The Lady of Bolton Hill

By Elizabeth Camden

Female journalists are rare in 1879, but American-born Clara Endicott has finally made a name for herself with her provocative articles championing London's poor. When the backlash from her work forces a return home to Baltimore, Clara finds herself face-to-face with a childhood sweetheart who is no longer the impoverished factory worker she once knew. In her absence, Daniel Tremain has become a powerful industry giant and Clara finds him as enigmatic as ever. However, Daniel's success is fueled by resentment from past wounds and Clara's deeply-held beliefs about God's grace force Daniel to confront his own motives. When Clara's very life is endangered by one of Daniel's adversaries, they must face a reckoning neither of them ever could have foreseen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Release date: Jun 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781441232243

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.

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Prologue

Baltimore, Maryland, 1867

Come on, boy. Your dad needs you."

Daniel looked up from his exam in disbelief, certain his father would never pull him out of this test. But a grim-faced Joe Manzetti stood in the doorway of the classroom, trails of perspiration streaking through the soot on his face. Being summoned to fix the aging equipment at the steel mill was a regular occurrence for Daniel, but it wasn’t going to happen today.

I’ll be there in an hour, Daniel said as he glanced around the classroom, noting the glares of resentment among the other students competing for the same scholarship. They all had the advantage of decent schools and private tutors, while Daniel’s only knowledge of engineering came from tinkering with the equipment in the steel mills of Baltimore’s east end.

There’s been an accident and your dad is trapped, Manzetti said. You need to come right away. The blood drained from Daniel’s face. Everyone at the steel mill knew what this test meant to him and would not have summoned him for anything short of a life-and-death catastrophe. He threw his pencil down and shot up from his seat, not even glancing at the proctor as he bolted from the room.

It was a boiler explosion, Manzetti told him as they left the school and ran across Currior Street. They’ve put out the fire, but your dad was trapped by the tank that got blown off its base. He’s still pinned beneath it.

Daniel broke out into a sweat. There would have been tons of steam if the boiler tank had been blown out of its brick encasement, and his father’s entire body would have been scalded. How badly was he burned?

It’s not good, boy. We can’t get the canister off him until the fire tubes are disabled. The boiler was mangled in the blast, so we need to do some quick work before the pressure makes it blow again.

And that was why they’d summoned Daniel. Anyone could operate those boilers under normal circumstances, but when the equipment broke down they relied on Daniel to figure out what was to be done. He was only nineteen years old, but he’d always had a knack for tinkering with machines to make them work better or do something different.

His legs were trembling after sprinting the two miles to the mill, a stitch clawed at his side, and his lungs were barely able to fill, but the workers parted as he and Manzetti entered the boiler room. Clouds of steam and soot still hung in the air, bricks were strewn everywhere, and on the concrete floor, crumpled beneath a massive copper boiler, Daniel’s father lay sprawled like a broken doll.

Dad?

His father’s eyelids flickered. Fire tubes still attached, the words rasped from his father’s throat. Be careful, lad.

Daniel glanced at the twisted fire tubes and the ruined boiler. Soldering the tubes closed would work, but it would take hours. He had to think of another way to disengage the tubes before they could lift the boiler from his father, or there would be another explosion.

I need a sledgehammer and a steel pin, Daniel said. Get a couple of valve clamps and some leather gloves, he added, his gaze fixed on the white-hot fire tubes. A wave of murmurs passed through the workers who circled the site of the accident, but a few of them ran to get the tools. There was no time to explain the unconventional solution that was taking shape in his head. He wasn’t even sure it would work, but trying to disable those fire tubes directly would be suicide. And I’ll need a lot of water . . . just in case. Stupid to worry about it, since he and his father would both be killed instantly if this didn’t work.

The men brought the equipment to him, and the assembled workers began pulling back to a safe distance. A tremor ran through his father. You know what you’re doing, laddie?

Daniel didn’t meet his father’s eyes, just placed the steel pin against the first of the mangled fire tubes, the heat so fierce it penetrated his thick leather gloves. Yup, he said with more confidence than he felt. Just like pricking the crust on one of Mom’s pies to let the steam out, he said as he positioned the sledgehammer atop the pin. The first whack did nothing other than send a shrill ping through the air. Neither did the second, but the third blow pierced the pipe, and the escaping steam sent out a high-pitched whistle. Daniel reared away from the burning steam. Clamp down the safety valve, he yelled over the noise. Two workers moved in, arm muscles bulging as they wrenched the equipment into place. It took a minute, but the pipe lost pressure, and the whistle lowered in pitch and then fell silent. The fire tube was disabled.

A smattering of applause came from behind him, but Daniel didn’t tear his gaze from the ruined mass of the boiler. There was still one more pipe to disable. Sweat rolled into his eyes and he brushed it away with a grimy forearm before he set the next pin into place.

Want you to know . . . proud of you, boy, his father said.

Daniel kept his eyes fastened on the fire tube. He wished his father wouldn’t talk like that, like this might be the end. Yeah, okay, he said, keeping his gaze steady on the task before him. He struck the first blow at the remaining fire tube. It was a good, solid blow, as was the second. On the third blow the high-pitched whine began.

An instant later the pressure burst in the tube and shot the pin free and straight into Daniel’s face. He was hurled backward and crashed to the ground, blood pouring from a cut across his brow. The roars of approval from the men signaled he had succeeded in disabling the fire tube.

Daniel grinned as he pushed into a sitting position, barely able to see through the sting of blood in his eyes. A dozen men were pushing bricks out of the way, lifting the copper boiler up a few feet. He couldn’t see his dad because of the cluster of workers surrounding him.

