The Lady of Bolton Hill

Female journalists are rare in 1879, but American-born Clara Endicott has finally made a name for herself with her provocative articles championing London's poor. When the backlash from her work forces a return home to Baltimore, Clara finds herself face-to-face with a childhood sweetheart who is no longer the impoverished factory worker she once knew. In her absence, Daniel Tremain has become a powerful industry giant and Clara finds him as enigmatic as ever. However, Daniel's success is fueled by resentment from past wounds and Clara's deeply-held beliefs about God's grace force Daniel to confront his own motives. When Clara's very life is endangered by one of Daniel's adversaries, they must face a reckoning neither of them ever could have foreseen.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Erolene

This story of love, loyalty and faith had me hooked from the first couple chapters. There are some great reminders to "walk the walk" and not just "talk the talk". Elizabeth Camden really made me attached to these characters in just over 200 pages, which is not an easy feat. I'll be looking forward

to more books from her. Check out The Lady of Bolton Hill when it comes out in June!

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LibraryThing member ladytaluka

This was a nice easy read for me. I received an advanced reader's copy. It has a clean, Christian romance and the characters were likable. I didn't think the writing was amazing, and the plot seemed a little far-fetched, but I enjoyed it overall.

LibraryThing member halo776

Clara Endicott lives a charmed life in Bolton Hill as the daughter of a doting, prestigious minister. Daniel Tremain, on the other hand, lives in poverty, working in the same steel mill as his father. Despite their differences, the two become the best of friends. Then, tragedy strikes. Daniel's

father dies in an accident, and Clara's father ships her to England. Overseas, Clara becomes a respected journalist and a champion of the working class. Meanwhile, Daniel has patented new railroad technology that makes him a very wealthy man. When Clara is forced to leave England, she is reunited with her childhood friend. The early romantic feelings they felt for each other are stronger than ever, but there are many problems the two face. Daniel is a bitter man, blaming a rival businessman for his father's death, and he does not share Clara's faith. Suddenly, Daniel's troubles find Clara and put her very life in danger. There are enough twists and turns to keep you reading until the very end, which is a very satisfying conclusion, indeed.

This book kept me entertained from the very beginning. Clara is not a shrinking violet, and she's not a perfect character, either. She does something in the book that I just couldn't believe, and I completely understood Daniel's anger with her. Daniel is irresistably charming at times--a complete flirt--and shockingly harsh and almost cruel at others. They were unpredictable and very realistic.

This is, first and foremost, a romantic story. Daniel is a great love interest and balance for Clara. He is a revered and even feared man, but with Clara he is very gentle and practically worships her. I found myself rooting for his redemption all along. The action scenes are susepenseful and well-paced. The villainous character, Alexander Bane, is a wonderful addition and comes at just the right time to increase the pacing in the latter half of the book.

So, why 4.5 stars instead of the full 5? I deducted a 1/2 star because there were a few loose ends. In particular, we never find out what happens to a cruel professor who deals in the lucrative opium trade. With so many other ends tied up so neatly, I wonder how the author managed to forget about the most villainous of characters in the story.

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LibraryThing member Adayriddle

What a sweet love story! This is such a great look at what happens when one is faithful always to share God's word with those we love the most.

A childhood friendship that spans oceans and years is reunited when the two cross paths again. Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain were from opposite social

classes and yet the common love of music was the basis for a friendship that would impact them for their entire lives. When Daniel's father is killed at the mines and he loses any chance of ever going to school life changes. That summer Clara's father sends her to London where she will spend the next decade.

During this time both grow up and change drastically. Clara is sent from London after causing a stir by an article that she wrote. Soon these two friends are thrown back together - this time both in equal social classes. Though the flame of love is stirred things are drastically different for each of them.

This is truly a story of how God's word spoken to those loved brings freedom. I had to admire Clara when she purposed that unless Daniel became a believer she could never marry him nor have him raise her children. This resolve leads to her constant speaking of the truth of God's word.

This resolve also serves as a stronghold when she is kidnapped. Through this story we see one remarkable woman - founded in her faith - that changes those around her by simply living what she believes so strongly in.

Thank you Bethany House for this review copy.

