by Crystal Caudill | Feb 14, 2023 | Character Interview, Counterfeit Hope
HAPPY RELEASE DAY, ANDREW AND LU!!!!!!
I can think of no better way to celebrate than to give you a personal interview with the main characters. I had the pleasure of interviewing Secret Service operative Andrew Darlington on Reading is My Super Power a couple of Saturdays ago. You can read Andrew’s interview HERE. Then come back here and read my interview with Lu. (Or read Lu first and then jump to Andrew.) I had such a blast getting to talk to these characters. And for those who wonder if our characters really talk to us, their authors? Yes. Yes, they do. In my head, my characters are almost as autonomous as my children. I created them (by God’s power and grace), but they have each taken on lives of their own.
Before I introduce Lu to you properly, let me introduce you to her story. (And don’t forget to check out the giveaway opportunities at the post’s bottom.)
Counterfeit Hope by Crystal Caudill
Trapped by their pasts, is there hope for a future?
When Secret Service operative Andrew Darlington is brought in to support a US Marshal case involving counterfeiters in rural Indiana, he thinks it’s simply the next rung on his climb to the top of his career. But liars can only climb so high–and Andrew is keeping a dangerous secret he doesn’t ever want to get out. When he clashes with the criminal family that took over the town of Landkreis and killed the Marshal he was sent to assist, his past life is in danger of being exposed.
Widow “Lightning Lu” Thorne has only one goal: escape the clutches of the Thorne family with her son. Her decision to be an informant and testify against the Thornes looked like the perfect answer. Until the Marshal ended up dead. Now the tether keeping her tied to her felonious family is tightening, and a forced marriage to someone else in the Thornes’ clutches threatens to kill any hope of escape.
Andrew and Lu find themselves on the same team–unwillingly. They each believe the other to be the enemy to their future plans. And even if they could learn to work together, the secrets they hold could shatter all hopes and dreams. Despite the encouragement of the local preacher, they’re not even sure God can be trusted–much less other humans. Can either of them escape their past–and the family that is willing to kill their own when they smell betrayal?
Purchase Links: Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Depository | Bookshop.org | Christianbook
Now on to our interview with Lu.
Crystal: This story is quite a bit different from Counterfeit Love, and a lot of that is because of who you are and your very challenging past. So why don’t you start off by telling my readers about yourself?
Lu: I’m not exactly your sweet and innocent little lady. In fact, if you saw me while on the same sidewalk, you’d probably cross the street to avoid me. You can pretend you wouldn’t, but I’ve got twenty years of people looking at me in my bold and revealing dresses to combat the lies you tell yourself. There are lots of names they use for my type. Some are a little nicer than others–lady of the night, soiled dove, harlot . . . you get the picture. Not that I am actively a part of that life anymore. I just let people believe that I am. It’s easier that way. Then they won’t look too closely and discover truths I don’t want them to see.
Crystal: That isn’t exactly the type of heroine I envisioned for Counterfeit Hope. In fact, ALL I envisioned was you being a pickpocket. The other stuff completely blindsided me when you finally chose to trust me with your story. Why did you choose that path to begin with?
Lu: Choose? You think I chose that life? Ha! There are a few who willingly enter that life, but most of us enter because we have no other choice. I was just like any other girl when I was young. I lived in Tennessee with my Ma and Pa. I even went to school for a year. Then the War hit. Ma died, and Pa took me and fled to Colorado to search for gold and silver. Anything he found, he exchanged for drink. When the gold and silver dried up, he exchanged me instead. Finally, he sold me to a brothel where I lived and worked for over ten years. Ain’t much choice for me on that path.
Even getting out I didn’t have much choice. Clint and Irvine Thorne were regulars, and when they had to hightail it out of Colorado, Irvine offered to marry me and take me with him. I wasn’t getting any offers elsewhere, so it was in my best interest to say yes. The Madam wouldn’t allow it, but Ma Frances paid a price for me, and off I went to join them. Had I known what that life would entail, I’m not sure I would have followed Irvine. But then again, I wouldn’t have my son, Oscar, and Oscar is worth everything I’ve been through.