Then a worker with a soot-stained face walked over and squatted down to look directly at Daniel. A hand clamped him on the shoulder. I’m sorry, boy. Your dad is dead.

This is probably the prettiest place I’ve ever seen, Daniel thought as his gaze drifted past the cemetery walls to roam over the tree-shaded lawn and a church that looked like a medieval castle. Clara’s father was the minister of this church, which was the only reason Daniel’s father could be buried in a nice neighborhood like Bolton Hill. Daniel didn’t know how much it cost to bury a person, but he gathered it was expensive, and he should be grateful that Reverend Endicott was letting his father be put to rest in such a fancy place for free.

Daniel turned his head so he could see Clara from his one good eye. She was standing on the other side of his father’s grave, and her heart-shaped face winced every time she looked at him. Daniel cursed the patch covering his bad eye. He might end up being blind in that eye, but the swelling was still so bad the doctor had not been able to get a good look at it yet. Anyway, he knew his face looked horrible and it bothered Clara. She was only sixteen, and this sort of thing really ripped her up.

As they lowered his father’s casket into the freshly dug hole, Daniel tightened his arm around his mother’s narrow shoulders and wished her weeping would stop. He and his mother shared the same black hair and gray eyes, but that was where the resemblance ended. For three days his mother had done nothing but alternate between despondent stares and gut-wrenching sobs, whereas Daniel had been too busy taking care of the girls to let grief catch up to him. At least he could sometimes cheer up his sisters, but he had been a complete failure at trying to ease his mother’s hollow-eyed pain. He would have to figure out what to do about that, although all he could concentrate on now was how badly he wanted to see Clara. Guilt tore at his insides for even thinking such a thing, but just for a blessed few hours he needed to be with Clara.

When the ceremony came to an end, people began to wander away from the grave site. If he didn’t catch Clara, she would go back to her father’s house and he wouldn’t see her again for another week. Clara was his best friend, but running off to see her when his family needed him was shameful.

And the real reason he wanted to see her was even worse.

The day before the accident, Clara sent him a message saying she was learning a piece by Frederic Chopin, the Polish composer they both idolized. If it weren’t for their mutual love of Chopin, Daniel would never have met a person like Clara Endicott. He lived in Baltimore’s grubby east side, while she came from the privileged world of Bolton Hill, an enclave of manicured lawns, clean air, and old money. They came from entirely different worlds, but they bought music at the same shop in Merchant’s Square. Every Tuesday a shipment of sheet music arrived from Paris, and he always raced to the store after his shift to see if there was anything by Chopin he didn’t already have. Five years ago, just after his fourteenth birthday, he had arrived at the shop to learn that an entire batch of newly delivered Chopin scores had been sold to a young lady. He finagled Clara’s name out of the clerk and paid a call to her house that very evening.

It didn’t seem odd to him, seeking out a fellow enthusiast of the great Chopin. What could be more natural than wanting to meet someone else who shared his immense passion for the composer? It wasn’t until he saw Clara’s house, an imposing mansion set back an acre from the street, that he realized he was stepping into a very different world. Nevertheless, he straightened his shoulders, knocked on the door, and asked to see Miss Clara Endicott. He was surprised to see that Clara was merely a girl, not even twelve years old. She was a skinny little thing with hair like spun gold and wearing a frilly dress so white it made his eyes hurt just to look at it. Still, she adored Chopin, so that meant there must be something worthwhile underneath all those ridiculous hair ribbons.

Hello, my name is Daniel Tremain. I hear you like Frederic Chopin, and I think we should meet.

You like Chopin, too? The joy that lit her face was as though Santa Claus had stepped onto her front porch.

From that day on, they had been inseparable. Over the next five years Daniel spent every moment he was not at the steel mill beside Clara as they worked through the various Chopin ballades, études, and sonatas. Before meeting Clara, the only piano Daniel had access to was the out-of-tune upright in the public school. He was entirely self-taught, but Clara had the benefit of private lessons and had helped him improve his technique. Even better, Clara had access to the instruments in the Music Conservatory across the street from her father’s church, and Daniel became proficient on the cello, as well.

He looked across the stretch of cemetery to see Clara being pulled by her brother, Clyde, toward a waiting carriage. Daniel gritted his teeth in frustration. He needed to see Clara, and her brother could be so irritating. Ever since he became friends with Clara, Daniel had been hearing about Clyde’s accomplishments. Clyde went to Harvard, Clyde won an award from the Smithsonian . . . on and on it went. Clyde had the best education money could buy, while Daniel was stuck shoveling coal into a furnace.

Daniel sprinted across the lawn toward Clara, reaching her just before she stepped up into the carriage. Clara, wait!

She whirled around. Her face was a mask of concern and her lower lip was trembling. Daniel, I’m so sorry about your father, she said as she laid a hand on his arm.

Never mind that. I need to speak with you.

And he didn’t need an audience. He tugged Clara a few feet away, but like a watchdog, Clyde’s eyes narrowed and he raised his chin. Not too far, Tremain, he warned.

Daniel threw an annoyed glare at Clara’s brother. It should not be a surprise that Clara’s family was starting to become suspicious of him. For years he had been hanging around their house so much they had practically accepted him into their family, but Clara was starting to come of age. He pulled her a few feet away from the carriage.

Do you have sheet music for the nocturne? he asked in a low voice. He ought to be roasted alive for even thinking about music at a time like this, but for the life of him, he just wanted to get his hands on that Chopin nocturne so he could forget about steel mills and funerals and his mother’s shattered face. Music could do that, create a magical oasis where nothing else mattered except hearing the next line of the score.

Clara looked hesitant. I’ve got it, but my father is hosting a political conference all week. They will be using the Music Conservatory for meeting rooms, so we won’t be able to play.