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LibraryThing member judyg54

I would like to thank LibraryThing EarlyReviewers for sending me this book to read. I don’t know if I would have ever went out and bought this book on my own, since it was an author I had never heard of. I am glad it was sent to me for review. This was a very good well-written story that held my

interest throughout. It had mystery, danger, romance, and a very good theme on forgiveness throughout the story. She was good at putting you into the historical setting of the story, back in 1879. For this being a debut book for this author I must say I am looking forward to reading more of her stories.

Clara Endicott is a female journalists in a time where having this job was rare for a female. She finds herself narrowly escaping prison in London at the beginning of the story and fleeing back to her home in Baltimore. There she comes across Daniel Tremain, who she hasn’t seen or heard from since childhood. But she never forgot Daniel and his love of music that they both shared. Daniel was not from her “class” of people though, but had to make his living in the factories. When next they meet Daniel has now become a powerful and important person in the industry world; and he hasn’t made many friends on his rise to the top. Clara and Daniel almost instantly take up where they left off many years ago. But Daniel has some issues with forgiveness and resentments and Clara is bound and determined to help him work through his bitterness (after she works through her own that is). Things only go from bad to worse for them and it all comes to a dramatic head at the very end.

Although some may say “it could never happen” when it comes to the changed life of a certain character in this story; I say it most certainly could once a person truly understands the great gift we have in God’s love and forgiveness (and you will have to read the story to find out what I am talking about). I enjoyed every aspect of this story and all its twists and turns and characters. The close friendship and then love between Clara and Daniel was so well written, it just made me feel good inside reading the interaction between the two and the strong love you knew they had for each other. I must say well done Elizabeth Camden. I would love to read a sequel about Bane! Or Clyde!

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LibraryThing member Radella

Clara Endicott comes from a family devoted to making a difference. Her family has influence in Baltimore, but she is sent to live with family in England. She decides to make a difference as a journalist, in a time when women rarely held such a job. However, not everyone wants things to change and

Clara soon finds herself sent back to the states.
Daniel Tremain was from a working class family. An industrial accident kills his father, and he seeks revenge. Daniel becomes a powerful industrial force, but the grudge he holds may just ruin him. Friends as children, Daniel and Clara find that some things have changed over the intervening years. The rest of the plot (throughout most of which suspension of disbelief will be necessary) regarding the opium trade seems to exist solely to carry the developing romance between Daniel and Clara.
While the characters were mostly interesting, they weren’t necessarily unique. Clara is another heroine who was too modern for her time, giving props to the feminists of the era. Daniel was another angry character who is holding onto a grudge rather fiercely, until he wasn’t. The Christian aspect to the story was forced at times, used as a way to contently solve some problems. It was an entertaining and well-written story, and I enjoyed reading it.

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LibraryThing member kathleen.morrow

I could take or leave this book. A potentially interesting plot, but mediocre writing dampens it. Christian aspect of the story is forced and is used as the easy answer to pull all the plot points together at the end. Despite all this, its an entertaining way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I

wouldn't spend money on it, but if its at your local library and you need some fluff reading, go for it.

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LibraryThing member Rlatourell

I love a good friends to more than friends story, however in The Lady of Bolton Hill I find something lacking. The story seems to skim the surface in several areas where a more thorough exploration would help to enrich the themes and relationships running through the book. I love the idea of the

music bringing the two main characters together, however I don't think that this key point of the relationship was developed as fully as it might have been. I was also thrown off by the sudden inclusion of the antagonist and associated characters. While the stories do come together there is some disconnect there that never fully resolved itself for me. Elizabeth Camden has a very accessible writing style, and the overall tone of the book remains consistent with others published by Bethany House. Some further polishing and digging into the characters and story lines would be beneficial, but will likely develop with time and experience. Overall a fairly strong first novel, one which may be enough for me to attempt any future offerings by the author.

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LibraryThing member keeneam

I enjoyed this book and the plot was well written and moved at a good pace. I love how the main characters love grew out of friendship. I would have liked to have more detail on the male main character, but I did enjoy Clara quite a bit. I also enjoyed the side character of Bane and would love to

here more about him, maybe in a future book. Overall I would recommend this boo and will probably reread it myself.

