Andrea is working as a historical writer and is looking for a way to make a big break. Unexpectedly, she meets a man at her second job as a waitress. She knows better than to accept a date from a customer. However, when she finds counterfeit money behind a baseboard, she needs the help of this man to discover the facts around the mystery.

As a dual timeline book, an author has to go back and forth with the details to complement one another for the reader. The details in one story has to come at just the right time within the timeline of the other. It is a skill that Patterson was able to pull off very well in The Keys to Gramercy Park. The stories were interwoven to give just the right amount of information before going back to the other storyline. I had a hard time putting the book down because I was eager to know how the story would end.

I must agree that I liked one story line above the other, but one storyline was much more cheerful than the other. There definitely were dark parts of the story. I liked how the story was handled and loved the ending.

I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson is the 12th book in the Doors to the Past series. The story is told in a dual time setting with excellent characters and a plot well worth reading. The story with its twists and turns had me glued to my chair.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it! Book!

5 STARS!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are my own. Thanks to Ms. Patterson, Barbour Fiction and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book

This was a pretty intriguing and mesmerizing dual-time story that had me from the first pages. I usually enjoy one timeline better than the other, but this time I was anxious to get to both, especially as the secrets were coming to light.

In the past, during and after the Civil War, we have two twin brothers, Franklin and Edward. Theirs is a complicated relationship and we get both of their points of views. Without giving too much away, one of these men was a villain, and I was not sure what to make of him and what happened. It was very heartrending.

The present times were just as intriguing. They were told in Andrea's, an historical investigative journalist, and Beau's, who has some high ambitions for being governor of New York until something is found that could destroy his chances. And Andrea, the girl he is trying to get to date him, so happens to find this.

The back and forth of the timelines, the characters from each, the moral dilemmas, and long held secrets kept the pages turning and I can say this is one of the most interesting dual-time stories I have read.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Just finished reading this delightful book!
There are some tough subjects in this story that I didn't much care for but overall it was still a good story.
I love comparing past with present and then seeing on how it all wraps up and the connections to it. It makes it interesting to see what has changed and what has not.
The mystery was favorite part. It's what makes the book interesting, in my opinion.
I've learned many things while reading this novel. That's also a favorite and why I love the research that goes into these novels. Well done!
This author has done nicely with this book. She's left my heart feeling full and satisfied.
I recommend this book! 5 stars for a well written novel.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have enjoyed reading the books in the “Doors to the Past” series. I love how these books teach us about something that happened in the past and weaves it into a story that shows us how this event influenced what happened in the past and the present. I liked how in this book Beau and Andrea had to work together to solve the mystery of the counterfeit money and by doing that it drew them together. I also thought it was interesting to learn about the Secret Service and its start. It was also interesting to see how Franklin and Edward interacted with each other when they were on opposites sides of the law and what happened with them. This book had a good mystery to solve and things were not always what they appeared to be.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

The cover of The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson is beautiful, and the dual-time story sounds intriguing from reading the description. But I did not expect this book to take a dark turn.

I liked getting to know Andrea in the modern timeline. She and her friend were the only characters I cared about in this story. Beau was okay at first, but he annoyed me with his reactions near the end of the book. The hunt for answers from the past was engaging enough to keep the plot moving forward.

However, I did not like the historical timeline at all. First, the plot twist was so ridiculous and unbelievable, it was difficult to take the story seriously after that. But the biggest problem I had was that there was no redemption for the main character from the past.

Patterson’s writing is wonderful, I just wish she’d gone a different direction with the historical timeline. If this had been my first introduction to the Doors of the Past series or even this author, I wouldn’t have stopped reading both. Thankfully, I’ve read another of Patterson’s historical romances and enjoyed it, and there have been plenty of books in this dual-time series that were great reads.

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

The Keys to Gramercy Park is a wonderful dual-timeline novel that you are going to love reading! It’s got history, mystery, and romance! I am a huge fan of this series, Doors to the Past, and really love them all. They are fun to read, give you a history lesson, plus give you characters that you won’t soon forget!

The past part of the book takes you to 1862 New York. And in the present, we’re still in New York. I’m a huge fan of books during the Civil War period so I knew I needed to read this one. And I’m also a huge fan of gardens so I knew this needed a spot on my to-be-read list.

