Cover Image: The Keys to Gramercy Park

The Keys to Gramercy Park

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This is my first book by this author. It is a dual timeline which is not my favorite type of story. Both parts were interesting but it's hard to get as much depth, I feel, when each story is only half. Still, I found it enjoyable.

The story in the past reminded me of the movie "Sommersby." There were some pretty glaring differences between the two brothers. I was wondering how long Edward could keep some of his secrets.

I think I enjoyed Andi's hunt to solve the mystery the most. She was dogged in her determination to figure out the story behind the item she found. Beau's instant attraction to Andi and his persistence was sweet.

Thank you to Barbour Fiction for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Love the combination of history with the present. Beautiful story. Complex and makes you think. Just the type of book I love to read.

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The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson is a well-paced, dual timeline romantic mystery. I loved the historical side with Franklin and his family’s secrets. I won’t say much because I really don’t want to spoil it or give any of it away. There were a lot of layers to that story, and I loved how they set the stage for the modern story with Andrea and Beau. Andrea is reserved, but very good at what she does. She finds the answers she is looking for, even if it may cost everything with Beau. However, I love that a prime focus of this tale is integrity. You see the theme in the historical and modern side and the ending showcases how integrity trumps. I would happily recommend to those who enjoy well told dual timeline stories with a touch of mystery and romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

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I usually love dual timeline stories as I love history and what I can learn from it. I did find the historical information interesting and new to me, but I really hated Edward and wanted so badly for something better from his story. Beau and Andrea's story was sweet. I loved how persistent yet patient Beau was. When conflict comes they see things very differently, but thankfully figure it out in the end.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

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The Keys to Gramercy Park was such an enjoyable book. It will be enjoyed by those who love historical fiction as it contained a historical gold mine. And it will also please those who like suspense with some romance. Once I started, I could not put this book down.
There is a dual timeline. Usually for me that means one captures my attention and the other timeline I skim thru. But Candice Sue Patterson did a fantastic job of linking the two timelines together. I really enjoyed both timelines. The Keys to Gramercy Park had me on the edge of my seat. I know I will be seeking out more books by Candice Sue Patterson. This is part of a great series.

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The Doors to the Past series has been so interesting to read. The dual timelines are intriguing and then how it all comes together in the end is always fascinating. Some aspects are a little bit hard to read in this book but the author does a great job navigating difficult situations. The present day characters of Andi and Beau were my favorites



Thanks to netgalley and Barbour publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.

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I have not read any Candice Patterson books but I certainly will again. The Keys to Gramercy Park is a well written dual time line that flows beautifully in both time lines and is seamlessly woven together. The modern day storyline was interesting but I really enjoyed the past timeline story, it’s characters and intrigue. The characters had lots of depth, especially the awful Edward who keeps you wondering if he is actually irredeemable. Lots of interesting history and I enjoyed the beautiful way loose ends were woven together in the end. Another great addition to Barbour Publishing’s wonderful Doors to the Past series. I am forward to more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

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A few days ago, I had some time to read while sitting in a doctor’s office waiting for my adult son to be seen. I have a nonfiction book on the go and more that I need to read soon, but decided that for a situation like that, what I really wanted was something lighter, something that I could just lose myself in. I chose this book, and it worked well to distract me from all the comings and goings and the game show that was playing on the big screen above us. I got so into the story that I even read it as we traveled several hours home, and I rarely ever read in the car!
This book is quite well done, even though it is not my favorite type of story. I prefer books that have less romance than this one. A lot of the book was taken up with Andrea and Beau and their relationship. The historical part was more interesting, although I quickly and intensely disliked one character—which, I believe, is what the author intended! As I said, though, even if this wasn’t my favorite type of book, the story pulled me in and kept me turning pages.

I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

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Candice Sue Patterson skillfully intertwines the present day storyline with the one set in the mid- to late-1800s. Andrea Andrews' job as a journalist for Smithsonian Magazine thrives on historical research, especially if a mystery is involved, and even more so if it might lead to a promotion. Currently she must supplement her income waitressing at an upscale restaurant in New York City. That is where she meets Beau Davidson-Quincy. Although, she does not initially recognize the gubernatorial candidate. Beau welcomes the opportunity to help Andrea solve a mystery involving counterfeit money in order to get to know her better.

Edward and Franklin Davidson might have been almost identical twins, but there were no similarities in their personalities nor in their moral compass. Franklin was a Civil War hero, Edward a swindler and a counterfeiter. It has been a long time since I have read a book in which the author spent so much of the story developing the character of the antagonist. In this case it was time well-spent. While Edward seemed to have gotten away with perpetrating great evil, will his exploits come back to haunt his descendants?

This truly engrossing mystery brings about a gambit of emotions. The author reveals information at just the right time, and keeps the reader totally in the palm of her hand. I highly recommend The Keys to Gramercy Park and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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My Review: I had not read anything by Candice Sue Patterson before but after reading this book I look forward to reading more from her. She is a very talented lady.
The book is set both in the present day and the time just after the Civil War. It is not a time travel book, just the past and the present woven into one very intriguing story.


The book is listed as Christian and for quite a long time I had my doubts, but, it finally does show the Christian element eventually, and quite well at that. The story is very much historical with a bit of mystery and love-story thrown in and done well.



The characters were very well developed and the editing was very well done even though I read an ARC version.