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LibraryThing member love2readnovels

Clara Endicott was born of privilege. She had a love of music but also a love for writing and wanted to write for her father's newspaper. Daniel Tremain was born in poverty but also harbored a love of music. Though these two were from opposite sides of the track they became best friends. But when

it becomes a hint more than that her father sends her away to London to live with her aunt. It's there she writes an article concerning the poor working conditions of miners but especially the poor children sent down to work in the mines. It stirs such hostility that she is deported back to the US. There she meets up again with Daniel. All the feelings are still there and yet things are very different. He has become a very wealthy man but much of his drive comes from old grudges he can't let go of. As Clara speaks of God's forgiveness he turns into a man she hardly recognizes. But when Clara's life is endangered he is forced to deal with issues he has kept close to heart.

What a wonderful debut novel. Elizabeth Camden writes like a seasoned author. This story was full of likeable characters, zippy dialog and spiritual truths. Clara was the type of woman you could look up to. She wasn't perfect but she truly tried to live out her faith. I liked that Clara was willing to take a stand for her faith even though it would personally cost her. Daniel was such a charming fellow. I love the way he was with Clara and the relationship they had. Though there were spots where you could see his bitterness come shining through. How true that could be for us too. The cover of this novel is beautiful and gives you the idea of a somewhat sedate story, but not so. It kept me turning pages but especially the last third of the book. Wonderful suspense and unexpected twist! You also don't find out who the real culprit is until the end. I like that. I also really liked how this author brought everything together at the end. I look forward to future offerings by this author. If you haven't read The Lady of Bolton Hill I recommend you pick it up. A thank you goes to LibraryThing and Bethany House for this complimentary ARC for my review.

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LibraryThing member jasmyn9

A rarity in 1800's, Clara Endicott is a journalist. She has made a name for herself in England by writing about the working conditions of London's poor. She has also wound up in jail for the same thing. An anonymous supporter helps her return home to Baltimore where she finds that life has changed.

Her childhood best friend, Daniel Tremain, has risen from a mill worker to an industry leader and power house. But Clara finds that more than just Daniel's social and financial status has changed. He does not seem to be the same person she knew growing up. As Clara tries to find the man she once knew deep inside Daniel, she is inadvertently drawn into danger by one of Daniel's many adversaries.

A enjoyed the story very much, until the end. I had not read too much about this time period and I enjoyed reading a story that brought it to life for me - the labor riots, the crime, and the muckrakers making headlines. However, the characters fell a little flat - especially Clara who seems to start off perfect and go about trying to make everyone else just as perfect as she is. In some ways she succeeds and in others she doesn't. Her successes seem to pop out of nowhere, with people changing their entire life view after just a few conversations with her.

Overall, the story itself was good, but I found the characters to be lacking.

2.5/5

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LibraryThing member MichelleSutton

The Lady of Bolton Hill was an enjoyable novel set in the late 1800s. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and found the redemptive themes to be believable in that the people who had reasons for antipathy toward God were convincing in their rejection of faith. A few of the scenarios were a bit

of a stretch for me to believe, but I still found the story very engaging and read the book almost straight through.

This author's voice is a blend of Tracie Peterson, Nancy Moser, Deeanne Gist, and Julie Klassen. At the same time this author has her own distinct voice, and I like it. I will definitely read another book by this author. I was firmly planted in the time period and found the romance enjoyable between the characters. The tension between them was fun to read, too. That first kiss was heart-stopping and worth the wait.

I really enjoy reading stories set during the late 1800s time period and with child labor and child welfare issues in them. A female crusader who happens to be a journalist trying to take on children's issues makes it that much sweeter of a read. I loved the lesson regarding revenge and bitterness that was part of the overall theme, too. I would definitely recommend this author to people who adore historical romances.

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LibraryThing member Tinasbookreviews

I really do enjoy CF Historical novels, I love the lightness and wholesome quality they over. Lately however Ive been looking for more grit in my historical settings and I would recommend this novel to readers who want a light read with a very strong faith message.

While typical for your average

inspy history- the author did give us a strong female lead that had all the ups and downs surrounding what you would expect from her. I think what turned me off though was how over powering the faith message was, I love inspy fiction that’s why I read it…but I hate being preached to especially in fiction. I want to know what the character feels in regards to her faith but I do not want chapters of sermons. A character has to mesh with the real world or you lose the reader.

