This was suspenseful, a mystery, a trip back in time, and a delightfully sweet romance. The many story components made it compelling. You think you know what's going to happen, however Elizabeth Camden treats it like it's real life and makes things all complex. Well, with much more interesting real life complexity. 

The protagonists are charming with their witty repartee. It is fun to see Lucy and Colin falling for each other even when they're not supposed to do any such thing. 

All of this makes it sound like everything is sweetness and light, but that is not the case. There are family battles that would make you wish you were an orphan. Revelations concerning abominable situations of the time are truly frightening. Moral dilemmas are sprinkled throughout. 

Elizabeth Camden consistently writes an intriguing novel and this is no exception. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

One thing that has always impressed me is Camden's use of unusual professions, and when a character has a profession, it is important. It isn't just something she assigns to round them out as a character, it's integral to the plot, and it's integral to their person. Lucy as a telegrapher? Her skills are vital and stemming from a love of being connected with the world. Her brother Nick as a plumber, working in the city's underground? There's way more a plumber can do than you'd expect. Colin as a penniless aristocrat with a love of news and homing pigeons? It's what gives them an edge.

I love Camden's ability to surprise me. Several things that I'd expected, based on what would be worst-case scenario in my mind, didn't happen--instead, they led to a twist that I loved, where Lucy and Colin and Nick have an opportunity to be smart, not just brave. I wish I could tell you the brilliant things that happen, but it would spoil the plot. Suffice to say, I loved it all the twists this suspense has taken. And extra points for mature, intelligent heroes who apply to the law for help and use their heads!

While I have always enjoyed Elizabeth Camden's books, this one ranks up there with my favorites--The Rose of Winslow Street and Against the Tide (to which I would liken this one to in terms of the feel of the suspense and intelligence-gathering). The faith element might be minor, but it doesn't mean Colin and Lucy are without considerable growth. It's a great story, and I'm excited to see Nick will have his story continued in A Daring Venture (summer 2018).

Thank you Bethany house and NetGalley for a free e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Elizabeth Camden layers her books into such intricate plots and dynamic characters that you can’t help but get drawn into. Her stories contain such depth and research that you can nearly walk down the streets of a book’s setting and visualize it all – the merchants, the architecture, the carriages and early automobiles, the characters passing you by on the sidewalk…. The glimpse into the history of telegraphy and the AP versus Reuters competition is fascinating, too.

If you enjoy books full of romance and mystery and history, you’ll like this one. Go check it out, y’all.

I don't usually read much fiction set in America, so I have not read anything written by Elizabeth Camden before. I chose this story mostly because it had a British hero.

Her writing style is lovely, the historical details were well-used, and the characters ones that the reader could care about(even if their actions seem a little inconsistent at times). Its only for personal reasons that I don't give it a higher rating: I'm sure New York is a great city, but I have never been there, and I don't really identify with the setting. Also, I did not really care for the ending: or rather, I did not like the way that it was brought about.

I requested a copy of this title from NetGalley and listened to the Audible version of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Elizabeth Camden does it again. Her ability to write real characters with real emotions pulls you into a different world. Even if you don't agree or like to characters, you can't fault that they are very well portrayed. 

I will say that I think the description of the book is a tad misleading. While technically everything is true, Colin doesn't really threaten her job, as he works for a different company (although the companies are rivals, they share a surprisingly good relationship..at least that is what I read in the back of the book history stuff). He also discovers her secret first when she sort of bribes him (after getting mad at him for trying to bribe her...so that was interesting) and they freely tell each other their secrets. And she doesn't really have anything to find regarding her families stolen inheritance. He does do some reporting work and investigative journalism to find information for her, so I'm assuming that's what that is referring too, but really, back of the book synopis, not great for this one.

Both Lucy and Colin are great, and while I didn't love their relationship while he was planning something else, I loved that she told him no (in essence) when circumstances changed. I actually really liked that he was kind of a jerk at that time. It all seemed very realistic to me.

Great time frame, amazing characters, and an interesting story line. All winners in my book. I will definitely keep reading more from this author!

Going into this book I was not sure what to expect. This is the first Elizabeth Camden novel that I have had the pleasure of reading and it will not be my last. The authors ability to infuse a story surrounding intrigue, danger, and New York, with an accurate and exciting historical narrative caught me from the very beginning.