Being shut away from music for another week was unacceptable. This had been the worst few days of his life and he needed to escape. Daniel glanced over his shoulder. His mother was waiting for him with that desperate look of anxiety. In another moment she was going to break down again.

Meet me at the Music Conservatory tonight, he whispered to Clara. I’ll figure out a way to get us in and we can play there.

Clara looked as though he’d asked her to set a house on fire. We can’t break into the Conservatory. It’s against the law! But the way she bit her lip and clasped her hands let him know that she wanted to do it, even if she couldn’t muster the courage.

Don’t be such a rule follower, he said. Meet me at midnight outside the Conservatory. And don’t forget the sheet music.

Without a backward glance, he dashed back to his mother, knowing Clara would not let him down. His mother’s thin frame stood before him, and along with her came years of responsibilities. Even if he was lucky enough to someday have another shot at a college scholarship, there was no way he could leave his family without income. He’d have to figure out how to pay the crushing weight of bills that would accumulate quickly now that his father was dead, and do his best to support what was left of his family. For a while he had dreamed of a chance for college and a better future, but that was over. Now his life was going to be lived inside the stark brick walls of a steel mill.

But for a few hours tonight, he would escape into a magical world of music, and that was enough to keep him going for now.

Clara clutched the sheet music to her chest, her eyes fastened on the ground before her feet as she scurried toward the Music Conservatory at the top of the hill. The glow from the moon made it easy to see as she cut through the backyards of her neighborhood. She hated to admit it, but she was still a tiny bit afraid of the dark. Sneaking around like this was simply awful, but it would be worse to abandon her best friend when he needed her.

Clara reached the end of the street and could see the Conservatory plainly in the moonlight. The Music Conservatory, a rambling gothic monstrosity of a building with a few practice rooms and an oversized auditorium for performances, belonged to the city. She and Daniel used the practice rooms every chance they got, and her fondest memories were here while they played Beethoven and Chopin and sometimes even their own fledgling compositions. Normally the Conservatory was a haven for her, but tonight it loomed like a ghostly fortress in the moonlight. She had no idea how they would get into the locked Conservatory but knew Daniel would find a way. He could do anything.

She dashed across the street, her heart pounding and her palms sweaty. She would feel better once Daniel got here and told her to quit being such a sissy.

She heard a low chuckle behind her. The way you’re hunched over that sheet music, you’d think an army of Pinkerton’s agents were hot on your trail. She whirled around to see Daniel step from behind the sycamore trees, radiating that supreme sense of confidence he seemed to effortlessly possess. A smile broke across her face. Only seconds ago she had been scared to pieces, but Daniel could always ease her pathetic worries.

I already popped the lock on the back door, Daniel said. Let’s go.

He must have been here for a while, because Daniel had already set up the cello beside the piano. Do you want to play Chopin or try composing something? Clara asked. For the past few months they had been writing their own music, Daniel on the cello and Clara on the piano.

Let’s play Chopin. I don’t want to have to think too much tonight.

She was afraid he was going to say that. Well, there’s a problem with the cello part, she said. It’s written in a different key than the piano.

Daniel took the cello score from her and made quick work scanning the lines. Not to worry. I can transpose it to the higher key as we play.

She’d been taking music classes for years but could never transpose on the spot like that. Pale moonlight filtered through the French doors, providing enough illumination for Clara to see the music, but Daniel was holding it close to his face, his head cocked at an odd angle as he scanned the lines from his one good eye.

Is there enough light for you to see? she asked. We can go in the back room if we need to light a lantern.

I can see well enough. I can certainly see that hideous bonnet on your head. It looks like a potato sack.

Clara pulled off the offending bonnet. I didn’t want my hair to show in the moonlight. I know it’s ugly. I’ve been told it looks like I pulled it out of the garbage.

Oh? Who said such a thing? Give me the name and I’ll thrash him for you.

Clyde said it. And no thrashing . . . you weren’t any nicer about my poor bonnet.

I’m allowed to say rude things to you. No one else can.

That’s true enough. Daniel did tease her mercilessly, but she never minded because she knew he didn’t mean a word of it. Daniel would slay dragons for her if she asked him. Clyde said rude things to her all the time, but she didn’t want to discuss her frustrating, brilliant older brother. She knew Daniel envied her brother the opportunity to attend the best schools in the country. Now, after Daniel had to walk away from the test that would have awarded him a scholarship to Yale, he would probably never get the chance.

How is your mother doing? And your sisters . . . do they even understand what has happened?

Daniel sagged a little bit. Please, Clara, not tonight. Anything but that. He straightened. Tell me about Edmond Dantès. Last I heard he was about to convince Villefort’s wife to poison him.

For the past month, Clara had been telling Daniel the story of The Count of Monte Cristo as she read each chapter. Daniel didn’t have time for books, but he loved listening to her summarize whatever she was reading. They liked adventure stories best, and Clara had already read most of the works by Victor Hugo and Daniel Defoe.

I would give anything if I could write like Victor Hugo, Clara said. Did I tell you that my aunt Helen met him when she was in Paris? Aunt Helen’s poetry had brought her notice in both Europe and America, and Clara thought her father’s sister was an extraordinary person.

So when is she going to come home? Ever since I’ve known you, she has been traipsing around Europe like a vagabond.

Clara shrugged. She dreaded telling Daniel that she was on the verge of being sent to live with Aunt Helen in London. Daniel had once told her that their friendship was the only ray of light in his world of coal-fired boilers and dingy tenements, but her father was determined that Clara should go to London. He wanted the Endicott family to be a force of change in the world, and had been grooming both Clara and her brother for that very purpose from the time they were old enough to walk.

