A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden

A Gilded Lady (Hope and Glory, #2)

by Elizabeth Camden

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the first lady of the United States. But beneath the facade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.

Reviewed by phyllish on

5 of 5 stars

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Wonderful!

My rating is 4.5 stars

Set in the opulence of the White House during the Gilded Age, A Gilded Lady is a delightful tapestry of faith, romance, familial love, and political intrigue. Camden captured the sense of time and place beautifully and filled this story with rich emotions so tangible you feel them yourself.

Caroline was introduced to us in The Spice King. She is now firmly entrenched as the secretary and personal assistant to Ida McKinley. It was interesting to see how they treated her as both a daughter and almost a slave, albeit a valuable one. She worked seven days a week and, when needed, around the clock. Her duties covered everything from helping Ida pick outfits for events to planning teas and balls to helping to prevent her from saying things that would embarrass the country!

I was fascinated to learn about Ida McKinley, the general perception of her as such an abrasive woman, and about the medical condition that caused her so much pain and grief. It was also amazing to see her relationship with the Major, as she called her husband, William McKinley. I also loved the insider's glimpse of day-to-day life in the McKinley White House.

Nathaniel was a contradiction. An amazing detective and student of human nature, working in the Secret Service, and yet a sensitive artist with a heart that was filled with remorse and guilt over events that had occurred over twenty years earlier. Despite knowing God in a personal way, he had trouble accepting that his sins were truly forgiven.

Caroline's twin, Luke, was still in prison in Cuba for treason. Despite their older brother's thoughts that Luke was guilty, Caroline is convinced he was not and fights diligently to get him pardoned. I just have to say, I can't wait to learn more of Luke's story! I just know that I am going to love him even more!!

Speaking of Luke, I loved the birthday gift that he gave to Caroline every year and the way he managed to still give it to her, despite being a thousand miles away. And in prison. And her in the very secure White House! He had taught Caroline courage when she was afraid of everything and had a heart of gold. Yeah, I can't wait for his story!

Lovers of Historical fiction will not want to miss A Gilded Lady!

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 8 June, 2020: Finished reading
  • 8 June, 2020: Reviewed