This is a very fast paced story deep in espionage and criminals that try to outwit the law. I loved learning about how desperate people were to make fake money to deceive others. How sad it was for Theresa to find that her grandfather had some dark secrets that endangered her life. Now she has to decide who to trust in this dangerous game. Theresa’s emotional state is shaky as she blames herself for a death. I think we all have been in a place where we question ourselves when things don’t turn out the way we hope.


Broderick is a very smart man who is on a mission to save Theresa, catch a murderer and the people responsible for making counterfeit money. He has a history with Theresa that will have an impact on the story. The author slowly unveils their connection and I thought it was done very tastefully.

I really didn’t care for Edward even though he was Theresa’s fiancé . Something told me he was hiding something. I wonder if I am right? He does seem to try very hard to convince Theresa that he is the perfect match for her.

The story is filled with intrigue and danger as Broderick tries to uncover the people behind the counterfeit money. Theresa gets caught in the middle and is shattered by secrets from her grandfather who she dearly loved. It is hard to find forgiveness when you have been betrayed.

The author does a great job of illustrating the struggle that Theresa has with her faith. She feels like God has deserted her in her most difficult time and finding her way back to Him is an emotional journey. Get ready for a story that takes you to the depths of deceit and how forgiveness leads to trust .


“A man is judged by the promises he keeps.”

I received a copy of this book from the author and Read With Audra Blogging Program. The review is my own opinion.

Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill is the first book in her Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. Secret Service Agent Broderick Cosgrove is on the trail of a gang of counterfeiters. When he uncovers evidence that his former fiancé, Theresa Plane, is somehow involved he must find the truth before it’s too late. Theresa was a very strong person. Even with all the hurt thrown her way she was able to overcome and forgive. The story was fast-paced with several plot twists! A great debut novel.


I received this book from Reading with Audra for my honest review.

Suspenseful and Romantic Debut!

There is so much to admire about this book! Author Crystal Caudill draws the reader right into the novel from the first chapter and keeps the pace flowing and the pages turning. I almost felt like I was right there on the scene in the twilight at the cemetery or down by the docks as the plot developed and Broderick and his associates tried to take down a counterfeiting ring. This novel had a lot of depth and layers to it as several characters tried to right the wrongs of their past and start over. Inspirational themes were integral and organic to the story with topics of forgiveness, grace and second chances each playing an essential part. Theresa and Broderick’s relationship was complicated, believable and realistic and I read with interest to see how they could work out their differences. The side characters had very different personalities and provided much in the way of entertainment, particularly Darlington, Isaacs and Mrs. Hawking. I love when I learn something new in my reading and this novel gave me insight into the beginnings of the U.S. Secret Service. The discussion questions at the end would be excellent for a book club. I definitely recommend this book with its riveting plot, interesting characters, heartfelt faith and swoony romance!

I received an advanced reader copy from the author and publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own

I loved this book. The story is interesting and mixed with just enough history and facts to immerse the reader into the story. I enjoyed the intrigue and plot twists – pretty much everything but the snow! Living in Ohio, close to Cincinnati, I could have done without the snow! I appreciate how the relationships between the characters are not the typical “romance novel, everything is rosy” – they are messy and complicated. It makes the story seem more realistic and interesting.

If you like your books with some mystery, history, action, and swoony romance, then you need to grab a copy of Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill today.

This Gilded-Age romance is full of wonderful characters you will root for, plenty of bad guys you want to see justice served to, and a second chance romance you won’t soon forget. Caudill delivers a well-paced romance in the middle of intrigue and an interesting look into the secret service and counterfeiting.

The faith element is not forced but woven into the plot so well, you can’t help but know it’s the fabric of Teresa’s and Broderick’s lives. The author hits all the targets in her debut novel, and I can’t wait for more.

The narration of the audiobook is also excellent with no over-the-top voice adjustments for the characters. I always knew whose head we were in at any given point while listening.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Counterfeit Love is a debut novel by Crystal Caudill. I really enjoyed the story with the historical details of a secret service agent and also counterfeiting. I also learned a bit about route ciphers. There is danger, suspense and mystery. And of course romance. The characters are likeable, and relatable. One moment I wanted to hug them and then the next I wanted to shake them. But, it's all good because I was rooting for them the whole time.
*I was given copy by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

This was one of my favorite debut novels that I have ever read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Theresa and Broderick were engaged and then were separated and this story full of history and intrigue and romance helps to bring these two together. I loved learning a bit about how the secret service first started. I enjoyed learning a bit about counterfeit money and how it was created. There were a few twists and turns that kept me guessing for a little bit. I received a copy of this book from I Read with Audra fir a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Counterfeit Love is an intriguing beginning to the brand-new series from first-time author Cyrstal Caudill, who has a natural talent for penning believable dialogue and detailed descriptions. A lot is going on plotwise, such as deception, mysterious pasts, counterfeit money, and a bit of romance - the perfect ingredients for a suspenseful historical romantic tale.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by Counterfeit Love. I was expecting a run-of-the-mill, by-the-book story that has plagued the genre in recent years, but instead, there was a character-driven plot that successfully intertwines historical events. From the very first page to the very last, I devoured every word in this page-turning thriller.