My father says Aunt Helen should keep working her way among the power circles of Europe, she finally said. Everywhere she goes she helps advance his cause of free education for the poor. And next month Clyde is heading off to South America to give smallpox vaccinations to the natives. Of course, I’m the howling disappointment of the family. My entire family is brilliant, and I’m like a firecracker that fizzles when lit. I can’t even transpose music as I play.

Clara, you are sixteen years old. You aren’t supposed to be successful yet . . . it would go to your head.

"You’re successful at everything you do."

Daniel winked at her. That’s how I know.

She elbowed him in the ribs, but could not help noticing that Daniel was very fine looking when he grinned at her like that. With his tousled dark hair and that eye patch, he was as dashing as any pirate from an adventure story. The girls at her school, Miss Carlton’s Academy, would fall over themselves for a boy like Daniel, but Clara forbade herself to develop a crush on him because it would ruin everything. Daniel had a lot of girlfriends, and she wasn’t about to stand in line with the rest of them. It was much better to be his best friend.

She took a seat at the piano bench and positioned the music so the moonlight illuminated the page without her shadow interfering. Daniel sat on the corner of the bench and propped his music on a stand. She pecked out a few notes to get her fingers accustomed to the keyboard, and Daniel leaned his head toward her. Ready? She nodded. On three, then.

Daniel counted out loud . . . then Chopin’s nocturne filled the air as her fingers lifted the music from the piano. A moment later the warm tones of the cello joined the melody, dancing and weaving in between her notes. It was a lyrical piece, beautifully capturing the forlorn mood of Chopin’s work.

It was enchanting, to be alone in this darkened room with moonlight streaming through the windows. They felt like the only two people in the world as the lift and fall of the haunting melody filled the empty chamber. It was always like this when they played music together.

Which was why she was so startled when Daniel hit a clumsy note. The music from the cello went off-key, then skidded to a stop altogether. Daniel dropped his bow and buried his face in the crook of his elbow.

He was sobbing.

Clara flew off the bench to kneel before him, but Daniel turned farther away from her. He held up a hand to shield his face. Clara, don’t. Don’t look at me.

He curled over the seat and now the sobs were coming from deep within his chest, raw sounds he could not hold back. Even his shoulders were shaking from the strength of his weeping. Clara pressed herself against his back and wrapped her arms around him. Please don’t cry, she said uselessly. Daniel was the strongest, smartest person in the universe, and seeing him like this made Clara cry, too. Her tears spilled over and wet the back of his shirt as she clung to him, wishing she could ease the burden of his grief.

Everything is falling apart and I don’t know what to do, he said between his sobs. "My mother is a wreck

Reviews for The Lady of Bolton Hill

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Twelve years after leaving America, Clara Endicott returns with dreams of pursuing truth and justice as a female journalist. As soon as she and her childhood friend, Daniel Tremain, meet, their hearts begin to reconnect and the spark of romance from twelve years ago ignites into a full-blown flame. Unfortunately, Daniel's long-standing grudge against the owner of the factory his father was killed in has made him a target of criminal activity. Will Daniel and Clara survive the danger? Can Daniel ever put his hatred and bitterness behind him? And what if he doesn't? Will Clara marry someone who doesn't share her beliefs?Historical romances, such as The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden, are my favorite stories to read. The story flowed smoothly and I appreciated all the musical elements that Camden incorporated. I was hooked by the characters almost immediately, but I really started enjoying the story when there began to be some mystery involved. The author's portrayal of Daniel's struggle with bitterness was very good. I don't like it when authors gloss over the tragedy and move on. Camden did an excellent job displaying Daniel's heart and creating an authentic character. My only complaint (and it's not a biggie) is with Daniel's last name being Tremain. This is probably the third Christian fiction book I've read in the last year that had a wealthy main character from this time period with the last name of Tremain. It's a nice name, but overused. Lastly, I loved the epilogue and I will definitely be reading this book again!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[ruthhill74 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was a fairly typical Christian historical romance, and indeed the author did not disappoint in that area. It's always comforting to read a romance where there is excitement, a strong female, a dashing rogue, and plenty of tension. And add to that--nothing inappropriate in the least. After all, it is Christian!I did find myself drawn into the story, but I cannot say I loved any of the characters. Clara and Daniel were fine, but I was not enthralled with them. Sometimes I even found Clara a little annoying. She was a Christian, and I had no trouble with her Christian views, but I felt that she didn't live in reality. The story got a little far-fetched for a historical romance at times, but to the author's credit, she did allow some bad things to happen to the characters.I was not terribly impressed with how the Christian views were woven into the story. At times, it seemed a little forced, and I get tired of Christian authors feeling they need to force the entire gospel message into a book. If it a Christian novel, then the Christian views of the book should be woven seamlessly into the story line. The thing that did impress me was the view that was stated concerning suicide. I was quite pleased to read that, and I felt that author took a risk that really worked in that area. I applaud her for that!In conclusion, if you are up for a story that is a light historical read with a basically engaging story and a strong Christian message, give this book a try.I was provided a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. All opinions are 100 percent mine, and I was not financially compensated in any way.flag

[mermaidjoy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nice Story.

[lyssa73 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The cover was beautiful, that's about all I can say. I read the first 10 or so chapters and as soon as the villain makes his appearance, I thought, you have to be kidding me. So cheesy. And the relationship between Clara and Daniel is completely unbelieveable. They immediately pick up where they left off and clear all the misunderstandings between them in ONE conversation. It didn't give me anything to invest in. So I skimmed the rest of the way through, reading paragraphs or pages at a time, and finished thinking, I am so glad I did not waste my time reading every word. Kind of ridiculous.

