I enjoyed this book. Period pieces always delight me, and this one is set in 1870's Maryland and deals with issues of the industrial revolution, the development of corporations, and the opium trade. The main characters are engaging. I was really rooting for Clara and Daniel and their long frustrated romance. The only thing I found troubling was the conversion of a young villain upon which the climax of the novel turned. It just did not feel credible. Nonetheless, I would classify this as an enjoyable read. “The Lady of Bolton Hill” is my second book by Elizabeth Camden. I really enjoyed “Into the Whirlwind”, but this one just wasn’t as good, in my opinion. I liked the basic story of Clara and Daniel, best friends separated for twelve years then reunite as adults. Clara had been in London as a writer and once very poor Daniel had become a successful industrial owner and inventor in Baltimore. The spark they shared as young teens was rekindled but challenges they faced now were clearly at an adult level. The major wedge between the two stems from Daniel’s hatred for the factory owner who was responsible for his father’s death many years ago. That owner is now his direct competition. Vengeance has become the whole point of Daniel’s business and existence. What I did like about the story was Clara trying so hard to help Daniel learn the difference between justice and vengeance. Not letting such hatred dominate one’s life is an important lesson for us all. I did love their devotion to each other through the trials, even though at times they were angry at each other.What I didn’t like was the whole Bane/opium/Professor/gothic/kidnapping “story” that infiltrated the already involved story. From that point Clara got so preachy it was annoying. In the end all the guys changed in an unbelievably short time. I really like historical fiction, but this one I will not read again. Loved the beautiful cover, but its only 2 ½ stars from me. I do think Camden is a terrific writer and I plan to read another by her.
What do You think about The Lady Of Bolton Hill (2011)?
wow! This is a good book. It has great characters with a nice plot. Highly reccomended.
—Cruzbox
I am a sucker for a romance set in a past time and this fit all my requirements.
—Laura11lee
I enjoyed reading this book and loved the message of forgiveness.
—Anne
