My first book from Candice Sue Patterson.

Andrea is an writer for a newspaper and stumbles into a mystery, that she hopes will land her a promotion. She walks us through her research to solve this mystery. I see all the work and research she does as a writer, makes me appreciate Candice or any Author, for all the work and research it takes to write this novel.

If you are a historical fiction lover like me a recommend you read this book.

I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

The Keys to Gramercy Park is an intriguing addition to Barbour’s wonderful multi-author Doors to the Past series. The dual timeline is masterfully executed with smooth transitions from the past to the present and a satisfying merging together in the end. Real-life characters are expertly woven in with the fictional ones. The historical element is educational as well as entertaining. The well-crafted, diverse characters bring the story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book with two absorbing, emotional stories and highly recommend it for fans of dual timelines and historical romance. Note: All the books in the Doors to the Past series are standalone reads.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Travel from the past to the present throughout generations in "The Keys to Gramercy Park" by Candice Sue Patterson. A story of secrets, counterfeiting, murder, drugs, politics, and romance, "The Keys to Gramercy Park" has it all. Will the secrets of the past be revealed while threatening the relationship of Andi(Andrea) and Beau? Will salvation be in the cards for Edward/Franklin and forgiveness for him by Cora? Intrigue and suspense cause "The Keys to Gramercy Park' to be a novel you cannot put down.

NetGalley provided a copy of this book.

Wow! I loved this latest book in the Doors to the Past Series. Ms. Patterson masterfully wove the past with the present as Andrea Andrews finds Reconstruction Era counterfeit bills in the walls of her home. With her job of writing articles for the Smithsonian Institute, she has a passion to find the story behind the money. But what she uncovers brings a dilemma that she will have to decide whether an advancement in her career is worth what she discovers.

The plots for both of these stories was so intriguing. I couldn’t believe the evil and treachery of the Davidson twins’ lives, but it was perfect for the present story. I loved Andrea’s inquisitive and investigative mind. I really wasn’t sure how the story was going to end. Kudos to Ms. Patterson, this is one of my favorites in this amazing series. I highly recommend reading this book for young adults through mature readers.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The book begins with Edward, a swindler. There was nothing about him in the blurb, and I had to check to be sure I was reading the right book. Born with a club foot, Edward was beaten by his father because he wasn’t perfect. That helps explain his own evil nature. His twin brother Franklin has a beautiful wife and child, and Edward envies him. Nothing good will come of that. The experience of Franklin's wife is appalling. It is not an enjoyable story.
The present-day story was more entertaining. A handsome man pursues Andi. It turns out that Beau is running for governor of New York, but the press seems to leave him alone. Andi finds counterfeit money in the wall of her historic apartment. Beau initially helps her investigate her find, but comes to regard doing so. He seemed like an unlikely political candidate.

1862+ and present day New York City

Well done time slip novel! I think what I enjoyed the most was the very clear difference in writing style between the historical and current day threads. The current day thread was a bit of rom com.

Story lines for both time periods were engaging, but I enjoyed the historical just a bit more. Edward was quite a scoundrel and kept me entertained with his regular self initiated mishaps. Also in the historical pages were Edward's twin Franklin and his wife Margaret.

In the present day thread Andrea and Beau have a chance meeting near Gramercy Park and feel an immediate connection. Interesting to learn about Gramercy Park. Andrea did a great job of unfolding a mystery after finding a bag of very old money in her apartment.

This might be my new favorite of the series!

I just finished my latest read. It was The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson-Author. Although she was a new author to me, I became very excited to see that it was in The Doors to the Past series. I had read some of these and enjoyed them immensely. This book is a split time book, during and post Civil War and present day. In the past we have a set of twin boys, which unfortunately end up.like Cain and Abel. There's a stolen identity and more evil than you can imagine. Meanwhile in the present day there is an investigative journalist, Andrea who works for the Smithsonian magazine. If she can unravel the mystery she will receive by sizeable promotion. The problem is that she is dating the man who is running for governor. It is his family's ancestors that are tied up in the scandal. As time goes on her heart is torn. Does she go for an promotion or stand by her man? This book is like riding a roller coaster. You see the drop coming but once you go over the edge your heart is in your throat!l. This is a page turner with such a fast pace that you won't want to miss it. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation for a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I have never read any books by Candice Sue Patterson before. But the summary sounded very interesting, so I requested a copy from NetGalley. I'm glad I did! It was a good read!

In The Keys to Gramercy Park, Andrea (Andi) is hoping and praying to work for the Smithsonian Magazine as a writer. She thinks she discovers the find of the century when she stumbles upon counterfeit bills from the Civil War era in her apartment wall! They are not valuable themselves, but they are an interesting piece of history. Thus, begins her journey back into history to discover who made the bills and who hid them in the wall. One of the side effects of digging into the past is, you never know who might get hurt. Andi's digging will definitely impact the man she's falling in love with.
Beau Davidson-Quincy is the whole package; handsome, rich, well-connected, and kind. Tired of social climbers clinging to him, Beau finds Andi irresistible and pursues a relationship with her. But what she uncovers about his own family history will shake his family to its core and affect their future together.

