So, if the cover and the beautiful hair adornments on the front of this book were not enough to get you to pick it up, you have to pick it up for the history. I never knew plumbing, and the chemistry of the purification of water could be so interesting. I mean, forget history books, put a few more of these on the shelves and  history is fascinating. 

Was there a storyline besides that? Oh, of course. What is  a book without a storyline? Well, a textbook, but this was no textbook. I found myself wanting to pull out and study them though. I cannot wait for the next book in this series when I was done, but this story throughly wraps up the details in the end. It is not one that you are upset that you have a year to wait, but you are wanting more of the story and the characters. 

I am not sure that I have seen a narcissistic character so well portrayed as in this book. She had nice moments, but in the end, she seeks to make her own way by hurting others to make herself better. Secondary character, one you will recognize from the first book, but a memorable one. 

Life lessons learned from this book? 
-Thankfulness that so far, chlorine has not been proven deadly when used in small amounts to purify water. 
Deceit never pays off. Not in books, nor in real life. If you think you are stuck in a jam and can't tell anyone, likely that is when you should tell someone. 
Don't try to understand a narcissistic person. They will end up just hurting you more in the end, no matter your good intentions. 
Cholera was awful. I am so thankful we don't have that anymore. 
I highly recommend this series. It is the second book in the series, but they could be read as a stand alone, I would recommend you read the first book before this one, as I feel you will enjoy it more and know the characters better. 
This series would be excellent to make a whole high school unit study from as well. 

This book was just recently released, but is available at your local booksellers (hopefully) and Amazon. 

"A Daring Venture"

I obtained this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The opinions contained herein are my own.

Who would have ever thought a lawsuit, The Aldermen of Jersey City vs. the Jersey City Water Supply Company, from the early 1900s would make such an interesting backdrop for an historical romance novel? Once again Elizabeth Camden has developed an original plot embedded in a story with historical accuracy and importance. Today we are accustomed to advances in all areas related to public health, and even young children understand the idea of germs and bacteria too small for the naked eye to see. For the most part we do not question what is in our water (although there are times we probably should). In the early 1900s city water in the United States was filtered, but chemical purification was quite controversial. Deaths from cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases were still an issue, but so was adding chemicals to kill the bacteria that caused those deaths. Camden places the heroine of this story on a team with other scientists working to insure water purification through chlorination while placing her romantic interest in the opposition. As if that did not create enough tension to keep the story moving, she added a character bent on vengeance and just a tad of scandal. The result is a compelling read that will grasp the reader's attention from start to finish.
I thank NetGalley and Bethany House for providing me with a copy of A Daring Venture in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation and was under no obligation to write a positive review.

Fabulous historical tales can be hard to come by which is why I treasure the work of Elizabeth Camden. Able to combine real history with sweet romance, she is a master of her craft. Her latest novel, A Daring Venture, continues the story of the history of clean water in New York begun in A Dangerous Legacy. You don’t have to read that book to enjoy this one, although it does provide a good deal of background information you might find helpful.

Dr. Rosalind Werner knows from firsthand experience the importance of clean water. Her mother and father both died due to cholera contamination in their drinking supply, and she studied biochemistry so she could fight the battle against waterborne diseases on the front lines. That’s why she believes so ardently in chemical treatment plants. Far less expensive than filtration and far more effective against the minute organisms that carry deadly diseases, chlorine could mean the difference between life and death for thousands. The science behind the process is new though, and while it is very sound, many are afraid of the possible long-term effects of imbibing chemicals.

One person ready and able to make sure his fears are heard is Nicholas Drake, who has been on the front lines of the water battle since he was a lowly plumber working in the sewers of New York. He fought long and hard to become the Commissioner of Water and he is not about to get behind some newfangled idea like adding poison to the stuff people drink every day. When he meets Rosalind, he knows there is no chance that she will change his mind on the chlorine issue. There is however every chance she’ll capture his heart. The quirky, compassionate young woman with the pretty face and quick, clever mind is exactly what he needs in his life. The question is, will she accept his offer of courtship once she realizes they will never see eye to eye on the best way to ensure clean water for the denizens of their city?