[fhc_5 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

good summer read~

"The Lady of Bolton Hill", Elizabeth Camden's debut novel,
with it's quite unique and unexpected action
for those of you who enjoy some mystery
added to your romances...
has a fascinating storyline. Good description and vocabulary.
I felt Clara could have learnt more from her judgemental and over-zealousness in trying to reform Daniel. She seemed much younger in attitude than her stated age.
I did like the reality of their physical attraction - well written.

Thanks, Elizabeth, for keeping me reading this weekend!

[reviewsbymolly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful 5 Book worthy novel! It's filled with intriguing mystery, deep, rich historical detail and sweet romance. The characters are amazingly created and captivate the readers heart. From start to finish, I enjoyed every minute of this historical novel, and loved the messages of hope, faith and deep devotion mixed in. Well done, Ms. Camden!

[adayriddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a sweet love story! This is such a great look at what happens when one is faithful always to share God's word with those we love the most.A childhood friendship that spans oceans and years is reunited when the two cross paths again. Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain were from opposite social classes and yet the common love of music was the basis for a friendship that would impact them for their entire lives. When Daniel's father is killed at the mines and he loses any chance of ever going to school life changes. That summer Clara's father sends her to London where she will spend the next decade.During this time both grow up and change drastically. Clara is sent from London after causing a stir by an article that she wrote. Soon these two friends are thrown back together - this time both in equal social classes. Though the flame of love is stirred things are drastically different for each of them.This is truly a story of how God's word spoken to those loved brings freedom. I had to admire Clara when she purposed that unless Daniel became a believer she could never marry him nor have him raise her children. This resolve leads to her constant speaking of the truth of God's word.This resolve also serves as a stronghold when she is kidnapped. Through this story we see one remarkable woman - founded in her faith - that changes those around her by simply living what she believes so strongly in.Thank you Bethany House for this review copy.

[tarenn_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

THE LADY OF BOLTON HILL by Elizabeth Camden is an exciting debut inspirational historical romance set in 1879 London and Baltimore,Maryland.The plot is well written with details and depth.The characters are believable,exciting and will capture your heart. It has faith,love,romance,suspense,intrigue,history,drug smuggling,the opium trade,female journalists in the 1800's and danger. Clara Endicott,parent is a weathly minister,she has made a name for herself by writing articles on London's poor,especially its children.She is deported back to Maryland after a month stay in a London prison for said articles,where she comes face to face with her old childhood sweetheart.It has been twelve years since they last seen each other.Daniel Tremain, was a poor lad who loved music and inventing things.He has now become a powerful industry giant and is out for revenge for the death of his father when he was only nineteen.While Daniel and Clara become reacquitte they also learn of Clara's father's deception. He and Clara's aunt withheld the letters they sent to each other for twelve years,leaving each of them believing the other that stopped caring.But Daniel's adversaries will endanger Clara,and they must face their fears.While Clara is deeply devoted to her faith,Daniel has questioned his.His father was killed in an accidental explosion,his mother commits sucide leaving him to raise is three small sister,with no income.So Daniel does the only thing he can and becomes a self made industry giant with the help of a few friends.But his success is fueled by his resentment of his past wounds,revenge and his need to destroy who he believes his is arch enemy.Clara's deep rooted belief in God's grace will force Daniel to face his own motives and either let his revenge go or face losing Clara forever.This is a fast paced story full of engaging characters, faith, acceptance, redemption,forgiveness and love.It also shows God's grace and forgiveness.A great debut and a must read. This is an author to watch for in the future. This book was received for the purpose of review from Library Thing and the publisher and details can be found at Bethany House and My Book Addiction Reviews.

[michellesutton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Lady of Bolton Hill was an enjoyable novel set in the late 1800s. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and found the redemptive themes to be believable in that the people who had reasons for antipathy toward God were convincing in their rejection of faith. A few of the scenarios were a bit of a stretch for me to believe, but I still found the story very engaging and read the book almost straight through. This author's voice is a blend of Tracie Peterson, Nancy Moser, Deeanne Gist, and Julie Klassen. At the same time this author has her own distinct voice, and I like it. I will definitely read another book by this author. I was firmly planted in the time period and found the romance enjoyable between the characters. The tension between them was fun to read, too. That first kiss was heart-stopping and worth the wait. I really enjoy reading stories set during the late 1800s time period and with child labor and child welfare issues in them. A female crusader who happens to be a journalist trying to take on children's issues makes it that much sweeter of a read. I loved the lesson regarding revenge and bitterness that was part of the overall theme, too. I would definitely recommend this author to people who adore historical romances.

[jasmyn9 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A rarity in 1800's, Clara Endicott is a journalist. She has made a name for herself in England by writing about the working conditions of London's poor. She has also wound up in jail for the same thing. An anonymous supporter helps her return home to Baltimore where she finds that life has changed. Her childhood best friend, Daniel Tremain, has risen from a mill worker to an industry leader and power house. But Clara finds that more than just Daniel's social and financial status has changed. He does not seem to be the same person she knew growing up. As Clara tries to find the man she once knew deep inside Daniel, she is inadvertently drawn into danger by one of Daniel's many adversaries.A enjoyed the story very much, until the end. I had not read too much about this time period and I enjoyed reading a story that brought it to life for me - the labor riots, the crime, and the muckrakers making headlines. However, the characters fell a little flat - especially Clara who seems to start off perfect and go about trying to make everyone else just as perfect as she is. In some ways she succeeds and in others she doesn't. Her successes seem to pop out of nowhere, with people changing their entire life view after just a few conversations with her.Overall, the story itself was good, but I found the characters to be lacking.2.5/5

