I could not wait to get my hands on this book. I first met Caroline in The Spice King, and could not wait to get to know her more. Being the first lady’s secretary seems so glamorous, but once I read more about it, it did not sound easy. It was fun getting to see how much might have been required from such a position. I couldn’t imagine the responsibility and not having any time to myself. It did seem as if it fit Caroline perfect though. I enjoyed her quick wit and the way she seemed willing to tackle anything. It would be so hard being a twin and worrying about what could happen to the other half. Add all that worry to finally meeting a man that interests you at what seems to be the worst possible time, and that’s where we find Caroline.

Nathaniel was such a unique hero. It was fascinating watching him, and his methods to uncover forgery. Whether it be fake people or fake money, he was the man for the job. Poor guy was under so much stress though, and I can’t blame him for it taking it’s toll. His past wasn’t easy, and some things are nearly impossible to forgive yourself for. I liked watching how they both learned from their mistakes and also learned to forgive themselves. This book was impossible to put down and was full of twists and turns. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Bestselling author Elizabeth Camden continues her new series, following the lives of three Delacroix siblings during the 1900s in America.

In A Gilded Lady, strong-willed but charming Caroline Delacroix has the challenge of being confidante, social secretary, and assistant in her role to the First Lady. Attracted to one another but also wary of one another, Caroline and Secret Service Agent Nathaniel Trask face political intrigue, adventure, and danger in their positions to President McKinley and his wife, who has a reputation of being a handful.

Elizabeth Camden fills her novels with well-researched historical details and events, while weaving a story filled with suspense and mystery. The faith element is minimal but evident, and the storytelling is excellent with strong, flawed characters and descriptive narratives.

Nathaniel and Caroline face ups and downs in their relationship, but it is a realistic and clean romance. Both are loyal to their employers — the McKinleys — and passionate about standing up for what they believe is right. Caroline hides a secret about her twin brother, Luke, which will cause problems in her relationship with Nathaniel, a rule follower.

Camden is a master at taking a period of time that is not as well-known to readers, and crafting a story that teaches the reader about the time, such as the presidency of William McKinley, and making it a fascinating read. Although it can be read as a standalone, reading The Spice King, the first book in the series, will give the reader the full backstory of the characters.

Recommended for school libraries and public libraries. Fans of Camden’s earlier books will look forward to Luke’s story in Prince of Spies, coming soon.

I don’t give out a lot of five stars, but there are the books that totally deserve them. This is one of those reads. I savored every page of this read, digesting, and lingering on the words. The main character is one that you can struggle to like, but you come to not only like her, but love and understand her. Her struggles become your own as you experience this piece in American history set in the White house. I can’t recommend this author and her books enough. You will learn, be encouraged and inspired when you read this book.

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

The Spice King, kicks off the Hope and Glory series. Readers meet Gray Delacroix and learn about his passion for spices especially vanilla. It is also about Annabelle Larkin and her love of plants, and Mr. Delacroix. I was fascinated with the spice adventure, I learned so much. Readers also get a peek at Gray’s siblings, Caroline and her twin brother Luke.

I love how the author gives readers a personal tour of the White House and what it looked like before the West Wing was built. I was surprised by the lack of security and how Congress would only pray for the President to be protected, not his family. I did not realize that the staff lived at the White House and what their living quarters looked like either. Crazy!

Mrs. McKinley is most difficult to work with, but Caroline knows how to calm her.The White House Staff is grateful for how Caroline handles President McKinley’s wife’s. I enjoyed getting to know Caroline up-close and personal. You could not judge Caroline Delacroix by her outward appearance nor from the role she played in the White House and not from her past shenanigans her twin brother Luke was involved in. No Caroline was a special complex, no-nonsense kind of gal.

Caroline had compassion on Mrs. McKinley’s health issues and insecurities, but she would not tolerate Mrs. McKinley treating the staff or herself badly. Caroline was a strong, opinionated, independent woman who was admired by all and made things look easier than they were. She set up parties, special events and carried herself with confidence and ease. I enjoyed the sweet love story brewing between Caroline Delacroix and Nathanial Trask as they are working on the campaign train with the President seeking reelection, facing danger, heartbreak and a crazy adventure that included Luke Delacroix.

After there had been a Prime Minister assassinated Nathaniel Trask is hired to set up security for the White House. The author shares, in notes, “John Wilkie was a journalist who became the unconventional choice to head the Secret Service from 1898-1911….Wilkie and George Cortelyou worked to revamp presidential security, including protection for the president’s family…The Secret Service’s budget, staffing, and procedures were increased, and they kept the president safe until the assassination of John F. Kennedy sixty-two-years later.”