From the start, this couple has great chemistry. Nick doesn’t know who Rosalind is when she first approaches him to discuss her research, but he immediately invites her to sit with him and informs her that her glasses make her look like “an A-class fetcher.” While they don’t agree on the chlorine issue, they manage to disagree so agreeably that they decide to spend more time talking about it. When they meet again as Nick is finishing the very unromantic task of installing toilets at an orphanage, the sparks between them light up once more:

His eyes met hers, and every ounce of his own longing and excitement was mirrored in her face. She felt it too. This wild, unwieldly attraction that lit them both up like fireworks. She was looking at him like she was dying of thirst and he was a glass of water. Even the children huddling on the stairs noticed and started giggling.

This is an inspirational so the two never move beyond passionate kisses, but given that recent surveys show only 11% of Christian singles wait for sex till marriage, mentioning desire in a romance makes a lot more sense than pretending it doesn’t exist.

I didn’t just love Nick and Rosalind as a couple: I liked both of them as individuals, too. Nick is one of the most self-aware and balanced heroes I’ve encountered. He doesn’t have a high level of education, he isn’t polished or refined but he doesn’t allow that to dictate what he does and where he goes in life. He uses his wealth to open doors, but he also uses personal charm and hard work to achieve his ends. He’s an astute judge of character, wary of people who simply want to be around him for his money but also open-hearted enough to give people a chance before assuming bad motives on their part. While he over compensates for his daughter – getting her a French nanny and making sure she dresses well, speaks well – and is anxious about her education, he maintains who he is and doesn’t bow to any pressure to conform to society. He watched his wife wilt under the mockery of her ‘betters’ but he himself doesn’t feel like less. Different, yes, but less, no.

Rosalind is a good match for him specifically because she threw some of society’s standards away. She refuses to simply be a socialite and works hard at her chosen field, in spite of being one of a very few women in it. There has been a personal toll to her work since people often make the assumption that the only reason to hire a woman would be to have an affair with her. Rosalind does her best to compensate for that by dressing simply and making no effort to attract sexual attention, but she doesn’t back down from what she does. And that’s in spite of a lot of pressure – familial, societal and professional – to do so. Her work is important, both to her personally and possibly to millions in general. She refuses to let others’ gossip push her from her job.

That’s one of the things that convinced me of this couple’s HEA. If the people at the opera or at the theater gossiped about Nick’s lack of social graces, it wouldn’t bother Rosalind. She might launch a social crusade over it, but she would have the opposite reaction of Nick’s first wife. She blooms under pressure, not wilted.

The historical aspect of the novel – from the language, to the technology, to the setting – is fabulous. Nick and Rosalind might be unconventional, but they fit perfectly into their time period; nothing about their behavior is anachronistic. Atypical, yes, but they still understand and respect the morals and mores of their society. They do a great job of walking that fine line that separates their own wants and desires from societies expectations.

The course of true love never did run smooth, especially in a romance novel, and in this story several different issues conspire in the attempt to rob Rosalind and Nick of their HEA. At one point in the tale, Rosalind has to lie to Nick in order to keep someone else’s secret. The discovery of that causes a large kerfuffle. Nick has baggage from a bad family relationship and the splash back from that results in some big trouble for Rosalind. But the pacing in the story is good enough that the drama doesn’t overwhelm the plot.

Ms. Camden typically sticks to light references of God and benign theology in her novels and that is an absolutely wonderful way to weave faith into a story without losing the focus on the romance. The story’s inspirational factor is simple, sincere and fits with the time. It doesn’t overwhelm the reader or become preachy.

A Daring Venture is a charming story of love finding a way through disparate personalities and dreams. It’s also a great historical reminder that much of what we take for granted now – clean water, safe birthing procedures, the right to hold a job of our choice – is due to the brave women who came before us and fought hard for those rights. I would recommend this tale to anyone who loves historicals that interweave their romances with real history.

One of my most anticipated releases every year is the new Elizabeth Camden novel. Last year's A Dangerous Legacy was one of my favorite historical reads and I got so excited when I saw that there was going to be a sequel featuring Lucy's brother Nick as the main character.

A Daring Venture was so great. It was fascinating and so interesting learning about water purification in the early 1900's. I love how Camden can take obscure and oft forgotten subjects in history and create such intriguing and beautiful stories. I feel like I learn so much by reading them.