Camden is excellent in her dialogue, characterization, and her story telling is unparalleled when it comes to discussing the nuances of life in the early twentieth century. A strong, resourceful heroine, Lucy, who does not mind working and fights for the rights of the poor, an excellent brother/sister connection which only pulls me farther into the story, and an interesting look at a time where modern technology was only just being introduced, and the problems that come from that. Sometimes historical fiction can be burdensome with small details and references that I am not educated about, but A Dangerous Legacy gave just enough information about telegraphers and the inner working of twentieth century plumbing to keep me interested. Not to mention the inevitable romance, that does not feel forced, or rushed in any way between Lucy Drake and Sir Colin Beckwith.

Lucy and her brother Nick Drake, as part of the ‘family business’ after their father passes away, are drawn into a forty year old legal battle, at the hands of their rich uncle, Thomas Drake; the case, fought by two warring brothers, tells the tale of an invention of a water valve that can provide running water inside houses. The Drake siblings, not nearly as well off as their uncle who lives as Lord in a manor in a nearby town, scrape by in their small Greenwich Village apartment. The legal battle does not just test them physically, but the Drake siblings fight to honor their fathers memory and his vision. Since Nick is a plumber by occupation, he aims to use this valve to bring running water to the tenements at a fraction of the city cost.

In tandem with this overarching plot, we see Lucy’s experience with Reuters Agency, her job as a telegraph operator, and her ongoing relationship with Colin Beckwith. Here Camden shines as well with her ability to write historical fiction; she interestingly explains the history of Morse Code, Lucy’s job as a telegraph operator, and even discusses homing pigeons. The world Camden spins around Lucy and Colin is so exciting and important to the overall story. Lucy’s job, and her relationship with Colin, gives her the experience needed to help the Drake siblings fight the battle and help restore their fathers vision. With a few twist and turns thrown in there for good measure!

Camden excels at being nuanced and complex. Her character and world building, interspersed with accurate historical fiction and subtle religious themes help make this book a 4.5 stars for me. Add in the mystery and suspense, as well as a lovely romance plot and this book has everything going for it. While not what I usually read, I was surprised to find that I loved it so much. Will once again be picking up any Elizabeth Camden books in the future.

It's been a while since I last picked up one of Elizabeth Camden's novels, since I've been trying to whittle down my to be read stack of books. Finishing this one has made me want to go back and pick up the last couple that I have missed! 
At first glance, this story reminds me a bit of <i>Bleak House</i>, since Lucy and her brother have spent their lives embroiled in a family lawsuit. This story has so much more going on to make it it's very own though. I love the historical details and the glimpse of how life was in certain areas in the early 1900's. I also found it interesting to catch a glimpse of some of the reasons behind American heiresses marrying titled English. This book is a delightful read whether you are into history or not, since it is fast pace and has mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend picking up this one!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

I really loved this new release from Elizabeth Camden. The story is well told, and the characters have great chemistry.  There is lots of intrigue and excitement. The history and faith elements are woven into the story beautifully. I love to learn about lesser know historical facts when I'm reading, and this book had a lot of interesting information about the Panama Canal and AP News. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.

I received this book for free for review.

I am a big fan of Elizabeth Camden’s novels.

She has a unique ability to find lesser-known historical events or situations, and build a novel around them. A Dangerous Legacy includes the politcal background to the buiding of the first Panama Canal, PTSD, and the invention of the plumbing valve which enables us to have water pressure in multi-storey buildings. It also includes the slightly more familiar telegraph operators, and the necessity for British peers to marry American heiresses to shore up their crumbling estates.

Lucy Drake is a telegraph operator for upstart American news agency Associated Press. Sir Colin Beckwith is the manager of Reuters, AP’s rival. He’s one of those impoverished British gentlemen looking for a heiress, and Lucy is not a heiress. Her side of the Drake family lost control of their revolutionary water valve, and their legal battle is ongoing.

But Lucy and Colin keep getting thrown together, and they become allies of sorts after each finds out an awkward secret about the other. But neither of them realise how dangerous finding the truth will be, to their lives, their sanity, and their hearts.

Colin was a great hero.
He’s willing to do the right thing even at a personal cost to himself. He’s British through and through, almost the perfect gentleman. And Lucy was my favorite type of heroine—intelligent, independent, and hard-working. They made a great couple. I loved their conversations and banter, and wanted them to be together. It was r good to see their romance build bit by bit as they got to know each other.

A Dangerous Legacy had a lot more suspense than I was expecting, but I’m a romantic suspense fan so that worked for me! It certainly made the novel hard to put down.

