A Desperate Hope (Empire State #3) by Elizabeth Camden [Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780764232107
Bethany House Publishing
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My thoughts:  As the conclusion of Elizabeth Camden's Empire State Series I found the book interesting. I personally didn't care for the "thug" characters in the book and their actions and influences on others in the community. But that is the story and that is the 1896 time element portrayed on the pages of A Desperate Hope.

This is the story of the destruction of a small community and surrounding woods in order to create a reservoir for the growing city of New York. About 100 miles north of the city the water is pure and plentiful and containing it in a large reservoir and transferring the water via an aqueduct to New York is the solution that the water commission of New York decided upon. Years of legal battles by the residents of the small town against the legal might of New York were fraught with failure and the demolition of the town is now about to take place.

A team is sent to Duval Springs to manage the destruction of the structures and build the aqueduct. There are teams of engineers, hundreds of laborers, and several "camps" for housing them built. Clandestine subterfuge takes place in the camps, an attempt on the life of Emily is made, and despair is rife amongst the inhabitants.

Rather than demolition, a quickly devised plan to actually move the structures to the higher elevation where the new village will be is put into place. Deemed an impossible task, the brawn, wisdom, and tenacity to accomplish the impossible carries them through.

The book is written in the genre of Christian fiction (historical) and the historical research and information is quite well done and interesting. However, the young couple that comprise the main protagonists are involved in an immoral liaison prior to the beginning of the book. Also, in the story and inappropriate relationship takes place between a middle aged couple. No "scenes" but the reference to the occasions is there.

A small piece of little know history woven into an interesting story of a strong and intelligent woman who struggles for her sense of acceptance and place. The story of Duval Springs will make the reader think twice and quite appreciatively when they turn the faucet for a drink of water at the price that water often cost society to bring to you.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

About the book: Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she's finally put behind her--or so she thinks. 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 before it's too late.

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 14

Ends March 11 at 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely mine and freely given. Giveaway copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by author or publisher, Bethany House.