Crystal: Are you hoping that Oscar will grow up to be just like his dad?
Lu: The only thing I want Oscar to share with his father is his looks. While the sweetest of the Thornes, Irvine was only as sweet as a rattler dipped in honey and poised to strike. Cross him when he was drunk or angry, and there was a price to pay. When he was in a good mood, he was sweet as could be and I generally enjoyed being with him. He was good at protecting me from his brother, Clint, and I had high hopes that if I could get him away from his family, there might be a better future for us.
And that’s what I hope for Oscar. If I can just get him away from the Thorne family, maybe he can grow up to be a good and honorable man. One like Pastor Newcomb. I want a future for him as far from the crime life as I can get him, and I’m willing to do anything to get him away. I just have to bide my time for the right moment. Ma Frances would kill me if she knew I was trying to take Oscar away from her.
CC: Why are you afraid of her? Isn’t she just a sweet, old grandma?
Lu: *Snort* A sweet old grandma with poisoned food, talons for fingers, and a derringer at the ready. All the Thornes are scared of their mother, even Clint. Cross her and you ain’t gonna forget it. She regularly poisons our meals just to keep us in line and remind us how much we need her. She keeps a tight rein on her family and whip at the ready if we even get a thought of rebelling. If she finds out I plan on escaping with Oscar, she’ll either sell me to the local brothel to make her money back and watch me suffer, or she’ll just flat-out murder me and bury me next to Irvine.
Crystal: That sounds like a rough existence.
Lu: You got that right. But it’s not forever. Pastor Newcomb tells me that I can leave my past behind and become one of those new creatures. And that’s what I intend to do. For both Oscar and me. And I was so close to succeeding too. But I’m not giving up yet. I can’t. Oscar deserves a better life with friends, an education, and a safe home. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it.
Cyrstal: What if that “whatever it takes” includes Andrew? I mean you haven’t mentioned him yet, but I know you’ve been spending a lot of time with him lately.
Lu: That so-called “Doc”? Don’t get your hopes up too much. He’s as much a doctor as I am a saint. I’d bet all the money I’ve ever picked that he’s a con man and thief. I ain’t never been caught picking someone, and that man called me out AND picked ME without my notice. I tell you, he’s not what he seems. If it weren’t for the fact that my only ticket out of the Thorne family was stupid enough to eat a poisoned pie from Ma Frances, I wouldn’t care one wit about Doc Andrew. But until I can make a new plan to escape this family with Oscar, he’s a fun distraction. I pick Doc’s wallet every time I see him, and every time he comes to collect it, he sticks his foot so far in his mouth that I give it a shove so he’ll choke on it. Although, the man does have a bit of a hero streak, the poor fool. He thinks he can cross Clint and save me from Clint’s advances. All that is going to do is tick Clint off and put a target on his head. And Clint doesn’t miss a shot. For Doc’s sake, I hope he wises up. I like him too much to see him as a corpse.
Crystal: I suppose that’s a good thing since he’s the hero of the story.
Lu: What do you mean he’s the hero? I may not be able to read, but I know enough about books to know a heroine and hero end up together in the end. I tell you, there is no way I’ll ever willingly marry again.
Crystal: Willingly being the keyword.
Lu: What do you mean by that?
Crystal: And I think that is a good place to end this interview. If you want to find out what–
Lu: This interview is NOT over. What do you mean by willingly?
Crystal: You’ll just have to read the book to find out . . . or rather you’ll get to experience every time someone reads the book. . . Over and over and over again. This probably shouldn’t make me so happy. Just trust me, Lu. I have your best interest in mind.
Lu: Trust you? I don’t trust you as far as a can throw you.
Crystal: Probably wise, but you have no choice. Readers, I hope you will pick up Counterfeit Hope and give Lu the chance to have her entire life changed. If you have already read Counterfeit Hope, would you mind leaving a review? Below are the direct links to leave a review, just to make it easier. Thanks so much.
Question for Comments: Is there anything about Lu or Andrew that you found surprising? Anything you’d like to know?