Recommended for fans of Deeanne Gist, especially her later books which are solid historical romance but without an overt Christian element. A Dangerous Legacy had a few time-appropriate nods to Christianity, but the faith aspect wasn’t even a minor plot point.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

I really enjoyed this book! Lucy is such an interesting woman. She’s been caught up in a lawsuit with her uncle for years. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to win so her father’s invention can help people who really need it. She’s a strong woman. She’s not squeaky clean like a lot of heroines; she bends legalities to get what she wants. And when she confronts Colin, the sparks fly between them.

Colin and Lucy are like two magnets…sometimes attracted and sometimes repulsed but inevitably drawn together again. They have a playful British vs. American banter. Colin states, “What really steams me is that I bought a very fine box of Cadbury chocolate for you, but I left it behind. Now your wretched family will feast on it, and you will still not appreciate the difference between British and American chocolate” (location 2792).   I appreciated that Colin and Lucy knew they could trust each other no matter what else hindered their relationship.

The characterization is amazing. The villains are multi-faceted and truly despicable. The change in Lucy is incredible. She learns from an incredibly difficult situation and is ready to change things in her life.

I would highly recommend this book. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Enjoyed this story of intrigue and romance by a wonderful author. Lucy and Colin had so many twists and turns in their relationship and it was great getting to go though them with them.  Can’t wait to read another story about this family.

Memorable characters and another great setting - this will go on the re-read list.

Another prime example of Elizabeth Camden’s amazing ability to draw readers into her excellent books, from the first word in the book to the last one, is A Dangerous Legacy. Plus it leaves readers giddy with the exciting news that another book is coming out! Well done, Elizabeth Camden.

I could leave this review just like that but, don’t worry, I am going to keep talking about this book. If I had been allowed to, I would have read this book in one sitting but I did it in two. I was just glad it was the weekend so I was able to. Lucy was a great main character and so was Colin (Just read his description on the back cover and you will understand why). Camden’s book (all of her books) is descriptive, has historical content, and is very well written.

So they say “don’t judge a book by its cover” but honestly, don’t you look at the front covers of books? Well I did that with this novel, and when Elizabeth Camden posted the cover, I knew I was going to read this book.

This book is very good and I highly recommend A Dangerous Legacy.

Sometimes you read a book that you finish and you go, "Good book." Other times you don't enjoy the book as much and move on easily. 

This was neither of those. This was a book that I finished and thought, "Wow. I wish I had not just read that book as I would like to read it again!" 
Elizabeth Camden is an exceptional author, but I love her unique characters. They have quirks, fun personalities, and flaws, yet you can love getting to know them while learning amazing historical facts without even realizing it. 

Carrier pigeons, Morse code, newsrooms, spies, and narcissistic/abusive family members are only a few of the topics covered in this fast paced story. It is one you will not want to put down. 

Elizabeth Camden is one of the authors that is an automatic buy for me. I see she has a new book out and I don't even stop to think if I will enjoy it. 

I can't wait to see what the future holds for her writing and books! I never think I can have one that tops my favorites by her, and then another one comes along. 

I obtained this book through NetGalley and Bethany House publishers. The opinions contained herein are my own. 

You can purchase your own copy, (and I encourage you to do so) at local booksellers and online. "A Dangerous Legacy"

Elizabeth Camden has written another amazing historical romance novel. Although historical fiction is not generally a genre I read as the history part often overshadows the actual plot line and I feel like I'm in a quagmire just trying to wade through, Camden brings to life the city and era of something as seemingly mundane as the transatlantic cable and the battle between the Associated Press and Reuters. Definitely a topic I never would have chosen to read about, much less write a romance novel around, but she does it with skill and grace!

Lucy and her brother Nick have spent their lives under the weight of a 40-year-old legal battle started by their grandfather and his brother over the rights to a plumbing valve invention. She works for the AP as one of few female telegraphers and he works beneath the city in the tunnels as a plumber. Now that their father has passed away, they've inherited the responsibility of continuing the battle with their uncle and his family. They are weary from the fight and frustrated because just as they each manage to find someone special enough to consider marrying, their uncle does something underhanded to chase their love interest away. Then Lucy meets an aristocrat from England, who works for the competing Reuters Agency and although it's against her better judgement starts to feel affection for him, knowing full well that he's only on the prowl for a wealthy heiress, which she certainly is not. An unlikely pair, they team up to try and defeat her uncle and a sinister plot to against the President of the United States, but not without great risk to themselves and others.

