Giveaway, Crazy Dads, Lady of Bolton Hill

Don't forget, I'm giving away an advanced reader copy of There You'll Find Me over at Southern Belle View. Still time to get your name in the hat. (What hat? Whose hat? Where did that phrase even come from?)

If my mom doesn't get me that pony for my next birthday, I've found a family I'd like to adopt me. Have you heard about the dad in Utah whose high school age son began to ride the bus, and Dad, who “complete with a kickstand” waved him off every morning…in costume? You HAVE to see my new favorite blog, Wave At The Bus. Sheer genius.

Remember way back when we talked last about book covers we were crushing on? One of the faves was The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden. I got the chance to read it. Today I'll just tell you about it, but very soon we'll talk to the author, and I'll give away my copy.

First, I'll give you the skinny on the book, then I'll tell you what I thought about it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. 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 in central Florida.

A word from Elizabeth: I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Female journalists are rare in 1879, but American-born Clara Endicott has finally made a name for herself with her provocative articles championing London's poor. When the backlash from her work forces a return home to Baltimore, Clara finds herself face-to-face with a childhood sweetheart who is no longer the impoverished factory worker she once knew. In her absence, Daniel Tremain has become a powerful industry giant and Clara finds him as enigmatic as ever. However, Daniel's success is fueled by resentment from past wounds and Clara's deeply-held beliefs about God's grace force Daniel to confront his own motives. When Clara's very life is endangered by one of Daniel's adversaries, they must face a reckoning neither of them ever could have foreseen.

When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts, and lives, hang in the balance?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lady of Bolton Hill, go HERE.

*******

First of all, you know I adore that cover. We all do. It's beautiful and could hang with any book on the shelf at Barnes and Noble. Kudos to Bethany House for that. They consistently do great covers. Even the back of this book is pretty.

This was a good read with a feisty main character. Clare is a somebody in society and her good friend Daniel is not. They grow up together bound by their friendship and love of music. But they grow up, and life changes them. Passionate about pursuing journalism and writing about issues that matter, Clara moves away and gets herself in some trouble. (My type of girl.) When she finally returns to America, she is reunited with Daniel, who is definitely no longer the poor boy from the wrong side of town. They resume their friendship, and find that the adolescent spark has grown into something more. But secrets and old wounds get in the way. . .(Insert ominous music.)

I liked the plucky Clare and loved that she had such a cool career interest. Ladies back in the day did not just around writing for newspapers. And who can resist a boy who becomes a self-made man and “industrial titan?” This was en enjoyable debut by Elizabeth Camden.

So tell me. What was your favorite Wave at the Bus photo? Loved the toilet shot. And Dad as the bride…with that back cut out. Fab, fab, fab.