[love2readnovels_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Clara Endicott was born of privilege. She had a love of music but also a love for writing and wanted to write for her father's newspaper. Daniel Tremain was born in poverty but also harbored a love of music. Though these two were from opposite sides of the track they became best friends. But when it becomes a hint more than that her father sends her away to London to live with her aunt. It's there she writes an article concerning the poor working conditions of miners but especially the poor children sent down to work in the mines. It stirs such hostility that she is deported back to the US. There she meets up again with Daniel. All the feelings are still there and yet things are very different. He has become a very wealthy man but much of his drive comes from old grudges he can't let go of. As Clara speaks of God's forgiveness he turns into a man she hardly recognizes. But when Clara's life is endangered he is forced to deal with issues he has kept close to heart.What a wonderful debut novel. Elizabeth Camden writes like a seasoned author. This story was full of likeable characters, zippy dialog and spiritual truths. Clara was the type of woman you could look up to. She wasn't perfect but she truly tried to live out her faith. I liked that Clara was willing to take a stand for her faith even though it would personally cost her. Daniel was such a charming fellow. I love the way he was with Clara and the relationship they had. Though there were spots where you could see his bitterness come shining through. How true that could be for us too. The cover of this novel is beautiful and gives you the idea of a somewhat sedate story, but not so. It kept me turning pages but especially the last third of the book. Wonderful suspense and unexpected twist! You also don't find out who the real culprit is until the end. I like that. I also really liked how this author brought everything together at the end. I look forward to future offerings by this author. If you haven't read The Lady of Bolton Hill I recommend you pick it up. A thank you goes to LibraryThing and Bethany House for this complimentary ARC for my review.

[keeneam · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book and the plot was well written and moved at a good pace. I love how the main characters love grew out of friendship. I would have liked to have more detail on the male main character, but I did enjoy Clara quite a bit. I also enjoyed the side character of Bane and would love to here more about him, maybe in a future book. Overall I would recommend this boo and will probably reread it myself.

[rlatourell · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I love a good friends to more than friends story, however in The Lady of Bolton Hill I find something lacking. The story seems to skim the surface in several areas where a more thorough exploration would help to enrich the themes and relationships running through the book. I love the idea of the music bringing the two main characters together, however I don't think that this key point of the relationship was developed as fully as it might have been. I was also thrown off by the sudden inclusion of the antagonist and associated characters. While the stories do come together there is some disconnect there that never fully resolved itself for me. Elizabeth Camden has a very accessible writing style, and the overall tone of the book remains consistent with others published by Bethany House. Some further polishing and digging into the characters and story lines would be beneficial, but will likely develop with time and experience. Overall a fairly strong first novel, one which may be enough for me to attempt any future offerings by the author.

[kathleen4morrow · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I could take or leave this book. A potentially interesting plot, but mediocre writing dampens it. Christian aspect of the story is forced and is used as the easy answer to pull all the plot points together at the end. Despite all this, its an entertaining way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I wouldn't spend money on it, but if its at your local library and you need some fluff reading, go for it.

[halo776 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Clara Endicott lives a charmed life in Bolton Hill as the daughter of a doting, prestigious minister. Daniel Tremain, on the other hand, lives in poverty, working in the same steel mill as his father. Despite their differences, the two become the best of friends. Then, tragedy strikes. Daniel's father dies in an accident, and Clara's father ships her to England. Overseas, Clara becomes a respected journalist and a champion of the working class. Meanwhile, Daniel has patented new railroad technology that makes him a very wealthy man. When Clara is forced to leave England, she is reunited with her childhood friend. The early romantic feelings they felt for each other are stronger than ever, but there are many problems the two face. Daniel is a bitter man, blaming a rival businessman for his father's death, and he does not share Clara's faith. Suddenly, Daniel's troubles find Clara and put her very life in danger. There are enough twists and turns to keep you reading until the very end, which is a very satisfying conclusion, indeed.This book kept me entertained from the very beginning. Clara is not a shrinking violet, and she's not a perfect character, either. She does something in the book that I just couldn't believe, and I completely understood Daniel's anger with her. Daniel is irresistably charming at times--a complete flirt--and shockingly harsh and almost cruel at others. They were unpredictable and very realistic. This is, first and foremost, a romantic story. Daniel is a great love interest and balance for Clara. He is a revered and even feared man, but with Clara he is very gentle and practically worships her. I found myself rooting for his redemption all along. The action scenes are susepenseful and well-paced. The villainous character, Alexander Bane, is a wonderful addition and comes at just the right time to increase the pacing in the latter half of the book. So, why 4.5 stars instead of the full 5? I deducted a 1/2 star because there were a few loose ends. In particular, we never find out what happens to a cruel professor who deals in the lucrative opium trade. With so many other ends tied up so neatly, I wonder how the author managed to forget about the most villainous of characters in the story.

[ladytaluka · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a nice easy read for me. I received an advanced reader's copy. It has a clean, Christian romance and the characters were likable. I didn't think the writing was amazing, and the plot seemed a little far-fetched, but I enjoyed it overall.

[erolene · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story of love, loyalty and faith had me hooked from the first couple chapters. There are some great reminders to "walk the walk" and not just "talk the talk". Elizabeth Camden really made me attached to these characters in just over 200 pages, which is not an easy feat. I'll be looking forward to more books from her. Check out The Lady of Bolton Hill when it comes out in June!

[abbieriddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a sweet love story! This is such a great look at what happens when one is faithful always to share God's word with those we love the most.

A childhood friendship that spans oceans and years is reunited when the two cross paths again. Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain were from opposite social classes and yet the common love of music was the basis for a friendship that would impact them for their entire lives. When Daniel's father is killed at the mines and he loses any chance of ever going to school life changes. That summer Clara's father sends her to London where she will spend the next decade.