Readers also see Gray Delacroix in this novel as he works with Caroline to help Luke. The author shares why Luke was in a Cuban prison, but it is not mentioned until near the end of the story. The author does make you want to know ALL the details of how Luke got in the mess he was in. Have no fear book three in this Hope and Glory series is Luke’s story. The name of the book is The Prince of Spies slated to release in February 2021. I’m looking forward to learning about Luke the charming man-about-town who was more than his reputation.

I knew nothing about President McKinley before I read this book. I enjoyed the author notes in the back that tells you what is true to history.. This book would work wonderful for your next book club pick. The author includes 9 Questions for Discussion that are insightful and will help with your book club discussions.
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!
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org

This was quite an exciting read. I really enjoyed the story line and the up close and personal look at life in the White House and how the protection of the President was evolving during the Presidency of McKinley. Caroline was a lovely character and Nathaniel was a perfect match for her. Luke's story was exciting and I am really looking forward to his story. All in all, this book was a fantastic read!



I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

I couldn't tell you anything about President McKinley until I read Elizabeth's Camden's newest book, A Gilded Lady. However, after reading this book, I can tell you a lot about President McKinley and his wife, Ida. Not only could I tell you what I learned just from reading this book, I could also tell you more information that I learned when I researched President McKinley after reading the book because the book inspired me to learn more. Elizabeth Camden is an author that always seems to inspire me to learn more historical facts after reading her books. In fact, even though her books are historical fiction, I always end the book feeling like I received a history lesson without knowing it as I was actually reading. If you are wanting to learn more about President and Mrs. McKinley, the Secret Service, and the White House during the Gilded Age, then you should read A Gilded Lady too! It has romance, mystery, suspense, and so many historical details. I highly recommend it!

If you enjoy historical novels set in the Gilded Age with political intrigue, drama, and strong characters then this is the book for you. We learn about the McKinley era, the secret service, and so much more that makes this story true to life. And of course there is romance, too.

Strong, well developed characters enrich this story, but that doesn’t mean you’ll like all of them.

A Gilded Lady is the second book in the Hope and Glory series. I strongly recommend reading The Spice King first, or you may be lost for awhile.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Caroline Delacroix is a princess of Washington society. She knows all the right people and understands the ins and outs of social calls, elegant dinners, and how to not offend society matrons. Her skills are about to be put to the ultimate test as the personal secretary to Mrs. Ida McKinley, the reclusive wife of President William McKinley. It is the end of July, 1900, and King Umberto of Italy has just been assassinated. Caroline must help the First Lady navigate the correct protocols while paying her respects to the Italian Ambassador’s wife. Thankfully Caroline knows Italian, and puts an appropriate, if not 100% truthful, spin on the First Lady’s words.

Nathaniel Trask has been working for the US Treasury Department tracking down counterfeiters and solving other crimes. Under his supervisor, John Wilkie head of the Secret Service, Nathaniel has just wrapped up an investigation in Boston when the news of King Umberto’s assassination hits. Against his wishes, Trask is assigned to the White House, in hopes that an actual plan for the President’s safety can be developed before similar threats arise in the US.

Fans of Elizabeth Camden’s The Spice King will enjoy returning to the Delacroix family and the mystery that surrounds them in A Gilded Lady. Caroline is a free-spirited lady who wants to DO something more than just choose a husband and settle down. Her twin, Luke, is languishing in a Cuban prison, charged with treason. Caroline knows that something just is not right about Luke's arrest, but cannot figure out how to help her brother. Their older brother Gray is balancing the day to day operations of the family’s spice import business with a need to free Luke from prison.

As Nathaniel and Caroline are forced to work together, sparks fly - but not always the romantic kind. Caroline looks for the fun in life, and admits to having a few bad habits. Nathaniel is straight laced, focused, and does not have time for nonsense like flowers and tea parties. In order for each of them to do their jobs well, they have to learn to work through their own pasts, and accept help from each other. Caroline must learn to appreciate the hard work of others, even if it feels like a wet blanket on the plans she is making to help Mrs. McKinley entertain Washington Society. The lessons Nathaniel has to learn are even harder: forgiveness, trust, and hope.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Gilded Lady. Since The Spice King was one of my favorite books from 2019, I had been eagerly awaiting book 2 in Camden’s Hope and Glory series. A Gilded Lady is thought-provoking, interesting, and filled with plot twists. Definitely a great book. Along the way I found myself searching the web to learn more about President and Mrs. McKinley, their transcontinental tour, and American life in 1901.