In other news, I had finished a book about a counterfeit ring right before I started this one so it did feel sometimes like I was continuing the story and occasionally I found myself a bit lost. But I enjoyed this story!

For a bit of a warning, this book does have some harsh topics like murder, rape, identity theft, miscarriage, etc etc. I did enjoy the book and think it was a great read that kept me wondering what was going to happen next.

There were a few scenes that I did not enjoy and skimmed over. This is not a book I would be giving to my teenage kids to read. However, I did enjoy it overall and would recommend it to adult readers as long as they’ve read the review so they know what triggers might pop out.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

A twisting mystery from the past comes to light when historical journalist Andrea Andrews finds a wad of counterfeit notes in the wall of her apartment building. Waitressing to make ends meet, this story behind the bank notes could be the lead that she needs to secure a raise working for the Smithsonian, but will it mean hurting someone that she has come to love?

A riveting dual-time line read set in New York around the elusive and mysterious Gramercy Park Neighborhood. I found myself equally engaged in both of the storylines, past and present, it made me sad to think about how Edward treated the people around him. I think I liked the duality of this bittersweet story, and how it doesn't sugarcoat evil in this world in its many faces. Cora is a sweet child with a pure and kind heart. I liked how Andrea is smart, yet she takes time to think about how her actions may impact others.

Overall, this was a riveting and immersive read that I didn't want to put down. It was a well written book, though some parts just gave me the creeps if I thought about it too much, and it was meant to do that. An engaging timeslip read with thread of hope.

*Due to some of the content, would recommend to adults with caution and towards older teens.

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

I really enjoy novels in the Doors to the Past series - dual timeline stories featuring places of historical significance - and The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson, published by Barbour Fiction, is one of the best I've read. It combines history, mystery, romance, and political intrigue in a page-turning story.

Its intricate plot follows four main characters, two in 1800's and two in present day, which may sound confusing but I clearly tracked each one. I was often on the edge of my seat to learn what happened next in this tale that involves an investigative journalist, a political candidate, a Civil War hero, and the early days of the Secret Service and its original mission of investigating counterfeit currency. The common thread is New York City's fenced private Gramercy Park.

I was pleasantly surprised that Ms. Patterson completely invented the historical plot, with its nod to the Cain and Abel story, around the actual history of the Secret Service creation. It was so complex I thought it must be based on true events. This is the first novel by Candice Sue Patterson I've read, and I'll definitely seek out more of her books.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for access to review copies of this intriguing novel.

I love dual time line stories and this one is one of my favorites. We travel back in time when war was at the center for many. The Civil War was brutal and left many without homes or a way to support their family. The author delivers a realistic look at this time period with historical facts that heighten the story. I couldn’t wait to see what secrets would be revealed that would affect both past and present.

What immediately intrigued me was there were twins in the story from the past. One of the men was good and respected. The other was basically a criminal. Now we must decide who to believe when more trouble comes their way. Franklin has a distinctive limp but his brother Edward has has a limp as well as a deformed ear. Edward is definitely the one to watch out for, but I fear that Franklin is going to be in a lot of trouble thanks to his brother.

The hostility Edward has towards his brother is dangerous and he is seeking to harm him. Finding out that Franklin is now a Secret Service agent for the Department of Treasury makes Edward very hostile. Knowing his brother was now someone who could arrest him makes him lose his temper. The disdain he has for his father breaks my heart. With so much hatred and bitterness Edward is spiraling out of control.

As we move to the present we are introduced to Andrea was is an aspiring journalist for the Smithsonian Magazine. Stumbling on counterfeit money hidden in the wall of her apartment starts to intrigue her and perhaps will help her get a story that will get her promoted. I liked how the author had Andrea run into the dashing and maybe next governor Beau. Their encounter brings Beau to the conclusion that Andrea is someone he would like to know better. It was funny that Andrea had no clue who he was.

With a mystery surrounding counterfeit money, secrets that could destroy families and the Gramercy Park that intertwines both time lines I was mesmerized by everything going on. Greed and deceit certainly fill the pages along with a chance to repent cause characters to take a hard look at themselves. The message of redemption is prevalent in the story along with trust. The author writes in-depth which for me was a plus for this dual story. This is one that shouldn’t be missed if you love a good mystery along with a look back at history. The brilliance of how the two time periods come together is the work of a very gifted author.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This was a really interesting story - I didn't remember it was a Doors to the Past book until I started this review. These books are incredible and have all been enjoyable - please look into the rest of the series.

