Crystal Caudill wraps up her Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series with a tale of an efficient woman with a heart for forgotten children and a secret service agent bent on protecting women. Counterfeit Faith is a fantastic way for this series to end.

Gwendolyn and Josiah both have huge hurts in their past that make them doubt what their hearts desire, yet the attraction between these two sizzles from their first meeting. Caudill adds danger and a counterfeiting scheme that will keep you guessing who is behind it all.

My favorite parts of this story were the moments when Gwendolyn opens her heart enough to share some tender moments with Josiah and the times when he pours on the flirting (not to mention all of the people who give him a hard time about his propensity for rescuing damsels in distress and the ensuing results).

For those who have read the first two books, you will enjoy some cameos by a few people you know. But if you haven’t read them, the author has done an excellent job of writing this book to stand on its own. This entire series was well-written, well-researched, and engaging. I cannot wait to see Caudill has in store for readers next.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

Counterfeit Faith is a wonderful fast-moving novel that you are not going to want to put down! And bonus! It’s book three in a series. Now for the hard part. I did not read this book before I read the two previous ones in the series. I know, shocker. How could I? Well, I didn’t realize it was book three. But that’s okay. I did fine. I didn’t feel lost. You won’t either. But now I’m reading them and of course, I do have to recommend reading them in order.

Gwendolyn is quite a little fiery person. I really enjoyed her character and the love and determination she has for the children she cares for. And I could not believe that Isaiah had been engaged 10 times! How could he? But he did have one true love and a marriage that he’s not sure he can ever let go of or get over.

There is quite a mystery to be solved and plenty of danger to be avoided. I could not put it down! It read so fast and I truly enjoyed every second. As soon as I finished it I had to grab the first and second book as well!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Author Crystal Caudill concludes the suspenseful historical romance series set in the Gilded Age dealing with counterfeiting, con games, and the Secret Service.

In Counterfeit Faith, Gwendolyn Ellison serves as the matron of the Final Chance House of Refuge, where troubled and abandoned children are sent. Fiercely protective of her charges, she suspects someone is using the Refuge for criminal deeds. Gwendolyn knows she can’t rest until the criminals are brought to justice and her children are safe.

Widowed Secret Service agent Josiah Isaacs works to uncover counterfeiting in the city. His investigation leads to her door at House of Refuge in Philadelphia. Can he expose the criminals, and protect both of them and the children?

Caudill pens a novel with historical details, descriptive narratives, and well-developed characters. Filled with suspense and intrigue, the reader is engaged from the first page. Faith elements focus on how to keep one’s belief in God in the midst of challenging circumstances. Josiah and Gwendolyn’s relationship is a slow-building clean romance, especially as Josiah wrestles with his attraction to her and his memories of his first wife.

Recommended for adult collections in public libraries as well as church libraries. Fans of Elizabeth Camden will delight in this American historical fiction series. While it can be read as a standalone, readers will enjoy the earlier books in this series: Counterfeit Love, and Counterfeit Hope.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are written for books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, or authors. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and my review represents my honest opinion.

I loved this story filled with history, suspense, romance and faith. I loved Gwendolyn and Josiah. I love stories with secret service agents from the late 1800s. I love how well written this story is. I could not put this book down. I loved learning a little about how this orphanage was run. I also loved learning a little bit about counterfeiting during this time period. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill

Mysterious in a steamy way! Absolute delight to read, I love the description of the human emotions (Not spoiling the entire book). Not many author takes the consideration to go into depth of an individual feelings especially mentally, we always read about a human outer strength but I love that the author dives right into the inner struggles. Excellent book!

I just reviewed Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill. #CounterfeitFaith #NetGalley
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Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the ebook from the publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed are my own.

Spiritual Themes
One of my favorite themes in the novel, albeit not the primary theme, is that of the difference between earthly fathers and the Heavenly Father. Gwendolyn’s father, who battles an opium addiction, abandoned Gwendolyn and her mother. There are a few moments in the book that demonstrate God’s love for us as the Father. I appreciated the opportunity to walk alongside Gwendolyn in these moments of growth and insight.

Another theme, which is also mentioned in the discussion questions, is the “paradox of serving others while considering oneself superior.” There’s a passage I highlighted at the beginning of the book about people expecting others to appreciate the things that they themselves consider worthy of discarding. Having, like Paul, been in a position of need and also having had opportunity to share, this is a theme that is very important to me! From both sides, I have seen the Lord’s truly miraculous provision, and I recognize the wrongness of looking down on the poor (James 2:6). Because giving is an important part of Christianity, I really appreciate that Caudill broached this theme, going beyond the (far too frequently accepted) notion that any “gift” is a good gift.

Overarchingly, and in correspondence with the title, the largest theme is that of faith, juxtaposed with doubt. The novel explores what it looks like to have faith, in spite of doubts, and we see this reflected in the lives and dialogues of several characters. Caudill also discusses the theme in her note at the end of the book.