During this time both grow up and change drastically. Clara is sent from London after causing a stir by an article that she wrote. Soon these two friends are thrown back together - this time both in equal social classes. Though the flame of love is stirred things are drastically different for each of them.

This is truly a story of how God's word spoken to those loved brings freedom. I had to admire Clara when she purposed that unless Daniel became a believer she could never marry him nor have him raise her children. This resolve leads to her constant speaking of the truth of God's word.

This resolve also serves as a stronghold when she is kidnapped. Through this story we see one remarkable woman - founded in her faith - that changes those around her by simply living what she believes so strongly in.

Thank you Bethany House for this review copy.

[sueincyprus · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The prologue, set in 1867, is dramatic and very well-written. It introduces Daniel Tremain, a sixteen-year-old working boy in the United States who suffers a terrible tragedy; it also introduces his best friend, Clara, who shares his passion for classical music although her background is much higher class than his.

The rest of the story takes place twelve years later. The historical settings felt real, and the dialogue came across as authentic. I liked Clara, and found Daniel believable if rather hard-headed and materialistic. I was less convinced by the other, more minor characters.

However my biggest problem with the book was the sudden development of a completely different sub-plot, part way through. It involves some opium dealers, and a particularly unpleasant and amoral teenage boy known as Bane. When the two storylines combine, the book descends into melodrama… oddly mixed with evangelism.

The resolution of the story’s climax feels bizarre, and that's writing from the perspective as a Christian who has no doubt that God can do anything. For those without faith, approaching this as a historical fiction book, the ending would seem unrealistic and contrived in a ‘deus ex machina’ style.

So I can’t give this any more than three stars, despite it being very well-written and with a great sense of the historical context. I'd say it's worth reading, and very interesting in places, but I’d have liked it better (and believed in it more) if the story involving Bane had not been there at all.

[carolee888 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"The Lady of Bolton Hill" by Elizabeth Camden is exciting Christian Historical Fiction. It has more action than the usual for this genre. The story starts in Baltimore in 1867 when Daniel Tremain is taking a test for a scholarship in engineering. He is interrupted with a plea for help for his father. There has been a boiler explosion at work and his father has been trapped in some machinery. Daniel does his best but he was unable to save his father. The machinery had been unsafe. Daniel’s family is very poor and has to struggle with poverty with Daniel working to support them. Clara Endicott, is very independent and strong willed and a daughter of a minister. She and Daniel are drawn together accidently by a strong love of Chopin’s music. She goes to London, England and gets involved in a social cause and her writing causes her to be put on trial. Twelve years later, they meet again, both of them thinking that it will never work being from such different classes and background. I was surprised by the amount of anger that Daniel shows towards Clara. Clara has trouble dealing with it and yet only wants Daniel over everyone else. Daniel has become a “robber baron” and is in trouble with his workers. He has so many problems to work through and shies away from doing so. Clara’s emotions for Daniel bounce back and forth that it started to wear me out some. There were a few times that the story got a little preachy so it would have been great if that was toned down some and a little more time spent on editing. There were plenty of twists and turns which I enjoyed. Over all it was a very enjoyable book, especially with historical details about child labor and unsafe equipment.I highly recommend this book to people interested in this time in history.

[tinasbookreviews · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really do enjoy CF Historical novels, I love the lightness and wholesome quality they over. Lately however Ive been looking for more grit in my historical settings and I would recommend this novel to readers who want a light read with a very strong faith message.While typical for your average inspy history- the author did give us a strong female lead that had all the ups and downs surrounding what you would expect from her. I think what turned me off though was how over powering the faith message was, I love inspy fiction that’s why I read it…but I hate being preached to especially in fiction. I want to know what the character feels in regards to her faith but I do not want chapters of sermons. A character has to mesh with the real world or you lose the reader.

[sneezybee23 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Twelve years after leaving America, Clara Endicott returns with dreams of pursuing truth and justice as a female journalist. As soon as she and her childhood friend, Daniel Tremain, meet, their hearts begin to reconnect and the spark of romance from twelve years ago ignites into a full-blown flame. Unfortunately, Daniel's long-standing grudge against the owner of the factory his father was killed in has made him a target of criminal activity. Will Daniel and Clara survive the danger? Can Daniel ever put his hatred and bitterness behind him? And what if he doesn't? Will Clara marry someone who doesn't share her beliefs?Historical romances, such as The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden, are my favorite stories to read. The story flowed smoothly and I appreciated all the musical elements that Camden incorporated. I was hooked by the characters almost immediately, but I really started enjoying the story when there began to be some mystery involved. The author's portrayal of Daniel's struggle with bitterness was very good. I don't like it when authors gloss over the tragedy and move on. Camden did an excellent job displaying Daniel's heart and creating an authentic character. My only complaint (and it's not a biggie) is with Daniel's last name being Tremain. This is probably the third Christian fiction book I've read in the last year that had a wealthy main character from this time period with the last name of Tremain. It's a nice name, but overused. Lastly, I loved the epilogue and I will definitely be reading this book again!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission?s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[sherri3d · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Lady of Bolton Hill is a truly exciting adventure. This book had my full attention at page 2, and kept it until the end. This book is written by a new author, Elizabeth Camden. I can hardly wait to see what she does next! The characters are colorful and unique, as is the story line. Don't miss this one!

