Patrick O'Neill wants nothing more than to live his life by helping those in his community to live a better life. As a lawyer, this can sometime be difficult, depending on the client...and his current client Mick Malone was one of the most difficult he has ever had to defend. Accused of kidnapping three-year old William Blackstone years ago, Mick was found not guilty and has hated the Blackstone family and high society ever since. Now, he intends to expose the Blackstone family in a tell-all memoir...and make himself a bit wealthier too. While Patrick cannot personally stand Mick Malone, he was hired as his lawyer and must see that the memoir holds no liabilities and is published. However, he knows the Blackstone family will not sit idly by while this memoir is published and brings the Blackstone Bank & legacy bad publicity. But little did Patrick dream that William Blackstone's little sister Gwen would enter the scene and attempt to make a deal to prevent the publication of the tell-all book...and make Patrick question all of his well-laid plans.
This was an EXCELLENT BOOK! I read it in one day and am in the middle of devouring book #2. I am certain that I will finish books 2 & 3 of this series before the week is out! A truly excellent series and I cannot wait to read more from Ms. Camden! ( )

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

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. ( )

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. ( )

The first in a captivating new series set in the Gilded Age, Carved in Stone introduces the powerful Blackstone family, as secrets are revealed with the future of the largest merger in US history at stake.

Gwen Kellerman loves her life at college hosting gatherings of some of the most inquisitive minds, drawing comfort from the familiar. But her safe haven is at risk of going under, a chance sighting has her fighting to save the college alongside Patrick a principled young lawyer who dislikes everything her family represents. Does their love stand a chance?

A captivating and engaging novel, and an excellent introduction to the powerful Blackstone family. I loved how this book juxtaposes the lives of Gwen, Liam and Patrick, who come from vastly different backgrounds, as they try to find common ground and fight for what matters. Gwen is passionate about education, and longs for the close family connection that she was robbed of throughout her life. I admired her willingness to help, her compassion, and courage. Patrick is a hardworking and compassionate lawyer, he holds high standards of integrity for himself, and he is a wonderful friend.

Overall, a wonderful introductory to this brand new series by Elizabeth Camden. I loved the characters, rich history, and engaging plot. I'm so excited to see what happens next with this series, crossing my fingers for more on Liam and Natalia!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ( )