Carved in Stone (The Blackstone Legacy Book #1)

Elizabeth Camden

Aug 2021 · The Blackstone Legacy Book 1 · Baker Books

About this ebook

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 most sympathetic 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.

Elizabeth Camden's writing is full of . . .

"Richly drawn characters and fascinating American history."-- All About Romance

"Fabulous love stor[ies] wrapped around compelling historical events."--Booklist

"Adventuresome, entertaining romance."--Foreword Reviews

Ratings and reviews

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.

This is book one in the Blackstone Legacy series, so what a great place to start. I enjoyed getting to know different characters in this series and some I discovered I am not to fond of, yet I am curious if that will change as more books come about. Gwen Kellerman has a great personality and comes from wealth even though she sometimes does not realize how fortunate she has it. She is not your typical wealthy widow. Patrick O'Neill is the handsome lawyer who has overcome some hardships to even become a lawyer, He likes to defend the less fortunate. When Gwen and Patrick meet the sparks start to fly. There is mystery, drama, historical romance and more woven together to make a wonderful story. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

About the author

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered story lines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Awards and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books. Visit www.elizabethcamden.com to learn more.