This is the first book I've read by Crystal Caudill and it was an exciting adventure through streets of Philadelphia in 1885. I learned quite a bit about the Secret Service during the mid 1880s and about Houses of Refuge for delinquent and neglected minors in this city. The intrigue and suspense in the plot were engaging and definitely kept me on my toes trying to figure out the nefarious connection among the minor characters. The strong faith thread of forgiveness, reconciliation, working through doubt, and waiting for God's timing infused the heart of the story. If you enjoy historical romantic suspense, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
Gwendolyn was a strong heroine - a bit too stubborn for me to completely empathize with but nonetheless passionate, compassionate, and wholly dedicated to the children she guards. Josiah was a fun, protective, loyal, tender-hearted champion for the underdogs and easy to like. I didn't quite understand his Kryptonite of reluctantly proposing to damsels in distress and having to break those proposals but his hurting widowed heart was genuine. The green goods game that played a major role in the plot was a little confusing at first but it tied in nicely at the end. I appreciated the historical notes at the end of the book summarizing the facts that contributed to the plotline.
I received the book from Kregel Publications via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
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