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LibraryThing member tarenn

THE LADY OF BOLTON HILL by Elizabeth Camden is an exciting debut inspirational historical romance set in 1879 London and Baltimore,Maryland.The plot is well written with details and depth.The characters are believable,exciting and will capture your heart. It has

faith,love,romance,suspense,intrigue,history,drug smuggling,the opium trade,female journalists in the 1800's and danger. Clara Endicott,parent is a weathly minister,she has made a name for herself by writing articles on London's poor,especially its children.She is deported back to Maryland after a month stay in a London prison for said articles,where she comes face to face with her old childhood sweetheart.It has been twelve years since they last seen each other.Daniel Tremain, was a poor lad who loved music and inventing things.He has now become a powerful industry giant and is out for revenge for the death of his father when he was only nineteen.While Daniel and Clara become reacquitte they also learn of Clara's father's deception. He and Clara's aunt withheld the letters they sent to each other for twelve years,leaving each of them believing the other that stopped caring.But Daniel's adversaries will endanger Clara,and they must face their fears.While Clara is deeply devoted to her faith,Daniel has questioned his.His father was killed in an accidental explosion,his mother commits sucide leaving him to raise is three small sister,with no income.So Daniel does the only thing he can and becomes a self made industry giant with the help of a few friends.But his success is fueled by his resentment of his past wounds,revenge and his need to destroy who he believes his is arch enemy.Clara's deep rooted belief in God's grace will force Daniel to face his own motives and either let his revenge go or face losing Clara forever.This is a fast paced story full of engaging characters, faith, acceptance, redemption,forgiveness and love.It also shows God's grace and forgiveness.A great debut and a must read. This is an author to watch for in the future. This book was received for the purpose of review from Library Thing and the publisher and details can be found at Bethany House and My Book Addiction Reviews.

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LibraryThing member Carolee888

"The Lady of Bolton Hill" by Elizabeth Camden is exciting Christian Historical Fiction. It has more action than the usual for this genre. The story starts in Baltimore in 1867 when Daniel Tremain is taking a test for a scholarship in engineering. He is interrupted with a plea for help for his

father. There has been a boiler explosion at work and his father has been trapped in some machinery. Daniel does his best but he was unable to save his father. The machinery had been unsafe. Daniel’s family is very poor and has to struggle with poverty with Daniel working to support them.

Clara Endicott, is very independent and strong willed and a daughter of a minister. She and Daniel are drawn together accidently by a strong love of Chopin’s music. She goes to London, England and gets involved in a social cause and her writing causes her to be put on trial.

Twelve years later, they meet again, both of them thinking that it will never work being from such different classes and background. I was surprised by the amount of anger that Daniel shows towards Clara. Clara has trouble dealing with it and yet only wants Daniel over everyone else. Daniel has become a “robber baron” and is in trouble with his workers. He has so many problems to work through and shies away from doing so.

Clara’s emotions for Daniel bounce back and forth that it started to wear me out some. There were a few times that the story got a little preachy so it would have been great if that was toned down some and a little more time spent on editing. There were plenty of twists and turns which I enjoyed. Over all it was a very enjoyable book, especially with historical details about child labor and unsafe equipment.

I highly recommend this book to people interested in this time in history.

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LibraryThing member ReviewsbyMolly

This is a wonderful 5 Book worthy novel! It's filled with intriguing mystery, deep, rich historical detail and sweet romance. The characters are amazingly created and captivate the readers heart. From start to finish, I enjoyed every minute of this historical novel, and loved the messages of hope,

faith and deep devotion mixed in. Well done, Ms. Camden!

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LibraryThing member FHC

good summer read~

"The Lady of Bolton Hill", Elizabeth Camden's debut novel,
with it's quite unique and unexpected action
for those of you who enjoy some mystery
added to your romances...
has a fascinating storyline. Good description and vocabulary.
I felt Clara could have learnt more from her

judgemental and over-zealousness in trying to reform Daniel. She seemed much younger in attitude than her stated age.
I did like the reality of their physical attraction - well written.

Thanks, Elizabeth, for keeping me reading this weekend!