Nick and Rosalind both want the same thing – clean drinking water. But they're on opposite sides of the argument about what the best solution would be. I didn't know how things were going to work out between the two of them. They're so different and they see things in such contrasting ways. It was great watching them try to overcome their obstacles.

There were a couple of times that I got really frustrated with Rosalind and Nick. Both characters did some things that didn't sit quite right with me, one of them a bit more than the other. I won't go into too much detail because it'd be a spoiler, but the methods with which something was initiated and then was later applauded, bugged me. I completely understood the character's reasoning, but it still didn't feel okay to me.

Despite my one issue, A Daring Venture was a fantastic read that I devoured as quickly as I could. I was completely engaged in it and had a hard time putting it down. It's another winner for Camden and I can't wait for her next release.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

After her parents died of cholera, Rosalind Werner dedicated her life to eradicating the disease through water purification. Now, as a scientist, she and her research supervisor, Dr. Leal, have 90 days to convince a judge that chlorine, not more filtration systems, is the answer. Nicholas Drake, Commissioner of Water for New York is on the opposing side--he wants clean water as much as Rosalind does, but he doesn't want chlorine in his water until it has been thoroughly tested.
When Rosalind meets with Nick to try to sway him, the attraction is instantaneous, and they hope that their professional work won't get in the way of a personal relationship. But when Rosalind discovers her supervisor has decided to start chlorinating water without getting approval, she must choose between doing what she knows will save thousands of lives and being upfront with the man she's fallen hard for.

Loved it, loved it, loved it. Nick is awesome--because he's so real. He is passionate about his beliefs--including protecting his family and others--but he also has a temper and he gets out of line and he has to apologize, and I love him for it because he's such a realistic character. Rosalind is so smart and determined and yet wary of the limelight--but I loved seeing her put Nick in his place a time or two when he needed it. Who knew water and diseases would make for such an interesting story line? It was awesome. Highly recommend this one--and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

5 stars! One of my picks for best of 2018!

I read an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden is the second book in the Empire State series, but it can be read as a stand alone novel. It is the story of Dr. Rosalind Werner and Dr. John Leal (Historical character) and their efforts to add chlorination to the water supply and eradicate waterborne diseases like cholera. Commissioner of Water for New York, Nick Drake, and pending litigation stands in their way. As a romance develops between Rosalind and Nick, their relationship is put to the test when Rosalind chooses to secretly chlorinate the water in hopes of getting the data to prove the value of chlorination. In the midst of their struggle, an adversary from Nick's past seeks revenge and hurts Nick by taking action against Rosalind. The book begins rather slow, but Camden slowly builds the tension and throws in twists and turns that will leave the reader thoroughly satisfied by the end of the novel. For fans of historical fiction, Camden's best asset is her ability to take obscure and often forgotten historical figures and intricately weave them into her novels. After reading this book, it leaves me asking when is the third book coming out?

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel I couldn’t put down. I was fascinated by its rich historic detail, that added to the story and didn’t bog me down. I enjoyed the depth of character, the mystery and romantic tension between Nick and Rosalind. It made for a fun clean intriguing read. They were both underdogs as they fought in other area too. Rosalind says, “Mr. Drake, it occurs to me that we are both outsiders. Me because I am a woman in a man’s field, while you vaulted from the working classes into the highest echelons of society. We both have a constant weakness to overcome.”
Here’s Nick’s opinion about their situation, ...”but I don’t see it as a weakness. Everyone wants clean water, right? But getting it to them is a tricky business that mixes politics, money and power. Everyone knows I’m filthy rich, so no one accuses me of doing this for the money. That gets me a lot of influence, and people listen to what I have to say, I just want to do what’s right.” Hence the rub on both sides.
The story is set in the early 1900. There is an instant attraction between newly appointed Commissioner of Water for N.Y. Nick Drake and biochemist Dr. Rosalind Werner who has dedicated her life to the crusade to fight waterborne diseases; the kind that killed her family. Dr. Rosalind Werner is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that would change the way water is delivered to every household in the city. The novel drops readers in the middle of a court case in Jersey City. Nick isn’t a scientist, but he can’t see how putting chlorine (poison) in the water will help anything. The battle raged about how to get rid of waterborne diseases. One side wanted to use filtration and the other chlorine.
I liked how the author revealed to readers what the stakes are and why these two Dr.’s are passionate about their cause. Both sides agree they don’t want to see any more people die.
Just when the reader settings into enormous courtroom drama there is a huge shift in the story. Surprise on all fronts. I loved the surprise. It then became a page turner where anything was possible.
This is the second book in the Empire State series I didn’t feel lost because each book deals with a different subject matter. This story and the Aldermen case of Jersey City vs. the Jersey City Water Supply Company will stay with you long after you close this book. The author includes ten discussion questions that will help guide you through the lively discussion you will have with your book club.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
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Rosalind Werner has been curious about micro-organisms killed her family when she was just a child, leaving only her and her brother to make it through life together. They first go to their grandparents' home, but end up in Germany when their grandparents also died.

