Counterfeit Love Book Review + Giveaway
Recently, I read Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill. The story is about Theresa Plane and the secrets her grandpa has been hiding. She teams up with Broderick Cosgrove, her former fiance, from the Secret Service to uncover the truth of what is going on.
Being from Ohio, the story is captivating and interesting to read about Cincinnati in the late 1800s. I learned so much about the Secret Service that I never knew before! Keep reading to see my thoughts and enter a giveaway for a free copy!
The tip of the rock bit into his hand like the unwanted memory bit into his soul. He shoved both where they belonged—the rock in his pocket and the memory in the recesses of his mind.
Caudill takes readers back to Cincinnati in 1884 where Theresa Plane finds herself in a precarious situation. Her grandfather has racked up quite the debt and his creditors are calling! After all that Grandfather has sacrificed to raise her, Theresa feels she owes it to him to save the family name—and that means clearing their debt with creditors before she marries Edward Greystone. But when one of the creditors’ threats leads her to stumble across a midnight meeting, she discovers that the money he owes isn’t all Grandfather was hiding. The secrets he kept have trapped Theresa in a life-threatening fight for her home—and the truth.
My Thoughts
Counterfeit Love takes you on an adventure through the streets of Cincinnati in 1884. The story is action-packed from the very first scene – I could hardly put it down! The entire time I was reading, I felt like I was right in the center of the action, helping Broderick and Theresa discover the truth of what is going on.
I loved this book. The story is interesting and mixed with just enough history and facts to immerse the reader into the story. I enjoyed the intrigue and plot twists – pretty much everything but the snow! Living in Ohio, close to Cincinnati, I could have done without the snow! I appreciate how the relationships between the characters are not the typical “romance novel, everything is rosy” – they are messy and complicated. It makes the story seem more realistic and interesting.
I definitely suggest reading this book – especially for historical fiction fans. This is the first book in Caudill’s Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. I can’t wait for the next one!
Also, check out the bonus features on Caudill’s webpage – there is a virtual tour of 1884 Cincinnati, research facts that didn’t make the book, and information about how the proceeds from the sale of her book will be donated to Bearing Precious Seeds, a Bible printing ministry. There is also a book club kit that includes discussion questions, behind-the-scenes fun facts, and more.
About the Author
Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. Counterfeit Love is her debut published novel.
She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.
Find out more at crystalcaudill.com or find her on Facebook (@crystalcaudillauthor) and Instagram (@crystalcaudillauthor). You can also join fellow readers in Crystal Caudill’s Reading Friends group on Facebook.
Giveaway
A complimentary e-copy of Counterfeit Love was provided to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. No affiliate links are present in this post. Please see my disclosure for more information.