The opinions in this review are completely my own. I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers.

I highly recommend Carved in Stone as an exciting and inspirational read. We see also how God can turn things around and bring good out of something really bad that happened in the past. It is a story about unconditional love, sacrifice, class distinction and shady business practices played out with a cast of very interesting characters. When he falls for the beautiful Gwen his pride raises its ugly head and that, together with the disdain shown him by her family, threatens their relationship. He is looking for a wife and family, a relationship that will be 'carved in stone'. He is a protector by nature and has great insight into people's problems, having trained originally for the priesthood. Patrick is an Irish lawyer who lives in the Five Points and acts on behalf of the poor people in the area. There is one member of the Blackstone family, Gwen Blackstone Kellerman, who is different to the rest of her family and who is passionate about the Blackstone College, founded by her father, botany, her home and garden.

'Richly drawn characters and fascinating American history.'- All About Romance 'Fabulous love stor wrapped around compelling historical events.'- Booklist 'Adventuresome, entertaining romance.'- Foreword ReviewsĬARVED IN STONE is the first novel in the Blackstone Legacy series by ELIZABETH CAMDEN, and, after reading it, I cannot wait for the next book in the series! It is an historical romance set in the Gilded Age of American history, with the entitled and wealthy upper class, as represented by the Blackstones and the hardworking poor, such as Patrick O'Neill and Liam Malone. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger, Patrick and Gwen will be forced to decide if the risk to the life they've always held dear is worth the reward.

Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. All that changes when he accepts a case that is sure to emphasize the Blackstones' legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery. He's proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. Patrick O'Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. She largely ignores her status as heiress to the infamous Blackstone dynasty and hopes to keep her family's heartbreak and scandal behind her. After years of tragedy, Gwen Kellerman now lives a quiet life as a botanist at an idyllic New York college. Her gilded world holds a deeply hidden secret.

Carved in Stone by John A. Cowgill