Rosalind was determined to find a way to obliterate water borne micro-organisms and save other families from what she had gone through. After she got a doctorate in micro-biology from Heidelberg University in Germany, she came back to the states and started working with Dr. Leal on treating water with chlorine. On the other side of this is Nick Drake who believed that filtration is enough. There was an instant attraction between them and the more they were together, the more it grew.

Elizabeth Camden used a common trope in writing this book--the romance formula: Boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back and marries her. In her use of this formula she characterizes Nick as a quick-tempered man who flies off the handle with little provocation. While this may have been a norm during the early 1900s, this has become an unacceptable norm for life within families--spousal abuse is frowned upon in current society.

Other than getting through the temper tantrums and the loads of unforgiveness demonstrated by the characters this book could be really good. Rosalind's research and her findings are pretty interesting.

Four Stars

Bethany House provided the galley for me to read through NetGalley.com to get an honest, opinionated review. These are MY thoughts alone.

Elizabeth Camden’s newest release, A Daring Venture, hits it out of the ballpark with humor, romance, intrigue, and inspiration.

Dr. Rosalind Werner, biochemist and crusader for clean water, has her work cut out for her. Despite the modern conveniences of life in 1908, men’s views of educated women haven’t caught up to the modern realities.

Scandal chased her and her brother Gus and his wife from Heidelberg, Germany to the country of their birth. But Rosalind wonders if she’ll ever leave the accusations and innuendo behind. All she really wants is to find a way to kill cholera before it kills more people. Working with Dr. Leal and researching the effects of chlorine on waterborne diseases has brought her untold hours of joy. When the court case they’re involved in receives a 90-day deferment, Rosalind has to meet with Nick Drake—lead consultant for the opposition.

Nick Drake, former New York City plumber and current millionaire, has never forgotten his humble roots. He has a knack for getting along with all sorts of people. He hopes that he’ll win the appointment of the coveted position of Commissioner of the State Water Board of New York. In that position, he’ll have the opportunity to ensure that millions of people receive safe, clean water pumped right to their homes.

Nick thinks that consulting with nearby Jersey City and their lawsuit against a water company that had failed to deliver on its promise of clean water will help him win the appointment. When the judge gives the water company a 90-day deferment, Nick believes his side has all but won the lawsuit.

When Nick and Rosalind meet at a diner, sparks fly. Rosalind represents everything Nick is looking for in a woman. Rosalind can’t believe she might have found the perfect man. But will secrets—both past and present—keep this perfect couple apart?

Camden has a knack for making the most obscure topics come alive—things like cholera and sewer systems. Her characters sparkle and spark from the main characters to the supporting cast—even the villains have motive and depth. For Elizabeth Camden fans, this book serves as a companion to A Dangerous Legacy.

Fabulous historical tales can be hard to come by which is why I treasure the work of Elizabeth Camden. Able to combine real history with sweet romance, she is a master of her craft. Her latest novel, A Daring Venture, continues the story of the history of clean water in New York begun in A Dangerous Legacy. You don’t have to read that book to enjoy this one, although it does provide a good deal of background information you might find helpful.

Dr. Rosalind Werner knows from firsthand experience the importance of clean water. Her mother and father both died due to cholera contamination in their drinking supply, and she studied biochemistry so she could fight the battle against waterborne diseases on the front lines. That’s why she believes so ardently in chemical treatment plants.  Far less expensive than filtration and far more effective against the minute organisms that carry deadly diseases, chlorine could mean the difference between life and death for thousands. The science behind the process is new though, and while it is very sound, many are afraid of the possible long-term effects of imbibing chemicals.