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LibraryThing member lyssa73

The cover was beautiful, that's about all I can say. I read the first 10 or so chapters and as soon as the villain makes his appearance, I thought, you have to be kidding me. So cheesy. And the relationship between Clara and Daniel is completely unbelieveable. They immediately pick up where they

left off and clear all the misunderstandings between them in ONE conversation. It didn't give me anything to invest in. So I skimmed the rest of the way through, reading paragraphs or pages at a time, and finished thinking, I am so glad I did not waste my time reading every word. Kind of ridiculous.

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LibraryThing member SueinCyprus

The prologue, set in 1867, is dramatic and very well-written. It introduces Daniel Tremain, a sixteen-year-old working boy in the United States who suffers a terrible tragedy; it also introduces his best friend, Clara, who shares his passion for classical music although her background is much

higher class than his.

The rest of the story takes place twelve years later. The historical settings felt real, and the dialogue came across as authentic. I liked Clara, and found Daniel believable if rather hard-headed and materialistic. I was less convinced by the other, more minor characters.

However my biggest problem with the book was the sudden development of a completely different sub-plot, part way through. It involves some opium dealers, and a particularly unpleasant and amoral teenage boy known as Bane. When the two storylines combine, the book descends into melodrama… oddly mixed with evangelism.

The resolution of the story’s climax feels bizarre, and that's writing from the perspective as a Christian who has no doubt that God can do anything. For those without faith, approaching this as a historical fiction book, the ending would seem unrealistic and contrived in a ‘deus ex machina’ style.

So I can’t give this any more than three stars, despite it being very well-written and with a great sense of the historical context. I'd say it's worth reading, and very interesting in places, but I’d have liked it better (and believed in it more) if the story involving Bane had not been there at all.

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LibraryThing member mermaidjoy

Nice Story.

LibraryThing member ruthhill74

This book was a fairly typical Christian historical romance, and indeed the author did not disappoint in that area. It's always comforting to read a romance where there is excitement, a strong female, a dashing rogue, and plenty of tension. And add to that--nothing inappropriate in the least. After

all, it is Christian!

I did find myself drawn into the story, but I cannot say I loved any of the characters. Clara and Daniel were fine, but I was not enthralled with them. Sometimes I even found Clara a little annoying. She was a Christian, and I had no trouble with her Christian views, but I felt that she didn't live in reality. The story got a little far-fetched for a historical romance at times, but to the author's credit, she did allow some bad things to happen to the characters.

I was not terribly impressed with how the Christian views were woven into the story. At times, it seemed a little forced, and I get tired of Christian authors feeling they need to force the entire gospel message into a book. If it a Christian novel, then the Christian views of the book should be woven seamlessly into the story line. The thing that did impress me was the view that was stated concerning suicide. I was quite pleased to read that, and I felt that author took a risk that really worked in that area. I applaud her for that!

In conclusion, if you are up for a story that is a light historical read with a basically engaging story and a strong Christian message, give this book a try.

I was provided a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. All opinions are 100 percent mine, and I was not financially compensated in any way.
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding

Twelve years after leaving America, Clara Endicott returns with dreams of pursuing truth and justice as a female journalist. As soon as she and her childhood friend, Daniel Tremain, meet, their hearts begin to reconnect and the spark of romance from twelve years ago ignites into a full-blown flame.

Unfortunately, Daniel's long-standing grudge against the owner of the factory his father was killed in has made him a target of criminal activity. Will Daniel and Clara survive the danger? Can Daniel ever put his hatred and bitterness behind him? And what if he doesn't? Will Clara marry someone who doesn't share her beliefs?

Historical romances, such as The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden, are my favorite stories to read. The story flowed smoothly and I appreciated all the musical elements that Camden incorporated. I was hooked by the characters almost immediately, but I really started enjoying the story when there began to be some mystery involved. The author's portrayal of Daniel's struggle with bitterness was very good. I don't like it when authors gloss over the tragedy and move on. Camden did an excellent job displaying Daniel's heart and creating an authentic character. My only complaint (and it's not a biggie) is with Daniel's last name being Tremain. This is probably the third Christian fiction book I've read in the last year that had a wealthy main character from this time period with the last name of Tremain. It's a nice name, but overused. Lastly, I loved the epilogue and I will definitely be reading this book again!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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LibraryThing member abbieriddle

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