Carved in Stone

Written by Elizabeth Camden

Narrated by Pilar Witherspoon

Her gilded world holds a deeply hidden secret.

After years of tragedy, Gwen Kellerman now lives a quiet life as a botanist at an idyllic New York college. She largely ignores her status as heiress to the infamous Blackstone dynasty and hopes to keep her family’s heartbreak and scandal behind her.

Patrick O’Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He’s proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he
accepts a case that is sure to emphasize the Blackstones’ legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.

Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their mostsympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw
coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger, Patrick and Gwen will be forced to decide if the risk to the life they’ve always held dear is worth the reward.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705038352

Elizabeth Camden

Elizabeth Camden is a RITA and Christy Award winning author. A research librarian at a small college in central Florida, she has published several scholarly articles and four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and her love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. She lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit elizabethcamden.com.

Reviews for Carved in Stone

[M. Malcolm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When it comes to historical fiction, Elizabeth Camden never disappoints.

[ellenh_28 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Predictable characters, and story, but interesting enough to keep my interest. The time period is well done, as is the mystery.

[estherfilbrun · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was the first Camden book I’ve read, and I intend to keep an eye out for more of hers! This story captured a piece of American history I haven’t read before, and I found it quite gripping. According to the post-reading research I’ve done, this book is quite accurate, and there were no instances where I felt jerked out of the setting by something “modern” slipping in there. I loved Patrick’s determination to do what was just and fair, and adored his mom, Birdie. Gwen was also an intriguing figure, but I think Patrick took the cake for me. Combining mystery, history, and a good dash of romance, this was a very satisfying read, and I can’t wait to see what the next book contains!I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Elizabeth Camden at her finest! Just when you think she cannot write better, she continues to weaves stories that are even more interesting, packed full of fascinating history and romance. I loved the well-researched history intricately and seamlessly intertwined in this novel; I think I learn more from Elizabeth Camden’s novels than history books as she makes the historical events and facts come alive. Gwen is intelligent and she is strong after going through tragedies at the hands of her family’s legacy. I loved her spunk. Patrick is a great opposing character and their interactions kept my attention throughout the novel. I love his fierce defense of those he loves. Their romance is clean but beautifully written! This book also has great suspense and mystery and definitely was difficult to put down. I greatly enjoyed this book and am so excited for more in the series!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden is the beginning The Blackstone Legacy series. The author transports readers back to 1900 in New York City between the Five Points neighborhood and Manhattan. The author provided beautiful word imagery that allows readers to visualize the scenes from the book. I can tell the author did her research for this book with her descriptions of Five Points, the way people dressed, conveyances, attitudes, and behaviors, and so much more. Elizabeth Camden also includes interesting historical details that enrich the tale. The characters are realistic and developed. Patrick is an Irish immigrant who was fortunate to have a benefactor who helped him attend law school and become a lawyer while Gwen grew up in the world of academia and wealth. Patrick and Gwen begin on opposite sides of an issue, but they soon find themselves working towards the same goal. Carved in Stone was well-written with gentle pacing. It started off a little slow for me, but I soon became engaged and was swiftly turning the pages to see how the story would unfold. Carved in Stone reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. We should not judge a person based on their appearance, background, or their differing opinions. It reminds me of the phrase, “Never judge a book by its cover.” The other lesson is the art of compromise. Carved in Stone is our introduction into the complex and large Blackstone family. It will be interesting to see what happens next with the Blackstone’s. Carved in Stone is an intriguing historical novel with baleful book, stainless steel, an extravagant yacht, a compromised college, a flush family, and rough neighborhood.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I believe that this has been one of my favorite books by this author that I have ever read. I loved both Gwen and Patrick and Liam. These characters gave me laughter and some tears. I loved how Patrick was often paid in eggs and other barter fir his work as an attorney. I enjoyed reading about some of the vaccines that were being developed during this time period. I am looking forward to finding out what the second book in this series will be about. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once you begin turning the pages of this book, your in for a delightful treat, the pages couldn't turn fast enough for me. This story is rich in history and clashing of cultures, from giving to taking, and of course there are those who do not want good to happen.I loved the Irish immigrant Patrick O'Neill, a lawyer for the down trodden, and then he meets socialite Gwen Kellerman, and life for both of them changes forever.The story keeps giving right up to the end, from a tetanus vaccine, to merger of the steel mills, kidnapping of children to attempted murder, and so much more.Be sure to read the authors notes at the end, and I am looking for more on the Blackstone family!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"They will be carved in stone to last for all time."Elizabeth Camden has a way of painting little known historical facts during the Gilded Age into full masterpieces and her inaugural novel in The Blackstone Legacy series is no exception. The author fuses the founding of a conglomerate steel corporation with advancement in science and medicine, the swirling decadence of the elite with a close look at the slums and tenements within the backdrop of 1900 New York City. The main characters are opposites as well but they work to bridge the differences in their worlds and, in many ways, learn to complement each other. This story has it all - great historical background, spellbinding backdrop, fluid writing, deeply layered characters, intriguing suspense, achingly tender romance, and a seamless faith thread. I loved Patrick and his steadfast loyalty as the lawyer and spiritual counselor for the downtrodden. I needed a bit more time to warm up to Gwen, the ivory tower princess wrapped up in botany and comforts of academia, but her compassion and generous spirit won me over. Their flirtations are quite delicious and the humor sprinkled throughout the book is quite unexpected but equally enchanting. I loved learning about development of tetanus serum and vaccine among many other things.If you enjoy historical romance, this book will captivate you. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.