One person ready and able to make sure his fears are heard is Nicholas Drake, who has been on the front lines of the water battle since he was a lowly plumber working in the sewers of New York. He fought long and hard to become the Commissioner of Water and he is not about to get behind some newfangled idea like adding poison to the stuff people drink every day. When he meets Rosalind, he knows there is no chance that she will change his mind on the chlorine issue. There is however every chance she’ll capture his heart. The quirky, compassionate young woman with the pretty face and quick, clever mind is exactly what he needs in his life. The question is, will she accept his offer of courtship once she realizes they will never see eye to eye on the best way to ensure clean water for the denizens of their city?

From the start, this couple has great chemistry. Nick doesn’t know who Rosalind is when she first approaches him to discuss her research, but he immediately invites her to sit with him and informs her that her glasses make her look like “an A-class fetcher.” While they don’t agree on the chlorine issue, they manage to disagree so agreeably that they decide to spend more time talking about it. When they meet again as Nick is finishing the very unromantic task of installing toilets at an orphanage, the sparks between them light up once more:

His eyes met hers, and every ounce of his own longing and excitement was mirrored in her face. She felt it too. This wild, unwieldly attraction that lit them both up like fireworks. She was looking at him like she was dying of thirst and he was a glass of water. Even the children huddling on the stairs noticed and started giggling.

This is an inspirational so the two never move beyond passionate kisses, but given that recent surveys show only 11% of Christian singles wait for sex till marriage, mentioning desire in a romance makes a lot more sense than pretending it doesn’t exist.

I didn’t just love Nick and Rosalind as a couple: I liked both of them as individuals, too. Nick is one of the most self-aware and balanced heroes I’ve encountered. He doesn’t have a high level of education, he isn’t polished or refined but he doesn’t allow that to dictate what he does and where he goes in life.  He uses his wealth to open doors, but he also uses personal charm and hard work to achieve his ends. He’s an astute judge of character, wary of people who simply want to be around him for his money but also open-hearted enough to give people a chance before assuming bad motives on their part. While he over compensates for his daughter – getting her a French nanny and making sure she dresses well, speaks well - and is anxious about her education, he maintains who he is and doesn’t bow to any pressure to conform to society. He watched his wife wilt under the mockery of her ‘betters’ but he himself doesn’t feel like less. Different, yes, but less, no.

Rosalind is a good match for him specifically because she threw some of society’s standards away. She refuses to simply be a socialite and works hard at her chosen field, in spite of being one of a very few women in it. There has been a personal toll to her work since people often make the assumption that the only reason to hire a woman would be to have an affair with her. Rosalind does her best to compensate for that by dressing simply and making no effort to attract sexual attention, but she doesn’t back down from what she does. And that’s in spite of a lot of pressure – familial, societal and professional – to do so. Her work is important, both to her personally and possibly to millions in general. She refuses to let others’ gossip push her from her job.

That’s one of the things that convinced me of this couple’s HEA. If the people at the opera or at the theater gossiped about Nick’s lack of social graces, it wouldn’t bother Rosalind. She might launch a social crusade over it, but she would have the opposite reaction of Nick’s first wife. She blooms under pressure, not wilted.

The historical aspect of the novel – from the language, to the technology, to the setting – is fabulous. Nick and Rosalind might be unconventional, but they fit perfectly into their time period; nothing about their behavior is anachronistic. Atypical, yes, but they still understand and respect the morals and mores of their society. They do a great job of walking that fine line that separates their own wants and desires from societies expectations.

The course of true love never did run smooth, especially in a romance novel, and in this story several different issues conspire in the attempt to rob Rosalind and Nick of their HEA. At one point in the tale, Rosalind has to lie to Nick in order to keep someone else’s secret. The discovery of that causes a large kerfuffle. Nick has baggage from a bad family relationship and the splash back from that results in some big trouble for Rosalind. But the pacing in the story is good enough that the drama doesn’t overwhelm the plot.

Ms. Camden typically sticks to light references of God and benign theology in her novels and that is an absolutely wonderful way to weave faith into a story without losing the focus on the romance. The story’s inspirational factor is simple, sincere and fits with the time.  It doesn’t overwhelm the reader or become preachy.

