A Daring Venture

by Elizabeth Camden

[phyllish]

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden


Both Nick and Rosalind were strongly motivated by a desire to bring clean water to those in the cities. Their approaches, however, were at odds with each other. At a time when the only method for “cleaning” water was filtration, the very concept of adding “poison” (in this case, chlorine) to the water to make it safe was frightening and mostly unheard of.

This entire story is based on an actual lawsuit, and Dr. Leal and George Fuller are, as the author put it in her notes “the real-life heroes”. I’m so grateful that the author took the time to fictionalize this account that I would probably know nothing about otherwise.

I absolutely loved the character of Nick. This plumber turned millionaire was so boisterous, impulsive and full of life. He had a short fuse, yet had a heart of gold. He spoke quite frankly and wasn’t afraid to work hard to get what he wanted. Despite his riches, he spent time regularly installing plumbing in the tenements and orphanages and was thrifty (not miserly) with his wealth.

Rosalind was so fiercely dedicated to her cause. She had the ability, and perhaps the need, to improve the place she was in, no matter where it was. She had to deal with a moral dilemma – is it okay to keep secrets in order to save lives?

The immediate chemistry between Nick and Rosalind was powerful and intense. Yet as in all interesting stories, there were so many forces fighting to keep them apart, some of which were very surprising.

My very favorite scene was when they were at the orphanage where he was installing plumbing. It was so fun to see her interest in everything he was doing (I mean, really, who bonds over toilets?) Then when Rosalind allowed herself to cast aside her restraint and follow him outside. . .

This is the second book of the series. Nick’s sister and her husband’s story is told in the first book, A Dangerous Legacy, as were the details about his uncle and how he came into his money. Though it would be helpful to read that book first, this story stands by itself.


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

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I would like to thank Elizabeth Camden for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.