Purchase Links: Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Depository | Bookshop.org | Christianbook
Review Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | BookBub | Christianbook | GoodReads
About Crystal Caudill:
Crystal Caudill is a tea-drinking, book-hoarding, history nerd. Her award-winning stories are ripe with history, danger, love, and hope. When not writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her husband and boys, caregiving for loved ones, hiding in a book, drinking copious amounts of hot tea, or connecting with readers. You can connect with her at www.crystalcaudill.com or by joining her newsletter crew at bitly.com/CaudillNews.
Connect with Erica: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | GoodReads | BookBub | Pinterest
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITIES
US RESIDENTS ONLY:
Giveaway: Bookload of Hope (LAST CHANCE)
Runs: January 15 – February 15, 2023, 11:59 pm EST
Prize: 1 winner – 8 paperbacks, 2 ebooks
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway: International Readers ONLY Giveaway
Runs: February 1 – February 28
Prize: 2 Winners – A print copy of Counterfeit Love or Counterfeit Hope to one winner outside of the US. Bookmarks and a signed bookplate will be mailed separately.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Leave a comment on the posts from the launch party for a chance to win one of these prizes.
Comment at bit/ly/CHLaunchParty
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 10, 2023 | Counterfeit Hope
Counterfeit Hope is about one week from its release date and one thing I always like to do leading up to my release day is to take time to put the spotlight on the authors who endorsed my book. Not only did they sacrifice their time to read it, but they also wrote words that touched my heart and encouraged me. These are authors that I respect and look up to. Authors who know their craft, have been writing far longer than I have, and know what makes a good story. To be endorsed by them is an honor that I cannot express adequately.
For the next four weeks, I am going to continue to spotlight an endorser, share what they have to say about Counterfeit Hope, share more about them, the books they’ve written, and how you can connect with them, as well as give you a chance to win one of their books. At the end of each post, I hope you will leave the author an uplifting note so they may be encouraged just as they have encouraged me.
I am pleased to introduce to you . . .
Angela Couch
Author of Where Wild Roses Bloom
To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after four munchkins.
Connect with Angela: Website | Facebook | BookBub | Goodreads | Pinterest | Twitter
What Angela had to say about Counterfeit Hope:
“A gripping story of pain, forgiveness and hope. I had a hard time putting this book down! Though Counterfeit Hope is reminiscent of Francine Rivers’s Redeeming Love, I appreciate the Crystal Caudill’s gentle handling of such sensitive topics. I was thoroughly moved through out the tale and highly recommend this story and series!”
Purchase Links for Counterfeit Hope: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Despository | Bookshop.org | Christianbook | Logos | Indiebound
Angela’s Books
Angela has written a TON of historical novels that range from the American Revolution to WWII. I can’t list them all, but here are a few of my favorite.
Where the Wild Rose Blooms (New Release)
When Lenora Perry’s dream of becoming an acclaimed singer dies a painful death, she attempts to escape her mistakes by fleeing north—directly into the path of an all-too-dashing Mountie. Though the man in scarlet appears eager to be rid of her, his home provides security, and his sister offers friendship—two things Lenora is desperate for after discovering her pregnancy. With the past dogging her footsteps and her future uncertain, dare she consider new dreams?
Upholding the law makes up the fabric of Constable Edmond Bryce’s existence. As his five years of service draw to an end, he must decide whether or not to continue in his father’s footsteps—an increasingly difficult decision now that Miss Perry has infiltrated his life. Though she’s the daughter of a parson and a close friend to his sister, Edmond can’t push aside the feeling that Lenora hides more than she tells. But duty calls, leaving little time for matters of the heart.
Purchase Links for Where the Wild: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Despository | Christianbook
A Rose for the Resistance
A French Woman and German Soldier Create a Truce
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
With her father in a German POW camp and her home in Ste Mere Eglise, France, under Nazi occupation, Rosalie Barrieau will do anything to keep her younger brother safe. . .even from his desire to join the French resistance. Until she falls into the debt of a German solder—one who delivers a wounded British pilot to her door. Though not sure what to make of her German ally, Rosalie is thrust deep into the heart of the local underground. As tensions build toward the allied invasion of Normandy, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for freedom.
