A story of loss, desperation, and love... A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden (Review & #Giveaway)


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

I've enjoyed this author's work before and have been looking forward to
reading more from her. Read my review and enter the tour giveaway below...

A Desperate Hope
(Empire State #3)
By Elizabeth Camden
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she believes is finally behind her. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town--but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them.

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My Review

A DESPERATE HOPE is a story of loss, desperation, love and what it means to be family. Readers won't be able to resist falling in love with this small town with all its quirks and charm. The people who live, fight, and love there make it the wonderful place it is and surround these two main characters as they try to navigate being on opposite sides of each other and then work to save this town. There are plenty of twists, a little danger, and a delightful romance to keep things interesting. If you're an historical romance, sweet romance, or inspirational romance fan, this story is highly recommended!

From the first page I knew I was going to easily get into this story and that it was going to be good. It did not disappoint. I adored these characters, this town, and the struggle to save what they had. The story of a town being wiped away for a reservoir was quite intriguing, as were the other parts of this story that involved sabotage and danger as well as a light inspirational element. But, the part of the story that captured me the most were these characters. I loved the townspeople with all their individual personalities and how they interacted with each other. Even more, I loved Alex and Eloise who are both so different, but so perfect for each other. The romance was sweet, fun, with fabulous banter and chemistry.

There were so many lines that I loved—little nuggets of wisdom that resonated with me or made me smile. Here is one that I especially adored because it really puts things into perspective and felt just right for this story where a detour of water was created in place of a town:
"The detour that had been thrown into their lives ended up guiding him and Eloise exactly where they were meant to be."

I did have one misgiving with the story. It was how easily Alex dismisses Eloise and what she desperately needs at one point, even being unwilling to help her in any way. I could see things from Alex's perspective, but it was fairly unforgivable and yet Eloise forgives him easily. I felt like that could have been worked through a little more, maybe Alex addressing that better. Although, I loved this story regardless.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I loved this story! If you enjoy small-town charm, a slue of unforgettable characters, a desperate fight for survival, some suspense, and an exciting romance, then definitely pick this up! You will love every minute.

Content: Some innuendo and references to love scenes as well as some violence, but no descriptive details. Clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Prism Book Tours, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Elizabeth Camden is the author of twelve historical novels and two historical novellas and has been honored with both the RITA Award and the Christy Award. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. She lives with her husband in Florida.


Tour Schedule


Bookstagram Tour


Check out the Bookstagram Tour:
February 17th (launch): @prismbooktours
February 18th: @heidireadsblog
February 19th: @suziewaltner
February 20th: @girlandherbooks
February 21st: @singinglibrarianbooks
February 22nd: @betherin02
February 23rd: @all.the.lovely.pages
February 24th: @christenkrumm

Tour-Wide Giveaway


One Grand Prize winner will receive print copies of all three books in the Empire State series: A Dangerous Legacy, A Daring Venture, and A Desperate Hope
Two additional winners will receive a print copy of A Desperate Hope
- US only
- Ends March 1, 2019

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