A Daring Venture is a charming story of love finding a way through disparate personalities and dreams. It’s also a great historical reminder that much of what we take for granted now – clean water, safe birthing procedures, the right to hold a job of our choice – is due to the brave women who came before us and fought hard for those rights. I would recommend this tale to anyone who loves historicals that interweave their romances with real history.

Buy it at: Amazon/Barnes & Noble/iBooks/Kobo

I always learn a lot in Camden’s books and this was no exception. After losing both her parents to cholera, Rosalind Werner becomes a biochemist and dedicates her life to fighting waterborne diseases. It was fascinating learning about the controversy that surrounded cleaning up the water. I didn’t know about chlorine in drinking water and can imagine how strange that must have sounded in 1908.
Nick and Rosalind are on opposite sides of the issue yet have a clear attraction to each other. Nick thinks Rosalind is perfect. When he finds out she’s been withholding information from him, he has a hard time seeing she’s still the same person with the same heart for helping the city.
Nick’s uncle Thomas and his family (from book 1) are back and just as difficult to deal with. I’d forgotten how awful Uncle Thomas was. Nick’s willingness to pursue reconciliation is a wondrous thing after all he and Lucy went through. He learns that the end results don’t depend on him. He can’t make Rosalind or his family act in the way he wants them to but finds that relationships can “click, hum, and sparkle” when we understand that.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions are my own.

To review a Elizabeth Camden book is nearly impossible. There is so much that gets me excited.
The density, carefulness and style with which she writes is full of flavor and creativity.
She always leaves me astounded by smart, witty and a bit unpredictable characters.

A Daring Venture was no different <3
Once I finished A Dangerous Legacy, I couldn't have been happier to learn it was actually the first in the series. I would definitely start there just because it's worth it.

Nick will have your heart from the first page with his intensity and determination.
There's something ferocious and unsettling about him, but there's also a very kind and intuitive side of him that definitely catches Dr Rosalind Werner by surprise.

There is nothing calm about their relationship, and you couldn't expect nothing different from two driven people. However, this drive might as well tear them apart as they fight on opposite sides for the well-being of New York's population. With neither one wanting to bend, will their strong pursuits towards their work be enough to fight the attraction that hits them like lightening when they are on the same space?

The book starts In 1890 with Rosalind and Gus Werner's parents dying in a cholera epidemic, which also nearly claims Gus' life.
Then in 1908 we come across Dr Rosalind Werner working with Dr John Leal to ensure safe water for the inhabitants of Jersey City. They have found that chlorine is efficient in killing Typhoid and Cholera germs, whilst a new and very expensive filtration plant will not work nearly as well. They have lost a court case, but are given an extension of ninety days to prove their point.
Nicholas Drake is on the winning side of the court case. He is very likeable and, although he is very rich, he is still looked upon as a blue collar worker, being a plumber by trade. Rosalind is a true scientist and is passionate about providing clean and safe water after what happened to her parents
We get to know both Rosalind and Nick's families as the drama unfolds.I really enjoy the characters. They are very real with none of them being perfect, and some turning out to be really wicked. There is a good dose of suspense in this historical romance novel, and it is a most enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this story! It was so interesting to read of the pioneer process of chlorinating drinking water. I didn't know the story of Dr. Leal, so I found the historical details fascinating!

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden is a fascinating tale of science. I have read all of Camden's novels, and every new addition captures my attention. I'm impressed every time she composes a new novel that includes how science shaped our country. Camden again does a good job at allowing her science to tell the story.
Her research is amazing. As a budding writer, I'm learning how to incorporate my research into my historical fiction novels, but Camden does a wonderful job at incorporating the research without taking away from the story. She weaves it in and allows the story to take over. Camden does a great job at inviting me into the story and allowing me to see the setting of New York and New Jersey. I have never been to those places, but with Camden's writing, I feel like I have been there.
I really enjoyed this second installment occurring in New York around the turn of the century. The idea of chlorine in public water is a common thing now, but I never knew all the struggles that the scientist had to actually go through in order to make our public water healthier. I'm glad they did. Camden does a great job at creating a story that kept me riveted with the story as I listened and watched the drama happened around Rosalind, Gus, and Nick. There are many twists and turns and a hint of mystery. I couldn't read the story fast enough.
The romance occurred naturally for a couple of people who are pushed into a difficult situation and tossed into a daily encounter. I watched Nick and Rosalind as they fell in love. I enjoy Camden's ability to create a historical romance that shines off the pages.
Overall, A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden is a wonderful tale to show the struggle of science in early America. The characters are fascinating, and the plot captures my imagination. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the third installment in this book coming 2019.
I received a complimentary copy of A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I have never read a book by Elizabeth Camden that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy, and this title was no exception. And I love the fact that I always learn some aspect of history in the process!
In this book, we learn of the process of purifying water in large cities, which at that time (early 20th century) was done by filtration. We learn of bold pioneers who dared to use chlorine as a water purifier and the outcry it caused. But of course they set the standard for purifying water that is still in use today.
And we have a love story, of course! I love the way this author always includes a strong female heroine in her books. In this one, we have a woman scientist who is also a doctor, a biochemist, which is very unusual in that day.
Highly recommend! I received this title from the publisher via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