The Scarlet Coat
Surrounded by the musket fire of the American Revolution, Rachel Garnet prays for her family to be safe. When the British invade the Mohawk Valley and her father and brother don’t return from the battle, she goes in pursuit of them. She finds her brother alive but her father has been killed at the hand of the enemy. Amidst the death, how can she ignore a cry for help? Rachel reluctantly takes in a badly wounded British officer. But how long can her sense of Christian duty repress her hatred for his scarlet coat? Passages of Scripture and fleeting images of society are all Andrew Wyndham recalls after he awakens to the log walls of his gentle prison. Even his name eludes him. Rachel Garnet insists he is a captain in the British army. He mourns the loss of his memory, but how can he hope to remember war when his “enemy” is capturing his heart? Andrew’s injuries are severe, his memory slow to return, and the secret of his existence too perilous to ignore. As Rachel nurses him back to health, his hidden scarlet coat threatens to expose the deeds of her merciful heart, and Andrew is forced to face a harrowing decision—Stay hidden and risk losing the woman he loves or turn himself in and risk losing his life.
The Blacksmith Brides
A Tempered Heart (1861—Charlottesville, Virginia) By Angela K. Couch
Buried under a debt that is not his own, Thomas Flynn’s only focus is gaining his freedom. He has learned to keep his head low and not pay attention to the troubles of others, until a peculiar boy and his widowed mother show him how empty his life has become. After years of protecting her son from slights and neglect of the people closest them, Esther Mathews is not sure how to trust the local blacksmith with her child…or her heart.
Giveaway
I am giving away one e-book copy of Angela’s Where Wild Roses Bloom to someone who leaves an encouraging message for Angela below between February 10th and February 17th. The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST and is open to US and international residents legally able to enter (follow your country’s rules). If you would like to earn extra entries, use the Rafflecopter widget below. The only requirement to be entered is that you leave Angela an encouraging note on this post. Thank you for participating.
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Please leave Angela an encouraging message below.
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 7, 2023 | Character Interview, Counterfeit Hope
It is release month for Counterfeit Hope, and to kick it off, I’ve gathered all the giveaways I know of with opportunities to win a copy of Counterfeit Hope or Counterfeit Love. There is even a way for you to email me if you’ve preordered a copy so that you can get some free preorder goodies mailed to you. Looking for a free copy to read if you don’t win? I have a way for you to do that below.
First, what is Counterfeit Hope about?
Trapped by their pasts, is there hope for a future?
When Secret Service operative Andrew Darlington is brought in to support a US Marshal case involving counterfeiters in rural Indiana, he thinks it’s simply the next rung on his climb to the top of his career. But liars can only climb so high–and Andrew is keeping a dangerous secret he doesn’t ever want to get out. When he clashes with the criminal family that took over the town of Landkreis and killed the Marshal he was sent to assist, his past life is in danger of being exposed.
Widow “Lightning Lu” Thorne has only one goal: escape the clutches of the Thorne family with her son. Her decision to be an informant and testify against the Thornes looked like the perfect answer. Until the Marshal ended up dead. Now the tether keeping her tied to her felonious family is tightening, and a forced marriage to someone else in the Thornes’ clutches threatens to kill any hope of escape.
Andrew and Lu find themselves on the same team–unwillingly. They each believe the other to be the enemy to their future plans. And even if they could learn to work together, the secrets they hold could shatter all hopes and dreams. Despite the encouragement of the local preacher, they’re not even sure God can be trusted–much less other humans. Can either of them escape their past–and the family that is willing to kill their own when they smell betrayal?
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Depository | Bookshop.org | Christianbook
Have you preordered a copy?
If you pre-ordered a copy, be sure to email me your mailing address through the contact form so that you can get bookmarks, a signed bookplate, a Secret Service Quiz magnet, and a sticker mailed to you.
Looking for a way to read Counterfeit Hope for free?