The Keys to Gramercy Park is two stories in two different time periods. They were both easy to follow. I liked Andi's character and was cheering for her the whole time. The second story set during and after the Civil War seems to be the classic Biblical story of Cain and Abel. Franklin Davidson is a hard-working married man, who is hired by the newly formed Secret Service and weed out and capture counterfeiters. His twin brother, Edward, is like Cain; jealous, bitter, and evil to his core. He is printing and circulating the counterfeit money as well as other scams. When the two brothers finally have a stand-off, Edward kills Franklin just like Cain killed Abel.
The book also touches on depression after childbirth and being committed in an asylum for female hysteria.

The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson
Series: Doors to the Past
Release Date: May 1, 2023 by Barbour Publishing
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Christian Romance
5 Stars!

Description: Secrets Sealed Within a Wall Come to Light in Lower Manhattan
Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.
Investigative historical journalist Andrea Andrews is tired of waiting tables to make ends meet. If she could find and write the next breakout story, she could secure a promotion with Smithsonian Magazine as their writer-at-large. But not much happens in lower Manhattan out of the ordinary until she discovers post-Civil War counterfeit bills hidden in the wall of her historic district apartment.
Politics have always been Beau Davidson-Quincy’s passion, despite his family’s real estate empire. His clean image and single status make him a target in the media as he prepares to build his campaign for New York governor. He has nothing to hide until a cute waitress unravels a mystery that could destroy his family’s reputation.
Two centuries earlier, wounded Civil War veteran Franklin Davidson lost everything—his house, his wife, his standing in society. In his darkest moment, he’s awarded a position with the newly formed Secret Service to combat the spread of counterfeit U.S. currency. His life and new home in Gramercy Park are the envy of his peers, but nothing is as it seems. Secrets are meant to be kept, and Franklin will take his to his grave.

The Keys to Gramercy Park is a fabulously engaging dual timeline novel filled with intrigue, faith, suspense, and romance! I highly recommend this five-star book to everyone who enjoys reading historical fiction, romance, and/or mystery.

Candice Sue Patterson, the author, included fascinating details about: how and why the Secret Service was started, Gramercy Park (and its key holders), counterfeit United States currency, and so much more! Her detailed and descriptive writing is wonderful.

What did I love most about The Keys to Gramercy Park? The witty banter between a main character, Andrea, and her friend Caylee. I also appreciated how our two main couples demonstrate tenderness, love, and respect for their significant other (Frankin/Margaret and Beau/Andrea). Additionally, the historical details integrated throughout are outstanding.

The older timeline in The Keys to Gramercy Park includes a cold-hearted, calculating character who invokes a lot of emotions from this reader every time he appears on the page.

The Keys to Gramercy Park is an incredibly interesting, pulsating, memorable, and satisfying read! Excellent addition to the Doors to the Past series!

I received an eArc of The Keys to Gramercy Park from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley.com. I was not required to write a review or paid to do so. The words above are my honest review of this terrific book. When The Keys to Gramercy is released (05.01.23), I will post this review to Goodreads, Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, my blog, and all social media platforms that I have.

#TheKeysToGramercyPark #NetGalley #BarbourPublishing #DoorsToThePast

Past meets present in this gorgeous split time story set in New York City and written by Candice Sue Patterson.

Andrea is just an ordinary waitress, but Beau is on the fast track to a prestigious political career. They meet in the most unlikely of ways, and it doesn't take long for Andrea to discover that Beau has a coveted key to Gramercy Park. Andrea knows that she is out of Beau's league, but they need each other to solve a mystery involving his ancestors once Andrea stumbles upon some old counterfeit money in her apartment.

Once the history starts bleeding in with the present, we get to see Franklin and Edward's story. They are two brothers as different as night and day. Franklin has just been discharged from the Army after the Civil War, with Edward being his twin brother and a very unlikeable villain. Edward's hatred toward Franklin causes him to make so many bad decisions, believing that he will never be worthy in their father's eyes so he might as well sabotage as much as he can.

This is the kind of story that you want all your friends to read because it just begs to be discussed! Just when I think that Edward will be "found out," he slips by. Just when I think that Andrea and Beau will find a missing link to solve this mystery, another question comes up in its place. Agh!!!! THE STORY IS JUST SO GOOD!

While I have not yet read all of the books in the Doors to the Past series, The Keys to Gramercy Park is a beautiful conclusion and the cherry atop a delicious sundae! It is simply brimming with history, so much so that I had to spend some time with Google to see what Gramercy Park is all about in real life.