[radella_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Clara Endicott comes from a family devoted to making a difference. Her family has influence in Baltimore, but she is sent to live with family in England. She decides to make a difference as a journalist, in a time when women rarely held such a job. However, not everyone wants things to change and Clara soon finds herself sent back to the states. Daniel Tremain was from a working class family. An industrial accident kills his father, and he seeks revenge. Daniel becomes a powerful industrial force, but the grudge he holds may just ruin him. Friends as children, Daniel and Clara find that some things have changed over the intervening years. The rest of the plot (throughout most of which suspension of disbelief will be necessary) regarding the opium trade seems to exist solely to carry the developing romance between Daniel and Clara. While the characters were mostly interesting, they weren’t necessarily unique. Clara is another heroine who was too modern for her time, giving props to the feminists of the era. Daniel was another angry character who is holding onto a grudge rather fiercely, until he wasn’t. The Christian aspect to the story was forced at times, used as a way to contently solve some problems. It was an entertaining and well-written story, and I enjoyed reading it.

[judyg54 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I would like to thank LibraryThing EarlyReviewers for sending me this book to read. I don’t know if I would have ever went out and bought this book on my own, since it was an author I had never heard of. I am glad it was sent to me for review. This was a very good well-written story that held my interest throughout. It had mystery, danger, romance, and a very good theme on forgiveness throughout the story. She was good at putting you into the historical setting of the story, back in 1879. For this being a debut book for this author I must say I am looking forward to reading more of her stories.Clara Endicott is a female journalists in a time where having this job was rare for a female. She finds herself narrowly escaping prison in London at the beginning of the story and fleeing back to her home in Baltimore. There she comes across Daniel Tremain, who she hasn’t seen or heard from since childhood. But she never forgot Daniel and his love of music that they both shared. Daniel was not from her “class” of people though, but had to make his living in the factories. When next they meet Daniel has now become a powerful and important person in the industry world; and he hasn’t made many friends on his rise to the top. Clara and Daniel almost instantly take up where they left off many years ago. But Daniel has some issues with forgiveness and resentments and Clara is bound and determined to help him work through his bitterness (after she works through her own that is). Things only go from bad to worse for them and it all comes to a dramatic head at the very end.Although some may say “it could never happen” when it comes to the changed life of a certain character in this story; I say it most certainly could once a person truly understands the great gift we have in God’s love and forgiveness (and you will have to read the story to find out what I am talking about). I enjoyed every aspect of this story and all its twists and turns and characters. The close friendship and then love between Clara and Daniel was so well written, it just made me feel good inside reading the interaction between the two and the strong love you knew they had for each other. I must say well done Elizabeth Camden. I would love to read a sequel about Bane! Or Clyde!

[starryblack-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Given my predisposition to scorn Historical Romance, I tried to go into The Lady of Bolton Hill with open eyes, but soon found it was unnecessary. There is absolutely nothing remarkable in the novel that would make me recommend it to anyone. The characters are fully drawn and fairly complex, and fortunately the author had enough wisdom to give them flaws, but they are essentially the same old Historical Romance personas. As someone who is not a particular fan of the genre, this got tiresome for me. The only characters I actually liked somewhat were Clara's brother Clyde, a wild frontier doctor clad in buckskin and braids, and a villain by the name of Alex, who has a much-needed and suitably glamorous air of the tragic about him, while still being appealingly realistic. The two main characters love music, and I initially looked forward to perhaps a book filled with references to music and composers and etc., but this element was sentimentalized and sappy. It began promisingly, with Clara and Daniel exchanging compositions, but after a while their supposed love for music began to seem fake. The plot is a bit darker and fuller and more intricate than what is usually found in books of this genre, but towards the end it starts to disintegrate toward the less-believable. Since a good deal of the plot is centered around the late-19th-century opium trade, I had hoped for a deeper novel, but the smuggling aspects were downplayed and treated with simplicity. This, presumably, was to keep the focus on the romance, which didn't deliver. Following the traditional vein of this genre there was plenty of unconvincing back-and-forth 'I love him; I hate him', 'I love her; I hate her', and the requisite mid-point heartbreak. For a book with such a potentially serious and profound backdrop, I found the romance was clichéd and uninspiring. What could possibly have been a Historical Fiction novel with some weight, à la the Mark of the Lion series, fell into tired Inspirational Romance. Ms. Camden does have an appealing writing style, clean and smooth, and she doesn't attempt to fabricate dramatic situations out of thin air, which is typically the bane of books like these. Also, she didn't insert any cheap, unnecessary 'situational humor', as is often done. This, I think, saved the book from falling completely into the murky wellspring of meretricious genre fiction. Ms. Camden writes with a little feminist lilt, as our main protagonist, Clara, begins the book locked up in jail after getting in trouble with the English government during a journalistic investigation of child labor in the coal mines. We soon find that Clara is 'revolutionary for her time', intelligent and literate, concerned with politics, uncomfortable with social conventions, etc. – in other words, she is just like every other Historical Romance heroine. The feminist leanings are further expanded when it is revealed that Daniel's sister Kate is pretty much the only woman tennis player in Baltimore, and she eagerly beats men in competition, even when confined to skirts. Now, I certainly don't oppose women being educated and talented, or their playing sports, but the tone of these pert little paragraphs in which we are informed of these women's autonomy has a little bit of an edge. They just teeter on the brink of toppling into full-fledged monologues on feminist equality and corporate opportunity. They never do, but there is always that flavor of impending political discourse. One thing that I really disagreed with was the 'salvation' of two prominent characters near the end of the book. (I'm not giving out any spoilers here, because it's obvious right from page one how everything is going to turn out.) These two do, undeniably, need to get saved, but the emphasis here is not on a spiritual decision but a physical change. I was shocked by this. One character decides to 'turn his life around', and the other goes to a church one day, and whiz-bang we are informed that both are now saved. This is entirely opposite to my beliefs and I can not simply ignore it. While The Lady of Bolton Hill was less tedious than other books like it, ultimately Elizabeth Camden has created only a very ordinary Christian Historical Romance. It is not the sort of book I would prefer to spend my time on.