Libraries are AMAZING places. I recommend you request your local library purchase the book in print or digital format. Most libraries have access to programs like Hoopla or Libby and are willing to purchase at least an e-copy. You can visit your library’s website or call them to ask how to request a book. My library asks for the following information, so I’m pasting it here to make it easier on you to request a copy. Unless you have a subscription to somewhere that allows access to multiple books, any other free copies you come across digitally are likely to be pirated. Please don’t be a pirate. Let me know if you find one somewhere, so I can report it. Let me also know if you have your library order it! I’d love to be able to put pins on my map to show that my book has traveled to all 50 states and even out of the country. 🙂
- Title: Counterfeit Love
- Author: Crystal Caudill
- Publisher: Kregel Publications
- ISBN-13: 978-0825447419
- Yes, the book is purchasable through the venues where libraries purchase books.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITIES
Runs: February 13, 8 pm – 9 pm EST with commenting open until 11:59 pm EST on February 14.
Prize: 14 winners – One for each book and the “Choose Hope” bracelet
How to be entered: Attend the launch party and leave a comment on the posts.
RSVP at bit/ly/CHLaunchParty
Valentine’s Giveaway – February 1 – 14 *US Residents Only
Grand prize – 14 books, a beautiful bookmark, plus a box of Godiva
2 Runners Up – 14 books and a beautiful bookmark
Books included: A Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse, What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson, All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes, Counterfeit Hope by Crystal Caudill, Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden, The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy, Engaging Deception by Regina Jennings, Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner, In Love’s Time by Kate Breslin, Pretty Little Pieces by Carmen Schober, The Telegraph Proposal by Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham, The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz, The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron, To Believe in You by Emily Conrad
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Gilded Age Giveaway – January 30 – February 14 *US Residents Only
WIN Books 1 & 2 Paperback Copies of Crystal Caudill’s Gilded Age SERIES: Counterfeit Love and Counterfeit Hope AND Books 1 & 2 Paperback Copies of Pepper Basham’s Gilded Age Series: The Mistletoe Countess AND The Cairo Curse
ENTER HERE
Bookload of Hope Giveaway – January 15 – February 15 *US Residents Only
8 print books, 2 ebooks, 1 Winner
a Rafflecopter giveaway
We Love Our Readers Celebrate Lit Giveaway – February 12 – February 19
Grand Prize: $500 Amazon card
1st Prize: 45 Books* (Author’s choice of format)
ENTER HERE
International Readers ONLY Giveaway (NO US residents) – February 1 – February 28
Choice of a print copy of Counterfeit Love or Counterfeit Hope, mailed separately signed bookplate, and bookmarks
2 Winners
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New Year, New Books – Free Books for Everyone
Check out 20 Titles free for download. Pick out which ones you want, sign up for their newsletter, and then download the book to enjoy.
Good until March 31, 2023
Click Here to check out the titles.
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 3, 2023 | Counterfeit Hope
Counterfeit Hope is about two weeks from its release date and one thing I always like to do leading up to my release day is to take time to put the spotlight on the authors who endorsed my book. Not only did they sacrifice their time to read it, but they also wrote words that touched my heart and encouraged me. These are authors that I respect and look up to. Authors who know their craft, have been writing far longer than I have, and know what makes a good story. To be endorsed by them is an honor that I cannot express adequately.
For the next five weeks, I am going to continue to spotlight an endorser, share what they have to say about Counterfeit Hope, share more about them, the books they’ve written, and how you can connect with them, as well as give you a chance to win one of their books. At the end of each post, I hope you will leave the author an uplifting note so they may be encouraged just as they have encouraged me.
I am pleased to introduce to you . . .
Carrie Booth Schmidt
Author of Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers: Winning the Hearts of Agents, Publishers, Editors, and Readers
Carrie Schmidt is an avid reader, book reviewer, story addict, KissingBooks fan, book boyfriend collector, and cool aunt. She also loves Jesus and THE Story a whole lot. Carrie started the popular blog ReadingIsMySuperPower.org in 2015 and since then has had the honor of co-founding the Christian Fiction Readers’ Retreat and JustRead Publicity Tours. In addition to these endeavors, she is a regular contributor to Seekerville and has written for magazines such as RT Book Reviews and Christian Market. Carrie now lives in Georgia with her husband, though her roots range from East Tennessee to Central Kentucky and northern Illinois. You can connect with Carrie on ReadingIsMySuperPower.org.
