A Desperate Hope(Empire State #3)
By Elizabeth Camden
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers
Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she believes is finally behind her. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.
Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town--but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.
Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them.
My Thoughts
Elizabeth Camden novels are simply not to be missed. Camden is an exquisite writer whose stories are always rich in characterization and complexity of storyline, and A Desperate Hope continues that legacy. Inspired by actual historic events, the story opens in 1908 as plans to flood an upper state New York valley and create a reservoir are coming to fruition. Understandably, resentment and bitterness from the townspeople are a major factor, with the determined mayor of Duval Springs and the planning team’s accountant at odds with each other. But the story of Alex and Eloise began one summer twelve years earlier, first as friends, then blossoming into a romance that went too far.
Camden has a gift for making the town of Duval Springs and its residents come alive. This character-driven story also has elements of suspense, intrigue, and betrayal. Events from the past have shaped the flawed and relatable Alex and Eloise into stronger people, with an inner strength and drive, even as Alex’s last official act as mayor would be the dismantling of the town he loved. Eloise, a mathematics genius, had a craving to be needed and loved the structure and safeness that being an accountant offered … “Rules were like a trellis that supported a fast-growing vine, letting her thrive and find success in the world.”
It would have been fascinating to watch how this technological feat came to be, were we not seeing events unfold from the perspective of the very people who were losing their homes. Just a reminder that meeting the needs of one group of people always comes at the expense of another. Spiritual themes are subtle, maybe a little understated for some readers, but Christian values definitely shine through.
A Desperate Hope is a page turner, filled with hope and grace, no matter the circumstances. Recommended to all who enjoy quality historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book through Prism Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
Elizabeth Camden is the author of twelve historical novels and two historical novellas and has been honored with both the RITA Award and the Christy Award.
With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. She lives with her husband in Florida.
With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. She lives with her husband in Florida.
Bookstagram Tour
Check out the Bookstagram Tour:
February 17th (launch): @prismbooktours
February 18th: @heidireadsblog
February 19th: @suziewaltner
February 20th: @girlandherbooks
February 21st: @singinglibrarianbooks
February 22nd: @betherin02
February 23rd: @all.the.lovely.pages
February 24th: @christenkrumm
Tour Giveaway
- One Grand Prize winner will receive print copies of all three books in the Empire State series: A Dangerous Legacy, A Daring Venture, and A Desperate Hope
- Two additional winners will receive a print copy of A Desperate Hope
- US only
- Ends March 1, 2019
nice covers
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