If you are a fan of Lynn Austin, Jennifer Delamere, Tamera Alexander or Jocelyn Green you will enjoy meeting the characters of Elizabeth Camden’s books. Their real-ness, faults, and small victories will both challenge and encourage you, while the well written storyline will keep you entertained. Just don’t start this book in the evening - you’ll have trouble putting it down and heading off to sleep!

With a stunning cover and a cast of colorful, multi-layered characters, this book swept me away to Washington, D.C. in 1900 and right into President McKinley’s administration. Caroline Delacroix is a courageous, independent, assertive heroine who also happens to be the secretary to First Lady Ida McKinley. When the new head of the president’s Secret Service team arrives, sparks fly. Nathaniel Trask is dedicated, job-oriented, and straight-forward as he devotes himself to making sure President McKinley is safe at all times. Can a relationship develop between these two?

Elizabeth Camden’s attention to historical detail and masterful character creation, as well as her intricate plot development, make this an intriguing, powerful look at this slice of American history. I love learning more about history while reading an absorbing story.

This is the second book in Camden’s Hope and Glory series and can be read alone, but do yourself a favor and read book one, The Spice King, first. I’m enjoying this series so much, and I’m anxiously awaiting the next book about Caroline’s twin brother, Luke. Bound for my keeper shelf, this will easily be on my list of favorite books for the year.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and Bethany House Publishing and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Gilded Lady is the continuing saga of the Delacroix siblings. It is the beautiful Caroline’s story. In the first book, The Spice King, you briefly meet her, but barely get to know her. I really wasn’t sure what I thought of her.
And, to be completely honest, didn’t necessarily like her right away in this book, yet, either. Caroline is a character. Strong willed, beautiful, dazzling, and definitely used to getting her own way. In quite the twist of fate, the hero of this book is Nathaniel Trask, who is very much straight-laced and by the book. In spite of the immediate attraction between these two, there is also much conflict because of their very different personalities.
Elizabeth Camden does have a way, however, of making a seemingly unlikeable heroine become a treasured character. Somehow, Caroline managed to work her way into my good graces, and I found myself sad when I reached the end of this story.
Caroline has the unique position of being a personal assistant/secretary to First Lady Ida McKinley. This President’s wife is portrayed in what I am guessing a very true-to-life manner, and shown for the rather difficult person she must have been. (This book left me wondering what amazing real person actually did hold the position given to Ms. Delacroix) Caroline knows just how to handle her, and is one of the few people Mrs. McKinley actually trusts.
I loved all the little historical tidbits woven into this story, and feel like I learned quite a lot about McKinley’s time as President.
Then there’s also the mystery found in this book, about Caroline’s brother Luke, who sits, rotting away in a Cuban prison. Caroline is determined to rescue him, but for some reason, Luke is equally determined to declare his guilt.
Mystery and intrigue, danger, history, and romance are all intertwined and create an absolutely lovely story.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This series is fast becoming my favorite of Camden’s works and I am not mad about it!
After meeting Caroline in book one of this series I knew she’d be a heroine to admire and that it was going to take a very special man to capture her heart. I was right on both accounts!
Caroline was an expertly crafted character, she was confident and charming without being arrogant or obnoxious. And while she’d had a bit of a wild side growing up she had learned how to temper it, making her a lady of poise and grace who wasn’t afraid to break rules if the situation called for it!
Nathaniel was the exact opposite of Caroline, a rule-follower to the bitter end he came across as hard and unyielding. But Caroline saw through that to the amazing dedicated man he was and I loved watching her coax him out of his professional wall. The two of them were a study in opposites attract and they balanced each other so well! I loved watching their relationship slowly unfold!
One of my favorite things about Camden’s writing is all the historical detail she incorporates! She takes bits of history that often are overlooked, especially in fiction, and brings them to light in a completely brilliant way that leaves you knowing so much more than you did at the start without ever bogging the reader down in the details. It is all organically woven into the story and I applaud her greatly for that! I loved getting an inside look at life in the White House 120 years ago and I was shocked by how lackadaisical security was! I’m so glad that has changed and extreme measures are taken now to protect the First Family! It was interesting to watch Nathaniel implement his security ideas which seemed so over the top to the staff then but would be taken as the bare minimum now!
It was also fascinating to read about how things were handled following the president’s assassination and the swearing in of Roosevelt. I hadn’t really considered how the changing of staff would go in that situation.
We also got to read more about Luke, who, when we left him in book one, was being held in Cuba for charges of treason. I loved getting more of his story and I cannot wait to read even more when his book comes out!
In short I loved this book and definitely recommend it! And while you could probably read this series as standalones there are continuing threads throughout that make more sense when read as a whole!