Connect with Carrie: Website | Facebook | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads | Pinterest
What Carrie had to say about Counterfeit Hope:
“Crystal Caudill’s debut novel captivated me from word one, and her follow-up offering did exactly the same. Even if all it offered was a swoony romance and riveting historical suspense, that would be enough to keep readers glued to the pages. And yet . . . Full of emotional depth, complicated family dynamics, and tender redemption, Counterfeit Hope does more than entertain—it wraps the reader in grace. A fantastic sophomore novel from a fresh voice in the genre!”
Purchase Links for Counterfeit Hope: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Despository | Bookshop.org | Christianbook | Logos | Indiebound
Carrie’s Blog and Book
Carrie has been part of the book blogging world for almost a decade, and boy is she the go-to woman to go to when it comes to learning about new releases, “Top Ten” lists, and so much more. She’s SO knowledgeable about the reader world that she teamed up with three other experts in the publishing industry to publish a book to help writers learn what it takes to get past the publishing gatekeepers. You can find the information for that below.
Remember when Dorothy finally reached the Emerald City only to be halted by the Gatekeeper, blocking her hopes of seeing the Great and Powerful Wizard?
The path to publication is like that. Agents, and Editors, and Publishers, oh, my! Each one is a barrier between you and a publishing contract.
But what if you understood what agents, editors, publishers, and readers really want?
If you’re struggling to get past the publishing gatekeepers, this book will give you a behind-the-scenes peek at how to win the heart of each type of publishing professional. In fact, Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers won’t just give you a peek—it will give you a guided tour. In this book, four publishing professionals—an agent, a publisher, an editor, and an influencer—share what it takes to unlock each “gate” within the publishing industry.
Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers is a must-have resource for all aspiring authors, and it offers insights to help multi-published authors as well.
Purchase Links for Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million
Top Ten Tuesday Posts – Check out her various lists: series, top reads, etc
Review Archives – Check out all Carrie’s book reviews
Giveaway
I am giving away one e-book copy of Carrie’s Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers to someone who leaves an encouraging message for Carrie below between February 3rd and February 10th. The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST and is open to US and international residents legally able to enter (follow your country’s rules). If you would like to earn extra entries, use the Rafflecopter widget below. The only requirement to be entered is that you leave Carrie an encouraging note on this post. Thank you for participating.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please leave Carrie an encouraging message below.
by Crystal Caudill | Jan 31, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for a new season of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to be joining you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from members of our reading challenge participants. If you have a review you’d like to submit for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
January’s Theme: Spies
February’s Theme: Underground Railroad
The Prince of Spies
by Elizabeth Camden
Review by: Crystal Caudill
I am a HUGE fan of Elizabeth Camden’s books, and The Prince of Spies did not disappoint. This Romeo & Juliet style story has a much better outcome than its Shakespearean inspiration. The depth of spiritual growth experienced by the characters was surprising, refreshing, and personally needed. There is no such thing as a perfect family, and this book’s family dynamics are emotionally complex yet real. On the romance side of things, the storyline was exactly what it needed to be. I’m not an over-the-top romance reader, but the sweet moments in this book, the challenges they face as a couple, and the love they shared made for a perfect balance. This story ended up being the perfect wrap-up to the series, and I usually dislike Romeo and Juliet-type stories. I definitely recommend you run out and get a copy.
For Fans of: Gilded Age romances, historical details, Romeo & Juliet type stories
Genre: Historical Romance
Plot Overview:
Luke Delacroix has long had a reputation of being an impulsive adventurer, the wild son of one of Gilded Age Washington’s most prominent families. In reality, he has been secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission: to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.
Trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman’s only daughter. Luke is fascinated by the vibrant Marianne and her daring work as a government photographer, leading them into a forbidden romance. Now they must embark on a dangerous gamble to reconcile their growing feelings with Luke’s driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.
Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook.com
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each following month at midnight EST (January = February 7, etc), and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
Counterfeit Hope by Crystal Caudill
Launch Party Prizes (LAST CHANCE)
Launch Party Prizes