I love these dual timeline stories -- current day is Andrea's story - she's a waitress working hard to become a by line journalist. She happens upon some historical Civil War era paper bills in her apartment and is on a journey to discover their story. She meets politician Beau and he helps her investigate the bills and in turn learns a lot about his family history, things he wasn't aware of.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

The Keys to Gramercy Park, by Candance Sue Patterson, is book twelve in the Door to the Past series. This is a series written by different authors that gives a look into events of the past. This is a dual time-line story that focuses on twin brothers in 1862 and a modern day mystery of where money hidden in a wall came from. Andrea found old money in her wall, with Beau’s help she investigates how the money got there and by who. She is trying to write an outstanding article for the Smithsonian Magazine to earn a promotion. Beau is running for political office and fears her research may hurt his campaign.

This is a fun story to read, it has mystery, suspense and romance all in one. The dual time-line is like having two separate stories. I appreciate the struggle Andrea endured to write a job-winning story while not hurting anyone in the process. The story shows how two people raised in the same household could become so different. It also shows how what one person does may affect their family many years in the future and the secrets kept about family members may affect lives in the future, when the truth comes out. This story has well defined characters. It is so well written it is easy to really dislike one of the twins. I appreciate the research the author did to point out things that really happened, the way women were institutionalize unjustly, and the dangers of the soothing syrup for children. It was interesting to read of the beginning of the Secret Service and the background information regarding counterfeit money after the civil war.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

The Keys to Gramercy Park is a gritty, believable, poignant dual time story. The pacing is wonderful, and the ugliness of some people and circumstances is realistic.

Though I’m often more drawn to the historical period of a time slip novel, I don’t know I can pick a favorite in this one. I supposed the contemporary side, because of Edward (the villain in the historical side.) Ugh. He is someone I couldn’t connect with – at all. I enjoy a bad guy, but he was too ugly, and I didn’t like delving into his head.

I really can’t say a lot because I never offer spoilers, (even with warnings) but this isn’t the standard Christian fiction style I normally read. With that said, I’m certain it will speak to some readers more intensely than others, and for that, I recommend—with caution. There are some triggers for very sensitive readers.

First Line: Edward Davidson had an odd fascination with pretending he was everyone but himself.
Series: Doors to the Past book 12
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Author: Candice Sue Patterson
Page Count: 256
Content: There are mentions of some sensitive subjects, some a bit much for my taste.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

This book gave me anxiety, especially for the character Margaret. but it was written in such a way that I HAD to keep reading to find out what would happen. If you want a historical thriller, this would be a good book for you.

Content Considerations: Fade to black sex scenes (woman thinks they are married but #spoiler they are not). Incredible deceit, double life, opium addiction, murders, and prostitution.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Such a delightful story! Told between two time lines, the late eighteen hundreds and present day, it follows a story about counterfeit money and how it changed the past and how it changes the present. The Keys to Gramercy Park is the story of Andy and Beau, two people who meet and begin to fall in love. But the past is found in Andy’s home, in the form of counterfeit bills, and it threatens to derail their future. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read it. I truly enjoyed it!

I enjoyed this entertaining and informative dual time novel. The contemporary story is a good romance. The historical story is quite informative about the Secret Service investigating counterfeiters. I had no idea the Secret Service was initially formed for that purpose as there was a great deal of counterfeit money circulating after the Civil War. It was not until after the assassination of President McKinley that the Service began concentrating on protecting the President.

Patterson's writing style is good. I appreciate how she related the historical events to the current day story. I also appreciated the exploration of journalists who investigate historical mysteries and how their stories help us not only understand the past but the present too. I did feel the political aspect of the contemporary story was a bit unrealistic.

This is a fine novel for readers who like a good romance that includes interesting historical information and a good faith message.