Picking up where The Spice King left off, A Gilded Lady follows Caroline Delacroix, working at the White House during the McKinley Administration. Being the First Lady's personal secretary is no mean fete. Caroline also struggles with the fact that her twin brother Luke is set to be tried for treason in Cuba. She needs to this secret to remain hidden from the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service, Nathaniel Trask. The two crosses paths as Trask is desperate to protect the president despite being distracted by Ms Delacroix.

I have to admit that it took me a bit of time to warm up to Caroline but I could see why her personality was key to her job as the First Lady's aide. Trask was equally interesting to follow and I appreciated his insights on Vermeer. Camden is talented in creating strong but relatable female characters. I am looking forward to the third book in the series and I have to admit equally curious about the cover picture.

Move over Gray, Caroline is ready to tell her story! I adored Caroline. She’s spicy, very intelligent, and hides a tender heart. Things that capture her heart’s affection: her brothers (especially her twin), the First Lady, and now Nathaniel. She fiercely protects those she loves, and Nathaniel is about the learn that absolutely nothing will stop her when she is determined to succeed. Nathaniel is unmovable as well and the resulting chemistry is palpable and wonderful. I could not put the book down. Add in a good mix of espionage, conspiracy and history and an enthralling tale comes to life. I highly recommend this book! It is the second in a series and should be read in order to most fully appreciate the backstory.
I received a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

I loved the first book in the series, but this book was even better with more suspense and a closer look at the inner workings of President McKinley's presidency. Getting a glimpse into the first lady, Ida McKinley's, life was quite interesting. She definitely was a recluse due to seizures and could often lose her temper over trivial matters. McKinley seemed very understanding and loving with her in private.

This book focuses on Caroline Delacroix, Ida's social secretary, one of Gray Delacroix's twin siblings. The male lead is Nathaniel Trask who is a secret service member assigned to the White House. The connection between these two opposites causes sparks to shoot even though they often don't agree on things. The main minor character is Luke, Caroline's twin, who has been arrested in Cuba for insurgency with the Cuban rebels and may be hung for treason to the US as they try to rebuild Cuba after the Spanish American war. With lots of hints that there may be more to Luke's role than what is obvious, a nice suspense thread weaves throughout the storyline.

Camden does an excellent job of weaving the history of McKinley's presidency throughout the plot without taking away from the other plot lines. I knew little about McKinley's assassination and this story gave a clear picture of what actually happened.

Excellent book and I anxiously look forward to the last book in the series which will focus on Caroline's twin, Luke.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Elizabeth Camden brings readers the second in her Hope and Glory series that includes intrigue, snappy conversations and a romance that seems to face more trouble with each passing day.

