A Gilded Lady

I love Elizabeth Camden's historical fiction, and her new book is no exception.  She presents historical figures with all their faults and foibles, as well as their perfections and predilections.   Her newest book is in the second in the Hope and Glory series. I think one more book will come out of the series. 

A Gilded Lady presents characters who are as close to American Royalty as any could be.  Caroline Delacroix works as the secretary of First Lady Ida McKinley, who is known for her irascible behavior, poor health, and her unfiltered mouth.  Caroline often has to run interference for Mrs. McKinley to keep what she says from being offensive.

During this time in history, a group of men have decided that the President needed a security detail, and Nathaniel Trask is given the task to set up the Secret Service, and put the protective detail in place.  He is also trying to get a counterfeit group

Nathaniel and Caroline butt heads frequently.  Nathaniel is a rule follower, down to the letter, and Caroline is such a rule breaker that Nathaniel feels compelled to keep a close eye on Caroline.  But that close eye required a high price in the cost of their hearts. 

Caroline has a secret that could cost her everything she holds dear.  Her brother is in a Cuban prison accused of treason against the United States.  Caroline even goes to the President to get him pardoned and released.  He refused to do so because of the political cost it could accrue. 

Elizabeth Camden does her research and writes her characters well.  Her settings and plot movements are spot on, and her history is accurate and only adds to the charm of her writing.  Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a filter for a first lady's mouth.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.