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Tuesday, February 14, 2023

My Thoughts -Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age #2 Counterfeit Hope written by Crystal Caudill

 




About the Book

Book: Counterfeit Hope 

Author: Crystal Caudill

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: February 14, 2023


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?

On the heels of her smashing debut, this second entry in Crystal Caudill's historical series maintains the excitement that readers of Michelle Griep, Liz Tolsma, and Elizabeth Camden will love.


About the Author









Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://crystalcaudill.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://bitly.com/CaudillNews

My Thoughts

Counterfeit Hope is book two in the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series that is written by Crystal Caudill. This book can be read as a stand alone. The author does a great job filling in back stories on characters that were introduced in book one. This book is set in 1884.

Lu Thorne is a widow. Her husband is part of a crime family that has taken over Landkreis, Indiana town. The Thorne family will stop at nothing to ensure that their family is in control. Especially Ma Thorne. Lu has had a rough life. She was previously a lady of the night and has suffered abuse at the hands of the Thorne family. Her son, Oscar is the only thing that is keeping her going. She dreams of a life where she can escape their grasps.

Andrew Darlington is a Secret Service agent. He is brought in to investigate an counterfeit coin/bill ring that they are 100% sure that the Throne family is behind. He also has had a past that he has to overcome, and he is worried that his identity will be compromised if he lets his guard down. Andrew is not a fan of Lu in the beginning. She pickpockets both Andrew and his partner, Josiah.

They are thrown together and find themselves having to work together, both think the other is the enemy. Lu desperately wants to break free and start fresh with her son, Oscar. Andrew wants to bring down the counterfeiters and come to terms with his past.

This book is a must read. I have read book one - and was happy to see pervious characters return. The characters are well written and well developed. The author has written a beautiful story of forgiveness, trusting God and Redemption. No matter how far you have fallen from God, HE will always welcome you back with open arms. The author has woven in a powerful message within the pages of her story.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

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