A Desperate Hope (An Empire State Novel Book #3)

"Let's go change the world." In her latest book, A Desperate Hope, award winning author Elizabeth Camden has created an irresistible historical fiction story of faith, love, and resilience. A Desperate Hope is the 3rd book in Elizabeth Camden's Empire State Trilogy, but it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. Immediately, readers are drawn to the novel by its beautiful and captivating cover. The story takes place in small town Duval Springs, New York in 1908. New York State Water Board accountant Eloise Drake is selected as part of the team to oversee the demolition of the town of Duval Springs in order to build a reservoir to carry water to the residents of New York City. Eloise's journey back to Duval Springs forces her to face her first love Alex Duval, mayor of Duval Springs, and a town full of people not ready to give up their homes and livelihoods without a fight. "I wish I could say the next years are going to be easy, but sometimes it's the hard things in life that make us great." The hardships that the townspeople of Duval Springs faced and their determination never to give up demonstrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Readers will experience a range of emotions throughout the novel, while also rooting for Eloise and Alex to find their way back to each other. In Eloise Drake, Elizabeth Camden created an intelligent, well-educated female heroine who is not afraid to speak her mind. From the mistakes she made as a teenager and being forced to grow up too soon, Eloise becomes stronger as a person throughout the novel and uses her experiences to make a difference in other people's lives and to find purpose in her own life. This novel has a light Christian theme throughout, and the rich history of the New York water system was well researched. A wonderful novel by Elizabeth Camden and a must read for fans of historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden is the third An Empire State Novel. It can be read as a standalone. However, they are three delightful historical novels that tie together beautifully. Elizabeth Camden provides an engaging story with developed characters and a multifaceted story. Eloise is a mathematical genius who dresses in an understated manner to evoke a prim and proper appearance. Eloise is prickly but who can blame her after what happened when she was caught with Alex Duval. She likes to be needed and to help others. Returning to Duval Springs is the last thing Eloise wishes to do, but that is where her boss is sending her. Alex Duval fell in love with Eloise when she was a teen, but then her guardian yanked them apart. He has not forgotten her, and Alex still loves her. He has been fighting the state of New York to save the town. Duval Spring resides in a valley that is perfect for the state’s new reservoir which will provide water to New York City. Alex lost the lawsuit, but he is not done trying to find a way to save his town. Alex is a strong character with a good heart. You can tell how much he cares for the town and its residents. There are other subplots going on in the story. Elizabeth Camden beautifully weaves it all together into one compelling story. I like that Nick and Rosalind from A Daring Venture appear in the story. The point-of-view alternates between Alex and Eloise so we get to see both sides. I like that because men and women see things in different ways. I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up A Desperate Hope. I liked the messages in the story especially that a child can grow up to be whatever they want. Christian values are beautifully woven into the story. I can tell that the author did her research. There are discussion questions at the end which is helpful for book groups. I enjoyed all three novels in An Empire State Novel series, and I look forward to reading Elizabeth Camden’s next book. A Desperate Hope fascinating story that will hold your attention until you finish the very last word.

This is book three in the Empire State Series, however I do feel like it is a stand alone novel. Eloise Drake and Alex Duval have quite a history. When Eloise is sent back to the town she has always wanted to be a part of, she is not real sure what to expect. When her predictable safe life is turned upside down, will she embrace it or run from it. Alex is not expecting Eloise to walk back into his life, is she really here to destroy his town or will she help him? I love the sparks between Eloise and Alex, both have much to learn.