What a delightful, well-written romance novel! The story held my attention and kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Romance was woven in and out of the story, but not as the main "feature". The book was definitely one I recommend.

Trying to escape the rumors of her past that caused her to return to America from Germany, Dr. Rosalind Werner is working alongside Dr. Leal strinving to eradicate cholera and other waterborn diseases by proving that water clorination is effective and safe. Encountering opposition, but given a 90-day window to persuade the judge, Rosalind meets with Nick Drake, an outspoken former plumber turned millionaire who is trying to convince the city that another expensive water filtration plant is the right way to go and that he should be one of three commissioners in charge of New York's water systerm. With 90 days to come to a resolution, can Rosalind and Nick come to an agreement on what's best? For water systems and their futures?

Water quality is something we take very much for granted in this day and age in our country. We don't think twice about running a glass of water out of the tap, or having functioning bathrooms, unless there's a problem. Even then, there's usually a relatively quick and easy solution. So the premise of this book, the battle over chemical aids to eliminate raging disease through large cities, was intriguing. According to the author's note, Dr. Leal (and George Fuller) were "real life heroes who implemented the first chlorine feed system in the world." Even though Rosalind was not a historical figure, I loved the inclusion of a female biochemist, who earned a legitimate degree through back channels in Germany. Additionally, the novel included a female CPA who looks to be the main character in the 3rd installment of this series.

I do wish I had read the first book, as it seems that would have given more insight into the feud between Nick and his sister against his Aunt Margaret upon their Uncle Thomas's death. It might also have helped to round out Nick's character, as I found him a contradiction - a humble plumber who's inherited millions - he's happy to throw his money whever his passions and heart lead him, but he's desperate to fit into the rich people's world, forcing himself to try caviar, making his 3-year-old daughter wear silks and fancy shoes for every occasion. Also, why does he hate the outdoors? Without more background for him, I found him a difficult character to like, and the relationship between Nick and Rosalind ran so hot and cold, with no real development, that while I wanted Rosalind to successfully rise above the rumors and destruction of her reputation, I would have been just as happy for another character to come along for her to end up with. Poor Rosalind was surrounded by unsettling characters; why does her sister-in-law hate her so much? What else was going on with her Doctor Clean situation that they pushed her out so easily? How did Rosalind manage to keep plugging along in life when it seemed she had no real support from anyone?

I give this book 3 stars; the purification of water and the creation of large reservoirs was not something I'd read about previously, and I found it interesting; however, the characters left too many questions for me to really care about them.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

This is a 4.5 rating for me.
At the heart of this story is the question when is it alright to use individuals for experimentation without their consent?
Rosalind and Drake both want the same thing for their city. Clean and safe water. But their methods are so different and clash so that the budding romance is quickly squashed before it can blossom.
Rosalind is a strong woman who fights against the odds at that time to build a career in science at a time when it was not generally accepted for women to be in that field. Her parent's bout with cholera is a motivation. She also has a scandal from Germany hanging aaround her neck.
Drake has to struggle with his background. Luckily he has money on his side even if it is new money. But I love that he is a go getter with the interest of the poor at heart.
These were just two good people pitted against each other by circumstances
While I understood Rosalind's position I did not agree with it. And even though a lot of good came from it but her action was dangerous and ethically wrong on all levels. Bad things are sometimes done with the best intentions. Was surprised to learn that the research part was loosely based on real life events.
There were a lot of twists and unexpected turns. But as always in a romance story, love always wins