What I Liked
This is a note on the series, as a whole, since Counterfeit Faith is the conclusion. Upon reflection, I realized that the link between stories is the male protagonist in the Secret Service. Typically, for romantic series that I encounter with a different protagonist each time, it is the female characters who are connected. For this reason, I liked that the series followed the male colleagues/friends.

Caudill does a stellar job of weaving suspense into a historical setting. Historical fiction is not usually my favorite genre, but Counterfeit Faith quickly captured my interest. The writing is skillful, with cunning phrases that aptly capture sentiments and succinctly sum-up scenes and characters.

The characters are “honest” in the sense of feeling realistic and relatable, and I found Gwendolyn to be immensely likable. She’s strong and an excellent role model. I’m grateful that, while she generally makes commendable choices, she doesn’t come across as perfect, because we walk with her through her thought processes and temptations. In one scene, for instance, she demonstrates humility, although it would feel more satisfying to indulge in a moment of pride.

The pacing is excellent. While I have to admit that I had a little bit more trouble tracking with the mystery amidst the many characters involved in the story, I really enjoyed the strong integration of the mystery and I liked walking alongside the characters as the plot unfolded.

I’m also impressed with Caudill’s ability to weave in levity, as appropriate. These moments of humor lighten the mood, without feeling ridiculous or taking away from the story. I noted, for instance, a humorous reference to spelling books as the “future punishment of children everywhere.”

I appreciated the author’s clear delineation between love and infatuation. It was refreshing to observe Gwendolyn’s determination to act with discretion and discernment, recognizing that attraction is not the same thing as a lasting commitment. This is something I see explored, occasionally, in romance novels, and I like that Caudill made this choice. I also like that she took slightly different approaches to romance in the three books I’ve read, with characters knowing each other in different capacities and for different periods of time, before falling in love. In each case, I think commitment was core, and that is both important and encouraging, in a novel.

Content
There’s one use of “word” as an exclamation.

Josiah is a widower, which I know someone appreciated my mentioning in a review of another book.

Overall, this book was sweetly clean and I very much appreciated that the author, while writing a delightful romance, also highlights the importance of commitment.

Recommendation Status
The final book in the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series, Counterfeit Faith is a delightful read. I enjoyed the mixture of suspense and humor against an interesting historical background, and I am impressed that the author managed to make each book so unique, while keeping to the topic of counterfeiting (a topic I, apparently, really enjoy). It was also cool how each book, likewise, explored the idea of a “counterfeit” spiritual element (love, hope, faith).

This is a title I can easily, and highly, recommend.

Very well-written story about counterfeiting, youth refuge houses, the Secret Service, God's strength and mercy and the chance at new love. Some of the subject matter is difficult (abuse of children), but handled well I thought. I enjoyed this story enough that I read it in a day. I recommend the entire series (4 books, all are 5 stars)

I received a book from the author. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Sadly I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked, but the twists and surprises paired with a strong faith theme did keep me reading. I enjoyed reading this one, but do wish I could have enjoyed the characters a bit more.

3.5⭐This book contains an abundance of suspenseful plot twists, faith, intriguing mysteries, a sweet romance, and a fast-paced storyline. While it may be a great fit for some readers, personally, I didn't connect with it as much as I had hoped. Although it wasn't perfect for me, I believe it could be a perfect match for someone else. I didn't particularly resonate with the story, the writing style, or the characters, but that is only my personal opinion.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the eARC.

As matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison helps troubled or abandoned children. When the kids are threatened from within the institution, she must team up with Secret Service officer Josiah Isaacs to uncover the corruption—before either of them are silenced. Counterfeit Faith was a whirlwind tale of mystery, action, and romance, and it doesn’t pull punches with difficult content (despite its rom-com-style romance).

Story: 3/5
Worldview: 4/5

The story had me from Chapter One, with the mystery unraveling at a breakneck pace. It did stall, at times, with ✨many✨romantic scenes. The ending had a nice twist and satisfying resolution, so definitely worth the read.

The message of this novel was on the battle between doubt and faith. I especially liked how the characters fought through their doubts and leaned on Jesus. There were some references to Catholic practices, but otherwise a great message. Even when we don’t know the way out or what to do in the midst of a storm, God sees all and He directs our steps. He can grow our faith as we trust in Him.

Overall: 3.5

Note: references to child abuse, alcoholism, and drug addiction

This was a historical romance with a Christian viewpoint. This story included some intrigue, mystery, with romance the predominant aspect of the plot. The characters were well developed, the mystery was present, but I personally prefer more history and less romance. Faith was included as a part of the story.
Clever title since they were trying to uncover who was guilty of operating a counterfeit money scheme.

