall in love with Carved in Stone. Fans of Roseanna M. White, Cathy Marie Hake, and Tracie Peterson will enjoy this book.

This was an enjoyable read. I liked the main characters and was happy to see their growth throughout the story. I was entertained by the story. It kept me guessing (so many people to choose from who could have been the bad guy). I appreciated the historical aspects and the author’s notes at the end.

Normally, Camden novels have a theme— such as water usage in NYC in the 1910s or the start of the FDA /Food preservation or the harmful addiction of opium on kids. This one…. I still don’t know what the theme really was.

Story started with a court case against the Blackstone Family versus a man with a book. The man was accused of murdering the blackstone's little boy 30 years ago but was found ‘not guilty’. Now the criminal wants to publish a memoir and hires a lawyer to defend him against the blackstones suing him for libel, or something along those lines.

Lawyer meets Blackstone daughter, sister to dead kid. Think you know where this is going? Yeah nope.
I was expecting a Romeo Juliet esque affair, with Patrick being the lawyer of the bad guy therefore “bad” and the blackstones not wanting for her to have anything to do with him and a whole bunch of legal stuff, and Patrick’s past coming back to bite him and—— nope. I was so wrong.

About this time we take a hard left. The criminal book disappears from the plot line, we go down memory lane and meet……

The Criminal’s nephew. He’s a steel worker, union leader, and has striking green eyes that look like Gwens father. Could it be that her brother is still alive? Guess what he is and has no memory of his past.

Cue My Fair Lady esque vibes, while we turn mister unrefined into gilded businessman . The rest has a mixture of murder/assault mystery, class differences, a hint of medicine, and good old fashioned rich people parties.

Despite being all over the place, there were very few plot holes, and I didn’t see the real enemy until the end. Their motives were a little unconvincing, and only vaguely foreshadowed. I would’ve liked a little more foreshadowing that when I put all the pieces together at the end I got an AHA! moment. This did not happen, and had to be handed the final picture rather than putting it together myself.

I liked Patrick the most, a good stable character with honest intentions. Very few flaws besides a little bit of manly pride that gets in the way of being with Gwen. I mean we didn’t even go into the whole “I punched a guy so hard I killed him” thing, Patrick suffering little to no crisis of conscience, except a confession scene. He moved on from that REALLY fast.

Gwen could be annoying at times with her whole “my family is really good” about a whole bunch of stuck up dilettante rich people with too much idle time and no work ethic. Not to mention wealth hoarding but okay. I liked her final character development in the last chapters of the book.

Good overall, got bored slightly in the middle but it improved pretty quickly. 4 stars.

I hope we get a book for Liam and a book for Natalia but we’ll see.