A feisty heroine. An undercover agent. Threats. Secrets. Danger. Romance. This story had plenty of fun elements that made me want to keep turning the pages. Set during the Gilded Age, it focuses on a group of Secret Service operatives attempting to uncover a counterfeiting ring in Cincinnati, Ohio. If you love reading historical novels with a strong spiritual thread, you’ll find this one enjoyable. And if you love reading a few kisses along the way, like I do, then you’ll definitely enjoy it. Since it’s the first book in a series, I like knowing I’ll get to revisit some of these characters again when the next book comes out. If only it came out sooner than next year.

I enjoyed this entertaining and informative novel. I appreciate the dual plot emphasis. There was physical counterfeiting of money. That was paralleled with Theresa crafting a counterfeit love for Edward, trying to obtain a secure future. Her real love was for another.

There is back story to the events in this novel. Theresa and Broderick have a past. There were several allusions to that past and I initially wondered if this book might be a sequel. The backstory finally came out about half way through the book in a bit of a fragmented manner. I would have liked the information earlier, deftly inserted in the plot in a clear manner.

I found Broderick a difficult hero to like. He would not accept the change in his brother, and he was outwitted too many times to be a swoon worthy hero. And as to the villain, that character was easy to spot early on, perhaps a little over characterized.

I like to learn something when I read historical fiction and I appreciate the author's Historical Notes. I was surprised about the early role of the Secret Service and I liked learning about the route cipher, used by the Union army during the Civil War.

This is a good debut effort. Caudill is an author with great potential and I will be watching for her next novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

A promising debut filled intrigue, set against the backdrop of the great floods of Cincinnati.

A historical read filled with mysteries, and unanswered questions that kept me reading to the end. The story is fairly backstory heavy, and I wished that Teresa and Brody had been able to have more time in the present together. I liked how the plot kept me guessing as the secrets were revealed, as well as the elements of faith woven into the storyline.

Teresa wants to help her family get out of debt, but she doesn't know what she is getting into with the print shop. I liked that she and Brody got a second chance at love, as well as how it all came together for a well executed ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was honored to be a part of Crystal Caudill's launch team for Counterfeit Love, as well as a part of the I Read with Audra blog tour. As part of these teams, I received a book from the publisher. The opinions below are my own.


I'm so excited to be able to share my thoughts on this book with you. Crystal Caudill's debut novel, Counterfeit Love, did not disappoint.

Counterfeit Love takes you on an adventure through the streets of Cincinnati in 1884. Action-packed from the very first scene, it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Favorite Characters

Theresa Plane: Theresa's commitment to family was a great part of her character. She loved her grandfather and wanted to help him in any way she could. However, her love for her family didn't keep her from searching for the truth.

Broderick Cosgrove: His love of Theresa and his desire to protect her were strong. I was glad to see him in her corner, despite what others may have told him to do.

What I Liked About the Book

As one who enjoys history, I loved all of the historical tidbits that flowed throughout the book. The counterfeiting ring played a huge role in the story, and I felt as though I was right in the middle of it all.

Who Would Like This Book?

Anyone who likes romantic suspense or historical stories would enjoy this book.

Would I Read It Again?

Probably. It held my attention, and I wanted to keep turning the pages. At the same time, I wanted to pace myself because I didn't want it to end.

Counterfeit Love begins the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series and a wonderful debut for Crystal Caudill. At first, I was not sure what to expect, but after reading the first three chapters, I was hooked. It was full of suspense, action, adventure, history and romance. I just could not put it down until I was done reading the very last page. It had a few twists I did not see coming and a few moments that made giggle out loud. It was great.

I am giving Counterfeit Love a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading romantic suspense historical.
I can not wait to get my hands on the next book from the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. As well as, seeing what other fabulous stories Crystal Caudill comes with for her readers.