Not going to lie, I was a bit lost at the beginning of this book. As it’s part of a series, something I didn’t realize, I struggled to connect with it a bit at first. But as I keep reading, most of the blanks were filled in, however, I felt somewhat off in my understanding of everyone in the story. It was still a good story and I enjoyed reading it, given its time period and the wonderful writing included. It begins with the news of the Italian king’s assassination in 1900. Everything in Washington, D. C. is turned upside down in an attempt to secure President McKinley and his family in case there is someone out there that would see this as their chance to attack. Caroline Delacroix is the personal secretary for Ida McKinley and is right in the middle of the uproar. She is the one responsible for ensuring Mrs. McKinley is seen in a positive light and always ready for the public. But there are many things kept from the eyes of the public, including Ida’s epilepsy, and Caroline is left to deal with it’s aftermath. She loves her job but some days are just harder than others. Caroline cannot afford to make any mistakes because one day soon she will need to request a favor from the President – a favor that will mean life or death for her brother. Luke has been accused of treason against the US and is currently in Cuba awaiting extradition and trial on US soil. Caroline believes his only hope is a presidential pardon but it must be asked at just the right moment or not at all. President McKinley will soon be up for reelection and Caroline’s window of opportunity is closing fast. Enter Nathaniel Trask, newly appointed head of Secret Service and a man on a mission. Nathaniel has massive job ahead of him to keep the President safe and it will be complicated by the man in question, given McKinley’s love for “being among the people”. But Nathaniel has agreed to help out his boss and friend with this assignment and Nathaniel is not a quitter. Meeting Caroline throws him into a bit of a spin when he finds himself unexpectedly attracted to her charming ways and love of witty banter. He will need her help along with the other staff to ensure that the new procedures regarding security for the President are followed to the letter. Unfortunately, Caroline is more a breaker of rules than a follower but she agrees to do her best, within reason. As Nathaniel digs into the pasts of everyone close to the President, he will discover the disturbing facts about Luke’s accusations. Determined to get to the bottom of the case, Nathaniel agrees to work with Caroline to discover all the facts. But there is so much more at stake than just Luke’s life and it will take Caroline and Nathaniel’s every skill and friend to search out the answers before someone else gets hurt. And if they can come out of all this intrigue and danger without being hurt, they just might have a chance at a future together. I did enjoy this story, once I finally found my footing in it. It definitely goes along with the first book and needs to be read in the right order to keep everything straight. I enjoyed the underlying tension that only added to the story’s complexity. I got annoyed with the “flakiness” of Caroline at times but found that she was a good compliment to Nathaniel and he to her. Their conversations were often laugh-out-loud funny and I looked forward to each succeeding one. I also liked the accurate historical inclusions of the story. The late 1800s and early 1900s were a fascinating time in US history and I always enjoy stories that take place in that time period. I was so reminded of my “Samantha” books from American Girl as I read about President McKinley and that made this story even better in my opinion. I will recommend this book to others but will insist they read the first book in the series so as not to be as confused as I was while reading. I’m looking forward to what comes next in the series and who will be the focus – hopefully that will be LUKE!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Elizabeth Camden continues her Hope and Glory trilogy with a new novel set at President William McKinley’s White House. It’s the dawn of a new century and a time of great divide in America. Caroline Delacroix is one of the fortunate ones during the Gilded Age, a period of history which fascinates me. But it’s a time that can’t and won’t last forever. William McKinley will be assassinated less than 18 months later, at a location just over 60 miles away from where I live, in Buffalo.

Much of the book is taken up with Caroline’s attempts to free her brother, and her relationship with Nathaniel. Luke Delacroix’s situation is set in motion in the first book in the trilogy, The Spice King. I recommend reading that book first, because this is not a standalone in any sense. What brings a possibly dull story to life are the details about life in the White House for those who work there. Camden includes not only the President and First Lady, but also other historical figures such as George Cortelyou who was the President McKinley’s personal secretary. One other aspect of the book which fascinated me was the role of the Secret Service. We think of this department as the President’s bodyguard, yet it was originally founded to trace counterfeit currency. McKinley’s assassination was the turning point, and A Gilded Lady made me pause and wonder what it must have been like for those Secret Service agents in Buffalo on that day in 1901. How did they feel about the death of one they had sworn to protect?

There are three Delacroix siblings, so each sibling has a book in which they star. Big brother Gray was the male lead in The Spice King. Luke will feature in the next title, The Prince of Spies, which will be released next year. But his story runs throughout the trilogy, so you’ll need to make sure you’ve read both this book and the first to fully appreciate this final book in the Hope and Glory series.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic advance copy of this book from the publisher, the words and opinions below are my own.

A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden is book two in her Hope and Glory series. We met Caroline Delacroix in the first book, The Spice King, when her brother came under suspicion of being a traitor. Now, with another brother in a Cuban prison, Caroline is desperate to hang on to her job as the First Lady’s secretary in hopes of securing a presidential pardon for him.

Nathaniel Trask likes working for the secret service. In the counterfeit division. But when he’s asked to create a security plan for the President’s protection, he tries, unsuccessfully, to decline. He’s the best at his job, a master at spotting the counterfeit, and the perfect person to head the President’s security detail.

President McKinley’s time in office was a crux in the expectations and responsibilities required of the secret service. He served before the secret service had the protocols we are familiar with today. For example, there was no budget to offer protection to his family, including his wife. In this book, Nathaniel aimed to change that.

However, as Nathaniel’s strict ways come in direct opposition to Caroline’s purposes, the sparks fly. And not just the angry kind. “Listening” to these two fight was one of the most entertaining parts of the book! Especially later in the book. On a train. I won’t spoil it because it’s just so perfect it made me gasp out loud. Best scene in the book!

In The Spice King, I wasn’t fond of Caroline, so I was curious about how she would appear in this book. Seeing her struggles and hearing her thoughts definitely changed my opinion of her. Plus Nathaniel was the perfect balance to her rebellious ways.

