A ★★★★ Book Review of A Daring Venture (Empire State #2) by Elizabeth Camden - A Historical Fiction Romance
*I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House at Baker Publishing Group via NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links which means I will receive a commission based on sales generated via these links.
A fascinating, suspenseful romance between two dynamic characters...
Step back in time to early 20th century America when times were changing and evolving as new science and inventions began making history. Follow the budding romance between two compelling people and lose yourself in a mystery of sabotage and intrigue.
As a biochemist in early 1900s New York, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against waterborne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city-- but only if she can get people to believe in her work.
Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York Nicholas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.
While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, these two rivals will face higher stakes than they ever could have known.. - Synopsis from A Daring Venture
Image courtesy of www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
★★★★ Book Number 11/50 | After reading the synopsis of this newly released book about a month ago, I was excited to begin reading it. From the very first chapter, I was hooked! Dr. Rosalind Werner is a woman ahead of her time, making her mark in a world of scientific research that was primarily dominated by men. Readers will love her fierce determination and bright mind.
Nicholas Drake immediately identifies himself as a force to be reckoned with, yet readers catch a glimpse of his soft side where he adores his family and cares tenderly for his young daughter. When these two dynamic characters cross paths, the chemistry between them is quickly kindled. As their magnetic relationship grows, so does the suspense. The characters begin making decisions that impact their relationship while colossal history is being made. In the background, an evil force is at work, seeking to destroy this new love and the progress being made.
This exciting story kept me interested and entertained from beginning to end. Quite frankly, I was sad to have the book wrap up. Author Elizabeth Camden does an excellent job of mingling history, romance and suspense all into one thrilling story! This is the first book I've read by her and I am looking forward to reading her other titles now. While this book is a second book in the Empire State series, it is designed to be a stand alone story and I did not feel like I'd missed anything by not reading the first book in this series.
I enjoyed the flow of the story, the compelling way it was written, the historical significance and the empowering position Dr. Werner held as a forefront leader in her time. The story was laden with accurate facts and included two real life characters who indeed made an incredible impact on our country at that time. I learned things I hadn't known before and truly loved that part of this book. I appreciated the suspense and mystery that worked it's way into the story without overpowering the romance, making this a very entertaining read.
I chose four stars for this wonderful book because it is a great addition to any historical fiction lover's bookshelf. It is one I believe readers will enjoy and highly recommend to their friends!
“‘I care about you, Rosalind. We may be different on the outside, but beneath all the manners and accents and background, you and I are like a house on fire.’ ... He knew everything about her past yet still looked at her with a combination of hope, determination, and raw strength. It shot a bolt of confidence straight into her soul. They were united. They would venture forth into this uncertain and frightening future side by side, and face whatever challenges came their way together.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Image courtesy of www.elizabethcamden.com
Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.
Learn more about Elizabeth Camden at www.elizabethcamden.com.
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Lastly, pick up your own copy of A Daring Venture or borrow it from your local library. You can also find the other books by Elizabeth Camden available here.
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