I received a complimentary egalley of this novel through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Wow! This dual time period mystery/romance took me on one rollercoaster of a ride. It’s a fast paced, at times gritty story of two brothers whose legacy threatens the present. In the post Civil War construction period, twin brothers who grew up in an abusive situation take two very different paths in life in a Cain and Able like story. In modern times, a budding historical reporter for Smithsonian Magazine is trying to make a name for herself. When she finds counterfeit money in her old New York apartment, she determines to solve the mystery. This riveting story will have you on the edge of your seat as the past has a way of coming back to haunt the present.

It’s the 1860’s, and two brothers are coming home after the war. One brother fought heroically while the other ran a swindling scheme out West. Where Edward is devious, entitled, and downright wicked, his brother Franklin is an upstanding hero with a beautiful wife and child on the way. When Edward’s devious counterfeiting schemes bring him face to face with his brother who now works for the Secret Service, he must decide if he’s willing to turn over a new leaf.

Andrea Andrews is trying to find the big story that will land her a promotion. She’s also a part time waitress who happens to catch the eye of handsome gubernatorial candidate Beau Davidson-Quincy. Not knowing who he is, she turns him down for a date. Beau is persistent especially when he’s not used to a woman who doesn’t fawn all over him for his money and name. When Andi discovers counterfeit money and artifacts in her apartment, she and Beau embark on a journey to discover more about the treasures and why they were hidden there. But, Andi’s digging into the past poses a threat to his political ambitions. Will it destroy their budding relationship?

I had so many different emotions while reading this book. The setting is amazing and so well described. It had me looking up photos of Gramercy Park. The writing is phenomenal, and elicits a very visceral response. Despite the sometimes dark storyline, the author does a fantastic job balancing the lightheartedness with the heavy.

I enjoyed the characters from both time periods except for Edward. Edward is just awful. Any crime or vice you can imagine, he’s done. The story is told partly from his point of view and I honestly didn’t like being in his head. He is an excellent villain though with a very twisted perspective. I loved Andi & Beau! Their witty banter and “he falls first” push/pull relationship kept me totally invested. I also enjoyed Franklin and Margaret. Their love story was so tragically bittersweet.

The mystery in both the past and present made this book impossible to put down. Just when I thought things couldn’t get more twisted, they did. When Andi unearths some pretty significant secrets, I wasn’t sure how things would play out. There’s an inspirational message woven throughout the story, but the idiom “wicked deeds don’t go unpunished” is more the concluding thought I had.

It’s the first book I’ve read by Candice Sue Patterson and certainly won’t be my last! Highly recommend to historical fiction fans. While it’s part of the Doors to the Past series, each book is meant to be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

CW: I’d probably rate this PG-13. While descriptions are kept to the bare minimum, there are mentions of an STD, postpartum depression, marital relations though closed door, murder, prostitution, assault, and drug use.

Wow, this story captivated me from the start to finish. I experienced so many emotions while reading this story: frustration, loss, heartbreak, smiles, hope, and peace.

When an author plays with my emotions like this, it really proofs their talent of providing a reader with a story which is intriguing, and character you get to know, some you love and some you really do not like. I had so much hope that one of the characters would turn their lives around...you would have to read the book to see if it happened or not.

The characters and stories in both timelines kept me engaged, usually I tend to gravitate to one period more than the others.

Twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat.

This is one of my favourite books of this series - each book can be read as a standalone.

I also listened to the audiobook and if you enjoy audio version, this one should make your wish list.

This book was, actually, recommended to me by another author, and I was fortunate to find it available on NetGalley! It did not disappoint and kept my interest.. There are two stories involved, one past, the other present, but unlike most times we see this scenario, we know from the beginning how they will connect. It's just finding out the true history of the past one.

Andrea is a historical journalist looking for a big story to secure her place with her employer, the Smithsonian Magazine. The reader gets to know this story before Andrea has to work for each detail. I wish I could say more, but it would surely be a spoiler.

The Keys to Gramercy Park is part of the multi author historical mystery series, Doors to the Past. I loved Candice Sue Patterson’s addition. I found myself in between present and the past, while reading how the mystery of the plot would be solved. There were some twists that I could not have predicted. There was a lot of adventure, suspense, romance, and centuries long secrets are revealed. I thought every single page was great.

I am giving The Keys to Gramercy Park five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction that have dual time lines. I would love to read more from Candice Sue Patterson. This one is most definitely worth reading.

I received a copy of The Keys to Gramercy Park from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.