Candice is such a talented storyteller, and the mix of past and present here kept me up well past midnight! (Who needs sleep when there are so many great books to read, right?) I already know that The Keys to Gramercy Park will be part of my Top Ten Reads for 2023!

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

Andrea Andrews loves digging deep into history and bringing to light facts which will help her readers understand the present. Her job as an investigative historical journalist for The Smithsonian allows her to research and write—but it doesn’t pay the bills. If she can write the perfect piece, she has a chance to secure a promotion and quit her part-time waitressing job.

When she discovers a bundle of Civil War-era counterfeit money hidden in the wall of her New York City apartment, she hopes it will provide the basis for a story her editor can’t turn down. She never expects the money to bring her in contact with the man of her dreams.

Beau Davidson-Quincy has a passion for people and helping them through politics. As he gears up for a gubernatorial race, he discovers the first woman who doesn’t know who he is—a wealthy, sought-after bachelor. Intrigued, he asks her out, only to get turned down. When he crosses paths with her again, she asks for his help in unraveling a centuries-old mystery.

He has no idea the mystery could damage his family’s sterling reputation.

During the Civil War, twins Edward and Franklin Davidson choose different paths. Edward goes West to avoid enlistment, and Franklin loses his leg during a battle. The cipher and the golden boy—are brought up by the same violent father but turn out so differently.

When Edward has a chance to remake himself, he takes it. His violent act will remain secret for over two hundred years.

What I Liked About This Book

Patterson’s intriguing premise provides mystery and tension during the Civil War era parts of this novel. Her attention to historical detail is perfect for history buffs. The modern romance is sweet and clean.

This is my second full-length read by Candice Sue Patterson (in addition to a novella-collection contribution), and it did not disappoint!

I especially loved the NYC setting (and occasional events in Washington, D.C.)--my two fave East Coast cities. I learned so much about NYC residential history I hadn't known, along with Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction elements to feed my inner Cheney Duvall fangirl.

I will note that the book addresses some heavy topics, including PPD (and how it was "treated" [in the loosest sense] historically), and there was some violence (more than usual in the series). The historical timeline is definitely darker in tone, and we see quite a bit into the bad guy's mind--very much along the lines of Jennifer Uhlarik's book The Scarlet Pen and the villain therein. Really interesting and also disturbing (as it should be?!). Beau grew on me as a character as the story progressed; speaking of getting insight into a character's thoughts, sometimes I wouldn't have minded a bit less on that front early on, lol!

And one fade-to-black scene in the historical setting ... I wouldn't have minded if it faded to black a bit earlier, but that's just me!

Still, there is much to like in this read, and I thought the ending (pre-epilogue) was particularly well done. Patterson is a great author and excelled with this book!

A fantastic installment in the _Doors to the Past_ series, which, as ever, are written as standalone reads.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Keys to Gramercy Park was my first experience with a novel by Candice Sue Patterson. Since I've enjoyed the majority of the titles within the multi author Doors to the Past series, and have even gone so far as to list it as a new favorite, I wasn't expecting this addition to be any different. This was another wonderful dual timeline story, set mainly in New York, and I loved discovering so many historical components that I honestly had no clue about before picking up this gem of a story.

I'd always heard the expression "I've got the keys to Gramercy Park," but I truthfully had no idea that it was an actual place, or that the keys held any significance. It was quite a treat to discover a a title in this series that answered all these questions and many more, and I had a hard time putting this one down once I started it.

The mystery is sinister and never fails to hold the reader's attention. Both the present and the past provide original, well developed stories that I enjoyed losing myself in immensely, and the romance in the present was sweet and heartwarming, and showcases that no matter our social standing, in God's eyes we are all worthy of His calling.

I do however want to mention that this story is exceptionally dark. The villain is sinister and dastardly, and I was honestly horrified at how far he ended up going in certain instances to achieve what he wanted. I won't say any more as I don't want to spoil this incredible story for anyone else, but just be forewarned that it is not an easy read, and there is certain components that might trigger you if you choose to pick it up.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Overall, I genuinely ended up enjoying this one, and I think it's another solid addition to the Doors to the Past series. I hope there will be many more installments in this series, and I also hope to get to read more of this author's books in the very near future.

Thanks so much to Barbour for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

A split-time mystery with the thrill of counterfeiters, family secrets, and buried history.