I give this a strong 4 out of 5 rating and would definitely recommend this to my friends. I asked to read and review this book through CelebrateLit

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Candice Sue Patterson has delivered an absorbing tale in The Keys to Gramercy Park. This new-to-me author will be someone whose books I will read again!

This dual-time romance takes you from 1862 to our present time. With an intriguing cast of characters in both timelines, I was immediately caught up in this story that takes one of the main characters, Andrea Andrews (or Andi), on a search as to why post-Civil War counterfeit bills were hiding in the wall of her apartment. The story switches to each timeline as Andrea finds more clues.

I loved this book! The characters (both good and bad) and their stories make this a fast read and one hard to put down. While there is a budding romance between Beau and Andi, I wasn't as interested in that as I was in the mystery going on in the past. While there is some mention of faith in God, it is not central to the story. The mystery of this story and how Andi unravelled it kept me turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning.

While this is the twelfth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. If you like historical dual-time "whodunnits," you will love The Keys to Gramercy Park.

I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley for my honest review.

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The Keys to Gramercy Park goes back and forth from the past to the present. The author transitions this well, with stories that one wonders how they will come together in the end, which they do.

The historical setting tells the story of twins Edward and Franklin Davidson, identical in looks yet with completely different personalities around the Civil War time period. It is a dark story with Edward being the very evil twin.

Step in to the present in New York City and meet the rich, political and charming Beau who meets Andrea, a hard-working waitress, certainly not his social equal. He strives just to get her to go on a date with him and he eventually wins her over.

I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a review.

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Overall, this book made me uncomfortable. I am trying to be careful with what I say so as not to spoil anything for other readers. I received the advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my own personal, unsolicited opinion.
The story had dual timelines which I generally don't care for. The author, Candice Sue Patterson, did a nice job causing the stories to flow back and forth without confusion. If I did a parental guidance rating this would have to be a PG-13 for sure.
The modern-day characters are Andrea Andrews, a waitress and writer who hopes to climb higher in her placement at Smithsonian magazine. She meets a handsome, obviously well-to-do man, Beau Davidson-Quincy at the restaurant she works for. The gubernatorial candidate pursues her, trying to get her to date him. The thoughts of physical reactions to her were a little much. (Not graphic.)
The 1860's timeline characters leaned even further into uncomfortable situations and was a bit shocking. It is interesting that the main character, Civil War veteran, Franklin Davidson was accepted as a member of the new Secret Service. The government branch was started as investigators who searched for rampant counterfeiting groups. There is a lot going on in the dual plot. Everything does come together as both stories conclude.
There are tidbits in the book that are based on truth, Gramercy Park keys, Secret Service, Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup and more.
I give the book three stars.
There is violence, depression, miscarriage which may be triggers for some readers. No foul language.

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Dual-time stories have never been interesting for me like it was with this book. I loved the author's story telling style, it was stellar. The twists and turns were mind-blowing. The characters and plot was gripping.

The story made me want to visit Gramercy Park. The pace of the book was just right. The history rich. This is the first of this author I am reading but it won't be the last.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

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This book is a great addition to the Doors to the Past series. It's a well written dual timeline story that flowed seamlessly from past to present. I loved how the author wove fact with fiction to make an incredible story that I read in one sitting. Love it and highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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I was captivated by this dual timeline story. I read it in one sitting. The story flowed from the mid 1800’s to present day, seamlessly. The storyline was intriguing and entertaining. I enjoyed how the author wove real historical events with the fictional plot and characters. The mystery of the twin brothers was so interesting and creative. The modern day characters were endearing and sweet. The complexity of weaving these stories together was flawless. I have read many of the Doors to the Past series and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. The Keys to Gramercy Park is definitely one of my favorites.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I thought this was another good book in this series.
I do like dual timelines and while both are good, I liked the present day one more.
I didn’t know too much about the early days of the Secret Service so all that was kinda interesting. This is a good series, definitely recommend
Thanks to the publisher for the early copy

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The Keys to Gramercy Park is a well written split timeline book. Follow along as a modern day couple tries to solve a family puzzle from years gone by. I’m not a huge fan of split timelines, however this one was one of the best I’ve read. I will admit Franklin’s demise left me sad, and Cora’s mother’s even more so. But I did enjoy Andrea and Beau’s story and the book overall. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys split timelines, historical, and uplifting clean romance.

I greatly appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to early review this book.

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This was a GREAT read! The dual timelines both had great stories, and I was fascinated by the one set back in time. I also really enjoyed the bit of romance in the modern day timeline. The twist at the end was totally unexpected, and I'm sad to already be done with the world of this story. I did not realize this was part of a series, and I'm adding the whole thing to my TBR now!

Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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I loved this read, from beginning to end the author grabbed me and didn't let go!

Yes, this is a time slip read, from a set of twins back in the 1800's, to a young woman working for the Smithsonian's magazine, and then meeting man who is soon smitten with Andrea, but Beau is running for Governor of NY. How does this all work together? What a great job the author does, meshing the past to the present.

Once again I'm reminded of the horrible mental hospitals that husbands could put wives, to literally get rid of them, what a disgrace, and yes, it does happen in this read!

There are so many twists and turns, along with some sweet romance thrown in! Is there justice? I remind myself that yes, maybe not how I wanted it, but there will be.

You don't want this great addition to "The Door's To The Past" series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

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