I received a paperback copy of Counterfeit Love from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion

I just love a second chance story. I believe this is one of the only fiction books I’ve read that deals with a Secret Service investigation! With a good bit of romance, a thread of faith, discovery of secrets, and satisfying redemption and you’ve got a solid, entertaining read.

Theresa and Broderick’s stories are intense and impactful. The entire cast of characters in Counterfeit Love is so nicely presented and developed. I love some of them, can’t stand some of them, and won’t forget any of them. This book is brimful of intrigue and suspense, and of course a swoony kind of romance. But what touched me the deepest is the spiritual thread throughout with themes of love, trust, loyalty, and faith. I love the author’s thoughts of ‘even if.’ “Will I trust God, even if?”

Don’t miss the historical notes in the back of the book, revealing details about the Secret Service, counterfeit bills, the route cipher system, time bombs of the nineteenth century, and the great floods of the late 1800s.

After getting a peek at the first chapter of Counterfeit Hope (book 2 of the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series coming in 2023) in the back of this book, I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.

Ms. Caudill’s debut novel is action packed with several subplots that you just want to keep reading. The details that are given to the places throughout Cincinnati were so well done. I felt that I was right with Broderick and Theresa when they were caught up in the investigation, tracking down and destroying the counterfeit ring. I particularly liked the old Spring Grove Cemetery and the secrets it held.

Broderick Cosgrove was my favorite character. He wasn’t perfect, but he sought to live by the words of Psalm 82 that say,“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and the needy.” Protecting Theresa from murderous villains, no matter the cost to him, showed the type of man he truly was. The broken relationship between he and his brother, Nathaniel, is one that I hope will be in a future book.

I love a good mystery and trying to solve it before it is revealed gives me a sense of satisfaction. I was happy to find out I was right and to see the criminals pay for their crimes. Having the addition of a clean romance in the story was even better. This terrific story of justice, forgiveness, love, and redemption is one that I would recommend you to read.

I received a free copy from the publisher/author through Read with Audra and NetGalley. The opinions above are my own and not influenced in any way.

Will their past hurt keep them apart when darker forces stand against them …

At a time I wondered if this book had a prequel to explain the heroes’ estrangement. But in time, insights were given to fill the gasps, so I felt like I did catch up with their shared past.
What I did not expect what how much the Christian faith would take hold of the second part of the story.
Theresa is unable to see the flaws of those surrounding her except for her ex-betrothed, whatever her grandfather’s sins, she excuses him and jumps straight into danger if it means she will prevent him to be threatened. So she runs from one side of the city to the other, exhausting herself, exposing herself to harm.
Broderick knows he hurt Theresa when he left her, but he felt at that time undeserving of her love, believing himself to not be up to the task to protect her. But now she is caught into the web of her grandfather’s deceit, he will do anything to shelter her from the truth. Yet as things turn awry, where does he stand for the woman he still love but can no more shelter from the harshness of her kin’s doing.
It is easy to see those two are still in love, yet they let others and their insecurities come between them, and their present inability to really explore the past and share the burden weighting on their soul steers them on wrong leads, blinding them and putting them right into the path of those determined to hurt them.
A lovely romantic mystery of two characters who by running ragged to prevent the worst lost them until they find again their faith in one another and the Holy to make the right choices.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 clean

I have been granted an advance copy by Audra Jennings PR, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Wow! This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last! I was page turning from the beginning to the end, looking for answers. Yes, near the end I did suspect the main culprit, and yet surprisingly, I was still looking for answers, and the safety of those I now cared about!

Christian suspense at it's finest, along with a bit of humor! Past and present Loves, and who will win in the end? We are given the heartbreak of loosing the one you love, marrying another, counterfeiting, people who do not value human life, and then redemption!

I received this book through Read With Audra, and was not required to give a positive review.

'Life without him in any form would leave her unable to function.'

It's always a pleasure to discover a new author. And even more when her debut novel is so very good.
Crystal Caudill has written one for the keeper shelf here. There's so much to like about this book. There are well done characters-two great main protagonists-memorable secondary ones, even the ones I couldn't stand were well done. The plot was also very well thought out and done up with some very interesting historical events and practices. I especially liked that because I love history.

The spiritual thread was one that deeply resonated within me and based on one of my most favorite chapters in the Bible. Trust is paramount to the believer, but will we continue to trust when everything goes wrong? When we must pass through deep waters and painful events? This was such a great spiritual lesson here and one that blessed me.

So, there you have it. Great characters, great plot, great spiritual thread and very well written. Highly recommended. Well done!

My thanks to Kregel Publications for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.