When I took a risk and started this book, I was not expecting this gem. Let me tell you, I don’t know when the last time I saw a cover that misrepresented the story so much. Trust me, this is not some sweet, easy historical romance with a little side of intrigue.
This is so much better.
It follows two storylines–one modern, complete with 2020s culture, a gubernatorial race, a journalist trying to get her next big story, and a historical mystery; the other is post-Civil War, focusing on counterfeiters, the early Secret Service, complicated family relationships, and mental health (I love how the historical timeline pulled in postpartum depression in a historically appropriate way–not something I see often in that genre). What was surprising about this story was how a good chunk of it was told from the POV of a not-so-lovely character. Because of that, it does get a little dark at times (more in the content section below).
Really, I only have two complaints about this entire book (minus the fact that it forced me to spend a lot of time sitting there reading it when I really did have other things to do with my life). One, the modern-romance from the guy’s POV was kinda weird for the first third or half of the book. It passed “crush” and went into “creeper” with some of his observations and thoughts about the woman he liked. But that didn’t last the whole book, thankfully. Secondly, the plot relied too heavily on some coincidences–just happening to find a clue, someone who knew this person a hundred and some years ago, etc. But I was able to still enjoy the plotline.
Also, as a psychology nerd, I really appreciated the nod to postpartum depression (described above) and the focus on how two twin brothers can become such different people. Definitely added to my enjoyment of it!
Also, quite possibly my favorite part of the entire book was when, to avoid a kiss, Andrea just blurted out, “Bacon.” I have that highlighted on my Kindle app with the simple note of “YES.” Thankfully she got bacon for breakfast. Kiss came later. Priorities, people.

Content: Very heavy on the romance compared to some Christian books (lots of kissing, several thoughts about each other, etc.) in the modern timeline. In the historical one, there were mentions of prostitutes, allusions to rape (nothing in detail, just brief mentions of past events), allusions to the marriage bed, lots of touching between a man and woman (mentioned in some detail), someone dealing with an STD (not called that at the time, of course), mentions of physical abuse, and a couple of mild-to-moderately violent scenes. However, all of that comes from the POV of our not-so-lovely dude, so, if it doesn’t bother you to read it, there isn’t the issue of the book condoning his immoral activities (of which there are many).

*Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.*

*Review published on Goodreads 4/5/2023 // to be published on Amazon and B&N near release date*

This book kept me up entirely too late as I watched the mystery of two brothers in the past unravel. It was utterly captivating. Candice Sue Patterson pulled me into the history of her novel. I was in Gramercy Park, I was in the hotel, I felt the crazed mind of Edward unravel...

To anyone who loves a modern day romance with obstacles and politics, this is for you. If you love a historical mystery, this is for you. If you just love a really great story -- this is also for you.

I'm so glad I took the time to read this, and I'm excited for whatever the author writes next!

2.5 stars

I am so conflicted about this book. I enjoyed the story and the dual timeline. And the writing was fluid and enjoyable to read. However, the historical timeline was so difficult to read; Edward was an absolutely terrible person and I really did not like reading about his deception and evil endeavors.

The modern-day romance was...okay. I didn't mind how fast they fell in love or anything, but I really was not a fan of Beau's perspective when him and Andrea were together. The moments where he lusts after her made me uncomfortable and tempted ME to quit reading.

Edward (of the past) was represented as an evil man acting on his evil desires. But Beau (of the present) had sinful desires that were portrayed as normal. Not my favorite.

I would also not consider this a Christian book. There are passing mentions of prayer, and there is a lovely moment in the historical timeline of a daughter trying to help her father convert. But other than that there was nothing that made me believe anyone in the book was a Christian.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This a great story. It twists a tale through the past and present to create an intriguing journey of discovery. Using actual historic events to weave into the fiction makes the story feel even more realistic. Andi is a writer for Smithsonian magazine and Beau is aspiring to be governor of New York. Their paths cross as she waits tables part time and he is smitten. Will she be more or less interested when she finds out who his family is? Will the story she is working on destroy his family image and chances of being elected? And goes on a search for truth that leads her to discover more about herself and what she values most in life. The ending ties all the pieces together and offers hope for subsequent generations.
I received an advance copy of this book from the Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Another amazing time split novel! So well written!

This one is full of mystery, romance, and it's mainly set in Manhattan, which I love.

Both stories have a lot at stake, secrets that no one wants to see in the public eye, with reputations to be lost. I couldn't decide which story I liked the best, the past or the present, and the mysteries kept the reading until the bigger revelations, until you realize how everything is connected. I pretty much read it in one sitting!

I've only read a few books in this series but they're all standalones so you can read which ones you like best.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Such an excellent addition to the Doors to the Past series! The Keys to Gramercy Park is such a compelling story, I could not stop turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. Author Candice Sue Patterson does an amazing job with the two timelines. The stories in each timeline are so un-put-downable, complete with intrigue and believability. The story set in the past is sad and there is a definite awful villian, while the present day story is romantic, and captivating, with good banter.

Lovers of dual-timeline stories set in the past and the present will love The Keys to Gramercy Park!
Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

This is a welcomed addition to the Doors to the Past series. This dual timed novel is woven together in a fascinating way. The author's imagination plus the details of history proves to be quite the tale. The twists and turns will keep readers involved to the end. Highly recommended!