Counterfeit Faith had me engaged with the storyline and characters within the first few pages. Gwendolyn Ellison is a matron over the girls at the Final Chance House of Refuge. As she cares for the children she finds herself in a precarious position that can threaten her job and her life. She will go to no end to keep the children safe. When Secret Service operative, Josiah Isaacs crosses her path, things become even more problematic.

It is a historical fiction filled with intrigue, mystery, and suspense. The main characters are courageous enduring, and willing to endure whatever to save the ones they love.

The plot is exciting and will have you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next and whether faith will see them through. An entertaining and faith-filled story from a gifted writer. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly choose to review it.

This is the first book I've read by Crystal Caudill and it was an exciting adventure through streets of Philadelphia in 1885. I learned quite a bit about the Secret Service during the mid 1880s and about Houses of Refuge for delinquent and neglected minors in this city. The intrigue and suspense in the plot were engaging and definitely kept me on my toes trying to figure out the nefarious connection among the minor characters. The strong faith thread of forgiveness, reconciliation, working through doubt, and waiting for God's timing infused the heart of the story. If you enjoy historical romantic suspense, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Gwendolyn was a strong heroine - a bit too stubborn for me to completely empathize with but nonetheless passionate, compassionate, and wholly dedicated to the children she guards. Josiah was a fun, protective, loyal, tender-hearted champion for the underdogs and easy to like. I didn't quite understand his Kryptonite of reluctantly proposing to damsels in distress and having to break those proposals but his hurting widowed heart was genuine. The green goods game that played a major role in the plot was a little confusing at first but it tied in nicely at the end. I appreciated the historical notes at the end of the book summarizing the facts that contributed to the plotline.

I received the book from Kregel Publications via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

If it is possible, and it is, this series just keeps getting better. Crystal Caudill takes us into the dangerous world of counterfeiting and to the brave men who investigated these crime rings, In addition these books are full of growth, faith, and romance.

Gwendolyn and Josiah were a well-written pair. She is strong, fierce, and protective of the children in her charge, He is everything a hero should be, though broken from the loss of his past love.

The story was rich with mystery, character flaws, and opportunities for growth, It was well-done in an organic and natural way. Nothing was forced, the story naturally carried forward. They mystery had twists and turns that were unexpected and well-developed.

I truly enjoyed my time in this world with Gwendolyn and Josiah. The support characters added depth and richness. To be honest it was so well done that I struggled to truly pin down who the bad guy was until the book was ready to give up its secrets. The layers of mystery kept me guessing and turning pages the entire time.

I received an early copy of the book through the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review

"Counterfeit Faith" is a Christian romance with a mystery set in 1885 Pennsylvania. Though the third in a series, it worked as a standalone. Josiah's always ready to rush in to save a woman in distress. Paired with his charm, he has a reputation of a rake, yet the reality is that he still loves his long-dead wife. When his nieces and nephew end up in Final Chance, he's determined to get them out only to discover Gwendolyn needs his help because abuse is occurring on the boy's side. He has a lead that a counterfeiting con is being run out of the male side, too, so they work together to find proof.

The main characters were engaging, acted realistically, and grew as people throughout the story. Josiah tended to rush relationships while Gwendolyn felt they should take their time and get to know one another. They were a good match in personalities and shared values. Historical details about counterfeiting were woven into the story. The very real danger to Gwendolyn and anyone working to uncover the scheme kept the suspense high after a slight lull near the beginning.

Josiah questioned why a good God would allow his wife to die and felt that he couldn't be a Christian if he had any doubts. Both Gwendolyn and her uncle explained that believers have doubts, it's what you do with them that matter. Gwendolyn's Christian faith was why she valued the children even though society didn't. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.

Crystal Caudill is a new to me author, but definitely will read again. Her novel "Counterfeit Faith" is about a House of Refuge (homes for children who are caught in vagrancy or illegal acts) in the late 1800s. The head matron Gwendolyn Ellison becomes concerned for the safety of the boys and begins investigating. A planned secretive meeting with a board member results in his death and Gwendolyn's abduction. She captures the eye of a man (Josiah Isaacs, a Secret Service operative) who immediately recognizes the fear in her eyes but pretends not to. After a successful rescue of Gwendolyn, the story unfolds.
Through a series of twists and turns, Gwendolyn and Josiah reveal what is truly happening inside the House of Refuge. Danger lurks around every corner as they seek to discover who is involved and how to expose them. Humor, acts of compassion by Gwen for the children, courage, faith and restored faith, healing of relationships, and romance, all are entwined to create a wonderful read.

NetGalley provided a copy of this book but the opinions are my own.

This is a new series for me although it is the third in the series. I didn't find this a problem as it worked well as a standalone. The characters were very likeable with t being opposite's attract, dastardly villains and the historic details of Philadelphia were interesting as well. The only negative was it was quite heavy on the faith side of things. I don't have a problem with this as long as I don't feel it was forced on me this was a little borderline. However I enjoyed it enough to look up the earlier books to read as I do love some mystery with my romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.