I really love the way Camden intertwines historical facts with a quirky and fun romance that's just out of reach, while adding a lot of drama and suspense with dangerous situations and intrigue. However, I'd be lying if I didn't mention the fact that the last section of the book was a bit odd to me. The big conflict was over but I still had 20% left to read. I wasn't quite sure what could possibly happen in the resolution to last that long. And it ended up being pretty good, but a bit of a letdown and a bit drawn out than I think it needed to be. Overall, I'd read it again, and am looking forward to the second book in the series following her brother Nick.

Lucy Drake and her brother, Nick, had spent their entire adult lives fighting a legal battle begun forty years ago, a legal battle that pitted family against family. Yet the injustice reached far beyond family, into the heart of New York City along with other cities whose skylines were growing taller. Lucy and Nick’s winning this battle would improve the quality of life for so many poor people living in tenements across the globe. Sir Colin Beckwith had problems of his own, being heir to a dilapidated castle on a failing estate with a sister and 90 tenants depending on him weighed heavily on Colin’s shoulders. His position in the Reuters Manhattan office couldn’t cover the estate’s upkeep, so the only solution appeared to be to marry one of the many heiresses longing to add a title to their name. Once Colin met Lucy, that solution seemed less and less palatable. Both Lucy and Colin were prisoners to their own sense of responsibility, and both longed for a freedom that seemed elusive. 
     While this story did not initially capture my interest, I was rewarded for sticking with it, because several chapters into the book I was completely hooked. I would recommend to other readers to allow the author time to lay some framework, and then get ready to be engrossed in the story. While reading one may be motivated to look at one’s own responsibilities that may be self-imposed, and may be interfering with the reception or awareness of the best God has to offer. 
     I thank NetGalley and Baker Publishing for providing me with a copy of A Dangerous Legacy in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation. I do recommend this book to those who like to root for the underdog, and for lovers of historical fiction.

I've read all of Elizabeth Camden's books and I've loved some, and others I didn't connect with as well. A Dangerous Legacy fell into the "love" category! A typical Camden book often has an event in history as the backdrop, and many times the setting becomes central to the book with the characters falling in behind it. In this novel, the setting added to the characters instead of taking over. I really liked that. I also liked that the characters in this story were involved with the telegraph machine at rival newspaper offices, which was interesting and helped to create some of the tension. There was also another side plot, which contributed to the intrigue and suspense in the story.

Romantic tension also plays a part in Lucy and Colin's story, and I really loved the way that the characters didn't fight their attraction to one another. However, circumstances didn't allow them to pursue one another the way they would've liked. The honesty that they had with one another, even if it showed their personal weaknesses, was refreshing. 

The way the plot was woven together, with a lot of layers that were revealed a piece at a time, kept me turning pages and built up the suspense. I loved the way that a dangerous situation that Lucy was involved in helped her to have a moment of self-discovery and affected the outcome of the story. Her journey also affected the way Colin saw the direction his life was going.

I would definitely recommend this to fans of historical Christian fiction. An excellent story!

Why you should read it: Injecting a titled Englishman into the life of a working-class American woman’s life, award-winning author Elizabeth Camden transports readers to early-20th-century New York in this tale of romance, intrigue and generations-old family obligations.

The author cleverly implements the characters’ knowledge of Morse code as not only a tool by which to foil a dangerous plot but as a mode of flirtation. Using the dual points of view of Lucy and Colin, Camden paints the scenery with dimension and vibrancy while crafting characters who are able to assert their independence … even as they fall in love.

Though listed as an inspirational romance, this novel is highly recommended for fans of that subgenre as well for those who enjoy general market historical romance and light mysteries. A Dangerous Legacy deserves a place on your TBR!

Loved the story and the characters. Camden does a wonderful job with historical details that really add so many dimensions to her stories. This one won't disappoint! 

I particularly enjoyed the inside look at news of the day in 1903, and the peek inside a sanitarium with the horrendous practices. (It isn't graphic, just horrifying).

Character development is really good, but one thing that was a bit reader shocking is the abrupt turn around at the end of the story. I get it, but it's still very abrupt.

Each character has a flaw that is even pertinent to today as well. Woven into the story these flaws take the characters out of the 2-D realm of paper and ink (or eReader) into full, lively color complete with smells and textures that you don't find in most stories these days. 

It's a keeper, and a great, satisfying read.

Tweeted and Facebooked

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for giving me this copy to review.