I highly recommend reading The Gilded Lady. It stands alone just fine, but to get the full depth of Caroline’s motivations, you’ll want to read The Spice King first. And, now I’m even more excited for book three: The Prince of Spies, releasing in 2021. I can’t wait!

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I received this book free from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers in order to provide an honest review. 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.”

After reading A Gilded Lady, I'm convinced this book is in my top 5 books list of 2020 . 

Guys, I am speechless. Never have I read such a unique story that turns overlooked positions, like being the first lady's help, into a story of conspiracies, secrets, and so much more. 

I do suggest reading book 1 first. You will get to know Caroline way better than way and see her character growth throughout the first two books. 

Coming from a wealthy family, she's had everything her heart desires since little, diving in the privileges her social status gave her, living life to the edge. Regatta clubs, parties, wild vacations, that and more became a norm to her. It is then that after a dare made by her older brother she decides to prove she can keep a job. Her frivolous tastes, charming manners, and her endless list of contacts presented her with the opportunity to work at the White House as the first lady's image consultant and ''Secretary'' of sorts. 

Hosting parties, shopping for gowns... That's what Caroline loves and it's good at, and now can apply those little talents at the white house, helping the first lady reclaim the favor of the people.

Until news arrives that her twin brother got himself into jail at Cuba for treason. Now more than ever, Caroline needs to use her cards wisely and make herself indispensable to the first lady if she is to somehow help her brother escape and ask for a presidential pardon. 

With all the changes going on in the Whitehouse, a new security agent, Nathaniel, is given the job to secure the Whitehouse and provide new security measures. Nathaniel is a very reserved and introverted man, and Caroline Decroix has taken his attention. News gets to him about her brother, and now he has to battle feelings of duty to his country and treason to his heart. They both know that the best they can do is try to not making things more painful than what they have to be. Both of them are White House employees and have to live under the same roof, with no escape from duty and little to no choice over the future of their lives. 

First of all, Caroline gives me Amy March vibes all the way. The good Amy tho . The one from the newest Little Women movie. Also, this is the first time I ever see a ''model'' in the cover of a book so perfectly represent a book chracter  It's seriously so good.

Well, back to the review. I love Caroline. She is not perfect but that's what makes her an amazing character. Her personality is complex and there are layers after layers to her, she is truly an enigma (Agh I can't get Amy March off my head ) . I also like how she grew throughout the book, it was very inspiring to see how little by little she started to see more than just the facade of things and rekindle her relationship with God. 

Also, I need to take a min to appreciate the author's research. We are taken to the Whitehouse, to factories, to luxurious trains, fancy dinners, hospital inaugurations... And all of from ''behind the scenes'' at how the staff at the White House worked to make it happen. How the security agents work, the relationships between the staff... I'm truly shocked at how well researched this book is. It almost like everyone working at the Whitehouse was this huge family and I loved it.

And of course, there comes Nathaniel. He was such a mood . Also, another refreshing complicated, and unique character. Thank you so much, Elizabeth for the nonstereotypical characters with unique voices and... Well, yeah . 

Nathaniel's and Caroline's relationship is so cool. It's an enemy to lovers kinda thing, but different? I don't know, its difficult to explain. It's more of enemies to friends to lovers . It was so well done and cleannnnnnnnnn .  Also, they are complete opposites but complement each other so well....

Am I going to gift this book to my book-loving friends? You betcha.

I'm also going to get myself a physical copy because this book needs to be on my bookshelves, like, today, hehe. 


Cleanness:  4.5/5 (Some non-descriptive kisses)

Plot:  5/5 

Characters:  5/5

My personal rating:  5/5

A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden is the second book in the Hope and Glory series, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Caroline Delacroix is the social secretary for Ida McKinley, President William McKinley's wife, and excels at her job. She has an ulterior motive to seek a pardon for her brother who is a political prisoner in Cuba. There have been several threats to President McKinley's life, and Nathan Trask is tasked with overseeing security. He suspects Caroline and seeks to learn if she is really a threat to the President. Camden has masterfully created a plot that revolves around the often forgotten President McKinley and with a surprise ending that the reader does not see coming yet makes perfect sense.

I absolutely loved this title. The tension between the primary characters and the way the tangled threads unravelled will keep you riveted throughout. Camden paints a colourful, descriptive backdrop to an entertaining romantic and inspirational read, while shining a light on familiar characters in US history. Enjoyable and sweet.